As a fan of palaces and castles of all kinds, I was impressed. The palace is still undergoing renovation work, but definitely a place worth visiting. Beautiful view of the lake from the top.

A beautiful location steeped in history, the castle is remarkable and the loch is simply stunning especially in early spring. Had the pleasure of being able to walk most of the way around and found the trail pleasant and the locals friendly and accommodating. Would have loved ore time here, maybe another time if I'm up this way I will as I would certainly visit again. Nice location with plenty of amenities nearby.

Went to see the housing and the experience was brilliant, loads to do and everyone was exceptional! Getting to wander around the castle was great and wish I had enough time to explore but there was far to much to do and not enough of the day to do it. Would go again 10/10

We were really looking forward to seeing the palace and we were not disappointed. What incredible architecture and a lesson in history. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We loved exploring the many spaces and levels. A must visit location in our opinion.

Great ruin that the are trying to maintain. They have alot of info regarding its past. Found it really interesting. Allowed to walk almost all halls and stairs, even allowed up on lookout point

Worth an hour, you can walk to the top of one of the towers and take in the vews and explore all the rooms. There are plaques throughout and the staff are really helpful and friendly.

Lovely place to visit in a great location next to town and a park. Lots to do although there is a bit of construction going on.

We were staying in nearby Linlithgow so took the bus. Easy, short trip. Blackness is incredible. What an amazing castle ruin to explore. And it has the bonus of providing a wonderful view of the Forth bridges. We explored every space and would highly recommend a visit.

Awesome castle. Loved it. Parking was in short supply but you can park in the village and walk to the castle pretty easily. This is one of the better preserved castles you can visit. It's very easy to imagine living here.

Blackness Castle is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric fortresses — a dramatic, sea-washed stronghold that looks like it’s floating on the Firth of Forth. Often called “the ship that never sailed” because of its long, narrow shape and pointed towers, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a favourite for film fans (including Outlander). We explored the ramparts and courtyards, climbed the towers for sweeping coastal views, and wandered along the old pier that stretches into the water. The mix of sea air, gulls, and centuries-old stone gives it an unforgettable mood — part fortress, part film set, part time capsule. The castle is well-preserved and full of nooks to explore, with information boards that bring its history to life. It’s also a brilliant spot for photography, especially at sunset when the light hits the water and walls just right. If you love castles with character, Blackness Castle is one of the most striking and memorable in Scotland.

I will say that I was disappointed to find the castle closed on the day we were passing through. I can certainly say that this castle and surroundings are a must visit so close to the airport. Parking will likely be a problem depending when you visit, but there are some great spots down by the water - good luck hahaha. The walk up to the castle along the walkway is amazing - great view. The castle and grounds are in great shape and feel free to walk around the area and along the beach for some other great views. The cost of entry is very reasonable and there is a lot to go through. Try to arrange your visit when open to get the most out of the visit. Thanks.

Went there with the Rabbies outlander tour. The guide explained the scenes and the areas where they were filmed in the castle. Later on I even recognized the place when I was watching the movie Mary the queen of Scots on Netflix. Very interesting experience!

From afar, it looks almost like a battleship going to war, it is one of the most unusual castles, I have seen.Plenty of parking, good rates to see, gift shop, and the castle, with a outer viewing platform so you can get a good picture of this awesome castle. You can walk to most the platforms and up most of the towers.

Visiting this castle during a sunny day is highly recommended for an enjoyable experience. The architecture and history are truly captivating, offering a unique perspective. It presents excellent value for the investment of both time and resources. If you're planning a trip, this destination should be prioritized. You will find it to be a memorable addition to your travel itinerary.

A full family day out! Activities for all ages in the place. Mining museum to catch a glimpse of history in the area. Animal encounters (we got to pet the chick's, guinea pigs and polecat). Outdoor adventures with a new fort on offer to climb and slide. Jumping pillows, excavation sand pit and go-karts to name a few. Great value for money and reasonable priced drinks and snack at the outdoor snack van too.

Lovely day out on a sunny day with the kids! Amazing playing areas all around the park. Café, toilets. Also an indoor area in case of raining, with picnic tables

Was slightly disappointed with my family visit having read about it on their website. In no particular order: 1. The interactive items in the museum were not working 2. Many of the soap dispensers were out of soap and they have lots of hand washing stations 3. The train ride was listed as 30mins on the website but only lasted 15mins. It isn’t circular, it goes along the track, engine turns and then you go back 3. The cafe was quite good - look out for the specials menu though as we never seen it tucked on the side wall until leaving. They forgot our salad that was listed on menu but they quickly rectified this. 4. There are no prices displayed for any of the drinks or ice creams. 5. If you have an EV forget about using their charger - it’s is a slow charger with a £1.50 connection charge and a maximum stay of 1hr before a £10 overstay charge occurs; I recon you might be able to get 5/6%. The museum was informative and interesting to look at. Once you go outdoors however you can see poor maintenance and condition of a lot of things unfortunately. Tractor drive was something to do. Only takes you along passed the horses and back again. Train journey doesn’t take you past any of the animals. Play park area is good for the kids but very little shade for a sunny day.

Visited with grandkids & family. Ticket prices are a bit steep, bit hey ho...what can you do...stump up! It started raining on the day we visited, so did our best to get around. Would I visit again...No U don't think so.

We absolutely love it here. So much fun for the kids and the animals all seem well cared for and happy. Love the handling sessions.

Plenty too do my girl loved it no bad price too get in good variety of animals too see only thing a felt was it was waste of££ for train ride as we only seen couple of horses and sum sheep couple of ducks another down side was the wasps that was going about still five star for me

Great place to take the children with all the animals and there are big play areas that have trampolines, slides and swings.

Amazing day out for all the family. Best zoo we have been too. Loads to see, food vans located around the park which is great and it's actually decently priced too and great quality. There are loads of great animals to see and definitely could spend an entire day there. We all had the best day. Would definitely come back again.

Hands down the best zoo I’ve visited. Animals were so well looked after, staff were lovely - helpful and friendly. Could not get over the amount of different animals. Loved the unusual displays - something for both older and younger family members. Soft play was also a welcome rest. And kids loved it. Would love to return for the Christmas lights and the summer rides and things. Highly recommend. Some of the reviews on here are silly 🤷‍♀️ We spent around 4 hours here but could easily have spent the whole day. Didn’t see many empty enclosures 🤷‍♀️ and the black bear has signs explaining they are monitoring the behaviour as he is still settling in. You can tell that staff are very passionate about the animals and their wellbeing. We watched several staff members interacting with them.

Fantastic enclosures and very happy and content animals. I was super impressed with the animals husbandry and it is clear they have created the best environment for each animals needs. The staff were friendly and clearly cared about the animals on their care. We had a fantastic day out and could have stayed longer. A very well deserved 5 stars.

What an absolute amazing to visit to the zoo with my family. Such a diverse range of animals and a really cosy family feel to the whole park. From the you youngest to the eldest of our party we were all kept engaged and entertained for hours. We will definitely be back.

I loved it. It is a great place to go with family. I was lucky to see the otters that I love. And one of the bears very nice.As always... there was some shy animal that we didn't see... that happens.

Cafe and playcenter I don't recommend at all. Soup wasn't great, and the chicken tika panini was lukewarm. The coffee tasted dirty or burnt, there were so many flys. Finally the bathrooms smelt horrid and there's no hooks to put your bag up while you go to the loo. The zoo The zoo area was nice and had quite a lot to see, the animal talks were great and gave you a chance to ask more. The walk in bird enclosure was surprisingly my favourite. The carasol and other rides are nice though rather odd seeing more then half of the animal pens say to be quiet, but you could hear the carasol music across half the zoo. We did have concern for one of the monkeys (a vervet) as they had bad sores on their hands and a large gash on their rear.

What a lovely day! lost of animals to see, all the animals looked well looked after, very helpful staff… The reason why I didn’t give a 5 stars is that though there could be more picnic tables as we waited for quite a while for somebody to leave. I work with animals myself and would like to share some of more of my ideas if you would like to hear! :)

Great variety of plants and some good offers on them! Enjoyed the steak pie as well!

I live 500 miles away but wanted to treat my mother-in-law who loves to go to Gouldings for a cup of tea and cake as a treat. Ordered gift vouchers online, emailed to ask for prompt postage so they arrived quickly and got a lovely reply. The gift vouchers arrived the next day. Fabulous customer service. Highly recommend them for that alone and my in laws love the place so it has to be good! Thank you!

First visit to the garden centre and we weren’t disappointed. A lovely shopping area which is light and bright. It was that time of the day when food was needed! A good variety of food for meat eaters and vegetarians however not sure on a vegan choice. Fairly priced on the whole , a little disappointed by the number of wedges given for £6.95 however that would not deter us from eating there again. The staff without exception were smart and friendly which is a definite plus. This might sound silly but the toilets were spotless too although the restaurant had been full - so that’s another thumbs up! Well done to all.

Bought some gifts and then on to the restaurant. It was very busy, as always at lunchtime, but we did not have to wait long for a table. Food was delicious, freshly prepared and served by friendly staff. Not the first time that we have eaten here and it won’t be the last. Personally, I would say it serves the best food out of all the garden centres in the area, good value too!

Came here for the winter wonderland. My 3 and 6 year olds loved it. The area before Santa was great. Santa himself was brilliant. Took lots of time to chat to the kids. The only thing that let it down was that the choice of toys for my 6 year old wasn’t great. My 3 year old loved her toy. The VR experience was great although a little pricey (£6 per person) but felt it was good for my 6 year old as he wasn’t overly impressed with the toy choice. Really well set out though and great for the kids. The hot chocolate was lovely! Shout out to the staff too who were friendly and helpful.

Staff are lovely and it’s a really nice cafe but if I wanted a DIY baked potato then I’d have made one at home. Serving it with a dish of hard white grated cheese is not appealing. Cheese should be melted over the potato, and please don’t say I should have asked for that, it should be standard. It arrived at the table that way and I’m always wary of sending anything back to the kitchen.

Fab little garden centre 😀 great choices of plants and furniture, and little trinkets or gifts if looking for something special , it also offers clothes , food drinks and jewellery lots of choice and the restaurant has great amount of food choices too from currys to sandwiches and the cakes well huge creamy meringue yummmmm ma fave so ye worth a visit 😀

Nice place to walk around with some interesting buildings and history. The scenery next to the Clyde is lovely. Thank goodness there was a courtesy bus to get back up to the car park though! Will come again when not so hot..

Fantastic day trip from Glasgow! History, soft play, a great cafe, and a short walk to the waterfall. What more do you want? There's even a hotel here if you want to stay the night. See our full video review on our experience under The Olive Tree Family on all social media platforms.

New Lanark is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site with an industrial past dating back to the late 18th century. The mill complex was founded in 1785 and is famously linked to social pioneer Robert Owen, who transformed it into a model village for mill workers. The restored stone buildings—including the mills, workers’ housing and school—are beautifully preserved and give a real sense of history. Parking is available at the top of the hill with a short walk down to the village; limited disabled parking spaces are provided near ticket office There are plenty of picnic tables dotted around the site, making it easy to bring your own food if you prefer. The on-site café offers good quality meals and snacks, though I found the prices a little on the high side. Clean and well-maintained toilets are plentiful throughout the complex. Great walk to falls Clyde Overall, New Lanark is a wonderful day out for anyone interested in Scotland’s industrial heritage, social history, or simply enjoying a scenic riverside walk.

Simply fantastic National heritage site, with great walks, museums, a coffee shop, and photo opportunities are endless, along with a good amount of parking. I loved how professionally run the whole area was.

A beautiful place to visit to experience both Nature and cultural heritage. The walk around the gorge makes for a great day out but expect to be relatively close to the gorge edge so not suitable for young children. The Autumn colours are just stunning and I'll be returning in the spring to see what the area has to offer.

This is a place that will suit everyone. Adults will find the history and the living conditions of the mill workers interesting. Children will enjoy a short ride inside the building on gondolas with interactive characters. Everyone will be amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the waterfalls of the River Clyde.

Initially I wasn't impressed but once I explored more I realized it was fantastic. So much learn and explore both inside and out! Highlights: The mill tour is very well laid out to keep attention of adults and children. You follow the route through each floor and there are various interactive displays showing life in the co-operative. The attention to detail is fantastic. The immersive ride puts you right into the story. Challenges: The parking doesn't have great signage, from the village entrance you have to take the opposite road and drive past several lots to get to the main lot.

A Stunning & Enjoyable Walk at Clyde Falls What a beautiful visit! The visitor centre at Clyde Falls is lovely, and we thoroughly enjoyed the walk along the Falls of Clyde. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and we were pleasantly surprised that the walk wasn't as tough as we'd anticipated. It was a really enjoyable experience for all of us, including our two dogs who loved every minute of it. Highly recommend!

Was a lovely walk, we went to the bridge at roughly the half way point, that was plenty far enough with a 4 and 7 year old. It was really beautiful, the viewing points were great to get pictures. Clean and kept tidy.

A beautiful, long walk with stunning waterfalls. We walked around the path and over the bridge, heading back down the other side. A few hilly areas but plenty of places to sit and take in the lovely views. We ended up walking into Lanark and had walked 8 miles by the time we returned to the car. A beautiful day out

Stunning falls o' Clyde above New Lanark. The visitors centre at the start of the walk provides useful information on the wildlife of the area and is worth visiting. There are several white water points before you reach the weir that diverts oarr of the river's flow towards the water wheel lade in New Lanark.

The Falls of Clyde hike is a beautiful walk through a winding trails that leads through a lush forest alongside the River Clyde. The sound of the birds, the river and the waterfalls is something that you could just sit and listen to for hours while life's worries melt away. The views, especially at Corra Linn, are pure Scottish magic.

A very beautiful trail along the River Clyde. Easy hiking and breathtaking views.

Gorgeous place, worth a visit. Stunning location.

Exelent place, experience and lessons by Jamie. My wife was worried about the difficulty of shooting, but Jamie easy explained to as everything in precise detail. We tried everything, it's worth it !!! We are planning another trip in spring with a small group of 4-6 friends . Thanks a lot Jamie for the adrenaline and fun 😁 Marcin & Pat

Went for my birthday at the end of April and I can say without a doubt in my mind, 5 ain't enough and would highly recommend just going for the experience if nothing else. Jamie was a fantastic host and gave some really helpful constructive feedback to help improve aim. As previously mentioned, 5 just isn't enough so heres more. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently organized a bit of clay shooting while staying near Peebles. Jamie was fantastic! His communication is excellent and accommodated us on short notice. I’ve been shooting my whole life and never got instruction, Jamie diagnosed my issues quickly and with his help I was rarely missing clays. Same goes for the rest of the family. I highly recommend a shooting session. It will be a great lasting family memory with my Dad two brothers and nephew as well. Book with confidence!

Jamie took all the time needed and his instructions made the event for absolut beginners as fun as for lads who can handle a gun. Would absolutely do again.

Very cool place and a great instructor. Tried some rifle which had a smaller shelter to sit in protecting against wind. Some good info is it is a bit hard to find and I got a little lost. Plan your trip and it will be fine.

Went here for my partners birthday as a treat! The .22 rifle experience at the Don Coyote Outdoor Centre was really fun - Jamie had everything well prepared, provided superb instruction, he even had some games for myself and my OH. Partner tried clays too and i watched. Was a really good way to spend a couple of hours and Jamie was super helpful. Would definitely recommend and will 100% go back.

What an absolutely incredible day out! I booked in with Jamie for my husband's surprise 40th birthday. There was 12 of us and Jamie couldn't have been more professional, patient and hospitable. We all did .22 rifle shooting. A range of targets, on point adjustments where required. If I could rate 10 ⭐ I wouldn't hesitate. Outstanding, from booking to delivery! We will absolutely be back! Bang smack in the middle of MTB haven, shooting was an awesome off piste activity that you absolutely shouldn't miss out on!

Wow! What an incredible stay my husband and I had. Our children bought us a Spa overnight stay as a present for our Golden Wedding Anniversary. We were not quite sure it was 'our thing'. How wrong were we!! The food was incredible. The service was brilliant. The facilities fabulous. The grounds and scenery stunning and to top it off, the Hot stones massage was totally amazing. We will definitely be back. Thank you everyone at Stobo Castle. You made everything perfect for us.

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our brunch spa day last Thursday. Lovely staff and great facilities. We enjoyed a quiet session in the pool, sauna and outdoor hot tubs. Very relaxing day finished with a manicure and visit to the lovely shop full of interesting gifts. Brunch on arrival was delicious as was the coffee and cake later.

Just returned from a two night stay with my partner and we had a fantastic time at Stobo castle. The food was excellent, always hot and the portions were generous. The menu variety was also great, I especially loved the sea bream on the lunch menu. The staff were all friendly and helpful, we felt well looked after. It was pricey but factoring in the spa treatments and all of the meals that came with the total price it felt really good value. We can't wait to come back!

We had a fantastic stay here to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. The hotel and rooms were finished beautifully and was exceptionally clean. The facilities are also brilliant, with lots of relaxing options to choose from. Would highly recommend if looking for a luxury spa experience.

What lovely facilities and staff at Stobo today. Very relaxing day although more recliners may be required at poolside? The lovely massage expert Viola knew what she was doing with a full body massage over an hour putting me at ease. Violas energy was wonderful and she was able to carry out her work while in full intelligent and interesting conversation. What a wonderful lady.

If you haven't yet put it on your lifetime bucketlist, then you're missing out on luxurious adventures. The Japanese garden is serene. The whole experience was exhilarating from spa, meals and services, excellent.

Went to Stobo castle for my partners birthday, we done the Simply Rejuvenating Spa Day and I would highly recommend it. The facilities are great, we enjoyed the 2 course lunch and the staff couldn’t have been better. I would highly recommend

Very interesting museum about the lead mining in the area. It is worth doing the tour as the guides are very knowledgeable . Stuart was very interactive with the tour members. The cafe was exceptional. The food was well cooked and reasonably priced. There are toilets and a gift shop here. The car parking is free to customers, although the part by the museum is small there is an overflow slightly up the hill.

Fantastic and unique experience. Me and my husband had a great time despite the rain. Highly recommend the tour, our guide Stuart was so knowledgeable and entertaining. I've already talked a few colleagues into visiting.

just reading some of the comments and can only assume they went to the wrong place!! £20 for a tour, 1-1 1/2 hours... rent over heads tour guides wages....? hardly a rip off, your supporting something special its more than just a fee, Chris in at the main desk was very friendly chatty and accommodating the guide was Davie, outstanding local knowledge chatty helpful and again accommodating not to mention his poem reading!! the work in digging that mine out and extending the tour in its self is an achievement!! if ever you need a pair of hands to come dig please it would be an absolute pleasure!! yes its a remote location yes its relatively small, but it makes up for it with authenticity character and charm!! and the food at the café is perfect and not over priced! ill be back for sure! Will

Set in some amazing countryside, with a very welcoming atmosphere. I only expected a mine trip, and got a tour of the village with alot of history and a musuem. With an excellent little tea room serving Full Scottish Breakfasts, and some great walks in the area. Really is a good day out

It was an afterthought that we stopped at this place for a tour of the mines, but it should've been our main event. We were so impressed and had a great time! Our guide Steve was very friendly and informative. There is quite a lot to the mines and you will have to wear a helmet (you are likely going to hit your head as you can't quite stand straight through most of it), part of it drips a lot so take a jacket. Following the tour of the mines, we were guided to the cottages and the fascinating library etc. All in, it took an hour and a half, and then there is a little museum in the main building. We were too late to book online but called up and were told there was plenty of space to just turn up. Free parking and toilets.

What an amazing place to visit. First of all the staff were so welcoming. They were not stuffy but really nice people to be around. Stuart, our guide, a qualified geologist, was amazing. He brought the place to life. Without him, it was a hole in the ground. With him, it was an adventure into the past.

Nice atraction for all family with panning experience and travel mine and village. Steward is very lovely and fun tour guide from lead museum. I strongly recommend order tickets before visit because is short parking places arounds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the home of one of my ancestors, so I was thrilled to be able to walk the grounds! The castle is very large. There are plenty of parking spaces, also an area to park and have lunch. Visitors were having a great time riding bikes while I was there. Dog friendly and sheep for as far as the eyes can see! Visiting the grounds was free and well worth the time as there are several trees on site that are very old and beautiful. Recommend a visit!

Beautiful castle and surrounding scenery. Booked a tour in advance- well worth doing and very interesting. There is a Rembrandt painting that can be viewed as part of the tour- a nice bonus! Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. We had lunch in the Castle Cafe afterwards which was tasty with generous portions. Lovely gift shop with a great selection.

Amazing place to visit with dogs that are happier off lead. Went twice in a week we loved it that much. Great walking routes, did multiple of them. Only paid for parking @ £2.50 for the whole day which is a steal. Cafe was lovely and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.

Drumlanrig castle and grounds are beyond anything we have been to before, the pink castle is stunning packed full of history amazing paintings and furniture. To be able to get so close to the Rembrandt was a real honour and a highlight of the tour. Gary the tour guide was brilliant really helping us understand the history easily he is very knowledgeable. The grounds are perfectly manicured it’s a real credit to all the staff who maintain the castle and grounds, the castle is still used and lived in by the duke and family he was there on our visit. Make sure to book the castle tour in advance as they fill up quickly

Beautiful grounds and an interesting looking building from the outside. Quite annoyed that the guy who took our money told us we could look round the castle as much as we liked, only to find out he meant from the outside. Seemed expensive without access to the castle.

What a fantastic day out . Loads to see and do. We did the castle tour and it was really interesting Gary the tour guide was fantastic . I would highly recommend taking a visit. The gardens are beautiful .

A full day out. Kids will love the play park and space. Adults will love the garden grounds and castle. It has something for everyone and the gardens are incredible.

Great waterfall, a good 40 minute uphill walk from the car park. Wander on to the loch on a flatter path to have a breather before heading back down.

Amazing views on this hike! The carpark up to the top of the waterfall is a bit of a steep trek and can be a bit harder if you are less fit than others.Definitely worth sticking with it until the end though trust me. Once you get past the waterfall its a lot less up hill and less steps to climb over.

Amazing place, the waterfall is about 30 minutes walk from the car park (£5 all day parking, big enough to fit camper van) and very steep but worth it in my opinion. We walked the further 30 minutes to loch skeen which was just unbelievably beautiful and quiet. It’s about 2km, not a hard walk after reaching the top of the falls but really worth it!

Wonderful place, fantastic walk up track to top of trail.

I loved coming here! A very peaceful and beautiful place to spend the day! There is quite a lot to do in the area. Speaking to on of the National Trust staff the walk up the taller side of the mountain takes roughly 45 minutes to get to the top. On the smaller side there is also a viewing point that is just as gorgeous and took me around 10 minutes or less to get to the top!

The falls are beautiful, but it’s 100% worth following the path all the way to the loch, which just appears as you round some rocks on the trail. Stunning.

One of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The drive there from either direction is amazing. The roads are nice to drive on and the views on either side are just incredible. Once there you are greeted by the most beautiful of views of a waterfall. Plenty of space in the car park. There's a small trail that takes you almost to the base of the waterfall and a larger trail that takes you right through the top of the hills and to the top of the waterfall. The views are INCREDIBLE. Photos definitely do not do it justice.

We stopped here for a lunch break on a coach journey to Scotland. Lots of space in the car park, and excellent toilet facilities. Enjoyed browsing around the shop, which offered a wide range of ladies and men's clothing, outdoor wear, shoes, homewares and gifts. Some beautiful ladies knitwear! Prices were reasonable, and there was a clearance sale with some great bargains. There's a whisky shop that sells not only whisky but also mead, wines made from various fruits, and cider, and a Scottish shop where you can find anything from tartan kilts, scarves and throws to preserves and other nice foodie gifts. Bought some Scottish confectionery, and the lady who served me was really helpful and friendly. There's also an interesting little exhibition about the mill's history and heritage, with weaving looms and a spinning wheel on display. The café had a good selection of sandwiches, children's lunch packs, breakfasts, cakes and drinks, but the queue was long and slow moving, which I found frustrating when we had only limited time here. There were clearly not enough staff to cope with the large number of visitors. Couldn't fault my ham sandwich however; it was freshly made, generously filled and good value at £3.95. Worth a stop here if you're travelling up to Scotland.

It's absolutely massive, loads of stock, one of the largest selections of shortbread I've seen, and everything is at a competitive price (not motorway service prices). Toilets at the back of the store were quite good quality, plentiful. The general feel of the store was a bit dated, but I don't mind it.

NOT a woollen mill. Don't come here expecting to be able to buy local Scottish wool. Check prices carefully as they have big signs with low prices and then tiny price stamp with nearly double the price. Very disappointing.

Large car park in front of shop dedicated to coaches. Smaller car park to the right hand side. Shop is full of products including clothes, food gifts and souvenirs at competitive prices. There is a cafe/restaurant on site. The shop is dog friendly but were told the cafe is not. Shame as we would have liked to have stayed longer. Staff are friendly and helpful and loved talking to our dog. Have been visiting here for lots of years when taking our holidays to Scotland and always find some great gifts to take home.

Good place to get Scottish souvenirs, clothes and food. Friendly staff, big assortments of everything. When we traveling to Scotland I always buy whisky here

Typical Scottish tourist trap catering for bus tours and other visitors.. Wide range of clothing and typical touristy rubbish. Although selling high end clothes it is quite run down. The restaurant is busy but I can't say anything about the quality of the experience as I didn't use it. Ok if you like highland cow stuffies and tartan.

I am a 20 plus Year Tour Coachdriver uk Alfa Travel/ Lancashire I Visit Moffat to give my 48 passengers a break as we Have travelled from the Scottish Highlands One of our 26 Hotels Fort William We was ,,,,,adding a Couple of photos 📸

Great visit. Lovely walks to waterfall and walled garden. Lots of space to burn off energy. Museum was very interesting. Good cafe and play park kept the kids busy 👍🏻

Lovely large park, lots of spaces for walking, relaxing and sport. Clean park, didn't see any dog poop for our entire walk around. Beautiful river running through the park with a small pebble beach area. Lots of interesting structures and places to see - Bandstand, water fountain, park, sports pitches, a museum and bike park. There is also a cafe with nice cakes and coffee.

Lovely walk around the park. There is the pavilion cafe which welcomes dogs inside and serves very nice coffee and wraps/ sandwiches and cakes etc. There is a tub of dog biscuits too, so dogs aren't left out

Amazing walk for dogs with stunning scenery! We loved our mini break here. Absolutely will return.

Absolutely lovely ,The museum with the Steve Hislop and Jimmy Guthrie rooms tribute to 2 greatest motorcycle racers was reason for our visit interesting local displays ,interactive things for children and good adventure playground lovely grounds ,nice cafe and plenty of parking

Great playground for all ages and lots to play on.

It'd a lovely garden, well maintained and a wide variety of flowers (buzzing with bees and butterflies) and vegetables. But I was saddened to see the apples, pears, plums and runner beans going to waste and rotting on the tree or ground. With a cafe in the area surely these should be harvested and used there or bagged and left by an honesty box.

Fantastic place for both kids and adults. Much cheaper than most similar places. Staff are very friendly and always seem to be happy to answer any questions. Amazing scenery, fun things to do, could easily spend the whole day here! Lots of slides, tobogins, play park, bouncy pillows, go carts, hay barn, trampolines and a little train ride which you can go on more than once. Fed lots of animals, there was a petting session with guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets and then kids fed milk to the baby lambs. They loved it! Just be aware that some animals, (a goat in our case) are very clever, and whilst you feed another animal they grab the feed bag out of your hands 🤣 All very funny though. Oh and there's a lovely cafe and delicious ice cream to end your day off. Perfect day, thanks we will be back again when next in Scotland! 😁👍

Honestly, one of, if not, THE best open farm we have ever visited across Ireland and Scotland! Loads of space, amazing cafe, plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals and loads of activities for the kids. We loved it and highly recommend a visit for young and old!

Great park, plenty parking and fair priced. Kids absolutly shattered on the way home, just way i like it to be. Guess it was the outdoor activities and dragging the seats to the top of the slides repeatedly. Disappointed boat pond closed due to lack of water And quad bikes also closed. But my kids still had a blast without so 5*

This place was absolutely fantastic family day out, we visited out of season so there wasn't crowds of people. There was so much to do for children and adults alike. All the outdoor slides and activities were so much fun!!! The kids loved feeding the animals and the cafe was a lovely spot to grab lunch. Would highly recommend a visit if in the area but also worth making the trip if travelling from further afield.

Feed the animals, hold rabbits.and guinea pigs. Lots to keep young and older kids occupied. Plenty of benches for picnic use. We had an excellent day

What an amazing place. My son (2 1/2) loved it Plenty of things to do, Staff very friendly and knowledgeable Food is reasonable priced Great value for price to get in Wheelchair/pushchair friendly Toilets very clean Lovely cafe very clean

Need kids to burn off some energy this place is perfect. the cafe was fantastic food not expensive and tasty loved the ice-cream. Staff very friendly.

What a lovely place to visit. We got lucky with the weather and had the place to ourselves too. £4.50 each. And a warm & educational greeting from Ian at the ticket kiosk. Free parking too. The 7mile drive from the A7 is quite the scenic road too, we enjoyed that. The castle is small but mighty! You can wander around it and go inside, also up stairs/gantries in the castle. There’s also a bonus of the chapel ruins on the opposite end of the path. Very pretty with its big tree within the site. Recommended for a couple of hours. Longer if you took a picnic too. There’s a toilet at the castle site too FYI.

Gorgeous castle to visit, it is a ruin so a lot smaller inside than expected. Small ticket office and there is a public toilet. Just a small walk from the old churchyard, parking is a lay-by in the road but enough room for around 8 cars. Very quiet when we went. As historic scotland members this one was worth the visit, surrounding area is beautiful.

Impressive castle with remains of a chapel close by. Part of the castle is inaccessible due to maintance but still worth a visit.

Interesting history in beautiful surroundings, if the weather is good take a picnic, such a relaxing and tranquil location, parking for 6-8 cars.

Currently shut due to H&S issues. Beautiful ruin, in a lovely setting, the chapel is also worth a look so peaceful and serenic.

Gaunt and gothic, Hermitage Castle is off the beaten track but well worth the effort. Very interesting history and friendly, knowledgeable staff in the small visitor centre.

Simply stunning, so happy we spent the time to visit.

Visited Hetland Garden Centre and Dino Park with my extended family of young adults. We all ate at the garden centre's cafe which had a well catered menu with options for vegans and intolerances. There was also a good selection of delectable cakes and desserts. A little on the expensive side but the food and service were all very good. The Dino Park was reasonably priced at £6 for adults and cheaper for children. The staff member was extremely friendly and helpful and the Park itself was well laid out with plenty to see and explore.

Absolutely brilliant family day out. We brought our 3yr old son for the first time and he had a great day. He said "best day ever!" Lots to do and see. Not expensive either.

Absolutely rubbish! We paid over £50 to see a bunch of plastic dinosaurs that don't even move...you can walk around it in less than 10 minutes, and they make you pay extra for soft play! The place is an absolute waste of time and money and looking very tired. The restaurant wasn't much better, lots of flies in the cake cabinet and the meals are more like kids party food! Please don't waste your money here! Go to one of the other local amazing farm parks or activities!

The dinosaur trail only takes 10/15m to walk around, but you stop and explore, 'digging' up bones and exploring the area. We stayed for about 2 hours, did three laps and spend an hour in the soft play. Decent hot food, really engaging staff with the kids, and unlike a lot of soft plays not cramped and really well maintained. Absolute must stop with dinosaur obsessed toddlers. A real gem.

Loved it. Went close to opening time and it was so lovely and quiet, perfect for my 3 autistic boys. Lots of different dinosaurs to see and they loved digging for fossils. Nice little playground in the middle for a run around. The soft play was good, not too big so easy to keep an eye on the kids. Staff were all very nice and friendly, talked us through the whole thing before we went in. It was just great.

Great place. Lots of variety for little ones. Good selection of dinosaurs, well landscaped, a lovely wooden park, one of the best soft plays I've ever seen, and the food was delicious. I'm gluten free and they had loads of GF cakes to choose from! My little boy had a brilliant time. We've also been when they decorate it around Christmas time and it looks great

Our 2 year old had a fantastic time, loved the dinosaur models and sound effects, and the playground was really good too. He spent a good 20 minutes playing in there alone. Recommended for any children with a dinosaur interest!

The road to the castle is a disaster! The gift shop and castle are worthy the visit. Staff very friendly and welcoming. We didn't go into the castle but I did take the dog around the moat as suggested by a staff member. I took lots of pictures. Beautiful views, the only thing that was a slight inconvenience is i didn't wear the right footwear! It's was a little wet around the back of the castle and my feet got soaked. Obviously this is my fault and no fault of the castle grounds. I was wearing trainers, I'd recommend boots or Wellingtons. Beautiful place though.

Absolutely loved this place. Soo unique in design. We visit lots of castles up and down the country and this is one of the most memorable. Beautiful surroundings, loads of history and some very knowledgeable, friendly staff. We will revisit, next time we pass through. Highly recommended

Our favorite castle of the 10 we visited on our 2 week roadtrip. Loved the kind staff and how you feel like you have the place to yourself to explore. It really feels like a fairytale with a moat and original site you can walk to nearby. So pictaresque and worth the drive.

Fabulous little castle, really interesting place with loads of history. Only a short journey from Dumfries. We didn't have to book ahead of time and were able to park easily. They also have a great little shop and small cafe. Lots of places to have a picnic and the area is great for dogs, with some nice paths and walks

Great place to visit, some restoration work being carried out, at present.Good car parking area, gift shop and video area to educate you on the history of the site. You do a small walk to the original castle site. Well worth a visit. Some areas of the castle are not accessible by wheel chair, for obvious reasons.

My favorite Castle of my first 9 days in Scotland. This one has a moat, like a true castle should. The draw bridge was destroyed centuries ago, along with part of the roof, and sections of it have been exposed to the elements for some time. There are sections repaired allowing access to the multiple levels where there is a roof protection that section. The prison was in good condition too. Crazy to know the prisoners were just tossed from 2 stories into the pit. Don’t bother checking out the original castle a short walk away, as it is flattened, and the perimeter blocks are all left near foundation level. Check out my photos.

Very interesting Castle/s. Parts were closed off but there was enough to have a wander around (albeit it's not particularly large for a castle. The staff in the shop/visitor centre were helpful and friendly. Worth a visit if you like castles/historic buildings.

Really nice place to visit just into Scotland. The restaurant was tidy and tables cleared quickly. The coffee was very good . Went into the blacksmith museum and enjoyed looking at the history of the place. The food hall very good with a few items of food I haven't seen before.

Got married in there a week ago! Beautiful place filled with character and history. Lots of cool souvenirs in the shop (husband bought the anvil jumper, I bought lots of things like magnets, mini whiskeys, Christmas decorations etc) the museum was very informative and interesting, there was a cute wall to put your story on! Staff very lovely and if you stay at one of their hotels you get 10% off (excluding alcohol) You'll always see someone getting married there. The Thursday we arrived we witnessed 4 during our visit. Then on or day I saw two others. Be warned if you get married here you may have tourists snapping shots of you! (Was a very surreal feeling but I didn't mind, they were all so sweet giving compliments)

Even though I really enjoyed going to Gretna, I felt it had changed so much. It's a beautiful place to visit but it's got very commercialised. That being said it still holds a big place in my heart.

A charming and historic spot that oozes romance! Famous for runaway weddings since the 1700s, the Blacksmith’s Shop is packed with character and fascinating exhibits. The museum tells the stories of eloping couples beautifully, and the setting feels like stepping back in time. Even if you’re not tying the knot, it’s worth a visit for the history, lovely gift shop, and cosy café. Staff are friendly and happy to share the legends of the place. A must-stop if you’re anywhere near the Scotland–England border. I also recommend bringing a lock to put on the ‘LOVE’ sign! We bought one from the gift shop and wrote our initials on it.

returned to visit after we wed here 21 years ago. all staff we encountered from gift shop to cafe or the museum were helpful and happy. the upgrades to the museum are a nice addition and interactive way to explain the history of the location

We must have hit on a quiet time to visit. Last time we visited the place was very busy. It was more enjoyable being able to amble around the site. I didn't realise couples actually get married here. We saw at least three couples set to get hitched. We visited the cafe which had a very tasty selection of varying foods on offer. My better half praised how tasty the Scotch broth was. We had a look in the souvenir shop and again we were met with an array of varying gifts. The Foodhall likewise, was very well stocked and the Shortbread shop offered many styles of shortbread. We were lucky with the weather as it was sunny. We spent a very pleasant couple of hours on site.

I only came to know this place while returning from Edinburgh. It is one of Scotland’s most famous and romantic destinations, renowned for its rich history of runaway weddings. Located just across the English border, it became legendary in the 18th century when young couples, often under the age of 18; fled here to marry freely. Under Scottish law, they could wed without parental consent, and the English authorities had no power to stop them. The village’s famous Blacksmith’s Shop, where these marriages were performed over the anvil, remains a symbol of love, freedom, and timeless romance- making Gretna Green a must-visit for history and heart alike.

We actually ended up at the wrong one. We were looking for Lakes Aquarium but typed it in the sat nav wrong. We have two boys aged 6 & 4 and we all had a great day, our 6 year old especially loved it. The crazy golf isn’t the greatest but the kids loved the park after it. Well worth it. The staff in the lab were very chatty and informative.

Visited here to expand the boundaries of a Lake District visit beyond the usual areas. So pleased I did. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. One gentleman in particular stands out for explaining the lifecycle of the jellyfish he was caring for. He clearly had a deep affinity for the subject and that came across loud and clear as he talked. This kind of makes you feel welcome there, rather than just someone who has payed for the right to pass through. The exhibits were varied and interesting. Also nice to see native / local species front and centre alongside their more exotic cousins. A genuine surprise was the free round of crazy golf that comes included in the entry fee. Not something you would normally pair with a visit to the Aquarium. The course is perhaps not the most colorful you will ever see, but it was free and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hole 13 is just not possible and I dare you to show me otherwise. Step of the beaten track and pay this place a visit if you can.

We spent a good hour walking around the aquarium before having a look around maryport, very friendly and knowledgeable staff, a lovely shop and cafe, talks and feeding shows and even a small cinema. Good variety of fish, octopus, jellyfish and lobsters. You even get a free game of crazy golf in with the price. After a look around maryport we went back in for another look around. If your in the area give it a visit. 👍

A really nice place with plenty of variety to see and do. Inside, you can even learn about fishing in their small cinema, plus there are drawing and colouring activities for kids. The biggest fun, though, is outside – there’s a splash park (very small, but great for little ones) and large play areas to burn off energy. It’s not the longest visit, but the bonus is you can come back as many times as you like on the same day with your ticket. A fun, family-friendly stop if you’re in the area.

Definitely worth a visit. You pay for your ticket and you are able to come and go throughout the day. You also have a game of mini golf included on your ticket which has 14 holes. The variety in the aquarium was great, it was a much bigger place than I thought! It also has a cafe and a brilliant playground around the back (you don't need to pay for this).

Lovely little quite aquarium, definitely recommend to go and visit loads of different types of fish and other little sea creatures. Kids will be entertained for sure.

Was very nice aquarium, lot of fish, I liked that you can go and came all the day with the same ticket, as in different times there are some fish feeding etc

Took the Grandchildren aged 6 and 4 here and our 6 year old got a slight injury from the metal lock on the harness but was dealt with very professionally by the staff. she also got scared when she climbed too high but was encouraged and given confidence by Michael who is an absolute asset to the business. His kind, patient and caring way with the children is wonderful to see. regardless of the 2 issues they had a great time.

Rubbish pay for an hour got 40 minutes. 10mins introduction and told to come out 10 minutes before the hour was up. Not enough staff clipping and un-clipping the kids so standing around with their arms in the air more than they were climbing.

Fun and good experience for kids

Great place the kids loved it. I would recommend to anyone and I will definitely be taking them back there ☺️

Always loved by grand daughter. Today harness was put on so tight she could hardly move. Told to go in to soft play area. Not what she wanted. Very uoset little girl.

It's a fab place to come and climb we have been here for several birthday parties and will be back again ourselves in the holidays

Knowledgeable friendly staff

The Castle is very impressive and the staff were absolutely passionate and knowledgeable. They gave great insights and getting the guide book made it easier to know where you were and find out more about each venue. The added bonus of the war museum showed great history as well. Definitely worth a visit and £15 to get in was not bad.

I had decided to have a bit of a wounder in and around town, the castle, Tullie house then get something to eat before head home. Had an explore around the castle witch was fun or it was rather empty I was expecting more things in the rooms. But saying g that it was still worth the money decided recommend to everyone.

A great place to visit this English Heritage site, full of wonderful border history. There is a military museum there, and a very small cafe that isn't dog friendly but the actual castle and grounds are. The medieval castle is very interesting with a small chapel where King David I died. There is also some excellent medieval graffiti!

Every time we come home, we visit and find something we didn't notice the last time. Staff here are extremely knowledgeable and I recommend doing the tour! Carlisle has some of the most interesting history through all ages in time.

We visited on a Saturday around 12pm and it was not busy, we were able to book tickets online and we were admitted quickly. The site has a lot of history and you can access the military museum as well as a fascinating keep. There are facilities including a cafe and gift shop.

Great. English Heritage. There's a huge carpark alongside the castle, very cheap and ideal for motorhomes - can stay overnight. Lots to see in the castle, including the museum. 'Interesting ' guide !! Didn't quite stick to EH acceptable script I suspect !! Great information boards, toilets, cafe etc. Well worth a visit if in Carlisle.

Very impressive castle, steeped in history. Spent a couple of hours there but could have stayed longer. Well worth a visit

Excellent museum, the dinosaur exibit very well laid out and informative. Plenty of space inside for wheelchairs users. Recommend to buy the annual pass as there is loads to see.

Tullie House has always been my favourite museum in the North West- Rich in local and Border History, Tullie House never fails to impress. Their limited time exhibitions are always presented to a very high standard, and I recently visited the rEvolution Dinosaur exhibit, which was a solid 10/10. The Tullie refurbishment makes the building look fresh and new.

Attractive local museum which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Nice cafe and arts and crafts related talks are sometimes held. Cafe gave a positive impression, did not consume anything there. Only looked at some free displays, some impressive artefacts like a prehistoric gold bangle and a large key to one of the old city gates. Attractive tiled stairway, mosaic floor and bannister with coats of arms

The kids absolutely loved it. It is so changed since I have been there. The exhibitions were great and the Dino exhibit was really interesting.

It’s our second visit to Tullie Gallery this year – and once again, the exhibition left us truly impressed! 🎨😍✨ There’s something about this place that keeps calling us back… always inspiring, always worth it. 💫🖼️ If you’re ever in Carlisle, don’t miss it! 📍👀 #TullieGallery #ArtVibes #CarlisleCulture #GalleryLove 💕🎭

The extra exhibition of dinosaur world is interesting and informational. However, at the lower floor of Roman exhibition was disappointing. For example, my young grandson was spelling out a name,that required a ,"u" after helping to search, no u's , so I spoke to assistant, apparently, no U's. This does not take into consideration, that our children learn phonetically, having a letter missing, is annoying. The rest of our explore was fine.

Recently opened exhibition Dinosaur rEvolution is well worth visiting. Great fun for a family and people of all ages. New discoveries about dinosaurs led to the new way of thinking about how they looked and how they lived. It is bright, it is interactive, it is informational, and it is fun.

A spectacular old cathedral in the northeast corner of England. It is a personal favorite and I would recommend a visit. Begin in 1123 in the Norman style, it was built with local red sandstone. Much of the church was rebuilt in the 13th century in the Gothic style. The ceiling is spectacular. Owen Jones designed and specified the painted star ceiling in Carlisle Cathedral’s choir during its 1856 restoration under architect Ewan Christian. The wooden barrel vault dates to the 14th century, but the medieval scheme was lost, and Jones—a prominent Victorian decorative artist known for his work on the Crystal Palace interiors—created the blue background with gold stars and angels, drawing from historical styles. It was later repainted in 1970 for preservation, maintaining Jones’s original vision. The east window is impressive. It is the largest and most complex such window in England at 51’ by 26’. It depicts events from the life of Christ; some of the panes in the upper portion are original, dating back to 1350. Parking in the area is good. There are several car parks within half a mile.

So nice to be able to wander around with the dog. It’s a beautiful cathedral with some unique points of interest, including the ceiling. Perhaps not the most impressive in the country but it holds its own. The grounds are also very pleasant.

Fabulous. A warm welcome on arrival, no pressure to pay or make a donation (which is high on our reviews of somewhere - happy to make a donation, but to be charged to enter a church !! Totally unacceptable in my view ...). Plenty of volunteers to offer historical information, really friendly. This cathedral 'feels' comfortable, warm and open. Really enjoyed the stories ... well worth a visit (& the donation !).

I visited the cathedral on June 2nd and was warmly welcomed by the kindest staff. Two gentlemen offered me a map, pointed out the must-see spots, and shared a timetable. They also noticed that my friend had stayed outside with his dog and proactively let me know that dogs are allowed inside. That thoughtful gesture really stood out. It was heartwarming to see how genuinely kind and attentive they were. And the cathedral itself? Absolutely stunning. Truly worth a visit!

Very old and interesting. The stain glass windows are in very good shape considering the age. The organ pipes along with the organ itself are really worth the visit. There are lots of buildings on the site which you can look around the library is interesting the entrance to which is through the cafe, the cafe has a large area outside and quite a large area inside the food is good. Would recommend trip here.

Today, accompanied by both my sons and grandmas, we spent a truly memorable two hours at Carlisle Cathedral—an experience that was both calming and profoundly awe-inspiring. The cathedral’s serene atmosphere speaks volumes beyond words, inviting quiet reflection within its historic, hallowed walls. We were fortunate to be greeted by a highly knowledgeable guide who kindly provided us with a detailed map and patiently answered all our questions, enriching our visit immeasurably. Although the organ wasn’t playing this week due to half-term, which was a slight disappointment, it gave us an opportunity to treasure the visual and spiritual grandeur of the space even more deeply. We took the chance to purchase a CD of the cathedral’s magnificent organ music, promising to carry a piece of the experience home with us. Carlisle Cathedral, with its timeless beauty and thoughtful stewardship, is a gem that left us inspired and grateful—a place to revisit time and again with loved ones.

Magnificent, pocket sized, deep-red sandstone cathedral, with a magical painted ceiling that will give you neckache for the time you will want to keep marvelling at it. It’s a small building with a pretty cloister, not really something you’d spend more than half an hour poking around, but if you’re in Carlisle, it’s definitely worth going out of your way to go and see this. Check opening times though, it isn’t always open. And maybe help support the cathedral by having a bite to eat at the cathedral cafe, as in the UK, this really is one of a kind - painted ceilings like this are what you see occasionally in France, but very rare in the UK. I remember being blown away the first time I saw it, I’d never seen anything of the kind before. Quiet, rarely many people, you’ll generally have the place to yourself.

To pay less than 14.00 for a Nana and three kids is amazing value! Staff are really friendly and helpful, and the inevitable “exit through the shop” is very parent friendly. The exhibits are brilliant, we had lots of fun, laughs and education! Thank you!

It was a very wet day in Keswick so we decided to visit the Puzzling Place. Such fun and a great learning experience as well, a fabulous, fun way to spend an hour.

Brilliant place, excellent value. We'd spent about sn hour in there but it was quiet so no waiting (or watching other people) Hilarious and very clever with lots of interactive displays with some nice science. Nice big rooms and probably the best gift shop ive ever been in!

Brilliant place to visit great value for money we all loved it

Great fun and dog friendly. Very good value, especially for the Lakes. Would definitely book tickets beforehand as it seems a very popular place and was not accepting walk-ins when we arrived.

The Puzzling Place is a brilliant, mind-bending attraction that’s full of fun and surprises. Every room is packed with clever illusions and exhibits designed to trick your eyes and challenge your perception. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but laugh and marvel at how easily your senses are fooled. Great fun for both kids and adults alike — a perfect mix of education and entertainment that leaves you seeing the world a little differently when you walk out!

Fun place to spend an hour or two. It's looking a bit tired nowadays and could do with a bit of a face-lift and maybe a few new illusions but still fun.

Castlerigg Stone Circle – A Mystical Gem of the Lake District! Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the most atmospheric and awe-inspiring places in the Lake District — a site that beautifully blends ancient history, mystery, and natural beauty. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, this prehistoric stone circle is believed to date back more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest in Britain. Standing among the stones, you can truly feel the sense of timelessness and connection to the past that makes this place so special. The panoramic views from Castlerigg are absolutely stunning — the circle is set against a backdrop of Helvellyn, Blencathra, and other Lakeland fells, creating a magical atmosphere, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s a peaceful, open site with no entry fee, easy to reach by car, and only a short walk from the parking area, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. What makes Castlerigg so memorable is its simplicity — just nature, history, and pure serenity. The site isn’t commercialized, allowing visitors to experience the raw beauty and mystery of the stones without distractions. It’s an excellent spot for photography, quiet reflection, or just taking in the stunning 360° landscape. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, spirituality, or simply want to enjoy one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Lake District, Castlerigg Stone Circle is an absolute must-visit. A place that stays with you long after you leave — calm, mysterious, and endlessly beautiful. 🌄🪨✨

Castlerigg Stone Circle in Lake District is a significant monument in Lake District which is approximately from 3000 BC. It consists of 38 stones, probably kept for religious ceremonies, astronomical observations, or a social gathering place. Its situated on a hill near Keswick that was formally preserved as an ancient monuments in 1883. It's surrounded by mountains on three sides that offers breathtaking view. Visited it as part of day trip. Highly recommend a visit to this monument

Magical place with 360° views of the surrounding beauty...the stones standing proud and unfathomable....but the guide from English Heritage gave us some idea of the current theories!! Older than Stonehenge so more stories to tell but accessible and free plus lovely sheep share the field with you and the stones. There is free parking on the access road and a cafe just down the road with all the facilities you could need😋☕!! Truly a detour well worth making and really a shame to miss it if in the area🐑✨☺️xx

Visited Castlerigg Stone Circle for the 2nd time - it is absolutely stunning. The views are breathtaking in every direction — wide open landscapes, and a sense of history that adds to the atmosphere. It’s a peaceful, memorable place to visit and well worth the stop.

An interesting place to visit. Even on a weekday it was quite well visited. We caught the bus and walked up. Patience required to get a photo with no people. Some information boards at the field margin. Careful where you put your feet, sheep keep the grass under control! Commanding views all around no doubt a reason for it to be situated here.

It's free which is always a plus and it was lovely to visit. The view is lovely but we went on a day where the weather turned so it was largely grey and rainy, but still very atmospheric. It's not far at all to the local town as well as the nearby lake. There were quote a few people visiting at the same time but just waiting about 10 minutes and they dispersed so we got some pictures without groups of people in them.

Interesting place, older than Stonehenge. No charges and free parking on the road(if you can find a space). Worth the visit if for no other reason but to admire the fantastic views of the mountains all around.

Beautiful place is derwent water i came here for a wild camp with my dog and had a great time. I did repair a couple of firepits someone had left. Have some respect for our beautiful outdoor space.

Beautiful place this with lots to do and enjoy clean fresh air. We walked around the Lake and it is a splendid area to stroll around.

We walked around the lake and it took roughly 7 hours. To be able to take your time and really enjoy the scenic points, I'd recommend 9 hours. You could get a boat across if you have people with you who aren't able to do the whole walk. The views around the lake are incredibly beautiful and worth taking some time to explore or relax.

Derwent Water : A Lakeside Escape from Keswick. 📍Lake District 🌊 Just outside the town of Keswick, Derwent water offers a scenic lakeside trail along the waymarked Derwent water Walk, this trail is surrounded by parks, mountains and breathtaking scenery. Families love gathering by the shore to feed the ducks, feed available for just 50p. Book a scenic boat trip (boat hire) at the Keswick Launch ticket office. 🍦 Treat yourself at nearby ice cream parlours and restaurants dotted along the route. Start your walk through Crow Park and Hope Park, then follow the trail to Friars Crag, one of the Lake District’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Don’t miss the bench overlooking the lake, a perfect photo spot with panoramic views. 🚙paid parking available nearby

Would have loved to be in a canoe today, water was so still and peaceful... lots of wildlife to see also .Wow !

Stunning!! Absolutely stunning! Visited late November. The leaves were off the trees so the views were spectacular! It's an easy 9.5 mile walk round. Clear paths. Very little climb and no styles. Short walks on roads. We went on a Wednesday, the weather was bright but cold. Lovely and quiet although I can imagine it gets very busy on weekends and holidays . Kettle well car park is National Trust so it is free to park for members. Lovely coffee van about a mile from St Mary's hotel.

Went a walk around derwentwater at the weekend.. It says 10 miles ,but my watch said nearer 14 miles .. Great views of the water and mountains.. It's all on the flat, so an easy walk ,.. There are plenty of places to grab a cuppa and cake on route ..

A brilliant hike within walking distance from Keswick. As a ‘larger’ man, hill walking and hiking are not my speciality but Catbells provided a good mix of inclines which allow for plenty of rests if needed. The views of Derwentwater are great and the different routes to the summit provide choices for hikers.

Very recommend this hike if in Keswick. At one point seemed a but steep climb , but keep going , the views will not disappoint. Took me 1.5 hours to complete

A must-do, and perfect for families! The views are absolutely stunning — and the promise of ice cream at the end kept my kids motivated all the way. It can get busy, but everyone we met was friendly and respectful. The loop is about 3.5–3.7 miles with around 1,200 feet of elevation gain. It’s demanding but absolutely doable with a steady pace. Just be sure to bring plenty of water!

Elite, tier 1, lingering loveliness. Catbells is a stunning wee hike. Don’t front on it. Mix it up with a lakeside amble followed by a pint or three at the Swinside Inn makes for one almighty afternoon

Great views. Walked and returned from Keswick with Sid the Border Terrier. Little bit of easy scrambling. Descended via old quarry and along Newlands Valley.

If you're not very fit it's hard work but worth it for the breathtaking views. You need to take water and wear proper footwear. It's not as long a walk as it seems but it is a steep incline. I went on a Sunday when it was 20°c and it was very busy. Parking was very easy and £5 for the day, but it was on a field (bear this in mind if you're in a 2 wheel drive car in bad weather!). Easy walk down to Derwent water for a picnic, walk, or a swim if you're brave enough.

It was our first family hike. You need to be at certain level of fitness to do it. It is family friendly but at times it can be dangerous. I would highly recommend to have hiking sticks. It helps massively. Especially towards the end. At slow pace you can make to the top and go down in 3 hours

Amazing place, visually stunning and really makes you rethink your position in life as well as the Uk as a whole. Tour guide was absolutely fantastic and can be forgiven for his football alliances. Well worth a visit, booking is a must!!

3 of us visited yesterday for the adrenaline pass activities. We were not disappointed! We were scared, excited, nervous, surprised, exhilarated, terrified etc!!!!🤣 Our guide Heather was amazing….. just the perfect combination of encouragement and support along with no nonsense attitude! Climb the mine was great, hard going at times! The infinity bridge in the rain and wind, well I’m sure you can imagine what that was like! The drop….. amazing! Terrifying but amazing! The adrenaline buzz is awesome, as was the feeling of satisfaction when we’d done, we couldn’t stop smiling! 😊 I’d recommend it to anyone but be prepared for your body to feel like it’s had the mother of all workouts the following day! Thank you for a wonderful experience! X

I did the Adrenaline Pass, which included the Infinity Bridge, Climb the Mine, and The Jump—a 30m freefall experience (the only one of its kind in the UK!). It was brilliant fun and well worth the money. The staff were lovely, the weather was great, and the views were absolutely stunning. Didn’t see any low-flying aircraft this time, but it was still such an amazing few hours. A fantastic experience all round—highly recommend!

This was such a fun and exhilarating thing to do! We did the Via Ferrata Extreme. Zara our guide was friendly and professional and put our mind at ease. At least give it a go, once in your lifetime. Climbing the outside of a mountain, mega fun 😊

We've just had the best afternoon here!!! We done the Mine Tour first and then The Infinity Bridge....which was absolutely brilliant! We were so lucky (not with the weather.....it rained but that's the Lake District for you) as no one but us had booked the 3pm slot. We had Heather (who was really fun....plus an EXCELLENT photographer) as our guide and we just had the best, most fun, experience and got some great photos to remember it by.

A brilliant day out. We did the Full Adventure which included a morning canyoning down a river, jumping, swimming, and abseiling our way down. After lunch we had a "walk" across the longest infinity bridge and then had a climb around the cliff face on the via ferrata experience. Even the drizzle in the afternoon didn't prevent this activity, and we were so engrossed we hardly noticed how wet we were! Our guide was Hannah, who was amazing at keeping the fun and excitement going all day and taking lots of superb action photos, which were sent to us for free at the end of the day. Probably one of the best days I have had. Yes, it is a lot of money, but considering all the equipment that was provided to take part in the activities, and put the activities together, it was tremendous value. Worth every penny. Highly recommended fun.

Great experience in the slate mine. Took my 85 year old mum and she loved it. We took our time getting around and didn't feel under pressure at all. Great tour guide with a fantastic sense of humour!