Never heard of this place which is a shame id 1000% of come earlier ! It's dog friendly as long as its on a lead which was perfect for our little Pomeranian who loved looking into the enclosure's. It took awhile to get around to see everything as two adults and a dog if you had a child could easily whittle away half a day with all there is to see, there's a lovely cafe that serves refreshments and a gift shop with lots of lovely items to keep as a memento.

Beautiful place with lots of different species of birds; loved penguin and flamingos. Well maintained environment. Enjoyed one hour sessions with tortoises,ducks and chickens. We had a walk around ,the sound of the brook and the wind on the trees gave an effect of walking in the woods. Just loved the place and will definitely visit again.

Well worth the money. Really nice place to walk around especially with the kids. The birds are all really well looked after and have spacious enclosures. This place is truly dog friendly. Also enjoyed that the penguin feed and talk was also given in sign. The Jurassic walk down is also good. Our toddler loved the dinosaurs hidden within the nature trail.

Really enjoyed our visit to Birdland! The penguins were so much fun to watch and the flamingoes were gorgeous. There’s such a wide variety of birds to see, with something interesting around every corner. A lovely place to spend a few hours. Highly recommend!

We were looking for things to do in the Cotswolds and stumbled across Birdland! What a fabulous place, if you had kids this would be brilliant to take a picnic as there are so many picnic benches dotted around. There is also an amazing play area and cafe too. It’s so picturesque in parts with the river running through. It needs the support for them to keep doing what they are doing. Please go and support!

My kids loved Birdland Park & Gardens! They enjoyed the penguins, the dinosaur trail, and the gardens. A lovely place for families — It’s better to book tickets online, it’s cheaper and saves time.

3rd Birthday day out for our wee dog. Great day out, so many different species. Loved it! Added bonus that it is dog friendly. The lady who served us on the way in was a little bit grumpy but all the staff going through and when we were leaving, were really nice.

The museum itself is quite small but larger than you'd expect which was nice as you step through the tardis door upon entry. First room was really well done with some absolutely beautiful rare classics from early 1900's to 1950's the rest of the museum after that that was still good filled with lots of trinkets and memorobolia but I found it was a bit thin on offerings after the first initial room. Well worth a visit however. Parking was quite expensive and had to go around the village a few times before I found it but the museum itself was easy to find. Definitely recommended to see but I would say if you're on a mission to view all motor museums it's one to see if you're close or passing through. You'll spend a good hour in the museum and for the £9.50 entrance fee I didn't feel shortchanged. If you're near it definitely visit but I wouldn't drive 4 hours to see it if that makes sense. Luckily I live an hour and 10 minutes and I'd say that was worth it.

Fantastic place to visiting. They have a very nice collection of vehicles to see and some wonderful decor. It’s got a very nice vibe and feel to it for any motor fans. The staff were also very friendly and the rest of the village is great so make for a wonderful experience on the weekend. I would recommend the visit.

Had a wonderful time walking around this museum. The ladies at the entrance made us feel very welcome and ticket price very reasonable. Fantastic exhibits, much more than just cars. We enjoyed seeing all the memorabilia. The exhibits are all so well displayed and lots to see and read about. Fabulous old cars. Highly recommend a visit.

I was really impressed with the charm of this museum. I wasn’t expecting much in such a small town, but it’s packed with a lot of interesting things. Importantly, if you have a mixed group, with a couple of motor heads, and some people that are not, there’s enough old nostalgia, antiques to look at to keep them busy as well. There’s a pretty good size gift shop too

We thoroughly enjoyed this museum, it struck a cord with us to see the original Brum! It was more than what we were expecting brilliant. Also a little outdoor part for the kids where they can drive around a track.

Lovely little visit whilst staying in the Cotwolds this weekend. It's a massive museum, however, somewhere nice to pop in and see if you're travelling through or staying nearby. The museum takes you on a mini journey back in time through many different collections of motoring items. Free parking just down the road, also near cafes and restaurants in a nice area if you choose to stay. I wouldn't really say it was for a young audience, more dependant on personal interests. I did get a bit cold walking around, i understand temperature may be important for the maintenance of items, but i would recommend a jumper or two for those wanting to visit. I also say the iconic Brum from childhood tv shows.

We have been to the area a few times and finally managed to come and visit! Our son is obsessed with Brum and this was amazing to see. There were so many other interesting cars, exhibits and a play area as well. A huge thank you to the kind and caring staff at Cotswold Motoring Museum, this trip was made even more memorable because of them.

Booked a tour online for our wedding anniversary. Turned up to be greeted by very friendly staff who explained where we needed to be and more importantly where the toilets were (needed those after a 2hr drive). The tour starts off with a video which took about 10 minutes. James then took us around the site and explained how everything works and what they do with the byproducts throughout the process, it's a nice feeling knowing that you can drink something which doesn't leave much waste. Once the tour was complete, we were taken to the tasting room. I won't ruin your experience, so I'll leave that for you to find out (very positive I promise). If you are the designated driver, don't panic, there's something for you to take home as well, you won't miss out. We opted to add the pizza and drink option to our tour. It definitely pays to do this. It's cheaper than ordering from the table. There is a choice of pizzas from their menu, which should suit most tastes. Of course you can buy what you sampled, we've walked away with a couple anniversary gifts for each other. A pleasant day out, and we'll be back with friends very soon, that's for sure.

We had a fantastic time at the Cotswolds Distillery! This visit was part of a gift voucher experience we had been meaning to redeem for a while - and we are so glad we finally did. Our guide (Jo, I believe) was excellent - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the distillery’s history and the whisky and gin-making process. It was fascinating to see how everything comes together to create such high-quality spirits. The tasting afterward was great fun - my partner enjoyed sampling the whiskies, and since I was driving, I really appreciated being given a few miniatures to take home and try later. Such a thoughtful touch! The premises are lovely, with a welcoming café/restaurant (the food looked delicious) and a well-stocked shop. We would definitely love to come back - next time, probably by taxi so we can both enjoy the tasting fully. [Date of visit: 08 November 2025]

What an absolutely wonderful time spent here ! Hattie does an amazing job guiding us all thru the tour and provides so much information. From the beginning of the tour to the end of tasting, she was amazing, and her personality is like we've never experienced! Absolutely love her ! I was super impressed that we were allowed to view so much of the making process up front instead of behind a glass wall. I am a huge, huge fan of all Costwolds Gin they produce. In fact, I've been able to try each and every one. Too difficult to say, which is a favorite as they all are incredible. So when I visit the UK, I bring home a mix of the smaller bottles that can be purchased at the end of the tasting. Also, I must comment how impressed I was that they provide a care package of samples to your designated driver. Who does this? Most tasting couldn't care less if one walks out and gets behind the wheel under the influence! Great job, Cotswolds! Much RESPECT!! Thank you, Hattie & Cotswolds for such an enjoyable day ! Definitely will be back during my next visit!!

Absolutely fantastic experience. Probably one of the best distillery/brewery tours I've ever done. Our guide, James, was fabulous; fun but knowledgeable, keeping us engaged while helping us to understand the process of creating whiskey and gin as well as the history of the distillery. He really made the experience for us. The tasting was fantastic! The group size was small (around 15 people) and we had a private room where we got to sample around 6 different options each. I am not a huge whisky fan, but thats ok, as you can just sample the gin (and vice versa). The cafe was lovely, though did get busy. Food was exquisite and not overly priced all things considered. The shop is small but has a wonderful family feel to it. The staff greeted us as if we were old friends bot when we first entered and when we went back at the end of the tour to buy some bits. This was just a great day out. A beautiful location, fabulous staff and some very tasty gin 😋 Oh, and, if you are a diver, don't worry, they cater for you too! We got a goodie bag to take home with 6 tasters (4 of which you can choose yourself). Its like they've thought of everything!

My husband and I went for a tour and tasting and had such a great time, we returned a couple weeks later to bring friends! The tour starts with a video to detail the history, vision and commitment to quality, then a tour of the production facility and ends with a tasting in a beautiful and comfortable private room. We've been drinking Founders Choice since visiting their tasting room in 2019 and enjoyed getting a chance to try all their other whiskey's and gins, plus a couple additional unique offerings (amaro + cream whiskey) I really want to highlight our tour guide/host, Charlotte. She was spectacular and made the tour so much fun!!! She was super knowledgeable about the production and products and was very easy to talk to. We had a million questions and she answered every one. Also - super important to know, she told us about an upgraded tasting which allowed us to try their higher end whiskeys! We didn't know about that in previous tours so she made this tour extra special - and the upgraded cost was minimal - definitely worth the £12. Thumbs up to Charlotte and the tour and I'm sure we'll be back.

I was gifted a visit to the distillery for the whisky masterclass from my wife and daughter and was lucky enough that my daughter very kindly offered to drive. (More of this later). I had been to a Scottish distillery a long time ago so was not expecting to be so enthralled this time. We started off with some history of whisky distilling, which was very interesting and then moved on to the process and storage. The staff were really knowledgeable and answered any questions easily and made the whole thing so much better than I could have imagined. The highlight for me was learning about the blending and then making our own whiskey using the knowledge that we had learnt. It has to be said that you do not want to drive after you have sampled all that is provided! It was a fantastic afternoon out with lovey staff and I can't recommend it strongly enough. Thanks very much.

Great spot. They were full for the tours but the Shop had samples for tasting. Nice brunch menu and all the staff were very helpful and friendly.

Beautiful riverside in the sunshine. Brunvh menu , no greenn red or fungi to bother with. Beautifully cooked poached eggs wgich could have done with being reheated. Excellent hash brown. Gluten free a difficulty as limited meny and staff didnt know and the one we had resented having to find out. Cumberland sausage was advised as gf and tasred good. Fingers crossed it was. This is a beautiful setting but nowhere as good as the restaurant on the 3rd floir. Lets the brand down. The manager said she would adress issues, i hope she does.

We went on my birthday for a pre-theatre meal. The service was exceptional. I was made to feel very special. There was a full vegetarian menu. The food was delicious. After the meal I was given a special birthday cake plate. Thank you.

We had a lovely pre-theatre dinner at The Rooftop Restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and it was the perfect start to our evening before Cyrano de Bergerac! 🎭 The food was beautifully presented and full of flavour — from the delicious tomato soup and smoked salmon starter to the perfectly cooked main and heavenly desserts 🍰✨ Everything felt fresh and well-balanced. The service was attentive and friendly, and the view over Stratford-upon-Avon made the experience even more special 🌆💫 Even though I was fighting off the flu and stuck with tea instead of wine 🍵😅, it was still a wonderful birthday evening. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the theatre or looking for a relaxing, elegant meal in a great atmosphere! 💖

Came here for pre-theatre dinner on a Friday evening. At £35 for a three course meal, this was excellent value for money. The menu had lots of options and the we both agreed that the food and service were excellent. The restaurant decor was cleverly done, with great views across the park and river. This place most definitely exceeded our expectations.

We often eat at the Rooftop restaurant and have enjoyed excellent food and service, everything served in time for us to go downstairs and enjoy the theatre experience. However, on Monday evening, in spite of the restaurant not being very busy, we had to wait quite a while for our drinks and then we were served with such a delay that we had to rush our main course in order to ensure we were not late for the performance. Disappointing.It seems staff are much more efficient when they are busy as they seem to focus better: my g&t was presented with almost completely melted ice cubes , it seemed it had been prepared much earlier and then had sat on the bar counter for some time.

Lovely evening pre theatre with excellent service. Huge wine and drinks list (almost too much!) and nice food options. We had the vegetarian options which were delicious and they catered for GF very well. Overall will return and recommend

Special mention for the lovely Louise who made my mother and I feel so very welcome. She was friendly, knowledgeable and really took the trouble to ensure we had everything we needed. She is a real credit to you. Give her a pay rise! The “small plates” are a great idea. A full meal would have been too much for us so soon after breakfast and before sitting through a show. The interesting and delicious selection of small dishes and sides was ideal.(The little cubes of black pudding hash were especially yummy). It was also a very pleasant surprise to be offered complimentary sparkling water. This trip to the theatre was my gift to my mother for her 95th birthday.I can’t think of anything she would have enjoyed more and it will be a very special memory for us in the years to come. Thank you!

With not a lot of time to spare, we ran through this wonderful landmark and got a wonderful experience. Shakespeare’s birthplace felt like a familiar home even though it was our first visit there. The volunteers were incredibly helpful and friendly, went above and beyond to help and support each visitor. The tickets that we bought only covered Shakespeares birthplace but there was an option to see Anne Hathaways home which due to time constraints, we couldn’t do. I also believe that the tickets also allow you to go back over a 12 month period as many times as you want to. All in all, a wonderful place to see, visit and enjoy.

Drop in short visit to Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare Birthplace. If you start from The Shakespeare Centre then gradually work around from there. Adult price was £30 might be worth seeing if there's discount codes to see if you can pick up cheaper tickets, there are concessions available. I would advise you to pre book online. The price includes Shakespeares, Birthplace, Ann Hathaways cottage and Shakespeares new place. As you walk through Shakespeares Birthplace you come through a large gift shop that's well worth a good look around, my apologies to the ladies in the sop for taking a video, however there's no problem if you care to take a picture. As you walk towards your next stop you'll pass the statue of Shakespeare ideal photo opportunity, to the bottom of the street turn right and just before the Guild Chapel is Shakespeares New Place. Ann Hathaways cottage is further away so maybe hop back into the car and set the GPS to get you there. A very nice walk is to be had along the river and around the park. As we had limited time we will be returning when we have some nice weather and we will make a whole day of it.Theres plenty of gift shops , cafes and bars a a reasonable variety of shops and through the summer there's boat trips to be had. All in all a nice place to visit with plenty to do.

I was very pleased with my visit. I travelled there via the park and ride. I was happy for it to be open on a Monday and as it was not too busy it allowed me to walk around the exhibition in my own time. It was a very informative visit as it included clear and easy to read information as well as volunteers who were well-informed and attentive to visitor questions. I would recommend the visit.

A fascinating place for those who love Shakespeare’s work. If you’re not familiar with his life or literature, it may feel a bit slow or less engaging. Plan anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on how deeply you want to explore the museum and the surrounding exhibits.

I really enjoyed our visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace. We bought the 3 site pass at the door and visited here first. We started by going through and exhibit with some background and information on Shakespeare and then outside and in the queue to enter the house. There was about a 10-15 min wait to get into the house itself as we were following a school group. Inside the house there were staff in multiple rooms who provided background to the spaces and information on Shakespeare life and the home. We found it very informative. Before or after entering the house you can walk through the beautiful garden right outside it. The exit is through the bookshop/giftshop.

Lovely experience. Had a live theatre with famous lines being enacted by wonderful actors. Saw Macbeth / Romeo Juliet. There were guides inside to tell us about Shakespeare’s early life with his family. Lovely garden and a very nice gift shop. Bought some lovely souvenirs from there. Weather was perfect. Good reminiscent of life of Shakespeare.

Very charming street with a lovely park. BUT … VERY touristic. If focused on learning about Shakespeare, then this is the place to be. If focused on the Cotswolds and charming villages, then you may wish to skip Stratford Upon Avon and venture to smaller villages that offer a more peaceful experience.

This was a late in the season visit. Not all the attractions and vendor stands were open. It did not spoil the visit. The best attraction was the falconry quest. The birds were amazing and the handlers ensured that everyone was buzzed by a bird. The barn owls was majestic and graceful. The peregrine falcon was fast and precise. When looking up at the condor as it flew over was awesome. At the end of the show I couldn't tell you what the birds were, but the sky was full. It was amazing, worth the 3 hour drive for this. The horrible histories maze was fun and informative. There are peacocks everywhere. Other wildlife in abundance squirrel's, Robin's and ducks. There are plenty of seating and concession stands. There are plenty of staff who are helpful. Yes there are a lot of areas accessible for wheelchair users but it is hilly in places.

The knights lodge was big enough for 3 of us nicely dressed with a modern bathroom- breakfast was good too - I'd recommend as a short stay. Castle speaks for itself don't miss the dungeon tour - absolutely brilliant my son is 8 and loved it best £6 pp I think iv ever spent

Had a fantastic day with my dad. Birds of prey are fantastic! Really loved seeing them! Lots to see and do. Lot's of choice of food and drink. It's well worth the money. The car park has plenty of space. It's a good day out for the family or just going your own. The castle was really good! Something for everyone. 😁👍. Plenty of toliets. Clean.

Amazing! I enjoyed spending half a day visiting this stunning castle. It’s so big and beautiful, I could stay there the whole day. I love to go again.

Absolutely amazing visit to the castle for Halloween!! The special touches everywhere for Halloween were super fun. It was a great day out with the family with lots of performances, some Karaoke, plenty of food options and lovely views from the top of the towers. Definitely a must visit!!

My friend and I had a wonderful day at Warwick Castle. Such beautiful grounds and such an interesting place to visit. We loved the guides tours, so engaging and informative. The bird of prey show was absolutely outstanding.

A Truly Magical Day at Warwick Castle! From the moment we arrived, Warwick Castle completely exceeded our expectations. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and every corner feels steeped in history. The live shows were absolutely fantastic — the Falconer’s Quest was a standout, and the actors really bring the medieval atmosphere to life. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making the experience memorable. We especially loved how interactive the exhibits were — perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. We left feeling like we’d stepped back in time for the day. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, educational, and truly magical day out. We can’t wait to return!

It was great to see so many vehicles designed and built in Britain, but suddenly, to see the decline, even though it's been that way for a while, was a little depressing. Great experience though. The kids (2-7yo's) loved it too. Particularly the land speed cars at the end. Tickets are valid for a year so can go back again and again.

This experience is truly exceptional and perfect for the entire family. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, a chance to bond over shared activities, or simply some quality time together, this destination has it all. I highly recommend you visit and see for yourself the delightful attractions and engaging experiences it offers. Don’t miss out on creating lasting memories together! Cars are fun for all ages.

There is a lot to take in here. If you have children (currently Children 5-16 £8-£9, Under 4 s free - but cheaper with GO CV 2025) then it is filled with activities for them to do. I think it is always like this - not just during school holidays when I visited. There is a good range of locally built cars, bikes and motor cycles. The Jaguar 'section' brings a modernity to the historical units here, as does the Land Speed Record Thrusts 1 and 2. I was hoping to see a Jaguar C or D type but sadly not here. There are a few tractors, light military vehicles, trucks and buses, but the vast majority of the displays are cars and (motor) bikes and cycles'. The Triumph / 1970's / 80s sections were good - the range is fairly narrow as they are Coventry or locally built models. I couldn't quite get why there were some examples from Birmingham and surrounding areas - there were a lot missing if that's the rationale. Still, better to see them than not. It isn't as big as I thought from the outside. I like to see inside the vehicles but there were a lot where I couldn't do this, partly because of the way they were displayed - maybe not enough room? I think it was the unpainted monocoque shell of a Jaguar XJ220 hanging vertically - but I couldn't see any info on that. Signage was generally OK. The basic floor plan map (attached) could do with a bit more detail I thought, as could some of the displays. The 4D simulator wasn't working on my visit (30th Oct 2025) However, apart from the small bits of nit-picking above, there were so many interesting things to see. There were several unexpected delights too. Cars using fabric instead of metal, cut-aways of cars and car parts, some really unique cars, the 85th anniversary Blitz section, a huge collection of model die-casts (e.g. Matchbox) and much more. Definitely worth the entrance price - which is cheaper if booked online. The ticket is valid for readmission for a year. So, maybe when I come back (and I will) I will get to try the 4D simulator. I had intended to adopt a vehicle(!), but for £100 a year, that didn't seem good value on inspection. I also had a coffee at Baxter Baristas (enclosed in the museum. It was pretty good. The home-made cakes looked tempting too. The toilet facilities only seemed accessible if you used the cafe? I parked very close-by at Bishop Street Car Park CV1 1JN. Cash - i.e. change, or app only. A reasonable price for a heavily pot-holed lot. Not sure if there are any security cameras here - certainly not visible. No directions to the museum from here though and about a 4 minute walk.

Easily a must see if visiting Coventry. I'm personally not a huge car fanatic, but there's no other place where you're gonna get to see the two fastest land vehicles ever made. That alone is worth the visit. Tickets are £15 if booked in advance and a around £16.50 if booked in-person on the day (for adults). However, while the ticket is valid for multiple entries for a span of 1 year either way, I'd recommend booking online in advance simply because it's cheaper.

Brilliant vehicle museum devoted to products made in Coventry or nearby. Huge collection very well presented. Interactive section for smaller children. Cars, bikes, motorbikes, lorries, armoured cars, buses, fire engines and the world's fastest cars.

Great museum, with lots of interesting cars and bikes from all times. Including the record-breaking Thrust 2 and similar vehicles. Takes around 2 hours to finish the whole museum, take that into consideration when parking your car. The one day tickets are only available for Coventry residents.

Unbelievable place. Absolute MUST VISIT for any motoring fan. It's got an unbelievable amount on display, from vintage to absolutely cutting edge motoring technology. Wheelchair accessible throughout, lots to keep kids/families engaged as well as anyone just looking to learn about the history of motoring or Motorsport or car design. Staff were outstanding, particularly Den who was a wealth of knowledge and, more importantly, passion for the museum and local area. This is a place not to be missed. Could send a half day here easily. Extremely highly recommended.

This was my 7 yr old daughters first visit to a proper theme park she absolutely loved it. I am not so keen on rollercoasters as I have gotten a bit older, however the roller coasters here, although fast at twisty, did not feel like they were trying to fling you out of the atmosphere. Very enjoyable rides, and my daughter is already itching to go back, and also eager to try something bigger and faster. The whole family enjoyed the small zoo which is there also. The Red Panda, Gibbons and Meerkats were the favourites.

Our family had the most wonderful stay-and-play experience at Drayton Manor Resort, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! My wife, our 5-year-old son, and I visited recently during their Halloween special, and it was a magical experience from start to finish. Everything — from the themed décor to the warm hospitality — made it one of the best family getaways we’ve ever had. The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the Thomas Land theme park. Our little boy is a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, and seeing his face light up when we entered was priceless. He absolutely loved riding on the Thomas-themed trains, meeting his favourite characters, and exploring all the fun rides designed especially for younger children. The park was beautifully decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, friendly ghosts, and cheerful seasonal music, creating a festive yet family-friendly atmosphere. Every corner had something new to discover, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the experience enjoyable for both kids and parents. We also stayed overnight in one of the Thomas & Friends-themed rooms, and it was simply amazing. The attention to detail was outstanding — from the Thomas bedding and wall art to the little touches that made our son feel like he was sleeping in Sodor itself. He was so thrilled that he didn’t want to go to bed, and the next morning, he didn’t want to leave! In fact, he kept asking if we could stay “just one more night” so he could go back to Thomas Land again. The staff throughout the resort were friendly, helpful, and always smiling, which made the experience even better. The food options were great, and everything was clean, well-organized, and family-oriented. Overall, Drayton Manor Resort is a dream destination for families, especially those with young children. We created some truly special memories and can’t wait to visit again — maybe next time for Christmas or summer!

Wow, what a season, and it’s not over yet! Well done Drayton Manor for the friendliest welcome, be it customer services, ride staff, and catering staff. New entertainment, more atmosphere, and an incredible Halloween theming, and the light and firework show last night 😱. We have had a brilliant year and look forward to Christmas! Keep doing what you do - great value great family entertainment 🙏

We had a wonderful day at Drayton Manor! The rides were fantastic, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many of the thrill rides our children were able to go on. The Halloween entertainment was excellent — our children especially loved the trick-or-treating experience. There was great entertainment and a fun atmosphere all around the park, with lively music adding to the Halloween spirit. The park itself was really quiet, so we were able to walk straight onto most rides, which was a huge bonus. All the staff were super friendly and really embraced the Halloween theme, which made the day even more enjoyable. We had lunch at Safari Pizza, and the family deal was great value for money. Later, we treated ourselves to Halloween milkshakes and a Halloween waffle while watching the water show — both were delicious and again, very reasonably priced. The water show was a lovely extra touch that we all really enjoyed. The zoo was another nice addition to the day, and it was lovely to see how well cared-for the animals looked. A few rides, like the rapids and the pirate ship, were closed, but honestly, we wouldn’t have had time to fit them in anyway — there was so much else to do! It’s a shame we don’t live closer, as we would definitely buy an annual pass. However, we’re already planning to return soon for the Christmas celebrations 😀 thanks !

Loved the Halloween theme. The park was not very busy. We had fast passes but didn’t have to use them. It’s great that they allow you to use the fast passes at a later date.

Drayton Manor is perfect for children up to about 13, or for teens who prefer medium size coasters. My pre teen enjoyed all the rides, it was the perfect fear level for her. There are 5 big rides, plenty of medium size rides and loadsss of little rides for toddlers. The theme was Halloween and the whole place was decorated lovely! We didn't get chance to visit the zoo, but we will definitely be back to do it all over again and make sure we save time for the zoo.

I did the stay and play offer for myself and my son. We had a free room upgrade when we arrived which was lovely. Included in our stay were two days entry to the park, fast track passes for rides, free parking and breakfast. Friendly helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms. The park itself was tidy. Wait times for some rides were long, especially The Wave! Took ages for them to load the trains , giving half the train to fast track and half to regular waiting customers, just felt wrong considering how long we were waiting. Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time.

Great day out for my daughters 10th birthday. Bonus as May was buy one get one free so really good value! As the girls were 10 I didn't have to go in the pool or on the snow play sliding with them (extra bonus 😂) but easy to watch and manage. Snow play staff were lovely. Life guards a bit moody to be honest.

I recently visited Tamworth Snowdome and have mixed feelings based on two very different lesson experiences. If, like me, you’re someone who learns best through clear instruction and explanation (and not just being told to “give it another go”), I really recommend thinking carefully about which lessons you book. My first session was a 9am Saturday Fast Track lesson, and honestly, it wasn’t great. There was very little actual teaching - we were mostly just sent down the slope repeatedly with minimal feedback. We were merged with another group and had to do more standing around and waiting rather than actual skiing. I was the slowest in the group and unfortunately the instructor didn’t handle that very kindly. When I asked genuine questions - like how to walk at the top of the slope without slipping - she (Rhea) just smiled and didn’t give an answer. It felt dismissive and unhelpful. I was also moved into a line with a longer wait time because I was struggling, which made me feel singled out. I do want to highlight Max, who was assisting that day - I learned more from his quick tips than from the main instructor. But overall, I left that lesson frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling like I’d wasted my money. That said, my Level 2 lesson the same afternoon was the complete opposite experience. Adam and Joe were brilliant - patient, clear, happy instead of grumpy, and genuinely helpful. They told me exactly what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. Within three more runs I was skiing with control, and by the end I was confidently linking turns. They turned a discouraging morning into a huge win, where my partner noted I was smiling constantly and more relaxed. I honestly can’t thank them enough. My advice: If you’re someone who needs proper explanation rather than just trial-and-error mixed with standing around, book Level 1, 2, and 3 separately instead of Fast Track. You’ll get more focused teaching and less pressure to keep up with the quickest learners. Also, go with an instructor who actually instructs. I also found (in my personal experience) that the male instructors were warmer and more helpful than the female instructors - as there was a older lady instructing a group we were later merged with, who wasn’t very warm, but that may vary and isn’t meant as a blanket statement. In the end, I’d still recommend Tamworth Snowdome - just be mindful of which lesson format you choose. With the right instructor, it’s absolutely worth it.

What a fantastic day. All 3 of my boys went to Clip and Clmb and had their first lessons snowboarding. Every member of staff were so polite and professional. The food in Aspen was great and pizzas delivered on a mini snowboard was great. A big shout out to Imogen and Ethan the boys instructors who were amazing from start to finish, their smiles and constant tips to push them on had them from wobbly newbies to being independent and in control. Thanks for such a memorable day!

We bought a group of 6 kids to SnowDome for a snowboard lesson! Special thanks to Coach Leo who was absolutely amazing and made the session so much fun for them . We did ski with lift pass the next day and the staffs there were all really lovely and helpful. Great experience all round! We will definitely book again.

I recently completed the beginners’ Ski course and it was absolutely fantastic! I can’t praise my instructor, Ben P, highly enough. He was incredibly attentive and patient with everyone in the group, giving each of us the confidence we needed to get out on the slopes. Ben spent plenty of one-on-one time with those who needed extra help and made everyone feel completely at ease. If all the instructors are anything like Ben, I’m certain anyone who joins this course will have an amazing experience and make great progress. Highly recommended!

I attended a Fast Track 1 lesson, but the group was far too large and the instructor was quite abrupt. Several children became upset during the session. With so many participants, there wasn’t enough time for proper attention to each learner, so class sizes should definitely be smaller. It also didn’t feel like a safe or suitable environment for beginners, as there is no dedicated training area. While waiting on the slope for my turn, I was knocked over by a free-skiing skier, and snowboarders from the top slope were repeatedly coming through the group as well. There is only one entrance and exit, meaning everyone — beginners included — is funnelled into the same crowded space. If I were a more confident skier coming from the top, I’d be concerned about finding a safe gap to get through with such large groups blocking the run. Given the venue’s limited space, they really need better crowd control — smaller groups and/or set training hours would make a huge difference. Clearly this isn’t a priority though, as it seems the focus is on maximising money rather than safety or learning experience. To highlight that point: the pass was £120 per person. So with around 10 in the group, that’s roughly £1,200 for a 3-hour session — yet the experience felt overcrowded and poorly managed. Finally, the instructor we had should reconsider their approach. Shouting at people that they are “not doing it right” only creates a stressful environment and doesn’t help anyone improve.

I recently took my first group ski lessons for beginners at Snowdome Tamworth, where three instructors were looking after our group. During the session, one of the instructors — Adam K. — really stood out. His passion, friendly attitude, and clear guidance helped me take my very first steps on the slope with confidence. I felt truly supported throughout the lesson. Because of this great experience, I decided to book a few private lessons with Adam K. as well. I never thought someone as clumsy as me could actually learn to ski, but thanks to his patience and excellent teaching, I did! I highly recommend Adam K. for ski lessons — he is an outstanding instructor!

Came here to watch Pink Floyd Dark side of the Moon in the planetarium. The show was one of the best I've ever seen. Amazing atmosphere in the planetarium. The visuals and sounds were perfect. We also had a good look around the space centre itself. Properly cool place with absolutely loads for kids and adults to do and see. Very educational and we will be bringing our kids to have a look. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely do it again

The NSC is an amazingly well curated museum with interactive elements and immersive shows in the Patrick Moore Planetarium inside, shows last 25mins. They even have a real rocket! and you can take a lift to see it from above. It's well suited to kids and adults (we never grow up really) and you can touch space objects and interact with some scientific tools and even play some games to test your astronaut potential! I spent 2ish hours there and there's still more that I didn't get a chance to experience. Tickets were £20 & that gets you an annual pass. The cafe they have is great too, they do hot food and good coffee and even an awesome giftshop! You gotta go :]

The National Space Centre is a fascinating place for both children and adults. It’s especially engaging for Generation Y and millennials, showcasing the Cold War era, the development of technology, and the first steps in space exploration in an immersive way. You can step inside a Mercury capsule, see how astronauts eat and live, and even sit in a period-style room to feel the thrill of watching a rocket launch to the Moon on a vintage glass screen. The planetarium, presented as an animated journey, is truly impressive – even for adults. It’s a wonderful centre for both learning and fun, and the best part is that with just one ticket you can return all year round. Highly recommended! 🚀✨

Where do I start. The place was amazing. The staff and the exhibits were exceptional. So much great information to digest and lots of things for little ones and bigger little ones to do. There were a lot of people in, but it never felt packed. The cinema show was brilliant and way more immersing than we thought it would be. The gift shop had a great collection of toys as well as interesting gifts specific to the Space center. A great day out and it would've recieved 5 stars if it wasn't for the poor cafe that was let down by a lack of choice and the cleaning of the eating/utensil areas which was really poor. The staff serving were great super friendly on all departments but the eating areas were disappointing. Still won't stop another visit to this wondrous place.

Located north of Leicester city centre, the National Space Centre is an amazing day out for kids and adults of all ages. Filled with interactive and educational activities, award winning shows on immersive 360 degree screen, and lots more to see and do. Super helpful and attentive staff, great gift shop, lots of space to sit. Buy ticket online for free annual pass upgrade without hassle. Kids could spend the whole day in here to learn and play. Bring your own lunch to avoid weekend and peak time queues.

This visit has been a long time coming, after trudging the M1 for three decades and seeing the brown sign for the National Space Centre I finally found time to visit, and it was no disappointment in the slightest. Many facts and exhibits tie into loads of classic films, articles and milestones from over the years and lots for the kids to learn about along the way. A great day out and at the moment (summer 2025) the artists elephants are all around Leicester. The planetarium is incredible! Please go and enjoy one of the midlands great attractions that you might have missed.

I been there for first time, lovely place with many different views. I can see there is a plenty space for car parking. Amazing location with foods, and gifts. I was so happy and excited to be there and to be part of this. I will share few videos and photos from this amazing place. Highly recommend.

Bradgate Park is truly a gem, an incredible place to unwind, take a long walk, and just breathe. It's the kind of spot where nature does all the talking. The landscape is vast and beautiful, with open spaces, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps you disconnect from everyday life. It used to be quieter, and while it's more popular now and can get busy, there are still those rare, quieter days when you can enjoy the serenity and really take it all in. If you're lucky enough to visit on one of those days, the peacefulness is something special. Perfect for a picnic, a long stroll, or even just some time to sit and think. Just a tip bring everything you might need, because you might find yourself staying longer than planned. It’s that kind of place.

Bradgate Park itself is beautiful – really enjoyed walking around and especially loved seeing the deer roaming freely, which made the visit feel quite special. The scenery is lovely and it’s a great place to spend time outdoors. That said, the parking felt quite extortionate, which does take away from the experience a bit, and the men’s toilets could definitely be improved in terms of cleanliness. Overall, worth visiting for the park and wildlife, but a couple of practical things could be better managed.

Bradgate Road leads to the stunning Bradgate Park, a truly beautiful and expansive place that’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park is filled with wildlife — from grazing deer to a variety of birds — and its natural scenery makes it ideal for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re after a quiet stroll, a scenic jog, or a full day out with family, the area offers something for everyone. There are designated BBQ spots, picnic areas, and clean toilet facilities that make visiting convenient and enjoyable. The walking and running tracks are well-maintained, offering routes for all fitness levels and interests. Overall, Bradgate Road and its surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the city, combining nature, history, and recreation in one truly lovely destination.

The park is beautiful. What I didn't like was the amount of dogs off leads near the deers. This included a pit bull. Owners need to be wary at all times as deer are loose everywhere. Great for photographers. I parked in the south woods carpark as it is £2 all day.

A beautiful park and a great place for hiking, walking, and simply relaxing. It’s always thrilling to see wildlife up close here. Toilet facilities and cafés are available both at the entrance and in the middle of the park, which makes it very convenient. You can easily spend the whole day enjoying a picnic and connecting with nature and wildlife. There’s plenty of parking available — £5 on weekdays and £6 on weekends for the full day. It’s also good to see that bins are placed throughout the park, helping to keep it clean.

What and incredible place! Visit the ruins and the gardens. Take a walk alongside the stream. Or hike up the rocky hills to take in the panoramic views and pay your respects at the war memorial. Deer and Peacocks wonder freely around the grounds. This really is a stunning part of the midlands. When you need to rest your legs you can pop into the cafe to refresh, grab a bite to eat and take bathroom break. There's something for everyone to enjoy regardless of your physical abilities. I came via public transport from Nottingham. The number 9 Kinchbus took me from West Bridgford (Notts) to Loughborough (Auberry Gap stop), and then I got the 154 Centrebus from the Auberry Gap stop to the reservoir at the Bradgate Park. The stop which takes to back to Loughborough is also right next to the reservoir wall. I believe the last bus back to Loughborough is at around 18:30, and then there are multiple late buses back to Nottingham from there

Fantastic parkland with a large expanse of green space, some striking landmarks and remarkable prehistoric rock formations. Bradgate Park dates back around 800 years, when it began life as a deer park, a role it still fulfills today with a large herd of Fallow and Red deer. It's also home to the impressive ruins of Bradgate House, one of England's oldest brick built houses, and amazing ancient oak trees, many of which date back over 500 years. The park is maintained to a very high standard and has a number of entrances, each with their own parking area (charged daily at a reasonable rate) and public toilet facilities. Tearooms are located near the reservoir and the Newtown Linford entrance. The path is crossed by a network of well maintained and clearly signposted paths, ideal for dog walks and popular with families. The Newtown Linford entrance is best for short, easy walks past the stream to the house, while the Hunts Hill entrance in the upper part of the park is best for more challenging walks to Old John Tower and the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial. These high points offer expansive views over the surrounding countryside and the Leicester skyline, with rugged rocks in the foreground. We stopped here on the way to the Peak District thinking the park would be a more interesting way to break the journey than a motorway service station, and were very happy to have done so. A real suprise that exceeded all expectations.

We had a brilliant day out here. The house is really interesting and all the staff were very knowledgeable and super helpful. The gardens were lovely, as was the church. The cafe and restaurant were great and the shop and book shop were full of tempting goodies. Loved the whole day.

There is a LONG drive to the entrance. Be sure that your GPS takes you to the correct one. Calke Abbey is maintained a bit differently from other National Trust Properties. The Trust chose not to try to bring it back to its original glory, but rather, to leave it in the condition in which it was received, which includes wings of rooms in disrepair. Tour is self guided but volunteers are frequent to offer explanations or answer questions. One of the unique holdings is a state bed made for King George I in 1715. The bed linens were found by the Trust rolled up in the basement. Since they were in perfect condition, the bed is set up as it would have been and preserved behind glass. Another was the caricature room whose walls were covered with humor satirical pictures. I found it to be quite entertaining. The dining room featured some outstanding decor, simply presented. The main entertaining room was filled with glass cabinets loaded with taxidermy. Not my favorite but that is how the family had left it to the Trust. One particular wing has rooms that are in complete disrepair with the ceilings falling, wall paper peeling, and loads of broken furniture haphazardly tossed in the room. Not at all what one would expect while walking through a National Trust Site. Calke Abbey is perfect example of a country estate that was barely held together in the 20th century. Many similar country houses did not survive to tell their story. We are National Trust members (via Royal Oak), so I cannot attest to the cost of entry. Parking lot was within easy walk of the entrance. No reservations were needed.

Had a lovely dog walk around the beautiful grounds of Calke with friends, I can’t believe I’ve never done this before, being fairly local. The gardens were beautifully maintained and the gardener was happy to stop his work and have a chat. There were outhouses with interesting artefacts to see. We walked the tunnel, dogs weren’t quite sure about this, but we loved exploring. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. What a pleasant place to work at. Had a light lunch in the cafe, it was extremely busy, so there was a bit of a wait for the coffees, but by the time the drinks were served, the warm quiche was ready, so perfect timing. There were plenty of dog water bowls dotted around which was good, as it was a hot day. I will return to this national trust gem.

Superb property, that's been kept as the trust found it in its decline. The house has loads of interesting items in it and the room guides are very knowledgeable. The brewhouse tunnels were decorated for Halloween and were good fun. The church is also worth the walk. The usual cafe and giftshop on site.

I came here today with my partner for a couple of hours, sadly didn't take many photos. The restaurant is nice, the gift shop is cute. The house and the tunnel is great too. As a National Trust Member it is great that we get access to this place. Because it rained we didn't end up looking at the gardens/trails. I definitely recommend a National Trust Membership to come here to visit and other places around Derbyshire.

Fascinating " unstable home" Handed to the National TRUST in 1981 in a very run down state. Continues to be preserved as the family left it. Servants tunnels, ancient kitchens, cases of taxidermy, antiques and general decay. Amazing place. Wonderful gardens, great dog walking and lovely cafe. A full day out to explore.

Calke Abbey is a really interesting house to visit as most of it is in it's original state so you can appreciate it as it was. The volunteers are very knowledgeable about the history of the family. Outside there are grass areas and woodland to take a walk and there's a lovely walled garden and cafe area to visit.

Brilliant family day out, something for everyone here. Enough rides to suit all ages and queues were fairly short. Indoor areas are great with plenty to keep children entertained, perhaps aimed at more younger children but the dark themed slides and play area is great for all along with the rapids ride. Classics like the pirate ship and log flume for all the family to enjoy. Easy to navigate around the park. Free parking available and gift shop at the end. Purchased a family photo which can be taken upon entrance. Highly recommend for families. Great value with family pass which we purchased via offer code at half price. Bargain! 🌟

We are theme park connoisseurs and this park definitely is one of our top five parks in the uk. As we have kids under ten, this park has things to cater perfectly to them. It's a perfect size to be able to cram every ride in. The queues are small and the atmosphere is very nice. There's a large, soft play and separate aerial ropes. And drop slides. There's a farm on top to. Great visiting during halloween, as there is a pick your own.

Great park but definitely more suitable for small children. Our 9 year old wasn’t as enthused and entertained as our 6 year old. Quite a long queue for some of the rides which meant the kids were getting fizzy. Water wasn’t working either whilst we were there so had to use hand gel - provided by the park - this wasn’t the parks fault though. Good choice of food at decent prices and the place itself was kept nice and clean.

Every member of staff were a delight (apart from the woman in the paying booth.... They were kind and considerate and very child friendly! The rides were great as our two are ten and haven't really been on anything like that much. Excitement overload. The indoor slides and lazy river were a godsend as it was bitterly cold. There were some animals in the barn, and we enjoyed feeding them (50p for feed from a self-issue machine). Especially as the llama and goat were trying to eat the feed out of the machine! And the Shetland pony kicking the door to get more food. There were rabbits and meerkats too. The kids enjoyed picking a pumpkin too which was free with the ticket. Who knew choosing a pumpkin would bring so much delight. Thanks Twinlakes it was a blast!

It's a good value for money with ONE big but, as long as your child is over 90cm. Otherwise there's virtually no rides they can be allowed on. They would not let you hold them on your lap and go down the water slides in the splash zone either. Animal wise it's quite poor in terms of variety. Nice picnic areas. Decent cafe and indoor playground. Car park is decent size but on the rainy day it's a bit of disaster especially if you have to go through it with a buggy.

Went on a Sunday for pre-birthday fun with our daughter, well laid out park with plenty of things to do, small wait for some rides but nothing extreme. Longest wait for for the food as one poor guy was manning the BBQ shack by himself during the lunch rush, He did an amazing job tho! I saw at least 2 people litter picking, surly one would have been better supporting the cooking?

Nice little park suitable for smaller kids. I would say probably 6-10 year olds will have the most fun but might be a bit boring for older ones. You can see some (mostly) farm animals there as well. Most rides are looked after by teenage looking staff which wasn't the most comforting thing although they seemed to check everything properly. If you don't expect any thrills for yourself and just want to offer your young child some good times i would recommend.

Visiting Wollaton Park was a dream come true for me as a Batman fan. The moment I found out this was the filming location for Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises, I knew I had to see it—and standing there in front of Wollaton Hall honestly left me in awe. The building is absolutely stunning, with its towering windows and intricate stonework. For a moment, it really felt like I was stepping into Bruce Wayne’s world. The park itself is just as beautiful as the Hall. Wide green spaces, autumn leaves scattered across the grass, and peaceful paths made it feel both grand and calm at the same time. I could’ve stayed there for hours just walking around and taking it all in. The staff were also really friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even better. You can tell they care about the place and its history, and they were happy to chat and answer questions. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. As a Batman nerd, it felt like a pilgrimage to Wayne Manor. But even if you’re not into Batman, Wollaton Park is still an incredible spot to explore—beautiful, relaxing, and full of character.

Great place to visit. The car park is £5, I paid for this in the shop, giving them my number plate. The park is very extensive but it was fantastic to see the deer so close. The house is fascinating with all the natural history displays. This was £15 but the ticket lasts a year. The gardens were also very nice and the view down to the lake was beautiful. The cafe was ok, not the largest selection of food and the drinks were all served in cardboard drinking cups. All the staff everywhere were very friendly and helpful. The shop was nice to look around and standard prices. The toilet facilities were good and clean. There were some near the cafe and in the house. I definitely recommend a visit. On a warm summers day it would be a lovely place to bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Visited the walled gardens specifically. A wonderful, relaxing and fascinating project to restore the site. Lovely volunteers working at the site and amazing progression being made. Only open set times during the summer for tours. A warm welcome. This is a very special place.

This is very good place. This is wollaton hall gardens and dear park location is in Nottingham wollaton Road Nottinghamshire. Here is lake. Here is golf clup as well. Here is kids playing area as well. Here is parking available. But you need to pay for parking. Here is you can see dear as well

The park is about 500 acres. Many children at the playground, families on picnic rugs, deer wandering through acreage. Camellia House & Wollaton Hall are so different. Enjoyed every moment.

Lovely grounds, plenty of deer and a nice walk in fresh air. There are toilets, a café and gift shop.if you need them. You need the Ringgo app to park and pay £6.10 for all day.

What a wonderful place for a walk, the gardens are beautiful and it was lovely to see the deer and the birds, especially the Mandarin duck. We didn't go into the house this time but will definitely look around next time we are there. There's a lovely cafe and 2 shops. Well worth a visit.

Nottingham Castle played an important role in Britain's history. Apart from being famous for being home to the Sheriff of Nottingham, the castle was a strategic stronghold during England's civil war in the 1600's. Today the castle is museum that houses exhibits of Nottingham's lace manufacturing, studies surrounding the "Major Oak" in Sherwood Forest, and many other interesting displays. Outside the walls is a statue of Robin Hood that is a must see for visitors. Beneath the city is a network of caves that are also present at the castle. Booking a tour of the castle caves provides visitors with much more information about the history and importance Nottingham Castle has played in Britain's history.

Cool castle ramparts encasing a grand mansion steeped in history. Highly recommend booking a cave tour to explore the tunnels within the castle rock. The guides are hugely knowledgeable and give you a fun, educational, story-filled experience.

Nottingham Castle looks impressive and full of history, even from the outside. The grand architecture and its position overlooking the city make it a striking landmark. The grounds and surrounding area are beautifully kept and offer great photo opportunities. A must-see spot that captures the heritage and charm of Nottingham!

The castle is nice but was expecting more of a castle then an art museum. There are few interesting exhibits. The castle looks nice from the outside, the grounds are nicely maintaned offering nice views over Nottingham. The price is a little high for the experience. The Robin Hood experience is nice but is more of a playground for kids with interactive stuff, for adults kind of boring. The cave tour was nice but to pay extra for that, above the entrance price can be pricey for some folks compared to the experiance. The staff is nice and hepful. You buy tickets at the entrance or online waiting in the queue is the same to enter. Next to the castle you'll find a mini square with the statue of Robin Hood. The Forest exhibition is let's say ok but doesn't really impress, a natural woodland walk might be better. One visit is enough honestly, doesn't make any sense to visit the castle again especially if you travel from a bigger distance. The location of the castle is very good, in the city center, car park buildings close by. The souvenir shop and restaurant is nice.

Nottingham Castle is a great mix of history, legend, and modern storytelling. The museum inside offers well-presented exhibits about Robin Hood, local art, and the city’s past. The castle grounds are beautifully maintained with lovely views over Nottingham. While the original medieval castle no longer stands, the experience is still engaging and family-friendly — worth a visit if you’re exploring the city’s heritage.

The staff were all very helpful and friendly entry price is reasonable but..... I was expecting more castle. I am aware that the castle is self was destroyed many many years ago. I enjoy looking at castles in their various states and wonder what they would have been like. The exhibitions were informative and interactive.

A great day out, the caves tour is a must and was an excellent way to start our visit. Then all the exhibits actually inside the castle were really engaging and interactive! I felt like there was loads to do and I learnt loads. Also the view from the top over Nottingham was lovely!

Really interesting place with lots to explore..! I went to see the current exhibition about magic and superstition its very cool! Beautiful gardens and stunning scenery too. Lots of uneven floors and steps so not great for people with mobility issues and I wouldn't fancy taking a pram..parking is charged extra so be prepared for that. Highly recommend 👌

A beautifully renovated medieval manor house hosting a delightfully styled exhibition about Elizabethan connections to magic and mature, informed, educating and entertaining. The beautifully designed gardens are a pleasure to walk around and the host volunteers are friendly and welcoming. There is a lovely restaurant on site, best to book in advance as it's popular. A experience, highly recommended

Great place, we visited during the Magic exhibition and thought it was really well designed in both exhibition text and visually - it was stunning to see in the Hall. Guides were good- especially Chris M who showed us all of the scorch marks and was really informative. The café is small but the food was great. On our way out we were looking forward to the gift shop but found this disappointing, nothing about or related to the Hall or the exhibition. Though it's good to work with what I assume are local small businesses, a core retail offer remaining would have been appreciated as we aren't local so won't be back. The lady running the admissions desk kindly returned after closing so that we could at least buy the exhibition guide. Parking was easy with an attendant and payment was taken on entry as the exit barrier was faulty.

A truly beautiful Christmas Market! What makes it special are the loads of lovely independent stalls—a perfect place to find unique gifts. This is an absolute must-visit during the Christmas season. You'll find that an afternoon or a morning is plenty of time to fully explore. When you get hungry, the on-site cafe offers reasonably priced food, while the food stalls have the standard pricing you would expect at any Christmas market.

It's a smallish medieval country house which is an independent business compared to those often operated by the National Trust. It's quite interesting architecturally but there's not a whole lot to see yet admission prices are quite high. We went whilst they had a theme on Magic and Superstition which was reasonably interesting if quite condensed. The cafe wasn't bad with a decent selection of food and drink offerings Make sure you are steady on your feet as there are significant amounts of uneven floors and stairs

24th September 2025 about 2pm. Firstly, there is a car park across the busy A6 road which is 50mph and really ought to be 40mph to enable pedestrians to cross more easily and more safely. The car park is £4 regardless of how long you stay at the hall. We witnessed an older person trying to exit, who didn't park close enough to the card scanner, had to get out of their car but failed to exit before the barrier came down. That happened 3 times! It's not that the barrier doesn't stay up long enough, it was just that he was older and slower and stopped too far away. The hall is wonderful and a real treasure that is preserved and has hardly been renovated. A very magical place with an interesting history. There are a lot of uneven surfaces so watch your footing. We didn't go in the restaurant as it was quite late. Overall well worth a visit. I highly recommend it. 25th September 2025, as we only got a short visit and felt we loved it and perhaps missed something we went back the next day. It really is a peaceful, magical place and has a bit of an Alice in Wonderland feel to the garden. Perhaps it was all the roses 😁 some of which were red... It was literally buzzing with life and you can look down to Dorothy's bridge which is a beautiful little bridge. There's a bit of a romantic story to go along with the bridge too. We saw a Dipper bird amongst the rocks in the shallow water too.

We went to Haddon Hall Christmas market today. At first it seems tiny, but as you explore the Hall, there is more stalls than you think. Very arty crafty if you're in to that sort of thing. Not many food stalls and the question for coffee were horrendous. The one down side is a lot of people attend which makes for some very cosy moments inside the hall, because the rooms are quite narrow. If you hate crowds, avoid it. A pleasant experience, but far too crowded for me.

Went to visit as it was recommended to me. Good size carpark for cars and coaches. I found it very interesting as I took the tour around the house first then went inside exploring all levels of the house. There's plenty to see and I spent 4 hours exploring the site.

Visited this week with my twin's, what a history lesson rolled all into one. Very sad 😔 mixture of emotions as walking around. School's should definitely visit here to educate the kids and how hard England was back then. My twin's understood just how lucky they are. Definitely will come back.

This is one of the first workhouses. It's fairly smaĺl, but has everything you would expect. There is a small cafe here with the normal NT fayre in it, but I think in mid summer it may become crowded. Great place to bring children, to learn about the realities of 1800 Britain. I reccommend the external 30 min tour which you can book at the visitor centre when you get inside.

This is certainly a unique property owned by the National Trust. It gives the visitor insight to the living conditions of the residents of a workhouse that has stood here since 1824. Rooms are set up to recreate the life of the residents with separate wings for men, women and children. Everything is explained on placards and there are volunteers to answer questions. The tour is self guided. This place was very busy for late September, and there were no less than three school groups touring the workhouse on the day we visited. Lots of activity. There is a former hospital/nursing home on the grounds as well that is open for touring. The building holds a cafe and there are toilets should you need them.

Really well presented and so interesting to see the history of what was originally a test site evolving from the poor law. So glad the National trust saved it from the developers. Thanks to the amazing volunteers as ever 👏

Fascinating place to visit with lots to explore and learn the history of the building. Plenty of parking and a nice cafe. Well worth a visit.

This is a really special place that has lots of great stories attached to it. We managed to be there at a time where we could go on a guided tour where we found out lots of facts, stories and were able to ask any questions. The philosophy of the workhouse is explained well and really makes you think about not only the conditions of life there, but the alternatives that were/weren't available. The infirmary is a 'mark in time' and it feels like it has just been left 'as is', only without the medical professionions and service users there. It still smells like a hospital and this only adds to the fascination when looking around. I believe opening hours are limited so please check the website. Access to the car park can be found using what3words ///monkey.brief.tadpole

Went to Chatsworth for the Christmas markets, light trail and to see the house wonderfully decorated for Christmas. Really enjoyed the decorations in the house, which was a nature theme this year, bringing the outside in. The grandeur of the house is magnificent, with a great history, you can wander round at your own leisure. There are guides in every room who are friendly and very approachable ready to answer any questions you may have. There are lots of places to eat and drink and some nice gift shops, plenty of toilets and amenities for baby changing and people with disabilities. The grounds are extensive and well kept, I particularly liked the rock garden, which looked lovely lit up. The market is very good, with all the usual Christmas stalls, selling gifts and food/wine/ gin tasting, most off the stalls I did notice were card only, I did draw some cash out and ended up spending it in the gift shops. The ground the stalls are on is all got a ground cover on so not muddy. There is plenty of seating areas for when you grab a coffee or burger etc.

We enjoy visiting Chatsworth House. This time an art exhibition was on display, which changed the experience in a positive way. We don’t always get to see the animals, but we were able to this time around. The weather was great. The staff were helpful. We had a poke around the shops. A lovely day out. I would recommend to anyone, especially if you haven’t been before

Visited Chatsworth Christmas on the 23rd November. It was truly a lovely day. The Christmas market is excellent, very different from your average UK Christmas market. The quality of food, drink and products on offer was brilliant. Definitely visit the Scone hut, they are truly to die for. Chatsworth House Christmas display is outstanding and walking the garden just adds that extra dimension to a great day. Add in the gift shops and the overall atmosphere and you will not be disappointed. If you are local in Derbyshire then do one thing, go to Chatsworth, its a no brainer.

The Chatsworth Christmas ticket gives you access to the House, unlimited entry to the gardens for one day, and you can also access the Christmas market (which is free). It’s a lovely day out and well worth the ticket price. Be warned, food and drink inside is very pricey (but what do you expect?). I’d recommend the Stables for something lovely and warm that doesn’t break the bank.

Fabulous visit to chatsworth house & Christmas Market. Lovely stalls to look round. You will love the house with all the Christmas trees and the wonderful decorations. The walk round the gardens were just wonderful too. So worth a visit at this time of year.

An absolutely magical, Christmas experience! The house itself is mind blowing and each room makes you gasp with how much detail and care has gone into each and every decoration. It was laid out perfectly and even had sounds and scents through each experience. The gardens were beautiful to walk through and the Christmas markets were spectacular 😍 There was something for everyone to enjoy there! I cant wait to come back again next year 🎄✨️🎁

Bought tickets well in advance to visit the house and also the Christmas markets. My family enjoyed visiting the house, it's very easy to get around there are a few staircases which you need to navigate. As the visit is in preparation for Christmas there are lots of Christmas trees beautifully presented throughout and the staff are very helpful and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets; having been to lots of busy public access Christmas markets like Manchester, Liverpool, York etc it was a fantastic relaxing experience to be able to walk around freely and visit the different vendors. Will certainly look at returning.

It was our first visit and we hadn't realised how big the site was. We recently had English Heritage membership, so had free entry. There was ample free parking and the ruins of the old house and impressive newer house. Lots of interesting history and rooms you can access, such as Bess' bed chamber. Lots of tapestries, including one made by Queen Mary. Nice shop and cafe and beautiful gardens. Plenty to see and do.

A really amazing place to visit. We only expected to be a couple of hours at most, but there was so much to see. The visit also includes the adjacent old hall ruins. The house is stunning, and the interiors are decorated with the most amazing embroidery which hangs from almost every wall and room. The volunteers are very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the property. We took our dog and he was welcome in an area of the restaurant, which was nice as it was cold and raining. We would have liked to walk more of the grounds and gardens, but the weather put us off. They do look stunning and I'm sure on a better day would have been very enjoyable.

Fantastic to look around. Amazing house and gardens, easily able to spend a full day there and more. I could just look at the tapestries for days! Well worth a visit if you're into history or just beautiful places.

We haven't been here for quite a few years and we're pleasantly surprised, there is a lot more to see and do. The guides were interesting and knowledgeable but not overpowering like at some properties. A very pleasant day out 😁

Expect an expansive estate as the drive from the entrance to the parking lot must be a mile long. This property features two historic buildings: Old Hardwick Hall and the Renaissance style Manse known as Hardwick Hall. Bess of Hardwick was born in the original hall and had it renovated to impress guests in 1587. When her 4th husband died and she came into substantial funds she built the latter and present day manse. We were able to tour both with our National Trust memberships (via Royal Oak Society). One can climb to the top of the Old Hall for a bit of a view of the countryside if the weather is accommodating. There are no handrails, though, so take walking sticks if you think you need support while traversing the original stone steps. The Manse is huge and the tour is quite extensive. It is self guided but volunteers are available for questions. Some unique features are the longest Elizabethan Long Hall in the National Trust holdings. It has 450 year old tapestries hanging on the walls. There are also four noble women tapestries that Bess designed specifically for this house. She was obviously quite a talented woman. There are some gardens along the front and the back of the house, but not a formal designed style like you see on some properties. Parking was in a very large lot a bit of a distance from the entrance. There is a cafe on the grounds that offers a delicious cream tea as well as a myriad of other delights, all reasonably priced.

Intriguing place punched atop a hill looking out sadly over the M1 now, but back in the day it would have been quite the most magnificent spot for party's. Some old Yes topiary and magnificent Cedar of Lebanon stand century in the garden providing a great contrast from the pinkish yellow stone and unbelievable lead pane windows which adorn the hall.

A wonderful historical place of interest with stunning tapestries. We spent a very happy 3 and a half hours there. Checking out the history of bess's family, with help from the very knowledgeable volunteers. Strolling the gardens and climbing the 127 steps of old Hardwick hall. Then stopping for a very tasty cheese scone and coffee in the restaurant.

Compared to other castles and British monuments, this attraction isn't very extensive. It essentially consists of two buildings: a medieval mansion for receiving guests, and the castle, where the nobility resided. Furthermore, since the attraction was once abandoned, most of the furniture and decorations are missing or damaged. Despite this, it's still well worth a visit. The castle is built on a magnificent hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding area from the castle gate. The interior is also unique, and wandering through the rooms makes you feel like you've stepped back into the Middle Ages.As a half-day family weekend trip, followed by a good lunch, I think it is very good.

English heritage site well conserved with good information. Spectacular views on clear days. Dog friendly in areas without a roof, except for the café. Friendly informative staff. Fairly good free parking around Bolsover. Only negative is signage to the castle. Well worth a visit.

Nice little castle to explore in a great setting with lot's of ruins. The smaller castle is very interesting, with lot's of winding stairs, marble fireplaces, paintings, architecture etc. Some great views from the castle and there's also a nice walled walk accessible from inside the castle. I'd probably say it would take 2-3 hours at most to explore everything. There's free parking and also some additional parking nearby that you have to pay for. Also on site There's a small playground that is quite good, which is very close by to the cafe. We didn't use the cafe so not sure on prices - quality of food. There's also a few benches around so you could sit and bring your own food if you like. There's a nice gift shop there to, which is definitely overpriced but they always are. There's also a nice wetherspoons nearby if you wanted breakfast/lunch. Staff were very helpful and knowledgeable here.

A very small castle, but my goodness what a history. to be honest you can normally walk around it in an hour but on my visit 25.8.25 there was a jousting display and static displays of medieval life with interesting talks. A superb family day out for all ages. I really can't recommend joining English Heritage highly enough, the whole day, and it was a whole day was fabulous.

Great castle and stunning views. We went while the Halloween events were on and my 6 year old absolutely loved it. I think it would have been nice for more information to be around to read, for those of us that didn't pick up an audio guide (they are hard to listen to with a young child running around), some short descriptions of each of the rooms around the castle would have been really interesting. But overall really enjoyed our visit!

We visited Bolsover Castle to 21st November 2025. It is a fabulous Castle, there is plenty to do for all ages. A very nice coffee shop and gift shop, children's adventure playground and plenty of outdoor seating. The Castle very interesting to walk round. There are some out of this world veiws of Derbyshire from the Castle.

Bolsover in my opinion is the best example of 17th century castles I've been to. Built purely for entertaining royalty and the hierarchy it truly shows how the other half lived. I recommend you book online if you are not a member of English heritage and allow yourself at least 3 hours to look around,free audio machines available for free which are very informative.

Been here before. Plenty of shops and food quarter to eat in. Stayed in hotel near by so could return with better photos. Plenty of security staff and shops clean and tidy. Had taco bell which was nice and hot. Popeyes which I found quite spicy. Overall shopping centre with lots of choices. Being on Sunday was very busy. And car park looked full. Xmas lights looked nice.worth a visit once xmas sets in.

Meadowhall is a massive shopping area right next to the M1 motorway. Been around a few year now and needs more upgrades in certain areas. Lots of parking in privately owned car park free for a certain amount of hours. Lots of big brand shopping outlets for everyone’s needs regardless of age or gender. There used to be a lot more individually owned shops rather than just jig department stores which is a shame. I would go in the week if possible weekends are mental. No supermarkets but a M & S so most things covered. Worth going to for sure.

Meadowhall is a huge shopping centre, so huge that I felt overwhelmed. At times I was disoriented and had no idea which section of the shopping centre I was in. Virtually every high street shop is present along with a few independents. My favourite shop was Lindt Chocolates. If you enjoy large shopping, you may live Meadows which has great variety of shops and eateries!

Meadowhall remains a bustling shopping hub, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. The Oasis Dining Quarter provides various food options, making it a great spot for a break during shopping. As for Motorfest, it was a spectacular event featuring Hollywood cars, classic vehicles, and even Transformers like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. The event also supported Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, with charity. Visitors enjoyed live music, arts and crafts, and even supercar passenger rides for donations. It was a truly great experience.

Came for Christmas shopping. Place was easy accessable for my wheelchair. Beautiful decorations there is an abundance of different things to shop for and veriaty of food to eat

Love meadowhall with its range of shops and free parking. Plenty of places to eat too. I would not advise going in school holidays or as Christmas approaches,on a Saturday. It does get very busy but we enjoyed our visit on a Friday late November.

Great shopping center and easy to reach via public transport, has a train station. Plenty of parking. It's huge, very easy to get lost but that's all part of it. Pretty much every shop you'd imagine to be in such a large place. Plenty of good food and things to do. Definitely worth a visit.

Sundown Adventureland is a theme park created especially for younger children, offering a few of colourful rides, themed zones, and imaginative play areas. From tractors and pirate ships to indoor play barns and storybook villages, it’s designed to spark creativity and keep little adventurers entertained in a safe, family-friendly setting. The park is most enjoyable for children up to around 10 or 11 years old. Older ones, particularly around 12, may find the rides a little tame compared to larger theme parks, but many still enjoy the atmosphere, theming, and chance to join in with younger siblings. Overall, it remains a super good family day out.

We went to Sundown Adventureland yesterday and honestly, it’s just wonderful. The attention to detail is incredible — everything feels so intentional and full of imagination. You notice something different every time you visit, and there’s something special for every season. It’s such a magical place for the kids, but it brings out the child in you too! It's so much more than just another attraction, you can really feel the love and care that’s gone into every part of it over decades.

What a wonderful place to take young children! Everything is designed perfectly for your little ones, with interactive displays all around the park, lovely rides and soft plays. It was a shame to have one of the attractions closed because it's not the biggest place already but I'm sure it will reopen soon. I must also mention the fairytale village which was one of my favourite parts! Little houses from lots of fairytale stories that the children could explore and press buttons inside. Sundown was spotlessly clean and well kept and the effort that has gone into designing the park has got to be commended. My children loved it! Lots of space to spread out and play freely... opportunities to meet the characters. We never queued for a thing!!!! Went on the rides as many times as we wanted and practically had the whole park to ourselves! We also stayed onsite at Wild Acres which was really cute. My only criticism is that the bed wasn't very comfortable and it didn't have a proper sofa to relax on when the kiddies were in bed. The hot tub was beautiful and the decoration of the lodge was so magical. We booked our stay for Monday to Friday but that was definitely too long. You'd only need two nights 😊

Absolutely loved our stay here, especially the children there was loads to do there, massive sandpit, loads of different play equipment, the cabins are lovely to stay in, has a small little shop where you can grab essentials, and an adsa 15minutes down the road, only thing I would have to say on the cabins is that the sofas are not comfortable at all, especially if you suffer with bad backs , the beds however are just amazing so comfortable, the fridges needed have a good clean and freezer defrosted, we had a hot tub which was amazing, all the cooking equipment you need is there. The food from the restaurant was delicious

Visited Sundown Adventureland during the summer holidays and had a great time! It’s a lovely park with plenty to explore and so much for kids to enjoy. Lots of fun areas, rides, and themed zones that keep little ones entertained all day. There’s plenty of parking, and it’s definitely worth the money. A fantastic day out for families!

I took a gamble and drove 3 hours to visit Sundown. This adventure was for my sons 5th birthday. I am so pleased we went ! I can not stop raving about it to my family. There are two massive inside soft plays. My children 4 and 5 absolutely loved them. There are walk ways in and around, so u can easily keep your eye on the children. We went in the 6 weeks holiday and it wasn't rammed. There are lots of seating areas and a large variety of drinks and food to enjoy whilst the children burn off there energy. The little rides were brilliant fun and exciting for the children. My son absolutely loved the barrel ride, and the tractor ride, and with no long ques he went on it over and over again! The entire place was well looked after. Clean and tidy! Staff were welcoming and you could see they enjoy there jobs. Entry fees include all rides, so there is no additional costs. You only need to pay extra for food. However, there's lots of inside and outside seating so picnics are welcome too. The miniture villages were magical. The children spent ages exploring inside all the houses. We arrived at opening 10am and left at closing 5.30pm. There was so much to see I advise two days. I can't wait to visit again. My son was jumping around all day telling me "this is the best day ever". And it sure was, for all of us. Please visit this place. You don't know what your missing. It really is a hidden gem.

Highly recommended. So much to do and see, my 3 year old had soo much fun. I'll defo go again but booking in advance it is cheaper.

What a brilliant and beautiful place. I am a carer for a boy with disabilities who is not easily entertained or kept engaged enough to not want to leave place after 2 hours, Canon hall was different. Greeted by a lovely lady called Rebecca who scanned our ticket we booked online. Rebecca kindly and clearly explained about the pumpkin patch and the activities on the brochure given to you. Rebecca also gave me a great heads up about the free parking for care assistants - honestly really helpful annd genuine advice from her. The little boy I Look after enjoyed every section. - The goats -the sheep ( sheep racing was his favourite) - watching the cow get moved about - all the other animals -the two different park sections - the pumpkin patch -the pumpkin carving - anddddddd a soft play area ?!? We were spoilt for choice. Spent 4 hours here, could have been a lot longer if we didn’t have to get home. On our way out we also bumped into the lovely Rebecca again who interacted brilliantly with the little boy I look after and explained to us the best way to get out ( give that woman a raise she was great). Canon hall farm is a beautiful, scenic place to come to, and most staff are friendly and genuine. I recommend it highly 👍

I took my daughter there for her birthday and we loved it. We enjoyed seeing the animal. I watched a sheep race. They have a indoor area and outdoor area. They're really good the food was fresh and well served. I do recommend this place

The parking was really big and more than enough spaces. We pre paid online. The farm is fantastic, it's well set out and enough for all ages to enjoy. The animals are well looked After and the surroundings are well cared for. Love the farm shop. Definitely will be back again. You could take your own food and leave it in your car until needed, also cafe well laid out, clean and has a play area for. Kiddies.

Beautiful mature trees... plenty of space for dogs to run around and play off lead. Very dog-friendly all round! It can be busy on nice days, but there's plenty of parking, especially in the top car park. A great destination for family members of all ages.

This place has been on my bucket list for such a long time. What a gem! I could’ve have walked around three times instead of twice. Visited with my teenage son and hubby. We all loved it. Staff are friendly. The lemon drizzle style ice cream was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS 😋 The chips are delightful. The shop was great. But the highlight for us all was all the fabulous animals. Piglets, chickens, sheep, meerkats, alpacas, Guinea pigs, reptiles, cows, goats, reindeer. I could go on and on. The animal feed was cheap and loved by the sheep and cows. I was disappointed that we couldn’t get closer to the animals but it was still a fantastic day and I didn’t want it to end. The paths are well maintained. The animals look so happy and well looked after. I was sad to leave, especially as we’d not seen farmer Dave or Rob, but maybe next time as I will be back.

Really enjoyed our visit here and so did the grandchildren who proudly left with their pumpkins, had cake and coffee in the lucky pup and really enjoyed that also, next time I will stay over at one of the local hotels and take a closer look at Barnsley. Really enjoyable visit and will be back.

What an excellent place to visit, will definitely be returning. The set up is great you have the chance to buy animal food and feed certain animals. It’s a great place to take the kids with lots for them to do. We ate in The White Bull and the food was amazing, the farm shop is also a great place to go with an extensive range of local produce. Well done Cannon Hall Farm.

Amazing weekend out for all the family. Look for a hotel stay with extra day free park entry tickets because you will need 2 days, at least, to see everything. Park is large, good selwxtion of animals and animatronic dinosaurs. Lots of play parks, soft play, indoor play, cafes and restaurants. Staff in the park, hotel, and shops were exceptional and very informative. Costs are very reasonable for food and gifts.

It's a fun day out for everyone! There's loads of free parking, but stick to the regular car park unless you're staying at the hotel. The animals have big enclosures. You can find the feeding times at the entrance. You can buy a map at the entrance or download the app. I reckon the best way to see the Park is to go right after you get through the turnstiles. Head through Pangea, the dinosaur bit. Watch out for the spitting dino! It'll take you 2 to 3 hours to walk around. Wear comfy shoes. There are plenty of places to eat and picnic spots for the kids. Drinks and snacks are a bit pricey, but hey, that's what you get when you're captive audience! We visited at the beginning of October and saw at least 90% of the animals.

Very good parking and a large footprint. Contains several play areas and eating establishment's. A good variety of animals and good viewing areas. In windier/colder weather, be aware that some areas are closed off and there's a chance you may not see certain animals. Could be better signposting throughout the park in my opinion. Overall it is worth the visit.

What a day! I honestly felt like a little kid again. It’s been years since I last visited a zoo or wildlife park, and I was completely in my element. The staff were so friendly, the animals were fantastic, and the walk-through areas were an absolute highlight. Such a lovely experience from start to finish – I can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic place. Awesome day out, animals look very well looked after with big enclosures, originally went to see Capybara due to an obsessed child, nice little walk around to be within a few feet of one. Plenty put stops to eat or have a picnic. Highly recommend.

Visited many times in the past but this time it was for the Light Festival. Couldn't fault anything. Food options at The Hive are varied and obviously lots of things to do/see - although of course most of the animals were abed! The staff were helpful and kind , even after a long day of helping. Easy to get to and exit - but that's by car. Can't speak about other transport options. The Light Festival is worth a visit; it's truly a 'walk-of-art'!!

Nicely laid out, great attractions and plenty of different animals, it was nice to see them in decent enclosurs. Went for the Halloween event which had 5 sections to find, they was big ques but they didn't make you feel rushed. Will definitely visit again.

A great day out for all. Beautiful gardens, surrounded by stunning scenery and extraordinary sculptures. Well worth a visit. The gardens are situated in a valley so you need to be fairly fit to walk down and back but the slopes and steps make it possible even for older visitors.

Loved it here. Beautiful park full of loads of amazing sculptures. Lots of areas to explore. I particularly enjoyed the William Kentridge exhibition and the chapel too. Highly recommended and look forward to my next visit.

A random day out, selected by my daughter. I had never heard of the place but found it really enjoyable. The day we went was early November, very misty with a slight drizzle toward the end if our time, this actually made the atmosphere quite eerie. £9.50 entrance fee seemed fair. We only had a few hours so want to go back probably on a sunny day as there is a lot more to explore.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a wonderful place to explore, with amazing sculptures set in beautiful, peaceful surroundings. It’s easy to spend hours wandering through the open spaces, enjoying the artwork and relaxing atmosphere. The park is well-kept and offers plenty of facilities, making it convenient and comfortable for visitors. Overall, it’s a great spot for a calm day out filled with creativity and nature.

This has long been on my list and well worth it. I was bowled over with the exhibits, enjoyed myself even with the rain. Plenty of trees to shelter under. Huge park, the site map shows routes and distance, a few times I was disorientated needing some more signposts. I worked out I walked over 12k with my round trip and gallery walks. A fun Art Studio in the Underground Gallery with objects, paper and coloured pencils to create ones own art. Accessibility: Good, one room I thought was difficult due to the door and the gallery in the Chapel. Otherwise Lifts, Ramps and accessible Paths. Scooters and Wheelchairs for hire. Some hilly areas, and you need to get onto the grass to get close up to quite a few sculptures. Car Park: Not too far from the entrance with parking for disabled nearer. Staff: Friendly and helpful. Toilets: In the main building and another set in the park. Disabled loo.

Plenty to see, though you do need to be wide-ranging in viewpoints about sculptures. The sculptures range from simple "Ah yes, I can see what that is." to "OK, but from where I am it looks more like a ...." So, you need to be open minded. There are big names in art and less well known. The works are displayed mainly in open parkland so be prepared for a walk. It is possible for disabled visitors to borrow either a wheelchair or a Tramper (mobility scooter) to roam far and wide.

The sculptures are set in beautiful grounds and the sculptures are extremely varied. There are a number of location maps around the grounds but I feel where individual pieces are could be made more clear.

Steam train on a regular line. A spectacular day out. It’s a regular line and engine, now maintained by a volunteer organisation. There are both steam and diesel engines. The carriage has a great bar with local beers. The shops at the station have interesting gifts. People are super friendly.

Small,but perfectly formed line,with immaculately preserved stations. Staff very personable,great carriage stock,and excellent value for money,with a great addition of the museum,adding to the all round experience. Fantastic to be on the iconic platform, as featured in the Railway Children,and of course,the quaint smallest station in Britain. My son is a railway enthusiast,and adored it. Highly recommended

Really enjoyable train ride. Good views. Travelled in a carriage that didn't have a bar, however when stopping at Keighley and Oxenhope, there's enough time to get off and grab a drink. Great for kids too. Some carriages are accessible for prams. Would advise getting on earlier, we got off in the evening and it was getting busy

I myself recently re-visited the historically renowned keighley & worth valley railway on saturday 8th of November 2025 (with my P.A. accompanying me), we travelled by train from morley/leeds all the way up to keighley... went up the steps and across back in time once again as we descended onto platforms 3 & 4 for the heritage train bound for oxenhope, Throughout my latest revisit to west yorkshire's branch line heritage railway, We checked out the successfully uniquely restored old water tower/column on platform 4 - which I consider a splendid site to behold - whilst we waited for the oxenhope-bound passenger train, which was hauled by that brilliantly uplifting ex-LMS stanier black five tender locomotive number 44932 that gave us (and the rest of the other passengers) an enjoyable train journeying up the valley of the river behind the KWVR's very name (as well as it's nature), It was great revisiting all the stations along the line, especially Ingrow (west), Damems, Oakworth, Haworth, and of course the outstanding Oxenhope - from where we watched the brilliantly steaming balck five run-round it's train bound for the return journey back down to keighley, I also took plenty of photos, well, quite a lot... along the line, especially safely from carriage window, for whom I do hope the KWVR itself really likes them, as I hear by share some as part of my latest review on west yorkshire's branch line heritage railway. Hope to come back & revisit the KWVR someday.

Booked the Haworth Haddock and had a fabulous time. Steam train from Oxenhope to Keighley, fish & chips, on board bar and the brilliant Night Patrol played on the platform. You can pick your tickets up early which allows you to travel the line during the day. Staff are lovely, they all work hard to make sure you have a good night. Fabulous to see such enthusiasm. Well worth a visit but if you get the chance for one of their themed events definitely book it!

£16 for full line return £23 for all day hop on, hop off Lovely journey with picturesque views. Some journeys are diesel, others steam. Check which ones but some have hot drinks and snacks available on board too.

A lovely day out. Diesel and steam were running. The engine sheds were open and very informative. All the staff working that day were friendly and helpful. We bought a Rover ticket which allowed us to hop off at station's along the line.

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.

Great british pub awards dinner held at this arena. The arena is very substandard. No toilets on the event floor level. Causing havoc for women in heels. Really poor toilets. Lights missing, door missing on the men's. These are basics. For am awards dinner you would expect a venue that is able to cope with a certain level of customer expectation. Security staff were very polite and ok point. If you are looking to host a formal dinner or expecting a women in heels and men who like lights and doors in toilets. This is not the venue for you.

Has been there for Simply Red concert. Well organised everything was on time. Not impressed with t- shirt prices but I think that maybe the band indication. Good acoustic. Overall good experience.

We went to see Simply Red in September. We paid £175 per head for the North Gallery. It was a mixed bag. The photos are what you see from where it is. If you have the choice between the back few rows that are high up and the gallery, take the latter. If the cost difference isn't huge. The view of the stage is unobstructed, but if you want to see the artist up close, you may want to avoid this. The description of it sells it as more of a suite or corporate box. It's not, you'll pass those on the way. It's essentially a self-contained, tiny corridor with around 15 barstools, each with limited space to move or dance. There is a dedicated waitress service, and she was lovely, although you receive one token each for a complimentary drink. I had a Diet Coke, which half-filled the glass. I inquired and was told they only served 330ml bottles of Coke, hence it was half full. It didn't look good and didn't sit well with us. Subsequently, 2 alcoholic drinks and the Coke cost me £23. The toilets are immediately outside, so instantly accessible. The kitchen apparently closed at 20:30 - it may not always be so - which seemed a bit like the DC. For about 10 - 15 max people, at least offer cold snacks or sandwiches. Maybe they do, but if so, we weren't told. The external entrance to the VIP area is clearly visible and well signposted, with a dedicated lift providing direct access upstairs. If the cost wasn't significantly higher than the high rows, we would use it again. Obviously, that's an individual judgement call. On the other hand, we felt somewhat short changed. There was certainly no wow factor. But it was ok.

We had a fantastic night watching Busted vs. McFly on Sunday. I love this arena because it's set up so there aren't really any 'bad' seats, everyone has a good view of the stage. Getting in through security, getting drinks and toilets were so smooth it was a dream. I need to say a HUGE SHOUTOUT and thank you to the wonderful lady who was stewarding section 329, you really made our night in spite of some miserable concert goers. PSA, if you don't want to have a good time, don't go to a concert of a 00's boy and and ruin it for everyone else.

I have only visited the First Direct Arena in Leeds once and that was to see Chris Rock live. I got parked near the venue were pretty cheap, with a really pleasant surprise that right next to the arena, there were plenty of food options outside of the venue so you don’t have to buy expensive drink or snack in the venue itself if you choose to. The arena itself is pretty big, and spaced out quite nicely so you aren’t feeling claustrophobic when sitting down or getting up to walk around the arena for the interval. Overall, I would recommend it, and I will make a trip back here one day.

Great venue, we came here for the first time to watch John Bishop. The drink prices are very expensive for 6.90 for a large soft drink is absolutely scandalous. But the venue itself is good. Only not a 5 due to extortionate drink and food pricing

Visited on 7 Nov to see Peter Kay. We booked premium tickets which included a meal. This meant we could enter earlier than the normal door opening time and through a dedicated entrance. We were taken straight to our table where we enjoyed champagne and a tasty 3 course meal. With this package, your table is yours for the whole evening so you are not rushed to finish your meal and you can return to it for the interval. There are also dedicated restrooms with Molton Brown handwash, a lovely touch! For the performance, you enter the arena through an internal door, so no queueing and then you can show your ticket to return back through at the interval. There is a private bar with lots of staff so queueing is minimal but you can also preorder interval drinks. We did this and they were waiting on our table when we got there. Highly recommend this premium experience, all staff were excellent throughout, our server was fantastic (table 40), and security staff were also great. It was so great to see Peter, years after we originally booked and worth the wait x 🙏💙🇯🇵👁🤣

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We visited Mother Shipton’s Cave as a family of four, three adults and one 10-year-old girl and it was such a magical experience! ✨ The whole place feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The woodland walk is peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by tall ancient trees, charming paths, and hidden surprises. My niece was absolutely enchanted by the wishing well and the old tree where visitors press coins into the bark for good luck. Throwing coins into the water felt like something out of a storybook. The wooden sculptures, fairy-tale cottages, and mystical atmosphere make this place truly special. It’s the perfect mix of nature, history, and imagination a wonderful day out for families, nature lovers, or anyone who still believes in a bit of magic. 🌿💫

Went for a birthday treat as visiting the area and as a couple with a dog. The place was busy but not overly and had a great family feel. We wish we could have taken our kiddies here when younger, they would have loved this. We enjoyed the Halloween experience and so good to have somewhere that is dog friendly. Loved the autumnal walk and pretty lights. The queue for the hot chocolate and drinks was large so would be nice to have two venues for refreshments but people bought their own as well so we could have planned to do this. Lovely outdoor walk with the dog and interesting site. Poor mother shipton and her 15 year old mum, what a life. When you think about it a poor bullied young woman who made the best of her tragic life and now we visit the cave she lived in. The sites not that deep though lol so it is child friendly in presentation, but as an adult visiting it's quite thoughtful. I love the history and that it's been visited for so many years. Worth a trip, and dog friendly. Thanks

Fantastic, really enjoyed the whole experience. There is audio so don't forget to press the button. Did not realise it was dog friendly also, except not allowed in the gift shop. There are lots of seating areas should you wish to bring a picnic. No problem getting parked as was quiet and we were only charged pedestrian charge. We went first week in September so I imagine it would be very busy when schools are off.

My son treated me to a fabulous time here today. All I can say is go!!! Its well worth it. The story of Mother Shipton is delivered with respect and compassion. I dont know how much the entry fee is as this was a gift . I had a delicious hot chocolate and a cheese and onion pasty halfway through the walk and was served by 2 lovely polite and friendly ladies. Later , I made my wish at the well. The gift shop is small but well stocked. All.in all a lovely place to visit. Give yourself about 3 hours.

A beautiful gem, the living history. The forest walk is amazing, throughout the whole year. The peak is Halloween: amazing programs, kind and helpful staff members. The waterfall and its stoney effects on artifacts is world unique phenomenon, lovely gift shop. Ideal for couples, families (with pram, elderly people or doggos). Parking lot is big enough: simply must visit, to make life memories.

We’ve visited Mother Shipton’s Cave quite a few times now – first as a couple, and more recently as a family with our son. It’s easily one of our favourite places to visit together, and somehow we fall in love with it a little more every time we go. Autumn is by far our favourite season to visit – the colours, the crisp air, and the atmosphere perfectly capture everything we love about this time of year. There’s so much to see and do for both adults and children, and it always feels like stepping into a little pocket of magic.

Absolutely outstanding place to visit. We visited during the fairy trail exhibition and had the most magical time. There was lots to do and see. There was a little fairy village with lots of different information, we visited the petrifying waterfall that turns items to stone over a period of time which was absolutely fascinating. There is a little gift shop at the end of the walks which was really weird and wonderful.