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40 Best Stops Between St Peter Port and Weymouth
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from St Peter Port to Weymouth?
The direct drive from St Peter Port to Weymouth is 127 mi (205 km), and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 49 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from St Peter Port to Weymouth, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Bournemouth, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Poole, Dorchester, Glastonbury, Salisbury, Swanage, Brockenhurst, Yeovil, and Lymington, as well as top places to visit like Port Racine and Goury Lighthouse, or the ever-popular Alderney Museum.
Visiting St Peter Port or Weymouth? See our St Peter Port Trip Planner and our Weymouth Trip Planner.
127 mi
Total Distance
3 hrs 49 mins
Drive Time
40 stops
Cities / Attractions
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Top cities between St Peter Port and Weymouth
The top cities between St Peter Port and Weymouth are Bournemouth, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Poole, Dorchester, Glastonbury, Salisbury, Swanage, and Yeovil. Bournemouth is the most popular city on the route. It's 3 hours from St Peter Port and less than an hour from Weymouth.
1
Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
46 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Weymouth
2Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
46 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Weymouth
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
46 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Weymouth
4
Salisbury
Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city in Wiltshire, England, is renowned for its historical and cultural attractions. Just 9 miles south of the famous Stonehenge, Salisbury boasts a majestic 13th-century cathedral with a towering spire and an original copy of the Magna Carta. The city's charming streets are lined with independent shops and diverse dining options, including acclaimed eateries like The Old Ale and Coffee House and Fisherton Mill Cafe.
23% as popular as Bournemouth
40 minutes off the main route, 77% of way to Weymouth
5
Bournemouth
Bournemouth, located in Dorset, England, is a coastal resort town known for its warm and swimmable beach that stretches for seven miles. The lively Victorian pier offers arcade games and bars, while pastel beach huts and a charming promenade complete the classic British seaside scene. Established in 1812 as a health resort, Bournemouth has evolved into a vibrant town with two universities and the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), hosting world-class music acts.
Most popular city on this route
13 minutes off the main route, 79% of way to Weymouth
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6
Glastonbury
Glastonbury, located in southwest England, is a town steeped in ancient and medieval history and rich in myth. The iconic Glastonbury Tor, associated with Arthurian legend, overlooks the Somerset Levels. The town is also home to the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, dating back to the 7th century, and the Glastonbury Tribunal museum showcasing Iron Age artifacts.
26% as popular as Bournemouth
59 minutes off the main route, 79% of way to Weymouth
7
Poole
Poole, a charming coastal town in southern England, is famous for its expansive natural harbor and beautiful sandy beaches. The Old Town area boasts elegant Georgian houses and the fascinating Poole Museum, spread across four historic buildings including the medieval Scaplen’s Court. Visitors can embark on boat trips from Poole Harbour to explore the scenic Brownsea Island, renowned for its lush woodlands, nature trails, and diverse wildlife like red squirrels.
58% as popular as Bournemouth
1 minute off the main route, 82% of way to Weymouth
8
Isle of Purbeck
Peninsula
The Isle of Purbeck is a stunning peninsula with a diverse landscape, featuring wildflower-filled coastal paths, dramatic cliffs, and charming old villages. It's a haven for geologists with its sandy heath, ball clay, chalk downland, and oil-bearing shale. The area's historical significance is evident in the use of its hard limestones as building materials. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches near Old Harry's Rocks and explore the fantastic rolling countryside and historical buildings.
28% as popular as Bournemouth
18 minutes off the main route, 82% of way to Weymouth
9
Yeovil
Yeovil, a charming town and civil parish in Somerset, England, is nestled close to the southern border with Dorset. With a population of nearly 50,000 residents, this picturesque destination is located approximately 126 miles west of London. Yeovil offers a delightful blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Visitors praise the town for its fantastic staff and grade A food quality. The tasty cuisine and excellent service make it a hidden gem worth exploring.
11% as popular as Bournemouth
30 minutes off the main route, 85% of way to Weymouth
10
Dorchester
Dorchester, located in Dorset, England, is a charming market town with a rich historical heritage. It is positioned between Poole and Bridport on the A35 trunk route and sits on the banks of the River Frome. The town boasts an array of Georgian and 17th-century buildings and is famously associated with Thomas Hardy, whose former residence Max Gate can be found on its outskirts.
26% as popular as Bournemouth
1 minute off the main route, 94% of way to Weymouth
Best stops along St Peter Port to Weymouth drive
The top stops along the way from St Peter Port to Weymouth (with short detours) are Stonehenge, Bournemouth Pier Amusements, and Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World. Other popular stops include The Needles Landmark Attraction, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, and Oceanarium.
1Diane E — Google reviewDavid R — Google reviewNick M — Google reviewBill W — Google reviewKaechee W — Google reviewAnthony H — Google reviewAnthony B — Google review•
Alderney Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
History Museums
A visit to Alderney Museum is a journey through the island's rich history, from its ancient past to its significant role in World War II. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of local artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age and delves into the island's occupation by Nazi Germany during the war. Visitors can learn about the evacuation of the entire population at the start of World War II and the extensive mine clearance that allowed islanders to return home in 1945.
Well worth the visit, a wealth of interesting pieces on display.
S T — Google review
Very informative and full of artifacts from the ages, well worth a visit
Look for the yellow phone booth on St. Anne’s High Street and head through the adjacent archway to visit this great little volunteer-run museum. Entry is £5, which is a bargain considering the amount of interesting stuff on display, and the extra details one can obtain from the friendly staff member on duty. There are articles and information on all eras in Alderney’s history, but one can certainly sense how significant the WW2 German occupation is to the islanders. Recommended.
Lovely local museum, small but plenty to see and read about the island
For its size this local museum is well worth a visit for a very interesting collection of local artifacts dating from the bronze age up to the recent history of Alderney including the occupation by Nazi Germany during World War ll.
Allow at least an hour to do the place justice and do not miss the larger artifacts outside. As the Romans inhabited Alderney during their pomp surely you can with all the advantages of the 21st Century.
Interesting artifacts, books, displays, and a very knowledgeable guide.
Such a great little museum. Loads of war memorabilia
A very cool little museum to visit. I didn't know much of the history of the island and it's German invasion before visiting and it's got a such fascinating story. Doesn't take too long to go round, but we'll worth the visit.
4.7
(71)
4.5
(178)
High St, St. Anne, Guernsey GY9 3TD, Guernsey
2
Port Racine
Nature & Parks
Marinas
Located on the northwestern edge of the Manche peninsula, Port Racine was built in the late 1800s atop a former Napoleonic pirate refuge. This picturesque port offers a glimpse into history and provides a charming setting for visitors to explore. With its intriguing past and stunning coastal views, Port Racine is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic experience in this beautiful region.
4.5
(137)
50440 La Hague, France
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Travelers
2
3
Goury Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Sights & Landmarks
4.5
(122)
France
4Gilly C — Google reviewRod O — Google reviewClaire G — Google reviewLiz Y — Google reviewKay F — Google reviewSandra C — Google reviewNatalie C — Google review•
Holme for Gardens
Mentioned on
Garden center
Nature & Parks
Holme for Gardens is a remarkable garden center situated in picturesque countryside just a short distance from Wareham on the way to Lulworth. The cafe is delightful, offering ample seating both indoors and by a charming pond. They also have a well-stocked farm shop and general garden shop that are competitively priced. However, the true highlight of this establishment is its vast adjoining garden. It combines elements of formal landscaping with areas dedicated to wildflowers, attracting insects and wildlife.
Holme for Gardens was recommended by a friend .
What a wonderful day we had today visiting the garden centre and large garden behind.
There is plenty of free parking.
The layout of all the plants, shrubs trees etc was excellent.
Also so good to see so many healthy well looked after plants etc for sale.
There is a large cafe with tables looking over a large pond with lots of koi carp.
Salt pig cafe & store.
Entry to the large gardens at the rear is £8.50 or £25 for the year.
The large garden has an orchard with bee hives.
Lots of sculptures , a very large pond with two seating area.
A beautiful woodland area.
Raised bed area.
A grass theatre area.
Take a picnic & enjoy the day . Dogs are welcome.
See photos for more details
Julie S — Google review
My sister & I went on Saturday 17th May (my 2nd, my sis 1st) and we both throughly enjoyed the day. We had a lovely long walks around, explored the plants, sat by wildlife pond, watched a couple of wagtails, swifts or house martins swooping across the top of the pond catching flies, saw some dragonflies & damselflies. Then we had lunch outside the cafe next to smaller pond and we had damselflies landed on table. Simply gorgeous day, thank you. We will return again soon. Looking forward to the chickens as new additions !!!!
Lovely well managed garden centre. The staff were friendly and informative. Prices seemed competitive and they had lots to choose from.
More than just a garden centre. Food is great and there are massive gardens to explore with all the family. We took our 3&4 year olds for the day and they loved it!
Started with delicious cheese scone and cappuccino in dog-friendly area of cafe. Friendly and knowledgeable staff helped with choosing from great range of pots and plants. Very pleased with purchases and looking forward to returning to redeem loyalty vouchers and visit the gardens when weather more suitable.
Highly recommended.
Lovely garden centre but with so much more as well the gardens are beautiful and we don't mind paying for entrance
Really enjoyed my visit to the garden centre. Lovely gardens to walk around. Nice in December, must be beautiful Spring, Summer time. Definitely going back.
A beautiful coffee shop/restaurant with a lovely garden centre. Plants are healthy and competitively priced for an independent shop. There are some lovely gifts and cards. You can find a gift for most occasions.
I dont like cake really, but had a slice as it had been recommended. So glad I did. The forest fruit cake was really nice.
Beautiful terrace to sit out and enjoy.
4.6
(1290)
4.4
(261)
Holme Nurseries Ltd, West Holme, Wareham BH20 6AQ, United Kingdom
5Rob S — Google reviewAgnes K — Google reviewJon B — Google reviewCharlie B — Google reviewThomas M — Google reviewAnushan V — Google reviewRick ) — Google review•
Sandbanks Ferry Terminal
Ferry terminal
Transportation
Ferries
The Sandbanks Ferry Terminal offers a charming and efficient way to cross the estuary, connecting you to the stunning landscapes of Studland and Swanage. Whether you're walking, cycling, motorbiking, or driving a car or camper van, this ferry ride is not only time-saving but also budget-friendly for foot passengers. After hopping on the bus from Poole to reach the terminal, I enjoyed a delightful journey across the water before exploring the scenic coastal path leading to Old Harry Rocks.
Delightful little ferry from Sandbanks across the estuary to the other side (Studland / Swanage) wether you are walking, cycling, motorbiking, car or camper it sure does save a lot of time. The cost for foot passengers is very good value for money £1 for a return journey. I caught the bus from Poole to the ferry terminal, caught the ferry and then took the coastal path to Old Harry Rocks! Beautiful area and scenery esp on a warm autumn's day. Great views and photo opportunities from the top deck.
Mo A — Google review
If you're on a motorbike, buy your ticket before you cross! They put you on at the front and off you go.
Great place to visit and admire the views. It doesn't matter if you are traveling on a ferry to the other side or just watching the ferrry from the shore. Both activities are fun :)
Well run. People managing the queues. Doesn’t always save time though v roving round.
It's a great place for photography but we got there a bit late
Great, really easy to cross to Shell Bay, and the prices are pretty reasonable
Beautiful beach with views of boats and ferries
A nice little trip across the water to start your holiday. It usually involves a lot of queueing and waiting, but is good fun once you are on board. Prices are reasonable for cars, bikes and people, but if you are driving a medium-sized camper van, then they charge the same amount as a lorry even if you only take up the same footprint as a large car, which makes it too expensive to use.
4.4
(121)
4.3
(1489)
Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QN, United Kingdom
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6AB — Google reviewKerrie S — Google reviewSam V — Google reviewChris D — Google reviewHannah — Google reviewDavid B — Google reviewKaren A — Google review•
National Trust - The Needles Old Battery & New Battery
Mentioned on
affordable
Museum
The National Trust's Needles Old Battery, dating back to 1862, offers visitors a chance to explore recreated rooms, an underground tunnel, and original guns. Perched above the iconic Needles Rocks, it provides stunning views of the geological formation. The tea-room in an old look-out tower serves refreshments with dramatic vistas of the rocks and Dorset in the distance.
The Needles Old Battery feels like a lookout post at the edge of the world. The views are amazing, though it must have been quite a lonely place to live. The exhibition is great, with a mix of history and scenery. Don’t miss the underground observation room. The long, dark passage leading to it is a bit spooky but worth it. And be sure to walk up the slope to the rooftop. The sea view on the other side is just as stunning!
Issac — Google review
Love a National Trust, and if you are doing Tennyson Down it is definitely worth stopping by the Old Fort. I really liked how they have restored parts of the site and brought it to life. It is not very big so it does not take long to go around, but it is nice to wander through and the views of the Needles are amazing and were the real highlight. They also have a tea room, which to be honest was not that great, a bit of a shame given how lovely some other National Trust tea rooms are. It could have been something really charming like the one at the lighthouse in Dorset. The walk to the fort was another highlight and is so beautiful with lots of wildlife. A really stunning area.
an incredible couple of hours spent here. We got a return on the cable car, £10 per adult. Really good price. Had beautiful views of the ocean coming down, we then went straight onto the boat ride, again incredibly priced. 20 mins out to sea and a view of the needles, beautiful sights. We were lucky enough to have stunning weather. Cable car back up to the top after a lovely walk along the beach and then made our sand jars and played crazy golf. Hasn't changed since I came when I was little.
Beautiful autumn day for a hike and this didn't disappoint. Stunning views of the Needles. Well worth the trek. You can also drive but why would you if you can manage the coastal path then do. It's beautiful.
It took about 30 min with kids to wander along to here from the car park (tell them you’re an NT member for £2 off).
Did it on a hot and sunny day but lovely views on the way and from the battery. Interesting displays and the tunnel down is cool, if not pretty narrow!
Place to get a coffee and plenty of places to sit and eat a picnic.
Worth a visit especially if an NT member.
Great history about the Fort listed. I recommend a visit if you go. Not too expensive to get in but it is a national trust place so it's a must do if you have a membership.
Very windy when I went so be prepared when walking along the cliff top.
There is an enclosed walk way to a view advantage point inside the cliff, at some points this is narrow so I wouldn't recommend if you are claustrophobic
A bit of a walk from the 'Needles Attraction' but it's on a fairly level road. There's not much at the Old Battery but it's worth a look if you're a NT member. Probably not worth the entrance if not. If you pick a decent day, the views are spectacular though.
Very interesting area to visit, you can walk but I recommend taking the open top bus to get there - great views. There is a cafe and shop.
4.6
(1722)
4.4
(1333)
West High Down, Alum Bay, PO39 0JH, United Kingdom
7Mohammad K — Google reviewArthur R — Google reviewJanet S — Google reviewKaren A — Google reviewSaron T — Google reviewBleubirdy99 — Google reviewRithuTheExplorer V — Google review•
The Needles Landmark Attraction
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
The Needles Landmark Attraction in Alum Bay is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From the unique chairlift offering stunning views of the iconic Needles Rocks and Trinity Lighthouse to sand filling shops, adventure golf, boat trips, and a traditional carousel, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also explore artisan offerings at the Alum Bay Glass Studio and Isle of Wight Sweet Manufactory.
The Needles Landmark Attraction is an amazing place to visit with stunning views and plenty to enjoy for all ages. The cable car ride down to the beach is absolutely breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the cliffs, sea, and the iconic Needles rocks. The attractions and shops are fun and family-friendly, and the area is well organized with great facilities. The mix of natural beauty and adventure makes it a perfect day out. A must-see experience when visiting the Isle of Wight — unforgettable and worth every moment!
Harsha J — Google review
The Needles Landmark Attraction is absolutely worth visiting – a true highlight of the Isle of Wight! The views are breathtaking, and the chairlift ride is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning sights of the cliffs, sea, and the famous Needles. It’s something everyone should try at least once.
There are a couple of small areas that could be improved. The food section could offer a bit more variety and quality, and clearer signage for the beach path (especially placed above the queue area) would make things easier for visitors. That said, the chairlifts themselves were excellent – smooth, safe, and such a unique way to take in the scenery.
Overall, a fantastic attraction that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight. Don’t miss it!
Lovely place to visit on the Ilse of Wight. It was a very windy day on our visit to the Needles. We took a trip on the cable car that takes you down to the foreshore,what an experience it was as your lowered over the cliff edge. There is plenty of things to do to keep the kids occupied and the area is disabled friendly. There is a lovely coffee shop selling tea and coffee,soft drinks and cakes ect. A couple of gift shop also. Toilets on site are clean. Large car park. £6.00 per vehicle, £4.00 if a member of the National trust. Also there is a beautiful glass shop.
We went in a bank holiday. Narrow roads leading to the site along with many coaches and cars. We paid £6 for the car park and disabled were allowed to park at the bottom on the field but it was still a mobility navigation issue getting down to the main road. It was very busy. We walked through there gates and had an ice cream with flake. There were many tables with seating but these were mainly full with people eating the various foods (curry was in the air) and picnics. As we walked through the site along- the chair lifts were on the right and the queue to get in was vast. We stood on the platform at the end overlooking the needles . We don’t use the telescope but the pictures bought it closer. For us it was hot and crowded and we stayed about 1.5hrs. Makes the parking expensive . Didn’t know about the boat trip.
Lots of fun for the whole family. Recommend a ride on the chair lift to Alum Bay where you will find the beautiful coloured sands. There are steps down to the beach. You can also get a boat to The Needles to see them from the sea. There are cafes, shops, crazy golf and rides to go on.
This view is simply unforgettable and so relaxing! The vast blue sky, the sea, and the dramatic green cliffs make for pure natural beauty. The best part was the unexpected rainbow over the water—it was truly amazing! Highly recommend a visit here for the stunning views.
You have to visit The Needles when you come to Isle of Wight!
We loved our The Needles visit! We paid £10 each for return tickets for the chairlift option to get down to the small Needles beach! Totally worth it saves us from climbing up and down the steep staircase!
And then when we got to the bottom of the beach, we paid another extra £9 each for a 20mins boat ride which is also another must do, the boat guide was excellent and very knowledgeable on the whole of the needles landmark!
Amazing views and a fun place to visit. The chairlift ride is the highlight, giving you fantastic views of the Needles and the bay. Easy to get around, plenty of parking, and great for photos.
4.3
(14952)
3.6
(4889)
Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD, United Kingdom
8Warren H — Google reviewJ P — Google reviewMike A — Google reviewVela P — Google reviewAdrian B — Google reviewC S — Google reviewTim W — Google review•
National Trust - Clouds Hill
Mentioned on
affordable
Historical landmark
Clouds Hill, a historical landmark maintained by the National Trust, is a museum that provides a glimpse into the life of T.E. Lawrence. Known as Lawrence of Arabia, he was a British soldier who achieved legendary status after fighting alongside Arab tribes during WWI. The museum displays Lawrence's personal belongings including evocative photos from his desert campaigns and sketches of French crusader castles. Visitors can also see the desk where he abridged Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
A extraordinary, intimate insight into the mind of T E Lawrence. If you’ve read The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, this will mean the world to you. And even if you haven’t, you can feel Lawrence breathing right next to you as you peruse every nook and cranny of this gorgeously preserved property.
Ian T — Google review
I would only go for 2 reasons
1) You're interested in Lawrence of Arabia and his life
2) You want to support National Trust in all they do.
Book online to visit cos it's very small and tight for space inside. Small car park for about 10 cars max , no facilities here.
As Trust members we finally visited Clouds Hill, cottage of TE Lawrence aka Lawrence of Arabia on our recent holiday in Dorset. Carpark is small so book ahead. Not sure a place for children to visit. Dogs on leads allowed in the grounds only.
The cottage is near Bovington and close to where he sadly died. Wasn't sure what to expect on arrival but not aware there would be a talk prior to going into the cottage. The gentleman who gave the talk was exceptionally knowledgeable and we now know more about Lawrence's life, after around 30 minutes. After this you get to go into the cottage, again, 2 more people giving talks explaining about the rooms and it's contents - Very interesting! There is also an old bike shed to look in which unfortunately no longer houses his bikes. The whole tour takes around an hour. Lawrence had a very colourful life which was sadly cut short. You can also visit his grave which is in a nearby village. Doubt we will visit again but definitely worth the hour if you are interested in historical figures.
If you are in the area and looking for some Heroic deeds and private life make sure you spend 2 hours at Clouds Hill.
T E Lawrence (of Arabia) fame. A small personal property full of private stuff and stories. Very knowledgeable guides make the story come alive.
Added bunus(noise) are the occassional Tank under training passing by on the road and track to rear of the garden.
Sad ending but enlightening.
T.E. LAWRENCE one of my heroes. Thank you for a most interesting visit.
All the volunteers were very informative and helpful. Very well worth the visit.
A hidden secret! Tiny little cottage sitting in a dip obscured from view. Former home of TE Lawrence. Surrounded by glorious woodland, with lovely walks and great for foraging, but only if you know what to look for. Passing tanks from nearby Bovington camp make great excitement for the boys too.
It's definitely worth a visit all the staff are so nice and very knowledgeable. You need to book in advance as only about 6-8 people can go in at a time,and the tour lasts about an hour .
Excellent visit to clouds Hill once home of T E Lawrence a fascinating place with knowledgeable guides particularly the guide who gave us the story of Lawrence of Arabia and put his life in context and his impact on history as we started our visit. Throughly recommend you visit here good selection of books for sale at the entrance hut we also visited the crash site and the church and grave yard where he is buried at Moreton a few miles away.
4.7
(510)
4.5
(382)
King George V Road, Bovington, BH20 7NQ, United Kingdom
9Mark — Google reviewWendy — Google reviewCarrie — Google reviewSaad A — Google reviewSandra L — Google reviewBen D — Google reviewEmily H — Google review•
Tapnell Farm Park
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Farm
Tapnell Farm Park is a farm-themed amusement park located near Yarmouth in West Wight. It offers a variety of activities for visitors, including go-kart rides, sledge slides, and play areas. The park features a petting zoo with farm animals as well as exotic creatures like wallabies and meerkats. Additionally, there are indoor and outdoor attractions such as soft play areas and adventure activities like zip wires and trampolines.
We visited here when we were on holiday. It is a fantastic place to take your children. We have a 1 and 3 year old and they had the best time. The indoor soft play was fantastic and clean. As it was a hot day there was plenty of things to do while keeping out of the sun. Especially the shaded picnic area which was outside. My toddler loved the go karts and the inflatable obstacle course. Lots to do and see. Would totally recommend coming here!
Kat H — Google review
We had a brilliant family day out at Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight! As two adults and two children, we found there was so much to keep everyone happy. The kids loved meeting the animals, racing around the adventure play areas, and splashing about at the fantastic Aqua Park – definitely a highlight of the day! We also enjoyed a lovely meal at The Cow restaurant, which had delicious food and a really friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Everything was clean, well organised, and set in such a beautiful location. A perfect mix of fun, food, and fresh air – we can’t wait to come back!
A great day out for kids of all ages. we only spent the afternoon here and with only one 5 year old that was fine. But with more kids or older ones I think you could easily spend the whole day here.
Loved it here. So much to do for the kids. Football golf was a huge success with my footie crazy boys. The animal park was great, we especially loved feeding the wallabies.
Paid £68 for a family of 4 members, didn’t find the value for that money, we came under the impression that children are allowed to play with animals but it’s based on their show time and that too very limited.
We were expecting more animals in this price because the play area is not the thing we came here for, it’s an over rated place maybe it is good for the people that stay here because i think a zoo would be lower in cost and with more animals in it as well.
We went off peak One of my party was a wheelchair user, all the staff was super helpful, as we went in off peak season we didn't have to queue for anything, a very child friendly place, And that is so much to keep them entertained for hours we ate at the restaurant the cow. The food is amazing.
A fantastic place for a day out for a family with children of all ages, whatever the weather. With helpful friendly staff, reasonable prices to eat and drink or space to bring your own food but crucially plenty of space it is hard to fault as a children’s farm.
What a brilliant place. We started the day with the toddler group, Thursday 10am. Leonie was super friendly and let our girls play, sing, paint and make music. The farm itself is in excellent surroundings, the animals all look so well cared for. We enjoyed the sandpit, trampolines, play area, bouncy pillow and all the animals. My nearly 2 year old adored brushing the guinea pigs. Thanks for a super day! Highly recommend!
4.7
(2648)
4.6
(1024)
Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0YJ, United Kingdom
10Gavin J — Google reviewS P — Google reviewYoYo — Google reviewRashid A — Google reviewPratik P — Google reviewEric K — Google reviewJKM C — Google review•
Bournemouth Pier
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Piers & Boardwalks
Bournemouth Pier, originally built in 1856 as a small jetty, has evolved into a Victorian pier featuring an amusement arcade, a variety theatre, and a cafe. Spanning over 1000ft long, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to storms and wartime precautions. Positioned at the heart of Bournemouth's beach, the pier serves as a starting point for seaside walks and offers various shops and attractions along its length.
Bournemouth Beach: The Perfect Spot for Family and Friends
Bournemouth Beach is an exceptional destination for those looking to enjoy quality time with family and friends. With its seven miles of golden sand and consistently high rankings among the UK's top beaches (even voted #1 in the UK by TripAdvisor in 2024), it offers ample space for relaxation and play.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable visit, including cafes, restaurants, kiosks, and readily available toilets with baby changing facilities. Lifeguard patrols are active from early April to late September, providing peace of mind. For added convenience, beach huts, deckchairs, sunbeds, windbreaks, and parasols are available for hire.
Beyond the sun and sand, Bournemouth Beach and its surrounding area offer a wealth of activities. The iconic Bournemouth Pier is a hub of entertainment, featuring:
* RockReef: An indoor activity attraction with climbing walls, high ropes, and the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire, offering a thrilling experience for all ages.
* Amusement Arcades: Classic seaside fun for all the family.
* Key West Bar & Grill: A popular spot for food and drink.
For those looking to explore further, the Bournemouth Land Train runs along the promenade, making it easy to travel between different sections of the beach, including to Boscombe Pier. The nearby Lower Gardens also offer a beautiful green oasis with mini-golf and tropical greenhouses.
Whether you're building sandcastles, taking a refreshing dip in the "warmest sea temperatures in the UK," or trying out watersports like paddleboarding or surfing, Bournemouth Beach provides a fantastic backdrop for memorable moments with loved ones. It's a place where relaxation meets excitement, ensuring a great time for everyone.
Parth K — Google review
The pier itself is alright. Although, other than the zip line, restaurant and doughnut stand, there is nothing of interest for adults. A couple rides for the kids but is a bit pricey.
The amusement arcade at the start of the pier are very busy due to them being the only decent one in the area.
Great view from it though
A beautiful sandy beach and pier with the feeling of the Mediterranean to it. Plenty of eating places and things to do. Excellent for evening walks and just for relaxing. I would highly recommend to visit during summer with the good weather and longer days. Ideal for families and for those who want to chill!
The view was absolutely stunning — the sea, the fresh breeze, and the peaceful atmosphere made it such a relaxing experience. There’s something magical about being near the water. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the area. A perfect spot for a calm walk or just to take in the beauty of the coast!
Beautiful spot with stunning sea views and a relaxing atmosphere. Great place for a walk, photos, or just enjoying the ocean breeze. There are fun activities nearby, plus cafés and ice cream stalls. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone visiting Bournemouth!
The beach is beautifully maintained and provides a perfect balance between relaxation and activity. Families appreciate the safe swimming waters, lifeguard-patrolled zones, and gentle waves that make it ideal for children. Those seeking adventure can enjoy water sport such as surfing, while the picturesque pier adds a touch of classic seaside charm with arcades, cafés, and entertainment.
Too expensive, only.
Three kids rides at the £3 for 1 token it's only about three , to four little rides rides and a duck pik up is a skydive cable?Go is from Endo pair back to beach.Edge but not open the big will is great sea life aquarium centre what's fantastic sandy beaches restaurant on pier bloody expensive
Great day out here, love the soft sand, clear waters, most people ruin it by leaving their trash behind, don't be that guy. Many reasonable places to stay and eat, cheaper and more options in town centre for some things, for accommodation a bit away from the sea front is cheaper. Didn't get on the observation wheel so can't comment. The weekend was way too busy and there were too many crowds but it could be because there were cheer leading competitions in the area, you can avoid them by moving further along the coastline or doing a week day visit. For those keen walkers you can walk from the coach/ train station to the sea front too.
4.4
(14245)
3.6
(2328)
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
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11Luke O — Google reviewPARKER M — Google reviewMinkee C — Google reviewStacey D — Google reviewElle F — Google reviewRobin C — Google reviewMark W — Google review•
Oceanarium
Mentioned on
Aquarium
Outdoor Activities
The Oceanarium, situated on Bournemouth Pier, is a captivating aquarium that provides an educational and entertaining experience for visitors. It offers a variety of activities such as feeding sessions with reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, otters, and penguins. The aquarium showcases diverse marine species including Nemo's friends - the clownfish, sharks, crocodiles, reptiles, and seahorses.
Great place! I really liked it! Everything is clean and there are great conditions for the pets! The fish are so beautiful! Turtles, sharks and rays... children can see everything very closely! The penguins are so curious and you can watch them for hours. Thanks for the wonderful and positive moments to all the staff. I will definitely bring my daughter and grandchildren here. I recommend it to everyone!💖
Jelena В — Google review
Great oceanarium to see a large variety of sea creatures including sharks penguins and a giant turtle! There is a small kids area halfway round for a little break and a couple of cafes with small areas to eat. It is a bit of an odd layout and there can be a bit of a wait for the lift to get to the buggy park. Having the tunnel to see the sharks being fed is great fun. It took us about 1.5 hours to go round and listen to one of the talks.
I went to the oceanarium for their shark feeding experience and it was so much fun! The guide, Lucas, was very nice and explained the whole process very well. After the experience I walked around the rest of the oceanarium and the place as a whole is very interesting with a lot of animals I haven't seen at other aquariums or ocenariums. Over all a fantastic place to visit!
A visit to Bournemouth Aquarium proved you can spend time while making the most of the town, making it an excellent choice for families particularly those with young children. The compact yet thoughtfully designed space offers an engaging mix of marine life and educational content, ideal for a half-day excursion regardless of the weather.Accessibility is a standout feature: a dedicated pram park, full wheelchair compatibility, and clear stair routes ensure smooth navigation for all visitors. The staff are courteous, well-informed, and deliver informative feeding talks throughout the day, adding real value to the experience. A Blue Light discount is also available, which is a welcome gesture. Minor areas for improvement include inconsistent hand sanitiser availability and a need for slightly better overall cleanliness. The on-site café offers convenient refreshments but has limited seating and premium pricing. The small indoor play area caters well to toddlers but feels restrictive for children aged 7 and above.Crowds build quickly, and some viewing areas can feel cramped during peak times. Visiting early or on a weekday will provide a more relaxed and immersive experience.Verdict: A well-executed, family-friendly attraction with strong educational value and thoughtful accessibility. Minor operational tweaks would elevate it further such as more interactions and more sea life. Highly recommended especially for little ones.
I just wanted to take the time and probably ramble a little on how amazing Chris was with my son when we came for the penguin experience. It was my son’s 10th birthday present, so had a lot of high expectations.
A little back story my son Nicholas fell in love with penguins at Bournemouth oceanarium and had a small penguin teddy since he was a baby. And his love has just grown over the years. When I saw that you had this experience I knew it would an amazing present for him.
I want sure what to expect but still what expectation I did have were far exceeded!! Chris was amazing, friendly, kind and patient. His knowledge was mind blowing and we learnt so much. You can honestly see and feel the love and care Chris has for all the animals you have.
This is a great day out! Loads to learn and see and the team are amazing!
We went for the Penguin Keeper Experience and it was incredible and so worth the money!! Chris was friendly and he was amazing at showing us around, teaching us things and giving us the best experience possible, thank you. We got a private tour of the aquarium, got to feed the fish and otters and most importantly got a lot of time with the penguins. It was such a fun date morning and I would highly recommend ! 🐧
Loved every minute here.
At first apprehensive about comming as ut looks small but dont let that deceive you.
It's got loads to see and do here with many educational boards and things to do. Loved the penguins and the shark tunnel. The jellies were cool to see to and the cute kids play area too.
Located on thr beach iys a lovely little side quest of your at the beach or just passing through. Staff were helpfull and kind.
I really liked this place!
When it was suggested that we visit I was sceptical as I am in my 50's and thought this would just be for the kids. In the end I spent over 3 hours here- looking at the penguins , sharks, fish and other creatures that were there. They all seem to be will looked after, and I thought it was really worth the entrance fee.
4.2
(6869)
3.9
(3279)
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
12Steven — Google reviewLeah — Google reviewVanja B — Google reviewNickrapo — Google reviewJohn T — Google reviewStephen S — Google reviewESTHER — Google review•
Bournemouth Pier Amusements
Mentioned on
Video arcade
Outdoor Activities
The Bournemouth Pier Amusements video arcade features classic arcade games, as well as various food stalls. It is situated on the waterfront and was extremely busy when we visited on Sunday 24th April. The atmosphere was festive, with Christmas lights strung overhead. We were very happy to find that there are now less plastic and paper bags used for change, as this is a major environmental issue being addressed by Covid and Transference.
Traditional arcade with loads of 2p machines and grabbers. Don't think I've ever been to the pier without popping in for a quick go on something. Staff are lovely and there's always people on hand to help with issues. Games for all ages. Popular and busy all year round. Good value. Clean.
Ingrid S — Google review
Great pay out on a diverse range of fun machines. After getting what I wanted, I tried to get rid of my remaining 2p coins, only to come out with 2 more prizes!
I like coming here with my partner to play pinball, however the machines are set-up completely incorrectly! Currently, there are 3 positioned in the corner all at an angle. There’s only room for one person to play a machine at a time, otherwise you’re bumping shoulders.
I also wish they’d kept some of their older cabs from days gone. Getting rid of Sega Rally was a huge mistake!
I liked it here, deffo not that cheap, most games has really short rounds and to continue playing after you die you need to add more coins, but it is like any other arcade hall. I thought they had a good selection of games racing Sims and shooters. Even some cooler simulations, claw machines and other classics etc... make sure to bring cash as the card machine there charges you £1.99 to take out cash. But if you have any notes they trade them for coins for free. Most machines take contactless with a few exceptions.
Fantastic place to take the kids, we spent a lot of time playing all the machines and enjoying the whole pier area, I needed help while in the amusements with directions and places to go so I asked a worker within the amusements called Kevin, he was brilliant! He was very kind and helpful and helped me with all my questions regarding the area. He even told me of local eateries and places to take the kids within the Bournemouth area. I totally recommend visiting this area of Bournemouth
Team member Danny showed some of the most heart warming acts of kindness I have ever seen. You made Mums visit to the arcade today in Bournmouth extra special awarding her a toy dragon!
Thank you so much, you don't know how lovely your gesture was.
Give this man a pay rise! We'll done Danny!
Absolutely rammed, 2p machines didn't have a lot of prizes in when we got there so maybe they don't refill them quickly enough.
The pier itself was closing by 6pm which is weird for the middle of the summer holidays.
I loveeee this arcade!! It’s great! Everything is really cheap- most of the games are £1 and there’s a mixture of coins and contactless so there’s something for everyone. Great variety of games as well! When I’m back in Bournemouth I’m going straight there 👾🕹️!!
4.1
(1276)
4.5
(9046)
W Undercliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
13Kirsty J — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewPB — Google reviewCarmen S — Google reviewDavid H — Google reviewMumtominibeasts — Google reviewRoy T — Google review•
Bournemouth International Centre
Mentioned on
Live music venue
Conference center
Conference & Convention Centers
Nestled along the stunning south coast, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) stands out as a premier venue for both conferences and entertainment. With an impressive capacity of up to 10,000 guests, it features four versatile halls that cater to a diverse range of events including concerts, comedy shows, exhibitions, and even sports activities. The BIC is not just about large-scale gatherings; it also plays host to the annual Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival each October.
With a multi-storey car park next door, you're ok for somewhere to park, but I would suggest you pay for your parking before you leave the event to get out quicker. We only took about 20 minutes but I have heard stories about taking an hour to get out. The venue itself is very nice, modern and well-managed. I have seen many bands play there, and always had a good experience. Staff are helpful. Easy to get in and out of.
Kazandra1 — Google review
First time in a long time going to the BIC, went to watch Tom Grennan. No issue with the queue, staff were all friendly and polite, dealt amazingly with a couple of medical emergencies in the crowd. Wasn't ridiculously hot or packed. Great night, will be back!
Have visited twice over the last few months. First time was to see Adam Ant. This visit wasn’t great. I queued for ages for merch. There was no organisation from the sellers and they just stuck to the middle. In the end I gave up. Second visit was to see five. The merch sellers were much more organised , so I’m guessing this is down to the artists more than the venue? Other than that bar staff work hard and are helpful. Prices are what are to be expected for a venue place. Plenty of toilets too which were handy. I think the experience here depends on who you are seeing but can’t fault any other staff or cleanliness of the place.
I have been going to the bic for years now and seen lots of bands here. Recently scissor sisters and chase and status. It's a third the size of most big arena venues meaning even in the furthest seats or standing places you'll get a better view than the O2 or Birmingham. Atmosphere is always great, bar staff could be quicker but it's busy so to be expected.
Great night watching Australian Pink Floyd. Love the BIC. It was our second time there. Seating was great. Staff helpful.
Great Venue. Within walking distance of many nearby hotels and near the Pier. Saw John Bishop here. Funny Down to earth Man. My wife and I don't usually buy food or drink at concert venues as we find its usually expensive. At the end of the event we saw there was a big queue to pay for parking, a big queue to get into the carpark next door and a bigger wait to get out of the car park. As an alternative have a look for Beacon Road Car Park. A short walk away and we noticed it was almost empty as we walked back to our hotel.
Graduation 🎓 day for Bournemouth uni and it was great, venue had plenty of parking 🅿️ next door so convenient but a little pricey but the cost of convenient parking.
The inside was great, clean had bars and the staff and security were on form!
Don’t be surprised by the pleasant building and friendly service of this local venue, but we were also impressed by the quality of the concert, especially how clean the bass guitar sound was. We had pre-booked parking, and experienced no queue in or out, even though the reg recognition didn’t work. Only wish is a cup holder for our wine. Brilliant night out without travelling far. Highly recommended.
4.4
(5851)
4.1
(1330)
International Centre, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, United Kingdom
14Paul U — Google reviewRx F — Google reviewMatt R — Google reviewRobin B — Google reviewGeorge F — Google reviewThe F — Google reviewMaqeba — Google review•
Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Mentioned on
Art gallery
Museums
The Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a captivating historic house located in Bournemouth, England. Built by Merton Russell-Cotes as a birthday gift for his wife Annie in 1901, this extravagant Art Nouveau-style villa overlooks the sea and showcases the couple's love for art, travel, world cultures, and natural history. The museum features an impressive collection of British art, along with oriental souvenirs gathered from around the globe by the Russell-Cotes family.
What a unique place! This beautiful building was lovingly created by Merton Russell Coates and his wife Annie. It has now been donated to Bournemouth as a museum. There are many beautiful paintings and sculptures, but the building itself is worth a visit. And what a beautiful garden and terrace! I decided to find out more about these people. This is an amazing story of a couple who traveled the world collecting all the treasures. I am absolutely delighted! I recommend everyone to visit this place and touch the history of this house and its history!
Jelena В — Google review
Art gallery and museum in a well thought out Victorian setting, and thoughtful inclusiveness.
Such a beautiful architectural building and gardens blending old and contemporary, located on the seafront pedestrian walkway half way up the hill east of the Promenade, with large public car park a minutes walk away.
Wonderful modern cafe and charming sea views.
All the staff were very friendly, welcoming and helpful.
Well worth a visit, allow a couple of hours.
Entry charge to the galleries, but the cafe and shop are free to enter.
A real find! Not only does this gallery have an incredible main collection, it often has well curated special exhibitions - at the moment there is one on May Morris, which is well worth catching. The building itself is absolutely stunning, and a big reason to visit.
All of the architecture is so interesting you'll spend half your time staring at the walls, ceiling and incredible views.
The gallery has a number of paintings by Edwin Long, which are beautiful. I couldn't help but buy a number of prints.
And the tea room makes a lovely sandwich too!
This was my second visit and I'll be back again, no doubt.
An absolute highlight of my tour of Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, I just happened to go on a day when entry was free, however, I would definitely have happily paid full price, I did in fact make a donation. Once you get to the main museum part of the building, you will find a collection like no other. It is part art gallery, part museum rolled into one building that is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside. My one tip would be, don't forget to look up at the ceilings in every room (they're nearly as wonderful as the collection)
We easily spent 2+ hours between the cafe and visiting the many rooms. It's amazing how much these people collected and what was considered acceptable in those days to be displayed to visitors. Those who appreciate the arts and crafts of the Victorian period will appreciate what's to be found here. Lifts are available to get you to most places in the building.
The jewel in Bournemouth's art and architecture crown. Fascinating Victorian collection in the home gifted to the town by Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes. As well as the museum of the house there is extensive art galleries for the collection of paintings and sculptures and a exhibition gallery with regularly changing exhibits and displays. The cafe area, gift shop and family history introduction video's and displays, as well as the gardens are all free of charge. Just ask at reception.
You'll spend hours and still discover some artifact you missed from last time.
A five star rating is not enough for this museum and art galleries. Definitely more than a 'rainy day' alternative, the views of the beach, sea and purbeck hills are spectacular.
A truly delightful and almost hypnotic museum and art gallery, definitely a must-visit in Bournemouth. The Russell Cotes Art Gallery, with its extensive history, holds the unique distinction, not only of its blend of classic and contemporary art forms and styles, but how they seamlessly blend the two together in a fantastically visceral way. The staff are also very helpful and kind too. Definitely a place to get lost in if youre in the area!
if you love arts and history, this museum carried so much stories in objects and beautiful architecture. i would suggest to take the tour that usually happens in designated hour, the guide was really insightful and clearly a wonderful storyteller.
4.7
(2282)
4.6
(2291)
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum East, W Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, United Kingdom
15Mary C — Google reviewCharlotte C — Google reviewJamie C — Google reviewMonica R — Google reviewSPH — Google reviewRebecca M — Google reviewJohn H — Google review•
West Wight Alpacas & Llamas
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Farm
West Wight Alpacas & Llamas is a unique animal attraction on the Isle of Wight, home to around 60 alpacas, 13 llamas, and various other animals. Visitors can wander around the farm to meet the animals and also enjoy a walking experience with them. The farm features a cafe and shop for visitors to relax in after their visit.
Wonderful
Venue.
Well cared for animals.
Too many alpacas to count and lots of babies.
Llamas, donkeys, goats pigs and rabbits also in residence.
Great to feed them and see in beautiful countryside setting.
Lovely well stocked shop.
Friendly helpful lady in
The shop.
It was a shame the cafe was closed. Might be worth having cold drinks and water in the shop.
Recommend a visit.
Heather S — Google review
A lovely place to bring the kids for some fresh air and fun. Our children absolutely loved feeding the alpacas, goats and donkeys. There are many different animals to say Hi to. Dogs are not allowed in but there is a little cafe in car park where they do a great mocha and latte.
Our visit coincided with a new baby alpaca being born... amazing to be that close to nature at its best. Well worth a visit to this lovely place. Really friendly and helpful staff too. You can buy tubs of food as you go in to feed the animals.
Came here having been recommended by our AirBnB host. We had a lovely walk with Gilbert, Friday and Fidget the alpaca’s, led by our guide Laura. Laura was incredibly informative and interactive, answering all our questions with a smile! We also saw a 3 hour old alpaca baby which was a real treat! It’s clear this farm is looked after by a real tight-knit family and all the animals are well loved. Thank you so much for having us!
Had a lovely walk with the Alpacas. The lady who was the guide for this was really good, told us lot's of stuff and came up with great parings between the guests and their Alpacas.
There is also a number of other animals you can see (and feed if you like), a small shop and a small tea shop.
The parking can be a bit confusing as to the right you suddenly feel like you're parking in a private area. Could also do with an extra toilet.
Lovely experience! Totally worth your money! Thank you so much gummy bear for allowing us to walk you! Great service and really nice people!
What a great farm, my 5yr old daughter and all the adults absolutely loved it, the animals were all amazing and very cute, the way the alpacas 'speak' is just too sweet. An absolutely must visit if you're on the IoW
Happy well cared for animals, they are certainly eager for the food which can be purchased upon entry for £2. Great fun meeting the llamas, alpacas and goats.
I absolutely love it, great experience for all the family, especially if you do the walking with them. All the staff were knowledgeable about everything and enthusiastic as well.
Highly recommended.
4.7
(832)
4.5
(637)
Wellow Alpaca Stud, Main Rd, Yarmouth PO41 0SZ, United Kingdom
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16Matt W — Google reviewBradato K — Google reviewTom A — Google reviewAlicia W — Google reviewConor H — Google reviewJeffrey S — Google reviewJulie H — Google review•
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Mentioned on
National museum
Nature & Parks
The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, originally founded by Edward Montagu in 1952, boasts a remarkable collection of over 250 vehicles. From early motor cars to record-breaking machines like the Bluebird, the museum showcases a diverse range of automobiles. Visitors can also explore the World of Top Gear with their admission ticket, which includes access to Abbey and Palace House. Additionally, there are plenty of nearby attractions for day trips such as The New Forest Wildlife Park and Paultons Park.
A great museum full of exhibits from all eras. So much to see and do. The monorail is amazing,offering great views of the gardens and museum.
The abbey ruins is a beautiful place too and the information available about the monks and their life is great to read.
We were fortunate to visit during Halloween season so we're treated to ghost stories presented by a member of the Montague family,he was a great story teller and really captured the spooky atmosphere. It was the highlight of our visit,both children and adults sat,eyes wide open,listening to his spooky tales.
A must visit museum if you're in the New Forest,loads to see and will easily fill a day.
Thanks to all at Beaulieu for a great visit.
Antony S — Google review
Always enjoy coming here, attended for the Formula 1 75 exhibition, but also had a look at all the cars on display.
Enjoyed the monorail ride a look round the house and gardens, sad there was no classic cars out and about...
Food was good and tasty 😋
Staff were chatty and knowledgeable and helpful.
Overall a lovely day despite the weather
I took my 6 year old daughter for her first visit (but far from mine) and she absolutely loved it! The weather held good despite the late October timing.
She loved seeing Mr Bean's car and the Disney display but her highlight (and mine, to be fair) was riding on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The driver was a blast and it was so cool to learn about the cars that were used in the film, and wave at everyone as we explored the grounds.
Beaulieu is one of my favourite places to visit when I'm in the UK and I think I can now say it is the same for my daughter.
Very highly recommended for anyone of any age.
Visiting this week in half term , my son wanted to see a Porsche 917 so I emailed before booking to confirm the car would
Be on display , very pleasant personal reply with confirmation. Don’t be put off with the price for the tickets . You will spend the whole day here so does represent great value for money . My children really enjoyed the “ we had one of those “ section as they could sit in the cars and experience the cars we grew up with .
Only points to mention , we had coffee and cake in the afternoon , rather pricey & the cakes were dry and not great . Also a lot of tables left uncleared and in places food on the floor under tables .
fantastic visit! we were meeting family in the new forest for the weekend and beaulieu was close by so we thought we would pop by and check it out! we have been before but i was a child. the cars exhibit was on and it was really cool! if you are a pixar fan in the uk id reccomend coming whilst this exhibit is on. i am a massive f1 fan so seeing the cars was very cool! a personal highlight was the 2021 williams! additionally we were able to ride in the chitty chitty bang bang car wich was incredible. the driver was so knowledgable and we felt so safe in the car with him. my mum is a huge fan of the film so it was such a core memory for her. thank you beualieu! i will be back
Fairly priced considering you are able to reuse the tickets and use them to access events held here in the future.
The cafe on site offers good food and drinks selection
It is worth exploring the other features such as the play grounds, other museums, and the house which is all included in the ticket.
There are plenty of cars to view including an F1 section, classic cars, and modern cars. There are displays featuring garages and buses also.
Plenty to do and to keep the kids entertained
Worth a visit and any number of re-visits - Visited on Saturday, 28/06/25. 3rd visit here and the first for about 11 years. Lovely weather, which always helps, and there was a Morgan owners meeting taking place, so there was more to see than normal. Parking is near the entrance, but uncovered. Bought the tickets online in advance, so you get a discount, and it's straightforward to get in. Once inside, the initial options are a Monorail and restaurant/toilet facilities. Very pricey for anything in the restaurant (£5 for 2 cans of soda), so suggest you bring your own. The monorail is an excellent way to get an overview of the site before exploring on foot, and the ride is included in the entry price and can be ridden more than once. The old Top Gear exhibition has been replaced in part by a new section of example cars from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's that you can get in and reminisce about (though these cars are in a bit of a state tbh). Beyond that, we visited the main museum, which hadn't changed much in the past 10 years, but had exhibits moved around. The F1 section was very good with more recent examples of cars, and whilst we visited, an excellent F1 Simulator which you can go in (you have to pre-book) for £15 for 15 mins. It's worth it, so suggest you book a slot as soon as you arrive. On this visit, we didn't have the time to explore the house and grounds, but there are some lovely walks to be had. The staff are all excellent and approachable, and friendly, and though I have been 3 times now, I would have no qualms about making future visits as there is generally a change each year.
I thought it was a bit pricey to get in but we did spend most of the day there.
We took the dog as we were visiting on our way home from holiday accommodation. The dog wasn't allowed on the bus, Monorail, main museum or house. Which meant I did a lot of waiting around with her.
The cafe is expensive. £5 for a sandwich so would advise bringing your own. Tea for 3 , four sandwich outers and an apple juice, £38.
The children loved the play area but we didn't take them to the house as we kind of ran out of time and wasn't sure how interested they'd be.
They also enjoyed seeing Harry Potter's car and the, 'I had one of those' exhibition where you can get in the cars!
The staff we came across were friendly and helpful.
Whole area is clean and well tended.
4.7
(12018)
4.5
(7788)
John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom
17Khánh N — Google reviewMatt W — Google reviewRobert A — Google reviewCP — Google reviewNicholas M — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJo — Google review
New Forest National Park
Mentioned on
National park
Nature & Parks
Forests
New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire and Wiltshire in southwest England, became a national park in 2005. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient trees, ponies, small towns and villages. The area offers tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of southern England. The park includes the former South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within its borders.
I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit.
Sally M — Google review
This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.
The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.
When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around.
25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy.
⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest
Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then.
Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.
The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics.
Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic.
The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.
Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.
Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.
10% as popular as Bournemouth
46 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Weymouth
18Travelmad999 — Google reviewMatt- F — Google reviewJohn E — Google reviewJL P — Google reviewN W — Google reviewLynda E — Google reviewBKY — Google review•
Shillingstone Station
cheap
Cafe
The visit to Shillingstone Station was truly enjoyable. Exploring the signal box provided a great experience, with an informative guide who answered all questions knowledgeably. It was fascinating to witness how things operated before computers became prevalent. The station has undergone significant improvements since my last visit a decade ago, and I won't wait as long for another trip. Additionally, the café at the station is exceptional; one can choose between sitting on the platform or inside a carriage while enjoying their meal and drinks.
This is a little gem of a museum and well worth a visit for a hour or so. The cafe is cute and there’s loads of seating both inside and out. Dropping in as part of you day out is highly recommended.
Nigel L — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic Family Day Out - Great Progress Since New Year!
Visited as a family on Wednesday and had a brilliant time! The volunteers were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our visit. The signal box talk was particularly fascinating - really brought the railway heritage to life.
It's amazing to see how much work has been completed since our last visit on New Year's Day. You can really see the dedication and progress being made toward getting a full steam train service running again. The passion of the volunteers really shines through.
The station cafe is a lovely touch - good selection of snacks, sandwiches and drinks at very reasonable prices. Great that you can choose to sit inside, outside, or even aboard one of the carriages for that authentic railway experience!
While passenger services aren't running yet, this is still absolutely worth a visit. Perfect for railway enthusiasts and families alike. Looking forward to seeing the continued progress and hopefully riding behind steam in the future!
Highly recommend supporting this wonderful heritage railway project.
Nice little cafe at this dis-used station. Friendly volunteers running it. Lots of things to have, hot & cold drinks, soup, sausage rolls, pasties, sandwiches, treats, homemade cake. You can eat and drink on the static train carriages. Museum is interesting and there's a few static carriages with various displays. Worth a visit for an hour or so.
An exceptional day out for all train enthusiasts, a brilliant return to a bygone era run by hardworking and dedicated volunteers who've worked their bums off to make the station into what it is today. The ONLY slight gripe is that charging £4.40 for a pasty is ever so slightly expensive but there we go, it's a minor gripe.
We have visited frequently, and the cafe is run by friendly volunteers, and very homely. Usually a selection of cakes and sausage rolls / pasties and sandwiches. Good mug of tea too.
There is the railway shop selling mostly rail related books with an overspill in a carriage outside.
There is another carriage you can take the cafe food into, and benches outside.
Don't miss the hidden garden at the end of the platform up the path; lovely views across the hills.
Popular with walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
So pleased that our accomodation host at Bowling Green Farm mentioned this Dorset Rail heritage initiative to us. Fabulous place, stacked with information & displays and 'cake on a train'! Great little souvenir shop too. Friendly & efficient staff/ volunteers. Pleased to have been.able to support this initiative in its infancy. Hope to be able to travel on the line, in years to come.
Well worth a visit. Quirky and well thought out and restored. Lovely garden, nice little tea rooms in a buffet carriage, lots of memorabilia, a small railway museum and it's on the trailway, so it's a good stop off for walkers and cyclists. Kids play area to keep the smaller humans amused too.
Lovely old school cafe, very nostalgic and cosy. Pasties are lovely.
4.7
(206)
4.4
(119)
St Patricks Industrial Estate, Station Rd, Shillingstone, Blandford Forum DT11 0SA, United Kingdom
19Jennifer P — Google reviewStephanie W — Google reviewRoy P — Google reviewTavis H — Google reviewJames P — Google reviewGillian H — Google reviewSarah — Google review•
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Farm
The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is a conservation center and family attraction featuring rare-breed heavy horses, blacksmith displays, and a petting zoo. Visitors can enjoy heavy horse carriage rides, pony grooming, animal petting, and daily demonstrations. The park also offers adventure activities, play barns, vintage fairground rides for children. With its rich history dating back 1,000 years, the center provides educational experiences such as tractor rides and learning about farm animals.
Three generations had a wonderful day here at Heavy Horse Farm. Once you've paid your entrance fee, all the activities and attractions (and there are SO many!) are free. It's not just about the horses, there are so many other things to enjoy too. You can bring a picnic as we did. It's a very safe space for children to just have a great fun day. My granddaughter who's autistic, was treated with kindness and allowed to help with the feeding and leading.
Maggie W — Google review
What a fantastic gem of a place. The horses all have their own characters and are so well looked after. The staff here are all so friendly and knowledgeable and more than happy to spend time talking to you. There’s so much to do here for both adults and kids. We had the best time here thank you so so much.
My last visit was back in 2015 with my then 8yr old daughter, so it was only fair that I took my now 9yr old son to the same Horse Farm.
It was lovely to see that it had some new improvements, but it was lovely to see it still had lots of the same things when I last visited.
The horses all looked well loved and cared for, and its great to offer activities and mini history sessions to teach the new generations of the importance of our horses and how they helped Shape the world we live in today.
My son loved the same things as my daughter, feeding the horses, riding the pedal go-cart, petting the rabbits and reading and listening to the history of the horses.
It was a shame we didn’t get to go on a horse and cart ride, but that was our fault as we didn’t arrive til 12:30pm and with it being the summer holidays.
The staff were all friendly, the main man, who seemed to be here there and everywhere was great, I believe it was the same gentleman who let my daughter sit in the front of the horse and cart ride.
The facilities were clean and reasonable.
We didn’t eat here, but the cakes looked good.
Easy to find and lots of parking spaces.
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit again and will continue to recommend it to anyone who is holidaying in the area.
I also got a lovely head hug from UNO 🥰
A really good, fun day out. We took our daughter for her 2nd birthday and we all loved it. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming and full of fascinating information and you can tell they have a genuine passion for the animals. It was great to step back in time and see the vintage machinery, the old farm ways and the world war Mockups. All related to horses through the years. What was really nice was the free rides and games dotted about and refreshing that there wasn't an extra fee for these.
There is a western themed cafe with a really good choice of food and kids menu and the portions are really generous. I had the ploughman's and was not disappointed. We spent a full day here and will definitely come back to this hidden gem.
A Wonderful Day at Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
From the moment we arrived, the warmth and friendliness of the staff made us feel completely at ease. Everyone was welcoming, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they do. A special mention goes to Richard, the owner, whose deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the heavy horses truly brought the experience to life. His informative talks added so much value and made the visit both educational and enjoyable.
The entire day was a delight—peaceful, well-organised, and full of charm. Whether you're an animal lover, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a pleasant countryside escape, this place ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended for families, couples, or anyone wanting a unique and memorable outing.
Really excellent. My 3 year old loved it and was entertained for nearly 4 hours. The day was well rhought through choreographed with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff offering a variety of talks and activities. Although the horses are the star attraction, there's other animals and things to do in the old way tgat is becoming a lost art. Spoiler alert, you'll leave feeling a lot better than when you enter.
The Farm was well worth a visit. The heavy horses are beautiful and it was worth going just to see them. The talks were interesting and informative. The WW1 trench was unexpected but educational.
There are a lot of play areas and animals for children to enjoy and it is certainly a place I would take grandchildren if I had them!
We turned up on spec and had no problem getting in, however we were warned that the previous day coach parties filled the place up. So, I would book in advance in the future.
I’d definitely recommend this place for families with little children, children can feed animals & brush ponies’s hair, wagon ride, & tractor ride, & so much more activities.
They also have a very sweet staff with so much information about different kinds of horses, breeding, & wagon history.
if i were the owner i’d add pony rides for double fun.
& thanks again everyone was so sweet 🙏🏻
Love from Kuwait 🇰🇼❤️
4.7
(1360)
4.5
(1191)
Edmondsham Road, Verwood, BH21 5RJ, United Kingdom
20VIC — Google reviewMartin — Google reviewCherrie P — Google reviewShaun W — Google reviewJo K — Google reviewChloe O — Google reviewColin L — Google review•
New Forest Wildlife Park
Mentioned on
Wildlife and safari park
Outdoor Activities
Nestled in ancient woodland, New Forest Wildlife Park is a haven for diverse wildlife and endangered species. Visitors can engage in keeper experiences and explore the Nature Trail that winds through the wooded grounds, offering glimpses of otters, wolves, lynx, wallabies, and owls. The park also houses a variety of animals ranging from the massive Eurasian Bison to the tiny Harvest Mouse.
Visited today with my otter-obsessed teenage daughters (13 & 15) for a keeper experience with the Giant Otters and the Asian Short Clawed Otters.
We had the best day! Ali (our keeper) was so friendly and knowledge. Since it was a quiet day (lots of rain previously), she arrived with fish for the otters, but also food for the ferrets, polecats and deer (this ended up being a favourite as we got to hand feed and stroke the most beautiful fallow deer!)
The park is fantastic. The enclosures really feel like part of the surroundings, and none of the animals seemed stressed (unlike in some zoos!). They do a lot of rehabilitation work, and support rescue organisations with rehoming etc.
Honestly, I wish we’d come sooner! If you have kids that love animals, definitely visit. They have fantastic play areas as well as it being pretty accessible, and unlike some places is family-owned, so every visit matters.
We will definitely return - probably for another keeper experience as we’ve been spoiled now. Thank you to the team there (including the really lovely lady at the entrance!) - you’re a credit to the park 🫶
Lorna M — Google review
Visited New Forest Wildlife Park and had a great time exploring the grounds. Loved seeing beautiful animals like lynx and wolves up close in natural-looking enclosures. The park is peaceful, well maintained, and set in a lovely forest environment. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
Perfect spot for families or anyone who enjoys wildlife and nature walks. Highly recommend for a relaxing and interesting day out!
We booked a Keepers Experience for 2 of us for 2 hours. Ben was out keeper and it was his first time. He did extremely well. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We got to feed so many varieties of animals. It was very interesting. Highly recommend.
We had a lovely day. My chukcren especially enjoyed listening to the keeper talks and watching the animals being fed. Would have been 5 stars but there were a few animals which are not there currently which I was unaware of. May have missed this info on their website. Also was quite a cold day so would have been good to have been able to order hot drinks half way round.
An amazing wildlife park with beautiful well cared for animals and excellent knowledgeable friendly keepers.
We visit most weeks as annual member holders and throughly enjoy it just as much every time- and always see something different! The keeper talks are always informative and interesting and learn something new.
Their conversation work is amazing and it’s brilliant to see all the animals thriving. If I had to choose a favourite animal it would be the elusive Eurasian otter Chestnut but closely followed by the noisy Giant otter family- but love all of the animals.
I will continue to visit as frequently and renew when the year is up- I’m very excited to see what they have planned next. Keep up the great work.
A lovely few hours spent here today. My granddaughter loved seeing so many well cared for animals up close. The young man doing the deer talk was really good and he interacted with the children. We could like to come back and do a keeper experience as this looked really good.
My granddaughter drew sketches and wrote notes on the animals and she is only 6! A great day out.
A brilliant morning out. We bought our tickets in advance on the website so it was quick to get in. It was brilliant to see all of the otters and to see them being fed at 11 was a highlight as a keen otter lover. Place was quite easy to walk around and explore with no real steep inclines. Got to get close to the deer and were even able to pet one! It was disappointing to not see the wallabies not sure where they were hiding. There’s lots of things and places to keep kids entertained and overall a really good value experience.
Well maintained Wildlife Park with lots to see and do on site.
Currently they have a Japanese Sika deer, some Fallow deer, a large number of otters, Scottish wild cats, Lynx, Wolverine, European Bison, Wild Boar, Wallabies
Soon they will have wolves.
Red deer currently in quarantine so on show shortly.
Worth every penny of the admission fee. Very educational too.
4.5
(4058)
4.2
(1569)
Deerleap Ln, Southampton, SO40 4UH, United Kingdom
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Insight Activities (New Forest)
Mentioned on
Outdoor activity organiser
Tours
When exploring the New Forest, there's no shortage of exciting activities beyond just walking and cycling. Insight Activities offers a thrilling experience with their Medieval Trio package, where you can immerse yourself in woodland archery, crossbow shooting, and axe throwing amidst stunning rural scenery in Fordingbridge. This adventure is perfect for families or groups celebrating special occasions like stag and hen parties. For those seeking even more action, Calshot Activities Centre is a fantastic destination that caters to all ages.
As a group of ladies who normally do afternoon tea this was going to be something different 😂
We had an absolutely amazing time. Nick was a fantastic teacher, so patient and good fun.
Most of us had no experience and by the end there was real progress, it was unbelievable
Our collective talent was definitely archery . Us axe throwing was hysterical but with Nick and Glens help we all managed to successfully throw.
The setting is gorgeous in the woods
We all agreed it was money so well spent we laughed all morning
Will definitely be back I’m taking my family
Thanks again
Emma W — Google review
We were looking for a fun outdoor activity for a while. Archery was new to us. Our instructor Glenn was brilliant! Very safe environment, surrounded by trees and wanted squirrels :) I think we just became an experts in archery! Definitely will come back! Thank you!
We had an absolutely fantastic afternoon at Insight Activities, and a huge part of that was thanks to Glenn. His guidance and support throughout both axe throwing and archery made the experience not only great fun but also easy to pick up and enjoy. Glen struck the perfect balance of being professional, knowledgeable, and encouraging, while also keeping the atmosphere relaxed and full of laughs.
A few weeks ago a group of us went to Insight Activities and did the MedievalTrio for my daughter’s birthday. It was absolutely brilliant! Nick who taught us, so knowledgeable and fun, we all had a great time. Good value for money as well! Thank you!
We visited Insight Activities for a family session of Archery. 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 & 6yr olds. Nick was fab coaching us all, straightforward simple instruction with slight adjustments throughout the session to help hone what little skill we had! The kids absolutely loved it and now we’re researching local clubs to pick it up as a new hobby.
Adults equally enjoyed the challenge and had a little friendly competition whilst the kids shot at a zombie. Something for all of us. Worth noting not to be put off by the rain, there’s a couple of sheltered areas. Thanks again for a fun filled afternoon Nick!
A really excellent day for the family or any sort of group really. Glenn was our course instructor - he was outstanding. Clearly a high degree of knowledge but importantly very approachable and made the day all the more fun. Highly recommend. Picture here of the kids and Glenn.
We had an excellent morning doing the Medieval Trio. Our instructor was great and made it so fun, and gave us really helpful tips to help our archery skills. The crossbow and axe throwing were great too. Would recommend to anyone- three people in their 30s and two in their 60s loved it!
Great day out for my team. It was fun and interactive and lovely setting in the forest. Nick was a great instructor and very good at what he does. Thanks again. The whole team thoroughly enjoyed it
5.0
(879)
4.9
(1650)
Insight Activities, Fordingbridge, SP6 3DA, United Kingdom
22James — Google reviewAlice B — Google reviewJustina L — Google reviewEH21 — Google reviewR W — Google reviewAnfisa E — Google reviewJames B — Google review•
Longdown Activity Farm
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Farm
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Longdown Activity Farm is a family-friendly destination featuring farm animals, a trampoline barn, soft play area, produce shop and tearoom. Visitors can participate in daily activities such as feeding kid goats, calves and ducks, meeting pigs, and cuddling with baby rabbits, chicks and piglets at the baby animal encounter. The farm also offers tractor and trailer rides for an enjoyable afternoon.
What a great place! Very friendly staff, lots to do! We fed baby goats, calves, held chicks, it was fantastic! If you love feeding animals then this is the place for you! We also went on a tractor ride and me and my kids couldn’t stop laughing on it! It was a bumpy ride but one of the best tractor rides we have been on! If you then want your kids to let off some steam there is a huge play area with trampolines and a zip line! There is also a larger (cycle) go cart area as well as a smaller mini tractor area so it’s not just for little kids. There were donkeys ducks horses and the sweetest little piglets ever - so pleased we went as this is a gem!
Tabetha H — Google review
Loved it! Took my 7 year old daughter today and a fantastic place to visit. All the staff are friendly and the animals well kept and cared for. Feeding the animals is a great experience for the children. The play area is great to relax and watch the kids have fun with seating for picnics. The tractor trailer tour is fun and free! Plenty of emphasis on hygiene and the toilets were very clean when I visited.
Overall, I'd say a great place to visit for families with children of primary school age. You can easily go for the whole day but to be honest if not it's perfect for say 3 to 4 hours for a half day. Admission price is very reasonable and I feel excellent value for money. In summary, if you're in the area it's definitely worth a visit and my daughter can't wait to return.
Amazing!
We went with our 22 month old a couple of days ago. It was brilliant. Activities every half hour or so. You can spend hours here easily. It's well laid out, and tailored for the kids. There's quiet zones for the kids and a huge park and ride on toys, and go karts! There's also a gift shop with indoor play, and a cafe, and a farm shop. Very reasonably priced given what's included.
Fully recommend if you have children, and even if you don't we would still go!
Had a brilliant day out today with family, the youngest being 18 months old. Not too many animals but a fair bit of interaction with them which was nice. Lots of seating for picnics and resting, a nice big play area and trampolines, (not for over 90's tho) and the tractor ride was a "hang on for dear life" experience which we all thoroughly enjoyed, including the baby, lol. Am definitely coming back here again
Really brilliant day spent here with my almost 2 year old son. We went on the tractor ride, met lots of characters and fed lots of animals. The ducks all seemed a bit cramped but all of the other animals seemed to have lovely, clean and spacious areas. It was very sweet to be able to bottle feed the kids (baby goats 🐐) and ducks. It was a smaller site than I originally thought so managed to go around lots of times. Most of the staff were absolutely lovely, friendly and helpful.
What a great day out! With our lad who is just coming up to two years old, we had hours of fun. We went on a sunny Tuesday morning and turned out to be not busy at all. There was something different around every corner which included feeding goats, petting area, tractor rides and lots more, all included in the price. With friendly staff I Would highly recommend if you are thinking of going
We had such a fantastic day at Longdown Activity Farm with my 3-year-old son! He loved bottle-feeding the baby goats and calves, feeding the ducks, and exploring all the activities — from the brilliant sandpit and ride-on tractors to trampolines, play areas and even a tractor ride. There’s so much to do that kids never get bored! The animals all look well cared for and happy, not sad at all, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The staff are friendly, everything is clean and well-organised, and I really appreciated the many hand-washing stations with soap and sanitiser throughout the farm. A perfect family day out — we can’t wait to come back!
Superb day out. We go here every year. Lovely staff, plenty to do, hands on petting and fun for hours..well priced, not too busy amd an amazing farm shop to grab some treats. Perfect for toddlers up to big kids like us lot. Thanks guys. Always fun and a great mix with the park, tractor ride, petting, and not too much walking too. A gem of a place. See you next year 😊
4.6
(2653)
4.3
(785)
Deerleap Ln, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH, United Kingdom
23Vijithbat — Google reviewSamantha I — Google reviewNirav D — Google reviewFayez A — Google reviewPetru A — Google reviewGrant W — Google reviewClaire W — Google review
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
Mentioned on
Theme park
Water & Amusement Parks
Amusement park
Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, is a popular family theme park located in Ower near Romsey, England. The park offers over 50 attractions and rides including three roller coasters, two water rides, a vertical-drop ride, and a splash park. Visitors can also enjoy animal feeding and explore beautiful gardens. Additionally, the New Forest Golf Club nearby provides an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to experience a picturesque 18-hole course within the natural forest surroundings.
Coming from Canada this was a big part of our trip for our child and the park didn't let down. Cleanliness seemed as a top priority and all the staff experiences were pleasant.
Food was decent and priced as you would think an amusement park would.
Bathrooms and smoking areas available across the park.
The Peppa Pig portion is where we spent most of our day and it was well kept and looked up to date.
Al. M — Google review
You need more than a day to explore everything here!! That was our only complain. It is a great place to spend time with kids. No water related rides/pools for adults which we found disappointing as we came prepared for one (without checking in detail online). That's why the 4 star. There's a splash area for kids and that's it for anything water related as far as I can tell. Would give it 5 star purely for everything kids related. There's lots to explore here. I read on one the reviews to get a packed lunch and I'm glad I read it and we did bring something to eat during the day which did save us some ££!!. We went on a weekday during the school holidays and it wasn't that crowded. Parking is hassle free and they guide you to an empty spot. We went to Peppa Pig World first and managed to get on few of the rides without queuing for long. We found this to be better than Legoland based on our overall experience. Would be going back to explore the unexplored sections/rides hopefully soon!!
Paultons Park is a beautiful, well kept and very themed in the seperate of areas in the park. There is so so many family rides what everyone can enjoy. The ride access pass was so easy to use. The food in the Route 83 diner was really nice. Amazing price value in the shop & food outlets. The toilets was very clean. If the rides are getting to much you have got the gorgeous well kept gardens and animals to walk round. Paultons deserved the best theme park of the year as I had no faults with anything. 🤍
Great theme park, not only for younger kids but also for big boys along with adults. Went in Halloween and it was all Pumpkins everywhere. Nicely decorated, enough rides. Visited for 2 days with short break, but if either young or old kids only or if managed properly, all rides and parks can be covered in a day.
Ample free parking, easy check in, well done with the halloween theme, waits on some rides are reasonable. Their phone app is super useful showing locations and waiting times. Staff is friendly, rides are all safe, place and toilets are clean. On stage shows were entertaining. Great place for a family day.
Our family had an exceptional experience. There are numerous activities available, ensuring that every individual will discover something to their liking. We are certainly planning a return visit, as the weather was not ideal during our last stay..
Great range of rides, clean facilities, queues were manageable with max time of 20 mins. Peppa pig world seemed to be the busiest area, as expected. Booked through the stay option and went for the Marriott Portsmouth which was also great. Well managed across the two companies.
Although you may think the tickets are expensive I felt it was good value for my money. The park is well kept, not overcrowded and well-staffed. The food was good quality restaurant sized portions. We had a fabulous day & my grand daughter of 4yrs made lots of friends. Our favourite spots were the playgrounds, soft play & the seal ride.
24Rog E — Google reviewAndy H — Google reviewIsabell B — Google reviewGeraldine B — Google reviewSimon H — Google reviewAngela L — Google reviewAndrea M — Google review•
Gold Hill Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Cultural center
Specialty Museums
Nestled at the summit of the iconic Gold Hill, the Gold Hill Museum is a charming destination that invites visitors to explore local history through its captivating exhibitions. Housed in two beautifully restored buildings—once a priest's residence and a lodging house for market traders—the museum showcases an array of artifacts that tell the story of Shaftesbury from its early days, dating back to Alfred the Great, right up to contemporary times.
Visited gold hill today in Shaftesbury and popped in to the museum
Des E — Google review
Interesting town museum which has objects and documents of the town and its industries. It’s larger than it looks and you can spend some time rambling around the rooms. The building was the priest’s house and then a pub. There’s a small shop and a garden with good views over the valley
If you are fit enough you really need to walk Gold Hill which was made famous by the Hovis adverts. The museum is at the top of the hill, it is small, free to enter and full of interesting stuff. Is one of those places where you can breeze through and see a few things that interest you or spend ages looking at everything. Sadly we've got to the age where we recognised some of the exhibits from grandparents homes. The staff were friendly and helpful and we enjoyed the visit.
Picturesque views:) Small little village. It was very windy and rainy day when I visited so couldn’t explore much but managed to take a few nice shots, I think? 😉
Wonderful little gem. It's free to enter, with option to donate at the start/finish. Two floors of themed rooms with reference to Shaftesbury and the area. Very interesting, learnt loads. Well laid out with lots of information and very friendly and helpful guides on hand. Excellent
Unfortunately we didn't see outside due to the torrential rain, but the inside displays were a dry, great distraction.
Fantastic little bit of history with plenty for the kids to do.
Beautifully presented with a sprinkle of humour 👌
All for a donation. So please do sa it's run by volunteers.
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury. We visited here on the way back from a week in Dorset. It is simply Stunning! So picturesque and pretty. There was also a Christmas Market with plenty of stalls and shops to browse around. A truly beautiful place and well worth a visit.
A very interesting and well layed out museum, walking through the different rooms in the building you get a learn about the history of shaftesbury and see aftifacts dating back. Also told here is the story of the peach family who made a difference in their shop here. It's free to enter here and certainly adds a nice touch to gold hill. Please note the manaquin next to the fire truck was very life like 😂
4.6
(401)
4.6
(322)
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JW, United Kingdom
25Brian M — Google reviewKane R — Google reviewLouisa B — Google reviewPaul S — Google reviewAndrea R — Google reviewP_Addler — Google reviewFlorin D — Google review•
Old Wardour Castle
Mentioned on
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Old Wardour Castle, located near Tisbury in Wiltshire, is a partially ruined 14th-century fortified residence with turrets and panoramic views. The castle was once known for its lavish entertainment and comfortable living. It suffered severe damage during the English Civil War, leaving behind imposing remains. The site offers a glimpse into the history of the area and provides visitors with an opportunity to explore its picturesque surroundings.
We tried to get inside so many times, but we always arrived by the time it was closed. Still beautiful, but the inside was worth the wait! The grounds are beautifully maintained, the staff is lovely and the castle is stunning and a lot bigger than it looks! The ground floor is pretty accessible but the stairs are very steep, so people with mobility issues might have a problem viewing the upper floors. There is an accessible bathroom as well as other facilities.
Kleo — Google review
Well worth a visit with your English Heritage membership.
Quite a lot of the castle remains despite it getting blown up during the Civil War... Can spend a good couple of hours exploring the building and grounds.
It's not really all that important site, but there is an interesting audio tour worth doing that explains about a lot of the history of the building and those who owned it.
As ever, the staff in the little shop / café were extremely nice and very friendly.
Most interactive castle that I’ve ever been to! It was really fun to look around all of the rooms and the stairs are still intact in most of the castle so exploring the rooms and where all of the people used to be was wonderful. The views from the top of the castle were fantastic and would definitely recommend. Staff in the office were really lovely and friendly too.
The drive up is a little fun…think one way road but it’s actually two ways. Great English Heritage site and really enjoyed our time here! Was really quiet too.
We had a great time exploring the castle and grounds, not sure why we hadn't been before! Well worth a visit but would suggest bringing a picnic there is no cafe and the little shop there had sold out of all cold drinks after the bank Holiday!
A Magical and Romantic Historical Gem!
Old Wardour Castle is an absolute treasure! From the moment you arrive, the breathtaking setting—nestled among rolling hills, lush forests, and a serene lake—feels like stepping into a fairy tale . The ruins are beautifully preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval history while still evoking the grandeur of its past .
What makes this place truly special is its romantic atmosphere. Whether you're exploring the spiral staircases, admiring the panoramic views from the towers, or discovering hidden nooks like the charming grotto, every corner feels enchanting . The 18th-century banqueting pavilion by the lake adds an extra touch of elegance, making it a dreamy spot for weddings and photography .
The site is perfect for a peaceful day out—bring a picnic, wander the grounds, and soak in the history. The staff are friendly, and the information boards provide just the right amount of detail without overwhelming visitors. Plus, the drive up to the castle is an experience in itself, with stunning scenery at every turn .
If you love history, architecture, or simply beautiful landscapes, Old Wardour Castle is a must-visit. Even in ruins, it’s one of the most picturesque and atmospheric places I’ve ever been. Highly recommend!
Although a little hard to drive to down those narrow single country lanes, it is a lovely place! The audio guide is great to get an overview of the history. But even without it is a stunning location.
Visited today it was a little further a field than what I expected and lots of bendy narrow roads to get to. I enjoyed the audio tape that came with the ticket and the displays dotted around. There was even a trail and some fun activities for kids sort of like a “ would you rather…” tale. Enjoyed the grounds And the beautiful forest too. Liked that you could go all the way up to the 4th floor and see the amazing views. It is also dog friendly, dogs were in the castle with their owners! A lovely place for a picnic. You could even fish I think from one of the many jetties over the lake . I also noticed the #WessexRidgeway goes right past there. Definitely worth a visit. @thewobbleyOwl came with me.
Old Wardour Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle located in the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire, England, near the village of Tisbury. Known for its unique hexagonal design and rich history, it is a popular site managed by English Heritage.
The road to drive there is a bit narrow (one lane), tricky if incoming trafic, but once there is well worthy
Superb place !!!
4.7
(1815)
4.5
(389)
Tisbury, Salisbury, SP3 6RR, United Kingdom
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26Brian M — Google reviewCall L — Google reviewClaire — Google reviewJackie R — Google reviewBaris O — Google reviewE M — Google reviewRobert P — Google review•
Old Sarum
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Old Sarum, located two miles north of present-day Salisbury, is an ancient hill fort with a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. It was once home to a Norman cathedral and a strategically positioned castle built by William the Conqueror in 1075. The site also housed a Roman fort and later became a bustling town settlement under Saxon rule. However, by 1220, the inhabitants were relocated to New Salisbury, leading Old Sarum into decline.
We parked withput charge, in a small layby next to the lane off the main road opposite the Harvester. We didn't pay to go into the central area but thoroughly enjoyed exploring and finding out more about this fascinating ancient monument. Excellent interpretation panels and fantastic views. Photos don't do the size, scale and magnitude of the earthworks justice.
Alyson L — Google review
Worth a visit, especially if you have the English Heritage membership and have been to nearby Stonehenge.
There isn't a lot left of the old castle, but it is in a nice, elevated position overlooking the "new" Salisbury Cathedral.
We spent an hour or so looking around the ruins and admiring the lovely autumnal colours in the surrounding countryside.
There is a small shop on site, it sells the usual memorabilia and EH stuff (always seems to be a new mead variation to buy).
The staff members were friendly and helpful, we had a pleasant conversation.
About 25 car parking places, the road up to it is quite steep and narrow, but there are passing points on every corner.
One of my favourite days out, this place had such beautiful views, great history and the people who worked here were very welcoming, up for a chat and overall friendly, also got some ice cream which i was quite happy they had a decent amount of vegan options. You can easily spend a good few hours here just walking around and reading everything, even just sat relaxing. Great place for dogs to come and run about, even children and it was fun watching the sky divers. i'd love to revisit here in the future. (For anyone wondering, you pay for the small middle part over the bridge, all the outer bits you can walk around for free)
Staff super friendly and helpful. Lovely to explore and learn. Only managed few photos as having fun with kiddies exploring. Little gift shop and picnic benches. Beautiful views and dogs welcome on leads.
Interesting place to visit. Cadw free entry. Has toilets and visitirs centre/shop does hot and cold drinks. Friendly staff. Car park free. Original cathedral foundations on the outer ward. Inside the inner castle is well described on info plaques. Stunning views of Salisbury.
Beautiful views of the surrounding area and the town of Salisbury. You can see the cathedral clearly from one of the walls. Lots of history related to kings of the past. Highly recommend if you’re a tourist buff and it doesn’t take too long to explore.
Incredible, eerie, lovely place to take an autumn walk. Literally layers upon layers of history. Hiking around the perimeter of the hillfort is a must for the beautiful views across Salisbury and the Wiltshire countryside.
Nice little wonder around was surprised that it was free with our Cadw membership
If you are turning up you know what to expect but was definitely worth a vist.
Another pile of stones listed hahaha
4.5
(3463)
4.2
(1721)
Castle Rd, Salisbury, SP1 3SD, United Kingdom
27Kathrin S — Google reviewDiane C — Google reviewSam T — Google reviewMike H — Google reviewColin B — Google reviewGavin B — Google reviewJules M — Google review•
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Mentioned on
Museum
Military Museums
Specialty Museums
Located in Hangar 1 at Old Sarum Airfield, the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection offers a captivating display of fighter jets and historic aircraft. Visitors can explore the collection of aircraft, cockpits, weapons, and model aircraft associated with the Boscombe Down site. The museum provides guided tours and interactive experiences, allowing guests to sit in the cockpits of various jets such as the Meteor NF11 jet fighter and Canberra T4 bomber.
An absolutely brilliant museum. Full of fascinating and unusual aircraft and with the bonus of being able to get up close to the cockpits and interiors. The volunteer staff are amazingly knowledgeable and friendly and every corner of the hangars is dripping with history.
Don’t ignore the Royal Flying Corps section in the north hangar- the contents therein would be worth the price of admission alone such is their rarity and interest.
This was an unplanned visit due to a last-minute change of route on our journey to Poole. I’m so glad of that change as this is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever visited. Bravo!
Oliver H — Google review
Absolutely amazing place. Really cool planes with access to almost all of them- a dream for boys of all ages. The staff is incredibly nice and knowledgeable and enthusiastic and passionate. Most of them were either flying one of these planes themselves or were engineers, hence you can learn a tone about aviation. If you lucky you can also watch skydivers from hanger 3. Best museum we ever visited.
We loved the hands on aspect of the museum, you are allowed to climb in the cock pits of some planes, and the staff so friendly and knowledgeable, we leant alot about the history of the spit fire and Lancaster, plus some other interesting planes. The 12 and 8 year olds loved it too. Thank you.
Fabulous place to visit!
A great place for kids and adults alike to get the opportunity to get up close with aircraft from the past.
There are few places where children are encouraged to climb into displays in a museum but here they certainly are!
The staff are incredibly friendly and always up for a chat.
Would recommend visiting to anyone!
What a lovely experience! This collection of planes and helicopters, including a great number of aircraft cockpits which you are invited to climb into is worth a visit. The staff are all volunteers who do their roles with such passion and all have a wealth of experience that they are very willing to share with you.
A surprisingly large collection from what we expected. Comprehensive collection of mainly cold war jets and cockpits with nearly all fully accessible within historic hanger.
New flying corp section newly opened.
Located on the edge of Old Sarum airfield with free parking.
Refreshments and food available outside plus also brewery tap room.
Great afternoon at this place. Lots of history and boards to read but also they let you climb into the cockpits of the planes that are open! Absolutely amazing staff who are all volunteers and most are retired pilots themselves so well worth a visit!
What a wonderful gem of a museum. A total delight to go round and very interesting too. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, which added to the enjoyment. Being able to climb into various aircraft cockpits was so much fun too.
The hanger was built in WW1, so it's very cold and I'd recommend a coat/jumper.
An absolute must vist, If you're in the area. Only £12.50 to go round too.
4.8
(1057)
4.8
(762)
Hangar 1 Old Sarum Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6DZ, United Kingdom
28Marie S — Google reviewAnn-Marie B — Google reviewLucy S — Google reviewJustin A — Google reviewJames J — Google reviewIker B — Google reviewAndrew M — Google review•
Shearwater
Mentioned on
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Shearwater is a picturesque destination offering short lakeside strolls and longer walks around the estate. The route to Heavens Gate provides stunning views, while the trail through the woods leads to the charming Shear Water lake, where visitors can spot adorable cygnets with their parents. Families can enjoy biking on paved paths, feeding ducks and swans, and exploring walking trails in the forest.
Great lakeside area to have a walk! Certain parts of the path are closed due to forestry work but it’s a nice area regardless. The tea room unfortunately closed permanently but there is a parking lot nearby
Matt N — Google review
Miles of walks set in beautiful scenery. Stunning forest and lake views. Car park over the road and newly reopened cafe selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Lovely place to visit just be careful when park DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD!
Even though everyone else is you will get a lovely yellow packet from the council
Lovely walk but do not park on the road as you will get a parking fine!
Lovely spot for walks and a picnic. Cafe at the entrance. Car park fills up quickly and whilst parking on the road might seem perfectly harmless, you will get a parking ticket as Wiltshire Country Council deems it an urban clearway. The signage is almost non-existent. We and dozens of others were caught out by this - no-one was parking there thinking they would try and get away with it, the truth is no-one realised. Sad and ridiculous.
Great walks. Dogs can go off lead once your away from the lake (there's loads of paths to take) and the little cafe is great for relaxing with a bite to eat and a drink afterwards.
Great place for a walk, cycle, kids play in the woods ...
This place is truly beautiful and perfect for a family stroll, complete with the opportunity to feed the ducks. Keep in mind that parking can be a bit challenging on busy days and weekends, but it's definitely worth a visit.
4.6
(266)
4.5
(176)
Warminster, UK, USA
29Jackie R — Google reviewEphila J — Google reviewFitria P — Google reviewAmit — Google reviewDeepali S — Google reviewSam M — Google reviewNatasha D — Google review•
Stonehenge
Mentioned on
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Stonehenge is a legendary neolithic monument located in Wiltshire, England. It was constructed using stones transported from Wales and its purpose remains unknown. Tourists from around the world visit this historical landmark to witness the prehistoric ring of standing stones. While dogs are not allowed in the monument field, there are plenty of trails in the area where you can enjoy their company while taking in the beauty of Stonehenge.
Brilliant place to visit. So steeped in history and mythology and the Heritage site has so much more than just the standing stones. The history is fascinating and the Exhibition centre does a great job at explaining the evolution of this Neolithic site. Fascinating to think the Megalithic temples in Malta predated Stonehenge by 1000 years and the Great Pyramids hailed from the same era!
The bus to the stones and back run every 5 mins ( if you’ve bought the experience ticket) but you can walk to the stones in about 20 mins from the visitor centre. The stones themselves are magnificent and worthy of at least a couple of circuits around to take them in, appreciate the history and the lovely surrounding countryside ( main road excepted). Overall a great experience and it was a place I’d wanted to visit first many years. If I visit next time I’d just park up in the visitors car park (3.50/day) and then walk to the stones without paying the £30 for the experience as I’ve done that now. whilst the ticket price might seem a bit steep it’s probably not when you consider the development and maintenance of this world heritage site and area by English Heritage. I’d love to visit again at sunset or sunrise in the mid summer and winter solstices as the photos would be magnificent in the golden hour. Great visit and thanks to EH for preserving such an amazing piece of our heritage. Tip…try and get there early during summer as it is very popular with coach tours
Mick S — Google review
Plenty of parking, free to cadw, English heritage, and historic Scotland. Very Busy even at 10am. Free Busses taking visitors down every 5 to 10 mins. And bringing back. No going on the stones. Very impressive visitors centre. Toilets, shop, cafe. All wheelchair friendly. Great audio guide app. Friendly staff. Soooo many nationalities visiting. Heard soooooo many languages. Wonderful place to visit. Better when not so many people, but over a million people visit so not any quiet time.
Stonehenge is such a fascinating and historic site, the place is visible from the road itself and is also very good for capturing photos, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light hits the stones beautifully. The visitor centre is well-organised with clear information about the history and significance of the site. Definitely a must-see spot in the UK
Fascinating experience. This place is free to visit for English Heritage and National Trust member. There is shop, cafe, toilet and exhibition at the visitor centre. Shuttle bus is available every 5 to 10 minutes to take visitor from visitor centre to the stones. But if you choose to walk to the stones and enjoy it is convenient too. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. Plenty of parking and it’s free if you are an English Heritage member or else you need to pay £3.
I didn’t go through the visitor center — instead I took a lovely, easy path through the fields. The walk was beautiful and peaceful, and it leads you right up close to Stonehenge without needing to pay. The site itself is amazing and well-kept. Totally worth it, especially if you prefer a quiet nature walk over the crowded official route.
Stonehenge is iconic for a reason—the sight of the massive stones rising from the landscape is truly impressive. The visitor centre has good information and a shuttle that takes you to the monument, making the experience smooth and well-organized. Parking is available on-site and easy to navigate, though it can get busy during peak hours.
The walking trail around the stones is well laid out, offering great views from different angles. You can’t get too close, but the path still gives you plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet moments to take in the atmosphere. Overall, a memorable visit if you appreciate history, engineering, or a unique landscape.
Absolutely breathtaking! Visiting Stonehenge was such an unforgettable experience. The site is peaceful, fascinating, and has this incredible sense of history and mystery about it. Seeing it in person is completely different from photos, it really makes you stop and take it all in.
The area is well maintained, the shuttle service is convenient, and the museum and exhibits add great context to what you’re seeing. We went as a family and everyone enjoyed it. Even the kids were amazed by how massive and perfectly arranged the stones are.
Definitely worth the trip if can squeeze it in when visiting England! If I was local, would be cool to see during the winter and summer solstice.
Decent place to visit.
1. 30 pounds to visit is outrageous. Better to walk the trail (visitor car park to stonehedge- 30 min each way) and view for free.
2. After reaching the entrance a lad would ask if you have tickets, if you say no he will show you from where to enter the trail.
3. There's a long queue for the bus, to and fro, wait time is minimum 15 mins, walking could be quicker
4.5
(63469)
4.2
(15574)
Salisbury, SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
30Hannah S — Google reviewBecky H — Google reviewChloe G — Google reviewSasha T — Google reviewDaniel P — Google reviewJade R — Google reviewHannah M — Google review•
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Cafe
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, also known as Cholderton Charlie's, is a registered Rare Breeds Farm that offers a diverse and enjoyable family experience. Spanning 40 acres, the farm features not only rare breeds but also a children's play area, a charming pond with geese, and a delightful cafe. Visitors can engage in interactive activities such as feeding animals and enjoying the entertaining pig race.
Excellent Family Day Out!
We had a fantastic time at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm — a perfect day for the whole family! The kids absolutely loved the trampolines and the soft play area inside the barn, which was a great way to burn off energy. Feeding the animals was a highlight for all of us — especially the lambs, goats, sheep, donkeys, and even alpacas! The staff were friendly, and everything was well-organized. A truly wonderful experience that we’d happily repeat. Highly recommended!
Cristina R — Google review
Super visit for 3 or so hours. Loved all the animals who were friendly. Lots of activities for kids including safe and study trampolines in several places and indoor soft play. Wine samples a plus and we did take a bottle home too. Would recommend to people travelling around for young kids especially.
Good relaxing farm, lovely animals and great interactions. Lovely grounds, can feed all the animals when you purchase the food. Indoor softplay, trampolines and play structures. Nice woodland walk and fairy trail forest. Only point would be the Wooden play structure is starting to look tired and could do with a refresh. Food on site but didn't try as bought a picnic a d lots of benches to sit at. Chilled atmosphere and good price point.
We visited Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm for Highland Cow Day and absolutely loved it! The staff were welcoming, friendly, and clearly passionate about the animals. The Highland cows were the highlight of our trip — such a special experience to see them up close.
The farm itself is beautifully kept, with lots of different rare breeds to meet, and it has a really relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Everything felt well-organised, and it was easy to spend hours exploring.
We had such a fantastic time that we’re already planning our next visit — we’ll be back on the 18th!
100% would recommend this farm to anyone looking for a fun, unique, and memorable day out.
beautiful setting! We had such a lovely day there and all the staff we interacted with were lovely! This was such a great place for us to meet our friends as it's right in the middle for us. We will definitely be back for another visit! I think it's very reasonably priced for the entrance fees and also for the bucket of feed which you keep the bucket to refill next time, great way of saving waste on paper bags. Plenty of space for outdoor picnics and great play areas too, including a soft play and trampoline's for the kids to use. We had a lovely walk on the woodland and our kids enjoyed hunting for all the fairy doors! It's also great because it's not a huge place you can actually do all the stuff in one day and not feel rushed of you want to see it all.
Totally fell in love with this little farm! I turned into a kid for the day. Fantastic game and the staff were so friendly and amazing. What was supposed to be a quick visit before going into somewhere else turned out to be a full day visit and the last ones to leave.
Such a wonderful place. All the animals are so happy and have such lovely spaces. I loved feeding all the lovely sheep, goats, alpaca and more. And also the food was really good! I wasn't expecting it only because people are there for the rare breeds and usually the food is secondary because people will still eat it. But it was so good!
We absolutely love Cholderton! We come here quite often. Being able to feed the animals is great and the animals are very friendly. My little boy has the best day when we come here, highly recommend. (Good price too!) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
4.4
(860)
4.0
(276)
Amesbury Rd, Cholderton, Salisbury SP4 0EW, United Kingdom
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