This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.

The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music... Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.

When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around. 25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy. ⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest

Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then. Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.

The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics. Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic. The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.

Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play. Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.

Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.

We recently visited a swimming pool with slides not far from West London, and it was nothing short of amazing. The location was convenient, making it easy to get to with the kids — and once we arrived, the fun began! My children especially loved the slides — they couldn’t get enough! The whole place had a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that made it perfect for a day out. What truly stood out to me was the outstanding service. The staff were incredibly professional, warm, and helpful throughout our visit. From the moment we walked in, we felt genuinely welcomed and well looked after. A huge thank you to the team for making our experience so enjoyable. We’ll definitely be coming back — this place is now a firm family favourite!

Been coming here for ages with my little one she loves it, everything is pretty decent about this place! In the food hall upstairs there is a kids ride £1.50, it does not work the staff are aware of it, yet don't warn you before hand, Then when you question it they say they are aware yet do nothing.. Ask for a refund and get told to call a number which is only an answer machine.. Just spoken to another customer about this as they have been done several times aswell.. think it's disgusting that this continues despite speaking to managers more than once!

We visited with our 3 children. Although the children had a good time the problem is the time you get in the pool. You only have an hour and a half. You spend a good half hour if not more of that time queuing for the slides. It would be much better if you had 2 hours there considering the cost around £80 for an hour and a half is really not good value for money.

Really cool place. Price wise accessible and the greatest theme going, a pirate tropical themed waterpark. 4 stars.

We drove over an hour to visit Coral Reef Waterworld, and unfortunately, the experience was far from what we expected. The first disappointment came before we even arrived: you can only book 90-minute tickets, which already feels restrictive. The real issue, however, was the value for money. We paid almost £65 for a family ticket that gave us just 90 minutes inside. Of that time, around 25 minutes were spent standing in line for a single waterslide. The pool was absolutely overcrowded — wall-to-wall people — which made it impossible to enjoy. At this price point, you would expect a well-managed capacity where you can actually make use of the facilities without such long waits. On top of that, the chlorine levels in the air were overwhelming. None of us even went underwater, yet our eyes burned just from being inside. The number of showers available also felt completely insufficient for the amount of guests. To be fair, the pool area seemed reasonably clean and there were plenty of lifeguards on duty, which was reassuring. But overall, the visit was a huge let-down. For the high cost and the very limited time slot, the overcrowding and discomfort make it impossible to recommend.

I am generally very satisfied with the facilities, however, I was quite concerned to see people entering the swimming pool in normal clothing, such as polo shirts and tracksuit bottoms. While I fully respect religious or personal reasons, there are specially designed modest swimwear options available that are both respectful and hygienic. Allowing regular clothing in the pool is not only unhygienic but also unpleasant for other visitors. I would kindly ask that you review and enforce appropriate swimwear rules to ensure the pool remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

We visited today - on 28/08/2025, two adults, one 64+ and two children 3 and 6 years old. Paid almost £60 for one hour and half slot. It was obvious from the first second that it was waste of our time and money. We entered reluctantly the entrance area straight to the changing rooms where people walked in their outdoor shoes with men and women mixed using the same changing cubicles area. The female staff member was unfriendly blaming us for not preparing tickets in advance for showing to her to have a smooth check in. Phone signal was 3G and we tried to open it as quickly as we could on our phones. The smell of chemicals and toilet is very strong as soon as you step inside. Hair is all over the place on the floor in bunches, in the water, plasters swimming and all other sort of waste. Water quality is alarming. For the slot given of 90min we only managed to get on one slide, to discover the area for little children and to see the main area with the ship. Time in the queue for the slide took 25 minutes. There’s no such thing as crowd control. That caused a lot of discomfort with little children. We want our money back! The place is outdated and filthy. I regret that we went there and wasted our time. I do not recommend this place.

This place is great, outdoors facilities include a lovely park suitable for all ages, go ape, segways to hire, lovely walking trails through the forest. You can walk for miles through Swinley which also links up with Barossa which is MOD land. There are also fantastic mtb trails all through Swinley and for all levels, blue, red and black trails. There is also bike hire available. Cafe on site and the Lookout Discovery centre which is great for kids, you need to pay but it's not much. Great science experiments and hands on for them, a great fun way to learn. They do toddler themed days in term time and there's always lots going on in the holidays too. Parking can be busy at times and it's pay and display.

We had the best time, suitable for all the family and the kids were enthralled (I was worried they would be too old at 11 and 13, but despite being some of the oldest there they found plenty to do to keep themselves engaged). The staff simply couldn't have been kinder or more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone if visiting in the area. There is also a fantastic cafe and outdoor play area as well as open forest to wander through as well. A full day of adventure!!

A Heaven for Mountain Biking I went to The Look Out Centre for a long weekend with my friends. The journey was to the nearest place for a good walk in the woods. We parked our car in the parking lot and were charged £3.80 for 4 hours. We started our walk after passing the centre, covering almost 14,000 steps in 3 hours. We explored different tracks and visited a picturesque lake, where you can see water lilies on the small ponds next to the larger lake.The entire trip was through an incredible forest, and the lake was breathtaking. The highlight and bold recreation part was the cycling trails. Technical, varied, and well-located trails inside the woods, with lots of hills, make it the perfect place to have an exciting day with your friends and family for group rides filled with adventure and fun. You can find hundreds of e-mountain bikes ripping the trails with joy and happiness.If you have a bike or want to walk for more than 2 hours, you must visit this place. in the end, we had lunch there. I had a pizza with £14 and my partner had a chicken wrap with £6. Both had a very good quality, but I will try the chicken wrap next time.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here, especially because of the amazing service we received from Patrice. Patrice helped me on the phone prior to our visit and was so helpful and friendly with my autistic son when we arrived. Patrice suggested a quiet area should we need one, and is a credit to this place! Our visit was fantastic, so much to explore and entertain. My son loved the water play, floor piano and light room the most. Money well spent. The toilets could do with an upgrade but it’s clear to see this place is geared to younger children with step stools and potties available.

We have fun every time we come here. The staff are so friendly and helpful. We went to a toddler day which was space themed and it was absolutely amazing. There is so much to see and it is all interactive so my Daughters both find it so interesting. This event had face painting, make and take activities and a star show. The star show was fantastic and the lady was lovely and interacted with all the children and sang songs at the end. The play park is brilliant too. Would recommend to everyone.

Its hard to write this review as there a lots of positives about the area- but also some negatives! So: Great play area and if you're bringing the bikes its perfect for all abilities. The Discovery centre is also reasonably priced and good for all ages. In my opinion however, it closes way too early in the summer ( why close at 4.30?!), and that means the toilets are also out of bounds. The cafe is also quite expensive so best to bring a picnic.

The Lookout Discovery Centre is a fantastic destination for families and those with a keen interest in science and nature. Nestled in a beautiful woodland setting, it offers an interactive experience that educates and entertains visitors of all ages. The exhibits are engaging, encouraging hands-on participation to learn about scientific principles in fun and innovative ways. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, adding to the overall positive experience. Outside, the surrounding area provides ample opportunity for walks and exploration, making it a great day out. However, the café options are somewhat limited, and during peak times, the center can get quite crowded, which may detract from the experience. Overall, The Lookout Discovery Centre is well worth a visit for a rewarding educational outing.

We did the tour and tasting followed by an overnight stay. All of the staff we met were lovely. The grounds and buildings were very well kept. Victoria was a great tour/tasting guide and certainly knew her stuff. We sampled various wines, beers and liqueurs, along with some cheese and crackers to cleanse the pallet between tastings. The farmhouse breakfast was great too!

I recently proposed to my girlfriend at this stunning venue, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting or experience. From start to finish, everything was smooth, beautifully organized, and completely stress-free. Don, the venue owner, was an absolute pleasure to work with- professional, thoughtful, and clearly passionate about making special moments unforgettable. The coordination with our photographer and even the tour guide, Steve, was seamless. Everyone worked together behind the scenes to make the moment magical, and they absolutely delivered. Steve was fantastic, and his knowledge is amazing. The atmosphere was lovely, the setting was picture-perfect, and the entire team made sure everything went off without a hitch. Highly recommend this venue for any special occasion- it truly exceeded all expectations!

Just a note to say we had a fabulous time. Very, very informative, easy to understand and great fun. Having been in hospitality all my life I knew a little about the subject but I left knowing a whole lot more. A great couple of hours, the time flew by. I would recommend the tour to anyone!

We enjoyed the wine tour, better yet we got it half price. It's great to hear the history of the location as we didn't know much about the area before the arrived. Everything was enjoyable from start to finish. 10 stars for the Irish cream liqueur and Blood Orange Liqueur

What a beautiful venue and a very informative presentation and tour by your staff. Forgive me but I can't recall the South African guys name but he made it a very memorable visit with his knowledge and anecdotes. Unfortunately i couldn't fully take part in the tasting session at the end because of having to drive home but plenty of great wines and beers to buy at the end. Happy to support a small but very professional and enterprising business.I would recommend anyone with an interest in wine making and brewing to pay them a visit. A truly memorable visit. Thank you

We had a fantastic afternoon tour yesterday. The chap taking us round was very knowledgeable, the setting was absolutely stunning, and the samples included lovely. We will definitely be returning to spend some time at the bar, and trying the delicious looking food. Many thanks for such a great time.

Just spent the afternoon at this venue with a tour being provided by one of the sommeliers. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the estate, the business and wine and beer making. He then led us expertly through a tasting of three wines, three beers and a liqueur. We then sat in the beautiful courtyard and enjoyed a glass of wine. Recommend a trip to this venue.

Amazing... It's amazing. So many sculptures set in glorious woods. Very accessible for wheelchair users and plenty to see even though there are areas accessed via steps, it did not feel that the wheelchair user had missed out. Great to be able to take the dog. Great to have full access to QR codes to learn more about the sculptures and their price No food/drink on site, ending the visit with a team /coffee would have made the trip perfect!

When i started the walk around the park I was a little overwhelmed by the number and various sculptures. However as you get into it the meandering path goes through many hidden spaces revealing the hundreds of works of art there. Some have been there for 23 years since it opened and have blended into the environment whilst others are strikingly new and shiny contrasting with the autumnal tones of the forest. If you want to do this properly and allow some time to watch and think I'd suggest you allow 3 hours but you can see all of it in about 2

An unexpected gem! Loved our Saturday afternoon stroll in this fabulous sculpture park! My camera roll is filled with incredible sculptures - I would have taken home all of them if I could! The only point I would say is that the park is (or feels) larger than it is, so you should probably wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the 2-mile walk around. The placement of the sculptures is brilliant, too - very enjoyable experience!

Wow there are some lovely sculptures at the park. Some very large and some small but all so incredible none the less. The only negative I have to say is it’s not very pushchair friendly (other than the disabled route) and my 2.5 year old found it a little boring.

There are many things I love about the Sculpture Park, but most of all, it’s the fact that it is constantly evolving. Every time we visit, there is something new—whether in the layout or the display. One thing that never changes is the warm welcome we receive; we are always greeted with a smile, and the staff make us feel really welcome. The sculptures are a versatile collection—diverse in material, style, and texture. There is something for everyone, beautifully displayed in lovely natural settings. Our most recent visit was for the event Spirit in Stone - celebrating Zimbabwean craftsmanship. Everything was well-organised - with drinks, catering, gentle live music, and lovely, attentive staff. The artworks were stunning and displayed wonderfully. Happy to hear that such events will be organised again, and we will gladly attend again. In the meantime, the park is well worth a visit—an inspiring place to enjoy nature, art, and beauty.

We spent a wonderful 3 hours strolling round with our dog, taking in all the fabulous sculptures. Some parts need a little care / updating but overall a wonderful way to spend a morning

A wonderful experience!!! Friendly staff and incredible art. A peaceful wander through the lush woodlands. I will be back in the winter as it will be a completely different experience. Highly recommend.

Nice selection of birds, so many pretty varieties that we had never seen before. The parrots and cockatoos were entertaining with their chatter and whistles. There are a couple of walk-through areas where you can get up close to the birds. The main cafe area at the entrance is nice with outdoor seating overlooking the gardens. There is another cafe/kiosk, but this was closed when we visited. They are building a new play area which looks like it's going to be quite large. We spent around 3 hours there slowly walking around. For the kids, there is a dinosaur trail. The car park is large and free. Toilets and baby change areas were clean. There is quite a large gift shop. We had a nice half day wandering around.

Larger than expected but very interesting. There are all sorts of birds and plenty to see. For those with children, there are plenty of play bits for them to play and for those without there are benches where you can sit and watch the birds. The park is accessible for wheelchair users. Visually impaired folk will definitely benefit from taking a sighted guide.

Good place to visit after the upgrade made for kids but could have also added play center for toddler separately. The dinosaurs were good additions. Food-wise need to have more options and for the entry price paid the experience is bit on lower end with the birds. The bird world itself has not been updated fully and they seem old n neglected. Finally the parking facilities are lacking with very small spaces considering most visitors are with toddlers and kids and are of low quality.

I am disabled and cannot walk. Please see the end of the review for the only problem i had. Visited today with my wife daughter and her husband and two granddaughter's. We had a great time loads to see and do the birds are great and well displayed. The granddaughter's loved the play areas. All the staff are great. Helpfull, polite and a credit to bitdworld. on the whole it was easy to get round on a mobility class 3 mobility scooter. I have only one complaint and that there was a problem and that is with the disabled toilets it may not sound much but if you are like me on A Class 3 mobility scooter and cannot walk at all it is impossible sitting on one of those scooters and opening a door towards you. I do wish the people who designed these toilets would actually try to get in there whilst at on a large mobility scooter. It takes away your independence completely when you can't even open the door to get in. To pull a door open and hold it open while you driving is completely impossible. I really really wish that somebody would actually try it to see what I mean. Is bad enough being stuck on one of those things without having to ask a complete stranger to hold the door open for you. Please would one of your staff get hold of one of those scooters and try it.

New park is amazing. The kids loved the activity sheet and the dinosaur trail. Can't wait for the new play barn. Food was fresh and good. Only down side, they do not have a changing table for disabled guests, but we were told we could use the first aid one.

A popular day out for us or even a quick stop after nursery to run off extra energy. We invested in the membership this year and have visited Birdworld very regularly to explore every nook and cranny it has to offer. The bonus features of the dinosaur trail, bird bath and adventure play have been a treat too. There are so many beautiful birds and really helpful information about them to learn and raise awareness of endangered species, as well as regular talks from the team who present it so well. The birds are well looked after and the park is so pretty with greenery, flowers, water features, bird photography and beautiful interactive displays of information. There is lots to do for all ages. The paths are wheelchair and buggy accessible and plenty of loo facilities around the park. Lots of parking space and the check-in process is simple and quick even on busy days. Even when the park is busy it doesn’t feel crowded as there’s lots of space to run around, and benches to sit on.

Perfect for all. Not too long to walk around (you could probably rush it in half hour) took us a couple of hours to see everything, but there's plenty of extra play areas and games to keep kids entertained. Special experiences like feeding the penguins are extra, but well worth it.

Fantastic place to walk the dog/dogs. I highly recommend Alice Holt. There are plenty of walking paths, and cycle paths for all abilities. If you are more adventurous Go Ape is also available here, for tree top fun. For children there are play parks and the Gruffalo walk which includes beautiful carved caricatures from the books. There is also a lovely cafe on site.

Great facilities, marble run is a great new addition but the cafe has gone downhill and isn't a patch on what it used to be. Terrible vegan options and eye watering prices, make sure to bring your own food. Parking is also expensive, but in line with all forestry England sites

Lovely place. Autumn leaves looking gorgeous. Disc Golf was great fun. It was good to have a focus of a 'different' activity - and take exercise at the same time.

Nice place with lots of activities. However, parking is expensive £8 for just over 2 hours!!

Lots of trees, a great little cafe, lots of climbing frame things for kids and adults. It's just a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride.

Family trip in February. Car parking is well organised but not cheap. Great trails and plenty of exploring possible. Facilities are excellent, even with a dog wash station if that’s something for you! Play areas are very good and entertained the children for a good while. Highly recommend this place. Best time is later in the afternoon to miss the crowds.

Absolutely fantastic place. Beautiful scenery and walks designed for all ages with directions so you cannot get lost. Great play trail for the little ones to keep them entertained. Lots of space to park (bit pricey) but it hasn't put me off wanting to go again.

Where do you even start with this without writing an essay? Came here with my parents and brother for a family day out together and absolutely loved it. Handed a map at the start which would be useful for a first time visitor, but as we had all been before we just wandered around to all our usual favorites. Bayleaf farmhouse, Tudor kitchen, Watermill, Blacksmith etc. Just come as you are and take things at your own pace. Whichever way you go you will not be disappointed and a day will not be enough time to do it all. The quality of food on offer at the Cafe was surprisingly good, and not in my opinion overly expensive either. Plan your refreshment visit not to coincide with the lunchtime rush (unless it is lunch you are after of course) If I had to level one small criticism here it would be accessibility. None of the tracks seemed entirely wheelchair friendly with coarse gravel and larger stones being commonplace. Even my father who still walks but with the aid of a stick, took to walking on the adjacent grass verges for much of our visit as he found it easier. All things considered definitely worth a visit, and maybe even a repeat visit to explore new areas or revisit old favorites.

What a lovely museum! We loved how big it was and filled with all different kinds of animals and trails to go exploring down. They are even dog friendly and have and indoor and outdoor dog friendly section of the cafe. Definitely recommend getting lunch at the cafe, was pleasantly surprised by the amount of food. Good value for money!

It is 55 years since last visiting and it has certainly changed! We had a really enjoyable 3 hours viewing a wide range of houses and other rural buildings. I cannot recommend a visit more highly and seeing the Repair Shop barn was a real bonus!

For history lovers or just a great day out the museum is fascinating. Where and how did our ancestors lived, how does a mill work, numerous crafts on show, gardens, baking/cooking. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and bring the buildings to life.

Both my partner and I are fans of The Repair Shop and when we found out we could visit where it was filmed we leapt at it. I have a Blue Light card so got a small reduction on entry fee. It’s not cheap but you can easily spend the whole day here. So much to see and there are excellent facilities too. Cafe was fantastic too but if you pack a picnic there are large swathes of grassy areas with benches to sit at (just take a rubbish bag with you).

A wonderful museum, set in a stunning area. Lots of old buildings to go in. Home of the Repair Shop. On site there is a cafe, good selection of food and drinks, there is also a well stocked shop. Discount if you buy your tickets in advance.

Such a wonderful day! This place is gorgeous on so many levels! The restaurant is good, the gift shop is excellent, the actual land and buildings are beautiful and the man who owns Thor and manages the working draft horses is not only so interesting and knowledgable, but he’s also very handsome! Definitely going back!!

Chichester Cathedral – Timeless and Tranquil Chichester Cathedral is a stunning blend of Norman and Gothic architecture, with soaring arches, intricate stonework, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection. Entry is free, though donations are welcome, and the space feels both sacred and accessible. Highlights include the Marc Chagall stained glass window, Roman mosaics beneath the floor, and the tomb that inspired Philip Larkin’s poem An Arundel Tomb. The free-standing medieval bell tower is a rare feature, and the guided tours are well worth joining for deeper insight. Whether you're drawn by history, art, or quiet contemplation, it’s a beautiful stop in the heart of the city — dignified, welcoming, and full of quiet surprises.

Wonderful gothic style cathedral. Many modern pieces are to be found inside from the last century which allows for a good balance of new and old. Entrance is free but a donation is suggested plus you can also purchase a range of gifts from the Cathedral shop.

Beautiful piece of architecture. It's dog friendly, and entrance is free unless you want to donate towards the cathedral upkeep. Cannot visit Chichester and miss this gem.

I've visited the Cathedral for Choral services over the years, but today I had the opportunity to just wander around at my own pace and actually notice things I hadn't noticed before. Although not a large Cathedral, Chichester is still impressive. Highlights include historic artwork and tapestries and Marc Chagall's stained glass window. There is a section of flooring showing Roman mosaics. The bell tower stands separately to the Cathedral, which I think may be unique The grounds are beautiful and there is a stall with cameras monitoring the progress of the resident falcons and their chicks.

Beautiful cathedral with stunning architecture. Friendly and welcoming staff.

Simply magnificent. The building stands majestically in the centre of the town. Absolutely dominating the landscape. We felt drawn in whilst not being regular church goers this was akin to an evangelical experience. All my senses were heightened and I felt there was a higher spirit guiding me. I came out a changed man and will spend more time doing my charitable volunteering and supporting needy causes. Peace be with you.

Stunning blend of history and architecture, with beautiful stained glass, intricate carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere. The free entry and welcoming staff make it a must-visit. Don’t miss the striking spire and serene gardens. A perfect spot for history lovers and quiet reflection.

Amazing place! First you walk through a small museum with the information boards and the artefacts displayed. Then you follow a walkway to admire the mosaics. After that there's the garden with information boards about the palace that dominated this place 2000 years ago. Just fascinating!

Must see place if you are interested in roman Britain. Big collection of the artefacts and lots of floor mosaic to enjoy. The museum itself is not dog friendly, but if you take turns, you can spend time in the gardens.

Visiting the Roman Palace at Fishbourne was a truly wonderful experience. The site is perfectly maintained, and the reconstruction of the gardens is beautiful, created in line with what is known about Roman culture and society. However, what impressed me the most were the mosaics inside. They are preserved in a remarkable way and offer a fascinating and varied insight into Roman artistic culture and the use of mosaic decoration. The archaeologists have done an outstanding job in replicating what life must have been like at the time, making this place an authentic and captivating journey into the past. Absolutely worth visiting.

My brain wasn't ready for the astonishing existence of this place and the profound secrets that it holds. It is literally mind altering to see it and read the information so excellently provided, and, as we did, to meet an eminent architect who happened to be working as a volunteer that day, who allowed us to handle artifacts that were handled by Romans 2,000 years ago! The incalculable scope and importance of this ancient site, which was only uncovered in the mid-1960s, has left me reeling. I can't stop thinking about the courage, ambition, brilliance, discernment, and audacity of the Roman conquerors of the first century, (and wondering what has become of us as a species since then.) Don't miss it!

Updated 20250626 Another lovely day here. Again a fabulous informative really by a staff member (didn't catch her name sorry) with much embarrassment when I identified an amphora handle as a knee joint. Hohum. Also lovely to talk to the conservator who had just finished fixing a delightful little jet hair pin. Just wonderful to spend time with people who love their jobs. Calm informative and peaceful this place. Informative boards in the museum, lovely to walk over the various hypocausts and mosaics. As a school trip we were entertained and educated by Tom whose encyclopaediac knowledge of Roman clothes and armour brought the artifacts to life. Some of the signs are a bit tired hence the four stars, so folks get yourself down there to give more money to this place so they can update the boards. Little cafe is lovely, doing ice cream and very good coffee. I mean VERY good coffee.

Absolutely incredible to see 2000 year old mosaics! The staff are so passionate about the experience and the purpose of the museum. I felt so welcome. Yes, the interpretation is a little dated but most people don’t realise how expensive it is to refresh. Balanced against the overall costs that the organisation must face in conservation, buildings maintenance and staff pay, they are really doing the best they possibly can. I would go every week to support them if I could. I booked online, and opted to gift aid my ticket. On arrival the lovely lady told me that this meant my ticket was now an annual ticket.

Great place for the UK if you want to see some real roman finds. Well presented little museum, but the star is the hall built over the roman palace, with some noteworthy mosaics and informative panels to understand more about the original building. Decent cafe and shop on site too.

Love Beale Park, well maintained gardens, great for adults and kids, good food and lovely animals to see. The only thing that was sad was the reindeer enclosure. They were all walking round in a big circle and you could see on the floor where they do it out of constant habit and boredom. They definitely need more room and stimulation. Would be definitely nice to see an improvement there

A perfect day out with kids! Beale Park has so much to do — a great outdoor play area, an indoor soft play, and even a little train that takes you around the park. The small water pool is brilliant for kids of all ages to splash around safely, and there are plenty of animals and birds to see too. The Wild Café has tasty food at reasonable prices, plus there are ice cream vans around the park which is always a hit with the little ones. Entry fee is fair for everything that’s included, and they also put on different shows to keep everyone entertained. Such a fun and family-friendly place — highly recommend!

Fantastic day out with my teenage son. The park was really quiet and lovely to walk around. We did the Feed the Ring Tailed Lemurs experience which was great. The young man who took the experience was fantastic and really knew his stuff. We bumped into him again later when he was feeding the otters and he took the time to tell us about them and answer our questions a real asset to the park. Also, had a lovely lunch in the cafe watched by the peacock trying to get in the door. We will definitely be back.

Very very nice place. A lot to see and do with your children. Animals, sand pit area, a pool, a miniature train to ride, an inflatable giant pillow and much more. There's a whole day to spend there and a very good reason to visit it over and over again. Nicely maintained and looked after , shame it didn't have a lot of photos on Google maps as we didn't bring our daughter's swimming costume. Free parking, a cafe and a lovely ice cream from the ice cream van located nearby the miniature train.

Fabulous day out, £20 for 2 adults. Lots of beautiful grounds to wander round, fantastic playground, bouncy cushion and splash pool for smaller kids to play in and enjoy. Cafe was very busy but there are loads of shaded areas for a picnic. There was a lovely ice cream van with gluten free whippy ice cream I could have in a tub. The little train was a lovely way to see the whole park. Wished I’d booked the feeding of the capybara as sadly this was booked up already. Highly recommend.

Wonderful place! Stroller friendly, have kids entertainment for all seasons. Nice selection of animals. Restaurant menu is very limited unfortunately, would be nice to have proper meal options besides sausages and chips or chicken strips and chips.

Absolutely loved this place. A really interesting selection of animals, including some unusual ones. A trip on the little train is included in the price, and the train carriages have roofs so it's good if there's a rain shower. The weather turned in the afternoon and it's nearly all outside so be warned. I used a mobility scooter and although it worked pretty well, there are some muddy paths and uneven surfaces. I also had to park and go into buildings quite a lot, so be aware if you're a wheels user.

We had a splendid time at Basildon Park. The house is beautiful, my favourite room was the Seashell Room. Volunteers from National Trust were so friendly and full of historical information. We didn’t get a chance to have a long walk outside but we did manage to have a lovely short one after picking up a bite at the cafe. Look forward to coming back for a longer walk & a visit to the gift shop.

Fine manor house with plenty of woodland and pasture to explore. There’s ample parking which is a good thing as it’s only really possible to get there by car. The manor has great architecture and is very well maintained. There’s a cafe there but the food is a little below the standard I’d expect for a national trust venue.

2nd time visiting, 1st time visiting around christmas and I was very impressed. I thought the decorations were gorgeous and very well done. I liked the ballet theme and how they incorporated in small details and music. We have national trust but actually I would pay the entry fee for the holiday decorations. Car park well organised, staff in house very friendly and knowledgeable. Various cafe options. Also loved the exhibition detailing all of the filming done on site such as Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, Downton Abbey and the Crown

Basildon Park is such a charming mix of history and glamour! Built in the 18th century for Sir Francis Sykes and later owned by James Morrison, the house even fell into disuse during WWII before being rescued in the 1950s by Lord and Lady Iliffe. I loved exploring the rooms and viewing framed personal family photos and other mementos. It was also fun discovering the home’s on-screen fame—right now there’s a 20th anniversary exhibition celebrating all the films and TV shows shot here, from Pride and Prejudice to Downton Abbey, and The Crown. The National Trust has done a great job keeping both the house and its lovely grounds inviting, so it’s easy to imagine life here across the centuries.

We went to see the christmas decorations and they did not disappoint. The house was beautifully decorated, each room was themed around a different ballet play. Followed by some delicious cake and coffee from the coffe shop.

Lovely NT property in stunning surroundings. You can see why so many film makers have chosen it! Stunning house interior including one of the UK's last surviving Georgian ceilings. Nice courtyard team room in the house too. Highly recommended.

Beautiful house with an interesting history. Exciting to visit if you're a fan of historic drama showa like Downton Abbey or Pride and Prejudice. Has lovely walks around the parkland. Loved the sea shell collection - never seen anything like it. Was amazing to see the Downton Abbey dresses on exhibition.

Another local National trust site I was yet to discover, what a place this is! I've never seen so many families out with the pet dog in my life! The dog to geese ratio here was close 😆 A rather full Sunday car park on arrival so I would recommend getting here early! If visiting on a weekend. Great day out.

Beautiful place, very dog-friendly (four legged friends allowed in the downstairs seating area in the café, so you can stay warm and dry while you eat your lunch!) the house is gorgeous - no dogs in there though! Plus some stunning walks around the lake and lots of history to absorb as well. Definitely one of our favourite National Trust places!

A fantastic house and walled garden to visit. Good parking with really nice volunteer staff to explain basic information on walking to the house and walled garden there is a longer walk along the riverside that includes the bird hide. Some wonderful rooms decorated in the style of the day with wonderful artwork and ceramics. I was particularly interested to see some very early maps of the UK with mileage indicated between important towns and cities. You’ll need a minimum of 3 hours to explore this beautiful house and grounds.

Car park spaces are a bit tight and the signage could be clearer. We ended up part way into the disabled section by accident because there was nothing marking it until the very end. Not a huge issue but worth noting. The walled garden is lovely and the information signs are good. It would be helpful to have a direct cut through to the seating area rather than walking the long way round. The house itself is beautiful but the information inside felt limited. We were told volunteers would answer questions and I am sure they would but that relies on knowing what to ask. There was not much detail on the architectural features or what makes the house unique, and very little to help you understand its long history. It feels like a missed opportunity. The real disappointment was the tearoom. The layout is confusing as soon as you walk in. It is not clear where to queue and you end up weaving through tables before finding everyone crowded by the self service cakes. This was just before closing, not peak lunch, yet it still felt chaotic. Staff were polite in wording but the service felt forced and not very welcoming. Cutlery was tucked around the corner on a messy counter under the stairs which did not help. Overall it is a lovely property with lots of potential but the visitor experience, especially in the tearoom, needs improving. A rethink of the whole layout is needed and strong hospitality management would help bring it up to the standard the setting deserves.

Really nice place to visit with friends or family. Full of history and stories, the volunteers are there to help you on any questions you may have. Walk through the gardens and visit the house. Take same time to do the trails around the woods. Some places are wheelchair accessible. Definitely a well spent day here. Expect National Trust prices so if you have a membership it would be better for you. Plenty of parking available and free.

Lovely walk, not too far or strenuous. Adequate parking available but we did arrive early and it had filled significantly while waiting for the rest of our group to arrive. Beautiful scenery and well maintained. Toilets were clean. We came for a halloween event which was very sweet, fairly short but perfect stroll for 5 year old and 2 year old.

Very interesting house tour with very knowledgeable volunteers. The cafe had a good choice of both hot and cold items for lunch. Ample parking even when visiting on last week of school holidays.

A real gem. Hands on, so great for kids. We spent 2½ hours in the museum. Our grandchildren 10 and 12 loved it, we found it very educational for them. We had a light lunch in the cafe which we can recommend. All of the staff were friendly and helpful throughout. Free parking, and plenty of it. Milestones often have extra attractions running in school holidays.

A fantastic day out at Milestones Museum! We spent four hours there and the time just flew by — there was so much to see and enjoy! The exhibits were excellent, beautifully curated, and full of fascinating details. But what truly made the experience special was the staff. From the reception to the café and the shop, every team member was welcoming, professional, kind, and clearly passionate about both customer service and the museum itself. Their warmth and enthusiasm made all the difference. I highly recommend Milestones Museum for a day out with family — it’s a place of great learning, wonderful staff, and outstanding exhibits. A truly fantastic museum!

Great museum with plenty to see. From a modern exterior, you walk into a piece of history. You can have an audio guide to find out more about the exhibits. There were a lot of people in costume walking around and explaining everything. The sweet shop lady and the barman were very friendly, in fact all the staff gave a friendly smile. You can purchase a ration book and get your choice of ration sweets from the sweet shop, a really nice touch. There are lots of vehicles from fire engines, trams, cars etc. Several places to eat, the garden pavilion or rooftop cafe. There is also a 1940s pub. Wander around the shops fully of memorabilia, take a walk along the pier complete with penny arcade machines... you can exchange modern money for old pennies. They teddy bear museum was very cute. There are also costumes for you to try on as you walk around and get the perfect selfie. A very enjoyable place to visit, made extra special thanks to the staff.

Hadnt visited for 10 or 12 years so it was interesting to see changes and additions. A very quiet afternoon with hardly anyone there so taking pictures was easier and pleasing. Lady who runs the gramophone shop was very pleasant and informative about what was on display. Will visit again in the future.

Really good fun! Loads to see and do to keep kids entertained, as well as interesting seeing and reading for adults. Love it. Didn't eat in the cafe but it looked great.

This is not an ordinary museum with exhibits in the glass cases (well, you will find some of these here), but very thoughtful and detailed historical reconstruction of the town through the time, with streets, shops, houses, garages, workshops, local transport, interiors with daily living attributes, seaside holidays attractions with working arcade games and the teddy bear museum. 🧸 Perfect for kids, as placing exhibits in context enables much better understanding of past life. You can enjoy a pint in the working pub, buy some old-fashioned sweets in the sweet shop, get some great coffee and cake or a proper breakfast/lunch in the cafe. The staff/volunteers are dressed up in the historical outfits, and they really care to give you the best experience. Tickets are not cheap, but at the moment there is a promotion on lovetovisit.com. There are discounts for kids, students, seniors, and disabled people who can bring their carer free of charge. The museum is fully accessible, with lifts, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs provided at the reception for anyone with mobility issues. Tickets are valid for the whole year, so you can revisit as often as you like and take advantage of different special events.

Purchased tickets online at a cheaper rate of £10 (for a limited time) entry is only after 1pm. advertised as a 'quieter less busy' time which would suit us. Unfortunately when we arrived there were three coach loads of screeching six year old running around like a massive ADHD experiment. Luckily they departed after a while so we were left in relative peace. Exhibits are very well displayed with plenty of the relevant information. Plenty to see so give yourself a good 2 to 3 hours. Usual expensive cafe, Americano coffee was okay but £3.50 for a tiny slice of cake that would dissolve before it hit your stomach was a bit steep. Gift shop selling good old British memorabilia (all made in China) worth a look but definitely not at full price.

Really enjoyed our Thomas day out here, my 2 year old daughter loved it! Tip; don’t ride the Alton train as it wastes a lot of time and we were told there was nothing at Alton station (the website does state there are activities on there but the train guard said there was nothing there), so we opted not to bother and had a lovely day playing the garden games, playing in the park & funfair and riding the miniature train. 🚂 Thanks for having us!

Autumn Steam Gala is worth visiting, not just for steam enthusiasts, as they offer enhanced timetables with visiting and home-fleet locomotives. Heritage stations, workshops, and special rides like Brake Van experiences which you pay extra. Well-maintained stastions and facilities, detailed displays of locomotives and rolling stock, and enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. It's possible to view the workshops, and restoration areas, to get behind-the-scenes views and appreciate the hard work that goes into running and maintaining the line. Great day out.

I got this as a gift for my dad's birthday and we both thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Train - Beautiful exterior and interior, views were amazing throughout the journey, was able to get off at Alton to stretch our legs for 10 mins before getting back onto the train to go back to Alresford. Food - Fish and chips was delicious, they give you water bottle, packets of salt and pepper and vinegar as well and a cherry flapjack. Make sure you take your own sauce, this was not included. Staff - Were polite and friendly throughout the experience. Parking - There is a car park on site but will advise you to get there early as its quite small and limited space, paid £3 for 3 hours which isn't bad. The only thing I would say is registering with the representative at the beginning of the journey could be better planned, but overall really good experience and will recommend to friends and family.

Took my grandson for a ride from Alresford to Alton. Like stepping back in time. All the staff are dressed appropriately, and all were very helpful and enthusiastic about what they were doing. Was a lovely day and well worth the money. My 2 dogs were welcome as well and free to travel.

Lovely preserved railway. It was a great to ride the steam trains through the countryside, and being able to stop off and explore the different stations that give a glimpse into days past. I visited for the retro road and rail though and this was disappointing: there were very few classic vehicles, and the '40s display at Ropley just consisted of a couple of American army vehicles at the top of the car park (it took ages to find it too as no one seemed to have a clue where it was, even the staff I asked didn't know anything about it, and there was no signage!). I returned for the visit of Sir Nigel Gresley, which was much better. Had a lovely day.

Private operated Steam Charter Train on the MHR (Mid Hants Railway) on the morning of Saturday, 25 October 2025, prior to timetable passenger service trains operating. An opportunity to experience and photograph railway scenes from a bygone era in delightful countryside, on a former section of the Southern Railway line known as ‘Over The Alps’. Credit to all staff and volunteers for maintaining and operating this lovely section of preserved railway line with hordes of nostalgia.

Went on the RAT (Real Ale Train) last night. Booked a private compartment for 6 of us including food. Very enjoyable evening. Some of the ale was a bit cloudy at times and the food wasn't able to be served on the train due to technical issues, but the ataff handle it well and were all very helpful. Other drinks were available, small choice but just enough to give some alternatives.

Nothing can prepare you for the spectacle of the ship. I walked into the darkened space and found a window to look across at this 500 years old ship. Rooted to the spot, my mouth went dry and for some reason tears started. What followed was an onslaught of sensory stimulation. You get an insight into the people who built the ship, the men that crewed it and the life they had. When was the last time you were THAT close to Tudor England, to timbers felled in the 1400's, to the pursers boots and the shipwright and carpenter that you can almost, almost touch and feel? Incredible. Not so incredible were the out of order and dirty toilets. Men and womens. Also, the tour guides need to hush up a little. Shouting instructions in a cathedral of Maritime Tudor times just isn't appropriate. Some of us want to drink in the place, in peace.

Fascinating visit. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Was somewhere I had wanted to visit for many years. Receives a 4 because on that particular day conservationists were inspecting the ship and so I didn't experience the videos or atmospheric conditions that I'm informed usually make it a more memorable and engaging experience. I appreciate such work needs to be done but perhaps outside of visiting times or slightly reduced ticket price on such days.

An absolut must see if your fascinated with nautical stuff. It's a state of the art museum displaying everything to do with The Mary Rose Tudor warship. The 4D experience is marvellous to watch. Arelly atmosphere here as you immerse your self back in time with the tour guides. Staff are super friendly, disabled friendly, toilets on site kept really clean. Lovely gift shop.

My husband and I visited The Mary Rose Museum on 25/10, as part of a belated birthday gift - and it didn’t disappoint. We thoroughly recommend booking the 2hour 1:1 guided tour. The exhibition itself is amazing and you could spend hours inside as all the displays are informative and tell a story that captures the imagination. However, we were lucky enough to be guided by Bob- you’ll recognise him by his costume and friendly rat he carries on his shoulder - and Fred (as a bonus). Bob, although knowledgable about the history of the period, also had innumerable anecdotes up his sleeve. He’d thoroughly done his research and had met with people who’d been part of the original dive team, the team who’d brought up the Mary Rose and the crane driver teams. He also had a dry sense of humour. We were privileged to go behind the scenes and also handle some of the artefact's themselves. A truly memorable experience thanks to your magnificent guides who volunteer week in week out.

We got the ultimate ticket for the naval docks - the Mary Rose seemed like an obvious 'must do'. I was a little worried... (a) its bits of old boat, and (b) how were the kids going to be when they realise the boat isn't even in one piece...!? Thankfully I didnt need to worry as we all really enjoyed the visit! At the beginning you wait round a little, this is because there is a small walk through video - this helped to 'set the scene' of the last moments of the Mary Rose, particularly for the kids. After this you could pretty much go at your own pace. The kids had a couple of little activities to do whilst browsing the museum (things to look out for etc.), and because it was October half term there was also some activities (we watched a session about medicines which kept the kids interest!) The kids also enjoyed the 4d dive part nearer the end of the visit. For myself, I actually really liked the main display area - not really sure what it was about it I liked, but the use of ambient lighting, sounds etc. was very well done and added to the experience. Well worth a visit!

Over 20,000 artefacts and a 4D cinema experience, it is a time capsule of the Tudor period. This is an impressive museum, which includes the hull of this Tudor warship. You need an hour minimum, preferably 2 to 3 hours to see and read everything. Well worth a visit. Highly recommended.

An absolute must when you’re in the location. A truly remarkable survivor. The museum is different every time we’ve visited. So much to see and learn. The technology is incredible.

The ship is being renovated so we didn't get to experience the wind blowing through our hair whilst visiting, all the more reason to come back when it is finished renovating in ~10years! Audio tour was very informative and immersive!! The staff was ready for all the questions we managed to come up with and they were all very approachable! Special thanks to the woman that demonstrated how the canons worked back in the day on one of the few original cannons still aboard! We absolutely loved our time there and would have gladly spent another hour just talking to the great people on the ship!

HMS Victory is a legend of naval history – and seeing her in person is unforgettable, even though she is currently under long-term restoration. For the past three years the work has been ongoing, and it will continue for almost another decade, but this makes the visit even more fascinating: you don’t just admire a historic ship, you witness the painstaking process of preserving her for the future. Walking her decks, knowing this was Nelson’s flagship at Trafalgar, is both humbling and inspiring. Even behind scaffolding, the spirit of history is alive – a living monument to Britain’s maritime heritage.

We used our multi attraction ticket from Naval dockyard to visit HMS Victory - its situated next to the Mary Rose museum which we did just before doing the HMS Victory. A very different experience, but equally a good one! Kids really enjoyed looking at the different areas and got on quite well using the audio guides. Lots and lots of information if you use the guides! HMS Victory was undergoing some much needed work on our visit so bits of it was covered - but this didn't take away from the fact that we was onboard such a marvellous ship. You also have the option of popping into the area set up that is doing the work to find out more about how the ship is being looked after. A great experience - glad we did it!

Really fascinating to learn all about the history of the battle of trafalgar. There is an audio guide around the ship which is really informative. The ship is being restored so there is a lot of scaffolding. It was great day out.

What an amazing ship! How on earth was this built without modern technology is unbelievable. At present going through a lot of remedial work, but all decks are open to the public. See the spot where Lord Nelson was shot, and the place he actually died. Give yourself at least two hours to visit. One of the best attractions in the country.

HMS Victory is truly iconic. I’ve seen it so many times on TV, and it felt incredible to finally step aboard in person! After the ticket check, you can pick up an audio guide and follow the route through the ship, which gives a clear picture of the Battle of Trafalgar and Admiral Nelson’s story. It even marks the exact spot where he fell. Standing on deck, imagining one of the most significant naval battles in history, is a truly special feeling. Huge thanks to the staff for their excellent preservation and restoration work!

An interesting tour but sadly the Victory is being restored so you can't see her in all her glory. But as the entrance fee includes all areas within the docklands still worth a visit

Definitely worth the visit and the money. Got the ultimate explorer which allowed unlimited access for 12 months. 1. 10.15 to 11.30 am - HMS Warrior - (Definitely say hi to the lad on table 27) 2. 11.30 to 12 noon - snack break (better to carry snacks from home) 3. 12.15 to 1 pm - Harbour boat tour (included with ulimate explorer ticket) - they take you round the dock and give an overview of the surroundings There are tours every quarter past (10.15, 11.15 etc) 4. 1 to 1.30 pm - Mary Rose - I didn't find much to see here apart from the ship - the 4D cinema is not actually 4D, there are no glasses 5. 1.30 to 2.30 - HMS Victory- they give you audio guide to listen to 6. 2.30 to 3 - Lunch (fish and chip cost 15 and chicken cojouns and chips cost 13) 7. 3pm onwards rest of the places Had to skip water bus due to shortage of time, hence couldn't see the submarine and firepower museum. Note: if you are traveling with kids/elders be mindful because some of the steps are steep. Overall it was grand.

Great day out, but come more than once to see everything. If you only came once for a few hours, it would not be good value. The boat tour was great, really good commentary. Other boat trips to various attractions often full. Lots of places to eat and drink. Without fail, all of the staff are friendly and helpful. Only negative is that the only way to get a map of the place is to buy a guide book!

What an eye opener to learn the history of the Senior service that is the Royal Navy. The displays in all the various buildings are very informative about how the RN has evolved over its history. Loved the displays about how the apprenticeship courses leant how ship building was carried out in the Dockyard. Also it was wonderfully to go aboard the three warships that are HMS Warrior,HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. At the present moment the Victory is having a major refit due to be completed by around 2033. You can still go aboard her but some restrictions are in place. The Warrior and The Mary Rose are definitely worth a vist. Toilets available around the exhibits and a lovely coffee and gift shops are available.

We arrived at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with no real idea of what to expect – luckily, one of our travel companions knew exactly what this remarkable place was about and became our personal guide through history. The morning started with rain (as it should in England), but by the afternoon the sun came out, giving us the perfect setting to explore the ships and round it all off with a boat tour of the harbour. Standing on decks that once carried sailors across the world was both impressive and humbling – a living reminder of naval history brought to life. The whole experience was well worth the visit: history, atmosphere, and the sheer scale of the Royal Navy’s past glory. And as every proper British adventure should end – we closed the day in a nearby pub, with a cold pint and classic fish & chips. A perfect conclusion to a perfect day.

That's our second visit and this time we stayed for 4 days - which is necessary if you want to see everything and was absolutely worth it. It is really a great museum and the volunteers/employees are all very helpful and nice. The only downside is that it lacks documentation in French (and other languages) apart from the audioguide on the Victory. Being the only person proficient in English in our group, I've spent the four days orally translating everything which was a bit tiring :-D even though that's my usual day job - so I would suggest adding a few signs in other languages for a start.

Need more than a day to see everything. The Victory audio guide tour was superb, and the Mary Rose museum beautifully done. Cafe a little disappointing, no hot snacks on a VERY wet afternoon, fruit scone tasted like it had been on the Victory! Could do with better info on what parts were open or closed and when things closed that day.

Excellent value for money, harbour tour was good length and detailed knowledge of the area. Didn't manage to do all in one day but purchased the year ultimate explorer pass and with blue light discount (purchase on the day as it's cheaper) it was well worth the money. There's lots to explore and look at as well as the boat rides /tours.

Loved this! Bought a day ticket, which meant we could go back anytime during the day. As it was a bright, sunny day, the views were wonderful. It was very busy in the morning due to school groups, I would recommend going later in the afternoon. Much less busy and a more relaxing visit altogether! The glass floor was fun. We had tea and cake in the cafe and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience - we even forked out for the photos and have been able to download them at home as well. Obviously a sunny day helps make the experience better!

I was lucky with the weather and had gorgeous views all round. It was fun watching ferries and other shipping coming in and out. One ferry had some nail biting moments entering a narrow port area! Next time I will book an afternoon tea up in the clouds.

Very nice (if you’re not afraid of heights), but very small/underwhelming. A small glass floor you can step on. Overall a very short visit but a fun experience.

Great views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and also of Portsmouth and the surrounding countryside. Quick lift brings you up to the different viewing platforms - of which there are three. Walk across the transparent floor if you dare - don’t forget to take your shots off - not for the faint hearted or those with vertigo! Very much enjoyed the visit. Cafe/bar is expensive due to the view. There are loads of places in Gunwharf Quay to eat and drink so wait until you leave the tower.

I came to visit Spinnaker tower on the 17.10.25. I did not realise it was the towers 20th Anniversary. It was well worth the time and money being up in the tower was absolutely amazing, you could see the isle of Wight, Southampton and even Gosport. The view from up above is simply breathtaking. We will definitely be coming back during the night.

Great, if a little pricey activity to include on a trip to Portsmouth. Fabulous views on all three levels IF you time your visit to when it's clear. For Best value book 24 hours in advance. The Coffee ☕ lounge on the middle deck is well worth stopping by. Team member Caroline, who was on Coffees during my visit, deserves a huge shout out as she is very customer focused, hard working and welcoming.

I visited the spinnaker tower a couple years after it had been built i remember seeing the designs when I was a kid at school in geography there were several designs. anyway after visiting the spinnaker tower today they did a brief history about portsmouth which is "interesting " to say the least. the staff were nice enough and helpful and the views very nice and visible

A lot to see and take in, both in the large interior areas, as well as small details and specific features as well as having a exhibit about the building's history. Worth a visit. Easily spent about 1h and a half looking at burrial sites, architecture, history and art.

A beautiful cathedral, worth a visit to see the architecture, carvings and stained glass windows. Jane Austen is buried in the cathedral with her memorial stone in the nave. Those interested in history will find plenty to see. Anyone in search of a peaceful place with find it here. There is an entrance fee but it allows free further visits for 12 months.

It is such a nice spot to just have a sit down, not very loud and obviously has a incredible architecture! During my trip to Winchester I stopped by here a few times - the inside of the cathedral is beautiful and worth seeing but tickets are overpriced. Also if you enjoy books, there is a great shop round one of the sides that has something for everyone📚

The guided tour that comes with the admission price is easily worth it. I was bowled over with our guide's (Michael) depth of knowledge and fantastic anecdotes about the cathedral. The ticket is open for a year. There's so much more to find out about this splendid building we will probably be back. Winchester's nice to walk around too. Probably best to avoid peak times.

The staff was really friendly and the cathedral is pretty big and beautiful, definitely worth the time. We chatted for 15-20 min with the staff member in the library (yeah they have an amazing library with beautiful old books) he told us really great stories and gave us some insights on how big of a work goes into working with these. The cathedral overall is really detailed and has an interesting story, it even has a small museum inside.

The great cathedral is the primary reason why we wanted to visit Winchester and it did not disappoint. We jumped into one of the tours being offered at the ticket entrance and had such a great experience. The tour took just over an hour, and we spent another hour afterwards exploring the massive space, checking out some of the many sacred and historical items on display (including the Winchester Bible), and paying our respects at the Jane Austen memorial with the added bonus of occasional organ music in the background. A perfect way to spend a half day.

Highly, highly recommend visiting and taking the guided tour! The volunteers were enthusiastic, welcoming, and very friendly. There was so much history to see, including an exhibition. We had Robert Little as our tour guide, and he truly brought the history to life. He was very knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging in his storytelling! One of the many details I enjoyed was when he pointed out some of the different architectural styles, such as Norman or Gothic. Since the ticket is valid for a full year, he even recommended joining tours with other guides to get different flavours of information and perspectives. Overall, definitely a fantastic experience!

Decent medium-sized Zoo, with a wide range of animals. Giraffes, snow leopard, rhinos, Lemurs, ostriches, and more. Catering prices were reasonable. Layout not very intuitive though - plan your route around. On a fairly steep hill. Staff friendly and helpful.

Brought the family here on an inset day so it was quieter and we all had a wonderful time. I thought the grounds were very clean, the staff was friendly and helpful. Only complaint is the food and drinks are quite pricey but that's expected. Next time we'll opt to bring our own lunches as they offer picnic areas.

This was my first trip, and we visited as a large group but split up in to small groups. Tickets were pre-purchased in advance, which made entry quick and easy. There was plenty of car parking available. Staff I saw were friendly & helpful. Despite low expectations set by friends, I found this place to be fantastic. The animals appeared well cared for, and we managed to see all the ones we hoped to—and more. There are lots of picnic spots and climbing areas for children, which made it very family-friendly. Food and gift shop items were reasonably priced. The only downside was that it was a hot day and all the drinks we bought from the cafe there were warm due to broken fridges—an issue we were told has been ongoing. While this didn’t ruin our experience, it did feel like a waste of money. I’d recommend bringing your own picnic and would definitely visit again.

lovely day out with the little one. thoroughly enjoyed. lots of animals to see and lots of areas for the little one to explore. some food bars with "normal" food would be nice. chips, hotdogs, burgers etc. but bought own picnic so was ok.

Big zoo, plenty to do, been wanting to take the kids for ages and didn't disappoint at all. Easily can spend 4-5hrs there. A lot of walking due to size of zoo. Plenty for kids to do, nice little parks and a cafe area with a good view. Will be going back at some point.

What a great Zoo as Zoos go. Animals have plenty of space in their enclosures with many of them being out to be seen. The Lego feature currently on show is great with guess the mammoth bring much entertainment. The little zoo tour on the overland train is worth doing. Be prepared to walk a few steps and enjoy.

Had a brilliant day out here. The park is really well designed so there's a chance to see the animals from different sides. Staff are all really friendly and helpful.

Local project full of middle age history along with the Round table. Impressive. Worth the visit and definitely worth supporting. We did the three venue option when buying tickets and thought very reasonable. Reccomended.

Definitely a must visit. It’s all that’s left of the old castle and dates back to the 1200s. The Round Table on the wall might not be from King Arthur’s time but it’s still really cool to see. Loved the stained glass windows showing all the kings and key figures, and the Norman medieval architecture is just stunning. It’s full of history and the whole place just feels majestic. We did the three venue ticket and thought it was great value. Definitely worth supporting.

Everyone focuses on the Round Table. That's fine, but don't skip the rest. The staff are very helpful and friendly, and quite willing to spend the extra time explaining the various tickets, what is where, and what the photography rules are etc. Do take a look at the garden, the giant family tree at the other end of the hall from the table, and the long gallery. The cafe is good for a quick drink and snack, but if you're planning on a meal, plan on a restaurant. That's not meant as a criticism AT ALL Just trying to help you plan.

A must-visit for history lovers! The Great Hall in Winchester absolutely blew me away. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval halls in England, dating back to the early 1200s. The architecture is stunning – huge Gothic windows, soaring stone columns, and a real sense of grandeur. The highlight has to be the legendary Round Table hanging on the wall, believed to have been built in the 13th century and painted during Henry VIII’s reign. You can really feel the weight of history here – once part of Winchester Castle and a key seat of royal power. Super informative displays, friendly staff, and a beautiful garden outside. Highly recommend!

Had a "touristy" day. Don't believe I've ever been here before. Now I'm wondering why not. Fascinating! Great to see the Round Table in all its glory. And for the pleasure of many a woman you can get fairly close to the costume worn by Colin Firth when playing Mr Darcy in the BBC adaptation of Pride. & Prejudice. That's got to be worth the entrance fee in itself!! Tickets last for a year so I'll be back in the next few months for sure.

Winchester's Great Hall is an awe-inspiring 13th-century survivor, the last remnant of William the Conqueror's Winchester Castle. Built by Henry III, its scale immediately impresses. The star attraction is the legendary King Arthur's Round Table, though dendrochronology dates it to the late 13th century – still, it powerfully evokes centuries of myth. This hall witnessed pivotal history: Sir Walter Raleigh's 1603 condemnation, the "Bloody Assizes," and once even housed the Domesday Book. Its magnificent hammer-beam roof and historical resonance make it a captivating and essential visit for anyone exploring Winchester's rich past.

A once great castle stood in Winchester but sadly most of it is long lost. The one remaining gateway is part of the ticket price for the hall. A large table sits on the wall called King Arthur's Round Table but it is much later than when he would have been around.

Lovely little experience. Great walk and lovely scenery. A bit pricey to get in but you can go in multiple times throughout a 7 day period so actually really worth it.

Shanklin Chine is a really beautiful and peaceful place to explore – the gardens, waterfalls, and lighting in the evening make it feel magical. It’s a lovely walk and there’s a real sense of history too, with some interesting information boards along the way. Perfect for a gentle stroll and to take in some nature away from the busier parts of Shanklin. That being said, it did feel a little pricey for what it is – the walk doesn’t take very long unless you really take your time. Still, it’s worth visiting at least once, especially if you’ve not been before, as it’s such a unique and picturesque spot.

This was a much nicer way of getting back to the top of the high street! A fun walkway with quirky footpaths to follow and as I went during Halloween there were dinosaurs and skeletons all around. Apparently at night the street lights go on so it’ll be more spooky but fun. It can be difficult to climb certain bits, the steps at the very top are hard but good railings and a bench half way helped! Lovely waterfall at the top too. You can get a 7 day pass for returning during that time. Nice gift shop.

Excellent location & super value for money. Great gift shop with friendly & helpful staff. Nice coffee shop too. Beautiful waterfall & nature, a must visit with free parking available.

Great little gem, kids loved it. Dog friendly and was great that we can return unlimited times for upto 7 days on your original purchase ticket. We amended the Halloween event and loved it.

Enjoyed the experience and outdoor lighting ambience. Great place to spend in about 40 minutes for horror and vibrant walk at Shanklin Chine. They also offer tickets which is valid for 7 days and multiple returns.

Though the walk down to the beach is lovely, it doesn't take long. ( 15 mins ) It has a few steep steps, not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies Went late September, so there was a Halloween theme, some the skeletons were somewhat comical. Is it worth the entrance fee ( 12.95 ) no not really, quite disappointing really.

Absolutely fabulous place to visit. Plenty of free parking, lovely little cafe and shop. It was great to see the donkeys being cared for so we'll. Plenty of opportunity to walk round and meet the donkeys, lots of benches to sit on and take in the views. Highly recommend.

We absolutely love coming to visit the donkey sanctuary on all our visits to the Island! I have been visiting since I was a little girl and now get to bring my little boy along. We sponsor Myra and always love trying to find her amongst all the donkeys. Great way to spend a couple of hours even in the rain!

Spent a wonderful couple of hours here which was absolutely perfect for an animal lover like me! Loved reading about all the donkeys, ponies and the mule, as well as the ex-race horse currently taking a break there. They all look so content and friendly, and it’s comforting to know that they’ll be well looked after for the rest of their days.

Loved visiting the Donkey Sanctuary, it was a great way to spend a couple hours while on the Isle of Wight. We loved seeing how happy the donkeys looked, they seem to be well taken care of. Also loved reading about the different donkeys, their back stories, and who their best friends were haha! Its free to visit, and even the doubters in our group left saying how much they enjoyed the visit! I would absolutely recommend this attraction if you find yourself on Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is such a heart-warming place to visit. The donkeys are clearly so well cared for and loved, and it’s wonderful to see them happy, relaxed, and enjoying their surroundings. You can get up close, give them a fuss, and really see all their different personalities – it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. The sanctuary itself is beautifully kept, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There’s no entry fee, just donations, which makes it feel even more special knowing every penny goes straight back into caring for the animals. The café and gift shop are also great little additions and make it easy to spend a good few hours here. It’s a peaceful, feel-good experience and perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone who wants to do something wholesome while on the island. Definitely a must-visit – and the donkeys will completely steal your heart! ❤️🐴

Lovely! Came here a few years ago and had no hesitation coming back. Plenty of parking (even for our motorhome) and a lovely walk around all the fields to see the donkeys and ponies. Plenty of info and bios of all the donkeys. Well worth a visit. They don’t charge for entry so please donate what you can.

A really beautiful place that is well worth visiting. They look after the donkeys here so well and you can see that they are all happy and treated so well. The shop is full of so much that I could quite easily have bought everything. The guide we had for the talk was really funny and a great host. Would highly recommend to everyone.

Absolutely blown away with the amount of effort that has gone into the gardens & grounds ! Such a lovely day out ! Make sure you take a whole day for it to enjoy it properly! Such beautiful smells and scenery! Also noticed you can use the grounds as a wedding venue : ) which would be stunning !

What a beautiful garden. The majority is wheelchair accessible which was tried and tested by one member in our party who has a power chair that is midwheel for stability. They tried grass paths, gravel, tarmac slopes etc and had no trouble, they didn't fancy trying out the stairs. We saw stunning flowers from Turkish Sage to myriads of Echium flower spikes 0.5-4m in height. Stunning. As we arrived a lady was being collected by ambulance but how the staff had managed her care was impeccable, her privacy was of the primary importance as was her dignity.

Only did the outside bit, totally didn't realise you could go inside too! 🫣😅 So will definitely be heading back to do that. Absolutely beautiful, so many off the patch tracks to explore. Cafe was really nice and lovely to sit outside and admire the views. 10/10

Arrived expecting it to take an hour - 3 1/2 hours later we left (incl 1/2 for a coffee in Steephill Cove). It’s massive Some great plants, interesting trails, open grassed areas and fantastic trees. Still didn’t get it all done so will return when next on the Isle Those who say the garden is overgrown and/or unkempt should have talked to the staff as to why …and nearly forgot all the red squirrels Highly recommended

Had just visited this local place as residents and we're amazed how hot it was around the grounds with amazing wildlife and plants. We could of gave it 5 stars but we were disappointed that there was not enough water bowls for dogs around the grounds only found some near the terrapin fountain and café plus on the entrance/exit but other then that we had to improvise with a plastic cup. We will come again but this time will being our own water bowls/trays for our dog. Also there was only card payments in the cafe no other ways of paying so no methods of cash payment for paying for the food and drinks on the premises. If you like plants and trees then this place is the place to be. Plenty of parking and suites all walkers dogs and electric scooters for the disabled.

I was quite surprised by how shabby, unloved and neglected this garden is, so did some research. It was bought from the Isle of Wight council in 2011 by an American businessman and there the investment, care, and any real botany appears to have stopped. The sad part is that because the garden is in a microclimate, there's real potential for a cultivated and educational display of plants which don't normally grow outdoors in the UK, but there doesn't seem to be much willingness in laying this on (Overbecks in Devon, also in a microclimate, does do it and does it much better). The approach to managing these gardens has been given a brand: "The Ventnor Method". Well you can give neglect a brand if you want, and trot out a load of guff about sustainability, but it's fundamentally still neglect. One might surmise the aim here is to take the £15 per person entry fees and spend as little as possible on actually running the gardens - we were there on a weekday afternoon and the place was practically empty with barely a gardener in sight. There's no real signage, you'll get a map if you're lucky from the rather harassed staff in the shop, and left to find your way around. The tropical house is a disgrace with complete overgrowth everywhere, areas cordoned off, a very sad looking roof, and a yarn that's been spun about nature reclaiming a post industrial space (read: neglect). There is a single toilet on the ground floor of the visitor's centre, and two flights of stairs down to the main toilets in basement level 2 which are hidden behind a set of closed doors. The lift doesn't work, and hasn't for months. It's not all bad: a Mediterranean themed garden is very pleasant, bursting with plant varieties and a haven of insect life: the pollinators were busy in action which was a joy to see. But again, the paths were overgrown, and a small amount of trimming and management would have just made it easier to get around. The cafe is popular and served a delicious menu of soup and cake.

Very pleasant through the gardens, there also a nice view point great pictures of the beach. Then the walk up to the waterfall leading into the old village

This model village has to be one of the sweetest places I've ever visited. It's family run for several generations and you can feel the love and companionship through the ages when you walk around the village, see the attention to detail and care taken, read the lovely guide and go into the craft gift shop. Great venue and an unusual activity. There's a little cafe too and a couple of photo spots.

Wasn’t too sure what to expect - and it turned out to be fantastic. There for over 90 mins and you can go round as often as you like. There is an easy to follow suggested route, or you can just wander. The models are really good and do match the original buildings Highly recommended

Nice afternoon, I've been to model villages before including this one, gardens always well presented.. prices were a little high for the size I feel been to bigger ones and price was lower. But for a nice autumn 🍁 afternoon it filled a hole.

The model village Godshill is an intriguing little gem, the model village is so beautifully made and maintained and the gardens are outstanding, all maintained to a very high standard. The staff were very friendly and welcomed our little fur baby. The gift shop has lovely trinkets to keep as memories of our morning here.

We took our five year old grand daughter to this amazing venue. She had been before but only as a toddler in a pram. We ordered our tickets online and turned up to meet a very polite & helpful young lady in the ticket office. Picking up a free quiz sheet for our grand daughter to fill in we began our journey around the mini version of Godshills quaint village as well as other nearby landmarks. Our grand daughter thoroughly enjoyed her walk around the village looking for the clues to answer the questions on the sheet. Although there were lots of people visiting there was no feeling of being overcrowded & we were able to stop & take numerous pictures during our stroll without getting in other people's way. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable walk with our grand daughter & a great way to spend a morning.

Just got back from my visit and what can I say about this place other than what a beautiful place this is to visit. I personally wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. The village not only incorporates Godshill but other parts of the island on an amazingly wonderful level. The water features running through the village and model train station and tracks are great. The grounds are kept beautiful by the friendly staff there and you can tell they take pride in what they do which is refreshing. The £8 entrance fee was a good price and we spent about 40 mins walking around. They have a cafe, shop and toilet facilities on site. There is no parking here so park a couple of hundred yards up the road on the old smithy car park....it's free. This is definitely a must if visiting the village of Godshill.

It's one of the must see places in the Isle of wight. Beautifully recreated model of the lovely Godshill village and Shanklin village with huge attention to detail. This place represents all the houses, pub, cottage, restaurants, which you can still see in these places. The amazing thing about this village is it's well maintained, clean, well thought of in terms of design and people involvement. I was impressed that you can take a pram and it fits perfectly in the narrow path. Well worth a visit.

Always enjoy coming here, attended for the Formula 1 75 exhibition, but also had a look at all the cars on display. Enjoyed the monorail ride a look round the house and gardens, sad there was no classic cars out and about... Food was good and tasty 😋 Staff were chatty and knowledgeable and helpful. Overall a lovely day despite the weather

I took my 6 year old daughter for her first visit (but far from mine) and she absolutely loved it! The weather held good despite the late October timing. She loved seeing Mr Bean's car and the Disney display but her highlight (and mine, to be fair) was riding on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The driver was a blast and it was so cool to learn about the cars that were used in the film, and wave at everyone as we explored the grounds. Beaulieu is one of my favourite places to visit when I'm in the UK and I think I can now say it is the same for my daughter. Very highly recommended for anyone of any age.

Visiting this week in half term , my son wanted to see a Porsche 917 so I emailed before booking to confirm the car would Be on display , very pleasant personal reply with confirmation. Don’t be put off with the price for the tickets . You will spend the whole day here so does represent great value for money . My children really enjoyed the “ we had one of those “ section as they could sit in the cars and experience the cars we grew up with . Only points to mention , we had coffee and cake in the afternoon , rather pricey & the cakes were dry and not great . Also a lot of tables left uncleared and in places food on the floor under tables .

fantastic visit! we were meeting family in the new forest for the weekend and beaulieu was close by so we thought we would pop by and check it out! we have been before but i was a child. the cars exhibit was on and it was really cool! if you are a pixar fan in the uk id reccomend coming whilst this exhibit is on. i am a massive f1 fan so seeing the cars was very cool! a personal highlight was the 2021 williams! additionally we were able to ride in the chitty chitty bang bang car wich was incredible. the driver was so knowledgable and we felt so safe in the car with him. my mum is a huge fan of the film so it was such a core memory for her. thank you beualieu! i will be back

Fairly priced considering you are able to reuse the tickets and use them to access events held here in the future. The cafe on site offers good food and drinks selection It is worth exploring the other features such as the play grounds, other museums, and the house which is all included in the ticket. There are plenty of cars to view including an F1 section, classic cars, and modern cars. There are displays featuring garages and buses also. Plenty to do and to keep the kids entertained

Worth a visit and any number of re-visits - Visited on Saturday, 28/06/25. 3rd visit here and the first for about 11 years. Lovely weather, which always helps, and there was a Morgan owners meeting taking place, so there was more to see than normal. Parking is near the entrance, but uncovered. Bought the tickets online in advance, so you get a discount, and it's straightforward to get in. Once inside, the initial options are a Monorail and restaurant/toilet facilities. Very pricey for anything in the restaurant (£5 for 2 cans of soda), so suggest you bring your own. The monorail is an excellent way to get an overview of the site before exploring on foot, and the ride is included in the entry price and can be ridden more than once. The old Top Gear exhibition has been replaced in part by a new section of example cars from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's that you can get in and reminisce about (though these cars are in a bit of a state tbh). Beyond that, we visited the main museum, which hadn't changed much in the past 10 years, but had exhibits moved around. The F1 section was very good with more recent examples of cars, and whilst we visited, an excellent F1 Simulator which you can go in (you have to pre-book) for £15 for 15 mins. It's worth it, so suggest you book a slot as soon as you arrive. On this visit, we didn't have the time to explore the house and grounds, but there are some lovely walks to be had. The staff are all excellent and approachable, and friendly, and though I have been 3 times now, I would have no qualms about making future visits as there is generally a change each year.

I thought it was a bit pricey to get in but we did spend most of the day there. We took the dog as we were visiting on our way home from holiday accommodation. The dog wasn't allowed on the bus, Monorail, main museum or house. Which meant I did a lot of waiting around with her. The cafe is expensive. £5 for a sandwich so would advise bringing your own. Tea for 3 , four sandwich outers and an apple juice, £38. The children loved the play area but we didn't take them to the house as we kind of ran out of time and wasn't sure how interested they'd be. They also enjoyed seeing Harry Potter's car and the, 'I had one of those' exhibition where you can get in the cars! The staff we came across were friendly and helpful. Whole area is clean and well tended.

You need more than a day to explore everything here!! That was our only complain. It is a great place to spend time with kids. No water related rides/pools for adults which we found disappointing as we came prepared for one (without checking in detail online). That's why the 4 star. There's a splash area for kids and that's it for anything water related as far as I can tell. Would give it 5 star purely for everything kids related. There's lots to explore here. I read on one the reviews to get a packed lunch and I'm glad I read it and we did bring something to eat during the day which did save us some ££!!. We went on a weekday during the school holidays and it wasn't that crowded. Parking is hassle free and they guide you to an empty spot. We went to Peppa Pig World first and managed to get on few of the rides without queuing for long. We found this to be better than Legoland based on our overall experience. Would be going back to explore the unexplored sections/rides hopefully soon!!

Paultons Park is a beautiful, well kept and very themed in the seperate of areas in the park. There is so so many family rides what everyone can enjoy. The ride access pass was so easy to use. The food in the Route 83 diner was really nice. Amazing price value in the shop & food outlets. The toilets was very clean. If the rides are getting to much you have got the gorgeous well kept gardens and animals to walk round. Paultons deserved the best theme park of the year as I had no faults with anything. 🤍

Great theme park, not only for younger kids but also for big boys along with adults. Went in Halloween and it was all Pumpkins everywhere. Nicely decorated, enough rides. Visited for 2 days with short break, but if either young or old kids only or if managed properly, all rides and parks can be covered in a day.

Ample free parking, easy check in, well done with the halloween theme, waits on some rides are reasonable. Their phone app is super useful showing locations and waiting times. Staff is friendly, rides are all safe, place and toilets are clean. On stage shows were entertaining. Great place for a family day.

Our family had an exceptional experience. There are numerous activities available, ensuring that every individual will discover something to their liking. We are certainly planning a return visit, as the weather was not ideal during our last stay..

Great range of rides, clean facilities, queues were manageable with max time of 20 mins. Peppa pig world seemed to be the busiest area, as expected. Booked through the stay option and went for the Marriott Portsmouth which was also great. Well managed across the two companies.

Although you may think the tickets are expensive I felt it was good value for my money. The park is well kept, not overcrowded and well-staffed. The food was good quality restaurant sized portions. We had a fabulous day & my grand daughter of 4yrs made lots of friends. Our favourite spots were the playgrounds, soft play & the seal ride.

This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.

The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music... Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.

When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around. 25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy. ⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest

Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then. Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.

The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics. Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic. The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.

Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play. Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.

Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.

The Needles Landmark Attraction is absolutely worth visiting – a true highlight of the Isle of Wight! The views are breathtaking, and the chairlift ride is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning sights of the cliffs, sea, and the famous Needles. It’s something everyone should try at least once. There are a couple of small areas that could be improved. The food section could offer a bit more variety and quality, and clearer signage for the beach path (especially placed above the queue area) would make things easier for visitors. That said, the chairlifts themselves were excellent – smooth, safe, and such a unique way to take in the scenery. Overall, a fantastic attraction that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight. Don’t miss it!

Lovely place to visit on the Ilse of Wight. It was a very windy day on our visit to the Needles. We took a trip on the cable car that takes you down to the foreshore,what an experience it was as your lowered over the cliff edge. There is plenty of things to do to keep the kids occupied and the area is disabled friendly. There is a lovely coffee shop selling tea and coffee,soft drinks and cakes ect. A couple of gift shop also. Toilets on site are clean. Large car park. £6.00 per vehicle, £4.00 if a member of the National trust. Also there is a beautiful glass shop.

We went in a bank holiday. Narrow roads leading to the site along with many coaches and cars. We paid £6 for the car park and disabled were allowed to park at the bottom on the field but it was still a mobility navigation issue getting down to the main road. It was very busy. We walked through there gates and had an ice cream with flake. There were many tables with seating but these were mainly full with people eating the various foods (curry was in the air) and picnics. As we walked through the site along- the chair lifts were on the right and the queue to get in was vast. We stood on the platform at the end overlooking the needles . We don’t use the telescope but the pictures bought it closer. For us it was hot and crowded and we stayed about 1.5hrs. Makes the parking expensive . Didn’t know about the boat trip.

Lots of fun for the whole family. Recommend a ride on the chair lift to Alum Bay where you will find the beautiful coloured sands. There are steps down to the beach. You can also get a boat to The Needles to see them from the sea. There are cafes, shops, crazy golf and rides to go on.

This view is simply unforgettable and so relaxing! The vast blue sky, the sea, and the dramatic green cliffs make for pure natural beauty. The best part was the unexpected rainbow over the water—it was truly amazing! Highly recommend a visit here for the stunning views.

You have to visit The Needles when you come to Isle of Wight! We loved our The Needles visit! We paid £10 each for return tickets for the chairlift option to get down to the small Needles beach! Totally worth it saves us from climbing up and down the steep staircase! And then when we got to the bottom of the beach, we paid another extra £9 each for a 20mins boat ride which is also another must do, the boat guide was excellent and very knowledgeable on the whole of the needles landmark!

Amazing views and a fun place to visit. The chairlift ride is the highlight, giving you fantastic views of the Needles and the bay. Easy to get around, plenty of parking, and great for photos.

Love a National Trust, and if you are doing Tennyson Down it is definitely worth stopping by the Old Fort. I really liked how they have restored parts of the site and brought it to life. It is not very big so it does not take long to go around, but it is nice to wander through and the views of the Needles are amazing and were the real highlight. They also have a tea room, which to be honest was not that great, a bit of a shame given how lovely some other National Trust tea rooms are. It could have been something really charming like the one at the lighthouse in Dorset. The walk to the fort was another highlight and is so beautiful with lots of wildlife. A really stunning area.

an incredible couple of hours spent here. We got a return on the cable car, £10 per adult. Really good price. Had beautiful views of the ocean coming down, we then went straight onto the boat ride, again incredibly priced. 20 mins out to sea and a view of the needles, beautiful sights. We were lucky enough to have stunning weather. Cable car back up to the top after a lovely walk along the beach and then made our sand jars and played crazy golf. Hasn't changed since I came when I was little.

Beautiful autumn day for a hike and this didn't disappoint. Stunning views of the Needles. Well worth the trek. You can also drive but why would you if you can manage the coastal path then do. It's beautiful.

It took about 30 min with kids to wander along to here from the car park (tell them you’re an NT member for £2 off). Did it on a hot and sunny day but lovely views on the way and from the battery. Interesting displays and the tunnel down is cool, if not pretty narrow! Place to get a coffee and plenty of places to sit and eat a picnic. Worth a visit especially if an NT member.

Great history about the Fort listed. I recommend a visit if you go. Not too expensive to get in but it is a national trust place so it's a must do if you have a membership. Very windy when I went so be prepared when walking along the cliff top. There is an enclosed walk way to a view advantage point inside the cliff, at some points this is narrow so I wouldn't recommend if you are claustrophobic

A bit of a walk from the 'Needles Attraction' but it's on a fairly level road. There's not much at the Old Battery but it's worth a look if you're a NT member. Probably not worth the entrance if not. If you pick a decent day, the views are spectacular though.

Very interesting area to visit, you can walk but I recommend taking the open top bus to get there - great views. There is a cafe and shop.