A great experience. I wasn't aware that the Walsall leather trade was the epicentre of the world for leather made goods for saddle making and the military. Over 1000 people were employed in Walsall in the year 1900. You also have the opportunity to make your own leather keyring tag.

Had a wonderful time visiting the Walsall Leather Museum! The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of leather production in Walsall, which has been a center for leather craftsmanship for centuries. The exhibits are well-organized and feature a variety of artifacts, from traditional tools to beautifully crafted leather goods. The museum also has a lovely shop where you can find unique leather products, perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself. One highlight was the opportunity to create a customized key ring right on the spot for just £0.60! You can choose your design and have your name added—it makes for a perfect keepsake. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the enjoyable experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

Visited for our "leather" wedding anniversary. Lovely little free museum and a good way to get a feel for Walsalls history. Make sure to make a keyring and give a donation.

We had an absolutely fabulous day out here. The staff are super friendly and helpful, with a special mention for Ian who was so informative and spent ages chatting with us about local history whilst we made some key rings! All of the museum has disabled access and the lift can be accessed with help from a member of staff. This place is full of brilliant local history that should be treasured and preserved for future generations!

Lovely place to spend a couple of hours. There's a tea room with food available. Lots of informative videos. Things to interact with. We got a chance to make our own key ring for a small charge of 60p. Completely free to enter and the price of the gifts in the shop are reasonable for the kids too. Lots of leather goods to purchase. Staff are friendly and informative!

An excellent place to visit giving a very interesting history of Walsall and the leather industry.

Was free to go in. Small place, not busy which suited our SEND family. Made a keyring or two at the end, which was very cost effective. You'd only spend about 1 hour in here, we spent 3 hours as there was quite a few of us and we all made a few different keyrings. Staff were lovely and friendly. Gift shop is leather goods they have made at the museum, and a few toys. They offer different courses if you are into things like painting. It's ashame that the council are moving this museum, as the history will be lost. The benches that many have worked on, the windows many looked out on their working shift, their work stations... All lost because the college wants to space to expand, even though it moved from the opposite side of the road to the site it is currently in. Go very soon before it's moved and you can no longer run your hand down the wooden work benchs that bares our history.

I had a fantastic experience visiting Blue John Cavern. Our guide, Nigel, was absolutely brilliant – so knowledgeable, full of fascinating facts, and with a great sense of humour that made the whole tour really enjoyable. He is a great guide. The journey down into the deepest show cave was exciting in itself, and while it may not be the most traditionally beautiful cave, it was certainly impressive and atmospheric. Seeing the natural veins of Blue John stone in the rocks was a real highlight and gave the place a unique charm you don’t find elsewhere. Overall, a memorable visit made even better thanks to Nigel’s engaging and funny storytelling.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A wonderful experience! I absolutely loved my visit to Blue John Cavern! The cave itself is stunning — the colours of the stone and the underground chambers are truly magical. Our guide was fantastic — funny, full of energy, and clearly passionate about the place, which made the whole tour even more enjoyable. The ladies in the gift shop were super friendly and helpful, and I left with a lovely souvenir and a big smile. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the Peak District!

Fantastic place to visit. Make sure you wear sensible footwear. The guide was great and gave us lots of rest stops on the way down and up. He was very knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable. The shop was well stocked and the staff were able to adjust my bracelet while we waited. Would definitely recommend. We even took our dog with us. She was totally unfazed.

We visited Blue John Cavern this Sunday, weather was a little damp which I think may have helped with parking as there didn’t seem to be an actual carpark as such just some bays on the road towards the entrance. I can imagine in good weather it would be much busier. We were a group of 8 and managed to book tickets when we arrived for a tour with some other people that started around 15 minutes later so there wasn’t much hanging around which was good as the facilities were not extensive. As someone who is not great with heights and enclosed spaces I was nervous especially when we first walked into the entrance and started the decent of the 245 steps within the cavern in quite a narrow space. Secure hand rails each side on this part helped me keep my balance and get my nerves under control. Once we reached the first open space I was more accustomed to the environment and while the steps are steep in places and a little slippery, the pace was good with plenty of stops and safety was a priority. Massive thanks to our guide Nigel, whose personality & enthusiasm for the caves along with his knowledge of its history & geology made the whole experience come alive. His help with a torch (or two) was also much appreciated in helping capture some fabulous photos of areas not lit up by the general lighting. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip, even the climb back up to the top! The surrounding countryside is absolutely stunning and with the cavern being roughly at the base of Mam Tor it was so interesting to see the beautiful countryside but also the hidden beauty beneath the surface.

I first visited this cavern when I was 9 on a primary school trip. Living close at the time the school went every year, amazing memories. Fast forward to present day aged 46 and I'm still that little child at heart, my wife couldn't understand my excitement about going down , after a few minutes I saw her inner child seeping through, the descent is long and very enjoyable with plenty of rich history and things to see. The guide was brilliant, he made the experience what it was with his knowledge and humour. Being the only recorded blue John location in the world with it's radioactive rock, this is a must see for anyone who likes to explore. Very friendly staff and a great cafe outside too.

Tony was our guide and he was amazing He was very knowledgeable and put with a lot of questions from us The cavern itself is wonderful, it formed in an unusual way and contains visible veins of blue john, which is unique to the cavern. There are a lot of steps and uneven ground which is also often wet, so be cautious. Parking is a short walk away from the cavern, only a minute or so but it is up a hill. There is no cafe on site, though i think that there is at the top of the hill and open seasonally. There is a gift shop with hot and cold drinks and small snacking bits like biscuits and chocolate.

It was very quick to pay for the tickets and go on the tour. The place is very slippery so wear sensible gripping shoes. There are toilets at the back of the shop. Dogs are welcome but you need to have them on a lead. Tour is about an hour and some bits are very steep so do take care. It was very interesting to see the parts where people used to work within the mine, crazy really. The only part I disliked was at the end of the tour a tip box is put out which ruined the whole feel of the tour, being that it was £19 each to go on it.

A good trip through the old lead mine, thank you to the team. The steps down are steep but very manageable. The narrow boar ride through the tunnel is quite awesome, however I would have like to have known more facts and figures about the mine and tunnels to make it more interesting, also we could not hear much due to shouting pre schoolers!

This trip is a complete rip off. Hands down it is the worst ‘cave visit’ we have ever been on. After telling 8 family members I’d found an exciting day out we paid in total £176. we arrived at the carpark looking forward to our day out. Although this is advertised online I am still astounded that the cavern owners find it acceptable to charge £6 to park for visitors who book the tour. They ‘kindly’ reimburse each visitor £2.50 on arrival but then in the same transaction demand 50p per person each time someone wishes to use the toilet. Never mind I thought, the tour will be worth it. It isn’t, don’t waste your money. You sit in a boat to be floated along a dark passageway unable to hear the tour guide tell you useless information. At the far end of the tunnel I believed that there would be a cavern or cave to explore…. It turns out there is a very small opening with nothing to see. So you stand and look at nothing for 10 minutes and then get back in the same boat and take exactly the same journey out, I left the cavern not knowing any more information about its history than when I arrived. Even at half the price the tour wouldn’t be worth the money. My advice would be to visit the other showcases in the area. They can’t possibly be any worse value for money.

We booked in advance online for 3 adults and 2 children and arrived in good time to pay for parking and obtain the partial redund for it. We also later used the toilets for 50p too. Can't see any issues there. The staff in the shop were lively and helpful and ticked our name off the list. We headed to wait to go underground. Archie was our guide and provided us with our hard hats and we headed down the 106 steps to the boat. He kept us all thoroughly entertained for the 90 minutes we were with him. The 10 minutes in the cave at the end were a great photo opportunity and when we headed back, he discovered the boat had a power issue and he had to use hand and foot power to get us back! A great trip! Archie kept us informed throughout with some great stories....

Did the small tour here as part of our winter itinerary and it was a great way to pass some time. Sam, our tour guide, was brilliant — full of fun and jokes from start to finish, which made the whole experience really entertaining as well as interesting. The tour isn’t huge, but for the winter cost it’s definitely worth it. A cozy, quirky little adventure when the weather isn’t great outside. Would happily recommend. Follow us for more ➡️ @daddyslittlelunchbox

Speedwell Cavern is a 4.5/5 experience—unique, educational, and a little bit thrilling. It’s not a traditional "pretty" cave like some others in the Peak District, but its industrial history make it stand out. If you love hidden gems (literally!) and stories from the past, this is well worth a visit.

We had a great time here. We booked last minute as the weather was bad but this was a really interesting trip. Freddy was our guide on the boat and he made the tour fun and informative.

Had a great time visiting Speedwell Cavern today! The underground boat trip through the old lead mine was a really unique experience – eerie, atmospheric, and surprisingly peaceful. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing some fascinating history as we drifted through the narrow tunnels. It’s not something you get to do every day, and definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. Wear warm clothes – it gets chilly down there!

Great place to walk over the mountain, enjoy water and have lots of fun. Get ready to spend at least 4 hours. There is parking facility and credit card is accepted. There are toilets for free. Carry food & get ready to walk for kms. Great pleasure ahead.

A beautiful area with plenty of walking, the path along the riverside can be rough in places so mind your step. The walk (fairly steep and loose) up Thorpe Cloud by the stepping stones gives stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Beautiful place, however the natural beauty is spoiled by many who leave behind all their rubbish. Fulled used baby nappies in the car park, left in the parking bay with bins within 20 yards, plastic bottles, crisp packets amongst many. The National Trust staff try their best to litter pick and offer bin bags to large families who set up picnics but there are still many individuals who can't use the bins. Maybe it's a strange concept or maybe they are just dirty, lazy people. This is a national park that should be looked after by all.

One of my favourite places to hike in the Peak District because of how gorgeous it is and how accessible it is for us. The stepping stones are always fun. The climb to Thorpe Cloud is lovely for a great view and very doable with kids. There's a £6 min. charge for parking (unless you have a National Trust membership, in which case it's free). There's a small coffee truck on the car park for refreshments. We tend to take a picnic with is instead.

I visited Dovedale Stepping Stones recently and absolutely loved it.The walk from the car park is short and easy, with gorgeous views of the River Dove all along the way. The stepping stones themselves are such a fun and iconic feature,great for kids and adults alike❤️❤️

Dovedale is a gem of a dale, I as a preference would say it is the best of the Derbyshire dales. It has a very nice river with lots of bird life, you can walk down the whole length. There are stepping stones to cross the river,caves which have been lived in and if you fancy a challenge you can walk to the top of Thorpe Cloud. On coming to the Ilam end there is a national trust car park and cafe. If you carry on into Ilam passed the memorial you get to Ilam Hall which i9part youth hostel and part national trust with a cafe belonging to the national trust,you can also get food from the youth hostel.

Lovely and scenic walking tracks with a no of spots for picnic. Lovely lime stone formations.. The tracks are not wheelchair friendly...

This was my 7 yr old daughters first visit to a proper theme park she absolutely loved it. I am not so keen on rollercoasters as I have gotten a bit older, however the roller coasters here, although fast at twisty, did not feel like they were trying to fling you out of the atmosphere. Very enjoyable rides, and my daughter is already itching to go back, and also eager to try something bigger and faster. The whole family enjoyed the small zoo which is there also. The Red Panda, Gibbons and Meerkats were the favourites.

Our family had the most wonderful stay-and-play experience at Drayton Manor Resort, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! My wife, our 5-year-old son, and I visited recently during their Halloween special, and it was a magical experience from start to finish. Everything — from the themed décor to the warm hospitality — made it one of the best family getaways we’ve ever had. The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the Thomas Land theme park. Our little boy is a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, and seeing his face light up when we entered was priceless. He absolutely loved riding on the Thomas-themed trains, meeting his favourite characters, and exploring all the fun rides designed especially for younger children. The park was beautifully decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, friendly ghosts, and cheerful seasonal music, creating a festive yet family-friendly atmosphere. Every corner had something new to discover, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the experience enjoyable for both kids and parents. We also stayed overnight in one of the Thomas & Friends-themed rooms, and it was simply amazing. The attention to detail was outstanding — from the Thomas bedding and wall art to the little touches that made our son feel like he was sleeping in Sodor itself. He was so thrilled that he didn’t want to go to bed, and the next morning, he didn’t want to leave! In fact, he kept asking if we could stay “just one more night” so he could go back to Thomas Land again. The staff throughout the resort were friendly, helpful, and always smiling, which made the experience even better. The food options were great, and everything was clean, well-organized, and family-oriented. Overall, Drayton Manor Resort is a dream destination for families, especially those with young children. We created some truly special memories and can’t wait to visit again — maybe next time for Christmas or summer!

Wow, what a season, and it’s not over yet! Well done Drayton Manor for the friendliest welcome, be it customer services, ride staff, and catering staff. New entertainment, more atmosphere, and an incredible Halloween theming, and the light and firework show last night 😱. We have had a brilliant year and look forward to Christmas! Keep doing what you do - great value great family entertainment 🙏

We had a wonderful day at Drayton Manor! The rides were fantastic, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many of the thrill rides our children were able to go on. The Halloween entertainment was excellent — our children especially loved the trick-or-treating experience. There was great entertainment and a fun atmosphere all around the park, with lively music adding to the Halloween spirit. The park itself was really quiet, so we were able to walk straight onto most rides, which was a huge bonus. All the staff were super friendly and really embraced the Halloween theme, which made the day even more enjoyable. We had lunch at Safari Pizza, and the family deal was great value for money. Later, we treated ourselves to Halloween milkshakes and a Halloween waffle while watching the water show — both were delicious and again, very reasonably priced. The water show was a lovely extra touch that we all really enjoyed. The zoo was another nice addition to the day, and it was lovely to see how well cared-for the animals looked. A few rides, like the rapids and the pirate ship, were closed, but honestly, we wouldn’t have had time to fit them in anyway — there was so much else to do! It’s a shame we don’t live closer, as we would definitely buy an annual pass. However, we’re already planning to return soon for the Christmas celebrations 😀 thanks !

Loved the Halloween theme. The park was not very busy. We had fast passes but didn’t have to use them. It’s great that they allow you to use the fast passes at a later date.

Drayton Manor is perfect for children up to about 13, or for teens who prefer medium size coasters. My pre teen enjoyed all the rides, it was the perfect fear level for her. There are 5 big rides, plenty of medium size rides and loadsss of little rides for toddlers. The theme was Halloween and the whole place was decorated lovely! We didn't get chance to visit the zoo, but we will definitely be back to do it all over again and make sure we save time for the zoo.

I did the stay and play offer for myself and my son. We had a free room upgrade when we arrived which was lovely. Included in our stay were two days entry to the park, fast track passes for rides, free parking and breakfast. Friendly helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms. The park itself was tidy. Wait times for some rides were long, especially The Wave! Took ages for them to load the trains , giving half the train to fast track and half to regular waiting customers, just felt wrong considering how long we were waiting. Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time.

I have visited the NEC Multiple times over the years for insomnia gaming festival & always found the venue to be clean, plenty of toilets and huge venue that can hold a massive capacity. Get in here is very simple, but the word of warning I do give people is to book parking in advance as if you don’t, it can be quite expensive. If you do book an advance, it costs around £5 for the day which isn’t bad at all considering you will probably be at the venue for sometime. The NEC Provides such a huge variety of shows and I really do like the venue, I do recommend this place.

Birmingham NEC must be one of the best places in UK for professional events for businesses. I went for the labs exhibition and particularly water purification systems. Happy days as the actual company I had been dealing with was there and made it much easier to understand what it was i needed. Rather than what I thought I needed. Good follow up and learned a few new things while there. Easy parking. Shuttle busses every ten minutes. Food and beverages in the halls. Enjoyed the day. Got what I needed from it.

Great exhibition space, well organised, right next to Birmingham International station and airport (with a short ride on the airport shuttle). Plenty of toilets, including accessible ones and changing places, with lifts and ramps between levels. There is a large shopping centre just 5min walk away for even bigger choice of restaurants. The Classic Motor Show is a great event for the autumn, when all open air vehicle displays wind down. Reserve the whole day or two, as you won't like to leave! Don't miss the halls 7-8, as it's easy to overlook them. Thank you, Classic Polonia for your great display!

NEC: A Review The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham is a truly massive venue with a surprising amount of space. I recently attended the Gravity exhibition and was impressed by the center's accessibility and efficiency. Getting to the NEC was incredibly easy, with direct access from the motorway, which is a huge plus. What really stood out, however, were the fast-moving queues. For a center of its size, they've clearly mastered the flow of people, making entry a breeze. Overall, the NEC is a well-designed and highly efficient venue that makes attending large events a pleasant experience. Its ease of access and quick-moving queues are a testament to its excellent management.

We are so lucky to have such a colossal exhibition centre only and hour away from us. We went to motorcycle live show which was fantastic, all the latest machines for next year. At the same time there was two other events on at the NEC which just shows how massive and versatile this place really is.

Nice place to dwell on the past. Had a bit of a market on inside.. sadly I couldn't get past the helmet stand.. They also had guest speakers too.. Henry Cole and the main man Alan milnyard. Few other events on too.. got a bit to packed, so left for a coffee across the way.

Great day out at the bike show,my friend has booked a few test rides out on a few bike he likes, there were a few bikes I liked, which surprised me, the India FTR 1200 and a Dot which I thought was the best bike their, never seen one before, look them up ( Dot motorcycles ) they're not cheap but if you had one you'd soon have crowd around you, I think they start about 20k up.

Great day out for my daughters 10th birthday. Bonus as May was buy one get one free so really good value! As the girls were 10 I didn't have to go in the pool or on the snow play sliding with them (extra bonus 😂) but easy to watch and manage. Snow play staff were lovely. Life guards a bit moody to be honest.

I recently visited Tamworth Snowdome and have mixed feelings based on two very different lesson experiences. If, like me, you’re someone who learns best through clear instruction and explanation (and not just being told to “give it another go”), I really recommend thinking carefully about which lessons you book. My first session was a 9am Saturday Fast Track lesson, and honestly, it wasn’t great. There was very little actual teaching - we were mostly just sent down the slope repeatedly with minimal feedback. We were merged with another group and had to do more standing around and waiting rather than actual skiing. I was the slowest in the group and unfortunately the instructor didn’t handle that very kindly. When I asked genuine questions - like how to walk at the top of the slope without slipping - she (Rhea) just smiled and didn’t give an answer. It felt dismissive and unhelpful. I was also moved into a line with a longer wait time because I was struggling, which made me feel singled out. I do want to highlight Max, who was assisting that day - I learned more from his quick tips than from the main instructor. But overall, I left that lesson frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling like I’d wasted my money. That said, my Level 2 lesson the same afternoon was the complete opposite experience. Adam and Joe were brilliant - patient, clear, happy instead of grumpy, and genuinely helpful. They told me exactly what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. Within three more runs I was skiing with control, and by the end I was confidently linking turns. They turned a discouraging morning into a huge win, where my partner noted I was smiling constantly and more relaxed. I honestly can’t thank them enough. My advice: If you’re someone who needs proper explanation rather than just trial-and-error mixed with standing around, book Level 1, 2, and 3 separately instead of Fast Track. You’ll get more focused teaching and less pressure to keep up with the quickest learners. Also, go with an instructor who actually instructs. I also found (in my personal experience) that the male instructors were warmer and more helpful than the female instructors - as there was a older lady instructing a group we were later merged with, who wasn’t very warm, but that may vary and isn’t meant as a blanket statement. In the end, I’d still recommend Tamworth Snowdome - just be mindful of which lesson format you choose. With the right instructor, it’s absolutely worth it.

What a fantastic day. All 3 of my boys went to Clip and Clmb and had their first lessons snowboarding. Every member of staff were so polite and professional. The food in Aspen was great and pizzas delivered on a mini snowboard was great. A big shout out to Imogen and Ethan the boys instructors who were amazing from start to finish, their smiles and constant tips to push them on had them from wobbly newbies to being independent and in control. Thanks for such a memorable day!

We bought a group of 6 kids to SnowDome for a snowboard lesson! Special thanks to Coach Leo who was absolutely amazing and made the session so much fun for them . We did ski with lift pass the next day and the staffs there were all really lovely and helpful. Great experience all round! We will definitely book again.

I recently completed the beginners’ Ski course and it was absolutely fantastic! I can’t praise my instructor, Ben P, highly enough. He was incredibly attentive and patient with everyone in the group, giving each of us the confidence we needed to get out on the slopes. Ben spent plenty of one-on-one time with those who needed extra help and made everyone feel completely at ease. If all the instructors are anything like Ben, I’m certain anyone who joins this course will have an amazing experience and make great progress. Highly recommended!

I attended a Fast Track 1 lesson, but the group was far too large and the instructor was quite abrupt. Several children became upset during the session. With so many participants, there wasn’t enough time for proper attention to each learner, so class sizes should definitely be smaller. It also didn’t feel like a safe or suitable environment for beginners, as there is no dedicated training area. While waiting on the slope for my turn, I was knocked over by a free-skiing skier, and snowboarders from the top slope were repeatedly coming through the group as well. There is only one entrance and exit, meaning everyone — beginners included — is funnelled into the same crowded space. If I were a more confident skier coming from the top, I’d be concerned about finding a safe gap to get through with such large groups blocking the run. Given the venue’s limited space, they really need better crowd control — smaller groups and/or set training hours would make a huge difference. Clearly this isn’t a priority though, as it seems the focus is on maximising money rather than safety or learning experience. To highlight that point: the pass was £120 per person. So with around 10 in the group, that’s roughly £1,200 for a 3-hour session — yet the experience felt overcrowded and poorly managed. Finally, the instructor we had should reconsider their approach. Shouting at people that they are “not doing it right” only creates a stressful environment and doesn’t help anyone improve.

I recently took my first group ski lessons for beginners at Snowdome Tamworth, where three instructors were looking after our group. During the session, one of the instructors — Adam K. — really stood out. His passion, friendly attitude, and clear guidance helped me take my very first steps on the slope with confidence. I felt truly supported throughout the lesson. Because of this great experience, I decided to book a few private lessons with Adam K. as well. I never thought someone as clumsy as me could actually learn to ski, but thanks to his patience and excellent teaching, I did! I highly recommend Adam K. for ski lessons — he is an outstanding instructor!

Went to Chatsworth for the Christmas markets, light trail and to see the house wonderfully decorated for Christmas. Really enjoyed the decorations in the house, which was a nature theme this year, bringing the outside in. The grandeur of the house is magnificent, with a great history, you can wander round at your own leisure. There are guides in every room who are friendly and very approachable ready to answer any questions you may have. There are lots of places to eat and drink and some nice gift shops, plenty of toilets and amenities for baby changing and people with disabilities. The grounds are extensive and well kept, I particularly liked the rock garden, which looked lovely lit up. The market is very good, with all the usual Christmas stalls, selling gifts and food/wine/ gin tasting, most off the stalls I did notice were card only, I did draw some cash out and ended up spending it in the gift shops. The ground the stalls are on is all got a ground cover on so not muddy. There is plenty of seating areas for when you grab a coffee or burger etc.

We enjoy visiting Chatsworth House. This time an art exhibition was on display, which changed the experience in a positive way. We don’t always get to see the animals, but we were able to this time around. The weather was great. The staff were helpful. We had a poke around the shops. A lovely day out. I would recommend to anyone, especially if you haven’t been before

Visited Chatsworth Christmas on the 23rd November. It was truly a lovely day. The Christmas market is excellent, very different from your average UK Christmas market. The quality of food, drink and products on offer was brilliant. Definitely visit the Scone hut, they are truly to die for. Chatsworth House Christmas display is outstanding and walking the garden just adds that extra dimension to a great day. Add in the gift shops and the overall atmosphere and you will not be disappointed. If you are local in Derbyshire then do one thing, go to Chatsworth, its a no brainer.

The Chatsworth Christmas ticket gives you access to the House, unlimited entry to the gardens for one day, and you can also access the Christmas market (which is free). It’s a lovely day out and well worth the ticket price. Be warned, food and drink inside is very pricey (but what do you expect?). I’d recommend the Stables for something lovely and warm that doesn’t break the bank.

Fabulous visit to chatsworth house & Christmas Market. Lovely stalls to look round. You will love the house with all the Christmas trees and the wonderful decorations. The walk round the gardens were just wonderful too. So worth a visit at this time of year.

An absolutely magical, Christmas experience! The house itself is mind blowing and each room makes you gasp with how much detail and care has gone into each and every decoration. It was laid out perfectly and even had sounds and scents through each experience. The gardens were beautiful to walk through and the Christmas markets were spectacular 😍 There was something for everyone to enjoy there! I cant wait to come back again next year 🎄✨️🎁

Bought tickets well in advance to visit the house and also the Christmas markets. My family enjoyed visiting the house, it's very easy to get around there are a few staircases which you need to navigate. As the visit is in preparation for Christmas there are lots of Christmas trees beautifully presented throughout and the staff are very helpful and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets; having been to lots of busy public access Christmas markets like Manchester, Liverpool, York etc it was a fantastic relaxing experience to be able to walk around freely and visit the different vendors. Will certainly look at returning.

Had a fantastic day here. The staff were fantastic. The in character staff were amazing and so friendly and knowledgeable. Special shout goes to Mel who showed us round one of the caves. She was fantastic and a real credit to you. So funny and knowledgable. There’s lots to do up there. The cable car ride is great. 2 caves to tour and plenty of fun for the kids on the play grounds. The cafe was brilliant. Had a lovely panini in there and some lovely cake. We came on a weekday outside of the school holidays and didn’t have to wait for anything. Lots of walking to be done and some is rather steep.

We had an absolutely wonderful experience here today. It was our first time visiting and had no idea what to expect, but what a day we had. I’ve come to write a review because I want to give recognition to Lorin, the lovely guy that did our Cavern tour. He was so helpful, approachable, and even took the time out to stay back and show us some fossils in the final cavern, because my autistic son’s special interest is dinosaurs. He was brilliant with both of my children and made the tour really quite special. Give this man a raise immediately HoA! 🥲🤣

Great couple of hours at least spent with great views . The Cave experience is informative and interesting. The cafe is very good with great selection at reasonable prices. parking is in the station carpark payable . Blue badge holders can pay for time and get an hour ontop free. It is a short walk to the cable car ticket office. Just be aware that the last 150yard to Ticket office is steep.

Plenty to see and do. The cable cart was good fun being dangled so high up. The tower was great for the veiws and cave tours were both informative and entertaining. The staff are all friendly and good fun. Lots of walking involved, but well worth it.

Heights of Abraham is a fantastic family destination—perfect for both toddlers and older kids, with plenty of land to explore, play areas, and exhibits to keep everyone entertained. We especially enjoyed the Wombles exhibition—it was fun and whimsical, and offered something a bit different. The views from the hilltop are absolutely lovely, trampling over the Derwent Valley and surrounding countryside, making the cable car ride all the more magical. The food was okay, but nothing to write home about—not quite matching the beauty of the surroundings. I was also disappointed that they didn’t have a chai latte on the drinks menu, and vegan soft serve ice cream wasn’t available—both would have been great choices to round off a lovely day. Admission is on the steep side: adult tickets cost about £25 online or £28.50 at the gate  . It felt quite expensive, especially for a shorter visit, but with a longer stay it might be more justifiable. Overall, it’s a beautiful and memorable place with a lot to offer families. With improvements to the food and drink options, it would be near-perfect!

Wonderful day out, perfect for dogs also, they are allowed everywhere but caverns and the Vista restaurant. Food a little pricey but picnic tables are everywhere for a packed lunch. The cable car stops half way up for stunning view pictures.

Had a great little visit here. Really enjoyed the cave lighting show, the cable car, live band playing, beautiful views. Food wasn’t cheap but wasn’t too over priced. Staff were all friendly and pleasant to talk to which always makes a difference. Would definitely return.

Like the previous review this was a new experience for us, but was above and beyond what we expected. We were in a VIP box which was lovely. The food was phenomenal and fantastic value for money. The lady who served us was so lovely and the bookie did a great job sorting out the betting. If you want a fun night out we would highly recommend. Oh and all food allergies were catered for superbly.

Well this was a totally new experience !! But a hen/stag invitation couldn't be turned down so ....and a great night had by all. Superb meal - absolutely superb. Great waiter service, with friendly staff throughout. Our 'box' was modern, clean, great views of the track, with decorated tables. I've never been sure about dog racing - but a great deal of attention went to reassuring folk that the dogs would be returning to air conditioned kennels etc - hopefully this is the reality. Parking on site, all hood facilities, photos inc of our hen/stag after races named after them. All very very positive.

Fantastic Sunday lunch experience. The restaurant is very well run and slick service. Food was beautifully cooked and to say we had a table of 23 , all the food came out piping hot and together. With the added racing and at the table betting this was a great day all round.

★★★☆☆ – Still Fun, But In Need of a Refresh I hadn’t been to Owlerton Dogs in a few years, and stepping back in felt like nothing had changed — for better or worse. The venue is definitely showing its age and could do with a much-needed makeover to freshen things up a bit. That said, the staff were very attentive, and the table service in the Panorama Restaurant was genuinely good. The team made sure we were looked after throughout the night. As for the food, it was a bit of a mixed bag. The soup starter was actually excellent, but unfortunately, the main let things down. I had to send my steak back — the first one was a tough, cheap cut. The replacement was better, but still not great. That said, for £30 for a three-course meal with table service, it’s hard to be too critical. All in all, a decent night out, especially if you're there for the racing, but the venue itself could do with some TLC.

Had my 60th birthday celebrations here. Booked a vip room. Absolutely brilliant!! Food amazing...any intolerances/ vegetarian etc provided for brilliantly. Staff very helpful when booking & again on the night with drinks & betting. Exceeded my expectations. Definitely recommend! Hope to visit again sometime! Thank you for a lovely experience!

If you can bag yourself an offer, a Birthday meal offer etc then this is a great place to visit for a night out and I'd recommend eating in the restaurant. The food is fabulous and great value, even without a deal to be fair. It has a great atmosphere and there's even a singer on after racing has finished, on a weekend. Highly recommended evening out.

Spent 2 hours to drive here. Easy to follow map. Meals we had were served beautifully. Very tasty. Relaxed atmosphere to place bets. Staff were incredibly good. They held dinner while we went down to take the car off charge. Couldn't have been nicer. Great day all round.

We visited today with our toddler son and had a nice day out. Despite the car park being nearly full, we didn’t have to queue to get in, which was a great start. The staff were friendly on arrival, gave us a map, and invited us to watch a short 15-minute film at the cinema — included in the entry price. We paid £24 for two adults, and our toddler got in for free. The highlight for our little one was definitely the train ride, which we used to get to the play park. The outdoor play area is spacious and well-equipped, though we felt it was more geared toward older children. There were a few bits for toddlers, but not a huge amount. We also explored the indoor play area, which again seemed better suited for slightly older kids. We enjoyed walking the nature trail, crossing the wobbly bridge, and strolling by the lake — all really lovely and peaceful. The sandpit was another fun stop for our toddler. Overall, it’s a large and reasonably priced place to visit. While we probably wouldn’t rush back with a toddler, it might be a better fit for families with children aged 5 and up. Still, it was a pleasant day out with lots of fresh air and space to explore.

We visited with 3 kids (2,11 & 12) and there was a variety of activities and attractions to keep the whole family busy. It was a nice refreshing change from rides and electronics and was great to see the whole family out in the sun enjoying the environment. The older kids used the high ropes which was £7 a go and we think that was fantastic and very cost effective compared to other places we have been recently. Plenty of places for a packed lunch, plenty of places for the kids to be busy and adults also. Highly recommend 🙌 Indoor play area is at the waterside part of the venue which you can walk or catch the small train to. Only reason it was a 4 star and not 5 star review was due to parts of the older side of the place (waterside centre) was looking quite outdated and warn out completed to the main area and building.

Went there on 7th Nov, most things were closed which (due to them preparing for fireworks) we weren't told about it just told they closed early today, I asked at the desk and the staff wasn't aware things were closed?! Equipment is very old and lots of broken things, could do with a complete overhaul safety nets had holes in etc. I can see this place used to be good but definitely needs money reinvestment now, lots todo there if it's all open unfortunately for us it was not.

Me & my 8 year old son had a great time at Conkers today! I thought it was reasonably priced for the activities that we did. Must do's when your there are: Barefoot Walk, Assault Course & The Bush Craft Session..... A massive shout out to Dave who was superb with his knowledge on survival techniques including making a fire & building a shelter! Awesome Dave!

My grandson loves Conkers, both inside & outside activities! The staff are lovely, the Halloween decorations were fab and, even on a cold October day, we spent 3 hours in the playgrounds, on the train & in the Enchanted Forest inside. Our annual ticket costs £63, as my grandson lives in the National Forest & that gave us a £7 discount - he lives 20 mins away, so we can dip in & out all year. Well worth it!

CONKERS is a fantastic family attraction with fun indoor and outdoor activities. From nature trails to a 4D cinema, it offers great value and a mix of adventure and education for all ages. A perfect day out in the heart of the National Forest! It is for kids

Was there for the fireworks, great display. Good food, drinks and service. Was very busy and had to queue but not too bad!

my wife and i went on sunday 2nd may, The place was heaving, not much social distancing going on. The Website says "...We have restricted admission tickets per day with the priority being to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Our visitor capacity will be reviewed regularly.".. This is rubbish as the car park was so full we had to park on grass right near the very end, it took us ages to walk to the entrance. we saw 2 Giraffes, 1 Rhino, a few chimps , 2 Tigers, some Lemurs and Penguins, not much else as there were queues / crowds for anything that was open, including the shop. in my opinion vastly overpriced entrance fee for what is available. won't be going again.

Rip off car park charges.

Not impressed. A lot of the animals are locked away in their quarters. Also to cold for a lot of them to come out

Clean surroundings, well cared for animals, helpful and polite staff.

Good zoo and always looking at new areas for animals.

Amazing zoo. Great place to spend the day

All good.

Been here before. Plenty of shops and food quarter to eat in. Stayed in hotel near by so could return with better photos. Plenty of security staff and shops clean and tidy. Had taco bell which was nice and hot. Popeyes which I found quite spicy. Overall shopping centre with lots of choices. Being on Sunday was very busy. And car park looked full. Xmas lights looked nice.worth a visit once xmas sets in.

Meadowhall is a massive shopping area right next to the M1 motorway. Been around a few year now and needs more upgrades in certain areas. Lots of parking in privately owned car park free for a certain amount of hours. Lots of big brand shopping outlets for everyone’s needs regardless of age or gender. There used to be a lot more individually owned shops rather than just jig department stores which is a shame. I would go in the week if possible weekends are mental. No supermarkets but a M & S so most things covered. Worth going to for sure.

Meadowhall is a huge shopping centre, so huge that I felt overwhelmed. At times I was disoriented and had no idea which section of the shopping centre I was in. Virtually every high street shop is present along with a few independents. My favourite shop was Lindt Chocolates. If you enjoy large shopping, you may live Meadows which has great variety of shops and eateries!

Meadowhall remains a bustling shopping hub, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. The Oasis Dining Quarter provides various food options, making it a great spot for a break during shopping. As for Motorfest, it was a spectacular event featuring Hollywood cars, classic vehicles, and even Transformers like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. The event also supported Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, with charity. Visitors enjoyed live music, arts and crafts, and even supercar passenger rides for donations. It was a truly great experience.

Came for Christmas shopping. Place was easy accessable for my wheelchair. Beautiful decorations there is an abundance of different things to shop for and veriaty of food to eat

Love meadowhall with its range of shops and free parking. Plenty of places to eat too. I would not advise going in school holidays or as Christmas approaches,on a Saturday. It does get very busy but we enjoyed our visit on a Friday late November.

Great shopping center and easy to reach via public transport, has a train station. Plenty of parking. It's huge, very easy to get lost but that's all part of it. Pretty much every shop you'd imagine to be in such a large place. Plenty of good food and things to do. Definitely worth a visit.

It was great to see so many vehicles designed and built in Britain, but suddenly, to see the decline, even though it's been that way for a while, was a little depressing. Great experience though. The kids (2-7yo's) loved it too. Particularly the land speed cars at the end. Tickets are valid for a year so can go back again and again.

This experience is truly exceptional and perfect for the entire family. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, a chance to bond over shared activities, or simply some quality time together, this destination has it all. I highly recommend you visit and see for yourself the delightful attractions and engaging experiences it offers. Don’t miss out on creating lasting memories together! Cars are fun for all ages.

There is a lot to take in here. If you have children (currently Children 5-16 £8-£9, Under 4 s free - but cheaper with GO CV 2025) then it is filled with activities for them to do. I think it is always like this - not just during school holidays when I visited. There is a good range of locally built cars, bikes and motor cycles. The Jaguar 'section' brings a modernity to the historical units here, as does the Land Speed Record Thrusts 1 and 2. I was hoping to see a Jaguar C or D type but sadly not here. There are a few tractors, light military vehicles, trucks and buses, but the vast majority of the displays are cars and (motor) bikes and cycles'. The Triumph / 1970's / 80s sections were good - the range is fairly narrow as they are Coventry or locally built models. I couldn't quite get why there were some examples from Birmingham and surrounding areas - there were a lot missing if that's the rationale. Still, better to see them than not. It isn't as big as I thought from the outside. I like to see inside the vehicles but there were a lot where I couldn't do this, partly because of the way they were displayed - maybe not enough room? I think it was the unpainted monocoque shell of a Jaguar XJ220 hanging vertically - but I couldn't see any info on that. Signage was generally OK. The basic floor plan map (attached) could do with a bit more detail I thought, as could some of the displays. The 4D simulator wasn't working on my visit (30th Oct 2025) However, apart from the small bits of nit-picking above, there were so many interesting things to see. There were several unexpected delights too. Cars using fabric instead of metal, cut-aways of cars and car parts, some really unique cars, the 85th anniversary Blitz section, a huge collection of model die-casts (e.g. Matchbox) and much more. Definitely worth the entrance price - which is cheaper if booked online. The ticket is valid for readmission for a year. So, maybe when I come back (and I will) I will get to try the 4D simulator. I had intended to adopt a vehicle(!), but for £100 a year, that didn't seem good value on inspection. I also had a coffee at Baxter Baristas (enclosed in the museum. It was pretty good. The home-made cakes looked tempting too. The toilet facilities only seemed accessible if you used the cafe? I parked very close-by at Bishop Street Car Park CV1 1JN. Cash - i.e. change, or app only. A reasonable price for a heavily pot-holed lot. Not sure if there are any security cameras here - certainly not visible. No directions to the museum from here though and about a 4 minute walk.

Easily a must see if visiting Coventry. I'm personally not a huge car fanatic, but there's no other place where you're gonna get to see the two fastest land vehicles ever made. That alone is worth the visit. Tickets are £15 if booked in advance and a around £16.50 if booked in-person on the day (for adults). However, while the ticket is valid for multiple entries for a span of 1 year either way, I'd recommend booking online in advance simply because it's cheaper.

Brilliant vehicle museum devoted to products made in Coventry or nearby. Huge collection very well presented. Interactive section for smaller children. Cars, bikes, motorbikes, lorries, armoured cars, buses, fire engines and the world's fastest cars.

Great museum, with lots of interesting cars and bikes from all times. Including the record-breaking Thrust 2 and similar vehicles. Takes around 2 hours to finish the whole museum, take that into consideration when parking your car. The one day tickets are only available for Coventry residents.

Unbelievable place. Absolute MUST VISIT for any motoring fan. It's got an unbelievable amount on display, from vintage to absolutely cutting edge motoring technology. Wheelchair accessible throughout, lots to keep kids/families engaged as well as anyone just looking to learn about the history of motoring or Motorsport or car design. Staff were outstanding, particularly Den who was a wealth of knowledge and, more importantly, passion for the museum and local area. This is a place not to be missed. Could send a half day here easily. Extremely highly recommended.

Coventry Cathedral is absolutely stunning and full of history. The ruins of the old cathedral are a powerful reminder of the past, while the new cathedral stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The contrast between the two is breathtaking and makes the visit really special. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the architecture is impressive both inside and out. Staff and volunteers are welcoming and very knowledgeable, which adds to the experience. A must-visit landmark if you’re in Coventry – both moving and inspiring.

Lovely blend of old and new architecture, with lovely staff who were very helpful. Lovely exhibition and a good amount of information. The small museum is only open on weekends but it's a nice walk around anyday.

I had a truly uplifting day in the Coventry area, where everything felt nice and tidy. The food was delightful, and the city centre offered a fantastic shopping experience with all the major shops within reach. Coventry is brimming with attractions, showcasing its rich history alongside a vibrant present and promising future. I was pleasantly surprised by the talented live performers I encountered, enhancing the city's lively atmosphere. There were no beggars or aggressive solicitations—just a welcoming and serene environment, which is a breath of fresh air in any city. Restrooms were conveniently located, and I noticed that disabled access ♿ was nearly everywhere, ensuring everyone can enjoy themselves. The city also appears to embrace dogs warmly, further adding to its charm. Families will find plenty of activities and sights to explore; just take the time to browse. Parking was straightforward and reasonably priced, making it hassle-free. I wholeheartedly endorse this magnificent city, and I believe you, too, will discover joy here—whether alone, as a couple, or with the entire family. It's an adventure filled with fun for every budget!

Wonderful modern cathedral. I feel very moved being here. The artistic skill that went into the design, both of the building and the aspect of the windows as you walk through it. Magical light falls through the stained glass . A triumph over terrible suffering during the Coventry blitz. It is free to enter but do leave a donation for it's upkeep.

Well worth a visit, for a slice of history about Coventry. (When visiting I didn’t even know this existed, so it was a pleasant surprise!). It's beautiful and well maintained. Lots to read and see, very aesthetically pleasing. Located on a beautiful tudor looking street in the centre too. Highly recommend.

Coventry Cathedral is well known for its unique modern architecture alongside the ruins of the medieval building. This is what makes this cathedral unique. In simple terms you would witness New cathedral and the bombed cathedral stand side by side which also reflects transformation from destruction to new light. If you visit then it's worth starting your journey from ruin / old cathedral to new cathedral. New cathedral has a magnificent interior, stained glass, and tapestry. Stain glass in the side wall is very impressive. One of the interesting things to note here is the Tapestry on the back wall. The tapestry was woven by hand and the detailing is astonishing.

It's really all about the stained glass and etched glass. There was a brilliant exhibition about the diverse nature of the people of Coventry and those who built the new cathedral in the 50s. A timely reminder of real community unity in a time of division and flag shaggers.

It was the 1st time we've been to Magna this weekend and we loved it. Lots to do and see, the big melt was amazing and got my 6 year old attention which is not easy to do. My sons favourite floor was the water floor and he was drenched when we came out of it. Luckily we had a towel to hand but it was good fun. We had a mix of a picnic and food from the cafe (the cafe food is expensive). The playground adventure had lots for all ages and my partner even went on the zip line too. The water park looks lovely but my boy said it was too cold to go in.

An absolutely epic place for kids and adults alike! So interactive and interesting it kept us all entertained for hours. I loved the set up representing the 4 elements earth, wind, fire and water plus I found the big melt interesting (a little jumpy for my 2 year old). The outside park was huge and if we lived closer we would be there all the time! They had standard play area equipment but standpits I couldn't get my 2 year old out of and a water park I couldn't get my 5 year old out of! 100% recommend and we will be going back!

Went to the Magna science centre today and it was great. The exhibition was interesting, interactive and quite inspiring. The place is massive but it felt full of interesting things to do and look at. I felt like I was on red dwarf at one point haha. My niece enjoyed it and got involved. The cafe is ok, there are plenty of toilets and there is also a good park outside. The bonus is that you pay once and get an annual pass free, fantastic!

We got there very early, highly recommend getting there for opening time. It is quite dark so be aware, it can be quite noisy so if you have a sensor problem with sound take ear protection. There are plenty of interactive things to do, you will be very entertained, great for all age groups, we went with a toddler and he love all of it ( not the noisy parts of course) They have toilets on every floor and seats for you to rest on every floor and entrance. They have a cafe with plenty of seating they also have a specific packed lunch area too with is different and nice. The food prices where good not expensive at all. They have a large outside play area with a dry part and wet part. Be prepared for your kids to gey wet. Bout indoor and out. Best are is the year round ticket

Absolutely fantastic day out! Can't wait to visit again. The park and splash pad outside is a day in itself. Our 18 month old loved running round and all the interactive things. Cafe was nice, staff friendly. Only thing I'd say to improve was the baby changing facilities were a bit rough and would be nice to have some stations dotted round to refil water bottles. Otherwise really recommend Magna!

Went today with a 10 year old. He started off looking bored, but after 4 hours had to drag him out! Very good value for money. The exhibitions were great, but often too dark to see the words on the exhibits. Cafe was ok, long queues at busy times and slow service. The “Big Melt” was a little disappointing to start with but got better, although a lot of small children were taken out screaming - it’s very loud. We then were invited to tour the factory floor - probably just those with older kids- I loved it, but it went on a bit too long, just looking at rusty old machines. Be aware, it’s very cold, it’s a cavernous steel shed with no heating, it’s often rather dark and uneven floors, and the Water exhibit is, quite wet ! Outside the adventure playground is huge and suitable for a wide age group, very clean and well maintained

Wow, absolutely amazing day! If I'd read other reviews before buying tickets I may not have gone but what a mistake that would have been. Went with a 9 and 10 year old and they enjoyed every minute. So many interactive things for them to do and so much to see. We could have stayed much longer, will definitely make use of the annual pass! The outdoor play area and water area is brilliant and a day out in itself. How anyone says they got round the museum in an hour is beyond me. I couldn't get the kids out! Was definitely not cold anywhere although im sure thats different in winter months but I'd happily wrap up to go back.

We had a brilliant day out here. The house is really interesting and all the staff were very knowledgeable and super helpful. The gardens were lovely, as was the church. The cafe and restaurant were great and the shop and book shop were full of tempting goodies. Loved the whole day.

There is a LONG drive to the entrance. Be sure that your GPS takes you to the correct one. Calke Abbey is maintained a bit differently from other National Trust Properties. The Trust chose not to try to bring it back to its original glory, but rather, to leave it in the condition in which it was received, which includes wings of rooms in disrepair. Tour is self guided but volunteers are frequent to offer explanations or answer questions. One of the unique holdings is a state bed made for King George I in 1715. The bed linens were found by the Trust rolled up in the basement. Since they were in perfect condition, the bed is set up as it would have been and preserved behind glass. Another was the caricature room whose walls were covered with humor satirical pictures. I found it to be quite entertaining. The dining room featured some outstanding decor, simply presented. The main entertaining room was filled with glass cabinets loaded with taxidermy. Not my favorite but that is how the family had left it to the Trust. One particular wing has rooms that are in complete disrepair with the ceilings falling, wall paper peeling, and loads of broken furniture haphazardly tossed in the room. Not at all what one would expect while walking through a National Trust Site. Calke Abbey is perfect example of a country estate that was barely held together in the 20th century. Many similar country houses did not survive to tell their story. We are National Trust members (via Royal Oak), so I cannot attest to the cost of entry. Parking lot was within easy walk of the entrance. No reservations were needed.

Had a lovely dog walk around the beautiful grounds of Calke with friends, I can’t believe I’ve never done this before, being fairly local. The gardens were beautifully maintained and the gardener was happy to stop his work and have a chat. There were outhouses with interesting artefacts to see. We walked the tunnel, dogs weren’t quite sure about this, but we loved exploring. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. What a pleasant place to work at. Had a light lunch in the cafe, it was extremely busy, so there was a bit of a wait for the coffees, but by the time the drinks were served, the warm quiche was ready, so perfect timing. There were plenty of dog water bowls dotted around which was good, as it was a hot day. I will return to this national trust gem.

Superb property, that's been kept as the trust found it in its decline. The house has loads of interesting items in it and the room guides are very knowledgeable. The brewhouse tunnels were decorated for Halloween and were good fun. The church is also worth the walk. The usual cafe and giftshop on site.

I came here today with my partner for a couple of hours, sadly didn't take many photos. The restaurant is nice, the gift shop is cute. The house and the tunnel is great too. As a National Trust Member it is great that we get access to this place. Because it rained we didn't end up looking at the gardens/trails. I definitely recommend a National Trust Membership to come here to visit and other places around Derbyshire.

Fascinating " unstable home" Handed to the National TRUST in 1981 in a very run down state. Continues to be preserved as the family left it. Servants tunnels, ancient kitchens, cases of taxidermy, antiques and general decay. Amazing place. Wonderful gardens, great dog walking and lovely cafe. A full day out to explore.

Calke Abbey is a really interesting house to visit as most of it is in it's original state so you can appreciate it as it was. The volunteers are very knowledgeable about the history of the family. Outside there are grass areas and woodland to take a walk and there's a lovely walled garden and cafe area to visit.

Very friendly and lovely looking hotel .it would have been 5 star if our room was had a double bed rather than 2 singles pushed together. Quite dark in the room but not a problem as it fitted with the theme really. We were ground floor and the hall smelled a little damp. Reception and restaurant staff were very friendly . The area was pretty too. Nice walks and the bonus is the guy who offers very affordable punting . Very knowledgeable and kind. We done the medieval banquet and enjoyed ourselves. Can recommend visiting the hotel and the experience .

Such a beautiful park with woodlands, ponds with ducks and a centre with cafe, toilets, shops etc! We really enjoyed our time walking in the woods area with massive gorgeous trees around us! The ducks and doves and swans were enjoying the duck food we bought from the info centre for just £1/bag, although we saw some people giving their children sandwiches and bread to chuck at the ducks which was sad to see. A stunning place!! Definitely worth the visit!!

Coombe Abbey Country Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. The gardens, lake, and woodland walks are perfect for relaxing or enjoying nature. The historic abbey building adds extra charm to the stunning landscape. A lovely spot for a family day out, picnic, or quiet stroll — truly one of Warwickshire’s gems!

Beautiful woodlands, nature at its best! The trees were absolutely fascinating and added to the charm. Great for peaceful strolls, picnics and relaxing in the fresh air. The car park was easy to find and reasonably priced. A perfect spot for nature lovers.

A lovely place to walk your dog or just go for a walk. The paths are well signposted and there are areas where you can let your dog off. There is a lovely visitors centre with a cafe which is very nice but a little pricey.

Lots of space and plenty to do. Improved play area for children. Beautiful grounds. Pay extra for Go Ape, car Safari (very expensive) and forest play area (£3.90) which was empty at half term. Still plenty to do.

Amazing place, highly recommend. Spent two nights with breakfast, lunch and dinner everything was on point the rooms are such medieval luxury vibes and the hospitality was unbeatable

It was our first visit and we hadn't realised how big the site was. We recently had English Heritage membership, so had free entry. There was ample free parking and the ruins of the old house and impressive newer house. Lots of interesting history and rooms you can access, such as Bess' bed chamber. Lots of tapestries, including one made by Queen Mary. Nice shop and cafe and beautiful gardens. Plenty to see and do.

A really amazing place to visit. We only expected to be a couple of hours at most, but there was so much to see. The visit also includes the adjacent old hall ruins. The house is stunning, and the interiors are decorated with the most amazing embroidery which hangs from almost every wall and room. The volunteers are very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the property. We took our dog and he was welcome in an area of the restaurant, which was nice as it was cold and raining. We would have liked to walk more of the grounds and gardens, but the weather put us off. They do look stunning and I'm sure on a better day would have been very enjoyable.

Fantastic to look around. Amazing house and gardens, easily able to spend a full day there and more. I could just look at the tapestries for days! Well worth a visit if you're into history or just beautiful places.

We haven't been here for quite a few years and we're pleasantly surprised, there is a lot more to see and do. The guides were interesting and knowledgeable but not overpowering like at some properties. A very pleasant day out 😁

Expect an expansive estate as the drive from the entrance to the parking lot must be a mile long. This property features two historic buildings: Old Hardwick Hall and the Renaissance style Manse known as Hardwick Hall. Bess of Hardwick was born in the original hall and had it renovated to impress guests in 1587. When her 4th husband died and she came into substantial funds she built the latter and present day manse. We were able to tour both with our National Trust memberships (via Royal Oak Society). One can climb to the top of the Old Hall for a bit of a view of the countryside if the weather is accommodating. There are no handrails, though, so take walking sticks if you think you need support while traversing the original stone steps. The Manse is huge and the tour is quite extensive. It is self guided but volunteers are available for questions. Some unique features are the longest Elizabethan Long Hall in the National Trust holdings. It has 450 year old tapestries hanging on the walls. There are also four noble women tapestries that Bess designed specifically for this house. She was obviously quite a talented woman. There are some gardens along the front and the back of the house, but not a formal designed style like you see on some properties. Parking was in a very large lot a bit of a distance from the entrance. There is a cafe on the grounds that offers a delicious cream tea as well as a myriad of other delights, all reasonably priced.

Intriguing place punched atop a hill looking out sadly over the M1 now, but back in the day it would have been quite the most magnificent spot for party's. Some old Yes topiary and magnificent Cedar of Lebanon stand century in the garden providing a great contrast from the pinkish yellow stone and unbelievable lead pane windows which adorn the hall.

A wonderful historical place of interest with stunning tapestries. We spent a very happy 3 and a half hours there. Checking out the history of bess's family, with help from the very knowledgeable volunteers. Strolling the gardens and climbing the 127 steps of old Hardwick hall. Then stopping for a very tasty cheese scone and coffee in the restaurant.

I loved the place. So much to see for every age. One issue. We has pulled pork rolls in the butterfly cafe. They looked good but we're swimming in grease. It meant that the rolls were sodden and the meal sat very heavily on the stomach. This spoiled our afternoon.

Our second visit here and it was just like the first time amazing with lots of lovely animals to see, you can easily spend the whole day here, however on this occasion we went nearer the closing time and it was raining and not many of the animals were out but we still had the best time, they have so many lovely birds and the variety of butterfly species each one as gorgeous as the other. The staff right from upon entering and to the end were absolutely amazing and so friendly. Definitely worth more visits, and a day very well spent!! Definitely recommend!!

So much more than a butterfly house. We didn't know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. There is so much to see. The staff and keepers are very friendly. There are so many animals to see as well as dinosaurs and fun attractions (press the buttons for a few surprises). The otters were very entertaining. You can buy food to feed the various animals. They have a wallaby walk-through and a lemur walk-through a farm yard with friendly goats. A bird house with exotic birds you can see up close and, of course, the butterfly house. There are so many pretty butterflies in a lovely setting. The bird show was very entertaining. The cafes serve a nice mix of hot and cold food at reasonable prices and the toilets are very clean. A great day out for adults and kids alike. Highly recommend.

Went with the wife and kid. The size is good enough to walk round with a kid. We spent about 2 and a half hours looking at some wonderful animals and the butterflies 🦋 were amazing and plenty to see. Also, lotties cafe was really good. The staff were very friendly. Definitely planing go back at some point. Only thing bad is that I didn't get the a code for a second visit discount that was advertised.

Wonderful staff and a very beautiful place with tons of animals that are very well kept. Don’t miss out on experiences with armadillos and meercats. They are definitely worth the money and it is the only place that we visited in that area that were you really could enjoy that kind of experience. The rest of them were from far away and not that nice.

My daughter really wanted to see the Butterflies so we went on a Sunday during the 6 weeks holiday. We had to wait to get in as there was only one woman on the gate and she had to give everyone a ticket for a reduced return visit and had to write on each one. Saying we arrived during the first hour of opening youd think they would have more staff on. The butterfly house was lovely, and there was other animals to see but we was done after 2 and half hours as was many other people who had arrived at the same time as us. I think the price is slightly high for what you get as you can go other wildlife parks and pay around the same and spend the day. We were also disappointed to find out the lemurs were only open for 30 minutes during the whole day so missed seeing them.

Really lovely place, we went on our own as a couple but would definitely bring the grandchildren back. I wanted to go to a butterfly farm and we live in Derby so this was the closest I could see. I wasn’t disappointed with the butterfly greenhouse area and it was an added bonus to have the other animals there too, including the super cute otters, meerkats and lemurs! The leaf cutter ants were astounding!! Cafe service was very slow though and it wasn’t that busy.

Visiting Wollaton Park was a dream come true for me as a Batman fan. The moment I found out this was the filming location for Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises, I knew I had to see it—and standing there in front of Wollaton Hall honestly left me in awe. The building is absolutely stunning, with its towering windows and intricate stonework. For a moment, it really felt like I was stepping into Bruce Wayne’s world. The park itself is just as beautiful as the Hall. Wide green spaces, autumn leaves scattered across the grass, and peaceful paths made it feel both grand and calm at the same time. I could’ve stayed there for hours just walking around and taking it all in. The staff were also really friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even better. You can tell they care about the place and its history, and they were happy to chat and answer questions. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. As a Batman nerd, it felt like a pilgrimage to Wayne Manor. But even if you’re not into Batman, Wollaton Park is still an incredible spot to explore—beautiful, relaxing, and full of character.

Great place to visit. The car park is £5, I paid for this in the shop, giving them my number plate. The park is very extensive but it was fantastic to see the deer so close. The house is fascinating with all the natural history displays. This was £15 but the ticket lasts a year. The gardens were also very nice and the view down to the lake was beautiful. The cafe was ok, not the largest selection of food and the drinks were all served in cardboard drinking cups. All the staff everywhere were very friendly and helpful. The shop was nice to look around and standard prices. The toilet facilities were good and clean. There were some near the cafe and in the house. I definitely recommend a visit. On a warm summers day it would be a lovely place to bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Visited the walled gardens specifically. A wonderful, relaxing and fascinating project to restore the site. Lovely volunteers working at the site and amazing progression being made. Only open set times during the summer for tours. A warm welcome. This is a very special place.

This is very good place. This is wollaton hall gardens and dear park location is in Nottingham wollaton Road Nottinghamshire. Here is lake. Here is golf clup as well. Here is kids playing area as well. Here is parking available. But you need to pay for parking. Here is you can see dear as well

The park is about 500 acres. Many children at the playground, families on picnic rugs, deer wandering through acreage. Camellia House & Wollaton Hall are so different. Enjoyed every moment.

Lovely grounds, plenty of deer and a nice walk in fresh air. There are toilets, a café and gift shop.if you need them. You need the Ringgo app to park and pay £6.10 for all day.

What a wonderful place for a walk, the gardens are beautiful and it was lovely to see the deer and the birds, especially the Mandarin duck. We didn't go into the house this time but will definitely look around next time we are there. There's a lovely cafe and 2 shops. Well worth a visit.

Bradgate Park is truly a gem, an incredible place to unwind, take a long walk, and just breathe. It's the kind of spot where nature does all the talking. The landscape is vast and beautiful, with open spaces, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps you disconnect from everyday life. It used to be quieter, and while it's more popular now and can get busy, there are still those rare, quieter days when you can enjoy the serenity and really take it all in. If you're lucky enough to visit on one of those days, the peacefulness is something special. Perfect for a picnic, a long stroll, or even just some time to sit and think. Just a tip bring everything you might need, because you might find yourself staying longer than planned. It’s that kind of place.

Bradgate Park itself is beautiful – really enjoyed walking around and especially loved seeing the deer roaming freely, which made the visit feel quite special. The scenery is lovely and it’s a great place to spend time outdoors. That said, the parking felt quite extortionate, which does take away from the experience a bit, and the men’s toilets could definitely be improved in terms of cleanliness. Overall, worth visiting for the park and wildlife, but a couple of practical things could be better managed.

Bradgate Road leads to the stunning Bradgate Park, a truly beautiful and expansive place that’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park is filled with wildlife — from grazing deer to a variety of birds — and its natural scenery makes it ideal for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re after a quiet stroll, a scenic jog, or a full day out with family, the area offers something for everyone. There are designated BBQ spots, picnic areas, and clean toilet facilities that make visiting convenient and enjoyable. The walking and running tracks are well-maintained, offering routes for all fitness levels and interests. Overall, Bradgate Road and its surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the city, combining nature, history, and recreation in one truly lovely destination.

The park is beautiful. What I didn't like was the amount of dogs off leads near the deers. This included a pit bull. Owners need to be wary at all times as deer are loose everywhere. Great for photographers. I parked in the south woods carpark as it is £2 all day.

A beautiful park and a great place for hiking, walking, and simply relaxing. It’s always thrilling to see wildlife up close here. Toilet facilities and cafés are available both at the entrance and in the middle of the park, which makes it very convenient. You can easily spend the whole day enjoying a picnic and connecting with nature and wildlife. There’s plenty of parking available — £5 on weekdays and £6 on weekends for the full day. It’s also good to see that bins are placed throughout the park, helping to keep it clean.

What and incredible place! Visit the ruins and the gardens. Take a walk alongside the stream. Or hike up the rocky hills to take in the panoramic views and pay your respects at the war memorial. Deer and Peacocks wonder freely around the grounds. This really is a stunning part of the midlands. When you need to rest your legs you can pop into the cafe to refresh, grab a bite to eat and take bathroom break. There's something for everyone to enjoy regardless of your physical abilities. I came via public transport from Nottingham. The number 9 Kinchbus took me from West Bridgford (Notts) to Loughborough (Auberry Gap stop), and then I got the 154 Centrebus from the Auberry Gap stop to the reservoir at the Bradgate Park. The stop which takes to back to Loughborough is also right next to the reservoir wall. I believe the last bus back to Loughborough is at around 18:30, and then there are multiple late buses back to Nottingham from there

Fantastic parkland with a large expanse of green space, some striking landmarks and remarkable prehistoric rock formations. Bradgate Park dates back around 800 years, when it began life as a deer park, a role it still fulfills today with a large herd of Fallow and Red deer. It's also home to the impressive ruins of Bradgate House, one of England's oldest brick built houses, and amazing ancient oak trees, many of which date back over 500 years. The park is maintained to a very high standard and has a number of entrances, each with their own parking area (charged daily at a reasonable rate) and public toilet facilities. Tearooms are located near the reservoir and the Newtown Linford entrance. The path is crossed by a network of well maintained and clearly signposted paths, ideal for dog walks and popular with families. The Newtown Linford entrance is best for short, easy walks past the stream to the house, while the Hunts Hill entrance in the upper part of the park is best for more challenging walks to Old John Tower and the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial. These high points offer expansive views over the surrounding countryside and the Leicester skyline, with rugged rocks in the foreground. We stopped here on the way to the Peak District thinking the park would be a more interesting way to break the journey than a motorway service station, and were very happy to have done so. A real suprise that exceeded all expectations.

Nottingham Castle played an important role in Britain's history. Apart from being famous for being home to the Sheriff of Nottingham, the castle was a strategic stronghold during England's civil war in the 1600's. Today the castle is museum that houses exhibits of Nottingham's lace manufacturing, studies surrounding the "Major Oak" in Sherwood Forest, and many other interesting displays. Outside the walls is a statue of Robin Hood that is a must see for visitors. Beneath the city is a network of caves that are also present at the castle. Booking a tour of the castle caves provides visitors with much more information about the history and importance Nottingham Castle has played in Britain's history.

Cool castle ramparts encasing a grand mansion steeped in history. Highly recommend booking a cave tour to explore the tunnels within the castle rock. The guides are hugely knowledgeable and give you a fun, educational, story-filled experience.

Nottingham Castle looks impressive and full of history, even from the outside. The grand architecture and its position overlooking the city make it a striking landmark. The grounds and surrounding area are beautifully kept and offer great photo opportunities. A must-see spot that captures the heritage and charm of Nottingham!

The castle is nice but was expecting more of a castle then an art museum. There are few interesting exhibits. The castle looks nice from the outside, the grounds are nicely maintaned offering nice views over Nottingham. The price is a little high for the experience. The Robin Hood experience is nice but is more of a playground for kids with interactive stuff, for adults kind of boring. The cave tour was nice but to pay extra for that, above the entrance price can be pricey for some folks compared to the experiance. The staff is nice and hepful. You buy tickets at the entrance or online waiting in the queue is the same to enter. Next to the castle you'll find a mini square with the statue of Robin Hood. The Forest exhibition is let's say ok but doesn't really impress, a natural woodland walk might be better. One visit is enough honestly, doesn't make any sense to visit the castle again especially if you travel from a bigger distance. The location of the castle is very good, in the city center, car park buildings close by. The souvenir shop and restaurant is nice.

Nottingham Castle is a great mix of history, legend, and modern storytelling. The museum inside offers well-presented exhibits about Robin Hood, local art, and the city’s past. The castle grounds are beautifully maintained with lovely views over Nottingham. While the original medieval castle no longer stands, the experience is still engaging and family-friendly — worth a visit if you’re exploring the city’s heritage.

The staff were all very helpful and friendly entry price is reasonable but..... I was expecting more castle. I am aware that the castle is self was destroyed many many years ago. I enjoy looking at castles in their various states and wonder what they would have been like. The exhibitions were informative and interactive.

A great day out, the caves tour is a must and was an excellent way to start our visit. Then all the exhibits actually inside the castle were really engaging and interactive! I felt like there was loads to do and I learnt loads. Also the view from the top over Nottingham was lovely!

Visited the arena for the first time last night to see rock orchestra. The concert was amazing... But so was the arena, it's facilities and it's staff. On arrival, there was a very fast moving queue through a security check and then in to a ticket scanning queue, despite the large number of people we were inside the stadium in less than 3 mins. Inside it was busy, it's a nearly sold out concert of course it was busy but every thing just flowed well. The bar staff were fast and efficient at dealing with customers and moving to the next, the toilets were clean and the one way on and another way out system worked a dream to keep the flow constant (unintended pun). Prices for drinks and food were reasonable for an arena, I didn't feel ripped off, but being a Yorkshire man I always love a bargain if I can find one. The staff were very friendly and approachable and excellent knowledge of the arena. Absolutely would visit again in future for other events! Well done!

A World-Class Night: Duran Duran and VIP Hospitality at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham ​The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham truly lives up to its reputation as a world-class entertainment venue. While the arena is a long-standing cultural landmark in the East Midlands, attracting massive international acts to its 10,000+ capacity, experiencing it via a VIP package for the Duran Duran concert took the entire evening to another level. ​The experience began with the VIP dinner and hospitality, which was the perfect prelude to the main event. We were impressed by the attentive, professional service and the quality of the dining. It provided a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere, completely bypassing the typical pre-show rush and crowds. Having a dedicated space to relax and dine made the transition to the show seamless and truly felt premium. ​Once the show started, the arena proved why it's such a vibrant hub for live music. Despite the massive capacity, the acoustics were surprisingly crisp, allowing Simon Le Bon's vocals and the band's iconic synth-driven sound to shine through clearly. Duran Duran themselves were phenomenal, delivering a high-energy set of hits that had the entire crowd on their feet. The lighting and visual production were top-tier, fitting the grandeur of the band and the venue. ​In short, the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham provided a flawless, end-to-end entertainment experience. From the elevated pre-show hospitality to the flawless concert atmosphere, it was a night that was well-organized, highly enjoyable, and certainly confirmed the venue’s standing as one of the best in the UK. We’d highly recommend the VIP route for anyone looking to make a great night even more special.

Went here for The Secret of Us Tour ‘25, it was amazing! The staff were super friendly and helpful! Snacks and drinks were on the expensive side and the water you could get wasn’t really that cold and it was extremely warm in the arena. Also the toilets were kind of gross but obviously they can’t clean during a show unfortunately. Other than that, everything was pretty good, including the sound even from up in the nosebleeds seats!

Went to see Mcfly play, they was absolutely brilliant. The arena was very well organised for the event, better than a lot I have been to! Got us in quick, also doing security checks which some people may groan about having to wait longer, I think this is a good thing.

Visited for the first time to see Marilyn Manson. I was on the floor in general standing for the gig, right in the heat of the mosh pits, so I don't really remember what actually happened! Although, I do remember how good the venue is. Only problem I'd say is if you have vertigo, do not book in the upper seats. From the view I had, it is very steep. But, overall brilliant venue.

Really good venue! Excellent transport links, easy to get in and out of, find the loos, get a drink etc.. Its big enough to draw grate bands and feel epic, but still has a hint of intimacy to it. That bad you like? If they're coming to the ice arena, see them here.

We went to the Marilyn Manson gig who was well on top form as was the support band The Dead Posies & we had the best night, perfect view of the stage & the staff were very friendly & helpful & we will look for more gigs at the venue, cheers for an excellent night

A very well thought through visitor centre , with very helpful, staff. Some of the exhibits are amazing, especially the 'interactive exhibits". It explained the 'science of the DNA testing' as well as the archaeology part. The history and circumstances of Richard III that led to him being at Bosworth Field, and the very sad outcome. The shop & cafe are excellent, and the outside courtyard- with beautifully planted flowers and trees are all excellent; with plenty of seating under shading trees. Altogether, the layout of the experience was very good, well thought out. The fact it had air con, all around the tour was also excellent. The tour is on two levels ground floor , and upper floor - which can be reached by a lift , so no problem for wheel chair users. It was a very moving moment to see where they actually found him in the car park; it has been preserved, for posterity, exactly where they found him, this is outside in a very beautiful 'sanctum' covered over with toughened glass. The visitor shop is also excellent, with many interesting gifts and books, on medieval topics, including the Yorks & Tudors.. The entrance "doubles" also as the exit. I am so glad I came, to see this exhibit - finally..!!

A really awesome and well executed piece of history. The museum is amazing and the display which shows the location of Richard’s burial is incredible. There was an amazing volunteer named Julie who explained the full story behind the discovery of Richard. The centre has done an excellent job. It is a must visit for any historian.

This is a fairly new exhibition with good information. It’s not extensive but there’s lots of information upstairs about the discovery of Richard III body. Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Very informative and enjoyable visit. Staff were knowledgeable and provided a real insight into the burial of Richard lll and how they found him. We also then walked across the road to visit the cathedral to see his new resting place which complemented the visit to the visitor centre. Had lunch in the cafe which was great. Highly recommend a visit to both.

Loved visiting here. Very well put together and great displays to tell the story of Richard and the project to find him. Special thanks to Jan for her wonderful talk at the grave location about the dig and about the two Princes. A fantastic addition to Leicester

The staff are friendly and helpful the story is interesting but I was kind of left with the feeling that some of the exhibitions were almost unnecessary and making a lot out of nothing really such as a pair of wellies worn but the lady who helped find King Richards grave and even a mask and coverall used to prevent DNA passing from the person who removed the bones to the skeleton of Richard ...hardly anything of note regards historical artifacts asides part of the greyfriars abbey walls and floor tiles under a glass floor ! Whilst informative in places not the best museum I've visited .

Brilliant, but not for kids. There is more to read than to see. However, it is certainly not boring for someone interested in history or for a person who is curious and keen to discover new things. And once done, you are right by the cathedral and the pedestrian streets full of interesting shops, restaurants, and major brands outlets.

Came here to watch Pink Floyd Dark side of the Moon in the planetarium. The show was one of the best I've ever seen. Amazing atmosphere in the planetarium. The visuals and sounds were perfect. We also had a good look around the space centre itself. Properly cool place with absolutely loads for kids and adults to do and see. Very educational and we will be bringing our kids to have a look. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely do it again

The NSC is an amazingly well curated museum with interactive elements and immersive shows in the Patrick Moore Planetarium inside, shows last 25mins. They even have a real rocket! and you can take a lift to see it from above. It's well suited to kids and adults (we never grow up really) and you can touch space objects and interact with some scientific tools and even play some games to test your astronaut potential! I spent 2ish hours there and there's still more that I didn't get a chance to experience. Tickets were £20 & that gets you an annual pass. The cafe they have is great too, they do hot food and good coffee and even an awesome giftshop! You gotta go :]

The National Space Centre is a fascinating place for both children and adults. It’s especially engaging for Generation Y and millennials, showcasing the Cold War era, the development of technology, and the first steps in space exploration in an immersive way. You can step inside a Mercury capsule, see how astronauts eat and live, and even sit in a period-style room to feel the thrill of watching a rocket launch to the Moon on a vintage glass screen. The planetarium, presented as an animated journey, is truly impressive – even for adults. It’s a wonderful centre for both learning and fun, and the best part is that with just one ticket you can return all year round. Highly recommended! 🚀✨

Where do I start. The place was amazing. The staff and the exhibits were exceptional. So much great information to digest and lots of things for little ones and bigger little ones to do. There were a lot of people in, but it never felt packed. The cinema show was brilliant and way more immersing than we thought it would be. The gift shop had a great collection of toys as well as interesting gifts specific to the Space center. A great day out and it would've recieved 5 stars if it wasn't for the poor cafe that was let down by a lack of choice and the cleaning of the eating/utensil areas which was really poor. The staff serving were great super friendly on all departments but the eating areas were disappointing. Still won't stop another visit to this wondrous place.

Located north of Leicester city centre, the National Space Centre is an amazing day out for kids and adults of all ages. Filled with interactive and educational activities, award winning shows on immersive 360 degree screen, and lots more to see and do. Super helpful and attentive staff, great gift shop, lots of space to sit. Buy ticket online for free annual pass upgrade without hassle. Kids could spend the whole day in here to learn and play. Bring your own lunch to avoid weekend and peak time queues.

This visit has been a long time coming, after trudging the M1 for three decades and seeing the brown sign for the National Space Centre I finally found time to visit, and it was no disappointment in the slightest. Many facts and exhibits tie into loads of classic films, articles and milestones from over the years and lots for the kids to learn about along the way. A great day out and at the moment (summer 2025) the artists elephants are all around Leicester. The planetarium is incredible! Please go and enjoy one of the midlands great attractions that you might have missed.

I been there for first time, lovely place with many different views. I can see there is a plenty space for car parking. Amazing location with foods, and gifts. I was so happy and excited to be there and to be part of this. I will share few videos and photos from this amazing place. Highly recommend.

Beautiful place to wander with history and wildlife all around. Grounds are well maintained and there is a very good play park for the children to burn off some energy. Something for everyone.

What a gem for families to visit. You don't have to pay for entry, only £7 for parking! All day. The grounds are extensive, so it's a good place to take your furry friends too. We had fun exploring and enjoyed coffee and cake at the restaurant before we left.

We had a brilliant day at Rufford Abbey, and it totally exceeded all expectations. Free entry - just £7 for parking. Beautiful gardens, a great kids playground and multiple cafes. The Abbey itself is eye opening, with lots to learn and a great view of history. A must visit (especially if you are staying at Center Parks)

Good amount of parking on arrival and pay and display information was made clear. Very disappointed to not be able to access any of the abbey but it seems like it's being renovated or made safe, although I couldn't see any information about this. Need to use the information office three times and one of the members of staff was not particularly helpful or engaged. The information videos and tour above the gift shop was good but needed some maintenance as some of the displays didn't work. The shop was nice and stocked a good variety of gifts, books and food. The cafe was ok but needs some work. We set off on the blue walk to Rufford Mill which was nice and had a picnic in the park area. Great way to spend half a day and we would return in the future if the abbey was ever opened.

A beautiful area of woodland, gardens and lakes. Great for walking around. In high summer activities and a playground available. We had a sausage roll and coffee from the cafe and sat by the lake watching the many birds. The ruins of the Abbey that are being renovated hold so much historic value.

Visited yesterday with friends for a walk, and I was impressed how beautiful this place is on that time of the year. Variety of coloured trees around you and that peaceful atmosphere makes you feel relaxed. Got a plan to visit again in blooming time.

Ruined abbey now turned in to a county park and lots to see . Large childrens park is a plus point and have few caffes for food the gardens may be very lively in spring and sumner

Had a very disappointing Chicken Caesar Salad. Chicken was cold rather than freshly cooked warm, the croutons were as hard a rock, and the Parmesan was as tasteless as the dressing. I finished with Eaton Mess - another disappointing episode. The meringue had no chewiness and wasn’t even combined with the fruit and cream. What sounded good on the page didn’t deliver on the plate. Staff pleasant and atmosphere good too. Idilic location.

We hired The Old Boathouse for a 40th birthday party, and Emma couldn’t have been more helpful. The venue was perfect for our party of around 50 people (including children and dogs!). The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the pub and boathouse to anyone. Thank you so much, we’ll certainly be back!

Lovely atmosphere, seating available outside close to the canal and if the weather isn't so good the conservatory offers a lovely seating area overlooking the canal. Dog friendly both outside and in, the menu was a little limited but good quality ingredients.

❤️ Foxton Locks & like the Inn. We had coffee at the Inn, which we enjoyed on the patio overlooking the water, where swans entertained us to a territory fight. Staff are friendly & helpful. Attractive ladies' toilets.

Food is great, views of the canal are great! We went when the lock itself was closed so it wasn’t very busy, fantastic place to stubble across on a Saturday morning! (They use Heinz beans for breakfast, and they also have good bbq sauce too!)

Great place to stop on a long journey Great food been twice yet to see a canal boat going through!

⭐☆☆☆☆ Not the happiest about my experience here today to be honest. Came to Foxton Locks Inn for my mother’s 57th birthday lunch with family and left disappointed. I ordered the Hunter’s Chicken — arrived near burnt, dry, drowned in an overly sweet BBQ marinade, bacon soft, topped with bland cheddar. The chips were the real letdown: dry, powdery, clearly pre-bought, and nothing like homemade. My mother’s meal was cold, my aunt’s bangers and mash had sausages burnt and rock hard — she left them, and even the dog wouldn’t have eaten them. My uncle, who ordered scampi with peas and chips, couldn’t get over how bad the potatoes were. He even asked others to taste to check if it was just him — everyone agreed they were awful. The peas were dull, clearly tinned, and the scampi straight from a frozen packet. For a reserved birthday lunch, it was a complete letdown across most of our table. The only positives were the pâté starter and the polite table service. But overall, the food and kitchen execution were far below par — especially for the prices charged. To top it off, we still had to pay £3.50 for parking. Over £22 for my meal alone — for food this poor? I’m still feeling it hours later. Won’t be returning.