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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incredible place to spend the day exploring! But tickets in advance and bring a picnic. There’s a shop to buy some food but it gets quite busy. Highly recommend visiting the castle, it’s amazing to explore and the views of the city are stunning.

Wanted to make this a quick visit and then we ended up spending 3 hours here in this magnificent Castle. Amazing views of the city and lots of history and even watched the 1 o’clock gun go off. Highly recommended making this a stop on your list. Make sure to get tickets in advance because it does get busy and if you want to watch the gun go off you better find a spot around 12:30.

Amazing location worth visiting and spending some time. Honors exhibition is an excellent example of how to tell a story. In other museum it would be just one stand but here you get to know a lot before you finally see this national treasure.

We took the train from England to visit this amazing Castle! Do not be fooled by the recommended time estimates that you see online- plan for a full day unless you intend to speed through without taking the time to read the placards and observe the details! There is a lot to do and see during your visit! Try to get there before 1:00 p.m. for the canon firing.

Absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area. Parking is non-existent so expect to walk several blocks from wherever you find. But they have a lot of nice shops all down from the military museum and the castle. More than easy enough to spend half a day here but very cool to see overall.

Despite a lot of dismantling activity to remove the stands that were used for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August, it was a great few hours at the castle. The structures are imposing and just exude history at every turn. Even on a regular weekday, it gets very crowded, so buying tickets in advance is a good idea.

A lovely castle and has been looked after well. Would just say it’s get busy and for me, it’s a bit annoying walking around slow people, or having them stand in the way. Would be nicer if they had more benches so those people could go somewhere. A lot of people just sat on the floor, which slows people down. But loads to take it, very hilly so people with push chairs or wheel chairs beware! Price wise, lot cheaper than a London / Kent castle and a bit more going on which is nice!

🚢 My Visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an unforgettable experience that offered a personal glimpse into the life of the British Royal Family at sea. Moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, this magnificent ship served the royal family for over 40 years (1954–1997), sailing over a million nautical miles on royal tours and state visits. Walking through the beautifully preserved State Apartments, Royal Bedrooms, Crew Quarters, and Engine Room, I was amazed by the ship’s elegant design and attention to detail. The audio tour provided fascinating stories about royal voyages and daily life aboard the yacht. Visitor Tips: Book tickets online to avoid queues. Allow around 1.5–2 hours to explore comfortably. Don’t miss the Royal Deck Tea Room for a relaxing break with views over the harbor. How to Reach: Easily accessible by bus or tram from Edinburgh city centre to Ocean Terminal Mall. Parking is also available at the terminal. Overall, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-visit — a floating palace that perfectly combines royal history, naval heritage, and timeless elegance.

A fascinating and fun visit! We had such a great time exploring The Royal Yacht Britannia! It’s beautifully preserved and full of interesting stories about the royal family and life at sea. The self-guided tour is super easy to follow and gives you a real sense of what it was like on board from the elegant state rooms to the crew’s quarters below deck. Everything is so well presented, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The onboard café is also lovely, with great views over the water. Whether you’re into history, ships, or just something unique to do in Edinburgh, this place is definitely worth a visit. We left really impressed and with huge smiles!

We took a day trip out the Royal Yacht Britannia and it was well worth it, It's like going back in time when you see all the furnishings and layouts of the rooms. there is a lot to see but you can just take your time and take it all in. The self guided tour is very good but we just had one between us as there is plenty of signs explaining what things are. We used the onboard restaurant, had to queue for a little while but it is worth it as the food and service was first class. This is one of those trips you have to do if you are in Edinburgh it is well worth it. Steve and Jenny.

This was the highlight of my trip to Edinburgh! The self-guided tour is very interesting & well organized. It felt like a trip into the past. The ship is maintained in great shape & with lots of originals still displayed! Highly Recommend!

Very easy to get to. Free parking at the Ocean Terminal Car Park with very clear signage when you arrive as to how to access the Royal Yacht Britannia Experience. Tickets are worthwhile purchasing online in advance but it is easy enough to also buy on arrival. The exhibitions were very well put together and really display the magnificent Britannia at its best. An extremely interesting and enjoyable visit. Well worthwhile adding to your list of things to see when visiting Scotland!

I visited on Oct 7. As a fan of the Royal Family from across the pond, the Royal Yacht was a must-see on my trip list. The staff were very kind and friendly, and the self-guided tour with a free audioguide was great and easy to follow. The Royal Yacht is incredibly well preserved, and it was like walking through a time capsule; from the Queen’s room, through the Crew’s quarters and the engine room, the history held within these walls is magnificent. My only disappointment was that, due to a false alarm, we couldn't have tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom because it had closed early. But I suppose that's a good excuse to return someday!

Well organized. The self guided audio tour runs smoothly and each part is not too long. We were happy we did it! Nice trip from the city center to spend some time on the water of Leith. Taking the city bus was very easy. The view, food and drinks were amazing at the tea room. Worth the money.

devinately recomended. I took the Lost Close included tour. The Lost Close is not sooo much to see, but very interesting History and story about the finding of it. Becca (the plague doctor) I think was her Name was ver informative and entertaining at the same time. if you're interested in the history of Edinburgh you won't be disapointed

Very interesting visit. Great insight on the past in Edinburgh. It is a guided tour. Our guide was Lorraine and she did a great. The tour is one hour tour. I went with my son almost 13 years old and it was not too scary. Definitely, a must visit in Edinburgh.

Great tour! Loved that the guide dresses up as someone from the time period and stays in character too. Our guide Daisy was so charismatic and passionate. Her enunciation was a 10/10 too. If you're thinking of buying the plague doctor mask keychain at the gift shop, note that it doesn’t actually come with the key ring, you only get the charm itself!

We pre-booked this tour ahead of our short trip to Edinburgh, and we are so glad we did. Very easy to find and very fascinating to find out about the Close and seeing the underground world of the city. Our tour guide, Sam Wise, was very knowledgeable and explained the history along with being entertaining too. If your visiting Edinburgh , this is a must!

My second time doing The Real Mary Kings Close tour and I loved it even more this time. Such a highlight this tour, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. Our tour guide Anthony was brilliant, he made the tour. I will be back for another tour when I come back to Edinburgh I love this place so much.

Great tour! It was very interesting and impressive to hear about the history of the close, and to walk through the actual remains. Our guide Sam was absolutely amazing. He was a great storyteller. Charismatic, and incredibly engaging. If you're in Edinburgh, don't skip this tour, it is 100% worth it!

First we were sad not to be able to take pictures downstairs (upstairs and in the shop it's allowed) but you don't have any time to be honest. Everything was exciting and the told history about Edinburgh and those buildings was fascinating! Anthony was the best tour guide we could imagine! His voice was perfectly loud, clear and well understandable! He gave clear instructions and was always kind and also very sweet at the end! His jokes were actually great and we had a lot to laugh between the facts and the "kind of dark" story about Mary King.

Really, one of the best museums i ever been in my life. There are so many thing to see inside. It is soooo big and i loved the architecture of the building. Your kids will love it too. And its completely free. I love Scotland cause they take care of their people and their visitors also.

🏛️ My Visit to the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh My visit to the National Museum of Scotland was a truly fascinating experience that combined history, science, culture, and innovation under one roof. Opened in 1998 (and incorporating the older Royal Museum building), it is one of the UK’s finest museums, showcasing everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Scottish history to space exploration and technology exhibits. The architecture is stunning — a beautiful blend of Victorian design and modern glass structures. Highlights included Dolly the sheep (the first cloned mammal), the Natural World galleries, and the interactive science zones, which were engaging for visitors of all ages. Visitor Tips: Entry is free, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Edinburgh. The museum café and gift shop are also worth visiting. How to Reach: Located on Chambers Street, it’s just a short walk from Royal Mile and Edinburgh Waverley Station, well connected by local buses and trams. Overall, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit — educational, inspiring, and beautifully curated, making it one of the highlights of any trip to Edinburgh.

A fantastic museum with an amazing variety of exhibits—from natural history to Scottish heritage and world culture. The building itself is stunning.” Free entry and incredibly well-curated galleries. Great for families, tourists, and anyone interested in learning something new.The interactive displays are engaging and well-maintained. I especially loved the science and technology section.”

The Scottish National Museum boasts an incredibly diverse collection, spanning human technology, space exploration, clothing materials and design, and ancient civilizations etc. What impressed me the most was the animal gallery. It was breathtaking to see hundreds of different animal specimens displayed together—from Cretaceous dinosaur fossils and towering African elephants to fierce great white sharks, various running beasts, and adorable pandas. The most magical part was their eyes—all so vivid and lifelike, making the exhibits feel incredibly real and immersive. It was a truly fantastic visit that both the children and I thoroughly enjoyed.

What an amazing museum this is. Firstly it's free to enter which is brilliant, of course you can leave a donation to support. There are lockers available to rent for a nominal sum, and great cafes to refuel. The museum has a terrific amount of interactive exhibits, lots of places to learn and play. You could really spend all day here.

One of the best historic museums in the UK, if not Europe. Whilst the collections may not be as vast as those in other places, it's still large enough to keep your interest for many hours. What's extra special though is the presentation, the strength of which is hard to quite articulate - the space is very well utilised, and all of galleries present their collections fantastically. Cultural considerations are made and shared via information boards, such as why the museum chooses to use terms like 'mummified person' rather than 'mummy'. A brilliant job is done presenting history (and prehistory) with sensitivity and dignity. Of note is the historic animal taxidermy collection (and the fossils that accompany them), which sensitivities notwithstanding, has been beautifully maintained and presents the animals in a refreshingly thoughtful way. Staff here are very friendly and informative, and there are a number of paid exhibitions seperate to the vast free collection. What's more to be said? This museum sets the gold standard.

They serve a wonderful Sunday Roast on the main level for a very reasonable price. Also loved seeing the Lewis Chessmen! They should not be missed! It is Free. The exhibits and fantastic. This is a world class museum. I can’t describe it enough.

Absolutely loved Edinburgh! So much to see & do within a short distance. Stayed very centrally with fab views - sea to the left & castle to the right. Bus tours are great way of seeing the city & staff very friendly. Definitely visit again as many things go didn't get a chance to do.

Walking along Edinburgh's Royal Mile was an unforgettable experience! I began right at the top, at the Castle Esplanade - where you can enjoy some good views of the city - and walked almost to the end at the entrance to Holyroodhouse. It was downhill all the way, along cobblestones that have been smoothed over, and with a wealth of fascinating history all around. There are ancient multi-storey tenements, narrow closes and hidden courtyards, historic pubs, and kirks with tall spires. St Giles Cathedral in Parliament Square is well worth a visit, and other attractions include the Camera Obscura, John Knox House, and Museum of Edinburgh. But the Royal Mile is not merely an open-air history museum. It's a bustling street with a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by street entertainment: I encountered Scottish pipers in full regalia, buskers and a stilt walker as I strolled along. Walking tours start from here. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and lots of shops where you can buy Scottish gifts, clothing, confectionery and whisky. Of course this street can get crowded with tourists - it was uncomfortably crowded in the pedestrianised area close to the castle - but that's only to be expected, and it became less hectic but just as interesting the further down I walked. All in all, the Royal Mile was an experience I definitely wouldn't have missed!

Walking along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip, because it felt like the very heart and soul of the city. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, this historic street is packed with history, character, and energy at every step. The cobblestone streets, the narrow closes, and the centuries-old architecture give you the feeling that you are walking through living history, yet at the same time the street feels vibrant and modern with shops, restaurants, and street performers bringing it to life

Everything in the city is walking distance. Absolutely worth a visit plenty to see. The surgeons and national museum are so large 2 and 3 hours respectively. The castle is beautiful and the weather was decent for November

Edinburgh is such a lovely place. I’m back here for the second time, and it truly feels like my peaceful city — my lovely city. I don’t even have the words to describe how much I love it. It feels like home, like family. Every time I’m here, I feel comfortable and warm. The people are all so friendly. Oh my God, what a beautiful city! ❤️

Wonderful experience to see the town. A long walkway with lots of sights. Souvenirs shops everywhere for you to pick up some cashmere, or woolly scarf. Lots of restaurants along the route which can get busy at times so might need to pre-book for dinner. Entertainers scattered along the path playing bagpipes or dressed up for photos. Great experience and you should definitely see it at least once.

Walking along the Royal Mile was an amazing experience that felt like stepping back in time. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere created a perfect blend of culture and charm. I enjoyed exploring the many shops, cafés, and traditional pubs that lined the street, each adding its own character. I also loved discovering landmarks along the way, from St. Giles’ Cathedral to the various closes and courtyards that revealed hidden gems of Edinburgh’s past. The Royal Mile was vibrant, full of life, and rich in history, making it one of the highlights of my visit.

Really beautiful view from this spot! I recommend going at sunset, it’s very romantic and peaceful. The hike is manageable for beginners, just make sure to wear appropriate shoes (no heels!). It’s a bit rocky at the top, so be careful, and enjoy the view!

Absolutely worth the hike! We took our whole family, including small children, and everyone made it to the top. It took us a little extra time with the little ones, but the views are incredible and totally worth the effort. Definitely check the weather before you go — the path can get slippery both on the way up and down. Ice cream trucks waiting at the bottom were the perfect treat after the climb! A great family adventure and a must-do when visiting Edinburgh!

It's a trek bit the views are amazing and well worth it. However, at the top it gets very busy and both times I've been up there we've had to queue to get to the marker at the top. Best bit for me was taking the route down off the far side and walking around the surrounding park - very few people and stunning countryside.

We enjoyed checking out Arthur’s seat. It can be a little treacherous, because of the steepness of the climb and the lack of a distinct path. Be ready for some exercise and go when there is plenty of daylight. You do not want to climb on the rocks up the hillside in the dark/at dusk.

The entire hike up and down took around 2 hours including spending time taking photos and a few breaks in between. It's an advanced beginner hike and shoes with a good grip are recommended. I did this in my regular trainers so it's not entirely impossible, just that it gets quite rocky especially at the last stretch to the top. It can also get quite windy too. The view was so worth it, a must for the bucket list!

Great little hike to the top. Accessible for most able-bodied people but not wheelchairs or buggies etc. Swarms of insects at the top and can get quite crowded. Some loose scree etc.to scramble up for a quicker route but a reasonable, less steep footpath also gets you to the top for wonderful views over city, fields and the bay.

This is an amazing place for views, but be prepared to work for it. There are two ways up, so do your research based on your skill level. The last bit is all rocks, so be careful of when you go and know your limits and skills. The views make this all worth it, so this is a must see while in Edinburgh.

A wonderful day out, lovely paths through well labelled trees and shrubs, quite steep in places and rarely flat. And an excellent cafe for cake and coffee or an extensive choice for lunch. Gluten free options available.

Beautiful Arboretum with an amazing collection of trees. We had a lovely day here, though as someone on a mobility scooter, my ability to get round the gardens was limited. They had a lovely cafe and shop.

What a lovely place to visit, stunning scenery. A good map and nice walk. A bit hilly in parts but has wheelchair accessible paths too. It has a lovely cafe with delicious food(over priced as usual expected) but the food was good.

Lots of lovely trees, lichens etc to enjoy. Cafe was slow to deliver food on our visit; they also ran out of sausages by 1pm and cake not soon after !

Lovely woodland gardens to walk around with lots of interest, even in autumn. There is just the right amount of information boards. Good footpaths on a wet day. The gardens are in a hillside with a stream through the middle. The cafe is airy and has a good selection of food, including all day breakfasts.

Stunning spacious gardens with plenty of walking paths and a really interesting variety of old trees. The cafe in particular is always worth a visit.

Lovely relaxing walking among mature trees, shrubs and wil flowers; the mecanopsis are stunning in May. I am told the cafe was excellent before it changed management, but the current offering did not make me linger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visited in August while in Hexham. A surprisingly beautiful and ancient abbey. It was freezing to enter but a donation is requested, but not mandatory. You can also pay £3.50 to down into the crypt. Well worth a visit if you in the area.

Lovely Abbey Church in a town also worth visiting. Very beautiful building with lots of interesting things to see( view photos). No entrance fee but you can give a donation either by card machine or cash. Very peaceful place with seperate chapel for private prayer.

Absolutely fantastic abbey that is vibrant, active & well worth the entry fee. We paid the extra to go down the steep steps to the original crypt from 673/4...the crypt itself was built from recycled stone from a Roman bridge at Corbridge. Roman carving & inscriptions are clear to see in the stonework. When we visited GAIA (a revolving globe art installation) was in the abbey. It looked fantastic. As a bonus the café was lovely & on a sunny day sitting in the courtyard would be bliss.

Lovely place to look at. Unfortunately we arrived late in the day so only got to enjoy the exterior of the building. They were ringing the bells which was nice. Next to the abbey is a park and the railings of the park are covered in knitted/crocheted poppies which was beautiful to see. Well done to those who made the poppies.

So beautiful. We have English Heritage card but if you don't, I would still recommend buying a ticket to look round

Beautiful welcoming Abbey. We were warmly greeted and welcomed into the Abbey. Beautiful building, free entry but you are able to donate (which I recommend). They also have a shop, cafe and toilets. I found this a very accessible please with on street disc parking nearby. Worth the visit.

A lovely Abbey. Friendly receptionist at the entrance taking tickets to see the massive Earth display. Take a moment to reflect on one's life through our planet Earth and our fragile ecosystem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absolutely amazing place to visit. 10th of whole site uncovered. Brilliant audio to go with the site. Free car park. Toilets in the car park. Lovely informative museum. Friendly staff.

Excellent place to visit. We arrived just in time for a free guided tour, 2.30pm. Paul, the guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the site and the areas Roman history in general.

Well worth a visit. The free audio tour enhances the outdoor experience and the timeline and indoor museum certainly helped with wider context. Helpful staff too.

A fantastic visual display of story telling around Corbridge's Roman history. The exhibition to start with was very interesting and the remains of the Roman town are easy to relate to with the audio tour which is included. Take an audio jack for headphones to best take it in.

A splendid museum, full of artefacts and very informative displays . The town itself is extensive. To best understand it and its history and evolution over time, use the free audio guides provided. They are excellent.

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The audio sets were great and explained everything in detail. And the museum part was fantastic, showing just how advanced the Romans were

Well worth the visit! The free audio guide is excellent and adds to the outside experience. The Museum timeline and exhibits provide a great overview of the Roman habitation in the area.

The castle offers a lovely view from the grounds; however, I can’t recommend paying for entry at the current price. During my visit, we paid £43.50 for two adults, including £6 for parking. For that amount, I expected considerably more content and historical depth. The exhibits are heavily focused on the current family and the Victorian era. Personally, I would have preferred to see more emphasis on the castle’s earlier history, especially given its origins dating back to around 547 AD, but that may come down to individual taste. Interestingly, I found the nearby church to hold far greater historical significance than the castle itself. The World War II display felt somewhat out of place, and the kitchen area has clearly been converted into an extension of the gift shop, which further reduces the amount of authentic content on offer, and there isn’t much to begin with. I also found it odd that the guidebook we bought didn’t include a map, and there were no clear directional signs inside the castle grounds. This made it surprisingly difficult to know where to go or whether we had seen everything, which detracted a bit from the experience. In addition, many of the windows were quite dirty, which took away from what could have been some lovely views from inside. I think we may have just expected too much. By contrast, I found castles such as Warkworth, Alnwick and even Skipton to offer a much richer historical experience for a similar or even lower price. While Bamburgh’s setting is undeniably beautiful, the overall visit felt more like a family heritage exhibition than a deep dive into its remarkable past.

The castle sits on a hill overlooking the sea and the nearby town. The views from the castle are stunningly beautiful. There is a lot to see in the castle as well as outside. I would say give yourself two to three hours to be sure you see everything. Would definitely recommend a visit.

This is an amazing castle. The access is formidable, it’s kept very well, and the displays are perfect, not too little, not too much. The added air and auto museum were icing on the cake.

This is the most impressive castle i have seen to date, the views are amazing and the history is second to none. The castle itself is massive and very imposing, just imagining being in that time having to look at this daunting castle, wow, absolutely amazing, definitely a must see for anyone that has ever watched the Last Kingdom.

Beautiful setting and nice place but Christmas theme took away from the historical displays and not much was shown of the history before the caste. There was also much of the castle interior that was not publicly assessable

Was a brilliant experience, went on a Sunday was quiet and easy to navigate. Beautiful views from all around the castle could really spend the whole day taking all the history in

What an amazing place to visit. The grounds have some stunning views over the beach. The rooms are kept in great condition. The staff were brilliant and informative. There is parking at the castle which is £6 or you can park across the road in another car park. The gift shop was great and there are toilets near the cafe's. I felt there was not enough toilets for the amount of visitors.

A gorgeous castle with a fascinating history—definitely worth a visit! The views are breathtaking, and the staff are warm and welcoming. I also had the chance to join a Quidditch lesson, which was so much fun (even tho it’s serious business!). Overall, a wonderful and memorable experience :)))”

This castle is in a different league! The rooms are extremely ornate, great portraits, fantastic ceilings and amazing fireplaces. A shame that indoor photography was not allowed. It is lived in. The views outside are wonderful , also great exhibits of armoury and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. A 'must see' for all.

We visited with our whole family and had an amazing time! We bought our tickets in advance and came just 2 days before the season ended. The staff were fantastic — even with some power issues, they handled everything smoothly and still made the experience great for everyone. The weather was perfect, the history of the castle is incredible, and the broomstick flying activity was a big hit with the kids! A beautiful place full of charm and stories. Highly recommend visiting Alnwick Castle!

Stunning place to visit. Fun for all the family. Plenty to do and see. It's amazing to know that the family still live there during the public closing time and during the winter. The rooms are beautiful and awe-inspiring. I wish my physical media collection looked like their library. The grounds are great and we even got to learn how to fly our broomsticks. Well worth a visit. The dragon area was a great addition too, well thought out. Lots of toilets and multiple gift shops.

Gorgeous castle! For Harry Potter fans, this is where the famous broomstick flying scene from the first movie was filmed! There are talks and events throughout the day regarding the magical side of the castle as well as more traditional evens like weapons and armor talks, soap making and a fun dragon quest! A place with rich history and enjoyability for all ages! 10/10 highly recommend

Best intact and still working castle visited. Kids had an amazing time dressing up in medieval costumes, making soap and learning to fly on broomsticks. The adults had an amazing experience with seeing and hearing all the history with very informative guides and information displays.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this castle. It’s beautifully maintained, with a wide range of activities and guided tours that kept me engaged throughout the day. I ended up spending the entire day exploring.

We first came here 16 years ago and always wanted to come back when we saw the Gardens were to be expanded. An amazing attraction in a beautiful town in Northumberland. The admission is reasonably priced and the highlight for us was the "Poison Garden" and our guide was amazing, entertaining and informative. There is an excellent cafe and restaurant as well. Please visit here.

First time visiting & was in October. So all the plants were dieing off which was inevitable for this time of year but nether the less we had a brilliant day. The waterfall feature is stunning. The tour round the poison garden was great. We had fun in the crazy golf. Had a lovely walk round the gardens & the different water fountains. Will definitely be returning in spring to swing in the cherry trees. Amazing day out. Well worth a visit.

What a fantastic day out! Alnwick Garden is even more impressive in person. The sheer variety of plants is incredible, and the displays, especially the stunning water features, are amazing. I particularly enjoyed the unique Poison Garden tour, which was both entertaining and educational. It's a must-see for anyone in the area!

Lovely day out. I purchased the annual ticket which is well worth the money. We've visited a few times and it's always a great time, all parts of the garden are lovely. The bamboo labyrinth is very cool! Even the food is good!

The water cascade feature looks impressive, especially so when all the fountain jets are active. Unfortunately most of the time there are no active fountain jets, or only a few are active for a short period. I saw the majority or all the fountain jets active whilst I was having lunch in the cafe, but despite several subsequent attempts to get a video recording of all fountain jets working on a couple of occasions during the afternoon it didn't happen again which is very disappointing. The ornamental garden above the cascade is attractively laid out with trees providing additional height to the hedges around each flower bed. Near the bottom of the cascade is a hedged maze like area with multiple interesting water features. The poison garden can only be accessed by guided tour which was very informative and interesting. The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food, drinks and cakes and is well laid out. I would recommend visiting, but I think the adult entrance fee is excessive. Although I w

A lovely garden great for all generations. We went when the blossom trees were out and it was beautiful. My daughter and I also had an afternoon tea which was delicious. I would definitely recommend anyone visiting.

A good value day out (£18 online for adults), + £3.50 car park, if you take your own picnic. Poison garden tour included in ticket price. Ornamental garden and water gardens great. Bit disappointed that the largest 'tree house' is a restaurant and the 'potting shed' is a café. However, on a nice day of weather, as it was, very pleasant. Good activities for children, if you have them.

This place is amazing! Well worth a visit. They do guided tours as well which gives you some history which helps contextualise the site.

This is a great day out. Plenty to see and learn. The kids enjoyed it too. There were some buildings you could get in but others under refurbishment. We arrived on the 1 Sunday a month that the sounds are not on until 12. There are plenty of information boards and they are written well and quite funny. The car park is free and at the site. There are toilets in the car park and in the main building. There is also a cafe here woth a gift shop. The staff were polite.

Absolutely love this museum a must visit for everyone of all ages. A brilliant record of industrial and social history with varying displays, exhibitions and events as well as the famous Ashington Painters artworks.

Visiting woodhorn Museum and it was fantastic! 🏰👍 Loved exploring the museum's exhibits, learning about the history of Northumberland's coal mining industry. The pit tours were a real highlight, giving a glimpse into the lives of the miners. Friendly staff and great interactive displays. Highly recommend! 👍 #WoodhornMuseum #Northumberland"

Brilliant weather for a brilliant day, Classic and Vintage Car Rally on as well made even more enjoyable for my son and me...!

Really interesting place to visit, friendly staff, plenty of free parking, dog friendly except in the main building, cafe on site, close by is also a lakeside walk, well worth a visit

This is one of our favourite museums as a family. Firstly it is so accessible both for me as someone with a physical disability, and for other family members who are neurodiverse. Woodhorn museum is probably the most physically accessible place I've visited with two exceptions - The playground; The cafe. Now my kids are older, I don't worry about the playground so much as they play without needing me but a few years ago there's no way I could have got my mobility scooter up or around there. The café, I've tried twice to navigate with my scooter and it's not set out right for independent scooter/wheelchair users. Food/drink items are too high too reach, it's too difficult to both carry a tray of food and drive a scooter or wheelchair, and there are too many tables to safely get in/out. Aside from this (and I recognise I said that it's probably the most accessible which hopefully shows how inaccessible some places are while believing they tick every box!) I love Woodhorn! Firstly, the price is incredible and kids under 16 go free- plus the pass lasts a whole year. So once we have it we will drive up a few times a year. There is always something different going on each school holiday to draw us back, although to be honest my girls love going through the mining history museum every time due to it's interactive features anyway!

Lovely ship, good crossing, terrible inside bunk bed cabin!! Thin walls with party people going to Amsterdam! Drinking until 2am!! No sleep whatsoever! Expensive breakfast buffet like a sale opening day! Such a big rush for the overcooked inedible breakfast! ! Friendly, hard working crew.

This was the first time we went from Newcastle to IJmuiden with DFDS and we won't do this again. Sorry, but for the money it costs and the experience DFDS has, it is really bad. First of all, the information in advance: there is none. You have no idea what your cabin number is, not even when you get it (you get it at check-in). Your account only contains the details of the trip, nothing else. And the journey itself: we were in a family cabin on deck 6 and it was like sleeping in the engine room. A huge noise, everything was shaking, no sleep. It was hot, the air conditioning barely worked. Really worthless. Upon arrival it was chaos: arrival time was 9:45, we were home at 12:45 and we live in Haarlem (20 minutes drive). From now on we will use the tunnel, which is a detour, but much more pleasant and much cheaper.

We travel regularly on the Newcastle - Amsterdam route with our dog as we do the Europe trip 8 times a year. Check in process is smooth. With the dog, papers are checked at the same time as our passports and scanner is provided to check the micro chip. Once on board, staff will assist if you need help getting to your cabin. We always have a dog friendly cabin, so know where we're going - thanks for the gravy bone today from our dog! Dog exercise area means we can sit outside with the dog if desired. Then dinner - we always do the buffet, plenty choice and the food is good, would recommend booking - a decent sleep (smooth crossing helps 😊) and after a decent breakfast it's time to disembark. For us, this is a great option coming from Scotland and having 2000km drive in Europe to our destination. We arrive refreshed, well fed and ready for the onward journey. Note we do sometimes travel via the Eurotunnel or Santander /Bilbao crossings to south of England but this one is our favourite overall.

Myself and my wife had an excellent time on the DFDS mini cruise to Amsterdam, cannot sing it's praises enough. Room was small but clean and comfortable, boat atmosphere was excellent especially on the return voyage, we had a really relaxed two days at sea and it was awesome. If I was to find faults it would be that there was a lack of food for my wife who is Coeliac, and the boats WiFi wasn't the best but to be fair we were in the middle of the north sea, drinks were a bit pricey but you can buy from duty free and save some cash if you want, all in all more than happy for what we got for our money. Will definitely be doing this again.

The ferry is a little tired in places, but not so much that it's a problem. The staff are excellent and try to do whatever they can to help. Both the public areas and cabins are kept clean, with lots of visible cleaning of the former throughout the journey. Food at the buffet is much better than expected for a captive audience, especially the very well cooked meats. If you can justify the cost, the commodore de luxe rooms are great.

Absolutely excellent to Amsterdam trip with excellent food and a real and a really nice with a good coach trip in to Amsterdam square and the canals before returning to board the boat again and once again excellent food the service from the staff were brilliant and of course it has a real duty-free shop yes a real duty-free shop not like the airports a pleasant experience and well worth the money all in all absolutely brilliant show get away with no worries or problems AJ

Needed to move personal effects from the Netherlands to the UK. Decided to rent a van and pickup the items myself via ferry, as that was the cheapest option available. Check-in and boarding were straightforward, and the ferry rides both ways were long (around 16 hours) but pleasant. Cabins were clean and comfortable too. I paid for the dinner and breakfast buffets while booking, which was cheaper than paying at the door. Both meals were of excellent value, with lots of options. Overall, I had a great time on the ferry and highly recommend this service!

Today me and Star had a lovely walk at Tynemouth Longsands North. She absolutely loved walking on the sand and taking a dip in the sea. Great weather with a cool breeze, but also walm.

Beautiful beach close to Clercoast metro station. It is a beautiful walk and dogs are allowed until the end of March. Definitely worth a stroll on a sunny day. It was quite windy but was still super pretty to walk on the beach. A must visit when in the area.

Beautiful beach. It was super clean! Almost got eaten by a seagull though

Lovely clean beach. Large areas are dog-friendly. Plenty of facilities such as cafes, toilets, parking, pubs, surf school as well as historic landmarks. Great views and ice cream.

Great beach, it can get packed so pick your time carefully. The traffic scheme means it is easier to park at Crusoe's now 🙂. Whatever the weather there are always people here having fun, evsn swimming and surfung in the hail and snow 🤣🌊

Exquisite view and space to be with friends, family or by yourself. Eateries along the beach if you want to grab a drink or a bite. Lots of people come in to try surfing too.

Lovely long sandy beach popular with surfers; there is a surf school at the southern end. The incline is very slight so you have to go a long way out to get be out of your depth. There is a restaurant/caffe at both the north and south end of the beach, the one at the south end has lots of beach chairs out on the sand. As with Whitley Bay, the southern half of this beach is a no dog zone between May & September.