This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.

The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music... Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.

When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around. 25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy. ⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest

Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then. Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.

The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics. Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic. The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.

Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play. Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.

Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.

Amazing... It's amazing. So many sculptures set in glorious woods. Very accessible for wheelchair users and plenty to see even though there are areas accessed via steps, it did not feel that the wheelchair user had missed out. Great to be able to take the dog. Great to have full access to QR codes to learn more about the sculptures and their price No food/drink on site, ending the visit with a team /coffee would have made the trip perfect!

When i started the walk around the park I was a little overwhelmed by the number and various sculptures. However as you get into it the meandering path goes through many hidden spaces revealing the hundreds of works of art there. Some have been there for 23 years since it opened and have blended into the environment whilst others are strikingly new and shiny contrasting with the autumnal tones of the forest. If you want to do this properly and allow some time to watch and think I'd suggest you allow 3 hours but you can see all of it in about 2

An unexpected gem! Loved our Saturday afternoon stroll in this fabulous sculpture park! My camera roll is filled with incredible sculptures - I would have taken home all of them if I could! The only point I would say is that the park is (or feels) larger than it is, so you should probably wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the 2-mile walk around. The placement of the sculptures is brilliant, too - very enjoyable experience!

Wow there are some lovely sculptures at the park. Some very large and some small but all so incredible none the less. The only negative I have to say is it’s not very pushchair friendly (other than the disabled route) and my 2.5 year old found it a little boring.

There are many things I love about the Sculpture Park, but most of all, it’s the fact that it is constantly evolving. Every time we visit, there is something new—whether in the layout or the display. One thing that never changes is the warm welcome we receive; we are always greeted with a smile, and the staff make us feel really welcome. The sculptures are a versatile collection—diverse in material, style, and texture. There is something for everyone, beautifully displayed in lovely natural settings. Our most recent visit was for the event Spirit in Stone - celebrating Zimbabwean craftsmanship. Everything was well-organised - with drinks, catering, gentle live music, and lovely, attentive staff. The artworks were stunning and displayed wonderfully. Happy to hear that such events will be organised again, and we will gladly attend again. In the meantime, the park is well worth a visit—an inspiring place to enjoy nature, art, and beauty.

We spent a wonderful 3 hours strolling round with our dog, taking in all the fabulous sculptures. Some parts need a little care / updating but overall a wonderful way to spend a morning

A wonderful experience!!! Friendly staff and incredible art. A peaceful wander through the lush woodlands. I will be back in the winter as it will be a completely different experience. Highly recommend.

I really loved this site. It was so tranquil on an early Saturday morning. The estate walks are beautiful. The walled garden is amazing - one of the best I've seen and I've seen a lot of them. The wisteria must look stunning when in bloom. House is very pretty and someone was playing the piano and it really made the visit even more pleasant.

A wonderful little place to spend the afternoon. The walk around the garden was lovely. Autumn blooms out in force. Not many people around so seemed peaceful. The house is compact but plenty to see and take in. Volunteers were very knowledgeable and friendly. Biscuits that were cooked in the kitchen as we passed through were delicious. Shop and tea room were accessible and had standard NT fayre. The second hand bookshop was small but plenty of choice. All staff were friendly and helpful. I will definitely come back here. Highly recommended.

The house and gardens were beautifully decorated and Christmassy, very friendly volunteers who were very happy to show us around. We ended in the coffee shop, we had some hot drinks, yummy brownies and pasties, the staff made us feel very welcome. All and all, we had a very relaxing few hours.

An interesting house and different to a number.of other houses we have been to. The rooms are more 20th century so an interesting insight into the family home and kitchen. The gardens were lovely, even though it is October but I will be back in Spring and summer when they will be at their best!

A beautifully preserved National Trust property with a warm, lived-in feel. The interiors are charming and full of character — especially the kitchen and library. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. A peaceful spot for a slow afternoon, and the garden is lovely too. Highly recommended if you’re near Henley-on-Thames!

Wonderful house and Gardens. Rich history going back 1000 years, 1066 and the war. Lots of unusual plants and trees to see. Visit the green house and walled garden. There is a garden shop. Plenty of free car parking. Nice cafe with good selection of hot and cold food. Plenty of seating i door and outdoors.

Very peaceful and relaxing property with beautiful and interesting gardens and well presented 1930s furnished house. Knowledgeable volunteers were on hand and a pianist playing in the drawing room. It would have been good if there had been a kids activity trail but a good members experience nonetheless.

Nice selection of birds, so many pretty varieties that we had never seen before. The parrots and cockatoos were entertaining with their chatter and whistles. There are a couple of walk-through areas where you can get up close to the birds. The main cafe area at the entrance is nice with outdoor seating overlooking the gardens. There is another cafe/kiosk, but this was closed when we visited. They are building a new play area which looks like it's going to be quite large. We spent around 3 hours there slowly walking around. For the kids, there is a dinosaur trail. The car park is large and free. Toilets and baby change areas were clean. There is quite a large gift shop. We had a nice half day wandering around.

Larger than expected but very interesting. There are all sorts of birds and plenty to see. For those with children, there are plenty of play bits for them to play and for those without there are benches where you can sit and watch the birds. The park is accessible for wheelchair users. Visually impaired folk will definitely benefit from taking a sighted guide.

Good place to visit after the upgrade made for kids but could have also added play center for toddler separately. The dinosaurs were good additions. Food-wise need to have more options and for the entry price paid the experience is bit on lower end with the birds. The bird world itself has not been updated fully and they seem old n neglected. Finally the parking facilities are lacking with very small spaces considering most visitors are with toddlers and kids and are of low quality.

I am disabled and cannot walk. Please see the end of the review for the only problem i had. Visited today with my wife daughter and her husband and two granddaughter's. We had a great time loads to see and do the birds are great and well displayed. The granddaughter's loved the play areas. All the staff are great. Helpfull, polite and a credit to bitdworld. on the whole it was easy to get round on a mobility class 3 mobility scooter. I have only one complaint and that there was a problem and that is with the disabled toilets it may not sound much but if you are like me on A Class 3 mobility scooter and cannot walk at all it is impossible sitting on one of those scooters and opening a door towards you. I do wish the people who designed these toilets would actually try to get in there whilst at on a large mobility scooter. It takes away your independence completely when you can't even open the door to get in. To pull a door open and hold it open while you driving is completely impossible. I really really wish that somebody would actually try it to see what I mean. Is bad enough being stuck on one of those things without having to ask a complete stranger to hold the door open for you. Please would one of your staff get hold of one of those scooters and try it.

New park is amazing. The kids loved the activity sheet and the dinosaur trail. Can't wait for the new play barn. Food was fresh and good. Only down side, they do not have a changing table for disabled guests, but we were told we could use the first aid one.

A popular day out for us or even a quick stop after nursery to run off extra energy. We invested in the membership this year and have visited Birdworld very regularly to explore every nook and cranny it has to offer. The bonus features of the dinosaur trail, bird bath and adventure play have been a treat too. There are so many beautiful birds and really helpful information about them to learn and raise awareness of endangered species, as well as regular talks from the team who present it so well. The birds are well looked after and the park is so pretty with greenery, flowers, water features, bird photography and beautiful interactive displays of information. There is lots to do for all ages. The paths are wheelchair and buggy accessible and plenty of loo facilities around the park. Lots of parking space and the check-in process is simple and quick even on busy days. Even when the park is busy it doesn’t feel crowded as there’s lots of space to run around, and benches to sit on.

Perfect for all. Not too long to walk around (you could probably rush it in half hour) took us a couple of hours to see everything, but there's plenty of extra play areas and games to keep kids entertained. Special experiences like feeding the penguins are extra, but well worth it.

Fantastic place to walk the dog/dogs. I highly recommend Alice Holt. There are plenty of walking paths, and cycle paths for all abilities. If you are more adventurous Go Ape is also available here, for tree top fun. For children there are play parks and the Gruffalo walk which includes beautiful carved caricatures from the books. There is also a lovely cafe on site.

Great facilities, marble run is a great new addition but the cafe has gone downhill and isn't a patch on what it used to be. Terrible vegan options and eye watering prices, make sure to bring your own food. Parking is also expensive, but in line with all forestry England sites

Lovely place. Autumn leaves looking gorgeous. Disc Golf was great fun. It was good to have a focus of a 'different' activity - and take exercise at the same time.

Nice place with lots of activities. However, parking is expensive £8 for just over 2 hours!!

Lots of trees, a great little cafe, lots of climbing frame things for kids and adults. It's just a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride.

Family trip in February. Car parking is well organised but not cheap. Great trails and plenty of exploring possible. Facilities are excellent, even with a dog wash station if that’s something for you! Play areas are very good and entertained the children for a good while. Highly recommend this place. Best time is later in the afternoon to miss the crowds.

Absolutely fantastic place. Beautiful scenery and walks designed for all ages with directions so you cannot get lost. Great play trail for the little ones to keep them entertained. Lots of space to park (bit pricey) but it hasn't put me off wanting to go again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

it was the first time we book the Partyman World of Play for birthday party of my kid. The place is very suitable for party with many kids. Safety is well secured. The staff are also very helpful and friendly, especially Ruby, who helped a lot for organizing the activities and foods. Thank you so much. We will recommend friends to go there with kids for fun.

Children can spend a good amount of time here. Always clean, and the equipment never looks really old or tired. The staff are so friendly, attentive and always have a smile. Nothing is too much trouble for them. I often come when Nicole, Georgie and Steph are working. Always greeted with smile and a little chat, nice to feel like a person not just a paying customer. The little extra parties that are put on at no extra cost, are wonderful. Again shout out to Georgie who runs these, the children love them, and she is so engaging with all the children. Partyman world is one of my favourite soft plays.

First time here and overall fantastic experience. I had two under 5's and the staff were great from the start in showing me round the place and then when ordering food the service was great, they were so helpful we were there for several hours the kids really enjoyed it, a fun packed day out. They also made sure other older children followed the rules which meant the younger children stayed safe, it just meant as parents we didn't have to intervene so they were vigilant but very polite. Also my little one fell and they quickly got an ice pack, nothing serious but I appreciated the prompt response and concern. Definitely will be coming back

We had our son's 4th birthday party here at the end of July and our party organiser Emily was incredible. She took care of everything for us and did so with a huge smile on her face and so much energy. All of the staff were wonderful and everyone had an amazing time! Thank you!

George, Nicola, Connie and Kyla were once again fab last night at the members party, been going several years now and kids always have a great time

I will change my rating for 0 stars!! It is absolutely disgusting. Very expensive and lots of dirt ,very cold and majority of the play areas dirty and broken. A massive rip off! When I complained to staff ,the lady raised her voice and told me to complain with the office I sadly promised to my kids that this is the last day we will be coming here and I advise others to don't waist their money here as I didn't manage to learn my lesson! See pictures attached

Brilliant site, my three young kids had a great time here. Shoutout to Ruby, Maria and Kayla

Love Beale Park, well maintained gardens, great for adults and kids, good food and lovely animals to see. The only thing that was sad was the reindeer enclosure. They were all walking round in a big circle and you could see on the floor where they do it out of constant habit and boredom. They definitely need more room and stimulation. Would be definitely nice to see an improvement there

A perfect day out with kids! Beale Park has so much to do — a great outdoor play area, an indoor soft play, and even a little train that takes you around the park. The small water pool is brilliant for kids of all ages to splash around safely, and there are plenty of animals and birds to see too. The Wild Café has tasty food at reasonable prices, plus there are ice cream vans around the park which is always a hit with the little ones. Entry fee is fair for everything that’s included, and they also put on different shows to keep everyone entertained. Such a fun and family-friendly place — highly recommend!

Fantastic day out with my teenage son. The park was really quiet and lovely to walk around. We did the Feed the Ring Tailed Lemurs experience which was great. The young man who took the experience was fantastic and really knew his stuff. We bumped into him again later when he was feeding the otters and he took the time to tell us about them and answer our questions a real asset to the park. Also, had a lovely lunch in the cafe watched by the peacock trying to get in the door. We will definitely be back.

Very very nice place. A lot to see and do with your children. Animals, sand pit area, a pool, a miniature train to ride, an inflatable giant pillow and much more. There's a whole day to spend there and a very good reason to visit it over and over again. Nicely maintained and looked after , shame it didn't have a lot of photos on Google maps as we didn't bring our daughter's swimming costume. Free parking, a cafe and a lovely ice cream from the ice cream van located nearby the miniature train.

Fabulous day out, £20 for 2 adults. Lots of beautiful grounds to wander round, fantastic playground, bouncy cushion and splash pool for smaller kids to play in and enjoy. Cafe was very busy but there are loads of shaded areas for a picnic. There was a lovely ice cream van with gluten free whippy ice cream I could have in a tub. The little train was a lovely way to see the whole park. Wished I’d booked the feeding of the capybara as sadly this was booked up already. Highly recommend.

Wonderful place! Stroller friendly, have kids entertainment for all seasons. Nice selection of animals. Restaurant menu is very limited unfortunately, would be nice to have proper meal options besides sausages and chips or chicken strips and chips.

Absolutely loved this place. A really interesting selection of animals, including some unusual ones. A trip on the little train is included in the price, and the train carriages have roofs so it's good if there's a rain shower. The weather turned in the afternoon and it's nearly all outside so be warned. I used a mobility scooter and although it worked pretty well, there are some muddy paths and uneven surfaces. I also had to park and go into buildings quite a lot, so be aware if you're a wheels user.

We had a splendid time at Basildon Park. The house is beautiful, my favourite room was the Seashell Room. Volunteers from National Trust were so friendly and full of historical information. We didn’t get a chance to have a long walk outside but we did manage to have a lovely short one after picking up a bite at the cafe. Look forward to coming back for a longer walk & a visit to the gift shop.

Fine manor house with plenty of woodland and pasture to explore. There’s ample parking which is a good thing as it’s only really possible to get there by car. The manor has great architecture and is very well maintained. There’s a cafe there but the food is a little below the standard I’d expect for a national trust venue.

2nd time visiting, 1st time visiting around christmas and I was very impressed. I thought the decorations were gorgeous and very well done. I liked the ballet theme and how they incorporated in small details and music. We have national trust but actually I would pay the entry fee for the holiday decorations. Car park well organised, staff in house very friendly and knowledgeable. Various cafe options. Also loved the exhibition detailing all of the filming done on site such as Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, Downton Abbey and the Crown

Basildon Park is such a charming mix of history and glamour! Built in the 18th century for Sir Francis Sykes and later owned by James Morrison, the house even fell into disuse during WWII before being rescued in the 1950s by Lord and Lady Iliffe. I loved exploring the rooms and viewing framed personal family photos and other mementos. It was also fun discovering the home’s on-screen fame—right now there’s a 20th anniversary exhibition celebrating all the films and TV shows shot here, from Pride and Prejudice to Downton Abbey, and The Crown. The National Trust has done a great job keeping both the house and its lovely grounds inviting, so it’s easy to imagine life here across the centuries.

We went to see the christmas decorations and they did not disappoint. The house was beautifully decorated, each room was themed around a different ballet play. Followed by some delicious cake and coffee from the coffe shop.

Lovely NT property in stunning surroundings. You can see why so many film makers have chosen it! Stunning house interior including one of the UK's last surviving Georgian ceilings. Nice courtyard team room in the house too. Highly recommended.

Beautiful house with an interesting history. Exciting to visit if you're a fan of historic drama showa like Downton Abbey or Pride and Prejudice. Has lovely walks around the parkland. Loved the sea shell collection - never seen anything like it. Was amazing to see the Downton Abbey dresses on exhibition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another local National trust site I was yet to discover, what a place this is! I've never seen so many families out with the pet dog in my life! The dog to geese ratio here was close 😆 A rather full Sunday car park on arrival so I would recommend getting here early! If visiting on a weekend. Great day out.

Beautiful place, very dog-friendly (four legged friends allowed in the downstairs seating area in the café, so you can stay warm and dry while you eat your lunch!) the house is gorgeous - no dogs in there though! Plus some stunning walks around the lake and lots of history to absorb as well. Definitely one of our favourite National Trust places!

A fantastic house and walled garden to visit. Good parking with really nice volunteer staff to explain basic information on walking to the house and walled garden there is a longer walk along the riverside that includes the bird hide. Some wonderful rooms decorated in the style of the day with wonderful artwork and ceramics. I was particularly interested to see some very early maps of the UK with mileage indicated between important towns and cities. You’ll need a minimum of 3 hours to explore this beautiful house and grounds.

Car park spaces are a bit tight and the signage could be clearer. We ended up part way into the disabled section by accident because there was nothing marking it until the very end. Not a huge issue but worth noting. The walled garden is lovely and the information signs are good. It would be helpful to have a direct cut through to the seating area rather than walking the long way round. The house itself is beautiful but the information inside felt limited. We were told volunteers would answer questions and I am sure they would but that relies on knowing what to ask. There was not much detail on the architectural features or what makes the house unique, and very little to help you understand its long history. It feels like a missed opportunity. The real disappointment was the tearoom. The layout is confusing as soon as you walk in. It is not clear where to queue and you end up weaving through tables before finding everyone crowded by the self service cakes. This was just before closing, not peak lunch, yet it still felt chaotic. Staff were polite in wording but the service felt forced and not very welcoming. Cutlery was tucked around the corner on a messy counter under the stairs which did not help. Overall it is a lovely property with lots of potential but the visitor experience, especially in the tearoom, needs improving. A rethink of the whole layout is needed and strong hospitality management would help bring it up to the standard the setting deserves.

Really nice place to visit with friends or family. Full of history and stories, the volunteers are there to help you on any questions you may have. Walk through the gardens and visit the house. Take same time to do the trails around the woods. Some places are wheelchair accessible. Definitely a well spent day here. Expect National Trust prices so if you have a membership it would be better for you. Plenty of parking available and free.

Lovely walk, not too far or strenuous. Adequate parking available but we did arrive early and it had filled significantly while waiting for the rest of our group to arrive. Beautiful scenery and well maintained. Toilets were clean. We came for a halloween event which was very sweet, fairly short but perfect stroll for 5 year old and 2 year old.

Very interesting house tour with very knowledgeable volunteers. The cafe had a good choice of both hot and cold items for lunch. Ample parking even when visiting on last week of school holidays.

A real gem. Hands on, so great for kids. We spent 2½ hours in the museum. Our grandchildren 10 and 12 loved it, we found it very educational for them. We had a light lunch in the cafe which we can recommend. All of the staff were friendly and helpful throughout. Free parking, and plenty of it. Milestones often have extra attractions running in school holidays.

A fantastic day out at Milestones Museum! We spent four hours there and the time just flew by — there was so much to see and enjoy! The exhibits were excellent, beautifully curated, and full of fascinating details. But what truly made the experience special was the staff. From the reception to the café and the shop, every team member was welcoming, professional, kind, and clearly passionate about both customer service and the museum itself. Their warmth and enthusiasm made all the difference. I highly recommend Milestones Museum for a day out with family — it’s a place of great learning, wonderful staff, and outstanding exhibits. A truly fantastic museum!

Great museum with plenty to see. From a modern exterior, you walk into a piece of history. You can have an audio guide to find out more about the exhibits. There were a lot of people in costume walking around and explaining everything. The sweet shop lady and the barman were very friendly, in fact all the staff gave a friendly smile. You can purchase a ration book and get your choice of ration sweets from the sweet shop, a really nice touch. There are lots of vehicles from fire engines, trams, cars etc. Several places to eat, the garden pavilion or rooftop cafe. There is also a 1940s pub. Wander around the shops fully of memorabilia, take a walk along the pier complete with penny arcade machines... you can exchange modern money for old pennies. They teddy bear museum was very cute. There are also costumes for you to try on as you walk around and get the perfect selfie. A very enjoyable place to visit, made extra special thanks to the staff.

Hadnt visited for 10 or 12 years so it was interesting to see changes and additions. A very quiet afternoon with hardly anyone there so taking pictures was easier and pleasing. Lady who runs the gramophone shop was very pleasant and informative about what was on display. Will visit again in the future.

Really good fun! Loads to see and do to keep kids entertained, as well as interesting seeing and reading for adults. Love it. Didn't eat in the cafe but it looked great.

This is not an ordinary museum with exhibits in the glass cases (well, you will find some of these here), but very thoughtful and detailed historical reconstruction of the town through the time, with streets, shops, houses, garages, workshops, local transport, interiors with daily living attributes, seaside holidays attractions with working arcade games and the teddy bear museum. 🧸 Perfect for kids, as placing exhibits in context enables much better understanding of past life. You can enjoy a pint in the working pub, buy some old-fashioned sweets in the sweet shop, get some great coffee and cake or a proper breakfast/lunch in the cafe. The staff/volunteers are dressed up in the historical outfits, and they really care to give you the best experience. Tickets are not cheap, but at the moment there is a promotion on lovetovisit.com. There are discounts for kids, students, seniors, and disabled people who can bring their carer free of charge. The museum is fully accessible, with lifts, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs provided at the reception for anyone with mobility issues. Tickets are valid for the whole year, so you can revisit as often as you like and take advantage of different special events.

Purchased tickets online at a cheaper rate of £10 (for a limited time) entry is only after 1pm. advertised as a 'quieter less busy' time which would suit us. Unfortunately when we arrived there were three coach loads of screeching six year old running around like a massive ADHD experiment. Luckily they departed after a while so we were left in relative peace. Exhibits are very well displayed with plenty of the relevant information. Plenty to see so give yourself a good 2 to 3 hours. Usual expensive cafe, Americano coffee was okay but £3.50 for a tiny slice of cake that would dissolve before it hit your stomach was a bit steep. Gift shop selling good old British memorabilia (all made in China) worth a look but definitely not at full price.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I visited the spinnaker tower a couple years after it had been built i remember seeing the designs when I was a kid at school in geography there were several designs. anyway after visiting the spinnaker tower today they did a brief history about portsmouth which is "interesting " to say the least. the staff were nice enough and helpful and the views very nice and visible

A lot to see and take in, both in the large interior areas, as well as small details and specific features as well as having a exhibit about the building's history. Worth a visit. Easily spent about 1h and a half looking at burrial sites, architecture, history and art.

A beautiful cathedral, worth a visit to see the architecture, carvings and stained glass windows. Jane Austen is buried in the cathedral with her memorial stone in the nave. Those interested in history will find plenty to see. Anyone in search of a peaceful place with find it here. There is an entrance fee but it allows free further visits for 12 months.

It is such a nice spot to just have a sit down, not very loud and obviously has a incredible architecture! During my trip to Winchester I stopped by here a few times - the inside of the cathedral is beautiful and worth seeing but tickets are overpriced. Also if you enjoy books, there is a great shop round one of the sides that has something for everyone📚

The guided tour that comes with the admission price is easily worth it. I was bowled over with our guide's (Michael) depth of knowledge and fantastic anecdotes about the cathedral. The ticket is open for a year. There's so much more to find out about this splendid building we will probably be back. Winchester's nice to walk around too. Probably best to avoid peak times.

The staff was really friendly and the cathedral is pretty big and beautiful, definitely worth the time. We chatted for 15-20 min with the staff member in the library (yeah they have an amazing library with beautiful old books) he told us really great stories and gave us some insights on how big of a work goes into working with these. The cathedral overall is really detailed and has an interesting story, it even has a small museum inside.

The great cathedral is the primary reason why we wanted to visit Winchester and it did not disappoint. We jumped into one of the tours being offered at the ticket entrance and had such a great experience. The tour took just over an hour, and we spent another hour afterwards exploring the massive space, checking out some of the many sacred and historical items on display (including the Winchester Bible), and paying our respects at the Jane Austen memorial with the added bonus of occasional organ music in the background. A perfect way to spend a half day.

Highly, highly recommend visiting and taking the guided tour! The volunteers were enthusiastic, welcoming, and very friendly. There was so much history to see, including an exhibition. We had Robert Little as our tour guide, and he truly brought the history to life. He was very knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging in his storytelling! One of the many details I enjoyed was when he pointed out some of the different architectural styles, such as Norman or Gothic. Since the ticket is valid for a full year, he even recommended joining tours with other guides to get different flavours of information and perspectives. Overall, definitely a fantastic experience!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Always enjoy coming here, attended for the Formula 1 75 exhibition, but also had a look at all the cars on display. Enjoyed the monorail ride a look round the house and gardens, sad there was no classic cars out and about... Food was good and tasty 😋 Staff were chatty and knowledgeable and helpful. Overall a lovely day despite the weather

I took my 6 year old daughter for her first visit (but far from mine) and she absolutely loved it! The weather held good despite the late October timing. She loved seeing Mr Bean's car and the Disney display but her highlight (and mine, to be fair) was riding on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The driver was a blast and it was so cool to learn about the cars that were used in the film, and wave at everyone as we explored the grounds. Beaulieu is one of my favourite places to visit when I'm in the UK and I think I can now say it is the same for my daughter. Very highly recommended for anyone of any age.

Visiting this week in half term , my son wanted to see a Porsche 917 so I emailed before booking to confirm the car would Be on display , very pleasant personal reply with confirmation. Don’t be put off with the price for the tickets . You will spend the whole day here so does represent great value for money . My children really enjoyed the “ we had one of those “ section as they could sit in the cars and experience the cars we grew up with . Only points to mention , we had coffee and cake in the afternoon , rather pricey & the cakes were dry and not great . Also a lot of tables left uncleared and in places food on the floor under tables .

fantastic visit! we were meeting family in the new forest for the weekend and beaulieu was close by so we thought we would pop by and check it out! we have been before but i was a child. the cars exhibit was on and it was really cool! if you are a pixar fan in the uk id reccomend coming whilst this exhibit is on. i am a massive f1 fan so seeing the cars was very cool! a personal highlight was the 2021 williams! additionally we were able to ride in the chitty chitty bang bang car wich was incredible. the driver was so knowledgable and we felt so safe in the car with him. my mum is a huge fan of the film so it was such a core memory for her. thank you beualieu! i will be back

Fairly priced considering you are able to reuse the tickets and use them to access events held here in the future. The cafe on site offers good food and drinks selection It is worth exploring the other features such as the play grounds, other museums, and the house which is all included in the ticket. There are plenty of cars to view including an F1 section, classic cars, and modern cars. There are displays featuring garages and buses also. Plenty to do and to keep the kids entertained

Worth a visit and any number of re-visits - Visited on Saturday, 28/06/25. 3rd visit here and the first for about 11 years. Lovely weather, which always helps, and there was a Morgan owners meeting taking place, so there was more to see than normal. Parking is near the entrance, but uncovered. Bought the tickets online in advance, so you get a discount, and it's straightforward to get in. Once inside, the initial options are a Monorail and restaurant/toilet facilities. Very pricey for anything in the restaurant (£5 for 2 cans of soda), so suggest you bring your own. The monorail is an excellent way to get an overview of the site before exploring on foot, and the ride is included in the entry price and can be ridden more than once. The old Top Gear exhibition has been replaced in part by a new section of example cars from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's that you can get in and reminisce about (though these cars are in a bit of a state tbh). Beyond that, we visited the main museum, which hadn't changed much in the past 10 years, but had exhibits moved around. The F1 section was very good with more recent examples of cars, and whilst we visited, an excellent F1 Simulator which you can go in (you have to pre-book) for £15 for 15 mins. It's worth it, so suggest you book a slot as soon as you arrive. On this visit, we didn't have the time to explore the house and grounds, but there are some lovely walks to be had. The staff are all excellent and approachable, and friendly, and though I have been 3 times now, I would have no qualms about making future visits as there is generally a change each year.

I thought it was a bit pricey to get in but we did spend most of the day there. We took the dog as we were visiting on our way home from holiday accommodation. The dog wasn't allowed on the bus, Monorail, main museum or house. Which meant I did a lot of waiting around with her. The cafe is expensive. £5 for a sandwich so would advise bringing your own. Tea for 3 , four sandwich outers and an apple juice, £38. The children loved the play area but we didn't take them to the house as we kind of ran out of time and wasn't sure how interested they'd be. They also enjoyed seeing Harry Potter's car and the, 'I had one of those' exhibition where you can get in the cars! The staff we came across were friendly and helpful. Whole area is clean and well tended.

You need more than a day to explore everything here!! That was our only complain. It is a great place to spend time with kids. No water related rides/pools for adults which we found disappointing as we came prepared for one (without checking in detail online). That's why the 4 star. There's a splash area for kids and that's it for anything water related as far as I can tell. Would give it 5 star purely for everything kids related. There's lots to explore here. I read on one the reviews to get a packed lunch and I'm glad I read it and we did bring something to eat during the day which did save us some ££!!. We went on a weekday during the school holidays and it wasn't that crowded. Parking is hassle free and they guide you to an empty spot. We went to Peppa Pig World first and managed to get on few of the rides without queuing for long. We found this to be better than Legoland based on our overall experience. Would be going back to explore the unexplored sections/rides hopefully soon!!

Paultons Park is a beautiful, well kept and very themed in the seperate of areas in the park. There is so so many family rides what everyone can enjoy. The ride access pass was so easy to use. The food in the Route 83 diner was really nice. Amazing price value in the shop & food outlets. The toilets was very clean. If the rides are getting to much you have got the gorgeous well kept gardens and animals to walk round. Paultons deserved the best theme park of the year as I had no faults with anything. 🤍

Great theme park, not only for younger kids but also for big boys along with adults. Went in Halloween and it was all Pumpkins everywhere. Nicely decorated, enough rides. Visited for 2 days with short break, but if either young or old kids only or if managed properly, all rides and parks can be covered in a day.

Ample free parking, easy check in, well done with the halloween theme, waits on some rides are reasonable. Their phone app is super useful showing locations and waiting times. Staff is friendly, rides are all safe, place and toilets are clean. On stage shows were entertaining. Great place for a family day.

Our family had an exceptional experience. There are numerous activities available, ensuring that every individual will discover something to their liking. We are certainly planning a return visit, as the weather was not ideal during our last stay..

Great range of rides, clean facilities, queues were manageable with max time of 20 mins. Peppa pig world seemed to be the busiest area, as expected. Booked through the stay option and went for the Marriott Portsmouth which was also great. Well managed across the two companies.

Although you may think the tickets are expensive I felt it was good value for my money. The park is well kept, not overcrowded and well-staffed. The food was good quality restaurant sized portions. We had a fabulous day & my grand daughter of 4yrs made lots of friends. Our favourite spots were the playgrounds, soft play & the seal ride.

This is truly a place you should visit at least once when in the UK. We had a short 3-day cycling trip here. Everything was wonderful — from the scenery to the people. Just a note: you should prepare an offline map before coming, as in some areas the signal is very weak and you can hardly use online maps.

The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music... Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time.

When the sun dips behind the trees and the light softens, the New Forest becomes pure magic. Walking along winding paths — sometimes straight through the woods — feels effortless with the fresh scent of nature all around. 25 km passed without me even noticing, just chilling, absorbing the atmosphere, and enjoying the calm. Perfect time of day to visit if you want peace, beauty, and that grounding forest energy. ⭐️ Highly recommend: come in the late afternoon, slow down, and let the forest do the rest #newforest

Went there with my father now 94, loved the cars, remined him of the old days, we used to have fords then. Only comment is the coffer shops when busy seems to take forever. otherwise great place to visit.

The New Forest is a brilliant place for families, especially with kids. The free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and other animals make it feel magical, and places like the Wildlife Park add more chances to see deer, otters, and birds. There are plenty of easy walking trails too, such as at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and lots of open spaces that are perfect for picnics. Camping is well set up with designated sites, ranging from rustic fields to family-friendly spots with toilets and showers. Wild camping isn’t allowed, but the official sites give you space for kids to play and a good base to explore. Shops are small village stores or farm shops rather than big supermarkets, and toilets are generally available at visitor centres, though sometimes basic. The park doesn’t really have a big lake for swimming or boating, and indoor play options are limited, so it’s very much an outdoor destination. If you’re prepared for nature, fresh air, and a slightly rustic feel, the New Forest is a wonderful family escape where children can explore freely and see animals up close.

Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play. Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs.

Gorgeous place, well worth a visit if you appreciate nature. The ponies are such a treat to see. It’s also great for beginner cyclists as it has the Old Railway route created by Cycling UK. I felt like I was in a renaissance oil painting at times because the sights were so beautiful. Make sure to get out early to admire the sights as it gets very busy in August.

The Needles Landmark Attraction is absolutely worth visiting – a true highlight of the Isle of Wight! The views are breathtaking, and the chairlift ride is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning sights of the cliffs, sea, and the famous Needles. It’s something everyone should try at least once. There are a couple of small areas that could be improved. The food section could offer a bit more variety and quality, and clearer signage for the beach path (especially placed above the queue area) would make things easier for visitors. That said, the chairlifts themselves were excellent – smooth, safe, and such a unique way to take in the scenery. Overall, a fantastic attraction that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight. Don’t miss it!

Lovely place to visit on the Ilse of Wight. It was a very windy day on our visit to the Needles. We took a trip on the cable car that takes you down to the foreshore,what an experience it was as your lowered over the cliff edge. There is plenty of things to do to keep the kids occupied and the area is disabled friendly. There is a lovely coffee shop selling tea and coffee,soft drinks and cakes ect. A couple of gift shop also. Toilets on site are clean. Large car park. £6.00 per vehicle, £4.00 if a member of the National trust. Also there is a beautiful glass shop.

We went in a bank holiday. Narrow roads leading to the site along with many coaches and cars. We paid £6 for the car park and disabled were allowed to park at the bottom on the field but it was still a mobility navigation issue getting down to the main road. It was very busy. We walked through there gates and had an ice cream with flake. There were many tables with seating but these were mainly full with people eating the various foods (curry was in the air) and picnics. As we walked through the site along- the chair lifts were on the right and the queue to get in was vast. We stood on the platform at the end overlooking the needles . We don’t use the telescope but the pictures bought it closer. For us it was hot and crowded and we stayed about 1.5hrs. Makes the parking expensive . Didn’t know about the boat trip.

Lots of fun for the whole family. Recommend a ride on the chair lift to Alum Bay where you will find the beautiful coloured sands. There are steps down to the beach. You can also get a boat to The Needles to see them from the sea. There are cafes, shops, crazy golf and rides to go on.

This view is simply unforgettable and so relaxing! The vast blue sky, the sea, and the dramatic green cliffs make for pure natural beauty. The best part was the unexpected rainbow over the water—it was truly amazing! Highly recommend a visit here for the stunning views.

You have to visit The Needles when you come to Isle of Wight! We loved our The Needles visit! We paid £10 each for return tickets for the chairlift option to get down to the small Needles beach! Totally worth it saves us from climbing up and down the steep staircase! And then when we got to the bottom of the beach, we paid another extra £9 each for a 20mins boat ride which is also another must do, the boat guide was excellent and very knowledgeable on the whole of the needles landmark!

Amazing views and a fun place to visit. The chairlift ride is the highlight, giving you fantastic views of the Needles and the bay. Easy to get around, plenty of parking, and great for photos.

Absolutely amazing place. Really cool planes with access to almost all of them- a dream for boys of all ages. The staff is incredibly nice and knowledgeable and enthusiastic and passionate. Most of them were either flying one of these planes themselves or were engineers, hence you can learn a tone about aviation. If you lucky you can also watch skydivers from hanger 3. Best museum we ever visited.

We loved the hands on aspect of the museum, you are allowed to climb in the cock pits of some planes, and the staff so friendly and knowledgeable, we leant alot about the history of the spit fire and Lancaster, plus some other interesting planes. The 12 and 8 year olds loved it too. Thank you.

Fabulous place to visit! A great place for kids and adults alike to get the opportunity to get up close with aircraft from the past. There are few places where children are encouraged to climb into displays in a museum but here they certainly are! The staff are incredibly friendly and always up for a chat. Would recommend visiting to anyone!

What a lovely experience! This collection of planes and helicopters, including a great number of aircraft cockpits which you are invited to climb into is worth a visit. The staff are all volunteers who do their roles with such passion and all have a wealth of experience that they are very willing to share with you.

A surprisingly large collection from what we expected. Comprehensive collection of mainly cold war jets and cockpits with nearly all fully accessible within historic hanger. New flying corp section newly opened. Located on the edge of Old Sarum airfield with free parking. Refreshments and food available outside plus also brewery tap room.

Great afternoon at this place. Lots of history and boards to read but also they let you climb into the cockpits of the planes that are open! Absolutely amazing staff who are all volunteers and most are retired pilots themselves so well worth a visit!

What a wonderful gem of a museum. A total delight to go round and very interesting too. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, which added to the enjoyment. Being able to climb into various aircraft cockpits was so much fun too. The hanger was built in WW1, so it's very cold and I'd recommend a coat/jumper. An absolute must vist, If you're in the area. Only £12.50 to go round too.

Fantastic beach especially for dogs, as there’s plenty of space for them to run around. There’s lots of space for yourself which is great if you hate crowded beaches. It’s also a good place for a walk as the beach is big. The beach is half pebbly half sandy. Alternatively, there’s also a cliff walk.

Hengistbury Head has it all! Beautiful beach, Gorgeous views - even to the Isle, Rich floral, Fascinating landmarks etched in history, And a hike to cap it all. It does not get better than this!

This is a wonderful place saved by my Dad. When he was alive he designed the coastal defence against this place being destroyed. The groynes and the dredging of sand to help protect the beaches. Couldn't be more proud of him for this. His ashes are at the top overlooking the Isle of Wight. God bless you Dad you were the best. Please if anything make the parking cheaper or free and remember it would not be there if it wasn't for my brilliant father.

We recently visited Head beach and it was an absolutely breathtaking experience! The beach boasts pristine, soft sand that feels wonderful underfoot and stretches as far as the eye can see. The water is an inviting shade of turquoise, perfect for swimming or simply soaking up the sun. The scenery is stunning, with waves lapping at the shore. Whether you're looking to relax with a book, enjoy water sports, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, this beach has it all. Amenities are conveniently located, including clean restrooms, and lovely outdoor and indoor dining options nearby for a refreshing bite or a cool drink.

This was such a beautiful place to visit, with panoramic views over to The Isle of Wight and Avon Beach.

The beaches in Bournemouth are brilliant that I cannot favour one over the other. It’s a sandy beach along the cliff. There’s a good stretch of grasslands cliff side to walk. Those who don’t prefer walking, can just hit the beach from the closest car park which is about 5-7 minute walk. There is a paid parking and 1 hr free parking as well, watch out for timings. There are cafe and toilet facilities as well

This is a wild and beautiful spot which is at its finest out of season, when the wind blows and the surf is up. There's a large car park and lots of walkers enjoying the headland and the beaches. The headland can be blustery and exhilarating but down on the lagoon side it is more sheltered.

Incredible Norman priory now in use as the local parish church. One of the longest parish churches in the UK, it still has an amazing amount of medieval features to see. It's like walking into a proper cathedral! Don't miss the 'miraculous beam' plus the fabulous misericords in the chancel.

Very old and beautiful ⛪️ church from the XI century. Large in size as many cathedrals in the country and is famous for a miracle dating very old times happening when the church was built. A definitely must see when visiting the town. Car park near - not too expensive with "Ring Go" - (2h / 2.5£)

Christchurch Priory is a beautiful 900 years old church with more added on over the centuries,set in the beautiful coastal town of Christchurch in Dorset With it's magnificent architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows it's something you shouldn't miss when visiting Christchurch.I've seen such lovely and helpful Stewarts happy to answer any questions.Needless to say the stewart told us a fascinating story as to why the steak is called "sirloin" when James I was visiting the Priory. The entrance is free but if possible please give whatever you can afford

We made but a short stop here on a visit to Christchurch, but it was a rewarding visit. The story of Christchurch Priory goes back to at least the middle of the 11th century and its architecture and features testifies to the succeeding centuries. One particular detail I found interesting was the poster explaining the history of the name "Christchurch", which is linked to the building of the church. There is a legend called the "Miraculous Beam" which was lifted in place by an unknown carpenter one night. The carpenter was never seen, and was believed to be the carpenter Jesus. The name of the church, and later the town, was then changed to Christchurch.

Nice tranquil place. 70+ steps to get to the museum at the top.

Absolutely beautiful Church and so well maintained. There is a real sense of peace and calm here. The model of the Priory inside the Priory is wonderful with the sound of the bells and people singing hymns. The cafe is a great place to eat with high quality food and a wide range of options. A beautiful place to visit and well worth a visit.

A really beautiful, peaceful place. Well worth a visit. After you've wandered around the priory, climb the narrow staircase up to the museum and enjoy the views of the surrounding area. When you come back down, visit the tearooms to top up with cake and a drink.