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.

A great shop to stop by when in Alderney. There is always an updated board outside giving recent sightings on land, sea and in the air. The last time I was there dolphins and seas had been seen recently and the location is given as well. There is always a welcome for you inside with lots of useful books and information from a very friendly staff. (They will even let you use the toilet if you are in need :) All photos taken at the end of July 2019

The Gannet/Puffin cruise is a must - one of the best experiences of the island. Very friendly and helpful staff. Many thanks for a treasured memory.

Great association to protect the island's fauna, very nice staff and interesting tours where you can spot gannets, puffins, seals, hedgehogs and bats. The boutique itself is also the place to get your best souvenirs ;)

Great shop and always something going on to see. Lots of useful information available.

Really good shop. Full of useful guides and clear goals for wildlife on Alderney. Very helpful staff and volunteers!

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff - can highly recommend volunteering on a Wednesday or Saturday, or taking their bat and hedgehog night-time safari.

Always helpful, a super channel Islands jumper shop inside as well. Canoe safari is great fun.

Staff didn't seem that keen to help - our first request for assistance was met with a reluctant 'yes'. Then when we asked whether they could help us call a local boat tour company and explained that we did not have a phone that worked in Alderney, their reply was a simple 'no'. Seemed rather strange considering this is a tourist information centre.

A very useful place to have and information and learning where all the walks and the historical history of the island is. Plenty of information of all source from free brochures to maps available.

Really helpful - even when someone went off with my bike, they helped to get it back. An honest mistake, as all bikes look the same. Route maps, helmets, panniers all available. Regular and electric bikes. Helmets are a good idea. The roads are steep, and some are cobbled. Fabulous island. Excellent way to see it on bikes.

I hired an e-bike for four hours today. It made such a difference to my ease of getting around Alderney. The bike was well maintained and stable and easy to ride. I was given helpful advice about how to operate the bike and some tips for sites to visit.

Absolutely brilliant! Very friendly staff, fixed me up with a good quality & well maintained mountain bike immediately. Did a full circuit of the island in about 4 hours. Highly recommended!

Impressive lovely service. We had 2 bikes for 4 days. They were good quality and faultless. We had great service including their own map which was spot on and invaluable not to miss anything. Fair price too. Will def use again

The nicest people I ever met! So helpful and understanding! Best place to get a bike from

Hired three bikes for a day trip around the island. Very welcoming and very efficient.

Hired 2 bikes to do a 4 hour ride around the island Shown how bike worked very thorough presentation Bike was good quality and power worked well with gears Reasonable price £40 2 bikes 4 hours

Spectacular walking route along gently sloping grassy hills or steep falesie over a blue-green sea that seems to change hue at every turn of the path. Enchanting walk !

One of the most beautiful views of the North Atlantic Ocean with the islands of Jersey and Guernsey visible on a clear day. Spectacular views of the cliffs and a short walk down them will take you to some caves and a beach below. One of Normandy's secrets. There is also a little restaurant on one of the cliffs where you can grab a scenic lunch. Don't forget to switch the data off on your phone as it automatically switches to English networks and international roaming. Yes, you're that close to England! Enjoy.

It has a good view, full of nature. You get to see some British Islands with the sea is calmer. Very refreshing

Beautiful !

One of the most beautiful walks in Cotentin : the landscape is magnificent anf the lights and colors are often mesmerizing.

Gorgeous

Wonderful place

Ok

Emotions

(Translated by Google) A very informative visit to the house to discover the life of the author of the many poems of our childhood And what about the magnificent garden and its exotic plants. Take a short tour of the cemetery to see the simple grave and the beautiful church. A feast for the eyes. (Original) Une visite de la maison très instructive pour découvrir la vie de l’auteur des nombreux poèmes de notre enfance Et que dire du magnifique jardin et de ses plantes exotiques. Faire un petit tour au cimetière pour voir la simple tombe et la belle église. Un régal pour les yeux.

A nice and quiet place. You have to park in front of the church and the cimitery. The garden is kept clean. I was impressed by these "Brazilian rhubarbs" plants (Gunnera manicata). Worth to visit. Unfortunately, not suitable for wheelchairs upstairs.

(Translated by Google) We took advantage of the Heritage Days to visit Jacques Prevert's house. A beautiful, well-maintained house. Lots of photos. Lovely garden. (Original) Nous avons profité des journées du patrimoine pour visiter la maison de Jacques Prevert. Jolie maison bien entretenue. Beaucoup de photos. Joli jardin.

(Translated by Google) Great place with a beautiful garden and a short half-hour film and a very comprehensive exhibition on the life of Jacques Prévert (Original) Super endroit avec un beau jardin et un petit film d'une demi-heure et une expo très complète sur la vie de Jacques Prévert

(Translated by Google) Jacques Prévert's last home, where he continued to create. A beautiful exhibition about his life, and you can actually visit the rooms of the house. A very interesting video about his busy life. A must-see. (Original) Dernière maison de Jacques Prévert où il a continué de créer. Belle exposition sur sa vie et on visite réellement les pièces de la maison. Vidéo très intéressante sur sa vie bien remplie. À voir absolument.

Absolutely fantastic experience. The staff were among the best I’ve ever encountered, genuinely attentive and welcoming. Climbing the Lighthouse was a highlight, made even better by a tour guide who knew his stuff inside out. The lady in the gift shop was an absolute gem. And the views? Endless. Just breathtaking.

What a beautiful day. The 🌞 was shining and not a cloud in the sky. No queues for the lighthouse, what more can you ask for. If it was the middle of summer I'd book tickets 🎟️ in advance, but at this time of the year... we didn't.

Very interesting - if you're into that sort of thing. Only take kids if they don't mind climbing up and down the stairs - we had a child that screamed half the way up and had to be almost dragged back down from lantern room.

Portland Bill Lighthouse is a stunning coastal landmark with breathtaking sea views. The striking red-and-white tower looks beautiful against the dramatic cliffs and ocean backdrop. It’s a great spot for photography, peaceful walks, and watching the waves crash along the rocks. The area is well maintained, with a cozy café nearby. A must-visit for anyone exploring the Jurassic Coast — truly iconic and unforgettable!

This was a lovely unplanned visit. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The history of the place is nice to see and there are plenty of posters around to learn about the different type of lights they used. Definitely worth doing if you are able to manges walking 150 steps and a steep ladder.

Really beautiful area to walk around and the lighthouse was fabulous. The tour was informative and the views from the top were great. I highly recommend going and seeing it

Stunning spot with unbeatable 360° coastal views. The lighthouse is iconic, and the surrounding area is peaceful and perfect for a walk. Great mix of natural beauty and serenity — a must-visit on the Jurassic Coast.

A great place for exploring, lots of lovely winding paths and beautiful view points. Free parking, about 10 spaces or so, wasn't busy when we visited on a Saturday morning. No facilities. We completed a perfect little 30 min walk down to Chiswell beach where there is a cafe and toilets. A steep/stony walk including steps. a stop of at the cafe for refreshments, paddle in the sea which was so clear and still, relax on the pebbles was just lovely before heading back up the path.

This is a hidden gem. Weird and fascinating, these sculptures are a definite find; from the coquettish torso, to the dog with the eyes of it's victims in its coat, the sea creatures, the stone ring.......all very thought provoking. The location of this quarry leads to some beautiful clifftop views and as you explore you may see ospreys and gulls circling overhead. The most incredible thing to me was that this stone world is all free! Absolutely worth a visit.

The car park is hidden at the end of a small industrial estate. When you first enter the park it seems like a bit of a disappointment. It is massively over grown and the first sculptures are a bit boring. But then it opens up and there is so much to explore. We spent over an hour walking round. Car park is free and there isn’t an expensive cafe or gift shop. A true free attraction.

I was a little disappointed. There are loads of sculptures. However, the whole site feels neglected. Lots of sculptures hidden in the undergrowth. There is a map in the entrance by the carpark. Once past this, there are a few random arrows on posts, but nothing to give you a real idea of where to go or to guide you. The views, however, are stunning down to the Chesil, and the drops are sheer and long. The main path is clear but not flat. Once off this it can be quite a challenge. Certainly not for the faint-hearted or anyone not sure footed. I feel we missed areas, and maybe it is set up to be a rugged adventure rather than an easy stroll.

It’s an interesting visit if you don’t mind climbing about there are some lovely sculptures and art works and the views are breathtaking

Bit overgrown and uncared for but sculptures are great. Had a nice wander around.

Clever, arty and interesting sculptures in Portland stone, with a fine view of Chesil beach as a bonus.

A great place to visit for half an hour or so, you'll find beautiful views and walks around the area to extend that time. But really worth visiting if you enjoy feeding animals. It's for all ages who love animals, just turn up, park in their free car park and purchase some cups of feed, there is also a little sandpit and seating area outside the main hut. I feel the place has so much potential than what was on offer with making it more of a day out activity, but the simplistic and donation only entry price keeps it affordable and relaxed. There were ducks, a pig, chickens, donkeys, horses, goats, sheep, wallaby and geese all dotted around the farm for you to see. A great activity when on Portland.

Was a bit of a trek to get to. Couldn’t find a member of staff to ask about where to go but found a way to get in. The animals have plenty of room to roam around. My autistic 5 year old loved running round the farm exploring.

Lovely place for a wander and to feed some animals. Thoroughly enjoyed by the children the sheep and goats are entertaining. The wallabies are a nice surprise. The cafe was great.

Came across this lovely farm whilst exploring Portland. We absolutely loved it. Free but donations welcome, animal feed £1 cup from shop. Wallabies, chickens, goats, donkeys, sheep, pigs and more Will have to go back with the kids, hoping there'll be food produce during summertime 🙂

This farm is great for all the family not just kids. Entry is ree and you can feed the animals with a cup of feed for just £1. You can buy food and drink on site for reasonable prices to. The staff are always happy and bubbly and always happy to answer any questions and chat to you about the animals. You also get grey views of the sea

I took a lady that I support and we had a lovely time talking to all the animals on the farm. Our favourite were the wallabies and their babies. Really good conditions for the animals, lots of space. A lovely afternoon 😊

We stumbled upon Fancys Farm whilst on a walk around Portland... What an absolute gem of a place. Considering it was just myself and the wife... We had such an enjoyable time seeing and feeding the various animals on the farm. Kids or no kids - what a brilliant place to visit with an onsite cafe and toilets as well. I'm not sure why we were so captivated by the super social sheep and goats - the bit where you can walk in the same area as them is truly special. It really did make this a fantastic experience for us. The staff were super friendly and I think it was Jon who gave us insights into their names and behaviours. We've been to a few walk through petting zoos... But it was so incredibly fun to walk around the field with Dash and 'Essy' the sheep following us all the way. We are a long way from home being from Derby, Midlands... But it feels like whenever we're in Dorset next, a visit to Fancys Farm is an absolute must.

Nice little place showing the local nature. Good drinks and food. Friendly staff. We got a free poster with a map of the island.

Visited the cafe and found a good selection of food, it was late for lunch, but they still had plenty of choice, with some great vegan and vegetarian options. Food was very tasty and the coffee good. I think this cafe can get quite busy, but with plenty of seating, inside and out, this was not a problem. It was a great stopping point on our cycle ride to Portland.

Lovely visitors centre, wonderful cafe with lovely food.

Staff were all lovely. Drinks were boiling, and the displays were really good. The centre is disabled friendly and you can watch the birds flying about, but the hill to the beach would not be possible in a wheelchair. The stone hill is steep, but worth it as the view is amazing. Clean toilets, lovely staff, lots of paid parking. Worth a visit.

Very informative display, and a nice cafe. Easy access to Chesil Beach from here aswell.

Haven for walkers and bird watchers. Very nice visitor centre. Plenty of information about Chesil Beach, the wild flowers that grow there and the wildlife that inhabits the area. There’s a few children’s activities that go on here. Shop is well stocked, sell decent binoculars as well as all sorts of items. Bonus to visiting here is The Taste Cafe, food is always good, staff are friendly, toilets clean.

Beautiful location, yummy food served in the cafe. Plenty of parking. Recommended bringing binoculars to watch the water birds. Sep walk up the pebbles to the sea but definitely recommend it

Loved it. A small car park nearby was free due to construction. Completed pebble beach. Amazing for pebble collectors. And the sunset here is glorious

I've been coming here all my life, it's still one of the most beautiful places in the UK. The beach itself is beautiful, vast and naturally interesting, the views are stunning and at night time you can see millions of stars here. If you're going to the Abbotsbury part of the beach, good parking (paid parking) with toilet facilities and a little cafe. Feels very safe here both day and night.

Beautiful unique beach if you are prepared to walk on the millions of pebbles 😃 You need strong legs to get near the water from Abbotsbury car park, not ideal for trolleys. Once you are by the water the sensation is indescribable 🤩🤩🤩 If you enjoy fishing 🎣 you will have plenty of competitors 😃 There is a carpark that you can pay on the machine by the the bar or by phone

Want a challenge? Walk this entire Chesil Beach from Fortuneswell (Quibbles cafe)to West Bay (The George Hotel). I did it 6 years ago but soon realized that I hadn't taken in just how tiring the pebbles can be for walking on. I ended that walk at Abbotsbury due to not having enough time. So I have done it again for its entire length this time. Forget running. Walking is more efficient. I believe that you can walk this beach all year, even during the bird season, 01/05 to 31/08 as long as you keep to the side of the sea. A lone walker may still be ok to walk as long as they do not disturb nature. But ask at the Chesil Beach visitor centre first. They will also inform you of any recent events, like landslides or rockfalls that may hamper your progress. I made a mistake of asking tourists who misguided me. Not to worry, it didn't put me off. I just got on with it and was soon back on track. Update: Did it for the last time today, Wednesday 24 September, entirely by beach, using tidal times for optimum beach width. No diversions. See proof of route photo. Some tips for those who fancy this walk. Check tide times. Check seasonal restrictions. Check firing range..MOD. Take a fully charged mobile phone. Take snacks and drinks. Don't rush it. Enjoy it. It's a mammoth task for most. Regular breaks. Start early, around 07:00 but before 09:00. Duration depending on the individual is anywhere between 6 hour 40 mins to 13 hours. But most likely, just 9 hours. There is the option to leave the route at the 10 miles ? Point, Abbotsbury car park. No shame if you do. That's the hardest bit to do for anyone. Start from Fortuneswell end of the beach. Begin there at high tide. By the time you get in range of West Bay the tide will be lower. Lower tide means wider beach. Wider beach means safe distance from cliff collapse. Wider beach near Bridport area means no detour to avoid river run off across the beach by Freshwater caravan site. Further on, still keep a safe distance from the cliffs. Due to low tide, some sections of the beach have exposed , hard sand that can be taken advantage of due to low the tide exposing it. See video of smooth, flat gritty sand.

Have a great time fishing for the first time in Chisel beach, we were lucky to catch some mackerels. Shore is mostly pebbles so make sure to have the right footwear. Nice view of the hill and Isle of Portland from this area as well. Camping is not allowed in this beach. Will surely comeback for more fishes.

Beautiful beach, has a swimming area to both sides, one under the cliffs and the other to the west, we were told to stay clear of cliffs as they fall. Bring rubber shoes as it's rocky and watch out for kids and adults throwing rocks to see if they have fossils on th. Of fossil hunting, bring a hammer. Has a nice little shop that sells fossils and mementos as well as a visitor center, which is free. Slippery rocks during low tide and a lot of small pools for little ones to explore.

Lovely place to go for a stroll along the coastline, especially on a sunny day... we'll worth a stop at the cafe for a bap and a sausage roll to replenish. Lots of folk fishing along the shore and big waves to test your running legs against. Well worth the trip to see Chesil beach!

We love this castle, our second visit. The kids loved playing with cannons and dressing up and watching the helicopters land next door. Staff in the cafe were excellent and if you're a member kids eat free which was an absolute bargain! Very clean and tidy. The kids did the quiz although didn't fill in all the questions as the pen didn't work and it was very heavy rain outside. When we handed in their quiz sheets the lady on the ticket office asked them to do it again....this slightly ruined their experience. You don't expect the fun police to be out on holiday! 🤣

Henry’s Gun Fort, also known as Portland Castle, is a fascinating historic site built by King Henry VIII. The castle is beautifully preserved, with interesting exhibits and displays that bring its rich maritime and military history to life. The location by the sea is stunning, offering lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit both educational and enjoyable. A must-see for history lovers and anyone exploring Portland!

It's OK. It's very small, maybe only takes 20 minutes to see it all. Nice views from the gun deck. It's worth a quick pit stop if you are visiting nearby. There were helicopters taking off and landing while we were there, which was a bonus!

Loved that there was parking and the castle is right on the beach front. Interesting history and ties with Henry VIII. Enjoyed the interaction with local community school. Met the lovely Wes in the shop and yes, he is a #SconeAsInGone as is #Nicola. The Dorset Cake was delicious! I also got to see helicopters taking off. A bit noisy but a first for me!

Really interesting place the staff were brilliant and a great audio tour. The cafe is good as well. Does have disabled parking and parts are wheelchair accessible but bits that aren't you can still listen to the audio tour.

Really interesting place with a fair amount to see. Lots of steps though so not very accessible for disabled visitors. Good cafe too mmm nice cakes.

An artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII when there was a threat of invasion from France. Well worth having a look around the small fort and listening to the excellent audio guide. Nice garden.

Excellent beach, dog’s allowed on west beach only until 30th September, plenty of parking but at £4.80/hr near the sea front a bit expensive, if you are prepared to walk it is cheaper near the swannery car park. Plenty of shop’s, cafe’s, etc. Worth a visit

Lovely area, we attend the motocross annually and always great atmosphere and brilliant stalls with plenty of food options. Shops and easy parking nearby, handy disabled spaces down the seafront.

Weymouth Beach is a beautiful and clean seaside spot with soft pebbles and clear waters. The gentle waves and scenic views make it perfect for a peaceful walk or relaxing by the shore. The promenade nearby adds to the charm with plenty of cafés and ice cream stalls. A lovely place to enjoy the classic English seaside atmosphere!

A beautiful clean beach Its always warm on the sea front Plenty of places to sit or eat. Definitely recommend Weymouth its lovely

One of many amazing beaches on the Dorset coast, not as easy to find a parking space unless you use the car parks either end of the beach or use the park and ride from outside the town. Once there the lovely well looked after beaches are so beautiful and through the summer many families enjoy and use the many amenities for souvenirs and snacks to evening meals with plenty of restaurant choice. It has a all year dog friendly beach either side of main beach and dog friendly everywhere after 30th September. The harbour and Nothe fort walks are amazing too.

I really enjoyed our walk on the beach. Wide open beach, plenty of cafes and restarants, arcades and friendly people all around. We were there in October so I can imagine it is gets very busy in summer But I would recommend going off peak

We went in late october. Drizzling with rain on and off but it is still gorgeous there. Lovely long sandy beach. Dogs are allowed. And just crossed the road to shops and cafe.

The Tank Museum is an amazing place to spend time with the family. There’s so much to see — from historic tanks to interactive exhibits — and it’s both educational and entertaining for all ages. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making the visit even better. It’s very easy to get to, with plenty of parking available. You’ll definitely want to allow at least three hours to explore everything properly. Highly recommended!

We visited midweek during the October half term school holidays with our 8 year old twins, was worried that with them not being self pronounced armoured fighting vehicle fans, that they may not be entertained for much longer than say 30mins, as last time I visited was a little less than half a century ago! 😳 And it was very bare bones... I needn't have worried the place has grown exponentially, the car park was full, but inside it felt comfortably spacious with loads to do for a very excitable pair of monkeys, who grew more and more interested in what they were seeing. There are loads of looped films explaining the ins and outs of Tank design, Tanks through the ages, Tanks in the movies! You name it there was something for everyone who even has a modicome of interest in the subject. Would highly recommend with over 350 tanks on site of every size and shape and some over a hundred years old! loads to do and see! And a fab gift shop to boot with gifts and toys to suit every pocket! A fab day out had by all, we even saw some real modern tanks driving on the roads outside the museum as its in an active army camp! 5*

Perfect for both tank enthusiasts and those who just enjoy a good museum with lots of physical things to see. The museum is well deserved of its legendary status amongst the military enthusiast community. I’d say it is very child friendly with lots of space, things to do and see as well as an extremely reasonably priced canteen. I went in a day when the Tamiya hall was closed, although entirely my fault due to it being the remembrance weekend. Despite this I still felt I had a lovely time and felt I had seen a lot. I will certainly be back, especially due to the ticket sale lasting for 12 months.

I've been meaning to go for several years now, it was absolutely fantastic everything I dreamed of and more! Getting up close and personal with past giants of military machinery. The variety of tanks on show are breathtaking especially for me the WW2 tanks seeing a tiger 1&2 Vs what the allied forces had to try and combat the German behemoth's. Worth every penny will love to visit over and over again.

This is an absolutely fantastic museum, even if you aren’t particularly fussed on the military. The history, facts, exhibits and children’s activities are amazing! We visited as a family with an 7 old and a 2 year old and spent around 5 hours here. Tickets are cheaper if you book in advance and you can take your own food and drink in as well. The staff were amazing with our 7 year old who has sensory issues, they pointed out the louder parts of the exhibit and they do offer sensory backpacks for the way round. It doesn’t feel cramped either and there is plenty of space for toddlers to wander around. The exhibits themselves are great, essentially takes you from the first tank ever made through to modern day tanks. A big emphasis on WW2 and it was nice to see that there was exhibits on some of the smaller known battles of the war as well as the more obvious parts such as D-Day. There is a walk around the trenches and a part dedicated to horses in the war, both of which are brilliantly done. There are little activities the whole way round such as bunkers with tunnels, mock ups of houses from the war and dress up areas for kids. Probably the best museum I’ve been to in terms of the exhibits and the value for money. If you are on the fence I would say just go, both kids and adults will love it.

Absolutely enormous collection of armour This museum is well run and laid out. It is easy to wander around and see all the "exhibits". Easy to read and informative placards were well placed. Very, very clean. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Demonstrations took place with an M24 Chaffee, the M4E8 Fury and Dingo. A ride on the M548 transporter was an enjoyable experience (if a bit short). Spent over 4 hours on site and could easily have spent more time there. Will return in the future to see what else they are restoring.

Had an absolutely awesome day at the Tank Museum. It is a veritable treasure trove of tanks, with accompanying historical displays, informational boards, and interactive exhibits. The museum is incredibly well thought out. The large free car park leads past a small playground, to the entrance point. This then has a ramp up to the display halls, of which there are several. These are broken up and themed across the history of tanks, and naturally draw your attention to the star of the display, including Tiger 131. The usual museum facilities are all present and correct. The restaurant is reasonably priced, and the food was really good. The Tanks in Action display at 1pm is essential viewing. I'd recommend a picnic blanket to sit on, but it is a highlight of the day. I really can't recommend the museum enough, it was great, and tanks are cool!!! 😎

Lovely gardens with beautiful flowers and water features. The tea room is light and airy with a tasty menu. Good clean facilities and plenty of car parking. Their is also an interesting house to visit on the grounds but on this occasion we didn't go in.

We recently visited Athelhampton House & Gardens for a family day out, but decided not to go inside the house itself, as we had newborns and a toddler with us. Instead, we enjoyed the beautiful outdoor spaces. We spent a relaxing time in the secluded picnic area before exploring the impressive grounds, which featured a lovely walled garden, several water features, and plenty of exotic plants to admire. For lunch, we purchased food from the restaurant. Because we were sitting outside, the staff had to specially cater for us, as they normally only serve food indoors. This meant our meals came in takeaway containers, which wasn’t ideal, but understandable. My wife ordered two sandwiches (Cheese & Pickle, and Chicken Mayo) with side salads and drinks. The total came to nearly £30, and while the sandwiches were tasty, I felt they were a bit overpriced at £8-9 each. That said, the staff were polite and very attentive, and we had a lovely afternoon overall. We’d definitely consider coming back in the future - especially when we’re not navigating the gardens with a double pushchair!

One of the best houses to visit. You are left alone to walk around at your own pace and time. Was greated just inside the house with a very nice lady who had a lovely bubbling personality. The gardens are very good and large. The food in the restaurant is very good and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit and we'll worth the entrance price.

The house has an amazinly preserved Tudor kitchen, rivalling Hampton Court's. The rest of the house is also gorgeous with lots of original Tudor elements, along with later additions and adaptations. The gardens are stunning, with lots of little nooks and almost secret little gardens all cobbled together; perfect for exploring one sunny afternoon. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely little restaurant and gift shop too. Spacious car park, with some electric charging points.

A very interesting house and gardens not too big or too small just right. The house has 29 rooms to view and the gardens take about an hour to view. You can take photos I. The house most unexpected. The tea room is lovely and allows dogs, they are also allowed in the gardens but not in the house. Plenty of parking including enough space for us to park our 6.36m long motorhome. All the staff were very friendly and you are encouraged to ask questions of them. I would really recommend his house and garden.

Lovely gardens even in the rain. The cafe is nice and has a decent size menu. The staff are lovely and the gardener is very knowledgeable

Lovely gardens with many quiet corners. River Piddle runs through. If you drive ev you can get one hour of free charging in the parking area.

Fantastic family day out! The monkeys and apes are so happy and clearly very well cared for. Food and drinks are reasonably priced but you could take your own picnic. Monkey world is even better than we expected.

At first I was a bit reticent coming here as I thought it was a zoo but turned out it’s a rescue centre. I was surprised to see how spacious their space is and how many toys they have. It seems like they take good care of them which is good. The monkeys seemed to be happy too. It was great to see them all! The park is huge and you can spend half a day or more if you take your time.

Well what can I say, this is a great attraction and by visiting you will hear some sad stories about how the apes and monkeys have been treated while at the same time doing good by providing money to keep the monkeys in food and 5* accommodation. The staff are very knowledgeable and answer all your questions, thank god for people like this that have a passion the welfare of all the apes and monkeys in their care. Please go and visit this place is open all year round apart from Christmas Day . Thank you monkey word for what you do.

Had a great day out at monkey world. We were lucky that the weather was so good and the park so quiet. You can't can't escape the fact that these beautiful animals aren't in the wild - with infinite space around them - but they also wouldn't be alive. The space they have feels generous - and engaging for them to have fun. Monkey World treads a delicate line carefully - and has created an educational and enjoyable day out. We watched monkeys play and interact not just with each other but with us too. They are incredible to watch. Good job Monkey World. Keep doing a great job.

Excellent. I went with family who watch the show every evening. We all throroughly enjoyed it. It was a lot more walking than we all thought but there was so much to see. We listed to a chimpanzee talk and you can really tell how much all the staff care about the animals they have. All of the enclosures looked clean and tidy but in a natural monkey sort of way! My only moan is that the map is terrible. I could not figure out the map at all. There were other people who struggled to as they asked me for help! Worth the visit. There were lots of play areas for kids and the big one (I think it's called the orangutan park maybe) looked great. Plenty of space for picnics and for little ones to run around. A great day out.

This brought back such wonderful memories of visiting here with my grandparents when I was small. There are so many different monkeys across a pretty large park. There were lots of children around and they all seemed to be enjoying it, just as I did when I was young. I definitely recommend coming to monkey world for a fun filled day out.

Our Daughter has always wanted to visit Monkey World, so not to disapoint her, as She still had a Weeks Holiday left from work, Me and My Wife Decided to journey to Poole from North Wales, booked into a Travel Lodge for a few nights, and it was a very enjoyable experience for the three of us. It was a very Hot Day, lots of walking, but there's a few kiosks where you can get Cold Treats. Plenty to see, and amuse you too. Yes, would recommend visiting this Wonderful place. Good parking facilities too.

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.

If you like history it's fascinating, half remembered it from school so this was a detailed refresher. Nothing else here just what relates to the story. An interesting sculpture outside and a visitor shop next door. Toilets at end of building. Oh and it's free entry but make a donation if you wish. Didn't see a car park but there's a layby opposite.

First this is it’s FREE, the very next thing is the story. What amazing people these men were. You simply must come and see their story, also there is a trail you can follow around this absolutely beautiful place.

I hadn’t heard of the Tolpuddle Marty’s the until I visited Dorset with my friend whose ancestors were the Loveless gentlemen. We went to the free museum and I was enthralled to hear about their plight. And thanks to them that we have the rights we do today. After spending about an hour in the museum we stopped off at the local pub and had a great supper and pint. A great walk and day out in Tolpuddle.

Well worth a visit. Only a few minutes away from A35. Small free museum (but at least £2 contribution expected). Free parking near bye. A pretty fair and balanced display on an attempt by local land owners to lock up poverty pay workers trying to improve their lot via forming a union. It backfired and turned into a huge victory for unions and public protest when they were (eventually) released from transportation. Shop with ice-cream and vending machine on site.

The museum offers a fascinating history of the first attempt in England by six agricultural labourers to get a better living wage from their employer. They were rewarded with prison and transportation to Australia. Well worth a visit. Street parking in the village.

A very interesting small museum full of facts about the men involved. Also notes about the Trades Union movement. It is free but a small donation of £2.00 is suggested. We'll worth a visit. There is historical trail around the village to follow.

A wonderful and phenomenal museum that goes into informative and interesting story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The size of museum is very small and discusses the story of George Lovelace, James Lovelace, James Hammett, James Brine, Thomas Standfield and James Standfield how they protested against their working conditions and wages etc and how it brought about the trade union movement that we see in the UK. There are displays about the lives of Tolpuddle Martyrs and how the Protests came about and how trade unions were born and the importance. The great thing about the display is that it is very thought provoking and intriguing and there is some interesting artefacts in tribute to them. There is no cafe but there is a small amount of drink and food in the shop at reasonable prices and the shop has a great range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a thoroughly phenomenal and interesting place to visit and makes for an intriguing day out. Well worth a visit whilst in the area of Dorchester.

Very professional and welcoming service. The vineyard was wonderful, informative and everyone was friendly. We did a self guided tour and stopped for lunch afterwards, which was fantastic. The restaurant vibe and the food was amazing. I couldn’t fault the entire experience and will highly recommend to friends and family.

I tried a very pleasing wine which is made in Dorset was full of flavour, crisp and light. I love it! The Rhubarb and Rose candle is full of scent, and I can't wait to burn it. I also had the Rosé and raspberry chocolates, which were rich and smooth. There is a large barn, which is a cafe, and I believe it is open from Wednesday through to the weekend. It looked lovely with its meny lights suspended from the ceiling.

Spent a Saturday afternoon here. We did the self guided tour and had lunch. The self guided tour which included three flights of wine was excellent value for money. The lunch was delicious, the freshest seafood, cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. The rose sparkling wine which we drank overlooking the vineyard finished off our visit perfectly.

A really great place to visit. The wine tour was interesting and well explained. Mark, our guide, was friendly, knew his stuff, and made it all feel relaxed and easy to follow without feeling like a lecture. Food was a real highlight. The crab pizza stood out, Really great. I’ve had some poor food at vineyards in the past, but this felt properly thought through and was incredibly well done. Everything was well presented and matched the quality of the wine beautifully. A very well run place overall and highly worth the visit. Would majorly recommend to anyone curious about English wine or just after a good day out.

We booked for some belated engagement celebrations. Emma was fantastic! Guided us through a beautifully planned day. a perfect balance of knowledge, class and humour. Cannot recommend enough! Amazing day X

Amazing vibe and wonderful staff! Had a lovely time spending my birthday here 🤍

Lovely place to visit and very much enjoyed the tour. Friendly and the food was lovely too.

Small garden, very well laid out and the miniature village is very good. £5 entry, but I think it's worth it. The cafe on site is very good, cakes are excellent.

A really great place to eat and drink. We take all our visitors here. the cream Tea is a must as ae the extensive range of reasonably priced Sandwiches and meals. The staff are helpful and friendly. Coupled with the model village it is a must for visitors to the area. Highly recommended.

Great place for young and old to visit. Option to have the audio tour with stop off points to listen in. Corfe castle is built on a 55ft hill and being 21ft in height it would have been magnificent in its day. The walk to the entrance is fairly easy. Once through the entrance then there are grassed areas to pic nic on an also play the wooden games laid out by the national trust. The castle area rises with lots of steps and stone pathways so not accessible for wheelchairs and prams. The views from inside the castle of the countryside are stunning. There are quite a few pubs an cafe around the area to get drinks and food.

What a beautiful gem to visit. Very well thought out gardens and model village and then there’s the tearooms. You can eat inside or in the courtyard or even in nooks within the garden. There is a magical fairy garden that even takes an adult into magic land or a river setting in a private corner. It had it all. The food quality and presentation was just incredible and they even offer an alcoholic option if that’s your preference. The staff were so attentive and we left feeling that we can’t wait to come back.

Corfe Castle is an absolutely beautiful and historic spot that’s well worth a visit if you’re in Dorchester or the surrounding area. The ruins are impressive, full of character, and the panoramic views from the top are simply stunning — easily one of the best viewpoints in Dorset. That said, the café near the castle can get very busy, especially during peak tourist times. The food is pretty average and not particularly memorable, which is a bit of a letdown considering the setting. If you're planning a visit, you might want to enjoy the views and explore the village, but grab a bite elsewhere if you're after a better meal. Still, the experience of walking through the ancient ruins with such a scenic backdrop makes Corfe Castle a must-see. It's a place full of charm and history — definitely worth giving a try.

We didn't eat. Just visited the model village. Well worth a visit if you are going to the castle. Entry fee is £5 per person. The gardens were very pretty.

I didn't use the cafe, but I did walk around the model Village. Very quaint. A nice little 10 min walk round. Beautiful in the summer ☀️

We parked at the Durlston country park and did the clifftop walk down to Dancing ledge, really lovely walk along the cliffs, then looped around to take the high path back, would recommend walking boots as it's a bit rugged in a few places.

An absolutely amazing place to visit. If you have a disability and can't walk to far you can hire a Tamper which is a electric ride on buggy. It's powerful enough to take you on any of the four walks, like cliff top or meadows. Just call in advance to book the tempers at just £3 for the day. The cafe has a great menu and the food is amazing, just make sure you get there before 3.45 pm to order your food. I would recommend this place to visit.

Wonderful place. I’ve visited Swanage many times but have never been to Durlston. Such a beautiful place to walk around on a sunny February day. Absolutely loved it and will be back in the summer.

Lovely park to spend time in exploring, it's hilly but the views are wonderful. Came for the parkrun, made full use of the 10% discount after in the cafe (with views of Old Harry), but browsed the shop, so it's dog friendly and they sell Pawbeck ice creams for dogs, so which my Buzz loved.

Excellent place to walk with breathtaking views. Lots of photo opportunities. Don't miss the giant snail shell. Perfect photo op.

Took some friends here last Saturday. Had a fantastic time, beautiful views and spectacular coastal path walk.

It's a wonderful area, with simply stunning views. But the thing that impressed me the most, is just how accessible it is. The amount of thought and effort that has been made to enable everyone to access the castle is quite impressive. A series of lifts and ramps make this possible, and when you head outside the tracks are wide and well made. It really is a place that everyone can enjoy, and dogs are made welcome too!

A great find to add to our annual Dorset adventures. So good we’re going back tomorrow for more mud & water fun 🤩 Friendly & helpful staff, clean toilets & a great selection of food to keep everyone happy 🤩

We had an incredible first experience on the inflatables. The team were great with us all and ensured my 3 boys had a fab time? everyone was kept safe, they even dealt with a medical emergency half way through the session in the most rapid and professional manner! Team should be proud of themselves. Well worth the drive and the money and that’s on a rainy day! We wouldn’t hesitate in coming again and really look forward in doing so.

This adventure park is great if you love outdoor activities. Inflatable water park - It's great fun every time, you get an hour of fun, with 30 minutes on 2 different obstacle courses, you can go on all different obstacles, from a water trampoline to a water slide straight into the lake. Mud trail - The mud trail is a challenging outdoor fitness activity with up to 50 obstacles and different ways to go, every way is different, from fitting through tires to trying to get through mud with uneven surfaces. The safety is perfect as there are friendly staff all over the water park and mud trail that you can trust. Overall this is a great experience for the family and you can purchase a multi ticket for the water park and the mud trail which is cheaper than buying both separately. I would recommend buying tickets online because you are guaranteed the spot if you book and is cheaper if you book online. The parking is free and there are lots of spots. 10/10 experience!

Great fun for all the family! Inflatable water park and the Mud trail. Make sure you’ve got some old cloths very muddy. 😃

The inflatable water park is a great activity for the whole family. Strenuous but fun and each lake has a different selection of obstacles and activities. Reasonably priced for this type of activity and the staff are all excellent.

Great experience suitable for all ages highly recommend we ended doing in the rain in September was so much fun.

Went to the Halloween trail here last night and it was fantastic. I wasn't expecting to scream but I did! Definitely get tickets for this next time if you like being pleasantly terrified - well worth the ticket price.

A heritage railway mostly run by enthusiastic volunteers. From the beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage stopping at numerous stops that includes Corfe Castle.

For me was the one attraction in the area I wanted to visit on our holiday and it didn't disappoint. A long time since I went on a steam/heritage railway but this was by far one of the best I've been to. The stations and carriages were all in noticeably great condition, with the stations decorated in the 'golden age of steam' fashion - they look great. It's gets busy, we got the 1040hrs train out of Norden and we were lucky to get a seat so get there early - there is a luggage carriage for wheelchairs/buggies Tickets can be bought online, on the platform or with the ticket inspector, kids under 5 go free (!) and adults were a very reasonable £18 open return. Journey to Swanage took about 20 mins and was very picturesque with a great view of Corfe Castle. The numerous return journies allows for ample time exploring Swanage. There are various museums at the different stations to explore and a shop at Swanage station. Staff were very helpful and a pleasure to see being so enthusiastic about working there - certainly added to the experience.

Fantastic piece of heritage well preserved by the excellent staff members, everything is kept to clean and tidy and it was a pleasure to be a passenger on. Every time we visit this area we will support this piece of English heritage.

Could be a lovely visit, if you are not disabled, avoid if you are, no parking facilities for disabled, car park 3/4 of a mile from the station. Absolutely disgusted, The trains might be 19th century, we are n now in the 21st. Never again

Absolutely wonderful return trip to Swanage from Corfe Castle. Our little dog hadn’t travelled on any train before and they made a fuss of him which he loved. Scenery is stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The staff have to be commended because they were so friendly and obviously enjoyed their work. I think many are volunteers? If so that’s amazing!

Brilliant day out kids loved it prices very reasonable

Lovely afternoon out, specially good if the weather isn’t beach worthy. The staff are always friendly, the trains are clean and a joy to watch, and ride in. I have taken to riding to Corfe, having a pub lunch and riding back again (not having to park in Corfe is always a plus). UPDATE: If you're here at Christmas, go on the light spectacular trip. Great evening, whether with or without kids. And finally, nothing to do with this train, but made me smile...... Did you know reading between the lines can be dangerous, specially if you’re at a train station.

A colourful looking single storey office building on the seafront. Lots of leaflets & posters advertising local & surrounding attractions & accommodation information. We visited on a cold Feb day, it was nice, warm & cosy inside & the staff were polite and very helpful. If you need some help or advice while on your visit, then drop in here.

Walked into the visitor centre to have a look with my wife, toddler and dog. We'd already borrowed a bucket and spade from their free rental service outside (fantastic). Lou from the visitor centre was super helpful and recommended a park near the castle that had a dog friendly cafe (also brilliant) and she gave the dog a treat. The recommendation was great and was a really great bit of advice and we enjoyed ourselves. Worth popping in just to see what they've got going on.

Went in on Wednesday morning this week to ask for information about a group visit. Immaculately clean, well laid out with wide supply of informative material, and a member of staff who was a perfect example of who should be employed in the role ! Still getting over the shock of such an unaccustomed high standard. The icing on the cake was the practice of a line up of buckets, spades and plastic sand pie making shapes which were not hired out but LOANED 😱 purely on the basis of trusting people to bring them back !! There’s hope for the country yet 😎😎😎😎. Lindsay Wilson

Very helpful indeed. I visited with the question. 'How deep is the sea at the big orange buoy which is almost directly opposite the Ocean Bay'? They referred me to the lifeguards who have expert knowledge of the beach. The depth is variable in that area and has a tidal difference of about a meter. The depth at the buoy is between 3,metres and 4, metres high at low tide and between 4, metres and 5 metres at high tide. This may vary throughout the seasons however the information desk and lifeguards will be able to provide the latest information. They also sell fruit jams and other items.

Can I say, these guys are super! We received an urgent medical referral whilst on holiday this week. We were offered their WiFi services for a zoom call, when our holiday park had limited access at 10am. Thank you for your help. Much appreciated x

Staff here is nice and helpful, and you can buy some stuff and souvenir here too. It's a pretty great place to learn more about what to do in the area and to buy a few things.

I found Susie really helpful, she explained to me how to get our guest house onto the visit Swanage website, she also gave us a free pad of maps to help our guests find their way around Swanage and surrounding areas, Thanks Susie a lovely warm welcome and great service.

Swanage has the most beautiful and elegant pier. Views from it are breathtaking in all directions, especially when standing on the top tier. It is one of the few piers which are licenced as a wedding venue so it is possible to get married in this amazing place, We did!

Swanage pier is a fantastic place to stroll whilst eating your ice-cream, catch a boat trip somewhere and while away the hours. It is extremely well maintained by volunteers and if you are a diver, it is the place to be. Dive trips out with one of the local dive centres or a bible under the pier, either way you can have a great time in or under the sea. Swanage itself is a beautiful little town, lovely shops, lots of places to eat and some lovely walks. Highly recommend a trip here for families, couples, friends and adventure seekers

A stunning Victorian pier with a museum,gift shop, and cafe. It was run by lovely and very knowledgeable volunteers who were very helpful and friendly. The pier costs £2 per adult to access, but I think it's a small price to pay for the beauty and nostalgia of the whole experience. You have the opportunity to go on a boat trip or hire a boat, which we decided on the latter and loved it. Prices were quite reasonable too and well worth it.

Very beautiful place to visit, clean streets, friendly locals. Went there to scuba dive under pier!! I definitely will be going back for more fresh fish and chips😋.

Good cafe restaurant and lively pier on several levels. Charge unless you visit cafe

Decent pier but £2.20 per person to walk along a pier just feels silly. Not worth it at all.

Even on a cloudy day, delightful place to walk and enjoy views of Ballard Down across to old Harry rock. You can pay by card (£2.20) so no need for cash..

Castle Rushen was one of the most impressive medieval castles I have ever visited. Its towering stone walls, well-preserved structure, and commanding presence immediately transported me back in time. As I walked through its narrow passageways and climbed up to the battlements, I could almost imagine the lives of the kings and lords who once ruled from within these walls. The views overlooking Castletown and the surrounding harbour added to the sense of history and grandeur, making it a truly unforgettable experience

Not the best of days outside but it was surprising how warm it was inside the castle rooms. You start in the timeline room and then head to watch a video about the castle. Then you start your journey up the spiral staircase in to the rooms on each level until you get to the top. It was fun been up on the tallest turret with some strong winds to buffet you. Worth a visit and I am sure it would be lovely on a sunny day too!

Amazing Castle which I visited over the summer and nearly got locked in. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Lots of incredible rooms to explore with interesting histories. Free disc-display parking nearby. Highly recommend visiting.

Fab castle! Lots to explore. 5 floors, so lots of steps. Tells the story of the castle, with some rooms made up from that period. Great views from the top of the tower on a clear day.

Much better than we thought it would be. Upon entering we thought the £14 entrance fee (£15.50 including donation) was a bit expensive for a small castle. However once inside you can walk around 75% of the outer wall, and can explore around 75% of the inner castle exploring loads of rooms each containing a small amount of reading to explain its history. Would recommend to kill 1-2 hour.

The castle is the backdrop to hundreds of years of history. A visit is highly recommended to learn more about the original centre of the island's politics. National Trust members can get free entry.

Probably one of the most well kept medieval castle in Europe. Built around 1200 AD under Viking King Rognvaldur, guarding the Silver Burn river entrance. Evidence suggests earlier foundations (c. 947 AD), with an oak beam dated to this period uncovered onsite. Expanded between the 13th–17th centuries into a concentric fortress with limestone walls up to 12 feet thick. Key additions included gatehouses, a curtain wall, and five defensive towers. Site of King Magnús Óláfsson's death (1265) and later besieged by Robert the Bruce in 1313 during Scotland's invasion. Served as a stronghold for the Kings of Mann and the Isles. Withstood sieges during the Scottish-Norwegian wars. Headquarters for the Stanley family, Lords of Mann. James Stanley (7th Earl) used it as a Royalist court during the English Civil War. His wife, Countess Charlotte, famously defended it until 1651. Held criminals, political dissenters (e.g., democracy activists Robert Fargher), and Bishop Thomas Wilson (imprisoned in 1722 for challenging state authority). Notoriously harsh conditions led to the 1891 opening of Victoria Road Prison. It has a concentric ddesign with outer glacis, moat, zigzagging barbican, and double portcullises with "murder holes" to trap attackers. 80-foot keep with four towers offering panoramic views of Castletown Harbour. Medieval kitchen with hearth, cooking spit, and cobblestone floor (still used for demonstrations). Secured Manx law books; features a 1597 clock gifted by Elizabeth I. Renovated residence called Derby house for James Stanley, featuring tapestries depicting the Battle of Bosworth. Hosted the House of Keys (early Manx parliament) until 1710 and housed the island's mint and law courts. Featured on the Isle of Man £5 banknote and the corvette HMS *Rushen Castle* during WWII. UNESCO Biosphere Partner since 2021. Climb the spiral staircases to see the stunning harbor views. Explore furnished chambers, prison cells, and the working medieval kitchen. Restored by Manx National Heritage in 1991, now a museum depicting 1,000 years of Manx rule. Venue for events like the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games closing ceremony. It’s also the start of the 28-mile Millennium Way hiking path to Ramsey. ✨Children born to female prisoners lived within the castle walls during its prison era—a stark contrast to its grim cells.