Beautiful Gardens, you could spend all day here, we had cake and tea after our walk, the food looked very nice and reasonable priced 😊. The gardens and walkways are stunning. It's so relaxing and peaceful. It's also a nursery so you can buy lots of different plants also. I came here about 15 years ago and was lucky enough to meet Beth Chatto while i was there. She was very kind and didn't mind standing there just talking to people visiting her gardens . We will be back in the summer looking forward to it.

1st visit in years. Lovely wall around the gardens. Had a sandwich & drink in the tearoom - reasonable prices. Then had a good look through the nursery. Love the way it's set out for different planting conditions & also recommends what to grow with it.

Have been meaning to visit here for Years. Finally got around to it and was not disappointed. Nice gentle walks through the garden and looked like pretty good wheelchair access. Nice shop and restaurant. Plants and gardening books to purchase. You can do RHS approved training courses there. Annual tickets available for multiple visits. Access road is narrow but has passing places. A couple of coach parties visiting Ng when we were there. We booked online before visiting.

Probably not the best time of year to visit for masses of flowers, but colourful enough.Nice place to visit for a stroll around the gardens and then a nice cup of tea with a slice of cake in the tearoom.Also has a nursery with plants from the garden to buy.

Crikey - what an amazing place. While we were there, on a recent family visit, a Swedish TV company were filming a gardening programme. And I'm not surprised. No wonder the gardens are world famous. We were completely entranced by the whole experience, including the different spaces and environments, the nuseries, the house and the lovely lunch in the restaurant. My only advice to any visitor would be walk slowly, take your time and just let the experience soak in...

Recently, I visited Beth Chatto's Plants and Gardens in Essex, near Colchester, with an old friend. The garden is exceptionally well maintained and offers a lovely day out for families. Unfortunately, the staff in the shopping area were not particularly friendly. They overcharged us for paper bags, which didn't make sense since different customers were given different prices for them. The worst part was as we were leaving; a staff member was unhelpful and patronising while we were trying to arrange a taxi back to Colchester station. A woman even repeatedly asked us to leave the premises, behaving not great! Despite these issues, we had a wonderful trip overall!

Beths Plants & Gardens has a wide variety of plants and shrubs set in a beautiful location. The lakes and ponds have been created to encourage insects with numerous moisture loving plants. There is a canopy of tall oak trees creating shade and a peaceful atmosphere during the walk around. There are wooden benches located at various intervals around the gardens should you need to catch your breath during the visit. The Staff are incredibly enthusiastic & knowlegable and happy to answer any questions you may have. During the warmer months of the year, be sure to visit the pigs and learn the benefits they bring with regard to the preparation of uncultivated ground. Highly recommended.

Visited Banham Zoo this week and had the most amazing time. The animals are so well cared for with outstanding enclosures. We did The Big Cat Experience which was well worth the money as you get to spend time with and feed several big cats. Highly recommend!

Absolute brilliant place, we got there my chance, was in the area with some time to spare and discovered this brilliant diamond. As an experience, I would say it's the best Zoo I've been so far in the UK. I mean, they have a snow leopard. It's a completely brilliant place and just can't wait to go there again.

We decided to go on one of the hottest days so not many of the animals were out. It’s a very big area and caters brilliantly for the children. I love the fact you can hire buggies and mobility scooters, the train was always packed and there was plenty of staff around. I took off a star as even though it was a good day out wasn’t the best zoo we have visited and if we didn’t take our time we would have been round it in an hour! We loved the tropical area so much.

Nice enough zoo and can’t argue with the value after using the kids go free promotion for half term. The park itself is clean if not a little rundown. The selection of animals is disappointing and not anywhere near as good as Africa Alive. The food outlets are fantastic with all being spotlessly clean, excellent value and really delicious food. What a shame it’s such an utter shambles. Queue for ages to get in only to be met with a disgruntled team member who would rather do ANYTHING than speak to customers. We had prepaid the trick or treat packs and was told we could get these in the gift shop so we then had to queue up again for well over half hour for a lanyard and a a little pencil. These “packs” could have been at the main entrance. The staff on the gift shop were painfully slow and unorganised making the wait even longer and allowing multiple people to queue jump. There’s lots of work going on round the park to update and introduce enclosures which is exciting and we look forward to seeing.

Haven't been here for years and took my 7 year old granddaughter. Can't blame zoo but weather was so hot all the animals were hiding in shade so we're hard to see. Some enclosures and areas looked tatty and would have like a few more interactive things to interest children and adults around. We did love the train ride which was very popular.

I had a fantastic time at the zoo! The animals looked well taken care of, and the enclosures were spacious and clean. There was a wide variety of animals to see, from tiger to penguins and reptiles. I was amazed of the animals. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions. Definitely worth the visit. 😍

Brilliant zoo, found whilst on holiday and was pleasantly surprised! Really good selection of animals, all really well looked after, good food and a cracking day out! Would highly recommend!

Burghley House is really impressive and worth seeing. The building itself is huge and full of history, with amazing details inside and out. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping back in time, and there’s so much to look at you could easily spend hours there. The staff were friendly and happy to answer questions, which made the visit even better. Outside views of the house are just as stunning, especially if the weather is good. It’s the kind of place that makes you go “wow” when you first see it.

It's a huge pile of a place with plenty to see, enormous gardens designed by Capability Brown and a wealth of treasures on view. They are a bit economical with the truth regarding where the money actually came from: if truth be told, political fingers were very much in the till several centuries ago. Clearly nothing has changed! To be frank, I found it rather soulless and dark, especially on an autumn day that started somewhat gloomily. You may love it; I have seen country homes that I warmed to a lot more than this.

What a venue! So much history, so much style. We had our work conference here and it was amazing, the staff were attentive and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. The food was great, pastries and tea or coffee to start, mini fish and chips or vegetarian option, then charcuteri to finish. I look forward to revisiting to see the house. Thanks to Cara and her team.

The House is closed for private functions every Friday & typically, I went on a Friday! 🤦 The walking trails, cafe & shop are still open though & I managed to get a few photos of the outside of the house. It is absolutely stunning & although I may have been able to get some more shots on the other side of the house, it was absolutely sweltering so I contented myself with these & will capture the rest when I can actually visit the property fully at some point. Definitely recommended, just not on a Friday!

The most beautiful palace we have ever visited. It is clear that the owners put great effort into ensuring visitors have access to a wealth of information and a truly enriching experience. The part open for sightseeing is absolutely magnificent – stunning ceiling paintings, the enchanting Heavenly Room, the impressive kitchen, and the elegant library hall. From the windows, you can admire the garden, not accessible to visitors, yet captivating with its carefully and imaginatively trimmed shrubs. The park area is vast, with sections available for free walks as well as paid entry. One of the highlights was spotting a herd of deer behind the fence, including two rare white ones. Truly breathtaking!

A beautiful house well preserved and the art and paintings are incredible. However it cost £22 to go in to the house and you only see a small part of the house. Couldn't go up to the very top and missed alot of levels. The garden is nice to explore with all the waterfalls

Amazing country house and well worth a day out. We drove just under two hours each way to get there and the schlep was totally justified. We spent about and hour and a half each in the gardens and house. The entrance price was £22 each on the door. There are a few options for food, including the Orangery restaurant and Garden Café. Food and drink is reasonably priced, good quality and offers plenty of choice. Souvenirs also cheaper than I have come to expect in such places. Parking is ample and located not too far from the house and gardens. The house is stunning. You don't see too much of it as the family is still living there, but what you do so - the State Rooms - are steeped in history and full of incredible treasures including the largest collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain outside Asia, stunning examples of marquetry and some incredible murals and celling scenes by Antonio Verrio. The Hell Staircase was a highlight for us. There are lots of friendly volunteers and a fantastic audio guide (priced at £3) to help you along. The gardens are expanisive. We wandered the Floral Tapestry, Garden of Surprises and Sculpture Gardens before running off to see the nearby town of Stamford. The gardens were in full bloom in late August and despite this being a summer Saturday, were not brimming with kids. The Garden of Surprises was quirky but not gimmicky, and the other parkland areas were beautiful. All in all, including a lunch stop, we spent a good 4 hours exploring Burghley House and felt this was an exceptional day out. Plenty of things for kids to do too. You should allow time to visit Stamford too; this is a lovely town. All in all, this is a lovely part of the UK!

What an amazing nostalgic cinema, we absolutely loved it. It was a pavilion originally and converted in 1920, so you can imagine Pathe news being showing on the war years. The decor is all original including an organ that would play at the intermission. Lots of leg room and very comfortable.

I don't go to any other cinema now. I love this place so much. The whole place just feels special. It's cheaper than other cinemas but equally comfy. I also love that lots of showings have intermissions. Why cinemas stopped doing that, I don't know. The chap playing the organ is always an unexpected delight. More than just a cinema, this is an experience!

Absolute fantastic place if you want to travel back in time and you're looking for something totally romantic then this is the place. Just close your eyes and soak up the atmosphere it's brilliant. Price's are extremely good for gge tickets and for snacks and drinks. Also there is an old fashion intermission for a toilet or drinks break superb. Loved every minute of it.

Quaint 1950s cinema with lots of leg room and comfy seats. Strange to have an intermission half way through the movie to refresh your snacks, go to the loo or just be entertained by the organist rising from beneath the stage. Definitely worth a visit just for the experience

What a fantastic cinema experience. Like stepping back in time in the best possible way. Lovely friendly staff and nice snacks on sale. You even get an interval and the piano playing. Will def go again.

Fantastic throwback to old fashioned cinema with quirky cinematic nostalgia items on display, comfortable seating, an Interval with the bonus of an organist rising up in front of the screen. Absolutely loved visiting this cinema. Will be back for more.

Absolutely brilliant! Cannot believe we stumbled across this place, a hidden gem! Traditional cinema, beyond reasonable ticket and refreshment prices, an all round wonderful experience!

Popular mansion and gardens. We've never seen such a queue to enter a NT property as this. It draws an incredible number of visitors and has an enormous car park and extensive cafe to accommodate everyone. That said it didn't feel busy in the gardens or house. There's plenty of room for people to spread out. There are formal gardens as well as parkland to explore. With a veritable army of volunteers tending to the gardens, which were a credit to their green fingered attention. In August when we visited there were a number of activities for children to enjoy. And plenty of children doing just that. The mansion house was built in 1685. All the furnishings and paintings are original items owned by the family. A really nice authentic feature. Don't miss the church, with so many elaborate memorials to the family ancestors. And do talk to the room guides they had lots of stories to tell about the past generations and more recent royal visitors. All good. 😎👍👍👍👍

Belton House is one of the largest National Trust stately homes, with loads to see and do including the largest outdoor play area across the estate. The house inside is stunning and whilst some work was ongoing when we were there it took nothing away from what was and will be a place of great splendour. There are also one lovely gardens to explore which you can take your fourlegged friend (although understandably not in the house).

Belton is a vast estate with a huge parking lot that is a bit of a walk to the entrance. Particularly if one must park at the far end. I was surprised to see so many visitors in late September! It was easy to see why. The house was amazing, dating from the 1600's with most of its decor maintained since that time period. The Trust has done an excellent job preserving the interior. Rooms include a full sized chapel, as well as a bedroom that was designed for Queen Adelaide. The self guided tour finds one going through room after room as it seems that most of them are open for display, unlike others where touring was limited to ground floor or a few rooms to peruse. There is a lovely cafe on the grounds and acres of gardens to enjoy. There were still many flowers in bloom in late September. There is a maze on the far end of the property if one chooses to seek it out. We never did make it to the middle, but at least we found our way back out! We are National Trust members (via Royal Oak Society) so I cannot comment on admission price. I can say that you will see a vast amount upon admission and could easily spend the day enjoying the landscape. One last tidbit: the house was featured as Rosings Park in a Pride & Prejudice film. The front was where Mr. Collins entered with his entourage, and the back is where Mr. Darcy was filmed walking towards the house.

Belton House was extremely busy when we were there but we still had a wonderful visit and did not feel overcrowded (except in the ice-cream shop!). The house was interesting, the volunteers knowledgeable and the gardens were beautiful and well kept. It is a pity the large fountain in the formal garden was not working. We will definitely visit again when we are in the area!

Probably one of the most enjoyable visits I have had to a country house and grounds. The house is not the most spectacular from the outside or the inside but it is both attractive from the outside and surprisingly comfortable inside. It is a place that I felt it would be nice to live in. There is a lot to see in the house and there was a guide in each of the main rooms who was only too happy to talk about the history, royal links and modern filming in and around the estate. The guided tour of the grounds is well worth while as we found it amusing and informative. The estate church is Norman in age and some of the later memorial statues are very impressive. We enjoyed the formal gardens and orangery although the maze was decidedly unamazing. A very pleasant walk down to the lake in a less formal area.

Was very disappointed. Cosy us £60 entry, was told that was for everything but to find out after spending all day there that the lights was an extra £76 !!!! Rip off and with only a handful of rooms decorated, thought it was poor value ... Tips for next year, give a reduced price for lights if there all day and show a kitchen decorated for Christmas lunch

Enjoyed my trip to Belton estate. It was busy due to school holidays and plenty was laid on for them to do. Outside in the gardens it was a pleasure walking round and enjoying the atmosphere. Entering the house every room was amazing and the staff explained all inquiries. Highly recommend.

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.

I’m a big fan of cathedrals, and all across Europe they have their own flavour and style. Lincoln follows the Italian cathedral tradition of an enormous (and I really mean enormous) facade. And you can see it’s a facade, it overlaps the edges of the cathedral, but it’s still impossible not to be awed by the scale. No matter where you stand, yo aren’t going to fit that facade onto Yor camera, unless you’re using an ultra wide angle. It’s that big. So the facade is quite unique - Wells has something similar but Wells cathedral would fit in your pocket, yo have to be careful almost not to sit on it by accident. So Lincoln takes this facade to the nth degree, and it’s worth seeing for that. You’ll only see similar things in Milan, and (in a very different style) in Florence. The area around the cathedral is nice too - very traditional, cobbles, steep ungainly streets, closely packed cottages and townhouses climbing their way up these steep streets. This centre around the cathedral is the best bit of the town- the rest is somewhat modernised and has lost that air, so to see the real old Lincoln, you want to be around the cathedral. And the cathedral itself is worth a visit inside and around. I think there are prettier cathedrals - York for one, and more decorated inside (e.g. Ely) but Lincoln does a classic job with a large space. And it has layers of windows that breathe space into the building, it really needs to be experienced in person. And because Lincoln is not on the general tourist trail, you have it much more to yourself. So it’s peaceful, and occasionally, they hold some reasonably priced, and well-chosen concerts.

Visited the cathedral multiple times and what a beautiful place it is! Indulged in the tour, incredibly insightful and fascinating. The tour guide (Believe it was Dorothy, older woman with glasses and red earrings) was a joy to listen to and learn from, and incredibly knowledgeable. The tour was engaging and fun, with all questions being answered. The cathedral is stunning for a building that's a millennia old, and buildings like this need to be preserved for future generations to love and enjoy.

Very impressive on multiple levels. Most importantly of course there is the amazing architecture and rich history. But there is more. The absence of pews or chairs in the nave is refreshing, making it so much easier to imagine what this imposing space looked like in medieval times. They allow dogs, and dogs there were. Somehow this really enhances the welcoming feel of the place. Then there is the most amazingly beautiful Stations of the Cross, a modern work in wood comprising a generous fifteen works. I am a lapsed Catholic and agnostic, but I felt Christ’s suffering through it - a moving and somewhat surprising experience. Last, but certainly not least, we enjoyed one of the best tours I have ever experienced. Our guide, Christine, gave us insight in both architecture and history with deep knowledge and humour, and a particular sensitivity to the younger members of our audience that was very pleasing. All in all definitely a five star experience!

Amazing Cathedral, still baffles me how they managed to construct buildings like this all those years ago. You can get in for free but you have to pay to walk around once you're inside, which was a bit pricey; £25 for two. That's not a guided tour, which you can book for an additional cost. Either way it's definitely worth a visit

Majestic monument at the top of Lincoln town, breathtaking architecture both inside and out. Serene peaceful beautiful and check out "Queen" Pat one of the volunteers we actually met on a local bus driven by Colin

Historical place well worth the visit. Step back in time to medieval England.and the ruling church classes! Well preserved history. Activities for children too. Entry is good if you opt for the season pass, one payment for all year...

I love that cathedral. It was amazing experience to visit place full of history. I spent over one hour walking around and inside of cathedral. Beautiful architecture.

We mainly went for the cathedral; which was amazing. The castle was ok too. The best things about it are the views from the external wall walk and the film and display of the Magna Carta. A very important document on which most world democracy is based.

Visited here while staying in the area. A STEEP walk up from Broadgate car park in the town…..get a taxi ? Its free to get into the ‘grounds’ and then pay more to do the ‘walls walk’ and more to see the Magna Carta/prison areas. A MUST is to join the guided walk to get the ‘chat’ about the various areas of the castle….So worthwhile. Cafe is very reasonable too.

Great castle! The grounds are lovely to walk around. Prisons inside the grounds are really informative. Great for all ages! Views from the top of the walk are amazing of the city

Well worth a visit. Definitely get tickets and go view the, prisons, Magna carta and the chapel. Take advantage of the tour, they guides are knowledgeable and so friendly. Also the ticket get you to walk the medieval wall walk. Cafe and gift shop also available.

Stunning views of the city. Wonderful to walk around, got to listen to some stories through the onsite tour guide. The prisons were intriguing (and a little depressing, but I suppose they are supposed to be) . Getting to see one of the last few copies of the Magna Carta is a great view into the past. I would suggest getting the Wall walk ticket. When we visited the list was down so we walked up the spiral staircase, which in itself was an adventure.

Lincoln castle is amazing. Incl. Prisons, Magna Gata, Walk on fabolous Castle Wall with dragons . Family tickets have discount. Carpark is just beside. Highly recommended.

Had a great time at the castle, saw the prisons and the original Magna Carta. Lovely walk around the top of the walls. Shame the lift was out of order, you have to be fit to climb the spiral staircase. Well worth a visit.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Totally surprised myself by how interesting I found this! These are beautiful to look and watch as they go past. Such a shame that we don't use these anymore! There was plenty to do and see. The woodland walks with the wooden sculptures were great! We loved the wooden potato head! We all enjoyed the Tram ride through the village! Great day out!

A lovely day out for the enthusiast. We had three trams running on our visit and was able to ride on them with ease. The other attractions, such as the Woodland walk was a pleasant activity. The tram museum is very informative with a good collection of trams and their history. There are plenty of places to sit down but I would recommend bringing your own food/picnic as the small on site cafe has very limited table accommodation inside.

What a great day we had, it's steam punk weekend here, and decided to go along to find out what it was like. £25 per adult but free to come back within 12 months. Blast from the past as you walk down to the recreation of tram life with the extra of alot of people dressed up in their desired steam punk outfits. Great to see them all. So much to see with the history of trams, and the woodland walk is a must, we really enjoyed this part. Cant wait to go back again.

A lovely day out . We had spent the weekend in Matlock Bath. A truly lovely place to visit. The tramway village is only approximately 6miles away. It's like stepping back in time . Along with many trams on display, there are some you travel on along a track. An old fashioned sweetshop and pub . There's a cafe serving food . Sadly the country walk got to by the tram was closed due to the bad weather. Tickets are valid for 12 months so hopefully will go back in the summer months

Great day out. A big part of family holidays when I was a child was riding the trams at Blackpool along the seafront. Seeing a couple of these at the museum brought back some very happy memories. My parents would have rode on trams like some of these when they were young. It’s fantastic to see so many all in one place and all so well preserved. I love this sort of place. It’s so amazing that people had the foresight to save these items, be they trams or trains or buses, vintage cars, old buildings. They deserve our full support. Will definitely pay another visit.

Visiting the Peak District, on a wet autumn day with a dog, we went to look around this museum, as much of it is indoors. We took a tram ride - included with the entry, and dog was allowed on the lower floor of the tram - looked around the old sweet shop, various sheds and the workshop, then to the pub... then we wandered the woodland walks. An enjoyable afternoon, with very friendly & helpful staff. We thought the price (£25 each for 2 adults) steep, it does allow re-entry for 12 months, but that only works if you live locally to be able to go back within that timescale.

Fantastic place to visit and spend the day. I can throughly recommend Crich Tramway Village for a fantastic experience. The place is staffed by very friendly people and they are all very helpful and welcoming. I loved exploring the garages where the trams are stored and maintained and there is plenty of information about the history of each tram. The restaurant serves good quality food and is good value for money. I really enjoyed the tram rides and there was plenty of opportunities to stop off and get off at the different stops so that you explore more and enjoy a walk around the area. Thank you so much to the volunteers and workers who make this place such a fantastic place to visit.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Roundhay Park is a beautiful green space at the heart of the community. The park has something for everyone – from wide open areas to relax, to fun attractions like the land train ride and play parks for children. The lake is perfect for a stroll, and feeding the ducks is always a favourite. There’s a lovely café overlooking the water, and you’ll often find an ice cream van nearby on sunny days. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including fairs and food festivals, which make every visit feel different and exciting. A vibrant and welcoming place

Nice area with cafes, walks, cricket pitch and a land train. Area was really clean (almost no litter) and the paths were fairly good; more than good enough for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Also the Monet Garden and HESCO garden which were lovely too.

Roundhay Park is such a nice place to spend a few hours. It’s really big, with lakes, open fields, and plenty of walking paths. There are always people out with their dogs or having picnics, but it still feels calm and peaceful. You can get some great views around the park too. It’s one of those spots that just makes you feel relaxed and glad to be outside

It was very fantastic yesterday afternoon and I enjoyed it a lot with my only brother and husband. There is a nice view of the lake area. A nice arrangement for sitting is also a perfect picnic spot with a picture perfect environment.we are delighted specially me because I always ask my husband for the "Ice-cream " they sell at the park yesterday its perfect timing and took two on my both hand like my childhood then went back to my childhood days....itsssss a Marvelous day out....thanks to park authority.... Going very soon there.. 😊

It’s my favourite place to visit in Leeds. The most beautiful and spacious park in the city with great views and landscapes especially round the lakes. You can enjoy walking, cycling, hiking or just relaxing having your tea or coffee near the lake. It’s the best place for picnic although it doesn’t have enough restrooms for visitors.

A fabulous huge open space free to visit. Although LCC have now imposed car parking charges which isn’t ideal. Disabled parking is free. 2 beautiful lakes, loads of walks. Wonderful band stand. Boathouse cafe and coffee shop at the bottom. Mansion house tea rooms at the top.

I have wandered through Roundhay Park in Leeds, where winding paths invite quiet walks and nature whispers through rustling leaves and birdsong. I still remember sitting by the lake one quiet afternoon, the sun casting golden ripples on the water, lost in thought as time seemed to slow. Beneath towering trees and open skies, peace lingers like a gentle breeze. It’s a place I’d warmly recommend to locals seeking a breath of calm and to visitors hoping to feel the quiet soul of Yorkshire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lovely ship, good crossing, terrible inside bunk bed cabin!! Thin walls with party people going to Amsterdam! Drinking until 2am!! No sleep whatsoever! Expensive breakfast buffet like a sale opening day! Such a big rush for the overcooked inedible breakfast! ! Friendly, hard working crew.

This was the first time we went from Newcastle to IJmuiden with DFDS and we won't do this again. Sorry, but for the money it costs and the experience DFDS has, it is really bad. First of all, the information in advance: there is none. You have no idea what your cabin number is, not even when you get it (you get it at check-in). Your account only contains the details of the trip, nothing else. And the journey itself: we were in a family cabin on deck 6 and it was like sleeping in the engine room. A huge noise, everything was shaking, no sleep. It was hot, the air conditioning barely worked. Really worthless. Upon arrival it was chaos: arrival time was 9:45, we were home at 12:45 and we live in Haarlem (20 minutes drive). From now on we will use the tunnel, which is a detour, but much more pleasant and much cheaper.

We travel regularly on the Newcastle - Amsterdam route with our dog as we do the Europe trip 8 times a year. Check in process is smooth. With the dog, papers are checked at the same time as our passports and scanner is provided to check the micro chip. Once on board, staff will assist if you need help getting to your cabin. We always have a dog friendly cabin, so know where we're going - thanks for the gravy bone today from our dog! Dog exercise area means we can sit outside with the dog if desired. Then dinner - we always do the buffet, plenty choice and the food is good, would recommend booking - a decent sleep (smooth crossing helps 😊) and after a decent breakfast it's time to disembark. For us, this is a great option coming from Scotland and having 2000km drive in Europe to our destination. We arrive refreshed, well fed and ready for the onward journey. Note we do sometimes travel via the Eurotunnel or Santander /Bilbao crossings to south of England but this one is our favourite overall.

Myself and my wife had an excellent time on the DFDS mini cruise to Amsterdam, cannot sing it's praises enough. Room was small but clean and comfortable, boat atmosphere was excellent especially on the return voyage, we had a really relaxed two days at sea and it was awesome. If I was to find faults it would be that there was a lack of food for my wife who is Coeliac, and the boats WiFi wasn't the best but to be fair we were in the middle of the north sea, drinks were a bit pricey but you can buy from duty free and save some cash if you want, all in all more than happy for what we got for our money. Will definitely be doing this again.

The ferry is a little tired in places, but not so much that it's a problem. The staff are excellent and try to do whatever they can to help. Both the public areas and cabins are kept clean, with lots of visible cleaning of the former throughout the journey. Food at the buffet is much better than expected for a captive audience, especially the very well cooked meats. If you can justify the cost, the commodore de luxe rooms are great.

Absolutely excellent to Amsterdam trip with excellent food and a real and a really nice with a good coach trip in to Amsterdam square and the canals before returning to board the boat again and once again excellent food the service from the staff were brilliant and of course it has a real duty-free shop yes a real duty-free shop not like the airports a pleasant experience and well worth the money all in all absolutely brilliant show get away with no worries or problems AJ

Needed to move personal effects from the Netherlands to the UK. Decided to rent a van and pickup the items myself via ferry, as that was the cheapest option available. Check-in and boarding were straightforward, and the ferry rides both ways were long (around 16 hours) but pleasant. Cabins were clean and comfortable too. I paid for the dinner and breakfast buffets while booking, which was cheaper than paying at the door. Both meals were of excellent value, with lots of options. Overall, I had a great time on the ferry and highly recommend this service!