Tommy is an amazing sculpture. The walk along the beach was bracing. We found some sea glass to take home for our granddaughters. Fish and chips in Bells were delicious.

A stunning sculpture to reflect upon the soldiers of WW1 not only to make you think about the loss but also to consider those that came back. I feel that this captured the moment… It was on my to do list and is now one of my favourites.

Very thought provoking steel statue of Tommy the Soldier.Seaham itself is a lovely lively place with plenty of cafe's.Have a walk down by the Marina..Just a lovely place.

One of the best memorial sculptures I've seen. The surrounding area/garden and carpark all well kept with nice poppy themed benches . Seaham is a lovely small town with brilliant views looking out to sea.. Definitely worth a look round . Only one thing as with all carparks you have to pay, however there is a home bargains just down the road for free parking

The ultimate sacrifice given by so many! I salute you and thank you all.

What an awesome sculpture, so much detail more so in the face. If you have not seen Tommy take a drive to Seaham. Maybe at the next Seaham Food Festival weekend, combine the two.

If you ever visit Seaham you must always stop by and visit Tommy. It's such a beautiful piece of art representing a very powerful moment in UK history. He never fails to impress. I've been visiting him for years and the beauty of him never fails to touch my soul. I don't want to say too much and ruin anyone's experience of visiting. Just be mindful you now need to pay to park, but your £1 is most definitely well spent. Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alnwick Gardens was a lovely place to visit, even in November. The Poison Garden was definitely the highlight, though the tour itself felt a bit shorter than expected. The on-site dining was quite expensive and the quality did not quite match the price, so I would recommend eating elsewhere for better value. Overall, it’s still a beautiful attraction, and I would recommend a visit.

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

Absolutely brilliant , beautiful place to visit. The landscaping is out of this world and you are surrounded by fantastic things to look at and explore. From the bamboo maze to the poison garden it was all such a great experience. The water cascade and water features around the grounds are awesome and we are so lucky to have a place like this on our doorstep. The toilets were clean and fresh, the guides were very informative and helpful and the eating places were great value for money. Different levels of car parking, with drop off point and accessibility parking at the door and tiered parking (£3.50 all day) just across the road. Everything was well thought out and there are places inside for souvenirs and gifts. A perfect day out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really friendly and helpful staff here. I managed to find a table on a Saturday night and use the app to order. Drinks were taking over 15 minutes to come out, which is fairly understandable for how busy they were. They got my first drink wrong, but I couldn't be bothered making an issue out of it as it was luckily something I don't normally mind drinking. Kept it quiet and ordered again to get the right one second time round.

I have been here a couple of times. As Don McLean might sing; A long, long time ago. Probably 30+ years. Alic surprised how busy it is on an early Tuesday evening. Had to sit in the courtyard as all tables gone inside. Bit chilly after an August storm. Boothroyd ordered a strong Dartmoor brewery 4.8% Jail Ale, all the way from Devon. £1.99! .. less 50p with a CAMRA voucher.

Really poor The staff are disinterested, and the one in the photo made us more as he wanted to store things where we were sitting. "Where should we move to"? "I dont know, anywhere..." Flat and warm Lager that you can't get changed as there are no staff with manners to talk to. Filthy tables ! I dont like it here....

A fabulous setting next to the Tyne with views of its famous bridges.Currently being renovated but very welcoming and a typical Spoons offering great value for money on food and beverage.Small but plenty of outside seating Very friendly service .It's popularity and location means it's very busy on weekends, especially nights, but we'll worth the downhill walk from the city centre

I work close by and have popped in for food many times over the years, today we ordered chips and a burger, the same we have ordered in the past. The Burger was over done and burnt with an extremely small portion of chips, in the past they included onion rings and coleslaw - I asked the waiter where’s the rest of the chips to be told we have reduced our portion sizes but we still use the large plates!!! We have decided we won’t be going back, there’s plenty of other places with better value!!

Large pub inside & out, lots of seating but still got very busy. Good location, friendly staff.

Really nice place, close to River, Excellent customer Service, and or course Wetherspoon always fair prices.

This' a UNESCO world heritage site and it's a must visit. The experience was beyond words. I would recommend to walk from the Durham Market Place square, Sadler St & Owengate to experience the buildings of the old town. The Durham Castle is also accessible from the same route.

As someone deeply interested in Christian churches and cathedrals, I can confidently say this is one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever visited. The design is breathtaking, and its location adds to its grandeur it's truly one of the largest in the UK. The historic architecture evokes a sense of awe and reverence, almost melting you into the past. This cathedral has witnessed many wars and even houses a copy of the Magna Carta, which adds to its historical significance. Entry is free, although some areas require a ticket to access. The staff are numerous and always present, maintaining cleanliness and offering assistance when needed. You can pray inside, and the inscriptions on the walls are genuinely enchanting. Just beside the cathedral stands Durham Castle, making the visit even more worthwhile. This place absolutely deserves a visit you won’t regret it. A heartfelt thank you to the staff for their dedication and care.

Visited in the day and in the evening of the Lumiere. Such an impressive building..awesome. Helpful guides. Lots of points of interest. Good signage and info. Large shop and cafe for welcome cuppa and browse. Lumiere lights were atmospheric although I missed a central installation insude the cathedral. Cloister lanterns were wonderful especially when swaying with the wind. Huge flowers outside face a terrific welcome.

Absolutely beautiful. I loved the stain glass window. The history. The chapels. The size. Really everything about it was magnificent. Magnifying God and revealing how much faith was important

Absolutely amazing spot for anyone interested in history, so much history inside it aswell as in the castle adjacent. Definitely worth making a donation too! I also would say this is a great spot for photographers because there so many beautiful things inside and out to photograph (provided the weather is nice of course)

WOW…. just wow…! Durham Cathedral is a “UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE”, and deservedly so.. Outstanding.. my only problem was that i did not spend enough time there… You need at least a few days in my opinion to take it all in.! The resting place of St Cuthbert and St Bede..! Cathedral cafeteria “ The Cloisters” was outstanding, very high quality food, fantastic surroundings and excellent staff. I had one of the best Scones in my life there.. what a taste..❤️ The Cathedral shop is also of a high quality and top end products.. Durham Cathedral leaves you with a feeling of “I will be back” Thank you for making this day so special Durham..

Would definitely recommend booking characterful city walk with Tom. The best storyteller, great with getting group participation, lots of information and details of by gone times about Durham. The walk was approximately 90 mins and at a meandering pace, all over little pockets of the city.

An excellent experience (and took my memories back to visiting my grandparents when I was young). Although I’d recommend booking tickets to beat the queues, we hadn’t and even in half term week there wasn’t too long a wait. The whole museum spreads out over a considerable area. Lots of walking therefore. The exhibits take the form of original buildings, all furnished and presented in period - and well-explained by costumed guides. ♿️The main site is very accessible and well equipped. Lots of accessible toilets and restaurants. However, like any house or town, the exhibits are varying in levels of ease of access. In my view many of the exhibits had been spoiled by the addition of a hallowe’en theme. For example Victorian rooms festooned with fake spiders’ webs and pumpkins. These were all over. They are fine in their place, but today detracted from the authenticity of the museum which we had paid to see. There would have been no fake spiders webs and pumpkins in a real Victorian school room. On the whole, though, the museum was excellent and worth revisiting

What a lovely day out. Even though we were there all day, didn't quite manage to get round it all. Favourite but was the co op. Trams and busses quite frequent. Went to the bank and the manager showed me all the old money with explanation, interesting. An old cinema, showing old films, great. A few refreshments stops, including the old fish and chips shop in the 1950s, obviously tried that, very nice. Would recommend this place

Absolutely fantastic!! The people who work here are absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable. My children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learning about the past. Living history is so much more interesting and relatable. Sharing this with them was heartwarming. I from a generation where our parents are old enough to have experienced the end of war and grandparents who were considered working class Victorians.

So much to see and do..definitely arrive at opening time and give yourself till closing if you are only doing it in one day. Love that the ticket means you can return for free anytime within the year. Will definitely be going back. Best fish and chips are definitely the ones cooked in beef dripping on a coal range! Fantastic place for adults and children alike. Worth every penny spent 👌

I've just made my first visit in over 30 years and I had an amazing day the staff were wonderful and so knowledgeable, The Fish & Chips from Davy's were out of this world and easily the best I've had. The baked goods from Joseph Herron's were simply delicious as was the pint in the Sun Inn. I had a ride on the Carousel, even winning a prize on the table tennis balls into the small goldfish bowls in the Edwardian fairground. Beamish Museum thoroughly deserves all the accolades it receives

Loved it was absolutely amazing. We had a good few people recommend it and everyone said you would have to take a few trips to take it all in. So we plane to visit a few times because we only had a look at a few bits but not all of it. We had arrived about 10 minutes before they actully opened so only a bit of a wait witch I didnt really mined at all. £58 pounds to get in just the 2 of us. But the next time we plan to visit the min town on the bus or tram. We spent a few hours walking around and I think we had betten the rain actully today. Hopefully the next time it will be better weather all around.

I've never heard anything but glowing reviews of Beamish and it absolutely deserves all the praise! I've visited a few times over the years and took my Gran recently as she was keen to see the relatively new 1950s area for her birthday. We arrived for doors opening and were glad we did as there's so much to see. The buses and trams are a lot of fun and make the site more accessible - it's a big site to explore on foot. It was a fairly quiet (rainy) day so we had the chance to speak to lots of volunteers, they all had so much time for us and lots of knowledge to share. Really felt like everyone wanted us to get the most possible out of our visit. The 1950s area brought back lots of memories for my Gran, especially the electronics store - I love the 1910s shops. We chose to add on the Edwardian photo studio which was brilliant, loads of attention to detail and a really special experience. We got two copies of the photo so it cost £26.50. We got the bus and the driver kindly advised us to show our bus tickets when buying our museum tickets as they reward using public transport/being sustainable with a discount 😊 If we were a wee bit closer I could see us becoming members and regulars!

A really good day out, brilliant exhibits with great information boards not long winded like other museums but tell you everything you need to know. For a free day out donations are welcomed it really is a great day out. We didn’t have time to see the historic buildings but we will definitely revisit and take them in next time. Not as vast as there sister museum in York but it is a great museum.

Outstanding museum. Lots of excellent exhibits, really well presented. Staff were approachable and friendly. Free entry though you’re encouraged to make a donation- we did - you should too. Lots for everyone to see from the hard core train buff to the casual visitor. Plenty for children to do and see and because the place is big and the exhibits are massive there’s not much harm they can do. Good cafe and shop. Highly recommended.

My first visit here today, with my partner and friend. We had a super time enjoying all the special locos and carriages. Highly recommend for anyone in the area. Free to enter, donations appreciated. The staff were all friendly, especially the lady on the desk at the entrance. The shop has a great selection.

Locomotion is widely praised as an excellent, all-weather attraction that's completely FREE to visit, making it an incredibly popular choice for families and budget-conscious travelers. Visitors consistently highlight the sheer volume of historical trains and railway artifacts on display, covering a vast period of railway history. The museum is well-organized, interactive, and provides a rich educational experience. It has big parking spaces.

An absolutely fantastic museum. Visit was on last day of the 200 years of SDR exhibition. Had a lovely walk to engine workshop, housing, workmens cottages and walk on part of original SDR. Cafe was in one of exhibition halls. Good selection of food and drink. All staff were friendly. Easily spent 4 hours here.

Part of the National Railway Museum, the Shildon Locomotion museum houses historically significant items railway locomotives, rolling stock and other railway related items. Most importantly Locomotion No 1 which hauled the first railway passenger journey 200 years ago is here. I visited during the 200th Anniversary weekend, which meant it was busy. You could pay for a ride behind a replica of Stephenson's Rocket on my visit. There are two covered exhibit halls, a great gift shop, a large cafe, and plenty of toilets. Car parking is free, and the site is adjacent to Shildon Railway Station for those arriving by train. The site is fully accesible for those unable to walk any distance. A number of very early railway buildings dating from the 1800's are located a short distance away from the museum, and are well signposted. A great place to visit, not just for rail enthusiasts, but for anyone with an interest in Britain's industrial history.

An excellent railway museum. Brilliant exhibits. Helpful staff. Lots to see and do for all ages. The engines are amazing. Easy to get to by car and plenty of parking.

Visited Cragside with my wife, daughter and grandson and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The house itself is full of fascinating history – hard to believe it was the first home in the world lit by hydroelectric power! Every room tells a story, and the craftsmanship is incredible. The gardens and grounds are just as impressive, with plenty of space to explore and stunning views around every corner. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation and natural beauty. A brilliant day out for all ages – we’ll definitely be back.

Fabulous place. Lovely walks through the he grounds, all very picturesque and full of nature. House is beautiful too. Shop and cafe just finish it off. Do the Views of Cragside walk as it's wonderful and covers so much.

If you have never visited, you really should! It's been a very long time since I was last here, and as a teenager I didn't really understand the significance of the place. When visiting this time, the impact was much greater. The walks around the grounds, along the river and through the gorge we're beautiful and the formal gardens were well maintained (and a picture in summer I'm sure). We visited in autumn and the colours in the trees were spectacular. The hydroelectric power and elevator were an incredible marvel of their time, and the marble fireplace in one of the rooms is a huge statement of the owners status and wealth. The staff were all very knowledgeable and friendly. If you're making a first visit, you will likely spend all see day at the house and immediate vicinity. But the grounds are enormous, and there are miles and miles of walks off various car parks along the carriage drive. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Fantastic place. Very helpful staff, particularly the Scottish chap at the entrance. Very clear signs to guide you around the extensive grounds. The house is a must to explore. One of the best National Trust properties (we are members) we have visited. Two areas for suggested improvement. The main cafe is so chaotic that we were put off standing and ordering anything to eat at lunchtime after we had a drink earlier in the day. Secondly, there are two large photographs of Red Squirrels in the shops and apparently there are Red Squirrels in the grounds but I was told "You won't see them." "Why don't you have feeding areas for them, I'm sure they would draw people in." "That would also draw in the Grey Squirrels which we also have." "If you don't do anything about the Greys then you soon won't have any Reds, because of squirrel-pox." This is where the National Trust needs to take a stand and not wash its hands of the problem. But we'll worth a visit all the same.

A beautiful National Trust park with plenty of different walks to suit all levels of ability. The house is fascinating, with lots of detailed information to read and explore. The facilities are excellent too, with toilets, cafés, and plenty of seating available throughout the grounds. A great place to spend a day. Recommend getting passes as you will save a lot of money. Lots of parking in the area.

In my view, Cragside is one of the most appealing estates among the National Trust properties (and NT has many world-class estates). This is our second visit here; the previous visit 8 years earlier was too brief. But more than 5 hours on this visit wasn't enough. Cragside is definitely a multi-day excursion. Cragside has well-designed winding trails through peaceful woods, fabulous tall trees, and imposing rock-exposed hillsides. The trail from the Archimedes screw to the house is as picturesque as one could imagine for any walk. Every turn in the main house reveals incredible design and details. Kitchen, dining room with huge alcove fireplace, gallery, Turkish bath and spa, morning room, library, drawing room with another huge alcove, billiard room, and several bedrooms (especially the Owl Suite) -- an amazing variety of high-quality spaces. All of these areas are outfitted with plenty of artifacts; signage provides helpful information. Even though mid-May and northern part of England, the Cragside property had bursts of colourful plants, particularly the rhodos on the hill in front of the house. The formal garden was just starting to come alive (Google lens identified shrubby cinquefoil, euphorbia fireglow, and a yellow euphorbia). Then there is Cragside's significant technological innovations and "firsts" that Armstrong incorporated here (some of which he invented). Imagine a house in the 1800s with electrical lights powered by the property's own hydroelectricity, a hydraulic lift, an early dishwasher, and a vacuum cleaner. Visited during latter half of May 2025

Amazing historic mansion set in extensive wooded grounds. What a treat, a Victorian mansion built for an enterprising engineer who innovated so much. The house is filled with firsts in so many fields, the first house to have hydro-electric lighting, pneumatic and powered devices to make household life easier. It's the epitome of a smart Victorian house, which was 40 years ahead of it's time. The gardens were all designed from scratch, in what was just open moorland. There's a rock garden, formal garden, pine woods, and extensive woodlands with long walks and a Carrige Drive which you can drive along and stop at the various points of interest. The original hydroelectric features are still there with good information boards. We knew it was going to be good, and it is! 😎👍👍👍👍👍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Firstly the grounds are gorgeous! Just take a book and seat on one of the benches and take it all in :) Beautiful collection of paintings. Some real impressive ones actually Definitely worth the visit. I was not a huge fan of the swan show…nothing extraordinary. The cafe is nice. The bookshop/gift shop are a must

Loved this place. The pet project installation was wonderful. My daughters made some new friends who all got involved with the most fabulous creative play in that space. Meanwhile I had a moment of meditation (some might call it a snooze) with my headphones in on one of the incredibly comfortable 3D canvasses! Fascinating - history and some artworks and curiosities. I remember the two headed calf from when I was a kid (about 40 years ago) Magical to see the silver swan in action. Highly recommended- beautiful grounds as well. Nice gift shop (quality gifts at reasonable prices). Bought a tea towel ~ we kinda collect them. Staff were all nice… and authentic if that makes sense.

Fabulous day out! I'm a wheelchair user and found the museum very accessible. The staff here were amazing! An absolute credit to the museum! Loved the Silver Swan demonstration at 2pm. The cream tea in the cafe was delicious 😋 The gift shop is very nice too and has a range of reasonably priced goods. We paid the membership fee and will definitely be back a few times.

The Bowes Museum is such a fantastic place to visit! The grand building and beautiful grounds make it feel really special from the moment you arrive. Inside, there’s so much to see fascinating exhibitions, incredible artwork, and interesting displays that keep both adults and children engaged. The café is lovely, serving good food and cakes with a relaxed atmosphere. There’s even a small play park in the grounds, which was a great bonus for the children and gave us chance to enjoy a coffee while they played. A brilliant day out for families, history lovers, and anyone visiting the area.

An incredible place too visit. So much to see, make sure you arrive early as you'll need plenty of time! Astonishing world of art, great history in a wonderful. Friendly staff and a more than decent cafe /restaurant providing very generous portions. A must see if the silver swan automaton.

Fantastic day out today. The staff were all brilliant, kind and offered help. Quite a bit for kids to see and do. We all enjoyed the exhibits on display. Oh and the Silver Swan is amazing! We rang up to request a wheelchair for one of us before arrival and it was no problem. Most of the museum is easily accessible to all. Cafe was good with prompt service and helpful staff. Good value as well. Thank you to all staff today!

We had a lovely day at Bowes Museum. Entry was free due to it being Heritage Week, if we had paid it would still be well worth the money. Lots to see. The grounds are lovely as well, but we got rained off.

We visited the fort and museum and spent about an hour and a half here, which was plenty of time to really take it all in. The ruins are incredible and give you a real sense of the history, while the museum brings everything to life with well-laid-out displays and fascinating artefacts. The hill up to the fort is quite steep, but it’s definitely doable if you take your time — worth it once you’re at the top. Facilities are limited, with only one bin and toilet at the entrances, so it’s best to plan ahead. Overall though, it’s a brilliant experience that stands out for both the history and the atmosphere. I’d recommend it to anyone — whether you’re into history, out for a family trip, or just looking for something different to explore.

Housesteads is one of the most impressive and atmospheric forts on Hadrian’s Wall. The ruins are remarkably well preserved, with clear outlines of the granaries, barracks, and the commander’s house, giving a real sense of Roman life on the edge of the empire. The views across the Northumberland landscape are breathtaking, especially from the wall itself, which runs right past the site. There’s a good museum with artefacts and context, plus really friendly staff. A good idea is to include a decent walk along the wall and to visit the museum at the same time. A must-see if you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall.

Glad we made a detour here on the way back from Scotland. I’d advise going early as it was extremely busy when we left at lunchtime with coaches, we arrived just as it was opening. It’s a steep but steady climb up. Although it’s an English Heritage site, National Trust membership gains access and the cafe/facilities at the bottom are NT managed with museum/shop at top next to site English Heritage (which is also point for tickets).

Wonderful Roman garrison. If you intend walking Hadrian's wall be prepared for some very demanding climbs and descents wear good shoes and clean it can be very wet and windy. Speak to locals.

We came here on a Saturday morning, after having driven an hour or so from Newcastle. The place is operated jointly by National Trust and English Heritage and members of both organisations have free entry. The parking is not free even for members, but there was plenty of spaces. There is quite a long walk from the entrance point to the Fort, going first down hill and then climbing up hill. There is not a great deal left of the Roman Fort but its location right by Hadrian's Wall makes it very interesting. There is good explanations about the history of the place at the visitor's centre nearby. The Hadrian's Wall Path runs along these ruins with energetic ramblers passing by.

Another 'wow' for the Romans. This is one heck of a fort remains. Stepping amongst history made 2000 years ago ! Parking is independent of Nat Trust/English Heritage, around £5 for 3/4 hours, ample spaces with allocated motorhome spots. Lovely Bat Trust chap on reception. You don't pay/card until you're up at the fort. Nat Trust Cafe/toilets etc. There's coffee/snacks at the top but no actual cafe/toilets. It's quite a walk up, well maintained pathways, and most definitely worth the walk. Access can be made by car for less able folk. Brilliant, so much to see, read and explore - including the amazing wall.

Fantastic remains of a Roman Fort and adjoining accommodation and amenities alongside Hadrian's Wall. English Heritage or National Trust membership allows you in for free. Set in beautiful surroundings on hills occupied by sheep and lambs. Good base for Hadrian's Wall walks and has a café, shop, bathrooms, and museum, the latter displaying regular showings of a very informative video. Parking is not free but is convenient and paid by NFC on leaving the premises (number/license plates detected on entry and timed from then). Well worth it.

Ancient and well used site of Roman settlement and fortification. Nine different forts were built on this site over time. Ruins of village are also seen just outside the fort. A fine museum, gift shop and small cafe are also on site.

One of the most interesting historic sites. Very cool Roman artifacts well preserved by the conditions including various textiles in the museum. The cafe food was delicious and reasonable so it’s a great spot for lunch

Visited when I was a kid- but so much improved 30-odd years on. Loved it then; adore it now! A huge highlight was Annette, our volunteer tour guide, so enthusiastic and informative with various humorous anecdotes that even my teenagers gave her 5 stars. The museum is tremendous, so much better than before, with amazing exhibitions that really make life on the frontier near-2000 years ago very real. As for the cafe: 3 of us had baked potatoes and one soup. They were all delicious and welcome on a cold windy day. And the cakes: I had an excellent cheesecake; and the rocky road went down well with the 14-year-old. A very enjoyable experience!

I thought this would be a bit… well dull, but I was really wrong. The walking tour really brought the site to life and it was interesting and engaging. I learned lots about Roman life in the area (and I’m not a history geek - it was genuinely interesting). The museum space was great and interesting too. All the team on site were wonderful and helpful. I would recommend a visit if you have any interest in Roman life - and even if you think you don’t !!

A fantastic place to get a feel for life in Roman Britain near Hadrian's Wall. Something for all ages and abilities great café too. So glad we visited and took time to walk the site and explore. Amazing finds in the museum. Friendly and helpful staff

Vindolanda is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Roman Britain. The museum is outstanding, with incredible artifacts—including the famous Vindolanda tablets—that bring daily life on the frontier vividly to light. Be sure to take the guided tour of the site itself; it adds so much context and helps you really understand the history and significance of what you’re seeing. A truly fascinating and unforgettable experience

Such an amazing and fascinating site with great staff and beautiful and well equipped museum. We had a guided tour by Paul and I have to say - best guide ever!! Well educated, passionate, funny, keeps attention. Love how the site is preserved and how good it looks. The museum is really must see!

What a wonderful place! There’s so much to do for all the family. On this trip I cycled The Lakeside Way, a 25 mile circular route which I left from Hawkhope Car Park. A fantastic route, tough in places but a great place to enjoy the scenery and the ride. Just beware of the midgies, I was covered in bites after the ride!

We had a great trip to Kielder Forest. The stick man trail was fun. It was quite a distance for wee legs and when you make it back to the car park, you're half way done. Pack juice and snacks as there are lots of seats and benches to relax.

Excellent gravel bike venue. Paths , lakeside facilities and forest gravel tracks are perfect for walkers and cyclists alike.

Great area with plenty of activities and amenities Very picturesque.

Been fishing kielder since 1984 had some brilliant days, seen a lot of changes, good place to visit forbike riding walks around the lake 26 miles around, beware of the midges

Went for the drive from a rainy Lake District, well worth the day out. Lovely track well worth the £5.00 Pretty smooth, didn't need 4x4

We hired bikes for 2 hours and cycled 45 minutes down the South lakeside route. Was beautiful but beware of the midgies!

We loved our night at the observatory. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy night so was a bit hit and miss, catching the stars through the telescopes. Staff were amazingly entertaining and their passion rubbed off on you by the end of the visit. Complimentary hot chocolate was welcomed towards to end, getting a bit of free time to ask questions and revisit sections of the observatory. The building itself was impressive with the manually rotating roof sections where the telescopes live. We went early June and very keen to go back on a clear night in peak winter season. Thanks for an amazing experience

Wonderful experience. We attended the 9m session on a wonderfully clear July night. The initial video presentation was astounding and truly opened our eyes on the sheer scale of the night sky. The subsequent opportunity to view the sky through the Observatory telescopes in the presence of experts was astounding. This was then followed by a great opportunity to chat with the team The sessions cannot fit in many visitors so it is important to book ahead. And do follow the detailed arrival instructions - the site is by its nature remote and off the beaten track

I had a wonderful experience here. It says something that after driving for 2h into dark skies and it ending up being a cloudy night, that I still wasnt disappointed and would absolutely do it again. The talks were so informative and engaging, super interesting. We saw and used the telescopes and were able to observe a star despite the clouds.

Really good, I would say excellent. The team who were at the top to meet us stay with us for the 3 hours of our tour were brilliant. The team were very knowledgeable in there subject, they were very helpful and super friendly. Unfortunately the weather wasn't helpful it was raining for the first two hours. But the last hours the stars appeared which was fantastic. The team explained so much. I would definitely recommend to go and see the stars. Don't forget it is weather permitting.

We had clear skies - result. We have been before although it was cloudy then. However, don't be dismayed as the team put on a brilliant, educational and interesting talk / slideshow to entertain you. Our last visit was clear skies and we had the opportunity to to look through both telescopes as well as sit outside in the moon chairs to gaze at the night sky. Team there were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and able to make the subject approachable. Photos are from my iPhone 17 Pro Max, so no match for the telescopes, but gives you an idea. Being dark sky status the area is superb for star gazing be you just interested or a seasoned professional. The track up to the observatory is about 2 miles long, a little bumpy in places and can take a while at 10mph so bear that in mind with your arrival timing.

I visited the observatory on my birthday in March for one of their aurora watch evening events. I knew there was a *chance* of seeing the aurora borealis here (because of an 11 year peak, spring equinox and dark sky conditions) but I never dared hope I would get to see them on my actual birthday! We all filtered in to the lecture room and then within a couple of minutes of the introduction starting, a fellow staff member came rushing in to say it's happening, and then we all went outside and had at least 15mins of watching it live. Phone cameras pick up more than the naked eye, so it doesn't look as pretty as what my phone says, but that doesn't mean it's still not fascinating or exciting to be able to take slow exposure shots and see the results of what you've just captured! Once the excitement was over, and it had calmed down, back inside we went for some learning and then the big telescopes. Had an absolutely fantastic time. Can't recommend this facility enough. You need to do your research and book in advance, but if you do so you will have a wonderful time.

One of the best events I've ever been to, absolutely outstanding and we will definitely be returning for future events. Can't thank Adam, Dan and Gregoire enough, their enthusiasm was electric. Amazing!!!

Lovely little lake with paths around, tea room and toilets. Accessibility notes: The walk round the lake is fully wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible toilet with radar key and shower, and some accessible parking bays further in next to the buildings (there are also accessible parking bays in the main car park with 3hrs free on a blue badge, but there are speed bumps on the very short road to the utility buildings!).

Lovely little lake - only 1.2 miles in circumference so a great walk-around. Has a tea and coffee cafe and lovely benches scattered around the lake to rest and take in the scenery! Parking is through a paid machine on the premises (you can use coins). Lots of canoeing happens on the lake and dogs very welcome!

First time visiting today will definitely be going back. Easy walk around the lake if you dont want to walk through the woodland. Boats, paddle boarding and canoeing on the lake. Then chill at the cafe. Dog friendly too sell doggy ice cream. We didn't stop at the cafe as was eating out, so can't comment on that other than being really busy so must be good.

The park itself is a lovely place to visit, with a beautiful lake and scenic walks. There is a reasonably priced cafe with loads food & drink options, however paying for parking (in the large well set out car park) was an absolute nightmare! No matter how we tried we could not pay by card and the AP required to pay over the Web did not work. We managed to scrape together enough money to pay, but it did not give any change! (This is the only reason I gave it 4 stars)

It brought back so many memories of my childhood 60 years ago sailing my model sail.boat over the tarn. It was and still iss incredibly beautiful even on a wet November morning.

Only taken me about 20 years but I finally managed a visit to Talkin Tarn. Great place with wheelchair accessible walk around the Tarn, about 1.5 miles. Lovely cafe and decent toilets. Kayak hire, archery (book in advance) and a crazy golf. Parking £2.60 all day.

It was lovely to be able to let our dog off her lead. The walk around the tarn was short and gentle and the scenery was lovely. We all enjoyed the visit.

Really great place to stay for anyone, fun for all the family. Plenty of activities, the pool is excellent and the on site shop has pretty much anything you need, albeit rather expensive. Only thing to be mindful of is where your lodge is as we ended up being right at the bottom of a huge hill and it was a bit of a trek every time we went anywhere.

I must admit, I had no idea what to expect. We arrived in the dark, and had no idea of the layout, not much helped by being partially sighted, and the lighting of the roads and paths being somewhat dark. Luckily, we were rescued by friends who were more familiar with the place. We had a lakeside studio apartment, actually pretty comfortable for the two of us, with a bathroom, kitchen, king sized bed, and a sheltered outside area. Our friends had a cottage, with sauna, en suites, a decent kitchen, and sitting area. Spotlessly clean, and well maintained. Our group were 50s-70s, and found the activities that we tried very enjoyable. We booked ahead for bowling, spa, Bollywood dancing, and the catamaran. The pool area, with the various rides was excellent. Staff were universally friendly and helpful, and any repairs needed (tv stick in the bigger house) carried out within hours. We were here in early November, weektime, so lots of families had younger children/babies. The weather was mild. Some rain at times, but I reckon it would be possible to enjoy even in bad weather. All in all, a great experience, and our group is likely to book again at a similar time.

It was good but you have to like one way systems and walking because everything is far away from the lodges. A lot of it is uphill so even if you hire a bike, which costs a lot, you will still struggle to get around. The lodge we had was like a house in size and had a pool table.

We absolutely loved our holiday at Center Parcs, almost everything was perfect. Firstly, as you would expect the location is amazing. The kids loved the wildlife which was everywhere you looked. There are so many activities and things to do that you are never bored, however some of the activities are over priced. Every single member of staff we interacted with was so friendly, they were great with the kids and made you feel welcome. The swimming pool area is brilliant, so much to do and you can spend hours there. Check in and check out is easy too! The only very minor issue we had was in relation to the lodge upon arrival. The beds were not made…. Clean bedding was left but not put on so we had to make our own beds. For what is the equivalent of £350 a night I expect the beds to be made (they would in any hotel for that price). The bedding isnt particularly comfortable or ‘homely’ but we could get over that. Also, the bins weren’t emptied upon arrival which I firmly believe they should be. All in all, a really good holiday and we will almost certainly go again!

Fantastic holiday here again with my sister and our kids. Great pool facilities. Just wish we'd booked the acrobranch activity earlier as we missed out. Bike hire could be cheaper...

Loved the site, 4th CP I've been too, took dogs and villa was roomy and well set out, could of done with some screening out the back as dogs kept getting alerted as could see people moving passed, but can see they are upgrading at moment. Loved the segways, great way to get a review of the site, was well placed for both village centre and sports plaza, easy to walk between, found loads to do, will definitely go back to this one again

The whole place is amazing. We have stayed about 6 times now in a variety of lodges and have enjoyed them all. The vibe is lovely, nice and peaceful and scenic, close to nature, car free site so safe for the kids, just so much to like. But the pricing for the activities is extortionate. Also the food pricing is silly. You need to take as much of your own food as possible to negate this. A meal in the nice restaurant, you are looking at £17 for an OK pie and mash (the kids meals are reasonable in here though). You have to pay for everything apart from the swimming (which is great). £35 for high wire activity (regardless of age), there was something else we looked at that was £85 per person too. Just really expensive if you want anything at all.

Sad to see someone jumping off the bridge, but it was a beautiful place to go and visit on a cold, sunny weekend morning. The food from the van was delicious. A few bikers were there too.

A fantastic meeting place for bikers and families alike. I went on my Harley for the first time, parked with all the other bikes on the hottest day of the year so far. The bridge and surrounding river was packed with families and kids swimming in the Lune. It is well worth a visit. There are 2 vans - one for food and the other for ice cream, great for weather like today. The only downside is the amount of speed cameras on the surrounding roads. Totally overkill in places and designed once again to spoil the fun and ensure everyone complies with the ridiculous government in the UK.

Nice ride out to The Devils bridge on our Motorbikes today, stopped at The Devils Bridge and enjoyed a Bacon Butty and cup of tea, both very nice, enjoyed and very welcoming at food van. Very picturesque, Public toilets too

Great spot for a rest, mess about in the river, especially for the young ones. Bikers meet for a break regularly at this spot, and there is parking with toilets on the other side of the bridge, which is PEDESTRIAN ONLY. The parking by the way is FREE, which makes a pleasant change.Thebridge itself is a very tall one and quite a sight from below. There is a nice riverside walk alongside the island, we saw a couple of herons and watched one catch a small fish. The footpaths leads you to the "Radical Steps" 80 plus steps which take you up to the church and the town, but first at the top, turn right to take in the view at "Ruskin's View". A sign at the bottom of the steps says it was originally 46 steps, but I counted over 80, so they've altered them a bit. Well worth a visit.

Nice walk from centre to bridge. Overlooking river. Good for biker stop. Seating along riverbank.

Beautiful place to enjoy the water, climb the rocks, a little stone beach, wildlife. Free parking and big picnic areas to enjoy. A fun afternoon out

Avona Escapes Biker campsite crew went for a ride out to here, loads of bikes and amazing scenery, the roads are twisty and smooth 🙂

First time visit, beautiful gardens, bit past their best due to the time of year but will definitely return spring/summer next year. Cafe was a very nice and good was good. £15 per adult but we got in free with Historic Houses membership. They are currently doing some restoration work on the ruined castle but there is a demo on the history of it.

Wow what a spectacular place to visit! The castle itself is so impressive. Not far from the M6 too so we stopped on route from Scotland to the Midlands. The cafe was pleasant, lots of choice to eat. We had burger and chips which was tasty. High chairs available. Toilets near to the cafe. And at the back of the grounds is the best outdoor playarea I've ever seen suitable for all ages. It's huge, has zip wires for older kids and toddlers, sand pits, slides, swings. It's a great day out if not a better stop than the services!

What a beautiful castle and grounds. Plenty of open space to wander and have a picnic. Great grounds with a lovely cafe indoors, with plenty of outdoor seating inside the square of the castle grounds. The cafe had a super selection of fresh meals and great bakery products as well. Ice cream parlour was delicious. Parking very reasonable at £2, can be paid at the restaurant.

An interesting former stately home, with extensive gardens. A tale of what happens when these spend thrift lords throw it all away. They are still working on parts of the estate and gardens, but is well worth a visit. The cafe is decent and is a popular spot for families.

A fantastic day out for adults, children & dogs. Extensive gardens & woodlands to explore, a large adventure playground with separate areas for older children and toddlers- with the only toddler seat zip slide I've ever seen!- cafes and of course what is left of the castle. The gardens are so loved and well maintained, there were absolutely loads of mushroom varieties if that floats your boat! A small museum section which tells you the story of the house and how it came to what it is today, as well as plenty of information boards everywhere you go. Dogs are allowed every where except inside the play areas, but there are plenty of benches/seats looking over the play area for someone to sit and wait with the dog. The café next to the play areas are only open weekends and school holidays- which we didn't realise until after we got there so please bare that in mind!

An absolutely unique place to visit, just off the M6. The gardens are beautiful and the owners are expanding their size and variety. The back story of the house and it's colourful owners is alone worth a visit. Great for children too and completely dog friendly.

Stunning Castle with lots to do for the whole family. My 10yr old loved the playpark and the different areas to explore. The cafe was nice, but not many options for picky eaters, although the scone was delicious!

Pretty little house over the river. Is right on the roadside so easy and free access ( & right next to the Apple Bakery if you fancy something tasty after your visit )

I fell in love with this town There are so many adventure, beautiful nature, lovely 🥰

Great place to eat under the shade - we bought a slice of pizza from the small shop nearby and sat along the bridge house. Nice place for a quick rest or stop.

Yep... it's indeed a house on a bridge. Great place to sit and eat your apple pie from the ambleside bakery.

Great opportunity for some good photos. Built across some fast flowing water and beautiful buildings surrounding it.

Cute little attraction. An easy stop for pictures as you wonder through the town.

A scenic spot in Ampleside. Only 10 mins drive from Windermere. Good to include in your itinerary if you are visiting Lake District.

This is a small museum with a big story to tell using interesting storyboards and exhibits. The staff are really friendly and knowledgeable, there is so much to see you really do need to take your time to absorb the whole story. There is an excellent wee cafe with hot and cold food, snacks and cakes

Had a great time, lots to see, do and read about, lots of interactive items to keep the kids interested and old war time clothing to try on and an old kitchen for them to potter about in. Really young kids(5 and under) might find it boring but it's well worth a visit, I paid £26 for a family visit, there is also a large train outside and a range of garden games to play. It also has a really nice cafe and shop and the staff were superb.

A very educational museum about the Munitions Factory built in the area during the First World War. It gives a full explanation on why and how it was built. The staff were very polite and welcoming. The prices are extremely reasonable. This place is run as a charity, so any money made goes to the museum. There is a car park on site, which is free to patrons. There are toilets, gift shop and a small cafe (food is excellent) here as well.

Fantastic museum about WW1's largest munitions factory as well as the UK's biggest railway disaster and a smaller exhibition section on WW2 and post war nuclear history. Whilst only a small building, it was crammed with interesting exhibits, old photographs and archive records and recorded memories from evacuees. Well worth the visit!

A small but very interesting museum. I was nice to see the 'war museum ' done from a different angle. Definitely worth the time & money.

The Devils Porridge is a brilliant wee museum in Eastriggs telling the story of the UK Governments plans to deal with a cordite shortage in World War 1, and it goes on to explain the part it played in World War II as a huge munitions factory. It is well laid out, makes good use of modern technology to tell the story of the people who lived and worked there, and it brings alive a factory which played a key part in the British war effort (and a place I was totally ignorant of until my visit). Nice friendly staff too.

A fascinating afternoon spent here with on site parking, a café, toilets and gift shop. The staff were very informative and inviting as soon as I entered the site. The flow of the museum is easy to follow and presented in a way that it tells a coherent story full of artefacts and information. The range of interactivity with the exhibits was impressive with use of projector videos, well lit cabinets, touchscreens, audio tracks, photo galleries, wearable costumes, televised movies, archive documents, a light up control panel and a projection of a woman which looked like a hologram at first glance. An excellent museum definitely, consisting of two floors and a stunning locomotive outside. Upstairs is accessible by stairs or lift (although upon my visit the lift was out of order) but this would normally make the museum completely wheelchair accessible. For the price, location, information, exhibits and customer service, I would definitely recommend visiting!

Castlerigg Stone Circle – A Mystical Gem of the Lake District! Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the most atmospheric and awe-inspiring places in the Lake District — a site that beautifully blends ancient history, mystery, and natural beauty. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, this prehistoric stone circle is believed to date back more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest in Britain. Standing among the stones, you can truly feel the sense of timelessness and connection to the past that makes this place so special. The panoramic views from Castlerigg are absolutely stunning — the circle is set against a backdrop of Helvellyn, Blencathra, and other Lakeland fells, creating a magical atmosphere, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s a peaceful, open site with no entry fee, easy to reach by car, and only a short walk from the parking area, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. What makes Castlerigg so memorable is its simplicity — just nature, history, and pure serenity. The site isn’t commercialized, allowing visitors to experience the raw beauty and mystery of the stones without distractions. It’s an excellent spot for photography, quiet reflection, or just taking in the stunning 360° landscape. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, spirituality, or simply want to enjoy one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Lake District, Castlerigg Stone Circle is an absolute must-visit. A place that stays with you long after you leave — calm, mysterious, and endlessly beautiful. 🌄🪨✨

Castlerigg Stone Circle in Lake District is a significant monument in Lake District which is approximately from 3000 BC. It consists of 38 stones, probably kept for religious ceremonies, astronomical observations, or a social gathering place. Its situated on a hill near Keswick that was formally preserved as an ancient monuments in 1883. It's surrounded by mountains on three sides that offers breathtaking view. Visited it as part of day trip. Highly recommend a visit to this monument

Magical place with 360° views of the surrounding beauty...the stones standing proud and unfathomable....but the guide from English Heritage gave us some idea of the current theories!! Older than Stonehenge so more stories to tell but accessible and free plus lovely sheep share the field with you and the stones. There is free parking on the access road and a cafe just down the road with all the facilities you could need😋☕!! Truly a detour well worth making and really a shame to miss it if in the area🐑✨☺️xx

Visited Castlerigg Stone Circle for the 2nd time - it is absolutely stunning. The views are breathtaking in every direction — wide open landscapes, and a sense of history that adds to the atmosphere. It’s a peaceful, memorable place to visit and well worth the stop.

An interesting place to visit. Even on a weekday it was quite well visited. We caught the bus and walked up. Patience required to get a photo with no people. Some information boards at the field margin. Careful where you put your feet, sheep keep the grass under control! Commanding views all around no doubt a reason for it to be situated here.

It's free which is always a plus and it was lovely to visit. The view is lovely but we went on a day where the weather turned so it was largely grey and rainy, but still very atmospheric. It's not far at all to the local town as well as the nearby lake. There were quote a few people visiting at the same time but just waiting about 10 minutes and they dispersed so we got some pictures without groups of people in them.

Interesting place, older than Stonehenge. No charges and free parking on the road(if you can find a space). Worth the visit if for no other reason but to admire the fantastic views of the mountains all around.

Beautiful place is derwent water i came here for a wild camp with my dog and had a great time. I did repair a couple of firepits someone had left. Have some respect for our beautiful outdoor space.

Beautiful place this with lots to do and enjoy clean fresh air. We walked around the Lake and it is a splendid area to stroll around.

We walked around the lake and it took roughly 7 hours. To be able to take your time and really enjoy the scenic points, I'd recommend 9 hours. You could get a boat across if you have people with you who aren't able to do the whole walk. The views around the lake are incredibly beautiful and worth taking some time to explore or relax.

Derwent Water : A Lakeside Escape from Keswick. 📍Lake District 🌊 Just outside the town of Keswick, Derwent water offers a scenic lakeside trail along the waymarked Derwent water Walk, this trail is surrounded by parks, mountains and breathtaking scenery. Families love gathering by the shore to feed the ducks, feed available for just 50p. Book a scenic boat trip (boat hire) at the Keswick Launch ticket office. 🍦 Treat yourself at nearby ice cream parlours and restaurants dotted along the route. Start your walk through Crow Park and Hope Park, then follow the trail to Friars Crag, one of the Lake District’s most breathtaking viewpoints. Don’t miss the bench overlooking the lake, a perfect photo spot with panoramic views. 🚙paid parking available nearby

Would have loved to be in a canoe today, water was so still and peaceful... lots of wildlife to see also .Wow !

Stunning!! Absolutely stunning! Visited late November. The leaves were off the trees so the views were spectacular! It's an easy 9.5 mile walk round. Clear paths. Very little climb and no styles. Short walks on roads. We went on a Wednesday, the weather was bright but cold. Lovely and quiet although I can imagine it gets very busy on weekends and holidays . Kettle well car park is National Trust so it is free to park for members. Lovely coffee van about a mile from St Mary's hotel.

Went a walk around derwentwater at the weekend.. It says 10 miles ,but my watch said nearer 14 miles .. Great views of the water and mountains.. It's all on the flat, so an easy walk ,.. There are plenty of places to grab a cuppa and cake on route ..

A brilliant hike within walking distance from Keswick. As a ‘larger’ man, hill walking and hiking are not my speciality but Catbells provided a good mix of inclines which allow for plenty of rests if needed. The views of Derwentwater are great and the different routes to the summit provide choices for hikers.

Very recommend this hike if in Keswick. At one point seemed a but steep climb , but keep going , the views will not disappoint. Took me 1.5 hours to complete

A must-do, and perfect for families! The views are absolutely stunning — and the promise of ice cream at the end kept my kids motivated all the way. It can get busy, but everyone we met was friendly and respectful. The loop is about 3.5–3.7 miles with around 1,200 feet of elevation gain. It’s demanding but absolutely doable with a steady pace. Just be sure to bring plenty of water!

Elite, tier 1, lingering loveliness. Catbells is a stunning wee hike. Don’t front on it. Mix it up with a lakeside amble followed by a pint or three at the Swinside Inn makes for one almighty afternoon

Great views. Walked and returned from Keswick with Sid the Border Terrier. Little bit of easy scrambling. Descended via old quarry and along Newlands Valley.

If you're not very fit it's hard work but worth it for the breathtaking views. You need to take water and wear proper footwear. It's not as long a walk as it seems but it is a steep incline. I went on a Sunday when it was 20°c and it was very busy. Parking was very easy and £5 for the day, but it was on a field (bear this in mind if you're in a 2 wheel drive car in bad weather!). Easy walk down to Derwent water for a picnic, walk, or a swim if you're brave enough.

It was our first family hike. You need to be at certain level of fitness to do it. It is family friendly but at times it can be dangerous. I would highly recommend to have hiking sticks. It helps massively. Especially towards the end. At slow pace you can make to the top and go down in 3 hours

The road to the castle is a disaster! The gift shop and castle are worthy the visit. Staff very friendly and welcoming. We didn't go into the castle but I did take the dog around the moat as suggested by a staff member. I took lots of pictures. Beautiful views, the only thing that was a slight inconvenience is i didn't wear the right footwear! It's was a little wet around the back of the castle and my feet got soaked. Obviously this is my fault and no fault of the castle grounds. I was wearing trainers, I'd recommend boots or Wellingtons. Beautiful place though.

Absolutely loved this place. Soo unique in design. We visit lots of castles up and down the country and this is one of the most memorable. Beautiful surroundings, loads of history and some very knowledgeable, friendly staff. We will revisit, next time we pass through. Highly recommended

Our favorite castle of the 10 we visited on our 2 week roadtrip. Loved the kind staff and how you feel like you have the place to yourself to explore. It really feels like a fairytale with a moat and original site you can walk to nearby. So pictaresque and worth the drive.

Fabulous little castle, really interesting place with loads of history. Only a short journey from Dumfries. We didn't have to book ahead of time and were able to park easily. They also have a great little shop and small cafe. Lots of places to have a picnic and the area is great for dogs, with some nice paths and walks

Great place to visit, some restoration work being carried out, at present.Good car parking area, gift shop and video area to educate you on the history of the site. You do a small walk to the original castle site. Well worth a visit. Some areas of the castle are not accessible by wheel chair, for obvious reasons.

My favorite Castle of my first 9 days in Scotland. This one has a moat, like a true castle should. The draw bridge was destroyed centuries ago, along with part of the roof, and sections of it have been exposed to the elements for some time. There are sections repaired allowing access to the multiple levels where there is a roof protection that section. The prison was in good condition too. Crazy to know the prisoners were just tossed from 2 stories into the pit. Don’t bother checking out the original castle a short walk away, as it is flattened, and the perimeter blocks are all left near foundation level. Check out my photos.

Very interesting Castle/s. Parts were closed off but there was enough to have a wander around (albeit it's not particularly large for a castle. The staff in the shop/visitor centre were helpful and friendly. Worth a visit if you like castles/historic buildings.

This is the home of one of my ancestors, so I was thrilled to be able to walk the grounds! The castle is very large. There are plenty of parking spaces, also an area to park and have lunch. Visitors were having a great time riding bikes while I was there. Dog friendly and sheep for as far as the eyes can see! Visiting the grounds was free and well worth the time as there are several trees on site that are very old and beautiful. Recommend a visit!

Beautiful castle and surrounding scenery. Booked a tour in advance- well worth doing and very interesting. There is a Rembrandt painting that can be viewed as part of the tour- a nice bonus! Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. We had lunch in the Castle Cafe afterwards which was tasty with generous portions. Lovely gift shop with a great selection.

Amazing place to visit with dogs that are happier off lead. Went twice in a week we loved it that much. Great walking routes, did multiple of them. Only paid for parking @ £2.50 for the whole day which is a steal. Cafe was lovely and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.

Drumlanrig castle and grounds are beyond anything we have been to before, the pink castle is stunning packed full of history amazing paintings and furniture. To be able to get so close to the Rembrandt was a real honour and a highlight of the tour. Gary the tour guide was brilliant really helping us understand the history easily he is very knowledgeable. The grounds are perfectly manicured it’s a real credit to all the staff who maintain the castle and grounds, the castle is still used and lived in by the duke and family he was there on our visit. Make sure to book the castle tour in advance as they fill up quickly

Beautiful grounds and an interesting looking building from the outside. Quite annoyed that the guy who took our money told us we could look round the castle as much as we liked, only to find out he meant from the outside. Seemed expensive without access to the castle.

What a fantastic day out . Loads to see and do. We did the castle tour and it was really interesting Gary the tour guide was fantastic . I would highly recommend taking a visit. The gardens are beautiful .

A full day out. Kids will love the play park and space. Adults will love the garden grounds and castle. It has something for everyone and the gardens are incredible.

Really nice place well worth a visit some excellent and interesting botanical specemins, and very well maintained. It's good st see young plants coming on as well as the established old ones.The entry fee was very reasonable, as was the tea room. The labeling of plants could have been better for the horticulturally curious. I think they're missing a trick not selling many of the interesting plants you see in the garden in the garden centre. I'd have loved a snow gum or southern beech.

I wish this was closer to home, we happened to visit in particularly good weather that will only have worked in their favour, but the gardens are stunning and very well kept. All of the staff that we ran into (either on the grounds or in their shop) have been very friendly and helpful. It's worth noting that they don't allow dogs in the garden (although they allow you to enter and exit as you please) so any dogs would need to stay with the car, there are parts of the carpark with shade. Mobility around the gardens is pretty accessible though there are a few places with steps that, if avoided, mean you'd miss out a whole section of the gardens. In short, it's well worth a visit only dogs and wheels may be an issue

What a beautiful and fascinating place this is. Positioned on the gulf stream, it is full of unusual plantings, including gigantic gunneras and forests of tree ferns. We visited in mid July, when admittedly, the weather was incredible, but did not see one plant that looked sorry for itself. You always see plants past their best in gardens, but not here. The ground staff are all friendly and approachable, with a wealth of knowledge. Being part of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Logan holds collections of many unusual plants. The cafe has some great food and cakes, and the staff all smile (imagine that)!! I would definitely recommend a visit.

Allow yourself an absolute minimum of two hours, but do stay longer. Beautiful gardens all set in fabulous Dumfries and Galloway. There are wheelchair/scooter friendly routes ( always check in advance ) Thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Fantastic garden with amazing colours and variety within a peaceful setting and well designed style. Friendly cafe staff with plentiful seating and tasty produce. Picnic tables are a fair walk from the car park it should be noted. Represented good value for money for the £16.80 entrance fee we paid for 3 tickets (with BBC GW pass), though am quite sure we would not have paid the full £27 otherwise.

Cozy, easy, meandering walk through mature, diverse, gardens and greenhouses. Well-situated restaurant with windows overlooking the gardens serving a full lunch menu. Lovely helpful ladies in the gift shop. Definitely worth visiting. The drive along the Rhinns of Galloway coastline is as much a treat as the destination!

Seriously lovely place to visit. The gardens are spectacular and we did see the red squirrel! The staff in the garden cafe were absolutely lovely as well. Thoroughly recommend it.