Great little train and trip. Railway staff were brilliant. Not particularly cheap, but value for money. We managed to get our own carriage both ways, think that it would have been a little less special if we had had to share with other passengers. Scenery outstanding.

We planned to visit Bodiam Castle and couldn’t think of a better way to travel there than on the steam train from Tenterden. What an excellent decision, we had a lovely day out, enjoyed looking out for wildlife on the train journey and loved the atmosphere. I would highly recommend this to everyone!

The Kent and Sussex Railway is really worth a visit for a fantastic day out. Nice big free car park and lovely friendly staff and volunteers everywhere making sure you have a wonderful day. The atmosphere is great as steam loco's move about while you wait to board for a journey to Scotney castle and back. Barrie and I did the trip a couple of times on different loco's and enjoyed sausage and mash for lunch at Tenterden Station. The museum is well worth a visit near the car park. We had a really exciting day, thank you.

Nice little place, lovely friendly staff working in the railway station. I paid for a guest class cream afternoon tea with the steam train. I did not get the first class photo advertised on the publicity and I did not get the tide on a steam train. They gave me a complementary voucher not valid in many special occasions with a free ginger biscuit. I was dissatisfied since I did not pay for that. The museum is small but worth it.

Fantastic railway. Served up a great diesel gala, might have been a good idea to hold the 1015 from Tenterden to Bodiam for the shuttle bus from Ashford seeing as there were so many passengers on it.

If you want the steam train experience then this is the place. The whole experience is like going back in time. The volunteers who run this are amazing. The train ride takes about 50min with 4 stops, old level crossings, whistles, and flags. Original carriages and dinners.

It's a great day out! Train goes from Tenterden to Bodiam. There is a Norman castle (national trust) there and a nice pub. The train ride goes through the Kent/ east Sussex countryside with some great views. The steM train we took was of 1950s as were the coaches. A real throwback in time. Staff are helpful. There is a free museum at Tenterden.

Beautiful castle with nice gardens you can walk around. Lots of seating areas outside along with benches to sit on as you walk around. There are public toilets a book shop a souvenir shop and ice cream stall along with lots of parking and knowledgeable staff members in different rooms of the house to answer any questions.

Amost interesting place, so much to see...and lovely walks around estate. Walled garden in car park full of colour and some pumpkins. Hexagonal in shape and easy to walk around. Inside house reflective of being lived in and each room had costumes on display as worn by previous owners which reflects alot of achieved acquisitions not normally seen. Walk to ruin castle steep but rewarded by good views. Dont miss boat house if you are sandman fans as thus part of estate was cain and ables home! 40 min lake walk good path and easy 2 mile walk. Quarry quirky where stone for building house came from. Dont miss cat on fountain at back of house.... We thought grounds better than sissinghurst. Oh yes no toilets at bottom of hill by ruin. So make sure you go at top!! The painting in dining room of dwarves Hunting worth a muse and comment as so unusual in any old property . Volunteers most tolerant of me telling them about sandman as not many knew much about it!! Last tip house/ castle/ grounds all shut at different times so check if going for pist lunch visit.

​Scotney Castle is simply one of the most beautiful and unique National Trust properties in Kent, offering far more than a typical castle experience. It is a true triumph of landscape design, centered around two distinct periods of history. ​The absolute highlight is the romantic, 14th-century moated ruin of the Old Castle, which sits dramatically in the valley bottom. The views as you descend through the sloping gardens towards the moat, especially in autumn and spring, are breathtaking and perfectly exemplify the "Picturesque" style. It’s fascinating to learn that the ruin was deliberately created in the 1830s to serve as the ultimate centrepiece for the landscape. ​Overlooking the valley is the Victorian mansion (the "New Castle"), a warm and engaging family home filled with eclectic collections. Taking a tour gives you a real sense of the Hussey family's life, from their collection of objects to fun details like the secret door in the library. Beyond the buildings, the 780-acre estate offers wonderful woodland walks, a productive walled kitchen garden, and a fascinating Quarry Garden.

We love visiting Scotney Castle with its beautiful house and dramatic looking castle in the valley down below! First stop though of course is always the cafe for a lovely breakfast snack and drink. Upon entering the property, all staff members were excellent at telling us anything there was to know about each room with their vast knowledge. We then took a walk around the grounds enjoying the scenery and views of the castle. We would always return and recommend anyone to visit! It may be recommended to book parking, as we found out upon arrival that without prior arrangement you have to park in the additional parking section.

This a beautiful Victorian mansion house with views over an even more beautiful estate that leads down to a ruined medieval castle. There was a real bounty of flowers at this time of year and the flowers in the walled garden were spectacular. Nice cafe, shop and second hand bookstore. Well worth a visit.

Beautiful and incredibly well maintained gardens. We were lucky that we had free passes from the paper otherwise it would be very pricey. We used public transport and the bus service is hugely patchy, the access guide will say there are footpaths but there are several quite scary bits of 50mph country road. It is possible to do it via public transport but you must time everything around the bus. After 1pm the next one was at 5:15pm

A really excellent place to visit. The gardens are extensive and somehow very relaxing. We visited over the summer when there was a Summer of Play area for the kids. Perfect for play, picnics and chilling. The house was almost something out of an Agatha Christie novel. It actually had a very gentle, warm vibe. It was nice to see the drinks selection in the library! You felt it must’ve been a fun house once upon a time. Some of the rooms - particularly the bedrooms - almost felt too personal for comfort. I felt almost like I was snooping round some elderly relative’s house at times. Nonetheless, a very interesting place to visit.

​I had a truly fantastic trip to Leeds Castle. This place is awesome—it genuinely feels like a jewel in a crown. ​While the entry cost is significant, it is absolutely worth the price because there is SO MUCH TO DO, making it an easy full-day trip. Even better, your ticket allows you to return for a whole year! ​The grounds are magnificent and incredibly varied, featuring beautiful hilly areas, serene lakes, and varied walled garden areas. Don't miss the maze, the epic-looking children's playground, the Birds of Prey display, and the unique and fun Dog Collar Museum (the only one, I believe!). Inside the castle is amazing, filled with great displays and information. ​What really stands out is the clear investment and the incredible staff. The whole operation is so well-organized, and there are countless staff members who were universally friendly, kind, and helpful. ​The café was especially great! The food was good, and the Lemon Drizzle Cake was absolutely sublime—a perfect break during the day. ​Plus, you can buy duck food in the gift shop—a small touch, but very fun for feeding the birds! Highly, highly recommend this incredible historical gem.

Wow, Leeds castle was stunning. Set in the countryside, the drive up to the castle you knew it was going to be spectacular and we weren't disappointed. The grounds are stunning. It just got better and better, the Maze, Falconry, castle. The food was good here and the restaurant was superb. There was a boat ride available on the lake, Go-Ape, play areas. You could easily spend a day here. The staff were polite and knowledgeable and the castle itself is steeped in history.

An absolute gem — the most beautiful castle in the UK! If you’re visiting Kent or anywhere in the UK, this is the castle you can’t miss. What makes it truly special isn’t just the castle itself, but the breathtaking landscape surrounding it — every view feels like a postcard. There’s something here for everyone: an incredible adventure play area for kids of all ages (the maze is a must!), a stunning collection of birds, and a truly entertaining eagle and owl show that keeps both adults and children mesmerized. Take your time strolling through the gardens and woodlands on your way in — and on your way back, hop on the charming little train or relax on the scenic boat ride. Both are experiences in their own right. The castle grounds have plenty of great dining options, from cozy cafés to proper restaurants, so you won’t have to worry about food. Plus, they host brilliant seasonal events throughout the year — whether it’s a medieval festival, light trail, or Christmas market, there’s always something new to enjoy. The ticket you buy gives you unlimited entry for a full year — which is perfect, because once you’ve been, you’ll definitely want to come back. Ample of free car park. I suggest booking your entry ticket online in case it's busy.

We visited Leeds Castle just to see the Christmas decorations inside the castle and as usual they did not disappoint! This year is based on Peter Pan and the decorations are brilliant! As are Peter, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook who all interact with visitors, especially kids, superbly. I also liked that they are raising money for GOSH as well and mentioned the link between Peter Pan and Great Ormond Street. As a ticket lasts all year it is great value for money and there is usually some event going on. I recommend visiting when they have the sculptures. Because of the weather we only went to the castle, usually we look at the gardens and go to the birds of prey as well. But that's the beauty of a year long ticket, you don't have to do everything every time. One nice touch is that the fields for parking cars had the ground covered so they weren't muddy and no one got stuck. We haven't done the Christmas lights display yet, but are planning on doing that next year as they look like they would be worth the cost.

Leeds Castle is absolutely breathtaking — a true fairytale setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene lake. The castle is rich in history and wonderfully preserved, offering fascinating exhibits and lovely walks around the grounds. The location is peaceful, and the atmosphere feels magical from the moment you arrive. A must-visit in Kent and one of the most beautiful castles in England!

Absolutely stunning castle afloat it's moat. Beautiful gardens as well, especially the Mediterranean area. Enjoyed seeing all the various sculptures around the gardens. Lots to see and do. Fun maze to get lost in. The castle itself is amazing and beautiful inside. Had a lovely chat with one of the volunteer guides. He informed us that sadly no black swans currently at the castle due to avian flu 🥲. You can have a boat trip on tge lake but this costs extra on top of the admission price!

We stayed in accommodation on site, marvelous location for a three night stay. Beautiful landscape and gardens, use of all facilities on site during our stay, castle is a fascinating place to visit with lovely walks in the grounds, a visit to the birds of pray is a good choice. All the staff are amazing and friendly and helpful.

Mote Park is honestly one of my favourite places in Maidstone. It’s such a lovely spot to chill, go for walks, or just spend time with friends or family. The park is massive, with loads of open space, trees, and a beautiful lake right in the middle. It’s perfect for picnics on sunny days – you can just relax on the grass and enjoy the view. It’s also really good for kids. There’s a big playground and lots of ducks by the lake, which kids always seem to love. They even have a little machine where you can buy duck food – just tap your card and get a handful to feed them. It’s a small thing but really cute and fun, especially for families. There’s a nice café near the lake if you want a coffee or a treat, and the toilets are close by too. You can also rent pedalos or rowing boats, which is great on warm days. Loads of people go for walks, runs, or bike rides – and it still feels peaceful even though it’s close to the town centre.

Largest park in Maidstone and one of the largest in Kent. Lovely surroundings spread over several acres traversing large green spaces, lakes with boating, water sport facilities, wildlife and even some mini waterfalls. Has a miniature railway, wooded walks, nature trails, adventure playground, skate park and also a cafe. The only negative is the paid parking which can be difficult to get a space during busy periods, especially when there is an event.

Gorgeous park, huge! Different things to do as well. Lovely place for a picnic. They have a little duck food dispenser where you can get the feed for the geese, ducks and swans. Was lucky enough to see a family with their babies today also 🦢

Really nice and big park, both dog- and child-friendly. Beautiful ponds with plenty of benches, a large playground for kids, and spaces for picnics, relaxing, and enjoying some privacy. There are many spaces in the two car parks. Not far from the car park is a decent café offering beverages and snacks. On the other side of the park, there’s a van selling ice cream and drinks. A great place for a weekend walk and to spend time with family and friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mote Park is my happy place! 🌳✨ I come here all the time whenever I need a bit of calm, space to breathe, or inspiration for my art. There’s just something so peaceful about it — the lake, the trees, the open air — it feels like the whole park has its own gentle energy. I’ve had some of my best creative ideas just sitting here sketching or walking around the water. 🎨💭 It’s also amazing for families! There’s so much space for kids to play, a lovely café for a little treat, and so many spots for picnics or peaceful walks. It’s one of those rare places that’s relaxing and inspiring at the same time — perfect whether you want quiet time alone or a fun day out with your family. Every visit reminds me how lucky we are to have this gem right here in Maidstone. 🌿💚 Highly, highly recommend it to anyone who needs a little reset or creative spark!

A very nice and well kept park! If you are in the area you should just come and walk through.. There are boats for the kids.. or you who am I to say what you can do. It's a classic park experience just multiplied by 10, in size. There were ice creams, lovely, and there were many trees and this nice little river that ran through the beginning of the park. A tiny little waterfall. A photogenic area! Worth a visit and worth your steps. Get your 10k here

Great park to relax, walk,Run, Cycle. Dog walking etc. There is a nice pond inside, boat rides. I couldn't see the mini train but there are boards saying that there is a train inside the park. Very beautiful and calm park to enjoy a nice stroll.

Gorgeous day at the Tulip Fest in April. Got there very early whilst it was quiet and we were shocked by how massive it was and how much there was to do! The tulips were gorgeous and so impressive. Great food and information everywhere, friendly staff and lots to do and see!

Amazing Autumn Atmosphere! This pumpkin farm offers an absolutely amazing experience that goes far beyond simple pumpkin picking. The overall environment is welcoming, festive, and truly captures the spirit of the season. What truly elevates this spot is the phenomenal attention to detail in the spooky decoration. It's clear a huge effort was made to create a fun, slightly eerie atmosphere, providing fantastic photo opportunities at every turn. From hay bales to haunted props, the decor makes this the ultimate autumnal destination. The selection of gourds was plentiful, and the staff were wonderful. Highly recommended for a memorable, festive, and wonderfully creepy fall It was amazing 👏 I like the environment and spooky decoration!

I went pumpkin picking, and it turned out to be the perfect autumn activity. The atmosphere was festive and full of Halloween spirit, making it a wonderful place to visit during the season. It was such a fun and memorable experience!

Pleasant few hours spent picking pumpkins and toasting marshmallows with the kids. Most of the 'growing' pumpkins had already gone, but plenty more had been shipped in and were dotted around the field to select from. Lots of different varieties also available from the stores if you don't fancy pushing a wheelbarrow around the field! Didn't fancy the Ferris wheel, but probably provides great views if you don't mind heights.

Decided to relive my teenage nostalgia and return to Shocktober for the first time in seven years. Previously it was the place to go and made for a tremendous experience. This time round, it's sadly lost its touch. Massively oversold and overcrowded, it's clear profit is put before experience whereas it once was the other way round. Thankfully I’d purchased some fast track in advance as queue times were obscene. Even still, I had to queue for 10/15 mins in fast track lanes at times. Pros -Purgatory was quality and my favourite of all time. "Free Roaming" actors like the Skinfluencers were very funny and entertaining. Set design was absolutely fantastic as always. Cons - Far too many people allowed into haunts at a time/with too little time between groups. You'd either be caught up by the group behind or catchup the one infront. This KILLED the immersion and enjoyment massively. The flouting of their own rules was not enforced? There are clear rules that say no smoking/vaping, no face masks etc yet I saw people lighting up in the queues and a fair few road men in their finest bin bag attire (to impress their underage girlfriend) walking round ballied up like they've just robbed a bank. I know it's close proximity to Crawley but come on now... Better still was “security” where only those with a bag would be searched. If you hadn’t a bag, you were free to walk in with whatever you fancied! Knife? Acid in a lucozade bottle? Drugs? Must be part of your costume eh lad. Maybe that’s a critique due to my line of work but it did feel a bit pointless. All in all a shadow of its former self. I still had fun however and glad I returned, but think this'll be the last trip full stop. Kudos to the actors and event staff, they all work hard and probably for minimum wage. Sadly I don’t think the experience will be salvageable unless they actually cap ticket numbers drastically.

We had such a fantastic afternoon at Tulleys Farm. From the beautiful fall decor, the very large pumpkin patch, the roaming singers and cast in costume to the marshmellow roast stations (or smores station as they sell a kit too), pumpkin spice latte and ferris wheel we could only have a great time. We got to pick our own pumpkins straight from the patch and carry them in a wheelbarrow made available by the team who was nothing but welcoming. Can't carry big pumpkins home ? Fear not their collection of pumpkin plush toys will definitely call your name. If coming from London, you can either take the bus or more easily take a taxi as there are some available there just waiting to get you home safe. We will definitely make it a yearly tradition !

Shocktoberfest was excellent. Live bands, loads of scary things to do. The sacare mazes were great. Loads of different food stands and bars. The ste is absolutely huge, with a great atmosphere. We will definitely be going again.

Truly exceptional. A perfect blend of captivating history, magnificent gardens, and engaging activities for all ages. You can easily spend a full, delightful day here. ​Hever Castle is not just a building; it’s an immersive experience that lives up to its 'fairy-tale' reputation. As a visitor, what truly stands out is how well the estate caters to diverse interests, from the most dedicated Tudor enthusiast to a family looking for a fun day out. The 125 acres of gardens are stunning and a massive part of the attraction. They are meticulously maintained and offer something different in every season. Picnic is a good idea: While there are on-site cafes and restaurants, they can be a bit pricey. The grounds offer numerous scenic spots for a picnic. ​Wear comfortable shoes: The gardens and lake walk cover a significant amount of ground. ​Time it right: If you are a history fanatic, plan for half a day in the castle/formal gardens. If you have children, plan for the whole day to enjoy the mazes and playgrounds.

Such a beautiful place to visit and plenty of history... looking around the castle it self is very interesting, I would recommend taking the audio guide when offered to you as has plenty of information, as if it busy its hard to get to the information signs which are dotted about. The gardens are well looked after and beautiful to wander around on a sunny day. They have cafes and shops to look around to. The grounds are fine for wheel chairs and a buggy but the castle isn't suitable

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hever Castle is such a beautiful place — full of history, stunning gardens, and peaceful nature all around. It’s a wonderful spot to visit any time of year. In November, they also have a great membership promotion, which makes it an even better time to join and come back again. A perfect mix of heritage and natural beauty.

Beautiful castle and grounds with a lot of history. Be prepared to spend quite a few hours here. The water maze was fun, and not just for children, be warned, you may get wet, but not if you are careful 😉. Autumn was a great time to visit for the leaf colour but I would imagine it is stunning anytime of year. Definitely recommended.

My wife and and I only got to see castle and gardens because we over 6 hours of time to kill before our flight from Gatwick Airport.It was was one of the best decisions we have ever made, we were lucky with the weather, it was a lovely sunny and warm day and the castle and gardens looked superb, but the garden were outstanding, ! The castle itself is worth seeing being the home of Anne Boleyn and her family, but we found the gardens magnificent and well worth coming to visit alone.

Definitely recommend to visit. Please allow between 4 hours min to visit the castle and enjoy the gardens if you love Nature. Perfect for solo, family days out. Preferably try to avoid to visit on rainy days. Otherwise a lovely experience 👌

We visit a lot of NT, English Heritage and other Historical properties and I have to say that this place is at the top of the pile. Superb gardens and lake, fantastically maintained. Beautiful house steeped in Tudor history (Anne Boleyn). Also Falconry displays, Pedalo hire and more. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended.

We went to Chartwell on an October weekday over the autumn half term. It proved to be a popular destination and the car parks were very full. There are toilets a fairly large, modern cafe and a gift shop close to the reception area. If you wish to see the house then it is necessary to book a time slot in order to control number of visitors inside. The house has beautiful views from the windows and is fascinating, being packed with family furniture, photos and pictures. It also contains many souvenirs and gifts received over Churchill's long and distinguished life and career as well as a collection of his many uniforms. There are helpful and knowledgeable guides in each room The gardens and grounds are extensive and were lovely even on a rather dull autumn day. In summer they must be ablaze with colour. Churchill's large studio is situated a little distance from the house and the walls are lined with many of his paintings. There is an interactive guide which gives information on each of them. The gardens are reasonably accessible but may cause a problem for the less mobile as there are quite a few steps and not all have handrails. There is a shuttle bus for those who would find the steepish journey from reception to the house too much or are tired after walking the grounds.

Excellent. The warm and convivial atmosphere of the house is palpable. This was a home, and that sense has been beautifully kept. And what a home! The walled garden is stunning in the summer months. The large estate and woods are perfect for exploring or just admiring the views. Absolutely worth repeated visits. Do book in advance, especially in the summer. It gets busy and entrance to the house is timed.

This was a very special, since Sir Churchill was someone I have been admitted and studied about. If anyone likes a history, appreciate a true beauty of British culture and their heritage as myself I would truly recommend this place. There is so much to see. The house itself has lots of room, then you got a big landscaping and trails around to hike, besides the main House there is art house - where all Sir Churchill painting are placed, cafe shop, local shop. However, my day made people who works there. Each room have a person who are very happy to answer any questions you have, full of passion and knowledge while telling the story. I was very fascinated and felt part of it. Each person was amazing, I didn't catch all names but I would love to Thank you all, especially Paul "Sir Churchill work room', two gents in art room (where I was amazed and like hypnotised listing) - indeed, everyone who I had a pleasure to meet - Thank you for your time. Highly recommend. Besides, I have met very helpful and kind people in town. Thank You - you restored my hope for kindness. For anyone who use public transport, please ensure about the bus who runs only 3x a day.

As Churchill used to say, “A day without Chartwell is a day wasted.” I understood what he meant after visiting this historical place for the first time. The estate is vast and beautifully organized. The rooms are fascinating, filled with countless items from Churchill’s life. There are also many paintings - not only by Churchill himself, but also works by artists like Claude Monet and Townsend. The house has retained its old charm; walking through it feels like stepping into a time capsule. You’ll find numerous artefacts from the Second World War - Churchill’s uniforms, documents, photographs, and gifts he received from world leaders. My favorites were his cigar boxes, Napoleon’s tea set, and the glittering gifts from Josef Stalin - silver, glass, and gem-studded fruit bowls among them. There are many other treasures from the most prominent figures of his era like General de Gaulle, King Abdul Aziz or Franklin D. Roosevelt to name few. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with scenic paths, gardens, and ponds all around. If the weather is good, don’t miss a stroll through the woods beyond the ponds - the tree house there is a highlight, and yes, even adults can fit inside! ;) There’s also plenty of practical convenience: a large car park, a spacious National Trust café, and well-run facilities. I’ve been visiting Chartwell for many years, and it always has something new to offer. Their current Halloween-themed activities are great fun for children. I’ll definitely be back - a truly inspiring place, steeped in history and nature.

What a history and what a well looked after home of great politician Winston Churchill. In fact, this looks like a very well presented exhibition how the great man lived and did. The grounds and gardens are equally beautiful. The facilities provided, like parking, cafeteria, restaurant etc are more than adequate. However, considering all the above the entry fee still seems a bit steep as compared to other similar properties of National Trust.

Visited Chartwell House on the 5th Nov. Sadly the house was closed for decorating for Christmas. However the gardens were stunning and well worth a visit in of themselves. The views were stunning and serene. A nice place to decompress. It would have been nice to see Winston Churchills home. But give me an excuse to visit again. Also sampled their spicy bean soup and had to have some apple crumble cake, made from apples from the grounds, delicious.

Absolutely fascinating glimpse into Churchill's private home life. The house is beautifully maintained, staffed by informative volunteers. The grounds are stunning. There's a great café too. Plenty of parking. Highly recommend as a day out.

Our kids love this place, we go every year for the day. Great price for entry and half price after 5pm. Open till late, plenty to do in the area. Carers can get a wristband for half price, up to two Carers but you need to buy tickets on the day at the park itself. Other tickets can be brought online or on the day.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea What an absolutely amazing experience! 🎢 Adventure Island is truly the happiest little amusement park by the sea! The moment you enter, you can feel the excitement and energy all around. It’s beautifully maintained, super clean, and offers something for everyone — from thrilling rides for adventure lovers to gentle ones for kids and families. The staff are cheerful, helpful, and always ready to make your day better. The sea view adds a special charm to the whole experience — imagine riding a roller coaster with waves in the background! 🌊 Food stalls, games, and the overall vibe make it a perfect full-day outing. Whether you go with family or friends, you’re bound to make wonderful memories here. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Southend-on-Sea! ❤️ [ Adventure Island Southend-on-Sea, amusement park, family fun, seaside rides, thrill rides, UK travel ] #AdventureIsland #SouthendOnSea #FamilyFun #UKAdventures #SeasideVibes #ThemeParkFun

We visited on the first day of our week holiday. We went for the annual pass as the children will want to visit again and the pass also gets discounts for food, shop etc. We are now on day 3 and going again! Well worth the money! The queues are very quick, we could wait nearby and see them in the queue for the majority of the rides. I wanted to go on a couple of rides so bought some ride tickets separately (no need for a day or annual pass for me 🤣)

VISIT DATE: SAT 20/09/2025 VISIT TIME: 13:30 - 20:00 Adventure Island is a fantastic place to visit if you have children and are in the Southend area. We’re based in Hornchurch, about an hour away by car, or you can also travel quite easily via C2C from Upminster, so my ex and I have visited a number of times with our daughter, starting when she was 3 (she’s now 6). The park promotes itself as free entry, but no one is going to come just to walk through it, so the reality is that you’ll need to get a day pass to take advantage of the rides. At time of writing, it’s £35 for the day, but you can save £10 by purchasing online in advance. If you’re planning to go more than once, then it makes sense to upgrade to an annual pass. These are currently on sale at £50 and do not start until the first time you go. If your child is under 120cm tall, you won’t need your own pass, as they need someone taller (and at least 14 years old) to ride with them. As you’d expect, during the summer, or on character event days, the park is very busy, so there are queues for rides, but going off season reduces this dramatically. We were really blessed with a quiet day, so barely any queuing time, all rides open, with the exception of one, which was closed due to a mechanical issue and the park and rides were open till 8pm. It was also a warm day - being inside the park means that you are sheltered from the wind coming off the Thames Estuary, so even when it’s breezy, you don’t really feel it. There are a variety of rides, with plenty of slower ones for younger children, or those who don’t like faster stuff. Oh these, we really like Adventureville and Spooksville (which is the “scary” version, in darkness and with models of monsters and clowns, as well as appropriate sound effects), and you’ve also got stuff like little trains and boats and the best Crooked House ever, which has been an attraction on the site since 1949, surviving the great flood of 1953 and various ownership changes and developments over the years. I loved this attraction as a child and my daughter loves it too! There are also a number of rollercoasters, with more gentle ones, then building up to Rage, which has a vertical drop and loops. My daughter is looking forward to being tall enough to do that, but she’ll be going on with her Dad when that time comes, not me! There is also a water slide and an indoor area, Adventure Inside, which features a few more rides, including a traditional carousel (my personal favourite) and a decent sized soft play. Staff at the park are generally young, so they have lots of enthusiasm (if we lived nearer, I’d probably encourage my daughter to apply when she’s older, as I think it’s probably a pretty fun working environment, as well as quite hard work) and they are also friendly and helpful when you need anything. As well as the rides that are included in with your entry, there are also plenty of stalls encouraging you to spend more, like “Hook-a-Duck”, which my daughter loves. This is where having an annual pass is beneficial, as you get 20% discount on purchases, including from the food and drink stalls, of which there are also many! Personally, we recommend avoiding the restaurants inside the park as they’re not that great and there are loads of really nice local places a few minutes walk away which deserve supporting. You can also spend money on a Funtopia gamecard, to use on the many games machines in the arcade areas. You can pay to play with a debit / credit card, but the Funtopia card gives you extra credit and allows you to collect points which can be exchanged for prizes. Annual pass also gives you extra credit! Plenty of toilets in the park, including accessible and baby change. All in reasonable condition throughout the day. Overall, we really enjoy visiting and will continue to do so; it’s a great day out on its own, but when you add the other nearby attractions to the mix (Sealife Adventure, Southend Pier, spending time on the beach and in the water when it’s warm enough), this is a fabulous place to visit.

⭐☆☆☆☆ We visited Adventure Island last week and purchased annual passes for our family. On our return visit, I was excited to bring along four other families—18 people in total—after highly recommending the park, even convincing them to travel from Birmingham for the experience. However, our visit was completely overshadowed by the poor treatment we received as annual pass holders. Despite having email confirmation of our passes and our photos already in the system from the first visit, we mistakenly forgot our physical cards. Instead of offering a simple solution—like issuing wristbands, as we were already registered—the supervisor insisted we pay £6 for replacement cards. We offered to just get the wristbands and even showed our ID and confirmation emails, but were told we had no option except to pay, even though they clearly had our details on record. It felt like a money-grabbing tactic rather than genuine customer care, especially after I brought so many new paying customers to the park. Very disappointing and embarrassing after highly recommending the place to friends and family. If you're considering an annual pass here, beware: there is no help or flexibility if you forget your card, and you’ll be forced to pay extra fees on top of the not-insignificant cost of entry. Not the level of service or understanding I'd expect from a top family attraction.

Discounted tickets after 5pm. Got to be quick if you want to do all the rides. Rage was the best. 2cm too short for two. Height checks in que. Ferris wheel took ages. Some ride staff were brilliant. Got wet on the green water slide. Toilets at either end. Plenty of places for food and drink. A good enough park to say you've done.

For a seaside, this is one of the biggest fairgrounds I've come across. For families, it would be great value as there is a great variety of rides for old and young if using their wristbands. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket to ride for £4 which we did just for the big wheel. Was very busy, so there was a bit of a wait to get on. Clean and family-friendly environment.

I visited the pier when the remembrance poppies were there, a magnificent display. Although the walk back up the pier was long the best part of the experience was the railway museum. I do feel like the pier is missing attractions, there's a lot of seating but nothing to do.

Worth the money! It was lovely to experience the train up to the end of the pier. Lovely views from there. Plenty of seats to sit down, a restaurant that serves food and drink. There was a DJ playing by the bar area, which sounded good. The only thing negative is that it wasn't very well organised when waiting for the train and the staff were abit grumpy. Coming back our door wouldn't open but no one was there waiting for the train to arrive back so a few of the passengers had to false it open.

Very nice pier. It's over a mile long(!) We walked up and got the train back and it was £20 for a family of four. There are shops and cafes at the end but are very expensive. Great views from the pier itself.

Walked on the longest pleasure pier in the world (2.14km). Then we took the "spirited-away-like" train back to the shore. Will not forget such memory.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) Southend Pier was a good experience overall not amazing, but still enjoyable. The walk along the pier was peaceful and offered some lovely views. I took the train back, which felt like stepping into the past it has a charming 1940s-style look that gives it a unique character. What stood out most was the contrast in atmosphere. The pier has a calm, laid-back vibe, but once you head back toward the Adventure Island side, it suddenly feels like a completely different world ,busier, louder, and more energetic. It’s an interesting mix of tranquillity and fun. Worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Really nice pier. It's amazing that you got the option to walk or use the railway. It's great fun for adults and children. Offer shops , restaurants.

Beautiful display of hand knitted and crochet poppies for remembrance day. Long queues to get on the pier and train but worth the wait. Great museum too

Bluewater is an amazing place, easy to find and parking, plenty of. Shop for everyone, high end or "normal". Food from loads of different countries. Places itself is just nice. Now very Christmas style so warm and cozy. What else? Just go and visit the place. Worth it😊

My nighttime visit was absolutely worth it for the photos! 🌃 The atmosphere was fantastic, and I can only imagine how lovely it would be during the day too. ✨ Highly recommend checking it out! 📸

Some of the stores closed at 8pm when online closing times are 9pm so disappointing, a lot of empty retail units, and the centre lacks visual inspiration inside lots of the features have been removed, so it's all very bland, was also very hot, if you park at John Lewis when they close you have to find alternative way out Also fire exit doors are locked a huge safety concern I have visited many times over 25 years and find it's changed but not for the better on the positive side plenty free parking, shops and food outlets, toilets worth a visit

Great place for shopping, plenty of fashion shops, eateries and entertainment, Cinema, kids climbing, Ballerz, etc. easy parking and loads of disabled spots close the entrances on each floor of the multistories.

Me and my family really enjoy day trip to Bluewater Shopping Centre it’s beautiful and find great things many stores and food halls I really recommend to visit there your day will be amazing.☺️

Great place for shopping, also has a lot of food options. Was a great opportunity to buy food from different places to try in one location as well as doing shopping. This mall is child friendly and my son loves running around! Just be careful and mindful of where you park so you don’t end up doing a full circle to go back to your car!

Bluewater is good place to shop, eat or just walk around. It has all the shops you would expect of a shopping centre and has plenty of parking. So if you’re looking for a less busy version of Westfield Stratford jump on the A2 or get one of the many buses that come here.

We decided on the Tower Bridge tour. Purchased tickets in advance. We walked along the south bank of the Thames from the London Bridge Station which offered scenic views of Tower Bridge. The directions to the entrance are clearly marked, and the queue was relatively quick. We opted to take the elevator up instead of the 206 steps. In doing so, we were told we would forego interesting displays, however. The tour affords great views up and down both sides of the Thames. Also fun were the glass floors that allows views of the traffic below. The tour includes the engine rooms and the gift shop.

If you want the absolute best, most comprehensive view of London, this is it. Perched on top of the tallest building in Western Europe, the 360-degree panorama is simply breathtaking. You get a commanding, bird's-eye perspective of the entire city, with landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St. Paul's Cathedral looking like tiny models below. Crucially, the location right above London Bridge Station means you are perfectly placed to see the winding Thames and all the activity on the river. ​The experience is smooth and well-organized, with the high-speed elevator ride being a thrill in itself. The main viewing gallery (Level 69) is superb, but Level 72—the partially open-air deck—is where you really feel the height and the city breeze. On a clear day, the views extend for miles, but even on a slightly cloudy day, the atmosphere is incredible. ​Yes, it is a premium-priced attraction, but the staff are friendly, and the lack of overcrowding (due to timed tickets) makes it feel like a truly special visit. You are paying for the view, and it is worth every penny. For a memorable London experience that puts the entire city into perspective, look no further.

One of the most important attractions in this wonderful city! Especially, if you visit it at night is way more beautiful! This bridge brings its own unique touch of beauty in London! You have to visit it with no hesitation! 🌉✨

Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and visiting it was a fantastic experience. The views from the bridge are stunning, both of the Thames and the city. Taking the Tower Bridge Exhibition tour made the visit even better, as it gave detailed insights into how the bridge was built and the fascinating mechanism behind its operation. Walking across the glass floor was a unique highlight too, giving a completely different perspective of the bridge and the river below. The site is very well maintained and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only thing to keep in mind is that you may need to wait in a queue for entry, and on a sunny day this can feel a bit frustrating. Still, it’s not just a landmark to admire from outside, but also an educational and memorable experience to explore from within. Definitely worth visiting.

Walking near Tower Bridge is honestly one of the nicest things to do in London, especially if you’re trying to escape the busy streets without leaving the city. The view is unreal – you’ve got the bridge itself, which looks straight out of a postcard, the river Thames calmly flowing, and plenty of spots to just sit and chill. There’s something peaceful about hearing the water and watching the boats go by, even when there are tourists around. At sunset, the whole area lights up in warm colours and it feels kinda magical. It’s also surprisingly clean and safe, even in the evening. Loads of nice little cafes and street food stalls around if you fancy a bite, and the walk towards the south bank or down to St Katharine Docks is worth it too. You get a mix of old-school charm and modern city vibes. Would definitely recommend it for a date, a solo unwind walk, or just to take some beautiful photos. 10/10 – calming, scenic, and very London.

Tower Bridge is stunning up close and offers amazing views of the Thames. The glass-floor walkway is a fun highlight, and the exhibition gives great insight into its history. A must-see spot whether you're visiting or local!

Tower Bridge is indeed an iconic and highly recommended destination for anyone visiting London. You've captured its essence perfectly! Here's a summary of why it's a must-visit, echoing your points: * Iconic Landmark: It's instantly recognizable and a symbol of London. * Ideal for Shorter Visits: As you said, it's not a full-day commitment but perfect for a few hours. * Photographer's Dream: Offers incredible opportunities for stunning photographs, especially of the bridge itself, the River Thames, and the surrounding cityscapes. * Engaging Experience: Walking across the bridge allows you to appreciate its architecture up close, enjoy the (often cold!) wind, and take in the mesmerizing views of the River Thames. * Great for All: Whether with friends or family, it offers a memorable experience. For those looking to delve deeper, the Tower Bridge Exhibition (inside the bridge itself) offers a chance to learn about its history, see the Victorian engine rooms, and experience the glass walkways for unique views. Even without entering the exhibition, a walk across and around the bridge is a highly rewarding experience.

I do not like heights, so nearly never went up the Shard. But i overcome my fear and went anyway, I am glad I did. It was amazing, the lifts are quite something. The views are amazing from the top you can see for miles, as a bonus there are two chaps giving you a guide about the Shard which was very interesting and funny, so if your there go listen. You also must pay a visit to the toilets, odd thing to say, but it's worth it. I would recommend a visit here, it is amazing.

​We visited The Shard the other day, and it was the highlight of our central trip. Getting there was simple; the entrance is well-signposted near London Bridge station. ​The staff managing the access were incredibly helpful, and thanks to having a Blue Badge, we were given priority access and moved straight through to the high-speed elevators without any wait, which made the start of the visit wonderfully stress-free and smooth. This level of accessibility service was much appreciated. ​We were lucky enough to book tickets for just before sunset, and the view as the city transitioned from daylight to twilight was magical. From Level 69, we had a perfect, sheltered view of the winding Thames, Tower Bridge, and the Gherkin. Heading up to the open-air Level 72 felt like being on top of the world—it was breezy but totally worth it for the 360-degree experience. The whole space was clean, and while there were people, it never felt overly crowded.

Went to The Shard late afternoon, no queue at all and paid around £60 for two. Quick bag check and metal detector, then two smooth, fast lifts to the top. The views were absolutely incredible, and there’s even a bar up there! A bit windy but surrounded by glass. Overall, an amazing experience and well worth it.

This was amazing and afternoon tea was a birthday gift. The staff are brilliant, professional and friendly. The food fantastic. Absolutely loved it. What a wonderful experience and memory to keep. Maybe more signage saying do not lean on the lift doors, as one of our young party almost fell out, when the doors were opened. But that is such a minor issue.

Great views of London. Definitely no other place has these views, so it's a shame entrance tickets are so expensive. There's a bar with a good selection of drinks and also some bar food. There are a cart selling ice cream 🍦 🍨 and another selling strawberries 🍓. On your way out, there is a gift shop with some branded merchandise and other various London-related articles.

Had a great time visiting the view from the shard, staff were so pleasant and friendly on welcoming in you and guiding you. The experience itself was so interesting to be able to see all of London from the highest point. It was a strange perspective of all the famous landmarks. I would recommend this to anyone visiting London as a must do for the experience of seeing all of London

A visit to the Shard Tower located in London is a must for any visitor to the city. One is first transported direct to Floor 33 and then onwards direct to Floor 68. Scenic views of London can be viewed at 360 degrees. A Cafe is also located here. Then finally to Floor 72, where a Tour Guide briefs the visitors about the Tower. Views of London from here are spectacular. Tickets need to be purchased in advance with the preferred time slot. Gift Shop is located as one comes out to purchase souvenirs.

Great day out. Went on a weekend and not too busy outside of peak season. Crown Jewels clearly the highlight, and didn’t disappoint - displays nicely spaced out, not too much content to overload younger ones and up to date, but there’s also so much more to see. Poppy display was superb, exotic animals, Yeoman tour and White Tower also worth the time, with the latter having interactive area for children. Nice day out and good to take a picnic (though not lots of spaces to sit and eat).

Great morning out. Saw lots including Crown Jewels but unable to access all parts as lots of steps & I was on crutches. The Yeoman Warder tour was entertaining - Recommend Emma R. Café for a stop mid visit. Lots of toilets Inc disabled facilities.

Absolutely awesome place, went when the poppy display was on for the memorial. Got to see everything, crown jewels, the tower of London and other surrounding buildings. Was a brilliant day out. Highly recommended A+++

What an incredible piece of history! I highly recommend taking advantage of the Yeomen Warder tour included in the admission for an entertaining and informative lesser known history of the palace. Definitely worth the visit

Enjoyed all the history The Ravens were alot bigger than I imagined. The crown Jewels were amazing and loads of gold pieces of various objects the punch bowl was massive. All the beefeaters were friendly and helpful.

Absolutely a wonderful time. As a tourist from the US, I cannot believe the amount of history in one place. You could spend an entire vacation at this site alone. Seeing highlights from the coronation amd seeing them in real life was fantastic. The displays in the White Tower were worth it alone

Very expensive for little content. The buildings are beautiful but it’s not worth nearly 32£. The jewel gallery was nice but we did it in 5mn. Best advice is to take pictures from outside and not go in.

Promenade Park in Maldon is a fantastic spot for a day out, especially if you're looking to enjoy both green space and a bit of seaside charm. The park sits right by the water, with a small beach area that’s perfect for a paddle or just soaking up some sun. There are plenty of walking tracks that wind through the park. The open grassy areas are great for picnics, ball games, or simply stretching out with a good book. You’ll find a decent selection of food stalls, especially during weekends and events, offering everything from ice cream to tasty hot meals. Plus, with several pubs nearby, there’s no shortage of options for a proper sit-down meal or a refreshing drink. Public toilets are available and well-maintained, which is always a plus on a longer visit. Whether you're with family, friends, or just enjoying some solo time, Promenade Park has something for everyone. A great blend of nature, water, and local charm.

We visited the park in late September 2025. We were on a weekend glamping trip with our family, including the grandchildren. The park was lovely for the kids, as there is plenty to do and it wasn't too busy. There is good parking and we had no trouble finding a spot.

A beautiful waterside park with many attractions, plenty of places to eat and lots of seating, a huge field for picnics and shady avenues of trees. If you can get here early in the morning as the sunrises, you’re in for a treat.

The prom is one of my all time favourite places. However as I no longer live in Maldon we have to drive and today we wanted a quiet grassy spot and we knew the far end of one of the main fields would do the trick after having to leave previous venue just before 5pm. We wanted to be there about 3 hours so we could gently sort out tea and eat it. You are talking 5.30pm to 8.30pm. I expected to pay fair enough but £8 for 3 hours parking on a Sunday evening is too much. If it was upto £5 we would of happily used and their would be a 5 star review. I do also think £8 for a full day is fair.

Such a lovely place to spend the day.. a zoo, crazy golf, woods, and a a scenic walk path. Lovely cafes and restaurants

Great place. Only been there In the summer 🌞 Places to eat, nice views and play fun areas for the kids

Nice place for a walk around. Good playground for the kids too.

Absolutely love London. And Big Ben is a must see / visit. It has been beautifully restored and looks grand as it should. Right next to the houses of Parliament and across from Westminster Abbey just down the road from Buckingham Palace. And then there is number 10. Definitely make time to go to this iconic land Mark.

I’m not the biggest fan of London, but Big Ben was absolutely beautiful. The architecture is stunning, and the city around it feels so classic and elegant. It was really cool getting off the Westminster stop on the Tube and walking straight up to see Big Ben towering above it’s such an iconic sight. Even if London isn’t your favorite city, this landmark will definitely impress you.

Big Ben in the autumn exudes a charming appeal. This was my first visit, and my husband and I were very lucky—the sun was gently shining on it, giving it almost a golden glow. Combined with the surrounding architecture, it looked absolutely stunning. I really loved it.

Big Ben is absolutely stunning and a must-see landmark! The architecture is incredible, and it really lives up to the hype. The only downside was how crowded it gets, especially during peak hours, which makes it a bit hard to enjoy peacefully. Still, definitely worth the visit and a great spot for photos.

We didn't get to do the tour but coming off the tube and Big Ben being right there outside the station was pretty awesome. Its even bigger in person than I thought it would be. Really good angles from the station and out on the bridge.

You simply cannot visit London without seeing Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower. It is even more magnificent in person than in all the photos. The Gothic Revival architecture is absolutely breathtaking, especially when viewed alongside the Houses of Parliament. Hearing the Great Bell chime on the hour is a truly magical and historic moment that gives you goosebumps. An absolute must-see that perfectly encapsulates the history and charm of the city. Make sure to visit it both during the day and lit up at night!

Visited Big Ben while in London. Did you know its official name is the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee — but everyone still calls it Big Ben. The site was impressive, with plenty of onlookers taking in the views. We spent about 30 minutes exploring and enjoying the surroundings. Fun fact: the minute hand is roughly the same length as a single-decker bus! Overall, it’s worth a quick stop and was one of the highlights of our trip. Saluti

A fantastic experience and absolutely worth it! The views from the top are incredible — you can see all of London’s major landmarks so clearly. The ride is smooth, relaxing and perfect for both kids and adults. The staff are friendly and organised, making the whole process easy from start to finish. It’s a great family activity, amazing for photos, and something everyone should try at least once. Highly recommended!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing experience! The London Eye offers some of the best views in the city—360° panoramas of the Thames, Big Ben, and the skyline. The ride is smooth and lasts long enough to really enjoy the scenery. Queues can get a bit long during peak hours, but they move quickly and are well-organized. Staff were friendly and the capsules were clean and comfortable. Definitely worth it, especially around sunset!

Seeing the London Eye has always been on my list, and getting the chance to experience it while on a boat cruise along the Thames was truly special. The combination of the beautiful view, the gentle breeze, and the calm evening made it such a memorable moment. This should definitely be on the to-do list for anyone visiting London. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and adds something unique to your itinerary. It was an amazing view overall, and maybe next time I’ll be brave enough to actually take a ride on the wheel itself!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable experience! The London Eye is absolutely incredible — a must-see attraction when visiting London! The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the city lights start to sparkle. You can see iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the River Thames stretching out below you. The ride itself is smooth and relaxing, and the capsules are spacious and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the whole experience felt well-organized from start to finish. Whether it’s your first time in London or you’ve lived here for years, the London Eye gives you a whole new perspective on the city. I’d definitely go again!

The London Eye is one of those attractions that truly lives up to its reputation and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The moment you step onto the giant wheel, you’re treated to spectacular panoramic views of London, stretching out as far as the eye can see. From the top, the historic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Windsor Castle on a clear day come into perfect view. Watching the River Thames wind its way through the heart of London adds even more magic to the experience. One thing families and visitors should prepare for, however, are the long lines. The London Eye is extremely popular, and during weekends or holidays, the wait can feel quite lengthy. For those short on time or traveling with children, the Express Entry tickets are definitely worth considering. They cost a bit more but save you from the longer queues, letting you enjoy the ride without the wait. The capsule itself is spacious and moves slowly, making it comfortable for families, children, and even those slightly nervous about heights. The pace allows you to really take in the scenic 360° views and capture plenty of photos without feeling rushed. Overall, the London Eye is an experience that beautifully combines fun, relaxation, and sightseeing. Despite the queues, it’s absolutely worth the visit for the incredible views of London’s skyline and its historic buildings. It’s one of those attractions that reminds you why London is such a timeless city.

The London Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offers a breathtaking experience that defines London’s skyline. At 135 meters, it’s one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, delivering unrivaled 360-degree views of landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard. Each spacious, glass-walled capsule holds up to 25 people, ensuring comfort during the 30-minute rotation. The gentle pace allows ample time to soak in the city’s sprawl, with informative touchscreens pinpointing key sites. Tickets start at £33 online, though fast-track options (£48) cut wait times, a boon during peak seasons. Pre-booking is essential, as queues can swell, especially on weekends. The Eye operates daily, with evening rides showcasing London’s twinkling lights—perfect for romantics. Accessibility is excellent, with step-free access and wheelchair-friendly capsules. While the experience is undeniably magical, some may find the price steep for a single rotation, and foggy days can obscure distant views. Still, the London Eye’s blend of engineering marvel and panoramic splendor makes it a must-do. For families, couples, or first-time visitors, it’s a bucket-list highlight, offering a unique perspective on London’s historic and modern charm. Arrive early for shorter lines.

🎡 My Visit to the London Eye, London Visiting the London Eye was one of the highlights of my trip to London. Opened in 2000, this giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames. The ride itself was smooth and peaceful, taking about 30 minutes for a full rotation. From inside the glass capsule, I could see landmarks stretching for miles, making it a perfect opportunity for photos and sightseeing from above. The staff were friendly, and the capsules were spacious and comfortable. Visitor Tips: Book tickets online in advance to skip the queues and try to ride during sunset for breathtaking views. Arrive early for less crowded capsules and better photo opportunities. Audio guides are available to learn interesting facts about London’s landmarks as you ride. How to Reach: The London Eye is located at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, just a short walk from Waterloo Station and well-served by buses and the Underground (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern lines). Overall, the London Eye is a must-visit attraction — a relaxing, scenic, and iconic way to experience the best views of London from above.

Fantastic day out with toddlers. If you can on a weekday in term time you can go on all the rides multiple times as practically no queues! The set up is also very walkable with animals and rides and playgrounds interspersed ergonomically. They have a great variety of animals who seem happy and healthy. It's a little pricey, but it feels worth it to give money to a nice farm. I wish their food options were healthier - especially the snacks (having some fruit on offer for the kids would be helpful!)

We visited as a family with our three girls and had such a fantastic day! There was so much to do — from seeing the animals to enjoying the rides and fun activities. Everything was really well organised, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The girls especially loved the pumpkin patch and all the little details that made the day extra special. We’ll definitely be coming back again soon! 🎃🐮

Incredible place Got there at 10:30am and received an informative welcome from reception I was happily surprised that it was not very busy . I was apprehensive about how many rides my daughter who is nearly two could go on and yet out of everything available she only missed out on 5 attractions. I love how detailed the park was and that there was just so many things to keep kids entertained for hours . Cafe was really good with large portions of food that was not salty but full of flavour. Staff loved interacting with the kids ,were really polite ,enthusiastic and took pride in their jobs. Overall Very very good value for the money and 100% worth it Will be definitely visiting again hopefully with a party of family members.

This is a fantastic place to bring your child! My little one is under 2 years old, so the free admission is a big plus. Everything is well organized, and there's the convenience of being able to eat inside. As expected from places like this, the food is more on the quick side, but it's surprisingly tasty. I've visited twice already and will definitely be coming back. One of the standout attractions is the circus – it’s a wonderful source of entertainment for both kids and adults alike. I recommend this place !

A complete package of thrill, fun and exploration for the little explorers. The farm themed park has a lot to offer starting with family friendly yet thrill rides that little ones can’t simply resist. My little one enjoyed doing the happy horses, train ride and crazy barnyard ride - of of them couple of times. It has got a decent softplay area too right at the entrance, along side the cafe and icecream bars. The animated shows run throughout the day at the show barns and the adventure playgrounds are quite massive and located at the centre of the park. There’s one little explorers playground as well with lots or animal sheds nearby offering seating areas. My little daughter couldn’t only do the doggy roller coaster as the ride closed at 4pm only strictly, but for next time sure. We had an unmissable and unforgettable adventure time her in this park in Brentwood, for sure.

Returned for our annual.years Halloween visit. Bit disappointed to find the Halloween walk through bit was closed off however realised upon checking that we were a day early. Decided to make the most of it and enjoy the rides. Took some really lovely Halloween photos of my girls lots of perfect back drops and props available throughout the park Staff were lovely especially the man on the train ride. Staff on both coffee stations were friendly and my daughter's both enjoyed a delicious custom made hot chocolates in after eight and unicorn. Animals looked happy and with plenty of space to roam around. It was lovely to see the pig foraging for plants and eating on the grass. Two lovely carousels, a rollercoaster and several other rides plus the staff make this place a really fun day out for all the family We will return

Lovely day out, we visited Old McDonald Farm with the kids to experience the Halloween Festival, we have been coming here for years but not on Halloween . Brilliant day, so nice to visit a park with just an entry fee and when you enter all rides are included, shows and activities, no hidden extras. Kids had a brilliant day, even the adults too, the kids also received a free pumpkin each. Some of the children in our family were sick, the staff at Old MacDonald Farm were brilliant - even offered to move to a different day so the kids don’t miss out (for a small fee) . Well done Old MacDonald Farm, we will definitely be coming back again !!!!

Jordan was great. Parking easy. Open gendered changing rooms with showers. Also had a mirror and hairdryer which was nice. Lockers were easy to use. Had a group of 9 for the whole raft, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you see it, one person at the helm doesn’t paddle. This position can rotate between within your group, which might be a good thing, so you can take a break because this was a tiring activity for sure. Great fun though!

This sports venue is truly delightful. It’s such a pleasure to watch the determination of those battling the powerful water and waves, whether in team boats or individual kayaks. I genuinely enjoy the atmosphere here, and I try to visit once or twice a week. The café adds to the charm—coffee on cold days and beer on warm ones. Altogether, it’s an outstanding place with an incredible vibe

Fantastic facility, make time for coffee or food on the terrace because it's lovely. As described on the website, great fun white water rafting. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a thrill!

Fantastic place to practice your open water and white water rafting skills there is an equipment hire area on site so you dont need to bring your own gear, ample parking the largest car park is just 100 yards from the entrance. Staff are super friendly, there is a cafe on site too with inside or outside (on balcony) seating. The road leading to the place is only a normal 30 mph road and it gets busy quickly so try and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Amazing facilities. Second time Ive done the rafting which is great. Shaun was a top instructor Can't wait to go back Very clean and tidy highly recommend

I went white water rafting with 7 mates for a birthday. An excellent experience, we loved it. Ask for Sean as your instructor he made it a 5/5 experience. We did 6 runs on the Olympic course and Sean upped the ante each time. Would highly recommend it!

Lee Valley White Water Centre delivered a brilliant day out. The staff were welcoming and made the whole experience feel easy, even for first-timers. The course has the perfect mix of fun and challenge, and everything is run smoothly from start to finish. I’d happily come back and recommend it to anyone looking for something memorable.

Great for your more expensive outlets. Designer clothes, shoes, food and household. Although all designer still cheaper than in the Cities etc. Not too busy as visited on a Monday. Great shopping and great food.

Fun place for shopping at good prices, lots of options for any budget. Many places for lunch as well! We liked it and recommend to visit!

Great place to visit for big brands and save some money. Plenty of parking across the road but it does have a 6 hour max parking limit. I know this is plenty of time but if you spend the day here shopping, eating and using the cinema or swimming pool, you could easily be here longer than 6 hours. So just be conscious of time. There are disabled and parent and child spaces available. There was some building work going on in the car park today so a lot of the parent and child spaces were inaccessible but this will only be temporary. Plenty of restaurants to choose from in the retail park side and there are a few in the village too. There are some smaller vans/cafés inside the shopping area too. Only knocked off a star because there a quite a few empty units and it's really noticeable. Definitely needs some other shops opening up soon. Overall it's a great place that I'd recommend any time.

Not overly busy on a Monday lunchtime. Parking spaces are a bit tight, especially for the larger vehicles.

This place is fantastic for shopping, offering a diverse range of items. The best part? Parking is free for the first 6 hours! I couldn’t get enough of the Nike store, where you got an amazing 50% off all footwear I'll definitely be returning soon.

Great shopping outlet with plenty of both high street and designer shops so you can buy pretty much anything. There are also numerous restaurants so everybody is catered for. Ample parking and easy to get to. The shops are all outdoors so remember a coat in the winter! Will definitely go back.

I have visited this outlet location after a long time. Some stuff deserve attention but overall it's not as cheap as you expect to be for an outlet. Good vibe , a place to go out for an afternoon especially during the weekend. Avoid places like Nike outlet or any other over hyped brand, being packed with people messing everything shelved or displayed. Coffee is coffee, sweets are sweets, parking your car and getting out need skills, energy and time. If you're local, great, if not.....

The road to the zoo is a bit narrow and winding, and driving with the steering wheel on the opposite side made it even more unusual. This is a truly small family-oriented zoo with an interesting selection of animals. Everything was clean and well maintained, and we enjoyed the visit. I was especially excited to see capybaras and meerkats. Personally, it was also fascinating to observe the visitors — many families with two or more children. The food was decent, but because of the strong wind and too many wasps outside, the experience was mixed. Overall, it’s a great place to spend a day with family.

Visited for my daughter’s birthday and it was great all round. The entire place is very well designed and in good condition. We tried food at a few of the outlets and all were good quality tasting food - not amazing but not the typical greasy nonsense you get. It’s good that you can walk around each area multiple times and in different directions so you really feel like you get the most out of your ticket. Price wise was good, about average and like I said there is plenty to do when inside. All the animals we saw looked happy, no concerns there.

A brilliant zoo, I would say one of the best we have visited. It was busy but we didn't feel it, its nicely spread out so you never feel crowded, it was also very clean and tidy. The staff were fantastic, even when doing something they were happy to answer questions on animals, they were all happy, friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy being there. The animals all seemed happy and healthy with a lovely variety. As with all zoos it would be nice to see them with more space. The food was of excellent quality and reasonably priced. Nice to have the mix of animals, the dino trail and parks too. It is 3.5hours away from us but worth every minute in the car. Would 100% recommend

Great zoo, loved the red panda experience, keeper was very friendly and informative in answering any questions I had. Loved getting to see the two red pandas being introduced to each other. Got good views of the animals, some of the viewing windows were quite wet with condensation which blocked views but not much to be done about that. Lots of kids so was quite noisy but think I came in the school holidays. Only negative was one of the jaguars was pacing around a lot in its enclosure, hopefully it was just waiting for food or something like that and not stressed. Got Uber easily to/from the train station. Staff were all friendly and helpful.

A really good day out. I went with my sister and my two teenagers and we all thoroughly enjoyed our day. The theming, informative signs, viewing areas/platforms and eateries were very good. Of course the wonderful animals were the highlight and I can recommend attending the bird show! At the end of the day we even had a train ride around the dinosaur area for £2 each, which ended the day nicely.

A family favourite. My son was two when we went and he loved the dinosaurs section even though I was worried he was too young, there are some bits that are slightly gruesomely but you can quickly go past them. It’s good fun and you can then go to the zoo and look at the animals. It’s very well organised and clean. Limited option for food and as with any of these venues, it’s overpriced for the quality you get.

Hertfordshire Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly destination with a great variety of animals and interactive zones. The enclosures are well maintained , highlights include the lions, camels, and alpacas, all easy to view up close. The “World of Animals” and “Tumble Jungle” soft play area add extra fun for kids, with clearly scheduled play sessions. The zoo is clean, well signposted, and offers a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. A perfect day out for families with young children!

A wonderful historic property - so much to see. The staff were amazing, so knowledgeable and they really enjoyed talking about the history of the property - if you love history then this is an absolute must. Fantastic food at the cafe too. To fully enjoy the house and estate you would need all day. An absolute gem ❤️

Great day out for the family. The house is well maintained and there are nice collections to see. The gardens are well kept and huge. There is just one more little hidden treasure around each corner just when you thought you saw it all. Well worthy the visit. There is also a cafe and a shop. We enjoyed the performance from English heritage on “ferries”. Loved it!

Lovely historic house looked after by English Heritage. Lots of rooms to see inside and very friendly helpful volunteers. They are great to talk to and share so much other interesting information about the house. Outside the gardens were beautiful and lovely large lawn beside lake. The old vegetable garden was also lovely as were the stables. Worth going to stables first of all which are near to the car park and tells you the story of the house before you visit it. Large tearooms to visit with good selection of snacks, meals and treats. Definitely worth a visit.

Although the facilities outside the mansion are generally well-preserved, the mansion itself is very bright and beautiful, making you imagine that people still lived there. The owner of the mansion has very special tastes, and you can see that the decoration inside is different from other British mansions. The most impressive thing is the tall and magnificent wooden carving wall in the reception hall. In addition, you will see some sea monsters and ocean-related icons in the reception room on the second floor. The tour guide said that this is because the owner of the mansion was a big shot in the navy. The mansion facilities are very beautiful and well-maintained. It takes about an hour to walk through.

I really enjoyed my visit!!! The house is stunning inside, with lots of interesting rooms and stories, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The gardens are beautiful and perfect for a walk – peaceful, well-kept, and full of charm. There’s also plenty of space for kids to run around, which makes it a nice family day out. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for somewhere relaxing but also full of history.

Our visit was perfect. The house was a real highlight. It felt like being in one of Jane Austin books. I loved the vast space and well kept grounds. It was time well spent and my children enjoyed it too. It's great place for family visit. Highly recommend.

Great stately home and grounds. The gardens behind the house are really wonderful and seating is available for you to relax and fully enjoy the view. The stables are a must for any horse lovers and the staff there are all very knowledgeable and friendly. There are various gardens. Fruit and vegetable gardens and many rooms from the past. There are two restaurant / cafes both with toilets. Plenty of parking and level access except for the first floor of the house. Sadly no lift is available.

Fantastic day, need more than one day to see everything. We mainly done hanger 1, the US area and the outside planes. These were knowledgeable and informative. We became members so we can come back a few more times. 100% recommended. All the staff we spoke to were lovely.

Great museum. It's huge. Spread over several hangars and buildings, and includes a Concorde, B52, SR71, U2 and many others. When we visited there were lots of light aircraft and classic planes like spitfires and bi-planes flying as well. There are several restaurants, a free shuttle bus, large gift shop and lots of volunteers (in red) more than happy to help. Car parking is free.

The Duxford Air Museum is an absolutely incredible place to visit! The collection is vast and beautifully displayed. The exhibitions are informative and engaging, with plenty of interactive displays and stories that bring the history of flight to life. Watching aircraft take off and land right in front of you is an unforgettable experience. There are also great facilities — plenty of parking, a nice café with good food and coffee, and lots of space for families to explore.

As a big aviation enthusiast, I was really looking forward to exploring the site and seeing some of the iconic aircraft up close. There was a short wait to buy tickets, and while the entry price did seem quite steep, I was happy enough to pay it for the chance to see the planes I’d come for. Unfortunately, the gentleman at the ticket desk (older, with white hair and a beard) was rather unfriendly and didn’t offer the warmest of welcomes — not the best start to the day. My first stop was the Concorde, which I’ve always wanted to experience. There were two staff members standing by the entrance, but they seemed too caught up in their own conversation to greet visitors or answer questions. Once onboard, there was no one available to provide information or engage with visitors, which was disappointing — especially for such a famous aircraft. After leaving Concorde, I made a beeline for the commercial airliners on display outside — the part of the visit I was most excited for. Unfortunately, when I arrived, all of them were closed for the day except the aircraft in British Airways livery. While that one was open and staffed, and the gentleman onboard was extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer my questions (thank you for that!), I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that the others were shut. Throughout my visit, I also noticed that staff presence around the site felt quite sparse. In several areas, particularly around the commercial airliners, I had a lot of questions but couldn’t find anyone to ask. I was later told that access to the aircraft varies by day, which feels like a bit of a “luck of the draw” situation — fine if communicated clearly, but frustrating when you’ve paid full price and key exhibits aren’t open. Overall, while I did enjoy parts of the visit and found the open aircraft fascinating, the lack of staff engagement, limited access to exhibits, and inconsistent communication left me feeling underwhelmed. With such an incredible collection, I had hoped for a more welcoming and interactive experience.

Very extensive collection contained at an active airfield. Vintage planes taking off and landing all day was a huge perk! To see these aircraft still flying is indeed a pleasure! Everything was in good order and labeled. Well worth spending the day here; so very much to see and experience!

Visited IWM Duxford during the school summer holidays and explored at our own pace. The vast hangars packed with iconic aircraft—from Spitfires to Concordes—bring aviation history to life. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and outdoor displays kept everyone engaged. Super accessible with wide paths and family facilities. A brilliant day out for all ages!

IWM Duxford is truly exceptional, the collection of historic aircraft is incredible, from iconic WWII fighters to Cold War jets. The museum gives a real sense of history, with original hangars, great exhibitions, and even live conservation work. It’s not just a museum full of planes, it’s a whole experience. Absolutely a 5/5 visit and a must-see for anyone who loves aviation or history!

It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. If you visit Cambridge, this should be definitely in your bucket list. To go punting in river Cam. It was a wonderful experience. You can book a boat for yourself, or you can share a boat, and if you're confident enough, you can ride on your own.

If you’re in Cambridge, make sure to go “punting” on the River Cam. Rent a boat for £30, spend a few hours paddling down the river. You’ll cross the Bridge of Sighs, the Mathematical Bridge, and many others. Many guided tours available. The red boats offer alcohol for sale. Excellent leisure activity in the afternoon with family or friends.

It was glorious going on the river with others punting. The guide was so well informed. It was a joyous experience

As soon as my boat start journey I feel I’m in a magical land for the time of my River Cam tour on the punt. Can’t explain the atmosphere in words. A must experience thing in the whole of Cambridge. The weather was cold but bright day and got some pics. I would recommend not focusing on taking pictures much coz you’ll loose the feel of the punting trip. This river is a source of great nature beauty, swans, bridges as well as colleges universities n many historical buildings. There must b lovely walks especially in summer or spring when the weather is on peak n gives u all to make an amazing atmosphere.

A charming riverside to spend your weekend! with some famous colleges to keep you architectural company...throw in a picnic and there you are in Paradise! 👍✌

I was in a magical land for that one hour in River Cam on the punt. Can’t explain the ambience in words. A must must visit in the whole of UK. We went in late November, but the weather was kind and got some amazing pictures. I would recommend not focusing on taking pictures much coz you’ll loose the feel of the punting trip.

The total experience of punting down the River Cam in the educational city of Cambridge was so awesome. It was exciting and calming at the same time, passing under various bridges and flanked by historic buildings like St. John's College and Queen's College among others. The views are picturesque and breathtakingly beautiful.

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is truly a gem—and completely free! Founded in 1816 from the personal collection of Richard Fitzwilliam, it has grown into a world-class museum with stunning collections of art, antiquities, manuscripts, and decorative arts. The building itself is beautiful, with grand galleries and a light-filled central hall. Highlights include works by Turner, Monet, and Van Dyck, as well as fascinating Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts. Every corner has something to surprise you, from delicate miniatures to imposing sculptures. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or just curious, it’s easy to spend hours exploring. A perfect cultural stop in Cambridge, and a must-see for both locals and visitors.

This is a fantastic museum and if you’re interested in art, it would be a reason enough to come to Cambridge, even if you have nothing else while you’re here. There’s a lot of nice impressionist paintings as well as other realist and pointillism from around the same time. As you could see in the photos, the Holdings for armory, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, ceramics are very extensive. I’ve got a big gift shop in a very nice little café on site as well. It’s really nice.

A true oasis of culture and beauty in the heart of Cambridge. Whenever I have a bit of time I like to walk in and get a good dose of inspiration. The museum never disappoints. The staff are lovely, helpful and friendly. I like the new, more modern display mixing various periods under different themes, it's refreshing. There are always fascinating temporary exhibitions too. The café and gift shop are also excellent. All in all, the Fitzwilliam museum is a must if you have more than several hours in Cambridge.

The Fitzwilliam Museum was much bigger than I expected and definitely worth visiting. There’s a surprisingly large collection of drawings and artworks, and you can easily spend hours exploring without getting bored. I also bought a ticket for the ancient exhibition. It was quite small, but well-curated and genuinely interesting. Overall, a great experience and absolutely worth the trip. I’d recommend it to anyone spending time in Cambridge.

Very nice museum with a lots of different arts displayed from various era and places. If you like arts your place is here when you visiting Cambridge. The entry was free, the staff was polite and helpful all the way. Please make a note turn off your phone flash as it harms the the displayed arts. The staff also will ask you politely. You can take many photos as you want. Very diverse and nice collection. Recommended to visit it. I post pictures from my favourite part the armory.

Full of amazing artwork and collections. It has a lot of things you want to see and things you didn't know you wanted to see. A great way to spend a rainy day for free.

now write me a short review of my trip to the fitzwilliam museum in Cambridge England. The visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge was a captivating exploration of art and history, offering an impressive collection that spans centuries and cultures. Highlights included the museum’s exquisite paintings and finely curated artifacts, each thoughtfully presented to tell its own unique story. The blend of classical and contemporary works created a rich, immersive experience, making the Fitzwilliam a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, archaeology, and cultural heritage in a beautifully historic setting.

Beautiful Cathedral King’s College Chapel is an amazing architectural building of Gothic Art. Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in this city. We highly recommend the visit. It is very unique, but tremendously stunning!

Words are wasted here - one of the finest monuments to Perpendicular architecture anywhere. Go in, have your breath taken away, admire the paintings, and try and keep your heart in your chest. The fan vaulting is like no other. Pick a sunny, still day, and approach the college from the Backs, the classic side - you avoid the tourists, feel more like a student 😉 And when you are done, take some time sitting on the Backs, and appreciate that Rupert Brooke and others used to punt to here from Grantchester for their lectures. I'm guessing (hoping?) in straw boaters

Indeed a very very special place. We were lucky that a former student has shown us this area. With all the details and historical parts of the Kings college chapel. All these details are so special that you need to take the time to observe all the details of this chapel. The colors, the building architecture in relation with the stories is amazing. You can easily enter this chapel via the main entrance of the Kings College. Please do vist the total area which is amazing and combine this visit with the other College areas in Caimbridge.

There is a reason this is a must stop. The ceiling alone was worth the price of admission. The stain glass work was very human. It needs renovation. They seemed to admire the "modern man" in several panels which caught my attention. Yes, all the tourists stop here. . .for a reason.

beautiful, and picturesque place that feels like stepping into a storybook. From the historic colleges and cobbled streets to the tranquil River Cam, every corner offers something breathtaking. The locals are incredibly polite and friendly, always happy to help or share a recommendation. Whether you're punting, visiting museums, or simply enjoying a coffee by the river, the atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming.

Can only visit the chapel by attending a service. We went to Evensong - a truly uplifting place. It made me feel very humbled. The choristers were serene.

Beautiful chapel inside the King's College. It has several sections inside telling the history of the chapel. Nice place to visit when in Cambridge

Ely Cathedral is absolutely stunning. The architecture is breathtaking, especially the unique Octagon Tower and the spacious Lady Chapel. Inside, every detail feels majestic yet peaceful. The staff and guides are very welcoming, and the whole visit is well worth it. A true gem and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England.

Spectacular and unique among cathedrals, its wooden octagonal “lantern” high above the crossing is amazing to see and explore. We booked an Octagon Tower tour before our visit, and learned from our guide the original tower had been square and built in a Romanesque design, but that unstable ground - possibly exacerbated by construction of the adjacent Lady Chapel - had caused the tower to collapse in 1322. Something new was clearly required, and result was an octagonal tower made of stone and wood that was lighter in weight, spread the load more evenly, and that had an upper row of windows to admit light (a “lantern”). After examining this construction method on a model at ground level we were escorted up the first spiral staircase to the clerestory, where we were asked to deposit backpacks and purses. Nearby were the bass pipes of the organ, some of them so long that they are installed horizontally. Three more stairways ensued, two of them among the narrowest we have ever climbed in a Cathedral. All were inside the walls, and the one that accesses the roof requires one to bend almost double to duck through the exit door. The interior of the Octagon Tower is a busy maze of beams installed in the 14th Century, with some of the larger pieces at least 1,000 years old. We approached the lantern from behind and found it consisted of a number of high, narrow, painted doors, three of which were opened for us so we could peer across the octagon to the painted other side, and crane our necks to see the altar far below. It was absolutely splendid. We learned that the lantern’s last significant structural restoration was done under architect Sir Gilbert Scott in the mid 1800s, and that the lantern paintings (and part of the nave ceiling) were completed in the 1860s. Outside on the lead-clad roof we were treated to a terrific view over the city. Back downstairs we explored the magnificent Lady Chapel and some of the Chantry chapels before calling it day. Practical info: A tour will really make your time at Ely come alive, so visit the excellent Ely Cathedral website to see what is on offer. Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours for a visit.

An impressive and magnificent cathedral that makes Ely – even though it’s the second smallest city in England – truly special. Knowing that this remarkable building is almost 1,000 years old makes the visit even more fascinating. It’s also interesting to learn that parts of the first Harry Potter film were shot here. The audio guide is excellent and very informative.

Beautiful cathedral. This is an excellent place to visit for a day out. The grounds and staff are helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. If you are in the area, well worth the trip. There are numerous pubs, shops, and restaurants near the cathedral as well.

What an amazing place to visit and look around. Lots of things to see, so much history and so much beauty. The ticket price of £14 pp may seem quite steep, but you could essentially spend hours here and still not be bored. Be mindful that the Stained Glass Window Museum costs extra (to be the cost for this is quite steep for what it is) and it is also up some steep flights of steps so no good for people with disabilities; but interesting to look at the stained glass exhibits.

Ely Cathedral is fantastic. Special mention goes to Tracey, our guide on the Octagon Tower Tour. She was so full of amazing information and her pacing of the tour was perfect. Such a special and unique place.

A beautiful building from the outside and looks magnificent inside. But sadly they charge a ridiculous £14 per adult to enter just for a 20-30 minute browse. Understand they need to maintain the place but this is meant to be part of our collective heritage and should be open to all for a much smaller donation. In France similarly grand cathedrals outside of Paris are free to enter. Also, the church fathers have built an ugly building opposite the entrance that really ruins the surrounding area ( see picture). Disappointed.

Historic watermill, operating on select days. River cruise and self hire boats also available and a small beach area for river swimming.

I had such a lovely day out at Houghton Mill in Abbots and would definitely recommend it. The mill itself is a really interesting National Trust property, full of character, but what made it extra special was everything around it. You can hire boats or punts by the mill at very reasonable prices, which was so much fun and such a relaxing way to enjoy the river. On sunny days, it’s also a great spot to bring your own inflatable if you fancy drifting along at your own pace. The area is perfect for picnics too. There are plenty of tables outside if you want to sit and enjoy food from the café (which was excellent – really tasty and good value), or you can just bring a rug and set yourself up right by the water. It’s such a peaceful, pretty place to relax. If you’ve got time, it’s also worth wandering into the village. There are some really good pubs, all with a welcoming feel, plus a lovely antique and art shop that’s fun to browse. Altogether, Houghton Mill and the village make a brilliant day out with a great mix of history, nature, good food, and a lot of fun on the water!

Lovely small and spacious campsite near the river for walks and water for those who like messing about in it!! The mill was very interesting and a short walk to pubs with good beer. The facilities were great and very clean. My only small gripe was no toilet paper left in the morning.

This was a pleasant and unexpected experience with a lovely mill on a river. Some of the views seemed out of a money painting. We didn't go in the but just did the circular walk. There is a swimming and canoeing area. There's also a campdite close by and a small cafe for refreshments. Parking on grass is available. Good for families wanting to explore and be at one with nature and dogs are welcome.

Visited when en-route home from Shropshire and well worth it. Very busy to park but well organised. Interesting bit of history and couple of enthusiastic volunteers added to it. Pleasant walk along river too. Bought some of the milled flour.

Beautiful place. Did the mill tour but definitely going back to do the 5k circular walk and perhaps take out a rowing boat.

Great place for swimming, canoeing, or long walks. The mill is definitely worth visiting, check the opening hours. There are toilets and a tea shop next to the car park. You can rent boats and canoes. Car park and facilities close usually at 4 pm, but you can still drive out, so don't worry about leaving your car for longer, drive up to the gate (not too close) and it will open. Beautiful scenery, we did an 8k walk (check out the map in my pictures, red trail, with a green shortcut south of the lakes) but you have many options, including an around 20k one recommended on a map just south of the mill. There may be mud and narrow paths in tall grass, so aim at good weather. Don't miss walking around the picturesque village with many old houses, a bit like going back in time. Recommended.

What a way to spend your 25th birthday? It's long been a dream of mine and one to tick off the bucket list. From booking to the actual day, everything has been handled in a professional and friendly manner. On the day the training was comprehensive and interesting. And then once we were airborne it was just amazing. My instructor was Chris Beattie and he made me feel at ease from start to finish. The feeling leaving the plane was exhilarating, free falling is indescribable and the parachute descent was so calm, controlled and even relaxing. Yes it was cold going through the clouds but the weather was perfect and the views were wonderful. I would definitely recommend North London Skydiving to anyone. I went for the 15,000ft jump as you are in the air for longer. I also purchased the video and photo package as these could be once in a lifetime memories if this is your only jump. For me I think I have the bug so would 100% do it again. Thanks Chris and everyone at Chatteris Airfield and North London Skydiving 🪂🤩

Had an absolutely amazing experience here! I did my first skydive (10,000 ft jump) — on my birthday, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! The entire team was incredibly warm and welcoming. I was quite nervous when I first arrived, but as soon as I spoke to them, they made me feel completely at home — they turned my anxiety into pure excitement! A huge shoutout to Emma and Dave, who helped calm my nerves right away, and to Glen, my instructor — he was absolutely fantastic! He kept me involved throughout the skydive and made sure I was comfortable and enjoying every moment. Alex, my photographer, was equally amazing — I’d asked him for a fist-bump shot before the jump, and he made sure to capture it perfectly! I arrived around 7:30 a.m. to avoid delays. Although the weather was a bit uncertain at first, the team handled everything brilliantly. As soon as conditions improved, they quickly arranged everything so we could all jump before it changed again. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday experience — the team went above and beyond to make it unforgettable. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking to skydive in the UK!

Absolutely incredible experience! From start to finish, the team at the North London Skydiving Centre was amazing. Everyone was super friendly, professional, and incredibly supportive. They made sure I felt safe, confident, and well-prepared every step of the way. The instructors were so encouraging and clearly passionate about what they do – their energy really helped calm my nerves. The whole process was smooth and well-organized, and the jump itself was unforgettable. If you’re thinking about skydiving, this is 100% the place to do it. Can’t recommend them enough! Tim - you are amazing 😉

Absolutely amazing skydive, my daughter had the best time, her first one. She loved it so much and wants to do another! Great communication & was very organised on the day. We did have one visit where the dive couldn't go ahead although that was disappointing we understand why & today the sky was so clear & lovely. Thank you to all the staff & especially Glen, Chloe loved it.

Here’s your updated review with that detail added naturally: ⸻ An Unforgettable Experience at North London Skydiving Centre An epic experience that will stay with me for a lifetime. The team at North London Skydiving Centre are wonderful — very thorough, calm, and professional throughout the day. It’s been a lifelong bucket list dream for me to jump out of an aeroplane, and I’m still buzzing 24 hours later! Even though we had low clouds for most of the day, the team kept us constantly updated. Eventually, at around 4pm, the clouds cleared and we were treated to sunshine and blue skies — perfect conditions for the jump. I jumped from 15,000 ft with my two brothers, which made the experience even more memorable and special. A huge thank you to Tim, my instructor, for making me feel completely safe and confident, and to Leigh, the cameraman, for capturing the whole thing so brilliantly. There are lots of photo and video options to choose from, and the quality is excellent. The professionalism, friendliness, and dedication of the whole team made it a truly unforgettable day. Highly recommend — I’ll be talking about this for years to come!

Had the most amazing jump yesterday at the centre in Chatteris! The team couldn't have been more welcoming, friendly and just so much fun. The skydive itself was incredible and the feeling is just impossible to describe. Pure ecstasy. I can see how people get addicted! Chris was such a great instructor and made me feel super calm and relaxed. Well done to Abbie, Colin, Matt, Antony and everybody else who jumped that day. Here's to 15,000ft next time!

Incredible experience 😁 First time ever for me but I would definitely love to go again 😎 I chose to jump from a 15,000ft and the option to have a pictures and video. I have around 300 pictures and a great video. Just amazing 😍 The staff are very professional, friendly and helpful. Big thanks to Gary and my camera man (unfortunately I forgot his name) 😅 To find the place, just go to the post code and keep going through the little road about 2 miles. The entrance is going to be on your right hand side. The place got cantine, toilets and a comfy place to stay during your visit or waiting for your turn to jump. So you can bring with you,a friends, family or partners. If you are thinking to go on a Saturday, I highly recommended go very early if you don't want to wait too much like myself, I was waiting 4 hours. Also depending of the weather, they can cancel and you have to book another day. And again.... A very cool experience if you want to "reset" yourself and see the life from different perspectives. Thanks 🙏