Doune Castle is a fascinating and well-preserved medieval fortress that’s full of character and charm. Steeped in history, it’s also famously featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones – making it a must-visit for both history lovers and pop culture fans. The audio guide is fantastic, with fun narration that blends historical insight and a bit of humor (especially if you're a Monty Python fan!). Exploring the grand halls, towers, and courtyard feels like stepping back in time. Set in a beautiful, peaceful location, Doune Castle is easy to explore and not overly crowded. A brilliant stop that combines history, scenery, and a touch of cinematic magic.

We enjoyed walking around. We did not have tickets so we were directed to park in town. It was a lovely walk and likely best to park there in the first place and then follow the signs to the footpath. We thought it would take awhile, but it was really a rather short journey. It was not our favorite castle we visited but fun to see since we have watched Monty Python, Outlander, Outlaw King, and Game of Thrones. I actually wish we had gotten there before it opened and had been able to enjoy the grounds without the crowds. I would say if you are driving by - stop, but I wouldn't make a trip out to see just this castle.

Beautiful castle with a lot of history and stunning views. You don’t need more than 30–40 minutes to explore it, and wearing comfortable shoes makes a big difference. Visiting during the low season is definitely the best — quiet, relaxed, and easy to enjoy every corner.

Great site. The audio tour is excellent and the staff were very knowledgeable. I enjoyed seeing parts of the castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander. Took about 40 minutes to go round - wall walk was closed for repairs, but highly recommend regardless.

Here’s another great castle where several movies have been filmed, including Monty Python and the holy Grail. A great courtyard and many floors and rooms to see that are furnished, including a great hall. In the room that I am standing in front of the large fireplace next to the window, there was a scene filmed there. There is one fireplace that is so large. They say you could roast a whole cow there at one time.

Nice little castle not too busy. You can be in and out in about 30 minutes maybe an hour if you take your time. A little car park which is free if going into the castle. There is a park around the castle but we didn't venture round it. Toilet facilities out of the castle and a gift shop in the castle.

Monty python, GOT, and outlander fans know, well worth the visit. Unlike most cast tours chuck are all dressed up with period furnishings, the Doune Castle allows you to envision life there without all the dressings. Truly spectacular, even with ongoing restoration work.

Glenturret was started in 1763 and is the oldest continuously operating whisky distillery in Scotland. The tour was excellent. John was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. For a whisky aficionado, this was a great experience. The tasting was excellent. You can buy bottles in the shop for a reasonable price for their Triple Wood expression. If you have a spare £80,000.00, you can buy one of their special bottles in a specially designed bottle. Definitely worth the time if you like whisky.

Beautiful setting with characterful whisky, but a mixed experience overall. The distillery is tucked into beautiful woodland by a river, with classic whitewashed architecture that gives it real charm. Parking was convenient off-season, with EV charging spots on site, though we couldn’t get them working. The tour itself was very enjoyable. The site has real heritage and uniqueness, and our guide John made it a standout experience: knowledgeable, welcoming, friendly, and passionate. We tasted several whiskies, and the Triple Wood and 14 Year Old Peat Smoked were personal highlights, balanced, rich, and elegant drams. Unfortunately, the customer service in the shop and bar didn’t match the rest. The staff we encountered seemed uninterested and transactional, which was disappointing. A simple request for a driver bottle to take away a paid tasting dram (as I was driving) felt like an inconvenience. The dram was eventually poured into the bottle without a funnel, spilling some in the process, and not a word of apology or any gesture of goodwill, even though we were the last customers there. Being charged £16 for a standard 25ml dram, of the regular 14 Year Old Peated, just before purchasing the £150 bottle, also felt excessive and off-putting. Many distilleries would show a more welcoming and commercial approach in that situation, encouraging return visits and loyalty. In short: absolutely worth visiting for the setting, the whisky, and the guided tour with John, but the customer service outside of that experience needs improvement to match the expected Lalique experience.

Great tour and experience. Took the bus to the road to the distillery and walked up a fresh green forest road for 0.5km to reach this relaxing location that enhanced the experience. Getting the opportunity to see, smell, and be educated about the process has given me so much appreciation of the process and what draws people to whiskey. John our guide was passionate and knowledgeable about everything and made this a very personalized experience.

We were on the basic distillery tour with Ewan for £20/person. He was thorough in his explanation of the process and there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer! You’ll also get the privilege of meeting 2 cats; Glen & Turret. They also cater for drivers, enabling you to buy a ‘designated driver’ ticket so you can take your sample whisky home, rather than tasting on the tour. Worth a visit.

Nice tour I had of the distillery. Great whiskey tasting !! They have 2 cats - Glen and turret !! Location is beautiful !

DAN … I promised I would give you my opinion! …You were right, it’s really a very very good whisky, by the way one of the best peated I’ve ever tasted! Release 2025 thanks again for your advising

Wonderful experience and lovely staff— Especially John who lead us on the tour, Answered all of our questions and was a funny, kind chap.

Despite the advised booking of free tickets online, we discovered upon arrival that no one was checking them, and we were permitted to enter freely. We were fortunate to join a free guided tour immediately. The volunteer guide provided excellent context, explaining the history of the cathedral and the reasons for its construction in that location. There is a great deal to see, and visitors who appreciate religious art and history could easily spend several hours inside.

Stepping into Glasgow Cathedral is like stepping back in time. The architecture is incredibly detailed and mesmerizing, and the history within its walls is palpable. It's a truly unique experience to walk through such a historic place. Plus, it's free to enter, and you can get audio guides for a small fee to learn even more. The cathedral is really well-maintained, and it's a great visual experience. Highly recommend

First visit inside, had walked past it on numerous occasions in the past. A wet Saturday afternoon, the cathedral and the square looked amazing. Lots of tour groups, the place was a buzzing. Once inside, the atmosphere was very sedate and respectful. Beautiful , building and the stain glass windows just add to the spectacular nature of this building

One of the most impressive cathedrals I've ever been to! It's such a large and beautiful place. We were blown away. Free entry and worth a visit to the necropolis over the bridge while you're here.

Glasgow Cathedral is right in the centre of town and a great place to start your visit in Glasgow. It’s a popular site so it’s quite busy, but well worth the visit, there is lots to see inside. It has a huge towering ceiling and there are lower floors to see with spectacular columns, supporting all above. Outside beside the cathedral is a large wonderful cemetery well worth a wander through.

We love to visit the Cathedrals when visiting a city, although we have visited Glasgow many times this was our first visit to the Cathedral and it is well worth a visit. Wonderful stain glass windows and ornate ceilings. Loved all the history and atmosphere as I said well worth a visit if you're going to Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral is one of the city’s most stunning landmarks. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking, both inside and out, with beautiful stained-glass windows and a peaceful, historic atmosphere. Walking through the cathedral feels like stepping back in time — it’s truly impressive how well preserved it is.

Stepping into the Glasgow Necropolis feels less like entering a cemetery and more like discovering an open-air museum. This Victorian masterpiece is an absolute must-see and a true five-star experience. Perched on a hill overlooking Glasgow Cathedral, the Necropolis offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. As you ascend the winding paths, each turn reveals a new and stunning monument. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the tombs and mausoleums are awe-inspiring, a testament to the city's rich history and the craftsmanship of the time. You can spend hours wandering, reading the fascinating inscriptions, and admiring the varied architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Gothic. The atmosphere is one of serene beauty and historical reverence, not at all eerie. It's a peaceful place for a walk, a spot for contemplation, and a photographer's dream, especially as the light changes throughout the day. The "Bridge of Sighs" that connects the cathedral to the Necropolis is an iconic entry point, setting the stage for the grandeur that awaits. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and beautiful place to explore in Glasgow, the Necropolis delivers on every front. It's a truly unforgettable place that captures the city's past and offers some of the best views you'll find anywhere.

Absolutely stunning. We love a grave yard and this has to be one of the biggest and best we've been to in the UK. Huge monuments and lots of different graves and structures to look at. It looks out across Glasgow city and you can see the beautiful cathedral from it's banks. Its a bit messy in places with overgrown ivy and trees but I guess this is down to the council and money. It's still stunning though and really gets you appreciating the architecture.

“Grand cemetery of the Victorian elite” as per Google maps! This place is so interesting, full of social history. We were there over an hour and only saw some of it. Following in from the entrance next to Glasgow Cathedral the paths twist and turn getting higher and higher. The view from the higher parts of the Necropolis are breathtaking! We visited on a bright sunny day but I would love to see it at dusk. I think the Necropolis has to be one of the places you should definitely visit when visiting Glasgow. Free entry. Highly recommended!

We were visiting Glasgow for a day trip from Stirling and walked around this fascinating attraction known as the Victorian “city of the dead” situated on a hill just east of Glasgow Cathedral. It is home to approximately 50,000 burials and around 3,500 elaborate monuments and mausoleums. The top of the hill has nice view of the city and the Cathedral.

The large cemetery located behind the Glasgow cathedral. It is very extensive and imposing. The Victorian style tombs tells the power and wealth of those buried there. One of the biggest and noticeable tomb is a monument dedicated to John Knox, while he was actually buried near Giles cathedral at Edinburgh. The place necropolis means city of dead.

Beautiful Glasgow landmark, extensive walking with many paths and trails, excellent views of Glasgow and a must see for all.

The Necropolis is a great place to visit in Glasgow's spiritual heart. Although the Necropolis is in the centre of busy Glasgow, it is a good place to go for inner city peace and contemplation and also stunning views of Glasgow stretching in all directions. Tours are also given lasting about 2 hours, which book up quickly. I highly recommend a visit to the Necropolis.

A steep climb up the hill got us to the Castle. You don't have to walk, there's a carpark by the gate and a shuttle bus service. Buy tickets in advance and save some money. Trying this on my mobile was problematic and I never managed to get it to work. But the nice lady at the Castle sorted it out for me. The good bits, all of the buildings are impressive. The views from the terraces outside even more so. The interiors are spectacular with ornate carvings and wonderful wall decorations. See the restored kitchens and the reconstruction of the interior. It's obvious that a great deal of effort has been made to present a good visitor experience. One of the best bits was a couple of ladies roleplaying different people from history. More of this could be a great thing. Well worth a visit.

There is no way you can come to Stirling and not visit this amazing historical centerpiece. Sitting at the highest point in the area, it will be visible from anywhere in the city. There are lots of paid parking spaces (5 pounds) right at the entrance. As soon as you walk in, the ticket booth is just off to the left. After ticket purchase, I highly suggest the free tour given by their historians - very informative with a nice touch of humor. First one started at 10 am when we visited. As you walk through the grounds and on the high walls, you can take in some great scenery inside and outside the castle. There a lot of things to see and some of the parts of the castle might be missed if you are not paying attention to the map. All the main areas have employees in period dress who freely offer their period stories. Everything is in your own time - I would say a couple of hours will offer you a good visit with the tour. There is a couple of gift shops (one at the entrance and one off the main inner courtyard) and a nice canteen to buy some light snacks. So much history - enjoy.

A phenomenal castle experience! The drive up built anticipation, as Stirling Castle unveiled itself gradually. At the castle, I enjoyed the stunning view of the gorgeous Forth Valley from the ramparts. The restored Royal Palace was impeccable — vibrant colours, heraldic details, and Renaissance interiors that feel genuinely 16th century! Allow plenty of time to explore the entire grounds, the Great Hall, and especially the Palace. A truly unmissable piece of Scottish history!

Absolutely stunning castle. We'll preserve and very good historical information presented clearly. I didn't get the audio tour and I think that was a good choice. Though I'm sure they provide good information. Wasn't so crowded you couldn't see what you wanted as long as you avoided the huge bus tours. Have I mentioned it was beautiful? It truly was. Very memorable.

By far the most interactive and fascinating castle visit I have experienced across the 40 countries I’ve visited. The site is rich in history and offers truly immersive exhibits. Even rushing through, we spent almost 3 hours inside. For a full experience, I recommend reserving 4–5 hours — and trust me, it’s worth every minute. The ticket is not cheap, but it is absolutely worth the visit.

My first visit to the Royal castle. Wonderful location. Views are stunning. The castle itself is full of history, much more intimate than Edinburgh castle. We arrived late in afternoon just in time for the second last guided tour. It was so informative and the guide was outstanding. Made my day. The garden was so vibrant.

Our visit to Stirling Castle this past September was absolutely unforgettable! This magnificent fortress is one of Scotland's most impressive historic sites, and it truly brought Scottish history to life in the most captivating way. The castle itself is remarkably well-preserved and intact, with beautifully restored rooms that transport you back through centuries of Scottish history. Walking through the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Chapel Royal felt like stepping into a living museum. Every room tells a story, from the grand Renaissance architecture to the intricate details in the tapestries and decorations. One of the absolute highlights of our visit was the live Renaissance musicians performing throughout the castle grounds! Their authentic period music filled the rooms and chambers, creating an incredibly immersive atmosphere. The musicians were talented and passionate, and their presence truly elevated the entire experience. We learned about Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, and the many battles fought for control of this strategic stronghold. The storytelling brought the history to life in such an engaging way. The views from the castle ramparts are absolutely breathtaking, we especially loved the gardens and the views of gardens in the valley too overlooking Stirling and the surrounding countryside. You can see why this location was so strategically important throughout Scottish history! Receiving lots of daily visitors it is wise to choose an organized tour or purchase the point-by-point earpods. Allow plenty of time to explore – there's so much to see and experience!

What a beautiful place to spend the day with the family. There is plenty to do with the kids as there are activities and parks around the wheel as well as beautiful walks around the canals. The parking costs £4 for the full day which is great. Highly recommend it

Absolutely fantastic place to visit! The Falkirk Wheel is an incredible piece of engineering and a great day out for families. The boat trip experience is really enjoyable and gives you a close look at how the wheel works — very smooth and fascinating to watch in action. The café on site is lovely, with friendly and welcoming staff who make you feel right at home. The food and coffee were great, and it’s a nice spot to relax while enjoying the view. There’s also a souvenir shop with plenty of unique gifts and Scottish items at reasonable prices. Parking is very spacious, with giant car parks that make visiting really easy, even on busy days. Overall, it’s a well-maintained, clean, and family-friendly attraction — definitely worth a visit if you’re in Scotland!

We visited The Falkirk Wheel today with the whole family, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The engineering of the Wheel itself is simply fascinating, seeing the boats being lifted was a real “wow” moment for all of us. We even tried the Wheel ride ourselves, and it was absolutely unforgettable! Gliding smoothly up and down while taking in the stunning views is something we’ll always remember. What made the day even better was how much there was for the kids to enjoy. The play areas and games kept them entertained for hours, and they loved every moment. It’s not just an attraction for adults who enjoy history or engineering; it’s a genuinely fun and interactive place for children too. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the whole site was clean and well-maintained. We left with big smiles (and a few tired legs!), already talking about when we can come back. Highly recommended for families looking for a mix of learning, fun, and a little bit of magic.

Another must see, the car park was free and it is a short walk up to the canal and then round to see the Wheel in all its glory. We were fortunate enough t to have a lovely sunny day and the wheel was activated pretty much as we got there so we got to see the whole show straight away. You can pay to go on a boat trip to experience it personally but we unfortunately did not have time, maybe next time. Highly recommended seeing this and then go see the Kelpies which are just 10-15 minutes away.

Fascinating place. Very interesting judt to watch. Trips available. Plenty of parking. Staff very helpful and friendly. Stayed overnight in our motorhome. Some road noise but definitely not an issue.

I really amazing construction, very interesting to find out the how it works and read about it's design and construction. Enjoyable Captain of the boat relaying lots of interesting facts and figures. £15 each for the boat trip and £4 for parking. Well worth the cost.

Nice place to relax and see a good piece of engineering. Too expensive to go for a boat trip £17 adult. You can walk along if you like to save the money. Car parking £4 all day. Good place to walk if weather is good.

Nice place to walk around with some interesting buildings and history. The scenery next to the Clyde is lovely. Thank goodness there was a courtesy bus to get back up to the car park though! Will come again when not so hot..

Fantastic day trip from Glasgow! History, soft play, a great cafe, and a short walk to the waterfall. What more do you want? There's even a hotel here if you want to stay the night. See our full video review on our experience under The Olive Tree Family on all social media platforms.

New Lanark is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site with an industrial past dating back to the late 18th century. The mill complex was founded in 1785 and is famously linked to social pioneer Robert Owen, who transformed it into a model village for mill workers. The restored stone buildings—including the mills, workers’ housing and school—are beautifully preserved and give a real sense of history. Parking is available at the top of the hill with a short walk down to the village; limited disabled parking spaces are provided near ticket office There are plenty of picnic tables dotted around the site, making it easy to bring your own food if you prefer. The on-site café offers good quality meals and snacks, though I found the prices a little on the high side. Clean and well-maintained toilets are plentiful throughout the complex. Great walk to falls Clyde Overall, New Lanark is a wonderful day out for anyone interested in Scotland’s industrial heritage, social history, or simply enjoying a scenic riverside walk.

Simply fantastic National heritage site, with great walks, museums, a coffee shop, and photo opportunities are endless, along with a good amount of parking. I loved how professionally run the whole area was.

A beautiful place to visit to experience both Nature and cultural heritage. The walk around the gorge makes for a great day out but expect to be relatively close to the gorge edge so not suitable for young children. The Autumn colours are just stunning and I'll be returning in the spring to see what the area has to offer.

This is a place that will suit everyone. Adults will find the history and the living conditions of the mill workers interesting. Children will enjoy a short ride inside the building on gondolas with interactive characters. Everyone will be amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the waterfalls of the River Clyde.

Initially I wasn't impressed but once I explored more I realized it was fantastic. So much learn and explore both inside and out! Highlights: The mill tour is very well laid out to keep attention of adults and children. You follow the route through each floor and there are various interactive displays showing life in the co-operative. The attention to detail is fantastic. The immersive ride puts you right into the story. Challenges: The parking doesn't have great signage, from the village entrance you have to take the opposite road and drive past several lots to get to the main lot.

Amazing day out for all the family. Best zoo we have been too. Loads to see, food vans located around the park which is great and it's actually decently priced too and great quality. There are loads of great animals to see and definitely could spend an entire day there. We all had the best day. Would definitely come back again.

Hands down the best zoo I’ve visited. Animals were so well looked after, staff were lovely - helpful and friendly. Could not get over the amount of different animals. Loved the unusual displays - something for both older and younger family members. Soft play was also a welcome rest. And kids loved it. Would love to return for the Christmas lights and the summer rides and things. Highly recommend. Some of the reviews on here are silly 🤷‍♀️ We spent around 4 hours here but could easily have spent the whole day. Didn’t see many empty enclosures 🤷‍♀️ and the black bear has signs explaining they are monitoring the behaviour as he is still settling in. You can tell that staff are very passionate about the animals and their wellbeing. We watched several staff members interacting with them.

Fantastic enclosures and very happy and content animals. I was super impressed with the animals husbandry and it is clear they have created the best environment for each animals needs. The staff were friendly and clearly cared about the animals on their care. We had a fantastic day out and could have stayed longer. A very well deserved 5 stars.

What an absolute amazing to visit to the zoo with my family. Such a diverse range of animals and a really cosy family feel to the whole park. From the you youngest to the eldest of our party we were all kept engaged and entertained for hours. We will definitely be back.

I loved it. It is a great place to go with family. I was lucky to see the otters that I love. And one of the bears very nice.As always... there was some shy animal that we didn't see... that happens.

Cafe and playcenter I don't recommend at all. Soup wasn't great, and the chicken tika panini was lukewarm. The coffee tasted dirty or burnt, there were so many flys. Finally the bathrooms smelt horrid and there's no hooks to put your bag up while you go to the loo. The zoo The zoo area was nice and had quite a lot to see, the animal talks were great and gave you a chance to ask more. The walk in bird enclosure was surprisingly my favourite. The carasol and other rides are nice though rather odd seeing more then half of the animal pens say to be quiet, but you could hear the carasol music across half the zoo. We did have concern for one of the monkeys (a vervet) as they had bad sores on their hands and a large gash on their rear.

What a lovely day! lost of animals to see, all the animals looked well looked after, very helpful staff… The reason why I didn’t give a 5 stars is that though there could be more picnic tables as we waited for quite a while for somebody to leave. I work with animals myself and would like to share some of more of my ideas if you would like to hear! :)

The road to the castle is a disaster! The gift shop and castle are worthy the visit. Staff very friendly and welcoming. We didn't go into the castle but I did take the dog around the moat as suggested by a staff member. I took lots of pictures. Beautiful views, the only thing that was a slight inconvenience is i didn't wear the right footwear! It's was a little wet around the back of the castle and my feet got soaked. Obviously this is my fault and no fault of the castle grounds. I was wearing trainers, I'd recommend boots or Wellingtons. Beautiful place though.

Absolutely loved this place. Soo unique in design. We visit lots of castles up and down the country and this is one of the most memorable. Beautiful surroundings, loads of history and some very knowledgeable, friendly staff. We will revisit, next time we pass through. Highly recommended

Our favorite castle of the 10 we visited on our 2 week roadtrip. Loved the kind staff and how you feel like you have the place to yourself to explore. It really feels like a fairytale with a moat and original site you can walk to nearby. So pictaresque and worth the drive.

Fabulous little castle, really interesting place with loads of history. Only a short journey from Dumfries. We didn't have to book ahead of time and were able to park easily. They also have a great little shop and small cafe. Lots of places to have a picnic and the area is great for dogs, with some nice paths and walks

Great place to visit, some restoration work being carried out, at present.Good car parking area, gift shop and video area to educate you on the history of the site. You do a small walk to the original castle site. Well worth a visit. Some areas of the castle are not accessible by wheel chair, for obvious reasons.

My favorite Castle of my first 9 days in Scotland. This one has a moat, like a true castle should. The draw bridge was destroyed centuries ago, along with part of the roof, and sections of it have been exposed to the elements for some time. There are sections repaired allowing access to the multiple levels where there is a roof protection that section. The prison was in good condition too. Crazy to know the prisoners were just tossed from 2 stories into the pit. Don’t bother checking out the original castle a short walk away, as it is flattened, and the perimeter blocks are all left near foundation level. Check out my photos.

Very interesting Castle/s. Parts were closed off but there was enough to have a wander around (albeit it's not particularly large for a castle. The staff in the shop/visitor centre were helpful and friendly. Worth a visit if you like castles/historic buildings.

A spectacular old cathedral in the northeast corner of England. It is a personal favorite and I would recommend a visit. Begin in 1123 in the Norman style, it was built with local red sandstone. Much of the church was rebuilt in the 13th century in the Gothic style. The ceiling is spectacular. Owen Jones designed and specified the painted star ceiling in Carlisle Cathedral’s choir during its 1856 restoration under architect Ewan Christian. The wooden barrel vault dates to the 14th century, but the medieval scheme was lost, and Jones—a prominent Victorian decorative artist known for his work on the Crystal Palace interiors—created the blue background with gold stars and angels, drawing from historical styles. It was later repainted in 1970 for preservation, maintaining Jones’s original vision. The east window is impressive. It is the largest and most complex such window in England at 51’ by 26’. It depicts events from the life of Christ; some of the panes in the upper portion are original, dating back to 1350. Parking in the area is good. There are several car parks within half a mile.

So nice to be able to wander around with the dog. It’s a beautiful cathedral with some unique points of interest, including the ceiling. Perhaps not the most impressive in the country but it holds its own. The grounds are also very pleasant.

Fabulous. A warm welcome on arrival, no pressure to pay or make a donation (which is high on our reviews of somewhere - happy to make a donation, but to be charged to enter a church !! Totally unacceptable in my view ...). Plenty of volunteers to offer historical information, really friendly. This cathedral 'feels' comfortable, warm and open. Really enjoyed the stories ... well worth a visit (& the donation !).

I visited the cathedral on June 2nd and was warmly welcomed by the kindest staff. Two gentlemen offered me a map, pointed out the must-see spots, and shared a timetable. They also noticed that my friend had stayed outside with his dog and proactively let me know that dogs are allowed inside. That thoughtful gesture really stood out. It was heartwarming to see how genuinely kind and attentive they were. And the cathedral itself? Absolutely stunning. Truly worth a visit!

Very old and interesting. The stain glass windows are in very good shape considering the age. The organ pipes along with the organ itself are really worth the visit. There are lots of buildings on the site which you can look around the library is interesting the entrance to which is through the cafe, the cafe has a large area outside and quite a large area inside the food is good. Would recommend trip here.

Today, accompanied by both my sons and grandmas, we spent a truly memorable two hours at Carlisle Cathedral—an experience that was both calming and profoundly awe-inspiring. The cathedral’s serene atmosphere speaks volumes beyond words, inviting quiet reflection within its historic, hallowed walls. We were fortunate to be greeted by a highly knowledgeable guide who kindly provided us with a detailed map and patiently answered all our questions, enriching our visit immeasurably. Although the organ wasn’t playing this week due to half-term, which was a slight disappointment, it gave us an opportunity to treasure the visual and spiritual grandeur of the space even more deeply. We took the chance to purchase a CD of the cathedral’s magnificent organ music, promising to carry a piece of the experience home with us. Carlisle Cathedral, with its timeless beauty and thoughtful stewardship, is a gem that left us inspired and grateful—a place to revisit time and again with loved ones.

Magnificent, pocket sized, deep-red sandstone cathedral, with a magical painted ceiling that will give you neckache for the time you will want to keep marvelling at it. It’s a small building with a pretty cloister, not really something you’d spend more than half an hour poking around, but if you’re in Carlisle, it’s definitely worth going out of your way to go and see this. Check opening times though, it isn’t always open. And maybe help support the cathedral by having a bite to eat at the cathedral cafe, as in the UK, this really is one of a kind - painted ceilings like this are what you see occasionally in France, but very rare in the UK. I remember being blown away the first time I saw it, I’d never seen anything of the kind before. Quiet, rarely many people, you’ll generally have the place to yourself.

We loved our night at the observatory. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy night so was a bit hit and miss, catching the stars through the telescopes. Staff were amazingly entertaining and their passion rubbed off on you by the end of the visit. Complimentary hot chocolate was welcomed towards to end, getting a bit of free time to ask questions and revisit sections of the observatory. The building itself was impressive with the manually rotating roof sections where the telescopes live. We went early June and very keen to go back on a clear night in peak winter season. Thanks for an amazing experience

Wonderful experience. We attended the 9m session on a wonderfully clear July night. The initial video presentation was astounding and truly opened our eyes on the sheer scale of the night sky. The subsequent opportunity to view the sky through the Observatory telescopes in the presence of experts was astounding. This was then followed by a great opportunity to chat with the team The sessions cannot fit in many visitors so it is important to book ahead. And do follow the detailed arrival instructions - the site is by its nature remote and off the beaten track

I had a wonderful experience here. It says something that after driving for 2h into dark skies and it ending up being a cloudy night, that I still wasnt disappointed and would absolutely do it again. The talks were so informative and engaging, super interesting. We saw and used the telescopes and were able to observe a star despite the clouds.

Really good, I would say excellent. The team who were at the top to meet us stay with us for the 3 hours of our tour were brilliant. The team were very knowledgeable in there subject, they were very helpful and super friendly. Unfortunately the weather wasn't helpful it was raining for the first two hours. But the last hours the stars appeared which was fantastic. The team explained so much. I would definitely recommend to go and see the stars. Don't forget it is weather permitting.

We had clear skies - result. We have been before although it was cloudy then. However, don't be dismayed as the team put on a brilliant, educational and interesting talk / slideshow to entertain you. Our last visit was clear skies and we had the opportunity to to look through both telescopes as well as sit outside in the moon chairs to gaze at the night sky. Team there were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and able to make the subject approachable. Photos are from my iPhone 17 Pro Max, so no match for the telescopes, but gives you an idea. Being dark sky status the area is superb for star gazing be you just interested or a seasoned professional. The track up to the observatory is about 2 miles long, a little bumpy in places and can take a while at 10mph so bear that in mind with your arrival timing.

I visited the observatory on my birthday in March for one of their aurora watch evening events. I knew there was a *chance* of seeing the aurora borealis here (because of an 11 year peak, spring equinox and dark sky conditions) but I never dared hope I would get to see them on my actual birthday! We all filtered in to the lecture room and then within a couple of minutes of the introduction starting, a fellow staff member came rushing in to say it's happening, and then we all went outside and had at least 15mins of watching it live. Phone cameras pick up more than the naked eye, so it doesn't look as pretty as what my phone says, but that doesn't mean it's still not fascinating or exciting to be able to take slow exposure shots and see the results of what you've just captured! Once the excitement was over, and it had calmed down, back inside we went for some learning and then the big telescopes. Had an absolutely fantastic time. Can't recommend this facility enough. You need to do your research and book in advance, but if you do so you will have a wonderful time.

One of the best events I've ever been to, absolutely outstanding and we will definitely be returning for future events. Can't thank Adam, Dan and Gregoire enough, their enthusiasm was electric. Amazing!!!

Beautiful place is derwent water i came here for a wild camp with my dog and had a great time. I did repair a couple of firepits someone had left. Have some respect for our beautiful outdoor space.

Beautiful place this with lots to do and enjoy clean fresh air. We walked around the Lake and it is a splendid area to stroll around.

We walked around the lake and it took roughly 7 hours. To be able to take your time and really enjoy the scenic points, I'd recommend 9 hours. You could get a boat across if you have people with you who aren't able to do the whole walk. The views around the lake are incredibly beautiful and worth taking some time to explore or relax.

Derwent Water : A Lakeside Escape from Keswick. 📍Lake District 🌊 Just outside the town of Keswick, Derwent water offers a scenic lakeside trail along the waymarked Derwent water Walk, this trail is surrounded by parks, mountains and breathtaking scenery. Families love gathering by the shore to feed the ducks, feed available for just 50p. Book a scenic boat trip (boat hire) at the Keswick Launch ticket office. 🍦 Treat yourself at nearby ice cream parlours and restaurants dotted along the route. Start your walk through Crow Park and Hope Park, then follow the trail to Friars Crag, one of the Lake District’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Don’t miss the bench overlooking the lake, a perfect photo spot with panoramic views. 🚙paid parking available nearby

Would have loved to be in a canoe today, water was so still and peaceful... lots of wildlife to see also .Wow !

Stunning!! Absolutely stunning! Visited late November. The leaves were off the trees so the views were spectacular! It's an easy 9.5 mile walk round. Clear paths. Very little climb and no styles. Short walks on roads. We went on a Wednesday, the weather was bright but cold. Lovely and quiet although I can imagine it gets very busy on weekends and holidays . Kettle well car park is National Trust so it is free to park for members. Lovely coffee van about a mile from St Mary's hotel.

Went a walk around derwentwater at the weekend.. It says 10 miles ,but my watch said nearer 14 miles .. Great views of the water and mountains.. It's all on the flat, so an easy walk ,.. There are plenty of places to grab a cuppa and cake on route ..

Huge lake and you'd love the cruise here as there are very differing sights to see and click. The commentary on the cruise boat is also very informative. We took a sunset cruise and it was just gorgeous! Also, being summer time the weather was very pleasant.

Stunning lake area, first time ive been for 30 years. Very commercial these days, so expect it to be busy and of course pricey. Ariel views from my drone.

Don't miss this place, if you visit or live in the UK! An amazing spot in the North of England! Acceible with train and bus, and appropriate for family and kids.

Amazing views, defo recommend for sightseeing and you can book (both online and in-person) boat trips for you and your family which was so fun and cheap as well!

Had a great day at windermere. If you are ever in the area nearby definitely make the drive to windermere its so beautiful and there is so many shops

Beautiful view. Definitely try boat ride for seenic pics. Great nature feeling. Few different Boat ride depend on distance, we opted for longest one , so it took almost 90 min to complete. Few was amazing but felt little bit bored due to duration. Boat ride was amazing. Literally felt like lost in green nature. Parking options were many.

A must-see area of the Lake District. (The ferry crossing is convenient and would save drivers nearly 45 minutes of traversing to get across the lake.)

Ancient and well used site of Roman settlement and fortification. Nine different forts were built on this site over time. Ruins of village are also seen just outside the fort. A fine museum, gift shop and small cafe are also on site.

One of the most interesting historic sites. Very cool Roman artifacts well preserved by the conditions including various textiles in the museum. The cafe food was delicious and reasonable so it’s a great spot for lunch

Visited when I was a kid- but so much improved 30-odd years on. Loved it then; adore it now! A huge highlight was Annette, our volunteer tour guide, so enthusiastic and informative with various humorous anecdotes that even my teenagers gave her 5 stars. The museum is tremendous, so much better than before, with amazing exhibitions that really make life on the frontier near-2000 years ago very real. As for the cafe: 3 of us had baked potatoes and one soup. They were all delicious and welcome on a cold windy day. And the cakes: I had an excellent cheesecake; and the rocky road went down well with the 14-year-old. A very enjoyable experience!

A fantastic place to get a feel for life in Roman Britain near Hadrian's Wall. Something for all ages and abilities great café too. So glad we visited and took time to walk the site and explore. Amazing finds in the museum. Friendly and helpful staff

Vindolanda is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Roman Britain. The museum is outstanding, with incredible artifacts—including the famous Vindolanda tablets—that bring daily life on the frontier vividly to light. Be sure to take the guided tour of the site itself; it adds so much context and helps you really understand the history and significance of what you’re seeing. A truly fascinating and unforgettable experience

Incredible place to visit. The site is huge and they are still excavating it. There is lovely museum full of artefacts that were found on site - shoes, coins, horse wear, pots and bones etc.. There are guided tours available. We visited with children so we didn't join one, but we overheard a little and the guides seemed very knowledgeable and were happy to answer questions. We will definitely be coming back without the children to take advantage of the guided tours! There is a cafe on site and toilets with baby changing facilities and accessible too. Site is kept lovely and the staff were very polite and professional. There is a gorgeous little river with seating - perfect area to have a picnic.

Great example of Roman remains and we had the guided tour which was excellent. We combined it with a walk to sycamore gap and called at The Sill for coffee on way back

Such a beautifully curated attraction. We all loved it (adults) so beautifully done. It must have been such a joy to put to together, the modelling and art work was so clever. I loved going into the garden it looked just like the real garden at Hill Top (though smaller). The little boxes with Beatrix Potter figures in a mini tableau were exquisite. A must for all ages.

I first visited this place three years ago, and I found that this place was quite small. I cannot believe how much bigger it has become this year. They have not only added more visual aids of scenes in mainly Peter Rabbit’s stories, but also added a brand new gallery showing the background of Beatrix Potter, involved with the Lake District history. It’s quite fun to take photos here and observe cute little animal figures in the barrows closely. The gift shop has not changed much, and the products there remain the same. Overall, it is an interesting place to visit, especially when you come with families and friends.

I’m in love! Totally worth a visit if you are a fan or in town with the kids. Lovely exhibition and enough activities to keep the kids entertained. Even if you’re not a fan it is worth a visit for their display! From an artistic perspective they did a marvelous job. Unfortunately for we visited quite late in the day so we only got to spend so much time inside. Would recommended the latest admission at 15:00 if you truly want to enjoy the full experience and get lost in the world of Beatrix Potter!

Such a nostalgic place to visit as an adult (with no kids) who thoroughly enjoyed reading the books as a child. The exhibition is in great condition and it was lovely to have all the memories brought back. We thoroughly enjoyed stopping at the Peter Rabbit Café afterwards too!

This was one if the loveliest, cutest museums we have been too. The animations and displays were beautifully done, and took straight back to your childhood days. It was so informative and interactive for kids. Highly recommend a visit

Superb!! The highlight of our holiday. We started at the cafe across the road (well worth a visit) and then came here. It starts with a short film which my 2 year old enjoyed, and then the free-pace walk around was outstanding. Low stimulation great for toddlers, beautiful displays and garden really brings the books to life. We’ve told everyone about it as we enjoyed it so much. I hope this stays with my daughter as a childhood memory and hope we can come again in the future

This was so much more than we ever expected! We thought it would just be a quick one-hour visit since it’s quite a small area. But guess what — my girl spent almost three fun hours inside! There was so much to learn and explore, and she was determined to answer every question and not miss a single hidden gem. What a world of imagination and creativity!

Really great place to stay for anyone, fun for all the family. Plenty of activities, the pool is excellent and the on site shop has pretty much anything you need, albeit rather expensive. Only thing to be mindful of is where your lodge is as we ended up being right at the bottom of a huge hill and it was a bit of a trek every time we went anywhere.

I must admit, I had no idea what to expect. We arrived in the dark, and had no idea of the layout, not much helped by being partially sighted, and the lighting of the roads and paths being somewhat dark. Luckily, we were rescued by friends who were more familiar with the place. We had a lakeside studio apartment, actually pretty comfortable for the two of us, with a bathroom, kitchen, king sized bed, and a sheltered outside area. Our friends had a cottage, with sauna, en suites, a decent kitchen, and sitting area. Spotlessly clean, and well maintained. Our group were 50s-70s, and found the activities that we tried very enjoyable. We booked ahead for bowling, spa, Bollywood dancing, and the catamaran. The pool area, with the various rides was excellent. Staff were universally friendly and helpful, and any repairs needed (tv stick in the bigger house) carried out within hours. We were here in early November, weektime, so lots of families had younger children/babies. The weather was mild. Some rain at times, but I reckon it would be possible to enjoy even in bad weather. All in all, a great experience, and our group is likely to book again at a similar time.

It was good but you have to like one way systems and walking because everything is far away from the lodges. A lot of it is uphill so even if you hire a bike, which costs a lot, you will still struggle to get around. The lodge we had was like a house in size and had a pool table.

We absolutely loved our holiday at Center Parcs, almost everything was perfect. Firstly, as you would expect the location is amazing. The kids loved the wildlife which was everywhere you looked. There are so many activities and things to do that you are never bored, however some of the activities are over priced. Every single member of staff we interacted with was so friendly, they were great with the kids and made you feel welcome. The swimming pool area is brilliant, so much to do and you can spend hours there. Check in and check out is easy too! The only very minor issue we had was in relation to the lodge upon arrival. The beds were not made…. Clean bedding was left but not put on so we had to make our own beds. For what is the equivalent of £350 a night I expect the beds to be made (they would in any hotel for that price). The bedding isnt particularly comfortable or ‘homely’ but we could get over that. Also, the bins weren’t emptied upon arrival which I firmly believe they should be. All in all, a really good holiday and we will almost certainly go again!

Fantastic holiday here again with my sister and our kids. Great pool facilities. Just wish we'd booked the acrobranch activity earlier as we missed out. Bike hire could be cheaper...

Loved the site, 4th CP I've been too, took dogs and villa was roomy and well set out, could of done with some screening out the back as dogs kept getting alerted as could see people moving passed, but can see they are upgrading at moment. Loved the segways, great way to get a review of the site, was well placed for both village centre and sports plaza, easy to walk between, found loads to do, will definitely go back to this one again

The whole place is amazing. We have stayed about 6 times now in a variety of lodges and have enjoyed them all. The vibe is lovely, nice and peaceful and scenic, close to nature, car free site so safe for the kids, just so much to like. But the pricing for the activities is extortionate. Also the food pricing is silly. You need to take as much of your own food as possible to negate this. A meal in the nice restaurant, you are looking at £17 for an OK pie and mash (the kids meals are reasonable in here though). You have to pay for everything apart from the swimming (which is great). £35 for high wire activity (regardless of age), there was something else we looked at that was £85 per person too. Just really expensive if you want anything at all.

Never heard of this place before so we thought we'd give it a go. Being in early October and a Monday it was quiet when we arrived, plenty of parking. Not the best of days weatherwise but that didn't put us off. It's definitely a trail that needs moderate fitness as it's fairly up and down with many steps, plus good boots are needed (especially in the wet as the rocks are slippery). But if you take time there shouldn't be any issues. Some amazing waterfalls with good viewing points. There are cafes at the start and half way round but the one by the carpark was closed. (Monday). There was an ice-cream van further up the trail. Overall a pleasant hike with great views. Is it worth £11 per adult? I'd say yes as someone has to maintain it.

This walk is amazing. We went as a family group with 4 adults and 2 children aged 3 and 6 yrs. We thought the prices were a bit steep at first but the car park is very good and the toilets are clean and modern. The walk is exciting and awesome. There are waterfalls all the way up and on the way back down too. The path is stoney and slippy at times with lots of steps so adequate footwear and clothing is necessary. Absolutely brilliant.

Was a bit skeptical when i had to pay 11 each to walk around the trial. It was worth it. Many beautiful waterfalls and takes about 2 hours at least to complete. It took us 5. We like to stroll and really admire what were looking at. We even got to walk behind one of the falls which was breathtaking.

Way better than I imagined..walk took 3 hours to complete,and we saw many small to medium waterfalls. Entrance at £11 IS good value,don't let it put you off. Parking is plentiful,with excellent toilets just before yo pay to enter.

This walk is beautiful and follows a river full of waterfalls around a circular route stating in Ingleton. It is ideal for families with children who can walk 4 miles. The walk has been on private land for many years and costs adults £11 (in 2025) including parking. The walk has a nice cafe stop halfway round. I took a detour up Ingleborough adding another 6 miles, but it was worth the views. Ingleton is a lovely village with decent pubs, cafes and outdoor sports store. A great day out.

Been wanting to visit here for a while. It didn't disappoint. Yes there is a charge, but it is also kept very well. Paths are good and there are a few fun scramble parts( I visited in the dry, might be different in the wet) Waterfalls galore and plenty of swimming spots. Great area at Thornton force for a picnic. All in all a full fun day out.

Beautiful views lovely and peaceful. I enjoyed the Waterfalls. But I won't lie, this trail is not easy in the slightest. I found it extremely difficult at times despite taking regular rest breaks. A lot of people turned back halfway through and we wondered why. The last half of the trail is mainly a hike through scenery and nothing to do with the waterfalls at all. The map does not match the trail which I found very unhelpful, there are numbers at certain points of the trail as you go along. I would suggest finishing at 8 or if you want to see the last waterfall 10. There is an ice cream van but it's another 10/15 mins after the last waterfall and is over a bridge with a steep decline and incline. Overall I'm chuffed we managed to do it in just over 3hrs but I wouldn't do it again. There is a toilet block and plenty of parking but the price seems a bit steep at £22 for 2 adults.

Loved the Cheese Experience which was fun and informative. The shop and cheese room is full of delights to buy. However the restaurant really let it down. Overpriced for the quality received, tables available but told full initially and there seemed to be chaos amongst younger staff working out table spaces at front of restaurant yet ignoring those waiting to be seated or to find out if there is space. Restaurant was really completely disappointing.

I just love cheese of any description, and with my own history of working in the dairy industry a visit here was a bit of a no brainer really. The cheese making demonstration followed by tasting was an absolute highlight. Nice to see they had put out some Wensleydale and fruit cake samples to try. The two together just work so well. Regrettably there was no actual cheese production to watch from the viewing gallery during my visit, but I can hardly fault them on account of their production schedule. The cheese shop is also a must visit, more so than the equally well stocked gift shop in my opinion. Well laid out and with samples of each flavour available to try before you buy. I did a lot of trying, and then of course a little buying. Be prepared for the cold in here though, presumably to help keep the cheese fresh.

Wensleydale creamery visitors centre and Calverts Restaurant is in Hawes, in literally the heart/ middle of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The staff had spot on customer service/ hospitality. In shop, cheese shop and the restaurant. They have a small visiter car park,but the is a large car park 150 yds down the road, which is a pay car park. The Wensleydale creamery experience you need to buy tickets for online. In Calverts restaurant, we were lucky to get a table, many people turned away and had to book. For 2 meal,a side & 2 drinks cost £36. The meal was delicious 😋. I will post pictures. The cheese shop was very busyand wasnice to taste other cheeses. 🧀 😋 Will show also in pictures as well as the gift shop. The gift shop was like going in a candy shop as there was loads of items to buy and gifts. Some items was expensive but others not so bad. Ice-cream cost £3.50 each. I totally recommend. Wheelchair friendly and has blue badge parking.

It certainly looked like fun when reading about it online. But when we visited on Sept 27, the place was absolutely packed. There was no parking in the visitor lot, so we needed to use the Pay & Display lot located down the street. I had hoped for a lovely cheese type tea in the restaurant, but had not realized that booking was necessary. I would have had to wait an hour, and I wasn't willing to do that with so many people crowding around. We opted to go to the "fast food" counter and order cheese scones, each of which came with a walloping amount of butter. I ordered the cappuccino to go with it. I felt a bit like splurging. The scones were OK. I wouldn't say they were outstanding. So, overall, I'd say my experience was disappointing, and I'm one who usually gets excited by simple things!

Took the tour last year, was amazing. This year, was back for more cheese (after free samples in the tasting room!) Both times had a lovely meal in their Calvert's resturant. Totally recommend.

What a great place. Much bigger than I was expecting, they've certainly made the most out of their association with Wallis and Gromit. There's a large gift shop selling a wide range of goods including; Pottery, gin, beer, biscuits, smelly stuff as well as cheese, of course. We paid to watch a demonstration on how they make cheese, around £5.50 for adults. They run demonstrations at certain times throughout the day. We enjoyed it as well as looking at all the old equipment and hearing about how it all started.

Came a bit late in the day, so didn’t have lots of time to visit the different areas. We sampled some cheeses and ended up buying some to take home. Then we stopped at the cafe for a cuppa, and cheese scone! We had a decaf tea and would have liked a Yorkshire decaf! The cheese scone came with a slice of Wensleydale, butter and chutney, which was delicious . There’s plenty of seats outside which was fab, with the afternoon sun on my back!!

An excellent experience (and took my memories back to visiting my grandparents when I was young). Although I’d recommend booking tickets to beat the queues, we hadn’t and even in half term week there wasn’t too long a wait. The whole museum spreads out over a considerable area. Lots of walking therefore. The exhibits take the form of original buildings, all furnished and presented in period - and well-explained by costumed guides. ♿️The main site is very accessible and well equipped. Lots of accessible toilets and restaurants. However, like any house or town, the exhibits are varying in levels of ease of access. In my view many of the exhibits had been spoiled by the addition of a hallowe’en theme. For example Victorian rooms festooned with fake spiders’ webs and pumpkins. These were all over. They are fine in their place, but today detracted from the authenticity of the museum which we had paid to see. There would have been no fake spiders webs and pumpkins in a real Victorian school room. On the whole, though, the museum was excellent and worth revisiting

What a lovely day out. Even though we were there all day, didn't quite manage to get round it all. Favourite but was the co op. Trams and busses quite frequent. Went to the bank and the manager showed me all the old money with explanation, interesting. An old cinema, showing old films, great. A few refreshments stops, including the old fish and chips shop in the 1950s, obviously tried that, very nice. Would recommend this place

Absolutely fantastic!! The people who work here are absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable. My children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learning about the past. Living history is so much more interesting and relatable. Sharing this with them was heartwarming. I from a generation where our parents are old enough to have experienced the end of war and grandparents who were considered working class Victorians.

So much to see and do..definitely arrive at opening time and give yourself till closing if you are only doing it in one day. Love that the ticket means you can return for free anytime within the year. Will definitely be going back. Best fish and chips are definitely the ones cooked in beef dripping on a coal range! Fantastic place for adults and children alike. Worth every penny spent 👌

I've just made my first visit in over 30 years and I had an amazing day the staff were wonderful and so knowledgeable, The Fish & Chips from Davy's were out of this world and easily the best I've had. The baked goods from Joseph Herron's were simply delicious as was the pint in the Sun Inn. I had a ride on the Carousel, even winning a prize on the table tennis balls into the small goldfish bowls in the Edwardian fairground. Beamish Museum thoroughly deserves all the accolades it receives

Loved it was absolutely amazing. We had a good few people recommend it and everyone said you would have to take a few trips to take it all in. So we plane to visit a few times because we only had a look at a few bits but not all of it. We had arrived about 10 minutes before they actully opened so only a bit of a wait witch I didnt really mined at all. £58 pounds to get in just the 2 of us. But the next time we plan to visit the min town on the bus or tram. We spent a few hours walking around and I think we had betten the rain actully today. Hopefully the next time it will be better weather all around.

I've never heard anything but glowing reviews of Beamish and it absolutely deserves all the praise! I've visited a few times over the years and took my Gran recently as she was keen to see the relatively new 1950s area for her birthday. We arrived for doors opening and were glad we did as there's so much to see. The buses and trams are a lot of fun and make the site more accessible - it's a big site to explore on foot. It was a fairly quiet (rainy) day so we had the chance to speak to lots of volunteers, they all had so much time for us and lots of knowledge to share. Really felt like everyone wanted us to get the most possible out of our visit. The 1950s area brought back lots of memories for my Gran, especially the electronics store - I love the 1910s shops. We chose to add on the Edwardian photo studio which was brilliant, loads of attention to detail and a really special experience. We got two copies of the photo so it cost £26.50. We got the bus and the driver kindly advised us to show our bus tickets when buying our museum tickets as they reward using public transport/being sustainable with a discount 😊 If we were a wee bit closer I could see us becoming members and regulars!

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.

This' a UNESCO world heritage site and it's a must visit. The experience was beyond words. I would recommend to walk from the Durham Market Place square, Sadler St & Owengate to experience the buildings of the old town. The Durham Castle is also accessible from the same route.

As someone deeply interested in Christian churches and cathedrals, I can confidently say this is one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever visited. The design is breathtaking, and its location adds to its grandeur it's truly one of the largest in the UK. The historic architecture evokes a sense of awe and reverence, almost melting you into the past. This cathedral has witnessed many wars and even houses a copy of the Magna Carta, which adds to its historical significance. Entry is free, although some areas require a ticket to access. The staff are numerous and always present, maintaining cleanliness and offering assistance when needed. You can pray inside, and the inscriptions on the walls are genuinely enchanting. Just beside the cathedral stands Durham Castle, making the visit even more worthwhile. This place absolutely deserves a visit you won’t regret it. A heartfelt thank you to the staff for their dedication and care.

Visited in the day and in the evening of the Lumiere. Such an impressive building..awesome. Helpful guides. Lots of points of interest. Good signage and info. Large shop and cafe for welcome cuppa and browse. Lumiere lights were atmospheric although I missed a central installation insude the cathedral. Cloister lanterns were wonderful especially when swaying with the wind. Huge flowers outside face a terrific welcome.

Absolutely beautiful. I loved the stain glass window. The history. The chapels. The size. Really everything about it was magnificent. Magnifying God and revealing how much faith was important

Absolutely amazing spot for anyone interested in history, so much history inside it aswell as in the castle adjacent. Definitely worth making a donation too! I also would say this is a great spot for photographers because there so many beautiful things inside and out to photograph (provided the weather is nice of course)

WOW…. just wow…! Durham Cathedral is a “UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE”, and deservedly so.. Outstanding.. my only problem was that i did not spend enough time there… You need at least a few days in my opinion to take it all in.! The resting place of St Cuthbert and St Bede..! Cathedral cafeteria “ The Cloisters” was outstanding, very high quality food, fantastic surroundings and excellent staff. I had one of the best Scones in my life there.. what a taste..❤️ The Cathedral shop is also of a high quality and top end products.. Durham Cathedral leaves you with a feeling of “I will be back” Thank you for making this day so special Durham..

Would definitely recommend booking characterful city walk with Tom. The best storyteller, great with getting group participation, lots of information and details of by gone times about Durham. The walk was approximately 90 mins and at a meandering pace, all over little pockets of the city.

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.

Loved the history behind the castle was bigger than initially thought. You get a map to follow when walking around gives you more information on history of the rooms. Beautiful preserved castle and grounds. Dogs are welcome in castle just not in shop and tea room but there is plenty of seating around. Kids under 5 go free takes about an hour or 2 to walk round castle slowly not include grounds.

Really enjoyable look around this brilliant piece of history, you are left to walk around at your leisure which is good lots of signs explaining everything. Dog friendly which is great. It has a good car park which is a bit of a walk from the entrance but not a problem and it's something like £4.50 for the day so ideal for looking around Skipton town centre after the castle. The castle is literally 1 minute walk away.

Visiting Skipton Castle today felt like stepping gracefully into a living chapter of England’s storied past. Rising proudly above its surroundings, the castle possesses a quiet, enduring grandeur that immediately captures the heart. Its weathered stone walls, ancient archways, and immaculately kept grounds create an atmosphere where history does not merely linger — it breathes. Wandering through its corridors, one cannot help but admire the exquisite preservation of this medieval fortress. Every room, every vault, and every spiral stair whispers tales of resilience and nobility. Sunlight filtering through narrow windows casts soft patterns across the stone floors, lending a poetic stillness to the place. The courtyard, with its venerable yew tree standing sentinel for centuries, feels nothing short of enchanting. The staff deserve the highest praise. Their warmth, courtesy, and genuine passion for the castle enriched the experience immeasurably. They carried a quiet pride in sharing their knowledge, answering questions with patience and charm. Their presence added a welcoming human touch to the grandeur of the site. Access to the castle was wonderfully straightforward, with clear signage and well-kept paths that made the visit smooth and stress-free. Whether travelling alone, with family, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat into history, one can reach and explore the castle with absolute ease. Skipton Castle is not merely a tourist attraction — it is a beautiful encounter with heritage, artistry, and the enduring strength of time. I left with a sense of awe and gratitude, carrying with me the gentle magic of a place that truly honours its past. A must-visit, and a memory I shall hold dear.

I love castles and Skipton castle is well preserved. Half of the castle is a private home ...the rest of the castle is open to the paying public and is small. The rooms are disappointingly empty...I think they could get furniture, weapons, suits of armour, period dress etc to make them look period and a bit more interesting...visitors can move around at their leisure. There is a gift shop toilets and tea room. There is also a car park close by which is part of the castle grounds.

Absolutely loved it. Love castles and this is a good one. Not very big and apart from the few places you weren't allowed, then it's got a lot of history.

Amazing castle so much is original and in good condition. No fancy Disney stuff all original history . Some great views too. Highly recommended

Friendly staff at the gate immediately made me feel welcome here. It is amazing how a first impression like that can carry through a visit, but after I just felt like it was okay to be there. The castle itself is a substantially intact stone keep etc with roofs still in place to keep the weather out. In fact I would absolutely recommend this as a good wet weather option. I should know as it was raining throughout my visit. There was a strange kind of duality to the place which is difficult to describe. Fully intact structure yet completely bare within, it seemed caught between living structure and standing ruin. Never quite knowing what it wants to be and landing awkwardly somewhere in between.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

A good day out for all the family, make sure you check out both ends of the site. Lots of history and exhibitions which are all interesting. The staff are really friendly and helpful, always willing to tell you stories of pit life and work. However......few things that let it down: 1. Car park not the biggest when events are on. 2. Many of the hands on exhibits were either broken or not working... Disappointing for the kids. 3. Outdoor play area showing signs of age and worn or broken parts. But the worst......was the café....very slow service, menu limited(if you find one) and very expensive and poorly presented. No price list in wall. Coffee was cold and took an age to make. Shame about the above points, as I think we would go more....but until it improves probably not.

Completely free unless you wish to donate. Helpful staff. Was there on a quite day so we got to experience the exhibits. The later half after the nature walk is definitely the best bit. Quite a few of the attractions were not open and some of the electronics were not working. We went on a Sunday. Big plot, lovely walk and lots of nature around. Some of the machines looked great, but had definitely seen better days. All in all a decent and interesting day out

Great museum. Spent a good few hours there. Unfortunately no underground tours at the moment due to strikes but still had a really good day. The tour of the bath house and time tunnel were both fantastic. Walked through the nature trail to see the pit pony centre.

Power house and cafe was closed today. Would be good to have a couple of motorbike parking spaces out of the way. Rest of the museum was great. Staff very friendly and helpful. Tour guide Jack 😉 to take us down the mine was very informative and knowledgeable.

Fantastic place to visit book and go down 140 meters to the coal face Joe took us down very knowledgeable and a laugh to boot couldn't ask for more thank you childrens play area and picnic tables. Cafe closed when we went so unable to comment on it but overall highly recommend going

Absolutely brilliant. This is a great family attraction. My second visit after a good few years. We did the underground tour, with Gaz our guide. I have to give this man a massive shout out. On our tour we had two nervous little boys. Gaz was brilliant with them both and really brought them into the tour. A great sense of humour and a marvellous singing voice. On our way back to the surface he sang a very haunting song. His voice carried so well as we ascended. It gave me goosebumps and I admit, I filled up. While you are getting kitted up, have your photo done. We spent five hours here and I know we didn't cover everything. The train ride was great and the two guys on duty were lovely. Chatty and cheerful, with a great sense of humour. Visit the cafe for a beverage and a bite to eat, you won't be disappointed. The gift shop is well stocked and here you can collect your photos. Toilet facilities and parking onsite. We paid £7.50 parking and £7.50 each for the underground tour. They also give you a souvenir tally. Lots to see and learn about. The mining history can be quite sad. A fantastic day, well done to all the staff at Caphouse, we will be back 😀

A lovely place with friendly staff. You can spend about 1.5 hours visiting the museum and there is a large playground for your kid.

Had the best day with our 8 year old. Booked for the Hawk walk and time handling the owls. Wow! What an experience. Billy was out falconer for the Hawk walk and owls. We couldn't of asked for a nicer person . Very knowledgeable , Interesting and passionate about the birds. The 3 of us and Billy took Maverick the Harris Hawk for a walk around grounds holding and flying him ourselves. Amazing. Then we took part in the flying show for everyone , you get to be very close to lots of the birds. Then we had a behind the scenes with the owls , so interesting. Can't praise the staff here enough. Great people , clearly very passionate and doing great things. Small cafe and toilets on site.

Honestly one of the best experience days out i have had in memory. The birds were very well cared from, free flown as much as needed, each enclosure was clean and well kept. Each member of staff was amazing, our favorite for George, you could see the love he and each bird that he handled, the bonds were very obvious. The talks were very interesting, not just your normal long winded talk. It was entertaining along with any member of the visiting customers that wanted to handle the birds out on display they could. The owner, you could feel his passion and it was infectious. My only piece of advice that I wish we knew before coming...... neither of us drive and Google maps was not helpful, as it dropped us off on the bus in the middle of nowhere with a 45 min walk along main roads with not a single foot path, we mentioned this when we arrived and was given a motherly telling off for not calling them and would have been picked up from the bus stop. So if you dont drive, please call ahead. They are however moving soon and there are easier public access links.

Truly the most phenomenal experience! My fiancé and I have visited on two occasions now and absolutely cant wait to return. It’s my favorite part about visiting York. The level of care, attention, and love all the staff provide for each and every bird is tangible. The hawk walk experience is an absolute must! Elisha was the most attentive, knowledgeable, and kind falconer. We can’t wait to come back the next time I visit from the states. I tell everyone back home about it - its truly awe inspiring & leaves a lasting impact, long after you leave.

Lovely people, extremely knowledgeable. Very educational and great fun flying the birds. A privilege to handle a Golden Eagle. Will definitely be back.

My partner and I had a great day out at the Bird of Prey Centre, we would love to come back one day soon. Billy was the falconer showing us the birds and letting us handle them, he was super friendly and really made the experience for us. It’s so admirable the amount of knowledge he shared with us and just how passionate he is about them. The family working inside were really lovely and welcoming too. Thank you for a great day!

I had a Photogaphy day at York bird of prey centre bought for me as a birthday present last year and last Friday 27th June i managed to use my ticket. What fantastic day i had over 6 hours in total and also fed and drink included at dinner time. I spent the day with Billy who was very knowledgeable and also keen to share his knowlrdge. I got handle many of the birds watched the displays even went into some of the enclosures during feeding time ect. I took many photo's of the birds flying and portrait's also a great experiance of watching and photography of a lure session with one of the Hawkes. All of the staff were very friendly and i would love to visit again maybe when they move to their new premises.

An incredible place enabling you to see amazing owls, hawks, eagles etc close up and personal. Great to be able to see the birds flying during the displays plus ability to 'hold' them with a gloved hand. Staff (mainly volunteers) are clearly passionate about the subject which comes across during the flying/handling events. The little cafe on site provides nice food/cakes/drinks ar reasonable prices plus there's a little picnic area to eat both the cafe food or if you take your own ... there's also a little play area for the kids! The Centre is moving down the road to bigger premises towards the year end I was told, which will provide a larger area and dedicated flying 'arena' for the birds. A brilliant day out for young and old alike and highly recommended for a visit 🦅🦉🦜