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

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

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

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

Beautiful cathedral with stunning architecture. Friendly and welcoming staff.

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

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

A diverse range of shows on offer here, which I would think will appeal to a wide range of people. Tidy modern interiors and a good view of the stage (even from the relatively cheap seats) give a more intimate feel to the performances than you might otherwise expect. Plentiful parking in the adjacent Northgate Car Park.

This theatre is nothing short of fantastic. I’m a regular user of their Prologue tickets for 16-30yr olds, so I have experienced this theatre many times. The seating in the stalls and circle gives an amazing view no matter where you sit. The foyer area is a lovely place to be, and the shows they put on here never fail to be of the highest quality. This is my favourite theatre I’ve been to, and I don’t think it’s even possible to leave disappointed with your experience!

Modern theatre in Chichester. Nice to go through. Easy access and for disabled people too. Could do with more toilets. Car park nearby but requires payment. Show at the time was "Top hat".

Fabulous show at The Minerva Theatre last night. The Choir. Awesome Theatre show, amazing actors, fabulous voices and great storyline. Staff at the Theatre are welcoming, friendly and helpful. The show was stopped partway through, due to a medical episode by an audience member. The staff and Choir actors handled everything professionally and with care and consideration. We wish the lady a speedy recovery. Overall a fabulous Theatre and I'll be back again as always. ☆☆☆☆☆

Wonderful evening with miriam and friends. All theatre staff helpful and friendly. Thank you. I return as often as i can, very convenient and lovely theatre.

Lovely Theatre. The production of Top Hat could have been better. The choreography was not really sophisticated enough for this style of musical. Some of the costumes did not seem to fit the performers well. The set and music were very good. Singing was adequate. I have to say that the audience loved it.

Plenty of parking in nearby carpark, lovely staff, clean facilities and a lovely theatre. We drove all the way from West London to see Lord of the Flies after we had such a good experience watching The Sound of Music. Easily one of my favourite theatres. There's not really any bad seats in the place. Incredible views from all over

Pretty good area in town. Beautiful greenery sitting next to Cathedral. Love to walk around. This part of city is away from hustle bustle of city crown and traffic sound.

A beautiful space within the Roman walls and just near the Cathedral and main shopping streets. All year there is something to see from Spring bulbs to full Summer colours and Autumn leaves. There is a walkway around the Roman walls so you can look South from the top of the walls. Not accessible if you are in a wheelchair but access to the park from the street or Cathedral grounds is available to everyone. Lots of sunny spots and shade in the Summer.

Very beautiful and well maintained garden. A great place to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Well worth a visit.

Beautiful and tranquil place to sit, eat or just take in the colours any time of the year. Or you can cheer on the squads of volunteers who help to maintain this lovely secluded spot.

The sun broke out unexpectedly after I'd been into town for a haircut, so instead of going home I decided to make the most of it and take my first walk of the year around the Bishop's gardens. It was a little early in the season but there was still plenty to see and enjoy. I had a cuppa and toasted tea cake in the Cloisters Cafe near the entrance first, then spent a glorious 45 minutes wandering and snapping away. I'd guess another 2-3 weeks or so and it would be a riot of colour as the spring flowers erupt everywhere. A free treat for anyone who wants to bring the family, sit with their partner in a romantic nook, or find a bench to eat their picnic lunch 'out of office'.

It is a place to relax, recharge the energy and see the beauties of the gardens very well cared for.

A very beautiful and peaceful garden. It's good to walk around the wall and have a view of the city. Sit and relax. Recommended to visit again and again. A nice addition along with Catherdal. No dogs allowed, so not so good news for dog lovers and vice versa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I travelled from Portsmouth to West Dean, and the journey took 43 minutes. I strongly recommend avoiding the motorway and instead enjoying the entire route, which offers opulent countryside scenery. Parking The parking area is rather hidden and can be tricky to find. If you’re using Google Maps, don’t turn at the first entrance for West Dean that it shows. Instead, carry on a little further and take the next street on the same side — this will lead you to the parking space. Entrance There are a few signs, but none clearly indicate the entrance. Look for the West Dean Shop, as this is where you can purchase tickets (£13 per person). The Garden The garden is beautiful, and there’s a large mansion on the grounds, although you cannot go inside. This left me wondering why the entry price is quite high for just access to the garden. Our group of six, including children and elderly visitors, all enjoyed the outing. Exploring the grounds will typically take 1–2 hours. Restaurant There is a restaurant located right next to the shop, where you can buy drinks, ice creams, and meals. Tips If you bring your own picnic, particularly sandwiches, it makes for a very pleasant visit. During my time there, most of the visitors were elderly, giving the place a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

I'm in love with West Dean Gardens and have been for many years. It's probably my favourite place in the UK - it's peaceful, beautiful, welcoming and with each Season offers up a glorious display. As an amateur photographer this is a magical setting and hopefully my attached photos show that. Today was beautifully sunny for September, regretably the Lavant wasn't full enough to have the West Dean gardens stream running - and when it does in the Spring there are ducks with the little chicks splashing around. Had lunch at the cafe. A very tasty sandwich (basically a posh cheese sandwich) with salad and crips. And a pot of tea - squeezed 3 cups out of that. It's not cheap but it's very good. The food here in my view is always excellent. Dogs are allowed in the gardens and also in the cafe, however, they must be on short leash. Please note the cafe does not take cash. Entry at time of writing was £13.50 - children under the age of 16 are free. I don't think this place is for kids - they'd be bored but there is a Chilli Festival once a year, still going, I believe which they might like. Parking is fairly easy and there is an overflow car-park which was opened today, as it was very busy due to the beautiful weather. Busy here doesn't mean crammed in the garden - it's quite sedate as the gardens are huge. Well worth a visit.

West Dean Gardens is a truly beautiful place, full of charm and character. My favourite moment was walking through the pergola – it was absolutely breathtaking, covered with climbers and framed by wonderful understory planting. The Victorian glasshouses are also a delight, carefully maintained and full of interest. I especially appreciated the thoughtful planting in the walled garden, where the same plant is displayed in different varieties side by side – a lovely touch that really shows the richness of each species. A very inspiring and enjoyable visit!

absolutely stunning, immaculately kept and cared for gardens. lovely woodland walk to start with which takes about an hour and then leads you round to the gardens. we particularly liked the glasshouses. fantastic day out for couples and families alike.

Really surprised how good this was! Gold star towhoever is running this place and looking after the plants and trees. Paid £13.50 each to get in but it was spotless, peaceful and great views. No river running till later in the year but the greenhouses, walled gardens and general grounds were beautiful. We had a super sausage roll in the restaurant and paid £5 for a bag to select from the great variety of apples for sale. The college is not open to public but there are tours some days/months.

Loved it. Gardens were great especially the walled Gardens, roses and greenhouses. Nice lunch although a few more choices could be good. Never found the Gardeners tea room so went in the main restaurant twice for refreshments.

West Dean Gardens were a lovely place to visit. We only walked around the gardens there is also a 60 minute walk which looked lovely but there were very heavy black clouds so we didn’t complete this. After seeing the produce in the gardens we were expecting a good selection of fresh cakes however we were very disappointed with what was on offer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quaint little beach located down an old windy set of stairs. - no sand but still very relaxing - nice little cafe at the end which served me a lovely bacon sandwich and my partner had a scone. Only 1 toilet cubicle down there so maybe use the bathroom before bed venturing down.

We had an amazing visit to LT and already can’t wait to come back! The views are incredible and it’s such a special place. Excited to visit again in the summer 🌴 It feels like your own little paradise. Thanks so much Amanda for a wonderful time.

Little Tamarisk is my winter haven, bolt hole and New Year retreat! January may not be the time most people are thinking of going away, but following the indulgences of Christmas and the chaos of New Year, it has become my tradition to book a four day break at Little Tamarisk and long may this tradition continue. This gorgeous little cottage / cabin is set in private gardens, surrounded by palms and over looking the sea. It is as cosy and snug in winter as it is exotic and tranquil in the summer. Beautifully furnished with wood and tasteful textiles, it’s the perfect place to snuggle up with a blanket, eat super nourishing food, read a book, journal or draw. I’ve found lots of walks nearby … to the Botanic Garden and along the coastal paths, as well as hidden pathways to nearby Ventnor and winding stairways down to Steephill Cove, the whole area is full of atmosphere, charm and character. It’s the perfect place for a tranquil winter break, and is just as lovely in the summer.

Little Tamarisk is a little gem of a place, well hidden and far from the maddening crowds (in the summer). But yet very close to the beauty of Steephill Cove with its lovely Crab Shed and other eating places. It’s a bit of a steep drop to walk down to but hey, there’s a reason for the name! The “little” accommodation is cosy, clean and well equipped for what it is….snug, romantic, private base to explore the island and local area. Located at the end of Love Lane (can’t make this one up!), great for couples!

Spectacular scenery, especially in the summer when this and the surrounding areas start to feel like somewhere tropical rather than the south of England. Holds a lot of sentimental value to me due to nostalgic childhood memories. Fantastic views; peaceful, isolated atmosphere; very photogenic; and lots of wildlife/geological appeal.

Amazing little cover, not quite as hidden as some might like but it is a gem nonetheless. Safe little space to swim when calm, with the sea in or out. Can hire deck chairs and kayaks etc. at reasonable hourly rates.

Amazing out of the way cove about fifteen minutes walk over the cliff tops from Ventnor. Well worth the walk. Great cafe and a few other things there like a crab shack and b&bs. Feels remote no cars can access the cove which just adds to it's appeal. Love it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are looking for quick trip outside `London that includes sightseeing and shopping, Gunwharf Quays is the place to be. Went there for first time to see the Clippers Race event, and was surprised to find its gem- the Outlet shops! I was able to shop whilst enjoying the sight of the gorgeous yachts. There can be so much more to be done however the weather was not cooperating with our plans that day. Overall, a nice place to explore and stroll around. :) Also, they have loads of restaurants to choose from, from fastfood, to pubs and dining.

This is a complex of designer outlets and other retailers just behind the harbour walls of Portsmouth. It is stylish and inviting and is a good shopping environment. Once you go out onto the quay you have spectacular views of the harbour, boats, ferry's and the Spinnaker towering above you. Whilst opposite, you have the 40 gun steam powered HMS Warrior from Queen Victoria's reign which is open for tourists to visit. A really busy and vibrant area with lots to see and do.

A beautiful shopping outlet, we enjoyed the stroll around the port aswell as the spinnaker tower then done our shopping. Great offers and pricing. Car park is reasonable price. Lots of toilets available aswell as food places. Lots of activities aswell for kids, mini port, train ride and even harbour tour boat ride.

Good place for wasting a few hours. Some great shops, and plenty of eating establishments. Good sized carpark with easy access to the shops.. some nice little touches outside too.

Gunwharf Quays is a fantastic place to shop, eat, and relax by the water. The outlet stores offer great deals, and there’s a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. The waterfront views and lively atmosphere make it a great spot for a day out. Highly recommended!

Very interesting but we only got the free ticket which enabled us to walk around and access a limited amount of attractions. Only had a short amount of time spare otherwise we would have paid. Still very much enjoyed it.

Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth is a vibrant waterfront outlet shopping destination, offering a wide mix of designer and high-street brands at discounted prices. The open-air layout gives it a relaxed, modern feel, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars dotted around the marina, making it just as much a leisure spot as a shopping one. Visitors can enjoy everything from fashion and homeware to cinemas and bowling, all in one place. Its location by the historic harbour, with views of the Spinnaker Tower, adds to the charm. Parking is ample, though it can get busy on weekends and holidays. Overall, it’s a great day out for bargain hunters, families, or anyone looking to shop, dine, and unwind by the sea.

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

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

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

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

Beautiful view, blah, blah. It is the staff that make this such a wonderful day out. From the ticket desk, to the lift operator, to everyone in the Spinnaker Kitchen, every single team member we interacted with was absolutely delightful, smiling, helpful and lovely. Thank you to everyone who works there 👍🏻

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HMS Warrior is the first iron hulled warship to have been built. It is accessed easily enough using a ramp, but then requires some agility to view other deck areas via ladders. Built in 1860, this ship has decks that are sectioned (to minimise flooding issues), unlike earlier ships where you can walk all the way up or down each deck before assending or descending to the next deck, this ship requires you to go up and down several ladders to view all parts. It is fascinating to see how many coal burners were required in order to provide fuel for this steam beauty. Obviously this old ship comes with the appropriate smells of time. I really enjoyed my time on board and can't wait to go back and see any sections I missed, because I found the layout fairly confusing.

Wasn't sold on going but the wife wanted to. I am Soo happy I listened to her. The audio tour provided tons of information as it navigates you through the entire ship!!! Such a great tour. Well done and totally worth going to Portsmouth for this

At first it appeared to be a rather spartan looking restoration of a warship I had never heard of. The weather was miserable and the main deck was empty and dreary. Once below deck however she came to life. The attention to detail in every corner of the ship was quite obvious. Just out of curiosity I ran I finger across the top of some machinery and there was absolutely no dust. The crowning achievement of HMS Warrior are the living history interpreters. What a wonderful job bringing the history of the ship and the lives of its crew to us. My expectations weren't that high but after the visit I was absolutely impressed by the vessel and the people that keep her going. Well done!

A great iron clad warship belong to the Royal Navy, this ship has never fired a shot in anger. Nick named the black snake, it's incredible inside the ship that displays how the men lived and worked on board this vessel.Tour guides are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Almost amazing place to visit. Great guides especially the guys living the parts. Really brings home the extremely tough life of the poor guys who signed up for 4 years as opposed to the toffs and privileged officers.

As a hybrid-powered ship, HMS Warrior is distinctive. You can feel the weight of history and also imagine how advanced the technology was at the time. Visitors can explore the deck and cabins, getting a close look at what life was like for the crew. A really great experience overall.

Still defiantly afloat, HMS Warrior is a fitting taster for the rest of the Historic Dockyard. Check what is the current best value ticket as you will need a full half day to enjoy HMS Warrior alone. Well informed guides can answer all your questions, som e steep access ladders and because she is afloat the long gang way may have a shallow angle when you get on but as the tide rises so will the angle steepen. Not really wheelchair friendly! Near Christmas she carries a string of lights aloft and the starlings which roost under the railway station can be seen in murmurations before they leave for the Winter. If you buy a Historic Dockyard ticket you will need three days to do the exhibits justice. There are good toilets for visitors and cafes restaurants and picnic areas to suit all tastes. Lots for children to enjoy and a shop for your mementos and presents to take home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We spent about 1:20 in the museum and house, reading the informative signs on Gilbert White and the Oates family. We were surprised that it was about 50/50 between ecologist Gilbert White and the later Oates family (who purchased the house and were explorers/nature-lovers in their own right). Though there wasn’t tons of information about Gilbert White’s personal life, it was quite informative on his works, people he interacted with or later impacted, such as Oates, Thomas Bell, Darwin. Gardens: We weren’t able to spend much time given our schedule, but looked like an extensive (dog-friendly) walk. Ticket prices are a little steep, but if wanting to learn about his life, impact in ecology, and walk the gardens it is a nice afternoon out. Cafe has hot drinks, cakes, and a handful (2-3?) of lunch options. Indoor and outdoor seating. Car park behind house. It is a paid lot, but if visiting house just include registration details at visitor desk for free parking. Facilities: Clean toilets in cafe area and inside house.

Fascinating garden with old species and a medicinal herbal section. The cost of entry £13.50 per person gives you an annual pass which is worth having if you're local as many plants vary through the season. RHS members discount Tuesday to Thursday. Where plants were big enough I did a bit of sniffing and tasting leaves. I'll be buying some sweet Cicely if I can get seeds. Dogs welcome in the garden. The cafe does good cake and coffee. Toilets in the cafe. We didn't do the house. We were in the garden for over an hour, I'd have stayed longer but the dog was too hot. Free parking if you go into garden/house or spend £5 in the cafe.

We had a wonderful day at Gilbert White’s house. There was so much to see, the house was quirky and the museum was very interesting. It captivated my two granddaughters as well as myself. The grounds are so beautiful and my younger granddaughter completed an Easter trail. My only criticism is of the cafe, the prices I get are extortionate, £45 for the three of us to have a light lunch (two quiche and side salad and one sandwich, plus drinks)

I love this place! Anyone who loves gardens or is interested in ecology MUST go! Fascinating exhibitions about Gilbert White, the father of ecology, but also displays about Captain Oates of the ill-fated Antarctic expedition, and Frank Oates, naturalist and explorer. Such a wonderful and relaxing day!

Visiting Gilbert White’s House felt like stepping into a quieter, more attentive world. The rooms are modest but full of life, and what really stayed with me was seeing nature through White’s eyes—his writing is almost poetic in its simplicity. He doesn’t dramatize; he observes. Birds, weather, plants—all described with a kind of reverence that makes you slow down and notice things you’d usually overlook. The museum itself is bright, airy, and thoughtfully laid out. It’s full of interactive touches—drawers that open to reveal surprises, objects you can handle, and displays that invite curiosity rather than just observation. It’s clearly designed to be engaging for all ages, and it works. There’s a sense of playfulness woven through the learning, which makes the experience feel alive. The museum does a lovely job of letting White’s voice lead. Diary extracts are placed throughout the house—not the garden—and they’re not just informative—they’re intimate. You feel like you’re walking alongside him, sharing in his quiet joy at a bird’s song or the changing of the seasons. Then you cross into the Oates section, and the atmosphere shifts. It’s immersive in a different way—more visceral, more emotionally charged. The personal effects, especially Lawrence Oates’ belongings, are deeply moving. You’re not just reading about polar exploration; you’re feeling the weight of it. The quiet bravery, the loss, the humanity—it’s all there in the details. And it’s not just Lawrence. His brother Frank Oates, too, lived a life of bold exploration—venturing into Africa with curiosity and courage. Both brothers, in their own ways, embraced the unknown. The museum honours that spirit without sensationalising it. It’s respectful, poignant, and quietly powerful. Oddly—and a little eerily—in the area where the Boer War uniform was displayed, my husband caught a distinct smell of pipe smoke and asked if I could smell it too. I couldn’t. It was fleeting, but it added an unexpected layer to the experience. Whether imagination or something else, it felt strangely fitting in a place so steeped in personal history. The contrast between the two halves of the museum is striking, but beautifully handled. White’s world is one of patience and wonder; the Oates story brings courage and tragedy. Together, they offer a layered, unforgettable experience. The café, however, was less inspiring. £9.00 for a cheese and tomato sandwich felt steep—and the tomato turned out to be a single slice. It’s a lovely setting, but the pricing didn’t quite match the portion. Worth knowing if you're planning to eat there. Parking is free if you’re visiting the café or the house—just make sure to register your vehicle on arrival. It’s a small detail, but easy to miss. We also ventured across the road to the church to visit Gilbert White’s resting place. It’s a lovely little church—simple, peaceful, and full of quiet charm. Standing there, knowing he’s buried in the village he loved and wrote about so tenderly, felt like the perfect way to end the visit.

This is a fascinating place. Not only does this house celebrate the life and work of the naturalist Gilbert White. It also feature details of the achievements of Captain Frank Oates and his African travels, and that of Lawrence Oates who joined Scott on his tragic Antarctic journey. So there is something of interest for everyone. There is a large garden with some interesting features as well. So plan to spend a few hours here, and take a break in the nice café on site. Note that the parking is a bit further down the road, behind the Selborne Arms pub, and you must register your car upon arrival at the museum to get free parking.

Just had a lovely visit to Gilbert White's house. Beautiful setting and gardens especially with the trees in their autumn colours albeit on a very cloudy day! The house is delightful and the exhibits are informative and interesting. It's like stepping back in time to a more relaxed and quiet period, something we all lack these days. The Oates collections were also very interesting with the Arctic exhibition especially thought provoking and moving. Their bravery was inspiring. We loved the cafe having stopped for coffee on arrival (very good!) and then for tea and cake at the end of our visit (also very good!) All the staff were friendly and welcoming. We wouldn't hesitate to return.

Chawton House makes the perfect compliment to a visit to the Jane Austen House whilst in Chawton. An easy, pleasant 10 minute walk from the Jane Austen House, Chawton House helped provide a fuller glimpse of the life and times of the Austen family, and manor life. Upon entry to the house a generous gentleman provided an overview of the history of the house and its significant occupants, from construction through the ongoing restoration and upkeep process. He met us again in the library at the end of our walk through the house to provide even more information on the Chawton’s vast collection of valuable books. The house has an interesting interior and lovely walkable grounds with a variety of colorful plants and flowers blooming. The cafe is worth a stop with some nice treats and pleasant seating in the courtyard. Be sure to stop by the church on the walk toward the house, where Jane Austen’s mother and sister were both laid to rest.

Chawton House was a new discovery and we fell in love with its charm and beauty. It's easy to imagine Jane Austen promenading around the walks and parkland. Parking is easy - once you've found the car park and there are plenty of spaces.

Beautiful house related to Knight and Austen's family. Wonderful gardens too. The historical explanations by Peter Mayor was excellent! Totally recommend. Also the tea and scones was delicious.

The last time I visited Chawton, this house wasn't open to the public. Now it is, and it's well worth the visit, especially if also visiting the Jane Austen House. A beautiful Elizabethan manor house, with fascinating interpretive material. The Cafe was also first class, I recommend the Chawton House cider! Very friendly, informative staff.

A beautiful old house including lots of Jane Austin's story. We were welcomed by a verywell informed guide, who also showed us the library. Pleasant gardens for a nice walk before a good cuppa in the tearoom.

An unexpected gem as it 'suffers' from being near the more popular Jane Austen House. But it's just as important in telling her story. Home to a massive women's literature librays too, it's history is fascinating. It's a place also you could still imagine living in. We ran out if time, so likely to visit again. Worth the half mile walk between the two.

We spent an evening on Halloween which was truly unforgettable. It started off in the old kitchen with a delicious three course meal and welcome drink. We didnt see chef,but they deserve a pat on the back for the quality of the dishes. The two ladies that looked after us were wonderful,Kim was very helpful and knowledgeable. After supper we went into the hall for a candlelight ghost story,specially written and told by the author. It was so very special.

One of the best National Trust properties we have visited. Lovely house, not too big but beautiful. The gardens are also amazing, find the mini Greek temple and many other surprise delights. Great cafe, nice shop, plenty of parking. And don't miss the church and the stain glass windows behind the alter. A visit is highly recommended.

Visited on a stunning early October day. So much colour in the garden and such a beautiful location. Nice cafe and shop. Didn't have time to go in the house or explore the many tracks in the ground, but I could definitely spend a day there in that weather.

Lovely manor house and gardens, managed by the National Trust. The house is a gem, with knowledgeable guides in the principle rooms We booked for the Garden Tour, so glad we did. Our guide knew the plants and garden stories and made it entertaining as well. We couldn't believe that it took an hour and a half, it went so quickly! There's a cafe for coffee and cakes and some hot snacks for lunch. But we propped out to the near by pub for a more substantial lunch and returned afterwards. We loved it. 😎👍👍👍👍👍

Tranquility is at home in the gardens at Hinton Ampner, a masterclass in design and cultivation. Ralph Dutton, the last owner, meticulously rebuilt and designed them after a devastating fire in 1960, creating a series of "rooms" that flow seamlessly into one another. You'll find a delightful mix of structured formal areas and more tranquil, wilder spaces. Highlights often include the charming Sunken Garden with its serene lily pond, the vibrant Walled Garden brimming with seasonal produce and cut flowers, and the meticulously manicured lawns that stretch out with magnificent views. No matter when you visit, the flowers are a highlight. Spring bursts forth with a dazzling display of daffodils and tulips, particularly in the walled garden and the cherry orchard. Come summer, the gardens are a riot of colour, with climbing roses, sweet peas, peonies. The dahlia displays in late summer and early autumn are truly spectacular, offering a rich tapestry of hues. The National Trust gardeners clearly pour their heart and soul into maintaining these ever-changing floral spectacles. Beyond the formal gardens, the fields and parkland surrounding Hinton Ampner are equally captivating and perfect for stretching your legs. With acres of countryside to explore, you can embark on several waymarked walks, such as the Dutton Estate walk, which takes you across open downland with endless vistas over the South Downs,

A truly charming place, ideal for a leisurely countryside visit, whether you’re exploring the lovely garden, walking estate trails, or soaking up Georgian ambience. A peaceful, welcoming gem in the South Downs. Free parking on site. If you're using wheelchair try to park in the top car park and all the car parks are having uneven surfaces. There's a nice cafe inside. The staffs are very friendly and informative. Overall it was a really great experience for our family!!

What a lovely place to visit! Loved all the rooms but my favourite was the big living room with the magnificent chandelier. The garden is wonderful! You have different parts to it. There is also a vegetable garden with an orchard and nice little church as well. There is a cafe and toilet facilities as well. I would highly recommend it!

We love visiting Hinton Ampner. The gardens are beautiful, with a little bit of woodland as well. You can also walk off the National Trust estate and do a circular route walk too. They always do a good trail in the school holidays as well. The cafe and bookshop are also good here too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spent an absolutely cracking day visiting Exbury. It's an enormous site, 80-ish hectares. You can easily spend the entire day here exploring. Obviously, different things are going to be in bloom at different times so there's always going to be something interesting to see throughout the year. Paths are a mixture of surfaces: e.g., tarmac/pebble so book/hire an all terrain scooter if you or someone with you needs it. Dogs on a lead are welcome. Doggos are even allowed on the choo-choo (£7/per person extra). Loads of space for kids to exhaust themselves plus they have a dedicated play area and log trail. The usual amenities: loads of parking, restaurant, gift shop, plants for sale. Toilets are modern and everything works. Top tip: Gardener's World 2:1 is accepted and provides great VFM. Loads of activities throughout the year so check what's on via their website. All in all, a brilliant place to visit. Would deffo visit again...it must look stunning in the spring.

First time visitors to the gardens and definitely not the last! We booked the Halloween train and it exceeded expectations- the actors were amazing and turned up the scare-factor by jumping out and as my kids are age 10 and 13, so they loved it! They didn’t jump out for the younger children though so mindful of ages. The gardens are beautiful in their autumnal glory and looking forward to re-visiting next year.

We had such a wonderful time at Exbury Gardens. The combination of the beautiful gardens and the steam railway was perfect for me and my son. He absolutely loved the train ride, and we enjoyed the scenic walks. It's a great place for children to run around and explore. A truly memorable day!

Lovely visit at the end of summer. We were trained in horticulture, many years ago!! So we know our stuff and thought that Exbury was one of the best gardens we had visited. We particularly enjoyed the wide selection of trees. We know less about fungi and enjoyed seeing so many different varieties and were so lucky to have picked this time of year when we could see so many. We also enjoyed the specialist Nerine plant exhibition and bought a few to take home. We would like to add how lovely and dog friendly the gardens are too. A great day out.

Had an amazing day at the gardens today. Lovely walks exploring the gardens with my girls. There was a Halloween 👻 trail and the ghost train quite frankly was amazing. A reall treat there must have been a lot of planning and effort gone into this. Got chatting with Dave who has a real passion for his railway and engines. We’ll be back!

Have been when the gardens were in full flower so nice to see the changes the autumn brings. Train had been adapted to ghost train and the actors kept us entertained throughout. Gardens beautiful as ever and the Nerines exhibition was a nice addition to our day.

Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a gem that combines natural beauty with charming attractions. Spanning over 200 acres, this historic estate boasts a breathtaking landscape, with vibrant rhododendrons, azaleas, and rare trees creating a kaleidoscope of colours. The meticulously maintained gardens offer picturesque vistas at every turn, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. Whether strolling through the tranquil Sundial Garden or marvelling at the cascading Rock Garden, the unique layout ensures a sense of discovery. The steam railway is a highlight, especially for families. The 1.25-mile track winds through the gardens, offering a delightful way to soak in the scenery. The locomotives, lovingly restored, add a nostalgic charm, and the journey through wooded glades is both relaxing and enchanting. Accessibility is well-considered, with smooth paths and ample parking, including spaces for disabled visitors. Facilities are top-notch. The toilets are clean and modern, while the café serves a range of tasty options, from hearty lunches to indulgent cakes, with outdoor seating to enjoy the views. The visitor centre is well-stocked with plants and gifts, perfect for souvenirs. Cleanliness across the site is impeccable, reflecting the care invested in the experience. While entry fees are on the higher side, the quality justifies the cost, especially for garden enthusiasts. Visiting in spring or early summer maximizes the floral spectacle. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a splendid destination, blending natural splendour with thoughtful amenities for a memorable day out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While I truly appreciated the creativity and effort that went into the Mesmerica show which the planetarium kindly hosted, I found it difficult to fully relax and enjoy it due to audience members seated behind me who were eating and drinking throughout the entire performance. The rustling of crisp packets, popcorn, and drink lids was very distracting, and it made it hard to immerse myself in what was otherwise a stunning one-hour show. I was so disappointed this happened to us as we spent a lot of money to take time to see the show and was very much looking forward seeing it. It was clear that the noise also disturbed other audience members, but no one wanted to make a fuss or challenge them, so the distractions continued throughout. We kept glancing over with annoyed expressions, but unfortunately, it didn’t resolve the issue. I spoke with staff at the venue, and I understand that it is normally allowed to eat and drink during the show. However, given how immersive and quiet this particular performance was, I felt that allowing eating and drinking during the show was not ideal for the audience experience. I don’t blame the venue staff — they were only following company policy — but it’s a real shame that this was allowed during such a sensory show. I contacted the company afterwards, but the reply felt like a generic template rather than a sincere apology or explanation. With clearer audience guidance and a more personal response to feedback, this could have been a truly amazing experience. As I would like to return to see another show.

Wonderful time here. My kids aged 10 and 8 absolutely loved it. So much to look at and get stuck into. They particularly liked the space section downstairs. The show is worth the extra £4 . Exciting and educational for everyone and has the wow factor. Car park is free which is really good, felt the tickets were a little on the high side but still enjoyed the experience and would visit again

Lovely staff very helpful. We had a disabled adult in the party. There were no car paking spaces available for his wheelchair. Have to say the food hall and toilets are dirty and not a pleasant place to eat. Most of the interactive displays did not work. The only saving grace was the Planatorium show.

First visit last night to see Mesmerica. An Audio/Visual treat. We will be returning to see a Pink Floyd event or similar. I'm also keen on general Astromony.

It's an expensive day out and it was merely "OK". A lot of learning machines were too text heavy, and fundamentally not that interesting if you got down to the meaning of it. So what age are they for? Too simple for older kids and too text heavy for younger kids. I went here about 10 years ago and there were better fixtures back then. Quite a few didn't work properly also. Planetarium was decent.

This is an exciting, fun place for children to visit to explore science. I liked the fact that the decor and theme revolve around both physical sciences and space travel. The shows are well curated and informative. Grown ups enjoy them as well. The planetarium is conducive for learning. Although the projection is from the giant ceiling, you get a feeling of looking into the sky without the drag of straining the neck. The bookstore stocks books and toys. The centre is constantly cleaned even with the huge footfall. Parking is massive but paid for. There is an Inn on the property as well for people who have to travel long distances to Winchester. Overall, it was a great experience.

Fantastic place - we visit every year and the kids do not get bored. The team are all extremely enthusiastic and full of energy which is great at getting the kids engaged in learning. The exhibits are tonnes of fun as well as educational. You can easily spend an entire day at the centre - we always turn up by 10am and find ourselves leaving no earlier than 3:30-4:30pm Couldn’t recommend a visit enough!

Our party of 5 with ages ranging from 10 to 80 years, all absolutely loved it. Not just a few old planes, the place is crammed with planes, engines and history, all very well presented. 10/10!

I thought this museum was mostly about the Spitfire - I was wrong. It turns out it is a very eclectic collection of aircraft and related artifacts. How did they squeeze so many planes into this building? There's no obvious way to go round the collection so make sure you explore every corner and every level. We were particularly taken by the recreated 1970s hobby shop in the entrance featuring Jetex engines and Frog models, which were Southampton companies - very nostalgic for British people of a certain age.

A fantastic place to visit! Solent Sky Museum is an absolute gem for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. The exhibits are fascinating, especially the legendary Spitfire and the story of Southampton’s aviation history. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. You can even climb into some of the aircraft for a real hands-on experience, which makes it extra fun for kids and adults. Highly recommended, a great day out and excellent value for money!

What a lovely museum. Visiting from Canada. Staff and volunteers were so knowledgeable and friendly. So much to see. Museum full of British aviation history and many displays about Southampton's roll in WWII. Everyone had a part to do during the war. Great police and firefighters display the past. Lots of displays. As it was Nov 11th we joined some staff and volunteers out back to observe 2 minutes silence at the flag pole. Then we were treated to personal tour of old rail cars that are being restored and learning about out they are doing it.

Really liked this place I went here to kill time & look at the planes. Would highly recommend it, had some interesting stuff there. Well worth the £12 entry fee

Nice place to visit. Costed 12 pound per person and booked tickets on the spot. Took us about 45 mins to 1 hr to see this place. Reached at 3.45pm, last entry at 4pm, the place closes at 5pm.

Incredibly well arranged, lots of aircraft, and also some bits of local ww2 history. What's really cool, is they have a real spitfire, harrier cockpit you cat go inside of. Also, the staff are nice, polite with a lot of local knowledge. Also, you can go inside the flying boat.

It was the first time for me in an English Stadium. I had no problems entering, it took me less than a minute. I had to ask directions for the entrance to a Stewart who was really kind and helpful. The atmosphere is fantastic, the fans sing all the time and they're very supportive. I'd like to come again.

I had the privilege of visiting the club's facilities. Why is the Premier League the world's leading football league? The answer can be found in all the details and in the staff. Southampton is a club with a rich history. I wish the team all the best for the future.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to attend a Southampton match at the stadium during my summer visit. However, I enjoyed visiting the official club store and bought two shirts — one for myself and one for my friend — as a great memory. From my beloved country, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 , all the way to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 , we will definitely miss this place and look forward to visiting again.

Very nice stadium, fanzone is a nice touch, plenty of food and drink choices and ice cream 🍦 parking close to the stadium isn't great but a few nearby carparks within walking distance. Friendly, helpful staff only downside no wheelchair platforms for away fans only home fans, so have to be content with pitch level view. For a newish stadium not great planning. Takes a while to get away from after game as local roads pretty congested.

The saints went marching in, but absolutely nobody was marching in the half time queue for a Pie. Ludicrously slow and the £7.40 beer ran out so we left the queue IN ANGER to return to our seats. Really did like the stadium and atmosphere. Electronic scoreboard doesn't show replays - always a disappointment. Leg room ok.

Was privileged to be a member of a party given a stadium tour, football grounds are always a source of fascination, and St Mary's is not different! For me great to be reminded of the FA cup win in 1976, and to recall the large number of really great players who have played for the Saints over the years

Love visiting this stadium. Clean, friendly, organised and just a great place to be 🫶 wish I could go to all the home games.

Really interesting walk round tge walls today with really helpful info points telling us so much about yje history of the city. Definitely recommend as a way to enjoy a history walk

Love this area of the city and the fact that the ancient wall that runs alongside West Quay used to be the sea wall of the city! We enjoyed a guided walking tour of this part of the city with Experience Hampshire who run regular walks which include visits to some of the medieval vaults hidden under the streets and buildings just behind this wall - fascinating!

A tourist visit to Southampton is never complete without a stop at the walls. Although they are no longer intact, pieces of it have being integrated into the City and complement the view. For instance, the section at West Quay has a foot bridge over it which provides the best view of West Quay and adjoining areas. Good spot to have some pictures taken when the weather is right.

Southampton city walls are worth a visit. They are extensive - although of course now extensively ruined and broken by modern thoroughfares. There are also sections with housing built right next to it suggesting it’s less than a treasured asset. Some sections are beautifully illuminated at night and so worth returning to after dark.

For those who love history like me, north section of southampton is a beautiful place to visit the old town of Southampton.

Having lived in Southampton a long time only recently taken the time to go round the old walls during covid 19 for exercise. And can recommend it both for the exercise and discovering the history of our city and heritage.

The North Town Wall runs from the Bargate to the Polymond Tower, including the two half-round interval towers, was built in the late 13th century. It replaced an earlier earthen rampart and timber palisade. The towers were originally equipped with arrow-slits most of which were converted to keyhole gunports in the late 14th century. A deep and wide moat ran along the front of the wall. This wall, at the moment (late 2019) , is not available to be accessed or seen due to works around the wall but hopefully once the building has been done around it it will be open to be viewed. The photos I have uploaded, front and rear views, is a true representation of the wall and were taken before work commenced around it. Some of the photos can also be seen on the Historic England website.

Really enjoyed it here, a mix of the old and the more modern, great history. We caught the little ferry boat over which was lovely, we were going to go back the same way but decided to walk back along the spit, was about 2 miles out in the open and shingle all the way, was very windy on the way back but a nice walk none the less. It's a bit of a gem and not over priced, definitely worth reading all the signs to learn about the history and the changes the castle went through.

I enjoyed my visit immensely. A great place to bring children to run around, although I suggest you use the ferry with the little ones as its a 2 mile walk from the carpark. Completely dog friendly I brought mine. He enjoyed sniffing around the rooms but was impatient to move on. So I photographed the information panels for later. There's a very small cafe and the toilets are open to the elements.

Hurst Castle is an absolute gem. The walk from the car park to the castle is about 2 miles with lovely views of the Needles. You can get the ferry from Keyhaven to save on the walk. Once inside the castle, there’s so much to explore and the exhibitions are well presented and bring the stories of the castle to life. The views from the castle walls are breathtaking and you can see across to the Isle of Wight and watch the boats sail by. I’d highly recommend bringing a picnic and spending a few hours wandering, learning, and soaking up the atmosphere. A brilliant day out for families, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a walk.

We took the ferry across and then spent about 3 hours wandering round. Lots of different bits to see but the highlight are the views over to the Isle of White and the lighthouse. There is a little cafe out front and some rustic toilets inside. If you intend on being there over lunch I’d suggest bringing lunch with you.

Great morning out looking around this castle. Got the ferry there snd back which was great fun. Lovely views from the top of the castle overlooking isle of wight and beyond. Lot's of information given as you walk around.

This Castle has a lot to offer. Its history and role during various wars is well explained at various points inside the castle. There are many sections accessible only through narrow stairs. On an upper level there are lovely views across to Hust Beach and Keyhaven. In the other direction there is a clear view of the Isle of Wight.

We took the ferry from Keyhaven, the two mile walk along the single bank wasn't an option today. The castle was very interesting, the way it had evolved to meet new threats over the past five hundred years. Difficult for those with mobility issues as there are spiral stairs, uneven steps and low doorways. Fascinating exhibition about lighthouses. Be prepared for the fresh breeze off the sea. Facilities are limited, toilets little changed in one hundred years, a small cafe with outside picnic benches. We parked in Keyhaven and the advice there was four to five hours for the visit and that proved about right. During our visit the ferry was operating all day even during low tide but that is not always the case.

Went here for the Kickback weekend. Really brilliant museum, so much to see. We didn't get to see it all so definitely be going back again. Set in the New forest. Really good and alot of information. There is a cafe and gift shop.

Brilliant display of motorbikes. Very varied ranging from the very early years upto modern times. Easy to get around the ground floor. Stairs to upper level. Very well lit and easy access to the bikes. Great value for money. The bikes are immaculate. Lots of engines and cut away engines and gearboxes on display. Decent car park. Excellent cafe, reasonable prices, good quality.

Celebrated a milestone birthday for my father here and met the man himself who signed a brochure with a celebratory message inside. Staff were lovely and accommodating - the premises, animals and memorabilia worth the trip and the walk around.

We visited for the first time last weekend (7th September) it was well worth the entrance fee. Hundreds of bikes and met some very interesting like minded people. Highlight of the trip was meeting and chatting to Sammy Miller! ...made my day! We will most definitely be back!

I've driven past the museum many times when on my way to elsewhere, but never had time to stop. Until this week! I spent an amazing 4.5hrs looking at some stunning machinery. Sammy was at the desk greeting everyone. 100s of bikes here of all shapes, sizes and ages. My personal favourite era is the 30's machines - absolute works of art! A fantastic experience!!

The Sammy miller motorcycle museum is an absolute must for any motorcycle enthusiast, it displays over 520 bike going back as far as 1909 with only 6 non runners! All of the bikes are kept in beautiful condition. We were greeted by Mark and John when purchasing our tickets, they were both very friendly and had a great chemistry so they bounced off of each other with brilliant humour very well they were both very knowledgeable and happy to chat about Sammy and the bikes. Will definitely be visiting again.

An absolute plethora of fantastic motorcycles and memorabilia all in near pristine condition. Really too much to take in in one visit, I will definitely be going back for a second look.