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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon World Zoo was a nice visit overall. There’s plenty of parking and the entry fee is really reasonable. The site itself is clean and well kept, and we enjoyed seeing a good variety of animals — the red pandas were definitely a highlight! There are cafes on site too, which is handy and we found the prices to be fair. That said, the zoo is quite small and you can see everything within about an hour - however we were two adults visiting without children. There was a soft play and outdoor area for kids, so could definitely spend longer if with little ones. Some of the handmade signs give it a bit of a rough-around-the-edges feel, and there aren’t many sheltered spots if the weather turns. Still, it makes for a pleasant little trip, especially if you’re in the area.

Surprisingly bigger than it seems from the outside. Off season, so café closed in the main area, but the Flamingo café open. Good range of food options hot or cold. Very good quality food and really reasonably priced. We have visited before, but not for a few years so it's improving all the time. Amazing staff, very helpful and informative. The lovely lady in the tropical house gave a talk about the, Sloths, Tamandua and Goeldi monkeys. It was really interesting even though it was interrupted by Icicle the blue macaw, he wanted all the attention! 2 good walks around and you should get to see the animal exhibits. Don't rush, they are animals and they do what they want, go back and and you'll get to see them. The indoor area is amazing, the animals in the twilight zone are so cute. Go through slowly and you will see them all. Worth visiting, great 3 - 4 hours and worth the cost.

A relatively small but packed zoo. Well laid out with lots to see. Highlights for me was the night enclosures and the Amazon section. Unfortunately we missed out of the animal talks/feeding but would have been a lovely addition. Lots of areas are wheelchair friendly. A little confused over the Cafe next to the toilets that was shut during peak season. Not sure if it has been moved to soft play area that we didn't visit. Great family experience with free parking.

Great place. Loads to see and do. A 7 day return pass, so visit again over 7 days. Reduced rates for Island residents with proof of address. Interactions with animals and talks. Soft play also included in the ticket price. Granddaughter loved it.

First time seeing a racoon! Loved it. Kids loved it, wasn't very big but was really fun and animals all look happy. Loved the walk through area and nocturnal area. Definitely recommend going especially with a 7 day return on tickets

Beautiful park with a lot of stunning animals. You get very close to the animals with great views, and they offer incredible animal experiences. The workers also seem to really care about the animals and their welfare, which is always amazing to see in a zoo.

Plenty of animals in the zoo despite it's very small size. Made it round most of the enclosures in just over an hour. Plus hanging around while waiting for various talks, eg feeding the red pandas. On the whole a nice few hours out. There could be some improvements. Although most of the staff were welcoming, some were a bit cynical, especially at the monkey madness play area, entry was time restricted (despite 2 hours being more than enough, given nobody is going to spend £70 on a family ticket to spend 2 hours in soft play). Re entry requires staff buzzing the gate open to control visitors and obviously this stopped their other duties. Unless you read the small print on the admission, you're automatically charged £2 extra per ticket for a "voluntary donation". In a smaller font, are prices without this donation. You are only charged the cheaper price if you explicitly ask for no voluntary donation. At least that was the basis we cAme to understand given our tickets were sold at the higher rate. Overall it's a good day out but there isn't enough to do. Once you've been round in an hour, you find yourself trying to pass the time between hourly talks/feeding. Signage wasn't particularly clear, took quite a bit of looking before finally finding the flamingos hidden behind a door between an outdoor picnic area and the cafe. 3/5. Very nice animals. No reason to book in advance. The zoo was practically empty at 10am, with no queue. Customers picked up later into the morning. The monkey madness offers parties and there are multiple toilets on site. Food wasn't particularly quick out of the kitchen, wait was around 15-20 minutes for a cheeseburger and chips although she was working on other orders too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absolutely 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 is a stunning historical site that transports visitors back in time. Originally a 13th-century abbey, it later became a Tudor mansion, and its well-preserved ruins reflect this rich history. The Gothic architecture and remnants of the grand gatehouse and cloisters are particularly striking. The abbey is set in a peaceful, scenic location, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed exploration. Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy picturesque ruins, Titchfield Abbey offers a fascinating and serene experience.

Excellent English Heritage site Free entry. Dog friendly.Free parking for members, a narrow entrance for large vehicles, sharp turn.

Free to visit, small charge for parking. Nice 30mins look around or longer if you bring a picnic. Drive through gate is narrow and yes that is the only entrance. We'll worth a look if you are passing. Some nice tiles.

Boyfriend chose this place to visit just yesterday. It wasn't raining really hard but just drizzles. Anyways, still we enjoyed the place. He loves historical places so we went to Titchfield Abbey. Ride the bus X4/X5 from Central Station, used Google maps to see where we are and where we're stopping. Bought return tickets as well. It was a not so long walk from the bus stop. Great people!

If you like ruins in the middle of nowhere with no facilities then this is for you. Free off road parking.

So lovely! Bright blue skies. Fascinating place.

Worth a few minutes of your time if passing to see this ruined Tudor mansion. Combine with a trip to the church in the nearby village of Titchfield for an interesting insight into the 'Risley' Earls of Southampton.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful summer holiday home for Victoria & Albert and their family. Gorgeous house filled with collected art objects, souvenirs and tributes from around the world. The grounds are beautiful and it's clear the royal family enjoyed Osborne House where they could relax and be themselves.

Such a beautiful place to go. With lots of history and beautiful scenery. The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. This is highly recommended if you visit the Isle of Wight.

Worth a visit if you are in the area. Covid secure. Great staff very informative and amazing scenery. Gardens outside are really nice too.

Wonderful

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.

found this is our national trust book but we didn’t realise the lighthouse was temporarily closed so always check online to see if things are open! regardless of this there’s still walks around the area with great views and you can also get a great view of the lighthouse from the surrounding fields and get quite up close to it.

Very interesting lighthouse - guided tours bring the history to life. You can only pay in cash so bear that in mind - they don't get any coverage down there for a card machine. It's also a bit of a trek down to the lighthouse from the closest parking spaces so be prepared for a walk, even harder uphill on the way back, but well worth the effort!

Really interesting to see inside a lighthouse. It is a guided tour around and you get some history of the lighthouse, then a tour of the lighthouse. There were two people doing tours so we only had to wait a few minutes for one to start. Inside the lighthouse the steps are quite steep and there's a height restriction for younger children as one of the staircases is almost like a ladder as its that steep! Great view from the top of the lighthouse aswell. The guy doing the tour had lots of information and was very knowledgeable about the lighthouse. Would recommend. We visited Saint Catherine's oratory afterwards (which is the original lighthouse). *Updated April 2023 - Walking the IOW coastline and viewed lighthouse from above.

Parking fairly close, Bit of a walk from carpark, not suitable for wheelchairs, terrain all levels including steep hills. The amazing views made it worth the visit. Lovely walk on a sunny day.

Beautiful views and the tour was quaint, informative and carried out by volunteers. Highly recommend for lighthouse buffs, as only ten in UK or so allow visits such as these. Lovely walks in nearby areas too.

Well worth the effort lovely little place run by people who love and know what they are doing. Just beware it's easy to get to but harder to get back up the hill. The light house climb is not too bad (bit narrow) with a ladder. At the top it's very warm if warm outside But the view is worth it.

Well worth the walk down the hill ( about 10 minutes ) çars not allowed unfortunately. The tour is informative not just the inside workings but the History of the buildings and area. Some steps used in the lighthouse are steep and need extra care but in general a good place to visit with Very knowledgeable staff on hand . The Only one down side which may change in due course no Public toilets on site , but if you visit the pub up on the hill first!.

Great place!! I loved the atmosphere. We did the tour and the guide was absolutely incredible. When I got into the green house it smelled like my country (Colombia). The smell of the tropical plants made my hart happy.

What a fantastic time here at Bombay ! From the initial movie, tour of the grounds, green house where the flowers/herbs are displayed & of course the cocktail making classes made for an unforgettable experience. The entire staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. If you're a Bombay Sapphire Gin lover I would highly suggest a day here to truly get to know the history of this fantastic gin ! You won't be disappointed & be very sure you have a designated driver to you can experience all the different flavors of Bombay !

This is one of the best distillery tours I’ve ever done! The Bombay Sapphire grounds are really beautiful, everything from the greenhouse to the building itself. The tour was really informative about the Gin and history of the Brand. The cocktail masterclass was so well done, really fun and interactive, the drinks were great too and really focussed on completing the alcohol, not sickly sweet and packed with sugar like other masterclasses I’ve done. You can definitely spend a whole day at this place in the gorgeous setting! I’d highly recommend this to anyone.

Loved visiting the distillery and would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes gin. We did the tour which was good and includes a drink. Loved seeing the history and our tour guide was very nice.

Fantastic 1.5 hour tour of the distillery with a gin and tonic or mocktail to kick off the tour. Luke our guide was very informative and entertaining. There is a gift shop, cafe and bar to stretch out your visit.

Lovely experience, beautiful picturesque campus. Gorgeous brick buildings. Tour is informational to the distillery and the property itself and there is some pretty good gin onsite.

It was above my expectation of this visit💙💙💙 It really worths coming here with enthusiastic guide (Thank you Mr Mark) and real luxe experience of Gin tasting and iconic glass house that I can see in my real eye. Nesting in a pure village and area as such, the Gin is really a good /premium one. The bar, the shop are also eye catching with the price is better than you buy in super market or drink shop. There are 2 special versions that you can only buy here when visit so do no Miss💙It was such a brilliant day being here💙

Absolutely awesome day out & evening. Spent the day in the park enjoying all the areas there are and the views around the park are stunning. There is amazing plants and flowers all around. The wild west show was funny to watch and all the kids playing in the saloon. We stayed on in the evening for the summer festival with live DJ and foam party at sunset, wow what an amazing time everyone was having.

Great fun for all ages. Good accessibility and everyone having a “whale” of a time Family run business and great atmosphere- lots of happy faces and plenty to do and see. Glorious setting over the coast so you can admire the views and indoor fun if the weather not so good

Blackgang Chine is a fantastic family attraction full of fun, imagination, and beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and nostalgia, with themed areas, rides, and stunning cliffside views. There’s something for everyone — from dinosaurs and fairytale lands to breathtaking coastal walks. The staff are friendly, and the whole park is well maintained and full of charm. A magical and memorable experience that truly captures the spirit of the Isle of Wight!

I would definitely recommend this park everyone , but especially with small children. There are many opportunities for relaxation. Stunning view of the sea, and the dinosaur park part is impressively lifelike.

Family friendly, super clean and some great views of the coast as well. The summer ticket is great, you can go as many times as you like, and the queues are never too long. Food at the restaurant is good value and tasty too. We stayed for the Wednesday night foam party disco and fireworks which had a brilliant atmosphere.

Didn't expect this to be as popular with everyone as it was. It's not a huge park and I'd thought that the kids may be underwhelmed but in fact they loved it. The rides are pitched at up to early teens and our ticket included a full week's return and if we had the time the kids would definitely have been pulling us back. We went during their Day of The Dead festival and they'd clearly out a lot of effort into it. Well decorated and the late opening was excellent. Fire artists and aerial gymnastics we a great addition. Had thought it expensive but the ability to go back for a week means you should buy your tickets for this at the start of your holiday to make the most of the offer. An extra shout to the catering manager Steve Mumford who confirmed they use an separate fryers for the fish fingers, fish, goujons and chips. Which along with the sausages and small pizza can all be made gf. There aren't any gf churros or doughnuts so be aware that young coeliacs will miss out on these.

I'd love to give this place 5 stars and a great review, as it brought back so many fond memories from my childhood, and as a family we had so much fun. BUT... the whole experience was ruined because although we have a child that is registered disabled, and we had all proof required. They would accept a carers pass for my child. LITERALLY EVERY OTHER THEME PARK, OR ATTRACTION, THEATRE, CINEMA, WE GO TO ACCEPT HIS BLUE BADGE, AND ACCESS PASS. because our access pass didn't have a plus 1 (because it was applied for before he was issued the blue badge etc) The staff weren't interested in listening to us at all. I feel like they ruined our day, made my son feel very uncomfortable and upset, and their linier way of thinking is very closed minded. We live in a world where all disabilities should be recognised, even those that are not visible. We even spoke to a manager, who also had a closed mind. I feel that a theme park that has been around so long would have a better system for recognising different types of disability. For instance Disney and universal in Florida, have a system where you send them the proof prior to a visit to get your pass authorised before you get there. Merlin do the same, you send them the details and it's all done before you arrive. But instead we had the embarrassment of having two separate people denying my disabled son the free carer he should be entitled to. I'm disgusted that this kind of thing still goes on, and I'm so let down. This left a sour taste in my mouth, and I struggled to have a good time the whole day I was there because of it. This park needs to do better and get up to scratch with modern times.

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!

Absolutely stunning Castle and very informative and professional tour. We also had a wonderful lunch and tea service with plenty of cakes and desserts along with our pre-booked castle tour. Our tour guide Sarah was wonderful and gave us all the details necessary to truly appreciate this beautiful castle. We learned a lot about the Lord and Lady Carnavron and about the history of the castle and the families who have called this beautiful place home. We were able to walk among the gardens and that was stunning. There should be an entire page dedicated to the fantastic Egyptian antiquities exhibit found as part of this tour!

We had a wonderful time at Highclere Castle .It was the second last day on my trip to the U.K . The grounds are beautiful and the castle stunning . Could not take photos inside it take my word it is worth a visit. The staff are very knowledgeable and passionate about their job . When you walk through those huge wooden doors you think you have walked into a Downton Abbey set .

We enjoyed our time at Highclere immensely. The staff was very helpful and friendly, answered all our questions and we even walked down the beautiful staircase. Unfortunately you are not able to take photos inside but it was lovely to be in the moment taking it all in and enjoying it. Do go and take the picnic tea, however note that it could easily work for 3-4 people not just 2! Wonderful day. 5 stars.

This was an great stop on our way to Heathrow after disembarking from our cruise ship in Southampton. We enjoyed the gardens however suggest if you get to castle at 9:30 to 10:00 am cue up for the castle first then do the gardens. Oh, and if you already have tickets printed, don't get in the cue, go to the right and scan for direct entrance. Thanks to the lovely women who mentioned that to us. The self guided tour of the castle and gardens is great. We purchased the Tea lunch which was super fun. More than enough for for two...we were three and could have easily fed four. Overall a nice way to cap a great 10 days of cruising before a 16 hour journey home back to Seattle/Tacoma.

Simply amazing visit. With the castle decorated for Christmas in a victorian style this year it is currently only open for prebooked private tours. Visiting on a day when the rain made the sky's dark and deluged us all just added to the atmosphere. A lovely afternoon tea in a very cosy marquee competed our visit. Although not a cheap day, it was certainly worth it for the experience. A lovely welcome from the countess herself and a truly excellent guide for the house as well as the very atmospheric Egyptian collection in the cellar made this a true day to remember.

The house was breathtaking when we saw it for the first time, walking up the drive and was even bigger than it looked like in Downton Abbey. The grounds are huge with lovely gardens and walks. The only down side being that you can’t take bags or eat your own picnic in the grounds. Nevertheless, a day very well spent!

Beautiful grounds to wander through with loads of benches dotted around to sit and ponder on! House is stunning to walk-around the outside before you enter. The inside was very interesting too and felt surprisingly cosy although still opulent in parts. Lovely tea shop which was very reasonable. I paid £3.50 for a fresh scone with clotted cream and jam. Gift shop is a bit different with some interesting bits too... including bottles of their own gin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year, we visited the amazing Beaulieu for the third time, and it never stops surprising us! Located in the beautiful New Forest, Hampshire, this place is absolutely magical. The highlight for me was the National Motor Museum, which features more than 285 vehicles — from vintage classics to racing legends. I especially loved the new Formula 1 exhibition, celebrating 75 years since the very first championship in 1950. For children, there’s a fantastic Mini Little Beaulieu play area — fun, creative, and safe! The magnificent Beaulieu Palace also left a lasting impression with its beauty and history. There are many sculptures, exhibits, and many beautiful and interesting things around..... I truly recommend this place to everyone living in or visiting England — Beaulieu is an unforgettable experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

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.

This is a really special place, especially if you are into your plants. There's so really interesting and different species. All the plants are labelled making it easy to identify them. There's a good mix of herbaceous gardens along with the woody plants and of course the amazing tree collection. The garden is well maintained and has lots of sign posts. Would be handy to have some numbers on some of the signs so you can pin point where you are. There's a lovely cafe that serves hot and cold food and a good price. There's loads of seating inside and out.

Love coming here at different times of the year. Right now the autumnal colours are amazing. Love seeing how the garden changes throughout the season. Good selection of walks for all ages and some accessible for all. Children can run care free too and has a number of activities for them. Gardens are so peaceful, you can immerse yourself and forget your daily troubles and see how beautiful nature is

I love coming to hilliers, especially with small children. There are plenty of child friendly things to do as you walk around the estate. There are a couple of musical instrument areas, a play park, a tree house with a slide, a wobbly bridge across some water and some raised planks to walk along. The kids also find entertainment in finding dens and hidden paths all around too. There are 2 cafes, one about half way round is a little more "upmarket" and I don't feel is quite a child friendly as the one at the beginning. There are toilets at the beginning and about half way round. Also a buggy service bus is available for those who find walking too far tricky.

A beautiful and tranquil retreat. You could while away many hours wandering round the grounds. There is a lovely cafe with welcoming staff.

Our Beaver Scouts group organised to go and spend some time taking part in activities organised by Hilliers. Was great fun, from bug hunting to pond dipping, plenty of walking and natural activites. Thanks so much for a great day.

A wonderful afternoon. Such a great place to visit, especially this time of year. I can also recommend the on-site restaurant - food is great, service is fast and efficient, and the staff are very polite

This was a excellent garden well played out and plenty of paths we went on a bit of a grey day and very wet under foot but still plenty of good paths. Nice walk at a slow pace.

A Perfect Day Canoeing with New Forest Activities We had a truly lovely day out canoeing with the family—an ideal escape from modern distractions like phones and TVs, and a chance to reconnect with nature in the most peaceful setting. A massive thank you to our guide and activities expert, Rich, whose calm expertise and friendly approach made everything run smoothly. His knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to the experience, and we felt completely at ease throughout. If you’re looking for a wholesome, screen-free adventure that brings people together and immerses you in the beauty of the outdoors, this is it. Highly recommended!

This was the most amazing party for my 8 year son! From the minute we arrived the instructor took control of everything and made the party seamless. Such a fun and energetic party outside in the woods, expertly run by an outstanding instructor. Toby was absolutely brilliant and all the children had the best time with him, thank you so much!

We had a two hour unaccompanied kayak session which was amazing, the scenery was stunning, the weather was perfect and the instructors were great. We had exactly the right amount of time to get from Bucklers hard to Beaulieu and enjoyed every minute of it!

We had a brilliant time on our team-building canoe "Paddle to the Pub"! It was a really enjoyable experience from start to finish. The instructor was friendly, professional, and gave clear instructions that made it easy for everyone to take part, no matter their ability. A fun and relaxed way to spend time with the team - highly recommend!

Archery is great fun but it's bloody frustrating. We had Sasha teaching us and she was very kind & patient. There was a safety briefing which was concise but contained lots of relevant information. We then had practice sessions followed by challenges (the pizza game will test your patience unlike anything else) and then a straight up high score competition. The 90 minutes flew by. The location is beautiful - in the countryside with nothing around to distract you. When you walk back to the car park there's a lovely farm shop and big, clean toilet and hand wash facilities. Highly recommended.

Great time canoeing with my 8 year old Grandson on Beautiful Beaulieu River. His 4th successive annual summer trip. He loves this activity and it’s his #1 request every summer. The group was well led by Josh (thank you!) who engagied all the participants across the usual wide range of ages in a family activity. Highly recommended!

We went for a Family Canoeing trip this morning in the New Forest, and it was absolutely amazing! The scenery was beautiful, the atmosphere peaceful, and the experience very well organised. It was a great family activity — safe, fun, and full of laughter. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, explaining lots of interesting things about the area and nature along the way. One small suggestion: it would be really helpful if the organisers could provide headsets or some kind of audio system so that everyone can clearly hear the guide’s explanations, especially when some participants are a bit farther away. This would make the experience even more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Overall, we had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend this experience to families looking for an outdoor adventure in the New Forest!

Great nights out at The Lights, large variety of comedy, live music and tributes, speakers and dance.

Saw Professor David Olesoga "A Gun Through Time" show. Great presenter, interesting social history and really enjoyed our visit to "The Lights".

Lovely little theatre Big bar area, though odd choice of drinks The theatre itself very nice, seats bug and comfy Would definitely go again

At first I didn’t know how to book my ticket or pick a seat but the reps at the desk were super helpful. And there were follow up mails to keep me informed. It was so beautiful. The sound,light and surroundings. And the seats were comfortable aswell. Access for wheelchair as well as parking.

First time here, excellent venue with civilized seating. Very well recommended.

Good music venue with a good selection of performances & free parking a short walk away. Some are in the bar & some are seated in the auditorium. The auditorium seating is quite steep, which is great because your view of the stage is not obstructed by those in front of you. Acts tend to start early in the evening so the finish isn't too late.

Lovely place for a hot or cold drink. They now have dog friendly Fridays. If you become a member you can get discount on non alcoholic drinks and food. They offer a good variety of entertainment with some excellent shows and music. The staff are very friendly and helpful, some of whom have been volunteers for years.

Mottisfont run by the NT was a gem hidden in the Hampshire countryside. We had been recommended the Rose garden and even though the roses and many of the flowers were past there best show ( June) there were many beautiful roses and flowers to see. The scents were heavenly, I especially like old fashioned roses with scents to match, well worth sticking your nose near the rose petals as the perfume was fabulous. Everywhere was within easy access I was with my 91 yrs old Mother who is not as steady on her feet but managed to get around with a couple of seat stops and a cuppa in the old kitchen cafe on arrival! Great day out

Relaxing grounds (that go as far as eye can see if you want to explore rambling) with the Test River flowing through, plus a house conversion (it was an Abbey until that thing in the middle ages). The walled gardens are wonderful to walk around - we will return in spring for the bloomin' roses. There was an exhibition of Ian Flemming's children book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (I'm sure the last 2 words of title actually pay homage to his many 007 James Bond books). Ian visited Motisfont several times and each room has a little info panel about his visits. Great to have the volunteers around to ask questions and take groups on tours, which brings the place to life.

What a splendid place to spend a day! I loved the River walk and there are some magnificent trees, really huge and old. Lots to learn in the house. Don't miss the Walled garden and Water garden. Two nice cafes plus smaller one in the walled garden. The NT shop is the nicest I have seen. Everything is set out in a very attractive way.

This is a wonderfully serene place to visit, where history lingers in every corner. Once a thriving Abbey, it drew countless visitors seeking healing and solace—until the devastating Black Death changed its fate. Rising from its past, it was later transformed into a charming Tudor home. The layers of history here are captivating, and the surrounding areas invite you to wander and discover even more hidden stories.

Beautiful house and grounds with a stunning walk along a shallow brook/river. Lots of well maintained gardens and huge trees! Had the ice cream but hot food available too! Nice day outz especially with National Trust membership! Would recommend :)

The rose garden was very nice and a fresh fragrance went there. Restaurant was also nice. Good place for picnics and walking about. The house was also a good view and its history. The volunteers were very very helpful in terms of the historical aspects.

One of my favourite National Trust properties, the house is beautiful and they often have exhibitions of artwork from books upstairs. The grounds are extensive and gorgeous at any time of the year - and we've seen all four seasons there! The rose garden was the highlight of our visit this time (end of May) with the roses just reaching their peak. The smell was wonderful and the roses were well worth the visit. The catering facilities are also excellent, with a dog-friendly café in the old stables as well as a kiosk in the walled garden when it's dry, and another café downstairs in the house. During the school holidays they also have trails and activities for children around the grounds. We can easily spend a whole day here every time we come. Highly recommend a visit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

My husband and I with our 2 little girls visited liberty's yesterday and to be honest when we saw how small the place was we were not expecting much, however, the phrases "do not judge a book by its cover" and "size doesn't matter" certainly come to mind. We had such an amazing day, the staff definitely knew what they were talking about, the shows were immersive, knowledgeable and interesting with different birds at each show. The birds are given freedom to fly and return when they wish. The cafe is very reasonably priced and the food good quality, the gift shop is likewise reasonable and not ridiculously priced like so many other attractions. They even have a lovely play area for children complete with sand pit. Would definitely recommend 👍

Lovely place to visit with the family. The reptile room is nice to wander round and try and spot them in their enclosures. Huge range of birds and the demonstrations they put on are amazing, very informative and great displays. I loved the lunch bags for the kids and variety of sandwiches on offer. Will deffinately return when next in the area.

I booked the owl experience for my mum's birthday. She got to handle a really good variety of birds and was thrilled with her session. It was relaxed and informative and she had plenty of time to ask questions. Worth every penny and extremely good value!

A wonderful day out. Not over commercialized and the 2 shows were excellent. Cafe basic but yummy food and staff friendly. Only down side is cost of experience days and adoption which are quite expensive. We can adopt a donkey for £24 but an owl starts at £40 and experiences at £90 for an adult.

Libertys is a great place to get up close to some amazing owls and birds of prey, and the flight shows are wonderful along with informative commentary by the falconers. In between shows there is a play area for the children with a cafe nearby. My only issues are that the disabled toilet door handle was broken and there are no exit signs to be seen! Otherwise libertys is a great afternoons entertainment at a reasonable price.

Today, my partner and I visited Liberty's firstly, I recommend booking tickets in advance so you get them at a discounted rate. The sanctuary is clean and well presented. There are lots of beautiful and unusual birds to see. They have bird shows throughout the day. I would definitely recommend visiting if you have a few hours free.

Brilliant day out, shows were fantastic, the birds are absolutely beautiful and price wise not expensive at all considering the money will go back into helping these amazing animals! Definitely worth a visit!

We had such a wonderful experience at this farm shop! From the moment we arrived it felt so welcoming – really family-friendly and even dog-friendly, which made it easy for all of us to relax and enjoy ourselves. The breakfast was absolutely top quality, beautifully cooked and full of flavour – one of the best we’ve had in a long time. What really stood out though was the staff. They were genuinely lovely and took the time to make our visit extra special, even letting my daughter stroke one of the guinea pigs, which made her day. It’s clear they truly care about their visitors. There’s so much more here than just a farm shop – it’s a whole experience, with great food, friendly faces, and lots to see and do. We’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to families, foodies, and anyone looking for a warm and enjoyable place to visit.

This is a great place with farm animals, shop, cafe and aviary so a good place for families. The cafe food was good quality and very fresh and great cakes and cream teas. The Veggie breakfast is also very good. Shop had plenty of things to help stock up whether you are a local or on holiday. Also the farm animals are great to watch

Absolutely perfect cream tea here today! Cakes were fabulous and the cheese scone savoury tea was out of this world. Georgie was very accommodating and made sure our elderly friend had a sausage and egg bap even though it was very near time to stopping hot food. The farm shop and animals are also lovely. A perfect sunny afternoon. Thankyou so much Georgie and the team we will definitely be returning.

Our Daughter had visited the week before we went and recommended this place to eat as one of us were vegan and it was an easy access for myself being on two walking sticks. Absolutely delicious food, nothing was too much trouble. The food was piping hot and there was so much of it. The chef didn’t mind checking that the food was vegan and cooked it separately as well. I had granary toast and a bowl of baked beans. The menu was varied and catered for everyone. The cakes were homemade and looked scrumptious, not little slices either. The Ladies who served us were kind and respectful. There was a basket of extra cushions and blankets should you need them. The cafe was dog friendly and there were healthy dog snacks you could purchase. I would recommend this venue highly and would go back in the summer to have the opportunity to eat outside. In the complex there was also a small petting farm, some shops there was literally something for everyone there. We have family friends who live close by and they visit often with their grandchildren. It’s a delightful friendly place worth a visit.

Where can you go to have a fab breakfast, stock up on meats and wines oh yes and see some Alpacas and farmyard animals?. “Hockeys” Well worth a visit, sad that we found this place on our way home😔 but will definitely visit again🥰

⭐ 5/5 Went here with a good friend on the motorbike and had such a great time. The ride out was lovely, and when we arrived the place had such a warm, welcoming feel. We grabbed breakfast and the food was delicious, fresh, tasty locally produced food and good portions. The coffee hit the spot too. The staff were super friendly and happy to chat, and we loved wandering around to see the animals. It’s just a really nice spot to relax, eat well, and enjoy the atmosphere. Definitely worth the ride/visit!

I've had many a visit to this delightful farm shop, mainly with the adults with learning disabilities whom I support. It's always a great experience, saying hi to the many animals & then enjoying a cuppa! Staff are always super friendly & helpful. Today however, I came with hubby to treat him for birthday brunch. It did not disappoint, absolutely delicious & all enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine listening to the birds. Thank you Hockey's, see you again soon!

What a fantastic experience! Some brewery tours feel like just a tourist attraction, but Ringwood Brewery is the authentic real deal. We tasted the malted hops and how the 'chocolate malt' was discovered - and so much more about the history of ale in general. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about the art of brewing, or anyone who just likes beer in general!

Love popping in and stocking up on beer. Great way to spend a lunch break. Fairly priced without a loyalty card, really good if you are a member It's a real shame that the tours don't happen any more. Hopefully some new owners will reinstate this. Always feel a bit cheeky going in and only buying the non Ringwood beers, bring back the XXXX Porter or the original strength Old Thumper, in my view those were head and shoulders above the other Ringwood branded beers.

What a gem! Beautiful little bar inside and a well stocked shop. Can take away freshly poured beer. Great traditional brewery with delicious ale!

Whenever I get the chance I pop in to refill my 4.5 pint jug with fresh beer from here. Popped in today to refill with Boon Doggle and it’s just so fresh. Really nice little shop with a selection of ales, wines and spirits, friendly staff and really reasonable prices for the quality you get. 4.5 pints for under £8 is brilliant value and I’ll keep coming back for more as you really can’t beat having proper fresh beer straight from the brewery. I keep the jug in my van just incase I ever happen to be passing.

My first tour here, and it was awesome! I really enjoyed how their beer was made. I wanted to take a picture of inside, but I wasn't sure if it was allowed. I didn't wanna risk it so I chose not to. But at least I got to try the free beers, that's a plus!👍 Finest beers I have tried. 🍺

£12/adult for the tour including free half pint jug glass and beer samples. You can pull your own half pint at the bar. Plenty if samples along with an entertaining and informative tour. Gift shop too. Those that have paid for the tour can have a discount on 'll goods.

Excellent value for money and a brilliant brewery tour experience. We were given a glass of Razorback beer on arrival and briefed on the history of the brewery whilst we enjoyed the drink. This was followed by a very informative and interesting tour which concluded back at the bar where we enjoyed sampling the other Ringwood beers. We were given the chance to be photographed behind the bar and to try pulling our own beer. The tour ended with us keeping the glasses we had been using and a bottle of beer to take away with us. All in all a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone, my wife doesn't normally enjoy beer but she enjoyed sampling the different types of Ringwood beer, learning about the history of the brewery, it's beers and the tour itself.

I only really stopped off while passing the town, because of the Augustus John connection. They did him proud and the staff were so friendly and knowledgeable.

Absolutely amazing day out, went with the wife and kids, spent all day there. Recommended wearing suit. BEST WORKOUT IN FORDINGBRIDGE

Interesting small museum. Free entry and knowledgeable staff.

A little gem! Extremely interesting displays inside. The curators have so much knowledge too.

Very interesting museum with the history of Fordingbridge. Knowledgeable and friendly person in attendance

Friendly helpful staff, well laid out displays, interesting articles

Quaint little museum, definitely worth a look if you're in the area, interesting ww2 info.