Lovely place to visit. Halloween is a spectacular time to visit. So many people dress up, it's amazing. At night when the Abbey lights up, ghost talks, roast chestnut stands, fire pits and marshmallows. I would suggest any one to go, even with the kids, they will love it - ours did! And Whitby is a beautiful place to see. Lots of places around to go and look at.

Very beautiful historic buildings, lots of people, milling around in strange attire, my travelling companion and I, came to the conclusion it was some sort of erotically themed gothic festival, the fish and chips were splendid, straight from the sea. Parking was initially quite difficult, untill we happened upon a young farmer chap, who allowed us to park in his field for five pounds.

Whitby Abbey is a hauntingly beautiful place — dramatic ruins perched high above the sea with incredible views over the town and coastline. The atmosphere is both peaceful and powerful, especially at sunset. The visitor centre tells the story of the abbey and its connection to Dracula in an engaging way. A perfect mix of history, mystery, and breathtaking scenery — truly unforgettable.

Whitby abbey is a beautiful place to visit, and very interesting even if you are not bothered about Dracula. The abbey is practically nice as it's not restricted and you can explore as you please, seeing some great views of the area and the abbey. The visitor centre has lots of information about various things that have happened around the abbey over the years and there's a fun fact for everyone. The shop is spacious and has some nice objects.

I had the opportunity to visit Whitby during Goth Weekend, and I've always wanted to see the Abbey illuminated. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enter the Abbey on this occasion due to the large crowds and extensive queue during the event. However, I was able to admire it from outside the walls, and it truly looked absolutely stunning when lit up. While it's a shame I couldn't experience it properly from the inside, the views from the Abbey overlooking Whitby town were quite spectacular.

Several websites entice readers to visit Whitby Abbey and “sink your teeth into years of history”. This figurative phrase is no doubt a nod to the dietary behaviour of Dracula, who has a connection to the Abbey. Whitby Abbey is steeped in history. It also has well-known connections to several literary giants, including Bram Stoker, Sir Walter Scott, and Lewis Carroll. Relatively little of the history or literary ties would be apparent when walking around the ruins, other than some info at the visitor centre. However, one of Whitby Abbey's charms is its gothic beauty on the barren hillside by the sea. Walking through the Whitby Abbey ruins during the day reveals the intricate work of the arches and pillars. But several other UK abbeys overshadow Whitby's relatively smaller size and substance, which makes the price a bit steep, unless you have English Heritage membership. Fortunately, we also visited the previous evening -- after hours, taking pics of Whitby Abbey from outside the stone walls. A glorious May sunset provided more striking illumination of the Abbey’s gothic style. That was also an excellent time to view the adjacent cemetery as well as Whitby town from the hill and to walk down the steps. Only an dozen or so people on the steps or near the Abbey at sunset. The visitor centre has a good display of Abbey information, including literary connections and a 1st edition of Dracula book inscribed and autographed by the author Bram Stoker. Visited in mid-May 2025.

1st time visiting the Abbey it's a bit of a trek upto the abbey itself as you've got to walk up 199 steps the steps are very small so I'd probably say 2 of those are the equivalent to 1 of the steps you have in your house you walk through a graveyard where near enough every headstone that you see is extremely weathered as it's been battered by the elements. It's an amazing place I'd love to have seen it in it's full glory before it got destroyed in the 9th century and then when Henry 8th ordered the dissolution of the monasteries where its valuable parts had been stripped and it was left to decay. It was bombarded by a German battleship in world war 1 where it destroyed much of the west front the abbey was placed under state guardianship in 1919 so it could be repaired stabilization work began a year later in 1920. It's said to be the inspiration behind bram stokers Dracula when he visited Whitby in 1890 more recently it's been used as a filming location for Netflix's Dracula there is a stone coffin in which some people say that it belonged to Dracula himself. It is managed by the English Heritage and if you're a member you can get into the abbey for free.

Walk to Whitby Harbour is enjoyable and having fresh breathe. There’s a lot boats fishing and tourists boats, birds, cafes, restaurants, pubs and plenty of shops for your entertainment. Even you can have a lively walk to the beach which is minutes walk aways. There’s plenty to do things around.

Whitby Harbour is one of those places that instantly grabs you with its charm. The moment you arrive, you’re met with classic fishing boats, beautiful old piers, and that unmistakable Whitby atmosphere. It’s a perfect mix of history, working harbour life, and stunning coastal scenery. There’s always something happening — boats coming and going, gulls calling overhead, and people strolling along the waterfront with fish and chips in hand. The views from both sides of the harbour are superb, especially looking up towards the Abbey. Sunset here is absolutely magical. The surrounding shops, cafés, and little winding streets add to the experience, and everything is within a short, easy walk. Whether you’re popping through on a road trip or spending a whole day exploring, Whitby Harbour is a standout stop on the Yorkshire coast. Highly recommended for photographers, coastal walkers, and anyone who loves that old-school seaside feeling.

A stunning area to sit and enjoy the sea. Great walks along the beach and plenty of places to stop and relax. We watched the boats for a while before grabbing some food. We arrived before 9am but parking was still tricky if you want to be close by.

Lovely walk along the pier to the lighthouses. There is plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the views. It is easily accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Went for a family day out while the weather was nice. Few flaws:- toilets cost (everywhere) with a bunch of kids and having a pregnant wife that was not cheap. The ice creams and soft drinks were extremely high. £6 for an iced latte and £6.50 for two scoop ice cream is quite high. In the heat of the summer they definitely know what they are doing to make extra cash. Okay so we enjoyed a boat trip down the river and back for 20 mins and cost £25 for 5 people. Food costs weren’t as bad as some places and there are plenty of options. Watch out for those seagulls as one bomb dived our teenage son to steal a Greggs paper bag with pizza in it. Scared the life out of him but all he made off with was a screech and bit of paper! (He wasn’t letting go!) haha We visit every few years and treat the kids. There are some little kiddies rides at the end of the harbour and some arcades. These were only about £1 per arcade game and £10 for 5 play tokens. It’s busy in August but manageable. The park and ride system is amazing. £6.50 for three kids and two adults which includes bus travel 10mins each way and parking all day. Loads of shuttle buses so hardly any waiting. Parking in Whitby is a nightmare even tho we have a disabled badge. Definitely use the park and ride. Will def visit in a few years again.

A first visit to Whitby and I must admit I was staggered by just how 'trippery' it is. Wall to wall cafes and restaurants offering fish and chips, boat trips-a-plenty, souvenirs, ice-creams, sticks of rock et al. Plus no loos at the station or bus station and 50 pence to use the one across the road On a glorious day, it was just nice to potter about and people watch, there being plenty of visitors on a sunny mid-May day. I shudder to think what it must be like here in mid-Summer when it certainly would not be to my taste.

Nice to walk around, not too busy despite the warm weather. Views looking over to Whitby Abbey, calming listening to the water, and watching boats go out

Whitby is a great place! The views are stunning, both in the town and also at the Abbey/Castle! On a clear day you can see Norway from Whitby Pier/jetty. There are boat tours, usually 30 minutes, a variety to chose from as well. There is also a Whale watching tour, I didn't go on this as I wasn't aware and you needed to book in advance, but this is must! There is a nice cafe with beautiful views close to the Abbey where you can get stunning pictures. There is a railway and local buses running to places. There are also tour buses that take your sights in Whitby.

The beach is indeed a delightful destination, offering the pleasure of soft sand underfoot. The stunning vistas create unforgettable memories. This charming town has much to offer. The pier is a magnificent structure, gracefully extending over the water. The harmonious blend of the pier and the beach makes this location particularly special. It is an ideal spot for relaxation and basking in the sun. It is a wonderful place to spend your time and admire the impressive statue of Captain Cook overlooking the sea. However, it can become quite crowded during the summer months.

I highly recommend visiting a beautiful place called Whitby. The scenery is stunning, especially in summer when everything is lush and vibrant. The beach has soft, fine sand, and the water is crystal clear. However, be prepared—the water is quite cold, even in the summer, so swimming is not an option. Instead, you can enjoy playing in the sand and soaking up the sun. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach!

A beautiful spot to visit, especially in summer. The beach is spacious, with lovely views, and it’s definitely worth coming with your dog for a good walk and some fresh sea air.

Stunning view to drive to the Whitby Beach. Nice boat ride, there is a castle to go. On top that beach side. Perfect for a day out on a sunny day.

Lovely clean beach. Great bank holiday fun. Coast guard on the beach keeping everyone safe. Loads of families enjoying the August Bank Holiday busy. 😊😎

Absolutely beautiful beach! Very clean, there's a lifeguarded stretch in summer and if you keep walking down past the pavilion, lifeguard huts and multicoloured beach huts, there is a large blue building with public toilets and a cafe. Be aware that in the shadow of the cliffs there is no mobile phone signal for emergencies, so take that into account when on long walks or exploring coves, and check the times for high tide at Whitby online.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum moving is housed in the authentic, original huts of a former World War II Prisoner of War camp, we found the atmosphere electric. We thoroughly enjoyed the museum's incredible immersive displays. Each hut is meticulously transformed into a different aspect of wartime life, from the fear-inducing sounds and smells of the Blitz to the stark realities of the POW quarters and the resilience of the Home Front. The life-size tableaux, sound effects, and attention to detail bring the past roaring back to life. We loved the entire complex with so much to see. History enthusiasts will appreciate the depth and breadth of the exhibits, which cover WWI up to modern conflicts, while younger visitors will be captivated by the hands-on elements and the sheer impact of the sensory huts. It’s an incredibly valuable educational experience that is worth far more than any textbook. With excellent accessibility, a friendly atmosphere. The staff are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about preserving this important piece of history.

An outstanding day is there for you at Eden Camp. There's so much to see and so much information. The Camp is set out in an easy to follow route. The staff are fabulous and informative as well as friendly. The cafe is very nice with good food. My 11 year old Granddaughter absolutely loved her visit and we will be returning very soon. A unique insight into how WW11 was fought and won, not too mention our fallen heroes.

We visited the Living history weekend on the 24th of August. What an amazing and well organised day, we loved every minute. The re-enactors, the displays, the talks, the knowledge of the people with the displays, and also anyone dressed up today, made the day superb, it literally felt like we had gone back in time. I thought the control room with the actors was fabulous, the room was brought to life, this was my favourite part of the day, it was unexpected and brilliantly done 👏 The cafe was great and spacious with a good selection of food and drinks for everyone. The gift shop is well stocked with lots of things for visitors of all ages to buy a souvenir. There's an ice cream kiosk too which had vegan magnums for those who can't have dairy. There are plenty of picnic benches if you take your own food. All the staff were organised, friendly and pleasant, they need a big shout out as it was quite warm and they will have been kept busy all day. I highly recommend attending one of these days. The camp by itself is brilliant to visit, but with all the extra things happening today, it was an added bonus. #EdenCamp

For anyone interested in WW2 this is an excellent place to visit. Lots to see and read. Even the 4 and 6 year olds with us enjoyed the experience. Lots of huts to explore. Interesting to people of all ages. Free parking. Gift shop which was expensive. There is a cafe and plenty of spaces to eat your own picnic. Also a kids play area.

Absolutely fantastic day, there is so much to see and do. Some of the huts offer an immersive experience like the one about the blitz. We were lucky enough to see the heritage team fire up their M50 Sherman Tank, its an impressive beast and give a talk about its history. Gift shop has a small selection of products with most things aimed at children. The whole site was clean and tidy. Fantastic day you need at least 4 hours for a good visit.

Wow. What a fabulous place. So much to see and do. This is a real gem of a place. Absolutely fascinating. Spent about 6 hours there and want to go back. Beautifully done and emotional at times. Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. Grounds were immaculate.. Definitely worth a visit.

An old POW camp that has been turned into the museum I had a fantastic visit. So much told about the WW2 that I got lost in time. Spent here 4 hours. It's a dog friendly place but bare in mind that all the school from all the milky way galaxy stop here so it's not a good idea to visit museum during the school day.

We visited Flamingo Land with online tickets. While the children enjoyed themselves, particularly the Peter Rabbit trail and the area around it, the overall experience was disappointing. The atmosphere felt flat, with no fun or engaging music to create excitement. Service near the rides was slow, and since we had online tickets, we didn’t receive a map at the entrance, which made it difficult to know where to go. Considering the high ticket prices, I expected a much better experience. Aside from the Peter Rabbit area, the day felt underwhelming.

We had the best 13th Birthday week in the cottages at Flamingo Land. Immaculate, comfortable accommodation with clean hot tub, right at the entrance to the park. We did a Meerkat experience which was incredible and a tour of the zoo after hours where we fed Giraffes, hung out with hippos and black rhino and stroked white rhino whilst learning so much from Danny, the animal encyclopedia! The rides were all working and really fun and the arcades were great too, not a single complaint! We took a trip over to Alpamare in Scarborough too for a swim and a ride on the slides (also owned by Flamingo Land) My 18 year old didn't want to come but since he's seen what we got up to, he's asking js to book again... and we definitely will!

Flamingo Land is a nice theme park in Malton. Getting here with public transport seems difficult, but it's really comfortable by car. We visited on a rather quiet day, but operations were slow and many of the big coasters were running on one train so we still had to wait a good while on some attractions. Sik was closed for the first half of the day but luckily it was fixed in time so that we could have a ride. Hero was closed all day. I think my biggest problem with this park is that they are really missing that standout coaster that really makes you want to travel to this park. Right now I only really visited because of the quantity of roller coasters. For the ride lineup we really enjoyed Mumbo Jumbo and Kumali, which were conveniently placed close to each other at the back of the park. Sik was a miss for me unfortunately, since I found the lap bars to be more uncomfortable than an over-the-shoulder restraint on e.g. Colossus in Thorpe Park, especially in the 5 heartline rolls. The park is overall quite clean, but the theming is lacking. It kinda feels like a big plaza where all the attractions are just placed down next to each other. Kumali does have a nice atmosphere though running next to the lake and with the big entrance sign. I can't say that I was disappointed, but I probably won't be visiting the park again unless they open a new headlining coaster in the future.

lovely caravans park really comfortable statics and well kitted out. The theme park is a good day out for all the family but a bit disappointing end of season some rides not open and those that were either opening late or closing early because of lack of light this I don't feel is 3.30 which is when most of queues closed. Zoo is good with a good selection of animals and informative keeper talks and various feeding times to be watched

Saved money on tickets by booking through kids pass, no wait to get in but arrived at 9.45 so before it opened at 10. Lots of walking, was a long wait for rides some 85 plus minutes. Really enjoyed the zoo would go again but very long day for under 18month olds not much there for them older children loved it apart from the waiting.

I do not recommend this park, one big scam, 30% of the carousels were closed, the game areas where you could win plush toys were also closed, only two were open, the train was not running, a lot of animals were not available. I took my child for his birthday to have a great time. I paid for everything that was supposed to be available, and almost half of the parks were closed for children. I do not recommend it, I will not return, scammers, avoid this park.

We went to celebrate a birthday. We were able to book concessions for two carers and two disabled people. This was a great start. We were able to book a wheel chair in advance to avoid disappointment, and we joined their virtual queue system so that we weren't waiting long between rides. The lady that served us deserves a shout out as she was fast, yet patient in dealing with us. Her name was Freya. She set the pace and all the staff kept up with her, customer service from all was great. Smiles around. The rides surprised me as a thrill seeker. There was something for everyone, but the thrill rides were very high quality. The only measured issue, is that they can be a bit short, 2 laps would solve this especially on quiet days. Excellent day, will go again

It is a place that offers a beautiful and scenic experience from the beach. With stunning views of the coastline, various entertainment and restaurants, it is the perfect place for a relaxing walk or a fun day with family and friends. The range of activities at the pier and Cliff Tamway also make it a great place to visit. Overall, a beautiful mix of seaside charm and entertainment.

The allure of a truly beautiful beach is undeniable, a sanctuary where the world's chaos fades into the gentle rhythm of the waves. Imagine soft, powdery sands, warm beneath your feet, stretching out to meet the shimmering, turquoise embrace of the sea. I love it 🧡🧡🧡🧡

Ideal for young families. Good stretch of beach, dog friendly. Wee cafe and restaurants. Usual fish and chips and arcade. Pier loverly and fenicular railway wonderful if working. Only downside getting up and down steps to beach.

A beautiful scenery of the coastline. Here is a solo trip itinerary: Put saltburn pier in your sat nav to get to the car park (pay and display) download ring go as the machines are fussy Walk round the beach. Get wet if you want to. Take it all in 🧘‍♀️ There is the arcade thing which was very exciting for a first timer like me :) barely won anything but still lots of fun playing. There is a cash machine inside so don’t worry if you don’t have cash on you. The food—-I had fish and chips duuuh 🤪 at the seaview restaurant. The views are absolutely worth it but there are other chippy places nearby so you can buy and sit on one of the many benches and enjoy it that way. Please have an ice cream as a dessert it’s just amazing plus you deserve it. Oh there is also Tomahawk steak house nearby with great views so if you fancied something else other than fish and chips Dog friendly Child friendly There is the famous old cliff tramway whi ch was pretty cool if you ask me. £2 for one way. Do it! You know you want to. Other things: -rent a wetsuit -surf school 🏄‍♂️ -Fishing -watch the sunset -people watching -take selfies -chat to random strangers Etc

A gorgeous old pier, and magnificent views from the end. A nice walk down and ample seats to rest and take in the sea air.

The pier looks pretty cool and goes quite a way out into the sea. Although once you get to the end, it's just full of fishermen taking up all the room with their gear and rods. Surely give them a start time of 6pm to allow tourists and people fancying a quiet walk or some photo taking, clear room to do that. That always spoils it for me. Also the arcade that you walk through or around to get to the pier is another ticket induced nightmare. There's a machine that charges you £1 for Pokémon cards, then gives you one card, imagine a childs disappointment when that happens. There's also never any money tubs, here's some money bags to hold your change in, just isn't the same.

It's a fairly ordinary pier, but we all love a pier, right?

Beautiful gardens and forest. The walled garden is one of the best around. The audio house tour is highly recommended. One can easily spend a day wandering the grounds and forest trails. Excellent farm and garden shop, and a children's play area that makes adults want to join. Excellent cafe. All in all, a wonderful place to wander alone, or for a day out with the entire family.

My second visit after many years. Such a lovely historic building with volunteer staff to tell you about the family, the paintings, and just a wonderful experience all round. The gardens are huge but very well tended. If I get to Yorkshire again it will definitely get another visit. We had lunch there too. Very good food with help yourself to salad stuff. We had the cheese filled jacket potatoes with salad and homemade coleslaw. Too full for sweet but they looked amazing.

An absolutely beautiful place. I highly recommend buying a ticket to visit the palace and gardens. The interiors and paintings are beautiful. Most rooms have guides who will tell you the history of what you're seeing and the entire place. Lady Howard still lives in one of the wings of the palace. Unfortunately, the castle library is in her private rooms. 😢. The place is enormous! We were only there for three hours, but we could have explored it all day. A perfect place for a family trip. 👍👍

Came here to take part in 10k run, so had a lovely opportunity to run all the way round the gardens, and then have a further potter around in the walled garden afterwards, and nip to the cafe, and a peek into the big House itself. The gardens are magnificent, very natural, Capability Brown style. You could certainly imagine two Austen characters galloping across the grounds, laughing as they did so in the warming sun. At least that’s how it felt in October. Would have liked to look more round the house, but in terms of the gardens, and its peacocks, it’s quite superb, and a worthy afternoon out to enjoy it.

This is the best non- mideval castle in all of Great Britain. While it is 500 years old, it is almost modern in the look and feel. The way it's set up for viewing, you can almost see and hear the family going about their daily routines and lives. The grounds are magnificent and and need to be seen to be fully appreciated. This is a historic site that should be mandatory for everyone visiting England.

If you enjoy a walk round some fabulous gardens, lakes, temples then this is for you. I didn't go in the house as I had a dog with me but the tea rooms, gift shop and farm shop all had something to give you joy. Really worth a visit.

Popped along for a visit whilst in the York area. Stunning. Definitely worth a visit. The grounds are quite large. We visited in Oct so was quite quiet, can imagine in Summer it's very busy.

We finally visited the Abbey in August after months of anticipation, and it did not disappoint. The Abbey itself is absolutely stunning. We parked in the village car park, which is just next to the site, although there is also a car park on the property. The location is well-maintained, with a shop and cafe at the entrance, as well as a small museum on-site. We spent a couple of hours exploring, even bringing a picnic to enjoy there. Helpful information boards are scattered throughout to guide you during the visit. It's a beautiful spot, and we’ll definitely be back

An ethereal, spiritual experience. The wonderful quiet, with sound lead by the wind passing through the ruins. One could swear that they were hearing the thousands of voices of those who have lived there for the past 1000 years. A most wonderful place.

This is definitely one of those sort of places that is so much more than the sum of it's parts. Blue sky, a splash of sunshine, vibrant green grass and towering walls of stone providing whispered suggestions of what might have been if the buildings had been left untouched. All combine together to provide that kind of magical experience that can never be quite adequately defined in mere words. I loved this place, and I feel it stands on a par with other similar attractions (Fountains Abbey etc) that will also be competing for your time. Come here and lose yourself in the wonder of it all.

Superb Cistercian abbey. Great tea rooms. Good gift shop. All of it is dog friendly. Good museum. Probably takes at least an hour to two hours, but could take a lot longer if you like reading everything. Lots of parking - on busy days they open up a field a little short of the abbey itself to use as an overflow car park.

The Abbey ruins are substantial & are accompanied by a small museum but imho if you aren’t an EH member the admission prices are prohibitive. Thankfully we had a free entry barcode. The other major negative with Rievaulx is the car park is too small to cope with demand, people were boxing other drivers in & generally parking inappropriately both in the car park and outside it on the small country lanes.

After searching for abbey ruins in Yorkshire, I happened to come across Rievaulx Abbey. Seeing as I'd never been here before, I thought it would be an experience, to come and pay a visit. I'm glad I did, these ruins are beautiful and a fascinating insight, into the past. Of course, if you're an English Heritage member, parking and entry will be free. But I didn't mind paying the £15 for entry and the £6.00 for parking (mind you, that was all day!) There was the option, of getting 2-3 hours. However, I wanted to take my time and not have to clock-watch so the parking didn't run out. There was a brief wait to pay, but the pleasant gentleman at the counter made purchasing an entry ticket a breeze. Through the automatic double doors, you walk along the path and then, as you clear the trees, begin to bear witness to this magnificent structure once teeming with life and monks, dedicated to their faith and monastic lives. These are ruins which, in my opinion, are still in fantastic condition and so allow you to really picture, what it would have looked like all those years ago. To stand in the main part of the church, is quite an experience indeed. You get a real sense, of just how huge this place really was! I loved that there were boards along the route, which were great with the complimentary audio guide, which helped to tell the story of this once busy and thriving abbey. You don't have to have the audio guide, but if you are interested to learn more than what the information boards tell you, I'd highly recommend! There are benches and tables as you exit the gift shop, on the grassy area to your left, along with benches dotted around the ruins too, particularly around the cloister garden, which makes for a very peaceful place, to stop and admire what once was. When you return to the main building, as I mentioned earlier, there is a gift shop to pick up a fridge magnet or a postcard (along with some other, cool things too!) There's also a cafe too, if you're wanting to sit and enjoy a hot/cold drink with a slice of cake (I believe there are other things on the menu too). However I cannot comment on this, as I decided to head into the nearby market town of Helmsley. If you're someone who loves history and enjoys taking in ancient ruins, then this is definitely somewhere you won't want to miss. Just a word of caution, that the road to and from the car park can be quite narrow in parts, along with walkers that use it too! So please do be careful, when going down there.

Frienrly service, well maintained area and very informative audio guide. The Abbey ruins are absolutely fascinating. It's been a bit bothersome that some hobby singers used the ruins as a backdrop for a video of their horrible caterwauling when we visited, but that didn't diminish the overall experience.

You don’t need to pay to go on the city walls, just walk around the main part of York and find some stairs going up onto the walls which can be found usually at the end of main roads. The York City Walls are a beautiful walk around the city, sometimes the wall is thinner on areas and can only allow single person file, whereas it is larger in other areas. Safe for children, not certain of the ability for those in wheelchairs or prams to use the city walls as I am not sure there was any ramps up onto the walls.

Visited York on many occasions but only now got around to touring the walls. A pleasant walk around the historic edge of the city also provided numerous unique views and perspectives on the history contained within. If you are in the city don't wait as long as I did to discover these sights for yourself.

Do not miss York's Walls. You can walk most of the way around the city, and in the Autumn the leaves of nearby trees look stunning. You need a head for heights, because most of the walls are not protected by railings on the inside edge, with a 3 meter drop to grass or thorns, but nobody seemed worried. The best views are from the highest point of the walls near the railway station, looking towards York Minster. The unexpected bonus is Baile Hill, a FREE mound beside the wall, which I preferred to its more famous cousin, £9-to-enter and no-views Clifford's Tower.

Great walk accessed by steep steps, I was 😍 vilaged to walk one year during sunset which bathed the walls in gold. The walk is free but closed at dusk or in bad weather for safety reasons. The Walk is not complete, some sections demolished, most saved by a Bishop who fought for it not to be demolished.

A free attraction in York which we were happy to take advantage of. We walked the wall route clockwise starting at Bootham Bar. They say these are the most complete city walls in England, personally I’m dubious of this claim as the ones in Chester seem more complete to me, albeit the Chester walls are shorter (2 miles not 3 as in York) whereas the York walls have a couple of significant gaps in them. Nonetheless this was a pleasant walk if you are moderately fit as there are several sets of steps to navigate. There are some sections without inner railings but the drop isn’t a sheer drop, but a grassed slope. If you are lucky, the Tudor ‘Red Tower’ might be open, as was the case on the Saturday we did the walk. Don’t miss the section of Roman wall near the multiangular tower.

The York City Walls (also known as the "Bar Walls") are the most complete and longest medieval town walls in England, running for a circuit of approximately 2 miles (3.4 km) around the historic centre of the city. The elevated walkway is free to access and offers unique views of York Minster and other landmarks. Key Information for Visitors Opening Times: The walls are generally open daily from around 8:00 am to dusk, except on Christmas Day, in very high winds, or in icy/slippery weather conditions when they may be closed for safety. Access: Access to the walkway is via steps at various points, including the main 'bars' (fortified gateways). The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs/prams, or dogs (except assistance dogs). Route and Duration: A full circuit can be walked in about two hours at a leisurely pace, but many choose to walk only sections. The route is clearly signposted, with a brass stud trail marking the path where the walls are not continuous at ground level. Main 'Bars' (Gateways): The four principal gatehouses are Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Walmgate Bar is the only one in England to retain its barbican (an outer gateway). Points of Interest: The walk offers views of major attractions such as the Multangular Tower (Roman ruins in the Museum Gardens), Clifford's Tower, and York Minster.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to walk along all the city walls. But anyway, I was on some of them. That’s the best landmark after the York Minster, in my opinion. Speaking of York Minster, you can see it from the city walls. The walls give you a chance to explore the city and also dive into York’s history. There are text boards where you can read about the history of these walls.

Well worth the £17 ticket price for this amazing, award winning museum. Built on the site of the original castle, which then became a debtors prison and a women's prison. It was founded in 1938 t house the large collection of objects relating to the study of social history donated by John Lampugh Kirk. Biggest highlights for me was the atmospheric sights and sounds of the Victorian Kirkgate Street with museum staff, actors, in period costume giving their knowledge of the local history. I also loved the experience of the prison with the actors on video speaking about the harsh conditions.

Excellent museum well worth spending several hours going through. It's housed in the former Female Prison (1780) and the Debtor's Prison (1705) both of which have Georgian architecture. I had gone here 50 years ago and remembered the streets and shops of Victorian York they have. It was nice to see it again. The signs are very informative - if you have the time read them.

I am not really one for museums but being on a trip to York it seemed like the Castle Museum would be a good place to go! We spent almost 2 hours in this place and particularly loved the old cobbled street- especially with Xmas decorations! We also really enjoyed the prison with the film clips and some of the interactive activities. Well done for a great museum!

I had a great time here! Decided to visit the Castle Museum rather than the Jorvik on my trip to York because of my interest in the Victorians and was not disappointed. Visited on a Saturday, pre-booked but it wasn't too busy. Loved the Victorian streets, friendly and informative guides, the fashion exhibit, and the old chocolate adverts in the chocolate history section. Also a special mention for the antique 'gamesc machines, really fun that they're all working!

York Castle Museum – Tower Street, YO1 9RY (Visited Tuesday 18th November 2025) This is our own experience with this business, and we know different clients will have different experiences — but we always leave reviews based on the service we received when we ordered or visited. First Impressions From the moment we arrived, the York Castle Museum made a wonderful impression. Rowan at the front counter was friendly, welcoming, and set a positive tone for the visit. The entrance area is well organised, with umbrella stands provided so you can leave your umbrellas to dry before exploring the museum—such a thoughtful touch, especially on a wet November day. Cleanliness & Safety Concerns The museum was clean, well maintained, and easy to navigate. The bathrooms were tidy and thoughtfully set up, with small stools available for children to reach the hand towels or dryers—something we really appreciated. Accessibility is excellent throughout, with ramps, lifts, and easy-access toilets making the entire museum comfortable for wheelchair users and anyone with mobility needs. Food Quality The café is a lovely little spot serving drinks, snacks, crisps, and sandwiches. Perfect for taking a quick break before continuing your visit or at the end. Everything looked fresh and reasonably priced. Ambience & Surroundings Inside the museum, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of character—especially welcome on a cold, rainy day. The displays are incredibly well signposted and wonderfully educational without feeling overwhelming. The Victorian Street area was a real highlight, beautifully dressed up for Christmas and full of charm. Service & Atmosphere The staff throughout the building were fantastic—friendly, approachable, and happy to interact and share knowledge. Rowan in particular was excellent, but everyone we came across added to the positive experience. The museum has a great energy, making it engaging for adults and children alike. Don’t forget to take some 20p and 50p coins—there are old machines dotted around that the kids absolutely loved. Facilities Facilities are excellent: accessible toilets, lifts, ramps, child-friendly features, a cosy café, and well-maintained exhibition spaces. The ticket you buy allows unlimited visits for 12 months, which offers great value. The museum is also just a short walk from the town centre, with a public pay-and-display car park only a few minutes away. A brilliantly laid-out museum with lots to see, do, and learn—we highly recommend a visit, especially with children. I hope this honest review helps others make an informed decision.

Faboulous. The entry fee is well worth the visit. There are 2 halves to the museum. 1 covers different periods of time with memorabilia from ww2 the 60s and more. The other is the replica period rooms and a very well done replica street with bits to explore. Loved it.

I am utterly impressed by the artefacts and realistically arranged rooms from different eras. The clothing section is very comprehensive too. The Victorian street - just perfect. One feels like on a movie set, for lack of closer experience. I spent a ton of time in the museum and would honestly revisit!

Lovely and cozy place to walk around. Very narrow lanes and looks line to be in horror movies streets.nearby many restaurants whee you can have variety and delicious food. Must to visit place

Second time back to York and loved it as much as I did previously. Sadly The Shambles was very much crowded and couldn't get the photos we were wanting to take, but I guess it's a tourist attraction and there are lots who want to go and see this anyways!

A beautiful place. Architecture its moved me in victorian era. How great looks all buildings. Loved it to walk on this street and surrounding.

Wow!!! What a magical street- fantastic if you are a Harry Potter fan!!! We went fairly early in the morning as I can image it would get very busy and crowded later in the day. The Christmas shop …. ❤️ wow!!!

Beautiful buildings, almost like you’ve gone back in time. If you want good photos you have to get there at the crack of dawn before it gets rammed with tourists. I got there at 6:30am to snap these shots. Wonderful

I loved the Shambles. Yes, it is crowded and attracts tourists, that’s no question. But it also has such a fun vibe and great shops. We arrived at 9:15 AM and it was almost empty. We got in line for the Ghost Merchants. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the street before it gets super busy. The eateries were great and the employees at every shop we went to were so kind and welcoming. Our entire experience was excellent. We came back in the evening during a witch tour and it was also quiet. All the shops had shut down and besides the unfortunate scaffolding currently in place, it was also charming and inviting. We did our best to enjoy all the shops (so many great ones!) and avoided any place that would provide royalties to she who shall not be named. Really loved our time here.

Some lovely shops, we waited an hour to get in the ghost merchants but it went quickly and it was worth it. Lovely street just very busy.

York is a wonderful town and well worth a visit. It's easy to park and the historic center is perfectly easy walkable. And the centerpiece of course is the massive York Minster. It's an Anglican cathedral. The first record of a church on the site dates to 627, but the bulk of the building was constructed between 1220 and 1472.The minster retains most of its medieval stained glass, a significant survival among European churches. The Minster stands tall at a max. tower height of 235 feet (72 m) and is visible from far away. Good if you get lost...just look out for the Minster. And it is a really impressive piece of history, art and architecture. Really amazes you when you first walk up to it. There are so many details to find, to explore. To think how long it's been standing here - surviving quite the fire in 1984. We didn't go in this time around, but that's surely something for another visit. Not sure it's always as windy as it was when we've visited (August), but boy....did it almost blow us away at Precentors Court on the west side of the Minster. So, hold on your hats! Definitely a must do - probably THE must-do when in York.

This is one beautiful town you have to visit . York Minster is a magnificent Gothic cathedral located on Deangate in the heart of York, England. Formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, it is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. Key Information Address: Deangate, York, YO1 7HH. Architecture: The current building is a large Gothic structure, showcasing all three phases of Gothic architecture: Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular. It was built between approximately 1220 and 1472, taking over 250 years to complete. History: A church has been on this site since the 7th century, founded by the Saxon King Edwin. The site was originally part of a Roman fortress. Stained Glass: The Minster holds the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, including the Great East Window, which is the size of a tennis court. Visiting: The Minster is open daily for sightseeing, though closures can occur for church events. Services, including Evensong, are free to attend, while there is an entrance fee for general sightseeing. Features: Highlights include the Undercroft Museum, which displays Roman remains and 1,000-year-old artefacts, and the central tower, which visitors can climb for panoramic views.

Visiting York Minster was a truly unforgettable experience! Walking through those magnificent stone arches made me feel completely lost in history. The stained glass windows, shimmering with colour, and the intricate craftsmanship throughout the cathedral left me in awe. The highlight was the climb up the Central Tower. Each step revealed glimpses of the cathedral’s inner structure, offering a rare perspective on its monumental design. Reaching the summit, I was rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic view of York!

York Minster - A Truly Unforgettable Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a Google Maps Contributor with over 6 million views, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s most magnificent landmarks, and I can confidently say that York Minster stands in a league of its own. From the moment you approach its towering stone facade, you’re not just seeing a building; you’re witnessing a living, breathing testament to centuries of history, faith, and artistry. What truly sets the Minster apart is its incredible detail. The medieval stained-glass windows, particularly the famous Great East Window, are simply breathtaking. The light pouring through the vibrant, intricate panes tells stories that have captivated visitors for over 600 years. I highly recommend taking your time to study the rich narratives depicted in each section. Beyond the aesthetics, the sense of scale is awe-inspiring. Standing in the central nave, you feel dwarfed by the sheer height and grandeur of the Gothic architecture. A trip up the central tower offers a reward well worth the effort—a 360-degree panoramic view of the historic city of York that is second to none. The staff and volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience even more enriching. They're more than happy to share historical anecdotes and point out hidden gems. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler in search of a profound experience, a visit to York Minster is an absolute must. It’s an essential pin on any serious reviewer's map.

Beautiful cathedral! Would recommend everyone to see this if in the UK. The architecture was astonishing, both inside and out. So lovely hearing church bells again, it really uplifts the soul. Only thing is it’s expensive to go inside and I would advise you buy tickets before hand.

York minister is an absolutely stunning cathedral, the architecture, stained glass windows and stone carvings are spectacular. The staff are very friendly and there is also a free guided tour. I would definitely recommend, it’s a must see if you visit York.

Hard to stress how important this place is! Walking distance from the Station, its worth the £20 admission fee. There are many medieval Stained glass windows, all worth a close look. The Great East Window, recently restored is a National Treasure, depicting the Revelation, constructed from 1405-8, the single largest expanse of medieval glass in Britain. A long camera lens or binoculars recommended! Dont forget the Zouche chapel and The Chapter House too. Plenty of other interesting things to see as well.

Would highly recommend the Train Museum. We spent many hours walking round and reading the information plaques infront of each train. My son was very impressed with how big trains are up close. The Bullet train was really interesting. There were 2 well stocked cafes and ample seating. The road train back to the Minster was also a highlight. Its free to go but i recommend leaving a donation as they rely on these to keep the trains maintained and new trains coming in the future.

Excellent museum & rich in history. We booked tickets in advance via the website. It is free entry, easily accessible for wheelchairs etc. It does get busy so I would suggest booking tickets & it saves queuing. Within the ground there is plenty to see & I was pleasantly surprised how vast it is. Cafe's are set within the grounds (we had 2 large lattes at £8.10) plenty of seating if you wanted to bring your own pack lunches as many families did or you can order a family pack-lunch on site). Toilets are accessible & clean. There is a museum amongst all the history & this is payable to enter. There is another building across from the main one where you can continue the walkabout & continue viewing the fascinating history also a cafe in here too. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing Queen Victoria history. But there is something for everyone. A delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon & the staff were very welcoming & polite which was a nice way to start the viewing. You can make a donation to the museum of your choosing & make it via cash or card if you so wish. I highly recommend going & making a day of it, you won't be disappointed. It is a gem of a place. Parking is permit only around the area or you can park on the car-park at a cost of £10 for the day (a very good offer considering entrance to the museum is free). 😊

Amazing experience at this Museum. Very interesting so see trains over 100 years old. Gets busy on weekends. Allow atleast 2-3 hours as minimum just for the museum. Good gift shops inside. Must visit. Free entry. Car park is expensive at £10 a day.

We visited this place last year ! We loved this place ! So many trains and so many nice experiences! A great selections of them and you actually have the chance to get on board. They have a nice dinner too. Museum highlights Iconic locomotives: See famous engines like the world's fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard, and Japan's Shinkansen 'bullet train'. Station Hall: Explore a century of railway life in this reopened gallery, which also houses the world's most extensive collection of royal carriages. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery: An interactive, family-friendly exhibit with hands-on science displays. A separate ticket is required for entry. Virtual Reality experience: Experience the history of the world-famous steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman, in a special VR experience. Railway memorabilia: The museum holds a vast collection of railway artifacts and memorabilia.

Brilliant day out with the kids. Definitely worth a visit. Visited from the west Midlands so we left early in the morning, just so we could get to York with enough time. We did arrive bout 3mins before our timing slot, but we was aloud to walk in. It does get busy then does have quiet bits through out day. Loads to see all throughout. Great viewing platform overlooking York Station. Just a shame the was doing works on the line that weekend when we was there. So only seen a few trains coming and leaving towards Scarborough. We sent at least 4 to 5 hours there. My 3 children enjoyed the whole day out. Took our own pack lunch to save money. Definitely worth a visit.

Great museum for all ages. Apart from seeing the iconic engines, the railway memorabilia area is thoughtfully curated and displayed in an innovative manner. The newly opened Station Hall is well worth a visit with special carriages on display in an atmospheric vintage Station setting. Children can enjoy the ride on the outdoor miniature railway.

A Fascinating Journey Through Railway History. The National Railway Museum in York is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable day out. The collection is truly impressive — from beautifully restored steam locomotives to sleek modern trains, each exhibit tells a fascinating story about the evolution of rail travel in Britain and around the world. The museum is very well organized. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. It’s also a great place for families — children can climb aboard some of the trains and enjoy hands-on activities that make the experience even more engaging. The museum café and gift shop are also worth visiting, offering good food and lovely souvenirs. Best of all, admission is free, which makes it an incredible value for such a high-quality experience. I highly recommend the National Railway Museum to anyone visiting York — it’s inspiring, educational, and full of charm.

Oh my word, where do I start! We went a weekday before the easter holidays the first time. First impression was that everythinh looked a bit tired…BUT: i was wrong. The kids (5&2) had an absolute blast. Meeting and feeding the animals, barrel rides, reasonable priced food and drink, sunshine and great outdoor fun. The kids kept on talking about it for weeks now, so we went back today. And it was even better. The weather was grey and rainy today, but we had so much fun! Meeting Rabbits and Ginue Pigs, Feeding Lambs, barrel and tractor rides, beautiful peacocks, service with a smile… to end it with an absolutely entertaininh foam party. The staff joined in and the young lady, long dark straight hair and a few tattoos on the arm was just so amazing with the kids! It was fabulous and a great day out. Each time we spend over 5h here. Thank you!

Brought our 1year 9 month ols Grandson here today. We all loved it. Friendly staff, lovely animals, soft play & outdoor park. Tractor rides & Barrel rides. Plenty to do for all ages. Next time we come we will do the full day.

We visited the farm while on holiday at the caravan park and WOW. Probably the highlight of the holiday for the kids. We had the best day. The staff were amazing and so good with the kids at the handling and feeding sessions. It was the most ‘hands on’ farm we’ve ever been to. Lots of cuddles and feeding. The parks & indoor play barn are also amazing. The barrel/tractor ride was a firm favourite! Excellent value for money. This farm has possibly swayed us to book crimdon dene again for a uk holiday.

Lovely place to visit with your kid to see and feed the farm animals and enjoy the playground areas and their daily activities like tractor 🚜 ride, feeding the baby cows, petting little animals, etc. Will definitely recommend …

Just a great day out for a 5 year old We had such a great time will be back again

Special first trip for my baby granddaughter! .. Not disappointed! Lots of clean picnic areas to chose from. The place is always clean and tidy when we visit!. No litter. Animals all seemed well cared for and plenty of food and bedding for all! Likely will be back next year as Tweddle Farm always figures in the school holiday trips out!. Well done yet again staff!

Absolutely brilliant so much to see lots of different play areas plus can get hands on with some of the animals definitely recommend

Modern, good value for money and in a great location, perfect for a travelling business person or a couple wanting to be close to the beach and some of the great cafés. Nice and clean apartment, small but functional and a nice modern vibe.

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(Translated by Google) Already (Original) Jo

We took an unplanned trip to the National glass Centre, which didn't go down well initially with my son... but actually we all came away enjoying it more than some of us thought we would! On arrival, we parked just outside in the main car park, parking cost was not overly expensive (£3 all day or you could pay hourly as well). Entrance to the Centre is also free, my daughter wanted to look at the animal exhibition so we headed straight there first. We had a good wonder round and watched the glass blowing and glass flame work session. The centre also has some little activities for kids to do, and you can borrow an activity backpack to keep them busy which is a great idea.

This was a fascinating venue to explore, delving into Sunderland's history as a glass-making hub! The procedures of how the glass was made is detailed along with exhibits of the old material, photographs give a glimpse of these pieces being worked on too. Staff even provided a demonstration of how to make the glass now using the tools and burning furnaces, different objects such as glass plates and bowls are displayed too!

Recommend to check it out if your around the area. The gallery is a bit small to me and the contemporary art place was shut for change of galleries during my visit. Clean toilets

We stopped by for an unplanned trip on a rainy day. Lots has been added since I last visited in the early 2000s. The demonstrations were very good and the glass artists very informative

Exceptionally friendly and welcoming staff. Both demonstration were fascinating both of which were kind enough to answer questions from my children. Cafe was good value with lovely views of the docks, highly recommend.

Fantastic venue, great exhibitions, friendly staff and all for free !

Some fabulous exhibitions with somone on hand to explain processes if you're interested. Lovely little shop with some fab stuff ( yes I did). Cafe great homemade food. Cakes, scones, leaf tea. Definitely worth a visit. Then you can walk along the riverside. Don't miss this before they VERY SADLY re-locate it in 2026.

What a lovely day out! Great price, pay once and can return for a full year! There are some great exhibitions on lots to see! The mock street was so fascinating. Lovely grounds to walk around and have a picnic too! Highly recommend.

New playground area is lovely, good for all ages. The cafe is now renovated with modern toilets as always a bonus. Butterfly world is always a hot, they live the meercats and other creatures inside. The museum is very affordable to get into, an annual family pass is worth it. Kids love the old street and especially the sweet shop. There is a river walking distance that they can go and feed the ducks. The skate park also excellent for all ages, scooters and bikes.

Went to the butterfly 🦋 world whole family really enjoyed it. Went in twice within the same day. Also went on the teesside princess boat cruise thing and that was really good aswell the staff were friendly and pleasant and the food and drink aboard the boat was amazing aswell well worth the cost for the boat and food and butterly world amazing day out

My children had a great time playing for hours at the park here. There is so many different things to play on and its been done up since my last visit which i didn’t think could be improved and it was so over the moon. Lovely cafe here reasonably priced food and drink and nice clean toilets to use. They also have a big skate park here where it can be used for skates, skate boards, bikes and scooters. Absolutely brilliant fun for most ages, probably 5+. Lots of places to eat a picnic on the grass or tables and lots of walks to do here. Right by the water gives you lively views to enjoy also. The Museum is great place and the children will enjoy that too walking down a victorian street. Parking is free, which can only be a bonus as there are not many places that do that anymore. So come to Preston Park!!!

Museum closed today, butterfly world Amazing, new playground getting built, skate park, public toilets and plenty walks, and it's free to park.

A great day out or just for a walk. Preston park has it all. A beautiful museum that is great for all age groups, and lovely cafes that serve fresh food. You can walk for miles around the grounds and by the river tees. It’s even got Butterfly world for the younger ones. The kids play areas is currently under construction and getting a fresh new look, but looks like it’ll be completed soon. Plenty of parking available. Parking is free and has charging points for the electric vehicles. The park is a regular visit for me and my dog Rosie.

So much to do! Something for everyone. Park, museum, cafe. So much space, clean toilets, friendly staff in the cafe, prices are reasonable too.

My favourite park. I live not far. Great place for a walk, cycling and running and many other events. Beautiful view around. Little lakes and garden. Massive space for walkers or people who do sports. House is great too. Farm _ great for kids and children. I just love it each time of the year.

Super enjoyed the visit , fantastic insight on how the very wealthy lived in this wonderful mansion. The influence they would have had when Great Britain was building its empire around the world. Definitely worth a visit 👍🏻

Four out of five stars because on the whole, the house and Home Farm are brilliant. Good value for money also. The house is as fine and authentic as any grand Elizabethan house that you can imagine. Well preserved and looked after, steeped in history and a real maze of corridors, rooms, staircases and more. The staff have beautifuly dressed it with a Halloween theme throughout and all are super friendly individuals. The farm also is staffed by a real good bunch and the farm is easy to get around and explore. The cobbles however may prove difficult for some but in truth aren't that bad and add to the original character of the farm. The landscape also makes for aesthetic viewing and walking, a real Capability Brown piece. The let down is that whilst the house and farm is payable, albeit good value, the wider estate is free access and whilst that is a benefit to most, you had the same old few who like to destroy or degrade all that is beautiful by rising off road bikes through the estate. Plenty of playgrounds for the young ones and parking is affordable (£4 for 12 hours). A treasure that we need to preserve for future generations and a great day out.

A well-maintained, house and grounds full of interesting artefacts from over the years. The rooms are a step back in time and give a glimpse of generations passed. The house is well looked after and is a quality visit with plenty to see. The grounds when we visited (Autumn) had the usual autumnal colours and sparsity of summer flowers but we still enjoyed our stroll.

Our first time here and what a lovely place to visit. Only £2.50 to park for upto 4 hrs. We didn't go in the house or farm because we had our dog with us. We walked around the estate and had some lovely food in the cafe. Looking forward to going back and visiting the house in the near future.

Large well kept grounds with lots of wide paths. Free motorised disabled transport. Nice walled garden. Very peaceful

We had a great experience here during Halloween! The staff were super nice and helpful but our most favourite thing was the cellar tour! I would definitely recommend! We will be back in summer to do the full cellar tour!

A really good day out, brilliant exhibits with great information boards not long winded like other museums but tell you everything you need to know. For a free day out donations are welcomed it really is a great day out. We didn’t have time to see the historic buildings but we will definitely revisit and take them in next time. Not as vast as there sister museum in York but it is a great museum.

My first visit here today, with my partner and friend. We had a super time enjoying all the special locos and carriages. Highly recommend for anyone in the area. Free to enter, donations appreciated. The staff were all friendly, especially the lady on the desk at the entrance. The shop has a great selection.

Locomotion is widely praised as an excellent, all-weather attraction that's completely FREE to visit, making it an incredibly popular choice for families and budget-conscious travelers. Visitors consistently highlight the sheer volume of historical trains and railway artifacts on display, covering a vast period of railway history. The museum is well-organized, interactive, and provides a rich educational experience. It has big parking spaces.

An absolutely fantastic museum. Visit was on last day of the 200 years of SDR exhibition. Had a lovely walk to engine workshop, housing, workmens cottages and walk on part of original SDR. Cafe was in one of exhibition halls. Good selection of food and drink. All staff were friendly. Easily spent 4 hours here.

Part of the National Railway Museum, the Shildon Locomotion museum houses historically significant items railway locomotives, rolling stock and other railway related items. Most importantly Locomotion No 1 which hauled the first railway passenger journey 200 years ago is here. I visited during the 200th Anniversary weekend, which meant it was busy. You could pay for a ride behind a replica of Stephenson's Rocket on my visit. There are two covered exhibit halls, a great gift shop, a large cafe, and plenty of toilets. Car parking is free, and the site is adjacent to Shildon Railway Station for those arriving by train. The site is fully accesible for those unable to walk any distance. A number of very early railway buildings dating from the 1800's are located a short distance away from the museum, and are well signposted. A great place to visit, not just for rail enthusiasts, but for anyone with an interest in Britain's industrial history.

An excellent railway museum. Brilliant exhibits. Helpful staff. Lots to see and do for all ages. The engines are amazing. Easy to get to by car and plenty of parking.

We had a lovely whistle-stop visit to Locomotion as we were passing on our way up north. Bolstered by a generous serving of lunch, we enjoyed a wander round the halls and a pleasant walk down the tracks. We definitely hope to return another day when we have more time to spend. I especially liked seeing Rocket, and we were also chuffed with our merch from the gift shop 👍

A short walk in Valley Gardens during a day out in Harrogate. It is a beautiful park that offers not only green area where you can have picnic, walk your dog, jog or have family time; it offers you a tranquil space with lots of flowers and plants where you can unwind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. The park has well maintained grounds, you can visit Japanese Garden, New Zealand garden, woodlands or be active and spend some time at boating pool, skate park, tennis court, crazy golf, paddling pool or playground. Whatever you decide to to, the place has something to offer to everyone. If you need some refreshments, there is a cafe and refreshments spot next to Games Pavilion. Toilets available as well.

What an absolute gem of a park. Very picturesque, serene and pleasant walk through with a beautiful victoriana style cafe and beautiful views across the park. Plenty of benches for seating. I saw a few dog walkers. One thing I notices was how clean and well kept it was. Also, I didn't see any noticeable dog doodoos which was great. I could spend a day there with a book, flask with hot tea and snacks and relax and down tools. It has a very calming aura. I think there's a hotel on the higher ground overlooking the park? I think it's a lovely place to go to get some quiet time or to go for a nice sit and chat.

Beautiful and well maintained gardens. Even at the end of October there were still flowers in bloom. I imagine this park is lovely in all seasons but the autumn colours were stunning. Once a month, on a Sunday, there is an artisan market. There was a range of food & drink stalls, stands selling gifts, and more.

Possibly the most beautiful public park I’ve ever visited. This park is incredible. The variety of gardens and woodland is stunning and the children’s play area is incredible. There are food vendors within the park and you can easily spend a few hours just walking around.

Beautiful park, amazing trees and plants. Had a funfair in park if you have little ones. Live music and has tennis courts and mini golf. Not sure if fair and live music on all time but we went on Sunday 27th July.

“A real jewel of Harrogate — the Valley Gardens are bursting with colour, winding paths, and hidden corners. From the elegant Sun Pavilion to the Japanese Garden, it’s a place where every turn feels like it's straight from a postcard. Whether you’re strolling with family, stopping for coffee, or simply breathing in the roses, it’s a slice of calm and beauty in the middle of town and bursting with charm.

First time visit and a truly lovey gardens. Love band playing which had a good crowd. A farmers/craft market was also on, plenty of choice and all good quality but we didn’t purchase anything on this occasion.

Wow, what a place! Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Gardens completely blew me away. The abbey ruins are absolutely stunning – huge, dramatic, and full of atmosphere. You can just wander around and lose yourself in the history. The gardens are gorgeous too – so beautifully designed with lakes, statues, little follies, and surprise viewpoints. Catching a glimpse of the abbey from across the water is like something out of a painting. We also spotted deer in the park which was a bit of a treat! Loads of walking routes to choose from, so you can do a quick wander or spend the whole day exploring. There’s also two good on-site cafes, one at the visitor centre, and one lakeside venue. There are also plenty of picnic spots if you bring your own. The whole place is spotless and really well looked after. This was one of the best days out I’ve had in ages – peaceful, scenic, and full of history. It is also a World Heritage Site to boot, so you are in for a treat!

We attends an evening event with a male voice choir which was just lovely. To explore the ruins in the dark/by torchlight gave it a very different feel. The acoustics for the concert were brilliant and gave me goosebumps! We will definitely return in the daytime to see it again. Nice to do something different, we had a great time.

Absolutely Stunning place to visit. The grounds are immense and walks were beautiful. So we'll looked after. I'll definitely be going back to see the rest of it, it is so vast. Tip. Go early and take a pick nic if it's nice, or enjoy the cafe on site.

The Abbey is beautiful and nd there is so much to see in the grounds. The Mill, Hall and the walk by the river through the woods to a lovely view point. The pools and statues are great. There are toilets and cafes in the grounds. Spent 5 hours there and still didn't get to see the deer park and church.

What a magnificent place to visit. Stunning ruins of the Abbey, most of it accessible to visitors young and old. Spread over a vast area. The gardens and water gardens are simply beautiful. You can walk round the water gardens it is a circular route. In places it is not suitable for all , but signs are in place to warn visitors. I highly recommend a visit

Stunning, a fantastic day out, set in a wonderful location, the Abbey remains are just amazing and maintained beautifully. We took the tour with a knowledgeable guide and was well worth it, the architecture is just amazing

Oh!!! What a place. I was not expecting this place to be as large as it was. I am so glad we visited. We came to the area for a couple of days and happened to find this place on Google maps. It didn't disappoint. Plenty of place for the kids, dogs and children at heart to run about and explore and climb. There is a restaurant on site too so you can have a meal after a long walk and explore of the area. By the Abbey there is also a little hut where you can buy drinks, sandwichs, ice cream ect. If I return to this area again. There is an old mill to look around and also a large house to go into with art to see. I will definitely be visiting again. Was 100% worth it. :D lots too see and do. We were here 5 hours

I’ve been to many museums around the world, and this is definitely one of the best. The collection is astounding and there’s so much to see, you’ll need a whole day to do it justice. It’s great for all ages and you don’t need to have a particular interest in armies or weapons to enjoy your visit. The displays are beautifully arranged. The museum is free to enter and there are multiple free shows for kids and adults alike to enjoy throughout the day. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Leeds.

Fantastic day out. Loads to see and interact with. The historic role plays are very informative. A well stocked shop has plenty of items for all ages. If you fancy a snack and drink then the cafe has it all. There is a car park very close.

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is a treasure trove of history, offering a fascinating journey through centuries of arms and armour. The Royal Armouries itself dates back to the 15th century, originally serving as the national collection of arms and armour for the monarchy. Today, its Leeds museum houses this incredible collection, making it one of the UK’s most important historical institutions. The museum is divided into several impressive galleries, each highlighting different aspects of military history: • The Tournament Gallery showcases medieval European armour, including full suits worn by knights, ceremonial helmets, and weapons used in jousting and battle. It’s a striking insight into the skill, artistry, and traditions of the medieval period. • The War Gallery presents a chronological view of warfare through the ages, featuring firearms, muskets, and rifles alongside historical accounts that show how weaponry shaped battles and societies. • The Oriental Armour Gallery highlights arms and armour from Asia and the Middle East, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship, styles, and cultures beyond Europe. The museum also features live demonstrations of swords, archery, and firearms, making history interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages. The exhibits are meticulously curated, providing context and storytelling alongside the stunning collection. Best of all, entry is completely free, allowing everyone to explore this incredible heritage without cost. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or visiting with family, the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds offers a deeply educational and inspiring experience, celebrating the artistry, innovation, and history of arms and armour through the centuries.

A must if you're in Leeds. Free entry and four floors to explore with a ticketed seasonal exhibit on the top floor. Pieces of armour and weapons from all around the world and from many different time periods, arranged from oldest to newest. There is also a peace exhibit. Most of the Asian/African pieces are on the fourth floor, which was my favourite part of the museum. Live events happen throughout the day, tickets are available for seated positions with standing tickets free and first come first served. Showing up about twenty minutes before start time will almost guarantee you a seat but means you miss time in the museum. Modern building that is walkable from the corn exchange and main shopping district easily in about 15-20 minutes. I recommend the walk in daylight hours. There is also a water taxi service available that terminates near the entrance and a bus that gets you most of the way there, look online for full schedules and details.

I’ve been visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds since I was a child, and it remains a timeless experience. Some of the exhibits are clearly veterans of many years, but they add to the charm of returning time and again. It’s a brilliant place for kids – the interactive displays bring history to life across different time periods without being frightening or sensationalised. One of the highlights, as always, is the magnificent elephant in its suit of armour – though I still don’t know how they manage to get it to stand so patiently all day while visitors admire it! My favourite exhibit was a temporary film and TV exhibit in 2008 which I visited with my high school history class and was able to view arms and armour from the critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings and Narnia feature films. On this visit, we enjoyed the temporary Roman Gladiator exhibition, which was well worth the small entry fee (the main museum remains free). A special mention to the kind lady at the desk who offered concession entry for NHS/Blue Light card holders – much appreciated. The museum could benefit from clearer signage, as it’s quite easy to lose oneself in the vast collection. I was a little bemused to find Steven Gerrard among the Tudor plate armour, but equally delighted to see Princess Diana represented in the peace exhibit – a thoughtful touch. The visit finished, as always, with a trip through the extensive and tempting gift shop. Overall, the Royal Armouries is a wonderful museum, full of history, surprises, and memories – well worth visiting, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.

A wonderful place to visit. Free entry. Lots and lots of exhibitions covering many centuries. We spent couple of hours in here but needed much longer. It’s really well spaced out, so even though it was busy it wasn’t cramped. Air con was very welcome. Kids loved the show that was on. Lots and lots to do and see and it’s set at leeds dock which is also a fab place to visit

Go early to catch as many shows as you can. We were there only able to catch the last 2 shows of the day. Hall of steel is an amazing hall to awe. A showcase in a gallery called Make Belief includes knife crime which is important for kids nowadays. A display on peace is too tug away. Though it is free admission, they seem keen on gaining donation to support the operation.

Loved it here. It was my first visit and the gardens are truly beautiful. Plants and trees are well established and currently displaying autumn colours in all their glory. Well worth visiting here. It's also worth converting your day ticket into an annual membership.

Went to go to bettys tea room as we had never been and WOW! Those pastries were out of this world. I had a vanilla slice which was the best I’ve ever had. Partner has a scone and he loved it. That had a lovely walk round the gardens and it was just stunning. The pictures don’t do it any justice.

What a wonderful place to visit, within walking distance of the centre of Harrogate! I came here on a coach trip, and stayed about two and a half hours. A lady at the entrance greeted us and gave us all a free map, which I found very helpful. Adult admission is £16.80 (it's £12.50 if you pre-book online), 5-16's get in for £5, and under-5's and RHS members go free. Lots of free parking. The garden is extensive, with well maintained tarmac and gravel paths, and a few hilly parts and steps, but most of it is wheelchair accessible, and you can hire a wheelchair or scooter at the entrance. Harlow Carr is a delight to explore, with colourful flower borders, a streamside walk, sandstone rock garden, lily ponds, a small lake, wildflower meadows, an arboretum, and much more. It all looked beautifully kept, the plants clearly labelled. I particularly loved strolling through woodland filled with lovely rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowering shrubs, and relaxing on a swing bench among palms and exotic plants in the subtropical garden. There are plenty of wooden benches and shelters, picnic areas, toilets at the entrance and dotted around the garden, and a children's adventure playground and tree house in the woods. Three cafes, a garden centre and two gift shops. Betty's Tea House is the ideal place to chill: great view of the garden, and a good selection of drinks, cakes and sandwiches. The coffee was very good. Did not get to see all the gardens (you need at least three hours), but I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around them and getting close to nature. Will definitely come again!

Absolutely recommend. We got there by bus and there is a stop right off of the grounds which made it convenient. (Be sure to ask for the discount for not driving when you pay for entry. I think it’s 30% off for taking the bus or walking or biking). The cafe had a nice variety. The garden was extensive and so beautiful. Tons of space to lay out a blanket and enjoy the day. Def recommend staying for at least 2 hours (minimum) but you can spend the entire day here.

This place is a gem! Judging by the car park a lot of people already know. As to be expected, the gardens were beautiful and more plants than you can shake a stick at. There is a Betty's cafe right at the entrance and another inside, the food is homemade and very nice. Staff are very helpful and pleasant. You can hire a mobility scooter if required. It seems a little pricey for entrance fee.....but where isn't? However they have a number of exceptions which can reduce the cost. Not knowing what to expect prior to entry my wife and I were pleasantly surprised. I would highly recommend.....go early!

Beauty and peace here at all times of the year. My kids love it. Well worth the annual membership if you live nearby as it's not cheap for a single visit. Staff are always excellent. Lots of good gift ideas in the shops.

A fabulous place to visit. We go every season so much to see and its wonderful watching the newer projects as they develop. Plenty of places to eat and drink at reasonable prices. Though if you want to splash out there is always an option to visit Bettys Tea room and shop. Play area for the children and plenty of seating to relax in.

This is a really fantastic place. Our visit was thoroughly enjoyed by both adults, our 9 year old and our 15 year old. The app is brilliant for solving the quest and although it was busy, the site was not crowded. No queues anywhere. A burst pipe meant that the water was off for a lot of our visit but the staff managed this brilliantly and it did not spoil our experience at all. The gift shop has a wide variety of items and is one of the best I've seen. Would definitely recommend to families of all ages.

Brilliant day out, well worth the money. Full of wonder and mystery, even for grown-ups - and the attention to detail is amazing. The staff are really friendly as well as incredibly helpful. Food is amazing at the cafe attached to the gift shop, with a very good gluten free range as well. And although some of the site is understandably not wheelchair-accessible, it is generally very good for people with limited mobility (however the car park could use a few more disabled bays - despite having a blue badge we had to park in the overflow car park which was quite a walk from the entrance). Overall, though, I rate the Forbidden Corner very highly and would recommend to all ages and tastes. We'll definitely be returning!

Brilliant place to visit. Full of surprises, quirky, funny, spooky, we had a great time. We’ve been visiting since it was a little bit smaller, but now a major tourist attraction. Well worth a visit. Try to go when it’s a little quieter, possibly during the week. It was really busy when we went on a Sunday, but all well mannered. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Beautiful location too in the heart of the Yorkshire dales.

What a fantastic day out for the family! We took our 9 year old son here on the first Sunday of October half-term. We all loved it. There were also much younger and much older children there who were having a great time too. We're looking forward to returning next year.

Great day out for kids and adults alike. A grounds to explore full of whimsical wonder. Not fully suitable for this unsteady of your feet of wheelchairs due to lots of narrow staircases and uneven grounds,although plenty to do on level.floor and beautiful views to enjoy. Great food choices, including gluten free and dairy free options. At a reasonable price too. Myself, my 23 y/o daughter and her partner had a great day out today. Highly recommend

We've been several times before, with friends and for a birthday party. Highly recommended for children over 5 years old as some nooks and dark paths that maybe scary for very little ones. Lots of outdoor paths and the playground is suitable for younger ones. Small Cafe wasn't open this last time that was on the main grounds so had to go back to the main one next to gift shop which was a bit of a trek with 4 hot drinks.

I don't want to spoil this place, so just go,take the kids, and experience it for yourself. There are some slightly creepy moments that some sensitive kids (and maybe even adults!) Won't like, but we managed fine with a 6 year old. Great place, very different to other attractions, really unique and original.

Great day out in all weather. Lots to see and do. Had little trouble parking. Gallery & mill shops to enjoy. Small village with some nice shops, inc a bakery & arts and crafts. If you want to be outside, large beautiful clean park to stroll around in pathed walkways. Riverside pub/bistro to enjoy refreshments serving nice food & beer on tap. Nip up to the tramway for a little bit of historical cheap fun, very well run by hardworking & passionate volenteers.

I had a fabulous day. The art by Hockney is astounding. The exhibit showing his process was especially fascinating. We ate in the diner. Twas a lovely meal and the staff nicely attentive. Free parking, free art by premier artists, a fabulous building in wonderful surroundings. Great use of an old building. What's not to love?

My favourite place in Yorkshire! I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and still love it now. Great selection of shops, art, restaurants! Really well looked after building and I can spend hours in here!

A fascinating historic mill that has been transformed into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, dining, and community life. It’s best known for its impressive collection of David Hockney’s work, which alone makes it worth a visit. Alongside the art, you’ll find excellent dining options, engaging displays on the mill’s history, and insights into the surrounding village. With ample parking and so much to see and do, it’s an ideal place to spend the day.

Incredible place, We Will Sing is amazing and is highly recommend a visit just for this, I really wish I could buy a vinyl album of the recording it was breathtaking. But there are also wonderful shops with books, stationery etc. Quite a few eating options, the carrot cake in the upper cafe is heavenly! And of course the artwork is fantastic. Very highly recommend!

Loved this old industrial building, wonderfully preserved. Went to the free Hockney exhibition and perused the gallery upstairs and bolt on antique store. It looked like a great cafe in the place too. All in a beautiful part of the world. What a great place to walk around Saltaire is.

I hadn’t been to Salts Mill for a few years so it was lovely to be able to visit on Friday before we did the Shipley to Bingley 5 Rise Locks walk. The building itself is huge and very impressive then every door has so much to offer. There’s a lovely relaxed feeling throughout the building with staff and visitors enjoying the environment. We had a brief look at the seconds floor but then headed up to the third floor to have coffee in the Opera cafe.This is also the location of the David Hockney Gallery and it really works! I have seen Hockney’s work displayed in other venues less successfully but the sheer amount of space here was perfect to display the larger pieces. Our coffee and cakes were delicious and set us up nicely for our walk. I’ll definitely be coming back to spend more time in Saltaire and Salts Mill. Highly recommended!

This was a solid bakery to grab lunch, with the options presented clearly at the counter! Staff were approachable and very welcoming when I put in a donation, service was fast too. I enjoyed the unique chicken curry pasty and a couple of hash browns served on a red plate, seating is comfortable and table kept smooth!

I was shocked and appalled at the eat in vs take away prices. And no mention of the grossly inflated prices by the till staff. Granted, I should have paid more attention, but it’s clear underhanded ethics. Also granted, its not a terrible place to get takeaway if you don’t sit down, but it was probably the worst value meal I’ve ever had anywhere in the world. The tea and hot chocolate was terrible too. Conned and ripped off

Called in for a coffee and a Hot Sandwich. £1.50 extra for tomatoes on a large bacon sandwich which wasn't no where near a flat cake. Coffee ok, but only luke warm. Was told by the lovely member of staff it would cost extra to eat in, (ok i can understand that) BUT £4.90 EXTRA FOR 2 OF US IS SHOCKING. They need to put eat in prices at side of other prices. The Sandwiches were really nice, but hiding how much they charge for eating in. Wont be going back. 🤬🤬

I love this place! The staff are always friendly and chatty and they make the best cheese sandwich in the land! Not stingy with the fillings either , very generous and you get a bowl of crisps. Their hot chocolate is 10 out of 10 with lots of whipped cream on top and marshmallows if requested ( although I'm vegetarian so I just have with the cream).

Don’t get the positive reviews for this place. Was passing through and bought a few items. The iced doughnut was super salty and not sweet, the chocolate eclair was rock hard, the cappuccino tastes like a latte, and the croissants were super doughy. It was early in the morning so there’s that, but not a great reason. Nice location that’s about it.

Nice sausage roll in a local bakery thronging with customers. Bit pricey mind. Better than Greggs I guess.

Great bakery with lots if choices. We shared a hot beef & red onion sandwich with mustard mayo & a steak bake with a dessert cream meringue enough for 2 people at £10.00 super value and great quality.

Firstly the grounds are gorgeous! Just take a book and seat on one of the benches and take it all in :) Beautiful collection of paintings. Some real impressive ones actually Definitely worth the visit. I was not a huge fan of the swan show…nothing extraordinary. The cafe is nice. The bookshop/gift shop are a must

Loved this place. The pet project installation was wonderful. My daughters made some new friends who all got involved with the most fabulous creative play in that space. Meanwhile I had a moment of meditation (some might call it a snooze) with my headphones in on one of the incredibly comfortable 3D canvasses! Fascinating - history and some artworks and curiosities. I remember the two headed calf from when I was a kid (about 40 years ago) Magical to see the silver swan in action. Highly recommended- beautiful grounds as well. Nice gift shop (quality gifts at reasonable prices). Bought a tea towel ~ we kinda collect them. Staff were all nice… and authentic if that makes sense.

Fabulous day out! I'm a wheelchair user and found the museum very accessible. The staff here were amazing! An absolute credit to the museum! Loved the Silver Swan demonstration at 2pm. The cream tea in the cafe was delicious 😋 The gift shop is very nice too and has a range of reasonably priced goods. We paid the membership fee and will definitely be back a few times.

The Bowes Museum is such a fantastic place to visit! The grand building and beautiful grounds make it feel really special from the moment you arrive. Inside, there’s so much to see fascinating exhibitions, incredible artwork, and interesting displays that keep both adults and children engaged. The café is lovely, serving good food and cakes with a relaxed atmosphere. There’s even a small play park in the grounds, which was a great bonus for the children and gave us chance to enjoy a coffee while they played. A brilliant day out for families, history lovers, and anyone visiting the area.

An incredible place too visit. So much to see, make sure you arrive early as you'll need plenty of time! Astonishing world of art, great history in a wonderful. Friendly staff and a more than decent cafe /restaurant providing very generous portions. A must see if the silver swan automaton.

Fantastic day out today. The staff were all brilliant, kind and offered help. Quite a bit for kids to see and do. We all enjoyed the exhibits on display. Oh and the Silver Swan is amazing! We rang up to request a wheelchair for one of us before arrival and it was no problem. Most of the museum is easily accessible to all. Cafe was good with prompt service and helpful staff. Good value as well. Thank you to all staff today!

We had a lovely day at Bowes Museum. Entry was free due to it being Heritage Week, if we had paid it would still be well worth the money. Lots to see. The grounds are lovely as well, but we got rained off.

£48 to go in for a family of 4. £5 to park so we parked in the village for free. The people doing the show and talks were really great (archery/ owls / Mary queen of Scot’s). Kids LOVED the maze. The gardens are really well kept. We bought some herbs. Great day out. The owl aviaries seemed a bit bland and could have done with some more enrichment but owls seemed happy and in good health. Really well kept castle. Would recommend. Also great views from the top.

We stopped by this castle in the middle of a long hike and were delighted to find that the gardens, cafe, and some of the interior are free to access for those passing by! There is a P&D car park with free outdoor toilets and an adorable herd of wild boar. They are very friendly to visitors and so cute. 🦮✅These areas are also dog friendly, although the main ticketed interior museum is not dog friendly. If you have a dog, there is a "dog friendly" area of the cafe just for you. The staff were very friendly and brought us water and treats too! ☕️ The cafe offers oat milk and has a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free cakes and drinks. Everything is clearly labelled and gluten free food is separated.

A must see if you’re in the Dales! There’s so much to do here, the castle is full of history, you can almost feel it seeping out of the walls as you walk around. Many of the rooms are still intact, but a lot is ruined including the dungeons. There is a walk up to the rooftop with stunning panoramic views. We visited in the summer and the gardens were incredible, with foxgloves and colours surrounding the maze, it’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. The aviary was full of interesting birds, and the keeper was very knowledgeable, informative and engaging during the falconry show. Cakes and ice creams in the shop opposite make it a wonderful place.

We had a great time, our second visit, last here in 2020. It was windy today so the owl display was taken indoors but still excellent. Some great views from the castle and nice grounds to walk round. If you want to venture further there are a couple of public footpaths starting from the castle grounds. Enjoyed seeing the wild boars.

A fabulous castle with gardens, shop and cafe, good but not free parking. Cafe had a good selection of sandwiches, quiche, pie and delicious cakes, hot and cold drinks. Had a bird of prey display too.

A stunning piece of history. Beautiful gardens and a well-maintained castle, including its ruined parts, make for a brilliant experience. The staff were also extremely knowledgeable and happy to take time out their day for a chat about the castle and its history.

The Castle Bolton adventure begins about 10 minutes before you arrive! As you wend your way up the road towards the castle you get glimpses of this impressive monument to medieval building through the trees. Suddenly, you find yourself at the foot of this huge stronghold's walls and driving right in front of it and into the carpark (carparking is not included in the entrance fee, so don't forget to pay at the machine!) Atmospheric, incredibly well maintained and curated medieval space. Plenty of information available, beautiful views of breathtaking Yorkshire countryside and a marvellous tearoom with a huge roaring fire which was very welcome on a wet, wild and windy Tuesday in October. Savoury food selection was limited to baked goods and not extensive but of excellent quality. (Cups of warm soup would have definitely gone down well at this time of year). Cake offerings were wonderful and definitely not limited. We didn't find many choices for gf people, if any really though, which could easily be sorted with a bit more thought as the other produce was really good quality overall, so their bakers are protalented enough enough to adapt some recipes. A decent slice of pie with a bit of lettuce costs £5.00 and 50p extra for chutney, quiche was about the same. Sausage rolls a little cheaper. Cakes were around £3 -£4 per slice but generous portions. Lunch for three people came out at around £10.00 per person on average which is pricy for basically a slice of pie or a quiche or sausage roll and a packet of crisps and a drink. It was then a further £6 - 7 per person for a cup of tea and a cake later on. So, if you've got a few kids with you, I'd definitely take packed lunches and spend the tearoom money on purchasing something from the excellent gift shop. We invested in the children's activity bags, which are exceptionally great value both during and after the visit. Very reasonable entrance fee and the activities included were interesting and fun. The falconry/archery person was really interesting and other members of staff informative and knowledgeable. The maze kept us well occupied for quite some time! The Mary Queen of Scots connection is well explored too. It was also Halloween week so the castle was suitably themed and decorated accordingly which was good fun, with dressing up opportunities, pumpkin trail and lots of ghoulies and ghosties hidden around the space. We absolutely loved it here and had a super experience overall. It's easy to see why this place regularly receives visitor attraction awards! Plenty of well maintained toilet facilities too including in the car park. It was also very good for physical fitness and working off the tea room calories! There are lots of steep steps, winding staircases, and opportunities to walk around everywhere. When I got home I was amazed to find I'd easily completed more than 12,000 steps exploring this ancient and beautiful place! Highly recommended 👍💟