Got there for 9am and managed to get round nearly all the hides which were mostly unoccupied. Saw lots of different birds. The hides are situated in different spots so you’ve got different views and birds from each one. It’s about a mile to walk around all the hides and back to the entrance/cafe. I think there’s about 8 or 9 hides each with its own distinct view. Car parking was £2 all day. Entrance is free, note no dogs allowed inside the cafe or the reserve. Cafe was great. Enjoyed a panini and a cappuccino. Can’t wait to go back.

Wow, what a place to go to. It's charity based with no admission fee but you can donate without pressure if you want to. £2 to park a car for the day. Several really well made wooden bird hides with comfy benches and windows to open to watch the birds (make sure you have your binoculars),.Most hides face inward towards the water, 1 facing the north sea although it's aimed at the bird feeders the trust has placed there. They have a comfy cafe with sarnies, some hot sarnies scones/cakes. Service is great too. Only one toilet that I found in the cafe. Not sure if there's more somewhere else. Thought I was gonna have 2 hours there, ended up the whole day. Carpark closes at 5:30pm

Hubs and son spent two glorious hours here. I'm on crutches so I sat and read my book in the sunshine. They saw 50 species which they were thrilled with. Then we had cake, delicious end to our day 💕

Excellent for bird watching. All the walks protected from the wind. Very good cafe.

Nice quiet sandy beach. Great for walking dogs and having a picnic. Unfortunately dogs not allowed in the wildlife discovery centre but the beach made up for it.

Wonderful location and ideal spot to explore the coast too but signs could have been clearer especially if you've parked outside the gate area. You have to go through the visitor centre to access wetland walks. Do stop in the lovely cafe.

Lovely tranquil place. Lots of wildlife to observe. Easy paths for walking. Friendly staff. Nice comfortable cafe with good tea and delicious scones.

Lovely museum in a farmhouse dedicated to engraver Thomas Bewick. Fab if you like animals and nature. Pretty garden, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Worth a visit.

We visited on a Friday afternoon for a few hours on our way home from a family camping trip. We were so impressed by the property and especially the staff. The property is small but the staff and so helpful and friendly. It was also brilliant that the dog could go everywhere we could too so we didn't have to take turns looking around. We were shown around, given a talk and demonstration of how the printing worked, and spent a lovely hour in the gardens. The wildflowers are beautiful! Really interactive and brilliant for kids, the staff were excellent with ours. Highly recommend!

Beautiful place full of information and history. We prefer the smaller NT places compared to the bigger houses. The staff are wonderful and attentive full of knowledge and happy to share it. Wonderful garden full of activities for my children to explore. These smaller places are so vital for children to learn and explore. Definitely recommend

Once again one of the stand out parts of visiting a National Trust property is meeting the staff, always bright and friendly, knowledgable and helpful. I had only ever heard of Thomas Bewick for his nature book illustrations, but he was so much more. The photos online show it with much more furniture in than there is now. Someone in a local café said they may be shutting it, which would be a shame to most people, a slap in the face for local heritage education and a kick in the b@££5 for the staff.

Thomas Bewick 1753- 1828 who was born at Cherryburn cottage. At the age of 14 he worked as an apprentice in Newcastle. He was a wood engraver for printing, author, naturalist and ortohologist. Thomas's main passion was birds. Tha landscape around the cottage is unchanged and has beautiful scenery. We spent an hour here. Much smaller than other National Trust properties, but no less interesting, still packed with history and information. I would like to thank the staff at cherryburn, Norma, Violet & James who were very welcoming and friendly. Also, I'm paying foe a joint membership in which I shouldn't being disabled & they are the first to tell me. The grounds are disabled friendly & will put a ramp out to enter the printing room. There is a toilet. There is a small car park just outside of the entrance. Cherryburn is only open on Thursday & Fridays in which you need to make a reservation. Dogs are allowed, but on leads only. We came on Thursday 29th August and already looking like autumn 🍂.

Very nice place to go, mind you, we had beautiful weather 🙂 interesting cottage, house has a good display, informative without being overwhelming, demonstration printing, a pretty garden to wander round. Very friendly and helpful volunteer staff.

It is very small place, but it is so cozy and really nice atmosphere there. Love it. Our Bonzo (dog) received badge EXPLORER. Everyone was so nice to us and the dog❤️ The excursion were very interesting, thanks Norma❤️ Katy showed us how to make print and it is sooo exiting. The best day with National Trust❤️❤️❤️

Another first at this National Trust in Northumberland. Plenty of parking with some disabled parking near the entrance and also some electric charging point for electric vehicles. As you walk through under the clock tower there is a large open garden with deck chairs and the first of many safe spaces for families to entertain children. There's a cafe, shop and toilets all on the ground level making them easy access. Further round is the entrance to this beautiful stately home that apparently has the largest grounds of all the National Trusts. There is wheelchair access into the house to see the ground floor and also an elevator to go up stairs which is fantastic for people that struggle with stairs. There are lots of items and paintings to see so well worth a look around. Apparently, the house was only gift to the Trust in 1947 and the last family member lived there right up to around 2011. There grounds are vast which include a lovey walled garden. You can hire peddle or electric bikes to get around £10 - £12. We got there in the afternoon so went straight around the house as it closed at 15:30 but the grounds stay open till around 17:30. Another National Trust Gem. Well worth a visit. By the way the staff are really friendly, doing a wonderful job.

Wallington Hall is one of the best National Trust days out in Northumberland. The house itself is full of character, with beautiful rooms, quirky collections, and striking murals that tell the history of the North East. The gardens are a real highlight — the walled garden is stunning and peaceful, while the wider estate has riverside walks, ponds, and woodland trails that feel endless. It’s fantastic for families too, with several play areas, adventure trails, and plenty of space for kids to run wild. The café and shop are both worth stopping by, and facilities are good. The estate is big, so wear decent shoes — the walk to the walled garden takes a while but is worth it. Some paths can be tricky if wet, but most are well kept. A super day out!

This is our second visit to Wallington Hall and Estate (previously here 6 or 7 years ago). Both times we visited on a busy (but not overcrowded) weekend. Understandably a popular place for families; Wallington has plenty of space for kids to play and several kids-oriented features in the woods. We thoroughly enjoy the walks through Wallington woods and around ponds, complete with interesting art along the way (carved owl, carved log, etc.). Another delight is the walled garden, which is quite substantial and well maintained with numerous types of plants in varied micro-environments. The estate also has several places to sit and enjoy nature. The main house at Wallington is another National Trust treasure that requires a few visits to truly appreciate the variety and uniqueness of the furniture, paintings, children’s toys, books, and other items. The central hall is amazing for its design and artwork depicting the area's past. The kitchen is outfitted with numerous bygone items, including many old earthenware jars that also caught our interest. The detailed doll houses in one room are also an attraction. Visited in late May 2025

Me and the family really enjoyed it here, the staff were very friendly and there was plenty to do and see. We went for food and it was lovely and the staff were so friendly. My kids favourite part was finding the little animals in the house and my dads favourite part was the walled garden. 100% recommend if you're looking for a fun friendly day out.

Really good and well looked after house and gardens. We went round the house first which was incredible. We did the river walk which took us about an hour to walk but we'll worth it. The walled garden is well worth a walk around aswell.

Lovely place, hadn't been for years but it used to be my Grandma's favourite place for tea! Had a lovely walk by the river and over the stepping stones. Fascinating exhibition about the history of the Hall and it's owners.

Lovely place to visit - beautiful Hall and extensive stunning gardens. Didn't have time for the River Walk but will definitely come back for that. Second hand book shop, tea room and ice cream remain open after the last entry to the Hall. Perfect for all ages groups

Visited Cragside with my wife, daughter and grandson and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The house itself is full of fascinating history – hard to believe it was the first home in the world lit by hydroelectric power! Every room tells a story, and the craftsmanship is incredible. The gardens and grounds are just as impressive, with plenty of space to explore and stunning views around every corner. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation and natural beauty. A brilliant day out for all ages – we’ll definitely be back.

Fabulous place. Lovely walks through the he grounds, all very picturesque and full of nature. House is beautiful too. Shop and cafe just finish it off. Do the Views of Cragside walk as it's wonderful and covers so much.

If you have never visited, you really should! It's been a very long time since I was last here, and as a teenager I didn't really understand the significance of the place. When visiting this time, the impact was much greater. The walks around the grounds, along the river and through the gorge we're beautiful and the formal gardens were well maintained (and a picture in summer I'm sure). We visited in autumn and the colours in the trees were spectacular. The hydroelectric power and elevator were an incredible marvel of their time, and the marble fireplace in one of the rooms is a huge statement of the owners status and wealth. The staff were all very knowledgeable and friendly. If you're making a first visit, you will likely spend all see day at the house and immediate vicinity. But the grounds are enormous, and there are miles and miles of walks off various car parks along the carriage drive. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Fantastic place. Very helpful staff, particularly the Scottish chap at the entrance. Very clear signs to guide you around the extensive grounds. The house is a must to explore. One of the best National Trust properties (we are members) we have visited. Two areas for suggested improvement. The main cafe is so chaotic that we were put off standing and ordering anything to eat at lunchtime after we had a drink earlier in the day. Secondly, there are two large photographs of Red Squirrels in the shops and apparently there are Red Squirrels in the grounds but I was told "You won't see them." "Why don't you have feeding areas for them, I'm sure they would draw people in." "That would also draw in the Grey Squirrels which we also have." "If you don't do anything about the Greys then you soon won't have any Reds, because of squirrel-pox." This is where the National Trust needs to take a stand and not wash its hands of the problem. But we'll worth a visit all the same.

Love Cragside and its especially beautiful at this time of year. Good facilities and large grounds which are great for mushroom spotting. Definitely worth visiting. My only complaint is that there aren't many savoury vegan food choices BUT there are a variety of vegan cakes!

A beautiful National Trust park with plenty of different walks to suit all levels of ability. The house is fascinating, with lots of detailed information to read and explore. The facilities are excellent too, with toilets, cafés, and plenty of seating available throughout the grounds. A great place to spend a day. Recommend getting passes as you will save a lot of money. Lots of parking in the area.

In my view, Cragside is one of the most appealing estates among the National Trust properties (and NT has many world-class estates). This is our second visit here; the previous visit 8 years earlier was too brief. But more than 5 hours on this visit wasn't enough. Cragside is definitely a multi-day excursion. Cragside has well-designed winding trails through peaceful woods, fabulous tall trees, and imposing rock-exposed hillsides. The trail from the Archimedes screw to the house is as picturesque as one could imagine for any walk. Every turn in the main house reveals incredible design and details. Kitchen, dining room with huge alcove fireplace, gallery, Turkish bath and spa, morning room, library, drawing room with another huge alcove, billiard room, and several bedrooms (especially the Owl Suite) -- an amazing variety of high-quality spaces. All of these areas are outfitted with plenty of artifacts; signage provides helpful information. Even though mid-May and northern part of England, the Cragside property had bursts of colourful plants, particularly the rhodos on the hill in front of the house. The formal garden was just starting to come alive (Google lens identified shrubby cinquefoil, euphorbia fireglow, and a yellow euphorbia). Then there is Cragside's significant technological innovations and "firsts" that Armstrong incorporated here (some of which he invented). Imagine a house in the 1800s with electrical lights powered by the property's own hydroelectricity, a hydraulic lift, an early dishwasher, and a vacuum cleaner. Visited during latter half of May 2025

Only a flying visit as it was very busy ! Lots of parking and easy to find. Loverly milk vending machine and lots to explore. Well worth a visit will call again if passing.

A lovely little corner of Northumberland. Filled with history, being the birthplace of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and the resting place of ‘The Unfortunate Man’, slain by marauding Scots in the 15th Century. There are a couple of places to get a drink and a snack, gifts and locally made crafts, and just to take a wander around.

Great place to go for breakfast or a bite to eat! Lovely cup of coffee too! Very friendly staff and very welcoming. Well worth a visit!

Beautiful stone buildings with a huge range of quality products created by local artists. Popped into The Running Fox for a coffee but couldn't resist the lunchtime special. Soup, a choice of sandwich and a cake. Probably spent 5 minutes choosing one of their amazing cakes. Friend had hot salmon and mashed avocado and I had tender chicken and mashed avocado sandwich. Staff are lovely. Will visit again soon to enjoy the lakeside and circular walk when it's not torrential rain.

I visited here on the spur of the moment. The drive took me along some single track roads, which was interesting. I was disappointed. It's a nice enough place but not as many shops as I expected. The café was very busy, as were the toilets. There are some lovely products on sale but I found them very expensive. It's not a place I'd go again.

Booked a dog friendly table when we visited for lunch on bank Holiday Monday.Glad we did as it was extremely busy.Service was excellent and food delicious.Dogs made extremely welcome with fresh water bowls and treats

A quaint courtyard of craft and art shops and a cafe. Lovely items but very overpriced. The cafe was busy but service was very slow. Food tasty but not much for the price. Would have liked a walk around the lake but sadly the British weather wasn't very accommodating!

Lindisfarne Castle, on Holy Island, is dramatically perched on a quirky outcrop of rock that is on an otherwise flat island. This setting is quite spectacular – a quirky, fairytale fortress rising above the sea, with sweeping views in every direction. The walk up is short but dramatic, and once inside, the castle has a distinct charm that’s quite different from the grand stately homes you usually see. It feels cosy, like the lived-in retreat it once was, after being decommissioned as a fort several hundred years ago. The National Trust have done a wonderful job keeping the place welcoming, with little touches that bring the history to life. Combined with the island itself, the tidal causeway and peaceful atmosphere, it makes for a truly unforgettable visit. Definitely a must if you’re exploring Northumberland! *National Trust property, so free for members, or £12 for adults.

Lovely place. Holy island is a small island and the castle was a short walk from the town where we were staying. It wasn’t open due to the time of year but it was still interesting and still a nice walk. It’s looked after by English Heritage. The castle is actually atop a small hill ( a mound really) and you get a nice view once you’re up there. It’s small but seems well looked after, and the Limekilns below were fascinating. It wasn’t too busy probably due to the time of year (October), and the weather was bright so we got good views.

I thought this place was amazing. I loved the whole feel of the castle and it's cosy rooms and layout. I thought the architecture was great. Stunning views from all angles on the castle and stunning views of the castle from all around. There is a toilet at the start of the castle once you have paid to go in. Parking is at the start of the island and then it's a short walk to the castle through the village. The staff were polite and helpful and there is a small gift shop at the entrance.

This 16th century castle, perched dramatically on top of a rocky outcrop, is visible from the road long before you arrive at the causeway to Holy Island. It took me about 30 minutes to walk here from the village and priory along the coastal path, with a short stop at the harbour on the way. The path is level and easy to walk, with lots of benches, but on reaching the castle you have to climb a steep cobbled slope and a flight of steps to get to the entrance. Admission for an adult is £12, but it's free if you're an NT member. Due to limited time, I didn't get the chance to go inside, but I did get to walk around the castle and get a good look at both its exterior architecture and the nearby Victorian lime kilns. This is a good starting point for nature walks around the island. A lovely spot to enjoy a picnic too! It's definitely on my must-do list to explore the castle's interior when I return to Holy Island. UPDATE: I returned to the island a few weeks later, and this time I did go inside. The NT staff/volunteers were so friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Info boards in the entrance hall gave an overview of how, in the early 20th century, architect Edwin Lutyens transformed this former military stronghold with its vaulted ceilings and arches, winding passages and steep steps, into an atmospheric but cosy island retreat for its wealthy owner and his guests. The downstairs rooms are filled with beautiful furniture, colourful carpets, chandeliers and ornaments. Domestic artefacts, old photos, and a table set for dinner provide an added insight into the lives of the people who lived and stayed here. A spiral staircase leads up to the bedrooms and an upper viewing terrace with spectacular coastal views. There was a friendly guide on hand to let visitors know which birds had been spotted here, and to point out some seals basking on a sandbank (there's a telescope to help you get a better look). This building with its many steps would present a challenge to anyone with mobility issues, but I found it fascinating to explore. There's a toilet just inside the entrance, and a second-hand book shop in one of the upturned boat sheds next to the ticket office.

Certainly a beautiful view while walking towards the castle, particularly on a sunny day. We arrived on the island shortly after the permitted crossing time and I was surprised at the number of visitors already considering it was mid week in mid September. The National Trust was having its annual open house which we had not known when we planned the visit, and, perhaps that contributed to the large crowds. It is a bit of a hike to the castle, and once there, there are steep steps inside and out. The tour guides were quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This is a former castle that was modified into a holiday home in the early 1900s. One is free to explore the rooms as well as to go outside and take in the views from the top landing.

Took the wife away for the weekend. Nice trip. Bluebell Pub 12 miles away. Had a great day. Nice Cafe. First one you come too from the main car park. Archaeology dig near rte Priory.

We didn't visit the castle itself but took a walk in it's surroundings. Beautiful location, although it was a bit crowded. Take a walk from the priory to castle and back and visit the lookout tower on the way (free). When you keep an eye on the sea you definitely can spot some seals (we did). Important: Before visiting Holy |sland, please check the tide imetable to see safe crossing times for the Holy Island causeway.

The Holy Island museum and priory are a real highlight of any visit to Lindisfarne. The ruins themselves are atmospheric and steeped in history, and the museum does a good job of bringing the story of the monks, the Viking raids, and the Lindisfarne Gospels to life. The exhibits are well presented, and the small heritage centre has some good interactive displays and short films that make it engaging for all ages. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the experience. On the flip side, the museum itself is fairly small, so you can get around it quite quickly, and some visitors feel the admission price of £10.90 is a little steep for what’s inside. It’s free, however, if you are an English Heritage member. As always on Holy Island, coming here, planning around the tides is essential — miss the safe crossing times and you could be stranded. Overall though, it’s a fascinating and evocative stop, especially when combined with a wander around the priory ruins and the island itself. A must for anyone with an interest in early Christianity or Northumbrian history.

Great place to visit. Not a lot to see apart from the castle and priory. There was more interetin watching the tide come in and cover the causeway, which takes hours by the way lol. Tide times seem to include idiot factor also so don't panic when it says you must leave by a certain time. From the time published that you have to leave the tide takes about 2 hours from that time until you can't leave. Highly recommend popping into the Lindisfarne inn on the A1. Great food and dog friendly.

A place I aways wanted to go see once I'd spotted it on Google Maps. I know now it's a famous landmark, but I didn't know anything about Northumberland, nevermind The Holy Island. We went at night time so the whole quick visit was a little eerie. The journey over to the island, once the tide had gone out and the few cars waiting could cross set the scene. The crossing is unusual, a long stretch of tarmac road that minutes ago was under the waves, but now the vast body of water is drifting out to sea. It feels uncomfortable yet beautiful as the sun was setting. We followed the road, which felt longer than expected into the small village of Lindisfarne. The first large car park is stone based but in the village there is a disabled car park and EV charge points. Nothing was open when we arrived except for a small pub and a hotel that was just closing. We had a drink in The Crown and Achor which is a small lost in time pub The food menu had a lovely selection and the dishes we saw also looked plenty full (the guests left nothing so a great compliment to the chief). I walked around the church yard which has ruins from the old Priory as well as a church that looks to be still in use. Further on there is a vantage tower that I imagine has some spectacular views. Going out of the village we passed a few friendly locals in the dimly lit street. Crossing back to the mainland we went through the nature reserve which is a spectacular view with sea birds settling down and the sea now in the distance. Worth a visit but go in the day when all is open. Our visit was a last minute dash to say we'd been there rather than anything meaningful. Very much a lost in time kind of place which adds to the charm.

A lovely little place to visit with so much history. Although it is a ruin, there is quite a lot left and you can get a real feel for what rooms you were stood in etc. We really enjoyed this and am added bonus was it is an English Heritage site!

Not much to say here. Can't write anything negative - be mindful of the Priory ruins closing time the only thing to note - we crossed on to the Island late due to the tide, had very little time to experience the area properly.

A great place to visit. Watch out for the tide times! Great for bird watching and walking. The abbey is very ruined but worth a look.

Nice remains of Priory with plenty of architecture still remaining, great views to the sea and of the castle from inside, there's also an interesting grave yard to for those interested in such things.

Beautiful place to go for a walk with the highest point being Cheviot at 815m height. The path is well defined and easy accessible from the road which is pretty narrow and bendy as a regular countryside road. I arrived on Thursday, beginning of September and haven't net a single person up there. I must say, in 3 hours I experienced 3 different seasons but all of this just made me enjoy the hiking even more. The views are stunning

The Cheviot Hills are a wild and rolling landscape straddling the border between England and Scotland, offering some of the most rewarding walking country in Northumberland. Their character is defined by broad, sweeping ridges and open moorland, where the views stretch endlessly in all directions – from the patchwork farmland of the valleys to the rugged uplands of the Scottish Borders. The highest point, The Cheviot itself, rises to 815 metres and, though often boggy underfoot, gives a tremendous sense of remoteness and height.

My pack and I love walking in the Cheviots, along the Pennine Way and along the Anglo-Scottish border. There are plenty of routes to choose from and many well signposted. A lot of the area has livestock on so my collie brother has to be on a lead but there is so much to sniff and the views are great. Sometimes areas can be a bit hardgoing under-paw but nothing that will stop you from bounding up the tracks.

We had a short 2.3miles walk of moderate intensity from Hethpool car park towards St Cuthbert’s way. This walk is also called wild goat walk 😜 because if you are lucky you might get to see some wild cheviot goats. We didn’t see any though we views of the waterfall on the College burn. Day was cloudy and cold would have enjoyed more if the weather was good.

A beautiful area for a hike. A tough climb but well worth the effort for the breathtaking scenery. The walk we did was from Barrow burn to Windy Gyle and back in a circular route.

Beautiful scenery and very quiet and peaceful. You can also park up and go on one of many walks. Lots of wildlife to be seen. Such as grouse,pheasants,lapwings and sometimes wild geese. I'd reccomend a visit

An amazing place steeped deep in history, the keepers and farmers look after this place amazingly. There are walks for any kind of walker, from straight up Cheviot to hedgehope hill. So pretty, but please don't tell any one else, we want it to ourselves!

Lovely place to visit. The bus cafe was really good too. Went back 2 days later just to double check! Honey is great and I've discovered honey fudge 🐝🤩

Well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Impressively detailed and very interesting exhibits with live bees visible in a display. The art is extremely well done and the calligraphy in hand writing all the information is amazing. Good cafe too. Looks a little strange on the way in with all the old farm machinery but don’t skip it just because of first impressions.

A really nice place to visit. Loads of products made from honey and bees wax. There is also information on bees as well. There is a cafe here and some vintage farm machines to look at. Well worth a visit. There is disabled access as well. Plenty of parking. A hidden jem.

We visited on recommendation at the beginning of October, travelling from our hotel in Berwick-upon-Tweed. A fabulous farm where you can explore and learn everthing about honey bees, the bee garden, and purchase all your honey and honey based products directly from the farm. You can also watch the bee's doing their thing. There's lots of history on the area to explore here and a short walk down the road (uphill on the way back) was Chain Bridge a must visit. There's vintage farm equipment to explore, too. My favourite was the London bus. It brought back childhood memories of hopping on and off in the city with my nan. A fabulous wildlife photograph exhibition was also guesting whilst we visited. In the high season there's also a cafe in a converted bus. I would definitely recommend this little gem.

Cafe on the bus was nice, too warm to sit inside today thou. 2 lattes and cakes came to £15ish. Visitor centre sells everything honey and wax😀. Bee garden is nice to sit in. Loads of vintage (rusty) farm equipment. Just a few minute walk to Scotland over the bridge

Visited here last week. The gardens are absolutely beautiful, and a lot of work and effort has gone into achieving the end result and I've never seen so many bees on all the wonderful plants and flowers in one place a joy to visit.

Interesting visit. Old buses,old tractors and farming implements to look at. A garden with bee loving flowers. A small museum and shop selling honey and related products.

The exterior of the house is attractive but fairly plain. The guided tour was well executed and included lots of interesting information about the history of the house and it's past owners. The tour starts with the plainer rooms and works it's way round to increasingly ornate ones, finishing at the very impressive picture gallery. The formal gardens are mainly lawned with some flowerbeds around the edges. The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food, cakes and drinks. It poured with rain when I visited so I didn't explore the wider grounds. I recommend a visit to Paxton House.

Beautiful house. We've thoroughly enjoyed the guided house tour for 1.5 hours. Very informative. Tour guide Carol was extremely knowledgeable and witty which made the time fly by. I didn't want to leave!

First visit. Did a walk of the gardens. Ruby the cocker spaniel enjoyed herself - on lead. £7.50 a ticket. 2 adults total 16.00 Inc fee. Tearoom was good value. If in area - worth a look!

The house and grounds are beautiful from the exterior. The grounds are massive and you can walk at your leisure - if you pay £7.50 for tickets. Not sure if you'd even have to pay to be honest, nobody is checking for tickets in the grounds. We weren't able to go inside the house as no 'house only' tour was available, and the house tours are guided only. The tours lasted approx 80 minutes which we didn't have spare.

What a great tour! The house is fantastic, nice cafe, staff really nice. The highlight was the tour, very informative lots of things to see and learn, great day out. The chain suspension bridge is worth seeing too, about a mile away, walk or drive.

We had our wedding at Paxton House last weekend and what a sensational day it was. From the stunning surroundings, to the beauty of the house and most importantly, the amazing Mel who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make our day run so smoothly. We are so grateful to Mel and the Paxton House team who work incredibly hard to keep this beautiful place looking amazing and creating an atmosphere that we will never forget. Thank you so much for everything.

Lovely day out. Make sure you book a guided tour beforehand. Cafe coffee is delicious and their food decent and not overpriced. Very pleasant walks in the grounds.

A fabulous day out with grand kids, We visited the wall garden, which is absolutely stunning, wonderful variety of flowers and veg, the millennium gardens are truly amazing, filled with so many apple trees, the kids loved the park and we had a picnic whilst there, we visited the shop and bought gorgeous marmalade and chutney, the cafe was reasonable and the coffee food. We didn't pay to go in the castle opting for the river walk which to be honest wasn't that well sign posted, could have done with a few more posts to follow, but we happily walked across the field ! The castle is spectacular to look at. A great day out worth a visit

This is one spectacular castle, we didn't manage to get inside but the gardens are absolutely glorious, without doubt one of the best we've ever visited. Lots of inspiration to take home. Beautiful grounds with woodland walks and plenty of space to tire out the little ones.

A lovely place to visit. And walk around the gardens throw the woods. And visit the castle as well. Don't forget to go in the cafe as well for food or drinks. Disabled access and parking. There is also a children's play area as well. A really nice day out. You can also walk down by the river tweed as well

Great grounds to explore. We visited twice in a week but wasn't enough time in explore in a day so purchased an annual pass so we can visit more often. House tour very interesting. Gardens were fab with staff working away in the gardens when visited who were very friendly and enthusiastic when we asked them about the work they were doing. Gift shop very good with excellent customer care but didn't get the chance to sample the cafe on these visits Will be back.

Large and impressive stately home. If I am to be completely honest the £22 entrance charge is a little bit on the high side and you don't actually see that much compared to many other country houses I have visited. That said the gardens are included in the ticket price. Parking is included. Cafe/tearoom and restaurant are both very good. Good toilet facilities. Friendly & staff.

The exterior of the castle is impressive. Everything is very well maintained – the façade, the interior chambers, and of course, the garden. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, and we couldn’t walk around for long. The luxurious rooms on the first floor are not particularly unique. There are a few interesting artifacts.

A fabulous evening! We went to Floors Castle to see Faithless, as part of the venue's live events. Parking was easy, it probably took less than ten minutes to walk from the car to the stage. Faithless, as expected, were awesome! We're definitely going back to both Floors Castle and Kelso in the near future.

Only visited as a day visitor. Caravan park is set in a beautiful relaxing location near the beach which is popular with surfers. Nice picnic area and children's park. Good social club on site offering live music and tribute band nights.

Lovely staff in shop, bar, reception and grounds folk. Very clean, tidy.Good recycling. Beach just awesome. Very windy and some rain but stunning. Dunbar and Evesham short drive for supermarket. On site store emergencies only. Very expensive. Food good in restaraunt. Little arcade. 2p machines and lots of claw machines. Little else for kids apart from mummy area and beach. No entertainment whilst there but do have a running programme. We were out of luck really. Will go back. Such a great place and easy commute for other things of interest.

We stayed in static holiday home. No services- due to self catering. but facilities on sight. Lovely bay to sit out under the stars. On site restaurant lovely. Wifi-great bonus. Dog friendly

We popped down for the day to have a dip in the sea and had an amazing time here. The staff we're very friendly and helpful . The place is kept very clean & tidy a lovely play area for children which looks out into the sea . The beach is stunning & there's ample parking we had a meal whilst there which was delicious . Looking forward to ending our summer dipping season here again on Saturday.

Immaculately kept caravan park with a nearly new van and descent bar/restaurant, on a beautiful isolated beach. Meal for 4 adults & 2 kids (with drinks) was excellent for £120 and the bairns magic show was brilliant.

Love pease bay 2nd visit - Lovely friendly staff, beautiful clean accommodation so relaxing Gorgeous views/doggy friendly beach Highly recommend and will definitely return worth the 3.5 hr car journey

Great stay at this peaceful holiday park special mention to Sharon at reception for her help and great customer service.

The old Abbey in Melrose, Scotland is a fantastic place to visit for not only history but architectural photography. When we visited late September 2025, you couldn't actually walk into the Abbey itself because of the danger of falling masonry. If you don't mind taking photographs and trying to keep the fencing out of view, then it's great for photography. I love zooming into the ancient gargoyles and trying to get glimpses inside the Abbey. Well worth the visit and we found it quite easy to park.

Visited Melrose and its abbey while on holiday in Scotland. The abbey is conveniently just across the road from a pay and display car park (there are also electric charge points). Entrance is through a small gift shop. Paid a reduced admission fee of £3.85, which included a small donation, because you can't actually go inside the abbey due to renovations and danger from falling masonry. But it was well worth taking the free guided tour around the abbey grounds. John was a great guide, very informative, giving us a full account of the abbey's history and adding a couple of humorous anecdotes as he showed us first around the graveyard and then the foundations of the monks' living quarters, kitchen and cloisters. The abbey church, with its soaring Gothic arches and windows, and a wealth of medieval stone carving, was majestic and awe-inspiring in spite of all the scaffolding and safety barriers. Not to be missed were the grave of one of the original masons who worked on the abbey, the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, and the famous bagpipe playing pig! There are info boards around the site with artist's impressions that gave me a real sense of how grand this abbey once looked. The shop has themed gifts and some interesting books, and you can also buy ice-cream here. The young man at the ticket desk was so friendly and helpful, even recommending a nearby café where I could get lunch. Despite the renovations and limited access, Melrose Abbey is well worth a visit.

Great for a quick stop or a lingering one. The Abbey grounds include the structure, garden and picnic areas, and a museum. We enjoyed a leisurely tour.

We visited Melrose Abbey in July 2025. It would have been such a beautiful place to visit, were it not for the fact that this abbey is also undergoing major renovations. I don't know what's going on, but it seems that every abbey in the area is currently undergoing renovation work. Perhaps a lot of subsidy money has become available? They are all covered in scaffolding, which makes visiting them less pleasant because of all the scaffolding on the outside and inside.

An excellent example of medieval architecture with English and french influences. Well organised grounds with good information boards and a similar excellent audio guide system to Jedburgh abbey which coupled with the guide map with location points on it allows you to view all the key points with plenty of information. Additional sections on the guide give details of associated events such as the legend of William Wallaces heart. Helpfully staff please ty of benches to sit and take in the views and a three d printed copy of the bagpipe playing pig for you to study. Acces for less abled is pretty good with ramps and mats to help in wet weather though the ground in the cemetery could be challenging.Dont miss the small but excellent museum found by exciting the grounds over the small bridge and through the black gate crossing the road and enteting into the house well worth a visit. Entrance using English heritage membership is free. Only reason for not giving five stars is that conservation work means you can not go into the building.

If you are lucky enough to get a guided this will be an even better experience. After you have done the Abbey and marvelled at the time, energy and skill that must have gone into building it, go to the Museum. Well worth a visit. Parking is possible in the street outside the Abbey Grounds. Priorwood Gardens not really worth visiting. Nor is Harmony Garden. I cannot stress enough how much you will benefit in your appreciation of the ruins if you can get a free guided tour with an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide

Interesting well preserved site, slightly compromised by current renovations. The Museum well worth a visit as well!

This is a beautiful house of modest size set in a sublime aspect. It is best viewed after entering from the car park from the first floor balcony of the visitor centre. Happily you can also enjoy a pleasant meal while taking in the view. Taking the path down to the house you pass adjacent to the walled garden. First enter the chapel on the left hand side. A beautifully peaceful place to dwell. Then retrace your steps back outside and enter the house after passing through a stone archway. Friendly volunteers welcome you and offer an audio tour should you wish. Only the ground floor is open to visitors but there is a tremendous amount to take in including the interesting range of artifacts which Scott collected. Once finished in the house then the gardens, which are remarkable well maintained, are worth a gentle stroll. Whrn we visited it was a very hot day so we took advantage of sitting on one of the traditional deckchairs near visitor centre. There is a very reasonable parking charge of £2 per day (August 2025). This is a very worthwhile place to visit.

Fascinating place, very well preserved and so much to look at. Visited here on a Saturday, but early so not too busy. Short walk to the house from the visitor centre and entrance - £15.40 for the day pass for the house and gardens, unfortunately the chapel was closed. Friendly guides at the entrance explained a bit about the house and gave us the audio guides. These were essential really as there was so much in each room to see. There are not actually that many rooms, but the audio guides are really good at explaining the history and function of each, especially if you choose the storytelling guide (as opposed to just the information read out). Great views over the river, and even in November the gardens are good to look around. We also had a walk along the river, there are plenty that start from here.

Lovely visit, guides in the house very welcoming and knowledgeable. Used the recorded information - there were 2 to choose from, one factual and one in the style of Walter Scott himself which I used, it was brilliant. Lovely walk by the river and back through the gardens. Staff in the visitor centre with very welcoming and keen to share where the dogs could go (everywhere except the house). Free entry with Historic Houses membership.

One of the highlights of our trip to Scotland! Abbotsford is so interesting! This home has history, literature, culture and most of all insights into a fascinating life. One of the two audio tours available uses actors and excerpts from Sir Walter Scott’s diary to tell his story. It is beautifully done. The gardens, restaurant and gift shop are also wonderful! Both my husband and I loved it!

We visited late to September 2025 to this particular heritage site and found it fascinating. Not only were we enchanted with the interior of the house but also the the gardens and of course the history. Well recommended and we found it easy to park. A++

Bought an unlimited ticket to experience the whole of Abbotsford as had never visited before & neither had mother in law who's lived in the Borders for over 80yrs! We ranged in ages from teens to 80+ & we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The house tour was very interesting & well thought out with 'Sir Walter' taking us round his home. The gardens were lovely & there was plenty of seating dotted around if you got a little weary. The cafe was good accommodating various dietary requirements. There was also a 'snack' area out to the front of the main building with picnic benches. Us younger ones visited Witch's Corner & enjoyed the quiz collecting the trophy bookmarks afterwards! All staff, from the knowledgeable & passionate volunteers to the workers in the main building & cafe were friendly & polite. The facilities were nice & clean too. Plenty of on site parking available at a reasonable price. Would quite happily return & highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Walter Scott passed away more than two centuries ago, yet this house still breathes as a living home rather than a mere museum. All the attributes of a museum are present, and still the spirit of Scott’s character and his extraordinary genius lingers in every room. The estate is delightful in every way – from the gardens to the hunting trophies and firearms, and, of course, the warmth of the staff.

Easy to miss the tiny road to the parking area. Parking is free. The castle is beautiful. My favourite area of the castle was the prison where you can see the original medieval toilet. 🤷 There's no coffee shop in the area of the reception, so if you plan to eat there be prepared with sandwiches.

Perched on the cliffs east of North Berwick, Tantallon Castle is one of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal fortresses. Its towering red sandstone walls stand defiantly against the North Sea, offering sweeping views across the water to Bass Rock — often shrouded in mist and dotted with seabirds. Exploring the ruins feels like stepping straight into history. You can climb narrow stairways to the ramparts, peer through arrow slits, and imagine the castle as it once was — a mighty stronghold of the Douglas family in the 14th century. Even in ruin, it commands awe. The combination of wild sea air, crashing waves below, and the vast sky overhead makes Tantallon Castle unforgettable.

Wonderful walk through the history of the castle and area. Amazing views and loads of information, and great insight into the different stages of build through the life of the castle. Well worth a visit.

Dramatic castle ruins on the edge of the North Sea. Built by William Douglas @1350 besieged by James IV, James V and then finally Oliver Cromwell. The curtain wall is incredible and climbing to the top looking out on the Bass Rock makes this one of Scotlands Top 20 castles to visit. Part of Historic Scotlands spectacular attractions. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Really nice ruined castle. Very good for maybe 90 mins to two hours to potter around and enjoy the views. Lots of tight stairs to get up on the battlements though, so maybe avoid if you have mobility problems. No cafe, but there are toilets. Stop by Drift nearby if you need a caffeine and cake fix. Some parking close to the entrance, but if it's busy there's another bigger car park nearer the main road.

Absolutely love Tantallon Castle! Been here a few times and never get tired of it. The history, the views, and that stunning sight o Bass Rock — pure magic. A must-see spot on the Scottish coast!

There is a comfortable parking spot not far away from the entrance. The ruins are well maintained and a vast historical site can still be viewed and trespassed. Fair price, good place to bring the kids.

Brilliant day out. We thought 2 hours would be enough but we ended up spending 4.5 hours there. Loads of interesting things to see and do. Our whole family from aged 12 to 75 was entertained. The fantastic flight area where you go in a simulator, make paper aeroplanes and eject them was loads of fun. Staff were really passionate and helpful. Definitely recommend. Great family day out.

One of the remaining Concordes is located here. You can even take a walk inside of it! Though it’s a bit of a short ceiling so taller people could find it a little difficult to walk through. Highly recommend this museum. It also features a Vulcan, a Hawk(the Red Arrows version) and and even engines of the Concorde! A lot of information inside this museum, but for people looking for more I would recommend going to the RAF museum in London.

Fantastic day out! Lots to see and do across the various buildings at the site that to see everything, you will need the best part of the whole day. Obvious main attraction is Concorde which is well presented and has loads and loads of interesting information to digest if you like to read all the info boards (me!) I was particularly impressed with the video presentations and the hands on interactive elements which are well designed and appealing to both kids and adults alike. I wanted to visit for quite a while but never got around to it until now. So glad we spontaneously decided to jump across and visit when we did as it really is a great day out with so much to see and do. Highly recommended for a visit.

This place really surprised me. So, so much more than a museum. Spread over a full airfield in many different aircraft hangars, there are more aircraft here than you can imagine. Get up close, see inside and imagine. Main attraction, Concorde is here. Stand below, touch the wheels, walk through the cabin, look inside the cockpit (scary that this could do over 1400 mph). All the history and details of all the aircraft are all here. We also loved the additional very informative talk on the restoration projects team. (Well worth adding) That hanger had everything...a random landrover, a girocopter, huge propeller aircraft engines to the engines off a nuclear bomb 😵...Very informative talk live on site explaining everything. I cannot recomend enough...100% recomend a visit. Don't go too late in the day though, you wont manage round it all before close. We were there at least 4-5 hrs and it went by in a flash. Loved it.

Fantastic place to visit. The website really doesn't do it justice! Walk on board a Concorde and other big planes. The military hanger has a spitfire, harrier, tornado, jaguar and others. Lots of interactive displays throughout. Nice little cafe. Definitely worth a trip.

Amazing experience with a large variety of planes from every era and purpose. The concorde is an absolute rarity and precious piece of the aviation's history. Very worthy!! Shout out to the staff for their dedication and passion.

If this museum only allowed you to enter the hanger and stare up at the Concorde at three times the admission price then it would still be worth going to. I actually got quite emotional upon seeing the sleek beauty up close. Maybe because I am a plane geek. Maybe because I am simply prone to emotions. Maybe because I felt sad that despite it's rare beauty I would never actually get to fly in one. But you get more than the Concorde. The Vulcan is vast and beautiful in a brutal way. The Harrier looks like it still fly sorties. The Jaguar remains an elegant fast jet. The old passenger planes offer a glimpse into the golden age of travel and perhaps also a peek into the innovations that we all take for granted today when we are lucky enough to take to the sky. There is a really great hanger that has loads of interactive activities for kids of all ages. My boys probably loved this the best. The lunch in the onsite cafe was your usual fayre at inflated prices but it was actually decent quality. Anyway, plane geek or not, get yourself to this museum. I have seen the Saturn V rocket up close and personal...the Concorde still took my breath away.

Just had a fab trip on a R.I.B..[Rigid Inflatable Boat!] On the "Three Islands Seabird Seafari!" Would highly recommend it. The guide on the boat was very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and willing to answer your questions. The boat was alot more comfortable than I thought. Took plenty of photos. Got lucky with the weather. Which is at the hands of mother nature. Would definitely recommend it as youre also supporting a good cause...in terms of the conservation of birds.

They have boat tours for different places like Isle of May (options of landing trips as well), Bass Rock trips (options for landings as well). Well managed and very friendly with great enthusiasm to show the nature and birds on island. I took Bass rock trip, it was super awesome. Charges for boat trip is very competitive. Staff is very courteous and knowledgeable.

We did one of the boat tours - 1 hour around two islands- and it was fun. My 3 kids liked it. Watch for bird poop! Crazy amount of birds in early July

Went there to experience the RIB boat 3 safari island tour. What an experience! Very interesting and a thrilling ride when the RIB went fast.

On Thursday, 24th July 2025, we booked a birdwatching experience with the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. As we were visiting my son Kiro at St Andrews University, we took public transport to the centre and boarded one of their boats. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. We saw the islands of Craigleith and Bass Rock, where we were amazed to see thousands of birds nesting together in large colonies. The sight was truly impressive, and learning about the lighthouse's history added an extra layer of fascination. What struck most was how close we were able to get to the birds, it felt almost magical. To our delight, we even spotted a puffin, which was such a highlight. A truly mesmerising experience. If you are visiting this part of Scotland, we highly recommend booking one of these trips, it is unforgettable.

DId not get time to go on a tour, but explored the point and the gift shop! Nice selection of keepsakes for adults and children alike.

Went on Isle of May trip 11/4/25 and it was a wonderful experience We booked months ago and got lucky with the weather as it can sometimes be cancelled A small rib of 12 people and our guide Kevin. The island was beautiful, interesting and filled with of history but the main draw is the amount of seabirds We were surrounded by Puffins all the time Kevin our guide was excellent He was friendly and organised and worked hard to make sure everyone had the best time He also offered a guided tour of the island and was extremely knowledgeable about its history and the nature Wear sensible footwear and wrap up for the boat as seats are either outside or partially covered HIGHLY recommended

Scotland's Secret Bunker was a blast to explore! A bit overpriced for what it is, but totally worth it to see how this Cold War-era bunker is built. Amazing to tour the underground complex and get a peek into history - learning about its purpose and the secrecy surrounding it adds to the intrigue. If you're into military history or bunkers, it's a cool spot to check out. Plenty of parking around.

Visited today with my partner, we had a great time. It’s very surreal, so much history and original items on display. So strange being below the surface but you don’t even notice it. Cool tanks on display outside as well which was a nice touch. Very interesting!

This was an amazing place to visit full of insightful information about what would have happened if Nukes were ever launched in anger. Lots to see, not much to interact with but that's understandable. There is a small cafe inside with bright and cheerful staff, providing good quality hot and cold food.

The secret is out, some nutter has put up signs advertising the exact location! Well worth a visit to. This site is both fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Step back in time to the good old days when the spectre of nuclear annihilation loomed large over everyday life. Such wonderful memories. Give the cat a pet from me.

Fantastic place to visit. Very interesting, lots of information. Friendly staff. There is a cafe which serves food and drinks. It is underground and can feel a bit clostrophobic but it's a bunker so it will feel odd.

Oue first experience in a proper bunker. Absolutely great place to visit. It's really very interesting.

This place was really interesting. Despite the fact I'm not really into military history I still had a great and very educational visit. It's so much bigger than I expected and there's so many rooms. Some of the displays were a bit dated and could do with a refresh, however it wasn't a major issue. Look out for the two cats who live in the bunker - unfortunately we didn't spot them!

Lovely place and full of history. We really enjoyed the visit, from the indoor rooms and collections, to the maze, gardens, coffee, and brewery. The staff is kind and passionate, always happy to help. Every room is provided with leaflets plenty of information.

We visited Traquair House as part of our search for an initimate venue for our elopement wedding and knew right away we had found our perfect location. For our wedding stay, our room (White Room) was huge but cozy, comfortable and well stocked and felt very romantic, with lovely views of the peaceful gardens. Breakfast and our romantic wedding dinner were served in the Still Room the food was absolutely delicious and we were treated like royalty. It was also great to be able to sit in the Drawing Room in the evening and soak in all that history. We were married in the chapel - such a wonderful and magical place which just mesmerised us when we first visited. And of course - special mention to all the staff, including Lucy and Rose - and especially to Gillian the wedding coordinator at Traquair who gave us our tour when we first visited and looked after us during our special day. She is an absolute star! A wonderful place which I'm sure we'll visit regularly in years to come.

My partner and I chose to get married at Traquair House for our intimate wedding of about 20 guests, and it was truly the best choice we could have made. We stayed there the night before, enjoyed drinks in the beautiful drawing room, and had a delicious breakfast, a perfect start to the celebrations. Everything on the wedding day looked absolutely fantastic, and the food and drinks were wonderful. The service throughout our stay and the wedding itself was flawless. They offered vegan options for the wedding menu, which was very important to us as we are both vegan, and they were incredibly mindful of guests with allergies. A very special thank you to the wonderful event coordinator Gillian and the lovely housekeeper Lucy for being so kind, helpful, caring, patient, and flexible throughout the whole process and on the days of our stay. They made everything feel effortless. All of our guests were amazed by our wedding, and we felt like the entire day was absolutely perfect. Getting married in such a beautiful historic home made the experience even more special and unforgettable. We can’t recommend the Traquair House highly enough!

Lovely day out. Nice walks.. a maze, a few animals (pigs, goats and chickens). And a nice play park. Recommend for a family outing

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a fantastic visit to Traquair House yesterday — truly a hidden gem in the Borders. The house itself is absolutely steeped in history, with beautifully preserved rooms and fascinating stories around every corner. Did you know that Glasgow market charter was created here, which lead to development of the village, town then city! You really get a sense of stepping back in time (though thankfully without the drafty rooms and powdered wigs). The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to share anecdotes and answer questions, which made the experience even more engaging. After exploring the house and grounds, I stopped at the café, which was an absolute delight. I had a pulled pork bun with a fresh salad — it was delicious and hit the spot perfectly. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, just what you need after a good wander. All in all, Traquair House is a wonderful day out. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, beautiful surroundings, and a tasty lunch to top it all off!

A fascinating place, remarkably unchanged since the 18th century. Clearly still a family home which adds to the charm. Loads of rooms open to the public which means there is so much to see. My wife went a couple of years ago with our daughters and absolutely loved it. So my expectations were high but ended up being exceeded. All the guides were helpful and interesting but a special shout out to Ian who entertained us for ages with stories about the house and its occupants. Didn't have time to spend enough time in the grounds, which looked lovely, so will definitely be back.

A lived-in and amazingly preserved Scottish tower house, well worth the visit from, say, Edinburgh. The rooms are filled with artefacts of interest, the gardens and scenery are beautiful and the atmosphere is great. Oh, and the standard of the food in the café is very high indeed.

Always a good time at GT. Some trails still closed as a result of storm Arwen, but the primary ones are open and running well, plus a number of off-piste ones as well.

Simply the best mountain bike venue within easy driving distance of Edinburgh. Personal favourites are Spooky Wood (red) and the descent of Falla Brae/ Good Game (blue with red options) but there are trails here for all ages and abilities.

Brilliant and well maintained trails easy maps to understand where to ride. Cafe is great as all food is tasty and reasonably priced. Irritating problem as the cafe stops hot food at 4pm, the time most people finish riding, overall great place though.

Surely one of the best trail centres in the country. If you're in to mountain biking then this should be on your list for sure. While you're there you can try out nearby Innerleithen as well.

Probably the best singletrack mountain biking center I've been to, the red route is exciting, flowing and full of berms and jumps, the climbs are interesting and there are by far and away the best blue routes I've seen. Heartily recommended

Great for families, good range of marked trails for most skill levels and lots of off piste riding if you are willing to explore.

Tired old trails not being maintained. New trails are bike park style if that’s your thing.

we enjoyed a fantastic tour with Mark who shared his incredible knowledge of St Andrews' history with us, and we even got to enjoy the great view on top of the tower. I would definitely recommend joining one of the tours on site if you're visiting!

Visited the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral on a Saturday morning in late October just after it opened. At that point only a few other people were around so could get some nice photos. Spent some time looking around and soaking in the history. When I was leaving it was getting busier and also looked like a couple of tour groups were also looking around. A interesting landmark to view and they do accept donations to keep the site running.

Absolutely phenomenal ruins of the once must've been amazing cathedral. The current state is still impressive and an absolute must when in the area. Interesting stories about how the relics of St Andrew where brought there. No tickets required to enter the site. Many beautiful tomb stones scattered across the site.

Wow, what an amazing piece of Scottish history and it's free to enter but you can give them a donation if you fell like it. Walking around the grounds let you see just how big this area and the cathedral is. The 160 stairs up to the top of St Rule's Tower is quite a steep climb and not for people with difficulty walking or are maybe a bit claustrophobic. The views from the tip are quite magnificent and worth the climb.

An absolutely incredible place (and free to visit)! I'd highly recommend joining one of the free tours happening twice daily. When I went in early September, they took place at 11am and 3pm. Our guide Kyle was very friendly, patient and knowledgeable, and clearly has a passion for the history of St Andrews. Definitely a highlight of our day trip.

St Andrews Cathedral is a fascinating historical ruin that's well worth a visit. The ruin, although weathered by centuries of history, still retains its imposing character and offers a glimpse into medieval life. Very good location for photographers or history lovers.

We did the free guided tour at the cathedral with Kyle. It was fun and interesting, and he made it easy to follow. Totally worth it, and the place is very beautiful and the tour adds something special to the place.

Very interesting and dark history behind this castle. Very picturesque location on the cliffs of St Andrew’s. You can see the castle easily from outside the fence, but exploring the inside is worthwhile.

St Andrews Castle sits right on the edge of the sea, and there’s something striking about how its ruins rise against the waves. Even though much of it has crumbled, the place still feels powerful, like the stones are holding onto all the stories they’ve seen. This was once the home of bishops and a centre of power in medieval Scotland, so every wall feels like it has witnessed secrets, struggles, and celebrations. Walking through the site, you don’t just see history — you feel it. The bottle dungeon is small, dark, and unsettling, a space that makes you imagine the fear of those who were once locked inside. The underground mine and counter-mine are even more remarkable; crawling through those tunnels gives you a sense of how desperate and determined people were during times of siege. Then you step outside, and the view across the North Sea takes your breath away. The contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the harshness of the castle’s past is part of what makes it so memorable. St Andrews Castle isn’t just another ruin. It’s a place where the drama of history meets the raw beauty of nature, and it leaves a lasting impression.

A must for visiting St Andrews. I love how it is perched on the sea, and i particularly like the museum because it's very interesting and the staff there are lovely. The gift shop is really nice too, they have some very nice things in there. I have a Historic Scotland membership, so I come every time I go to St Andrews. Twinning it with the cathedral is a brilliant idea too. The ruins are very interesting and it's fascinating picturing what it was once like. Excellent!!

I stopped by this historic site while passing through St Andrew's. It was on the visit Scotland package I had purchased so I figured why not. I'm glad I made some time for this place, as it does have quite the storied past. Although it is only a part of what it once was, the visitor center has a lot of great displays and history of the castle. I really enjoyed the mine and counter-mine warfare descriptions, but unfortunately the mine area was under repair. As an engineer, I was really interested in this site. Oh well. Such is the price to maintain history. Thanks for the quick visit.

Nice little castle to wander round. The exhibition at the start was good, the staff were friendly and really helpful. It only got a 4 stars because in typical Historic Scotland fashion the best areas are closed for renovation but they don't reflect this in their prices. Toilets on site and plenty of benches. The views out onto the water are really nice.

Incredible drone filming location - history meets coastal drama As a drone videographer, St Andrews Castle is one of the most visually striking historical sites in Scotland. Perched dramatically on a cliff above the North Sea, the ruins offer sweeping aerial compositions - with a perfect blend of rugged stone, crashing waves, and the town’s character in the background. From above, the layout of the castle really comes alive - the inner courtyard, battlements, and the famous bottle dungeon all form stunning patterns when captured from the sky. The coastal light, especially during golden hour, adds amazing contrast and depth to shots. There’s also a great opportunity to pair footage with the nearby St Andrews Cathedral ruins — just a short walk away and equally spectacular from the air. Important note for fellow drone flyers: This area is close to town, so always check for local flying restrictions. Early mornings are usually quiet and ideal for undisturbed filming. Highly recommended for anyone capturing historical landscapes, coastal drama, or cinematic storytelling in Scotland. A timeless location that never disappoints.

We were visiting St Andrews for a day trip from Stirling and walked around town. We walked around the perimeter of the castle and didn’t go inside. The castle is set on a cliff and has awesome Seaview.

Had an amazing time touring Eden Mill! And the price for the amount of drinks they give you is a steal. All the staff were super friendly and the tour was interesting. Hope to visit again after they move into the bigger building.

We stopped in without booking a tour and to our surprise they were extremely kind and accommodating. They showed us around and we got to talk to some of their distillers. It was cool to check out their setup and hear their story. All of their products were fantastic, we had a hard time choosing which one to bring home. Visiting Eden Mill is a must when in St. Andrews!

This place is wonderful! We visited between Christmas and New Year. We arrived before anyone else and the lady who met us was absolutely lovely, and immediately made us feel at ease and began to tell us a little about the cove. But the real 'wow' starts when you decent the stairs in your hard hat and see what's hiding below! We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the tour. I do think they would benefit hugely by having an online pre-pay booking system, since out of the 11 people that should have been on our tour only 4 of us turned up. At the moment you pay on the day, so the cove lost out on the ticket price for 7 people who couldn't be bothered to turn up which is incredibly sad since there was also a waiting list. I appreciate this would probably be costly to implement but it would mean the cove did not lose out for no-shows. This a small out of town attraction (you'll need to get a bus, but it's very easy to find) and really relies on people visiting. And you absolutely should!

Interesting subterranean chambers of speculative origin. My opinion, this site began as a Mithrium and has had various uses over 1700 years. Others suggest the site dates back 300 years with various opinions for its use such as a Masonic lodge, illegal whisky still, abandoned mine or a family home. Whatever and whenever this site is, it's highly recommended a visit to.

One of the best hidden gems in Scotland, What a suprise when you turn up this location. then you enter the shop then go down stairs. it blows you away. well worth visit when your in Edinburgh.

We went here right before lockdown and it was a private tour as no one else showed so great for us. We would recommend, it was a great tour 👍

Visited this place today, enroute to home. Very interesting and so unexpected when walking through a bland white door, directly off the street. Our lovely guide Margaretanne was very informative. If you want to visit and you are driving a motorhome, Morrisons car park is only fifteen minutes walk away and is free.

This hidden gem is well worth the short bus ride from downtown Edinburgh. The guide was fantastic and the site is a very interesting underground complex of hand dug tunnels.

Wonderful hidden gem...the tour takes about an hour...great place and experience

It's a fantastic historical chapel steeped in history and made famous (to non Freemasons) by the Dan Brown book, The Davinci Code. There is a large car park a couple of hundred yards down the road from the entrance. When we got there we were informed that they were at capacity (this was a Friday afternoon) but we could get in an hour later. It might be better to book a slot to guarantee getting in at a specific time. We bought our entry tickets and waited. An hour later we got in. The Chapel was very interesting, lots to look at. No photography allowed in the Chapel.

They are really dedicated to this chapel. Your money will not be lost in circulation somewhere.. But the people who work for this jewel are doing a great job. They told us a lot of stories and there was even a brochure about the church in our language. We could understand better everything we see in this magical place.I highly recommend to go here just for the fact that the chapel was part of the film.

Ever since I arrived in the UK, I dreamed of visiting two sacred places for my soul: Stonehenge and Rosslyn Chapel. I felt their calling like points of light on the map of a personal initiation.** A few days ago, I took advantage of a reunion with a dear friend in Edinburgh, and together we set off for Roslin. We visited the famous chapel – a mysterious place, full of symbols – and I took a few photographs... until I noticed a small sign in a shadowy corner: "Photography prohibited." Still, I had the joy of speaking with a volunteer deeply passionate about the history of the place. We exchanged ideas, and I felt a gateway to deeper knowledge quietly opening before us. The energy inside the chapel reminded me of certain Dacian sacred sites, yet here the feeling was denser, heavier – as if many silences had gathered between the stones. The crypt, however, conveyed something entirely different. That’s where I felt the true heart of the place. I believe it was the first structure built, and the most important – not by chance. There are a few objects displayed there that, to those who know how to look, reveal the chapel's role as a space of initiation. What drew me most were the two famous pillars: the **Master's Pillar** and the **Apprentice's Pillar**, both echoing the Legend of Hiram and Solomon's Temple. The carved messages are alive – alive like runes still whispering. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this place – but not blindly. Go prepared. For if you do not know what you are seeking, you will pass by the mystery as you would a cold, lifeless wall.

Really interesting visit. Easy to find, lots of parking which was free. Lovely surroundings. Extremely helpful staff. The guides in the chapel were very knowledgeable and their presentation during the visit times lot was extremely entertaining. The chapel itself is enchanting and well worth seeing for yourself up close with so many years of mystery built into its fabric.

What a beautiful wee place, full of incredible carvings and murals from long ago. Some secrets and stories here too. One of the best wee sites in the country. Make this a must see. Outstanding.

My second visit to this beautiful and atmospheric medieval chapel, while on a coach holiday in Scotland. Our visit was in a 90 minute timed slot (between 3.30 and 5.00pm), allowing us plenty of time to look around. Adult admission is £11.50, concessions £9.50, and children go free. We entered through a modern visitor centre just a few strides from the free car park. The exterior of the chapel is impressive enough, with its ornate pinnacles, statues and fearsome gargoyles. But the interior is absolutely stunning! The ceiling, arches and columns are all covered with intricate religious and symbolic carvings of saints and demons, plants and animals, angels and green men. Some beautiful stained glass too. Despite the throngs of tourists, this chapel had an air of wonder, mystery and legend. At 4.00pm, a guide gave us all a lively and entertaining 20 minute talk about the chapel's history - and the shocking story of the Apprentice's Pillar! - and we were also given a free map to help us find the most interesting carvings. You need to watch your step because the floor is uneven in places. A long steep staircase (with a rail) leads down into the crypt where some of "The Da Vinci Code" was filmed. No photography is allowed inside the chapel, but outside is fine! It's worth visiting the small museum in the visitor centre to learn more about the history and restoration. There's a lovely gift shop, toilets, and a café where you can get snacks, scones, and hot and cold drinks. An architectural treasure not to be missed!

Rosslyn Chapel – Chapel Loan, Rosslyn, EH25 9PU This is our own experience with this business, and we know different clients will have different experiences — but we always leave reviews based on the service we received when we ordered or visited. First Impressions Rosslyn Chapel is truly breathtaking from the moment you arrive. The building itself is stunning, full of character and history, and the visitor reception area is modern, welcoming, and well thought out. Free parking right outside is a huge bonus, and the electric car charging points are a thoughtful addition. Cleanliness & Safety Concerns The entire site — including the chapel, visitor centre, and tea room — was clean, tidy, and clearly well maintained. Pathways and indoor areas felt safe, and the organisation of the visitor flow made for a smooth and comfortable visit. Food Quality The Coffee shop offers a lovely place to sit and unwind after exploring the chapel. Although we didn’t sample much this time, the selection looked appealing and well presented. We’ll definitely try more on our next visit. Ambience & Surroundings The combination of the chapel’s historic atmosphere and the peaceful surroundings creates a magical experience. Inside the chapel, the intricate carvings and architecture are absolutely mesmerising. The grounds are tranquil and perfect for taking your time to appreciate the site’s beauty. Service & Atmosphere The staff were exceptional. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful, and genuinely passionate about Rosslyn Chapel. A special thank you to the lady in the main chapel who took the time to explain so much of the building’s history — her knowledge and enthusiasm added so much depth to the visit, and we truly appreciated her insights. Facilities The visitor reception area includes a well-stocked gift shop and a cosy coffee room. The free parking and electric vehicle charging points are fantastic amenities. Everything is easy to navigate, and the facilities are modern and convenient. We’re already looking forward to returning with our children, who will absolutely love exploring the history and stories behind the chapel. Thank you to all the staff — we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I hope this honest review helps others make an informed decision.

For dog lovers this place is a must visit, just by sitting on the sand you can entertain yourselves and bring smile to your face, just by Watching the dogs and their playful behaviors around you. And I found my peace in the chaos at this spot...🤗

Great beach in the heart of the city, to spend time with friends and family. So much fun and playtime with kids on a bright sunny day. You can do barbeque if you want. Very much recommended.

5* is not enough to prize this place. Always, I mean ALWAYS pleasant visit, calming views and waves going to the shore. No matter of season, day of the week or time during the day. I'm jealous to Edinburghians.

It’s an extremely cold sea, but very beautiful as well. There are small restaurants and shops along the beach, making it a perfect place to relax, enjoy the view, and have a conversation. The atmosphere is amazing. I recommend visiting in the summer — it’s much better.🥰🥰🥰

Portobello Beach faces east, making it ideal for sunrise (and even full-moon) viewing. Aim for a clear day to get the best experience. The promenade has lovely cafés—perfect for pizza and fries after a walk. If you’re up for a sea dip, the water is fairly shallow along the shore.

Lovely promenade to walk along. Sandy beach and dog allowed. Lots of coffee shops, amusements, toilets, play parks and places to eat along it

Nice small and thin beach,Not a lot here in terms of shops etc, but a few food places and an arcade. Clean and tidy.

I would love to give this beautiful castle 5 stars, but it just needs a little touching up. Used to be a military castle, but now houses many exhibitions over 4 floors. The information provided was detailed and interesting with a focus on Broughty Ferry and it's delightful history. Children are able to move about easily in the grounds, and there are interactive things for them to do. Thoroughly recommend a visit!!!

This is a four storey castle keep with history of defensive role in many conflicts. Toilets available and a gift shop. Helpful staff and a children's activity area on one level. Circular staircases. Close to beach for paddle. Free car park close. Town short walk away. Lost one star for no bookmark for sale.

Really nice castle with a little bit of history on each floor and a gallery. The highlight is definitely the views up and down the Tay from the elevated vantage point of the castle grounds. It's a fortified castle rather than a family pile so don't expect grand dining rooms or anything like that but still well worth a visit. Stars are narrow and steep so be prepared and there's no other way up or down. It's an old castle and that's just how it was built. I've added a pic of the stairs to let you see. I visited on a weekday during school holidays and while the castle wasn't busy Broughty Ferry is a bit of a destination for tourists and people coming out of the city to enjoy it beach so parking is limited when it's sunny. I parked a couple of streets away which due to the way the Ferry is layed out was only a couple of minutes of a walk to get to the castle. Oh and it's free!

Great little Museum, free but accept donations. Free street parking nearby. Close to a sandy beach and small harbour.

Excellent venue to visit with impressive views. Beware the steps up the tower, you will get a workout. Really worth a visit

Lovely well kept castle with stunning views of the harbour and beach. Free admission and parking close by.

Nice free museum with car park. Gives a good impression of what it was like 100 years ago.

A wonderful place to visit. A stunning building with many very knowledgeable staff on hand to tell you the history of the many rooms. The palace is very well preserved. Once you have walked round the palace the grounds are a must as well, with the world's oldest tennis court which is still used to this day, to the orchard and foundations of the original castle. A fabulous day out with a nice gift shop at the end.

Gradually getting around the castles with my NTS card,free entry yay. Well worth a visit with a lot of history. Plenty informed guides to tell all about the rooms . The gardens are very nice ,so is the tennis court. Highlander was filmed here and you can see why as the little lanes and closes don't look they have changed over the years.

Amazing palace and the volunteers and the knowledge they share is fascinating. To see Mary Queen of Scots dress like up I loved along with her bed, it's small! The grounds are gorgeous and lots of beautiful photo opportunities. The village is beautiful as well and everyone so friendly and welcoming

Yes, if youre a national trust member or Scotland trust you can enter for free as part of your annual membership. Its a nice house (palace) and when we went (Monday morning) the young lady on the welcome desk was great with her enthusiasm and knowledge explaining everything to us. The guides inside were enthusiastic too, maybe a Monday morning thing. Lots to keep you busy for a few hours, the gardening is great and worth seeing the old tennis court too.

Enjoyable day, a lot to see. Carpark not on premises, no cafe but lovely places nearby. Splendid rooms in the palace. Pleasant grounds to explore including the olest tennis court in the world.

Really enjoyed our visit to Falkland Palace! The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the place itself is beautiful and full of history. The grounds are quite large. We didn’t manage to see the whole garden this time, but we loved what we saw. Definitely planning to come back for another visit!

Whit can we say that hasna been said aboot this braw gem o’ a place? We made our wye tae Falkland Palace on a brisk October day, the kind that gies ye clean chowks an’ maks ye feel alive, an’ I’m here tae tell ye, the hale experience was jist grand. It’s nae jist a pile o’ auld stanes; it’s a livin’, breathin’ thing, an’ we left feelin’ we’d shaken hauns wi’ history. First, a word on the practicalities. For onybody drivin’, we had nae bother findin’ a spot for the motor. The on-street parkin’ was free for the takin’ in October, which is aye a welcome bonus, savin’ the siller for a fine piece an’ a cuppie later. Noo, for the palace itsel’. Let me tell ye, it’s a sicht for sair een. As ye come up on it, the Renaissance façade is jist stunnin’, a proper royal hoose nestled in the hert o’ Fife. It doesna feel like a museum, but like ye’ve stepped back through time an’ the laird an’ lady micht jist be doon the close. The guide buke will tell ye it was the favourite howff o’ the Stewart monarchs, an’ efter seein’ it, ye can fair believe it. The guides, man, the guides! They were the heid o’ the parade. They werena jist gien us a list o’ dates an’ facts. Naw, naw. They were the heid o’ the parade. They were storytellers, pure an’ simple, an’ their passion for the place was catchin’. They painted pictures wi’ their words, tellin’ us tales o’ King James V an’ Mary, Queen o’ Scots, that made the history leap aff the waw. They were gey frien’ly an’, maist importantly, hoonest. They telt us straight that some o’ the famous tapestries were aff the waws an’ awa’ for safekeepin’ while a passagewey was gettin’ a needed mend. We could see the wark gaun on, an’ it didna spoil a thing. In fact, it added tae it – it showed this isna a deid place, but a livin’ hoose that needs care, like ony auld hoose. Inside, the Royal Apartments are jist magnificent. Even withoot some tapestries, the atmosphere is thick wi’ the past. Ye can staun in the King’s Bedroom an’ imagine him waukin’ there. The furniture, the paintins, the heraldic glass – it’s a’ a feast for the een. The Chapel Royal is a wee, quiet sanctuary, a bonnie spot for a moment’s peace. But hear me noo, for the crownin’ glory for me was the Real Tennis Court. No’ jist ony tennis court, mind! It’s the auldest in the warld still in use, frae the 1500s. Staunin’ there, lookin’ at thae auld waws, ye can near hear the thud o’ the ba’ an’ the cheers o’ the courtiers. It’s a thrill for onybody that appreciates history ye can touch. We finished our dauner wi a turn aroon the gairdens. Even in the back-end o’ the year, they were a peaceful delight. The Orchard, the physic gairden, the ancient yew hedges – it’s a’ managed wi’ a lovin’ haun, a perfect complement tae the grandeur o’ the palace. A’ thegither, it was a day oot that had the lot: braw scenery, deep history, brilliant storytellers, an’ a wheen o’ hame truths aboot keepin’ our heritage alive. It’s a place that deserves its five stars an’ then some. We’ll be back, nae doot aboot it, an’ we’d urge onybody wi’ a hert for Scotland’s story tae dae the same. A pure, unadulterated joy.

We found this hidden gem of a winery by doing what we do best: getting absolutely, irreversibly lost. One wrong turn off a B-road, two sheep-related traffic delays, and suddenly we were pulling into a charming little vineyard that looked like it had been teleported in from southern France, then politely given a Scottish accent. The place oozed rustic charm, like it had been built by someone who loves both horticulture and quaint tea towels. Inside, we were greeted by a host so lovely we’d probably trust her with our passwords. Warm, welcoming, and dangerously persuasive when it came to encouraging wine purchases. We went in to “just have a look,” and left with enough fruit wine to open a small pirate tavern. And let’s talk about that wine. Sweet, fruity, and full of personality — like Ribena grew up, went to university, and came back as a sommelier. There was cherry, bramble, blackcurrant, elderflower, and possibly something made from the tears of unicorns. Every bottle we tasted (or sneakily sniffed) felt like it belonged on a sun-drenched terrace, not in the boot of a confused tourist’s car. They also had cider, which we didn’t expect, but fell in love with immediately. Refreshing, crisp, and dangerously drinkable. You could bring it to a picnic and accidentally start a cult following. The only regret — and it was a big one — is that we’d already eaten. Their wee café looked absolutely delightful, full of local treats and homemade whatnots, and there was a wine tasting tour we didn’t have time for because the real world (and Google Maps) was calling us back. Rookie mistake. Never trust your sat-nav over your stomach. Next time, we’re skipping breakfast, booking a tour, and possibly renting a wheelbarrow for the wine haul. Final thoughts: If you find yourself somewhere in Scotland and the road takes you somewhere unexpected — follow it. Especially if it smells faintly of blackberries and destiny. This place is a treasure, and we’re already planning our next “accidental” detour.

Cairn O' Mohr Fruit Wines is a strange place, but in the best possible way. The location is charming, the food is delicious, and the wines are truly exceptional! They are very original, niche, and you simply won't find anything like them in standard stores—they are incomparably better than the mass-produced alternatives. My favourites are the Gooseberry and Elderflower and the Plain Elderflower. I look forward to tasting their other available options soon! Furthermore, the staff is kind and welcoming, you don't have to wait long for the food, and the atmosphere is wonderfully homely.

The wines, ciders or sparkling wines here are very good, some more tasty than others. You can taste whichever ones you fancy before you decide. Lovely, friendly service. Clean. Restaurant food beautifully cooked. Highly recommend this winery, not ashamed to say we left with a crate full!

We had a lovely lunch followed by an interesting tour afterwards. The tour guide had worked there for well over 30 years and new every aspect of the business. We finished with a tasting of about 10 different wines or ciders. The tour only cost £10... incredible value. Well Done the Cairn o Mohr team 👏👏

disabled access and toilet. Dogs allowed inside café. Staff friendly, good coffee (3 americano and 1 latte just under £15). Always busy for breakfasts at weekends. We didn't eat but food and cakes looked great with empty plates going back to kitchen.

We booked a tour of the Winery for two people, Angie was our guide for the tour she was very knowledgeable and quite funny at times. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the wine and cider tasting after. Would we go back? Definitely would we recommend a tour? Definitely. We'll be calling back at the winery in December on our way south to pick up another stash for presents.

Great place to visit, brilliant food, not far off the motorway