Well worth a visit with your English Heritage membership. Quite a lot of the castle remains despite it getting blown up during the Civil War... Can spend a good couple of hours exploring the building and grounds. It's not really all that important site, but there is an interesting audio tour worth doing that explains about a lot of the history of the building and those who owned it. As ever, the staff in the little shop / café were extremely nice and very friendly.

Most interactive castle that I’ve ever been to! It was really fun to look around all of the rooms and the stairs are still intact in most of the castle so exploring the rooms and where all of the people used to be was wonderful. The views from the top of the castle were fantastic and would definitely recommend. Staff in the office were really lovely and friendly too. The drive up is a little fun…think one way road but it’s actually two ways. Great English Heritage site and really enjoyed our time here! Was really quiet too.

We had a great time exploring the castle and grounds, not sure why we hadn't been before! Well worth a visit but would suggest bringing a picnic there is no cafe and the little shop there had sold out of all cold drinks after the bank Holiday!

A Magical and Romantic Historical Gem! Old Wardour Castle is an absolute treasure! From the moment you arrive, the breathtaking setting—nestled among rolling hills, lush forests, and a serene lake—feels like stepping into a fairy tale . The ruins are beautifully preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval history while still evoking the grandeur of its past . What makes this place truly special is its romantic atmosphere. Whether you're exploring the spiral staircases, admiring the panoramic views from the towers, or discovering hidden nooks like the charming grotto, every corner feels enchanting . The 18th-century banqueting pavilion by the lake adds an extra touch of elegance, making it a dreamy spot for weddings and photography . The site is perfect for a peaceful day out—bring a picnic, wander the grounds, and soak in the history. The staff are friendly, and the information boards provide just the right amount of detail without overwhelming visitors. Plus, the drive up to the castle is an experience in itself, with stunning scenery at every turn . If you love history, architecture, or simply beautiful landscapes, Old Wardour Castle is a must-visit. Even in ruins, it’s one of the most picturesque and atmospheric places I’ve ever been. Highly recommend!

Although a little hard to drive to down those narrow single country lanes, it is a lovely place! The audio guide is great to get an overview of the history. But even without it is a stunning location.

Visited today it was a little further a field than what I expected and lots of bendy narrow roads to get to. I enjoyed the audio tape that came with the ticket and the displays dotted around. There was even a trail and some fun activities for kids sort of like a “ would you rather…” tale. Enjoyed the grounds And the beautiful forest too. Liked that you could go all the way up to the 4th floor and see the amazing views. It is also dog friendly, dogs were in the castle with their owners! A lovely place for a picnic. You could even fish I think from one of the many jetties over the lake . I also noticed the #WessexRidgeway goes right past there. Definitely worth a visit. @thewobbleyOwl came with me.

​Old Wardour Castle is a ruined 14th-century castle located in the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire, England, near the village of Tisbury. Known for its unique hexagonal design and rich history, it is a popular site managed by English Heritage. The road to drive there is a bit narrow (one lane), tricky if incoming trafic, but once there is well worthy Superb place !!!

Spectacular property packed with paintings including a self-portrait of Rembrant, and huge grounds and gardens, including an exquisite Japanese tea garden. Each room of the mansion had a volunteer filled with knowledge about the place, too. Leaves you wondering what the family's ransacked Corfe Castle was like back in the 1600s. Oh yes: Pigs. Be sure to enjoy the grunting of the free range pigs next to the car park!

A truly fantastic place, full of wonders both inside and out. The interior features centuries-old furnishings in stunning condition—absolutely magical. The grounds are vast and beautifully maintained. You can spend hours walking or relaxing in the park. There is plenty of parking, and the on-site café welcomes everyone with a great selection."

Famous historic National Trust place, with large family house and very large gardens. The house had lots of history with very knowledgeable staff/volunteers - talk to them as they have lots of great information. The place is all about the Bankes family, which has a colourful past. The place is also part of a 16,000 acres (!) estate that includes Corfe Castle - a "must visit" to complete the family history of the Bankes early ancestors. Leave time to visit the Japanese garden - we were there in early (warm) November and the colours were stunning.

Fabulous! House and grounds are amazing. Staff so knowledgeable about the house, items within it as well as the art work. Grounds very well maintained and I love the different sections, bamboo, Acers , and the Japanese garden and as well as the kitchen gardens across the road. Cafe staff very pleasant and helpful. Had a lovely fruit scone cream tea, very tasty, and we sat outside in the sun to enjoy it. A very pleasant break before we continued to explore more of the grounds.

Beautiful house and extensive gardens. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable. We were able to visit the attic rooms which apparently are not open all the time which was a bonus. There is quite a bit of work going on in the grounds at the moment so we were informed that not all the usual toilets were open. None of this affected our visit though.

Magnificent historic mansion. Set in extensive grounds and formal gardens. Renoun for notable artwork, the interiors are special too, with Spanish leather wall coverings and simulated tented upper bedrooms for gentlemen guests. The room guides are a delight to talk to, so knowledgeable and personable. They made my visit. Though it is a shame that the rooms have to be so dark, it was hard to appreciate the artworks. The room guides have torches and will illuminated notable paintings when asked. So do talk to them. Don't miss the Japanese gardens, which we felt were the star garden of the formal gardens.

Lovely grounds and house with good facilities, although there are currently building works going on that add some minor inconvenience. Entrance is a little pricey but worth it if one gets entry to the house, which is not guaranteed. The Stables café is excellent and very good value for money, and there is a well stocked shop with local produce.

Staff are disgraceful, especially with boarding / deboarding. Wide cars are put on last in the smallest spaces, making it difficult to get in your vehicle. It took us roughly 40 minutes until our lane could move and get in our vehicle with others still waiting. Thought it was appropriate to only use one of the upper vehicle deck’s ramp where people would reverse off. The seats aren’t very comfy, especially for the long durations. Charging should be for all passengers, not a perk for upgraded passengers. Wi-Fi is VERY expensive as well as Data - £6 a mb which is very unreliable! It’s worth doing one of the Red-Bull Mobile eSIMs as they are cheaper. The Liberation and Voyager (fast crafts) are unreliable - usually a maximum of Force 5. Somehow their whole fleet was over an hour late due to a ‘fairground taking longer to load than expected’ for one vessel which took a week to make up that hour. Food on the fast crafts aren’t the best (and overpriced) however, on the conventional ships are very good and worth the cost, mainly due to having proper chefs.

Unsure, how to rate, service on board - great. On shore great Review of our outbound trip in 3-4 metre waves. Question - is a fast ferry and it's use on a lumpy crossing, sensible (many not well on our sailing)? - but it did arrive on time. Return trip Weather/waves about 1 metre and same ship (Liberation) performed crossing well and fast. Completely different

My friends and I sailed from Poole to Cherbourg on the early morning crossing on 2nd September 2024. The check in lady was great, friendly and efficient and with a great sense of humour. We got coffees from Harry's cafe. (Avoid it, review to follow.) however we were called to board before we could drink our coffees. On board we parked our bikes as directed and I watched the large, balding guy strap my bike down very firmly. I believed that he knew what he was doing and maybe we were going to have a rough crossing so didn't say anything. Hindsight's a winderful thing! We had a 4 berth cabin booked where we dumped our wet bike gear and during the crossing I had an hour's kip on the top bunk but beyond that we didnt really need it as we ensconced ourselves on a 4 seater rable in the restaurant for both crossings. The crossing out was smooth enough but now my bike makes a whirring noise like it has knobbly tyres on the front wheel. I can only assume it was over tightened and the front wheel bearings have been impacted by this. I've tried wobbling the wheel to check for play but nothing obvious. It's due for a service if I can book it in so will see what they say. I will then get in touch with Btittany Ferries. I know I should have said something at the time but believed he knew what he was doing and couldn't have pre empted the outcome at the time.

We were meant to be catching the ferry Poole to Cherbourg ferry but it was cancelled due to storm Benjamin, we had to rebook to go from Portsmouth, which was fine, however, despite saying that you could get a refund / reschedule the trip, you couldn’t call through to anyone as the automated message cut you off, resulting in a ‘amendment fee’ of £20 needing to be paid when rescheduling via the website - it should recognise that your crossing was cancelled and not apply the fee automatically.

Remember to carry a photo Id - the ticket might not say anything but the website does. The experience was great though. Used the services to travel to Guernsey as a foot passenger The have a couple of services, one from Portsmouth (slow - 7hr) & other from Poole (quick - 3hr). Depending on the time of the day it could turn out the slow service is better. For example, if the slow service travels overnight and the slow service leaves late to reach UK or Guernsey at odd hours which makes onward journey difficult. An upgrade to a recliner is recommended to make the journey comfortable. Word of caution, table seats in Horizon Lounge do not recline! Club class offers beverages and snacks throughout the journey that give off the luxury vibe

Our first time taking the car and dog on a ferry, so we were a little apprehensive, particularly knowing our dog would have to stay in the car, alone, for a long time, with strange sounds and smells etc. We travelled from Poole to Jersey on the fast Liberation ferry, with the return journey a week later. Everything went smoothly, and I was able to check on our dog during the crossing. Thankfully he's always calm and well behaved in the car. He was curled up and calm but wanted to get out as soon as he saw me, so we did not check on him for the return journey, so as not to disturb him again. We just stayed in the standard seats outbound, which were fine as we wandered around a bit and watched from the top deck (despite thick fog for part of it) during that crossing. It was fairly noisy but no more than we expected. For the return journey, we had booked the Club Class upgrade (didn't fancy the Horizon Lounge as it's advertised as family friendly, so we expected that to be noisy). Club was noticeably better, nice seats and table with snacks and water waiting for us as we arrived, table service inclusive hot drinks and soft drinks, a small amenity kit (toothbrush, eye mask, inflatable neck pillow etc). It also included a 200mb WiFi allowance (ask the cabin staff for an access code), which would cost £4.50 if you bought it, but is absolutely not worth that much. The crossing from Poole to the Channel Islands was a little choppy but not too bad. Some people clearly suffered sea sickness but not too many. On the return crossing, the sea was rough between Jersey and Guernsey, so we anticipated a very rough Channel crossing, but thankfully it wasn't nearly as bad once we were north of the Channel Islands.

First time on Condor and was very impressed. Staff were all really friendly, helpful and proffessional. Our cabin while traveling from Portsmouth to Jersey was comfortable and clean, and had plenty of space for the two of us to relax. There were two restaurants on board, we chose the table service three course restaurant that was set up for Valentines day with flowers and decorations. The food was good quality and my Seabass fillet was cooked perfectly. Unfortunatly they did not have our chosen wine cold in the fridge, so it was served warm, but another member of the team quickly got us an ice bucket and also gave us another free bottle of wine to takeaway, a very generous gesture! I would point out that the "brussels pate" on the menu is made of pork and tasted of pork, but on the menu it says chicken liver. Not a problem for me, but could be for any one who has religious issues with eating pork. Condor need to update this on the menu.. Apart from that the trip was smooth and we took the fast boat on the way back to Poole which was also a very pleasant journey after we upgraded to premium seating at the front of the ship. Overall we would certainly book again and found overall service and hospitality to be very good on both crossings of the channel.

It's a beautiful walk and a beautiful wood, along pathways lined with bramble berries. Delicate miniature orchids grow amongst the grass alongside other wildflowers. Bees, butterflies and birds abound. We were disappointed that the Roman crossroad was not signposted, we'd have loved to have seen it. The history of this hill fort is rich. The views are gorgeous. Despite it being a glorious summer day, there were no other people around, we had it all to ourselves.

Exercise. Bring your hiking boots or running shoes to this place. It will give you a good workout whether you want it to or not so best be prepared. Easy to find and easy to see the Bradbury Rings are more like a nature walk with a lot of hills than a walk in the park. I loved it. I think my favorite thing was imagining a battle reenactment happening on the rings and the surrounding fields.

Whether summer, winter, autumn or spring, Bradbury Rings is absolutely stunning and very much my happy-place. It's peaceful and calm, outstanding views, quit and secluded. Even when it's busy it's big enough that it still feels peaceful and as a dark skies venue is amazing and feels really safe to take the kids star gazing too 💕

I've been a few times over the years and Badbury has never disappointed on a nice walk , if that's just having a backup when with my mates or just another family walk before the pub. I would highly recommend anyone who hasn't been , it's great for families and couples alike. Also the sunsets are amazing

If your up to a good walk this is a great one lovely scenery, the lad on the entrance was very helpful and knowledgeable

Not much too see but its good views of the surrounding countryside you can see Kingston Lacey from the viewpoint from the top parking is available but you have to pay if not a member of the national trust there is a little Hut in the car park selling refreshments if you need refreshing

A vast, stunningly beautiful area. You can walk for hours, relax, or just lie down and enjoy the view. It's definitely worth a visit."

We have visited the festival of light for a few years and this year’s has been our best experience yet! The lights were very well thought out and we thought that the theme was fantastic! The animals on the drive round safari were also more active than usual which was brilliant too.

Brilliant day out! So much to do and see here. Especially if you visit when the lanterns are out. The animals were all well looked after and settled in their enclosures. We went through the safari twice as the animals were just incredible! Would love to visit again soon!

Festival of lights is incredible! We had a lovely day at the drive through safari and a wonderful evening taking in the wonderful lights. This is the 4th time I have been to a festival of lights and this was by far the best one!

Great family day out with the choice to opt out of the safari should you wish. Plenty for children to do to keep them occupied and the Bat Cave is a great experience too.. The Festival of Light is becoming an annual visit for us and we love the different themes each year. This year's Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run went down a storm with the children..🥰

We were at longleat for the festival of lights and enjoyed a full day exploring the park including the jungle cruise and safari bus. There was plenty to see and do one of the favourites was the bat cave and on both trips the staff were very helpful and informative. In the evening we enjoyed an amazing light festival and Christmas stalls.

Wow!!!! What an amazing day. Can't wait to do it again some time. The whole day had the wow factor. The safari was amazing, the light festival exceeded our expectations. We were able to take our own food, we could navigate the day at our own pace. So much to see, good variety of animals to see and up close too. Not too over crowded, loved the big tent for children to do activities in, sit down and relax on bean bags without having to pay additional charges, good value for money and will definitely recommend. A wonderful treat for the family.

Such wow factor. Everything was great. A bit busy and wet onThe Saturday but Friday was lovely and relaxed. We saw soooo many animals up close and the Farmhouse is stunning. We will be back!

We have visited the festival of light for a few years and this year’s has been our best experience yet! The lights were very well thought out and we thought that the theme was fantastic! The animals on the drive round safari were also more active than usual which was brilliant too.

Brilliant day out! So much to do and see here. Especially if you visit when the lanterns are out. The animals were all well looked after and settled in their enclosures. We went through the safari twice as the animals were just incredible! Would love to visit again soon!

Festival of lights is incredible! We had a lovely day at the drive through safari and a wonderful evening taking in the wonderful lights. This is the 4th time I have been to a festival of lights and this was by far the best one!

Great family day out with the choice to opt out of the safari should you wish. Plenty for children to do to keep them occupied and the Bat Cave is a great experience too.. The Festival of Light is becoming an annual visit for us and we love the different themes each year. This year's Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run went down a storm with the children..🥰

We were at longleat for the festival of lights and enjoyed a full day exploring the park including the jungle cruise and safari bus. There was plenty to see and do one of the favourites was the bat cave and on both trips the staff were very helpful and informative. In the evening we enjoyed an amazing light festival and Christmas stalls.

Wow!!!! What an amazing day. Can't wait to do it again some time. The whole day had the wow factor. The safari was amazing, the light festival exceeded our expectations. We were able to take our own food, we could navigate the day at our own pace. So much to see, good variety of animals to see and up close too. Not too over crowded, loved the big tent for children to do activities in, sit down and relax on bean bags without having to pay additional charges, good value for money and will definitely recommend. A wonderful treat for the family.

Such wow factor. Everything was great. A bit busy and wet onThe Saturday but Friday was lovely and relaxed. We saw soooo many animals up close and the Farmhouse is stunning. We will be back!

Had a lovely few hours here in the sunshine. The place is quite small and definitely geared more towards younger children, probably best suited for those under 7. The animal feeding is free and a lot of fun — a real highlight! Staff were very friendly and helpful throughout. The dinosaur walk was pleasant, with a nice path around a pond. However, it does feel quite expensive for what’s on offer, considering the size and scope of the attractions.

Bought the winter season ticket, very good value if you visit regularly. I was advised to book a spot in advance even though I have a season ticket as it can get busy during half term and Christmas school holidays. Took my 14 month old grandson and he loved it. Lots said animals to pet and lots of age appropriate activities.

We had a great day out with our 1 year old. It was very clean, the animals looked happy and very well cared for. We didn't use the soft play areas but the weather was perfect so spent all of our time outside. Our baby isn't walking yet and we still made great use of the facilities. We will definitely return when we are in the area again.

Wonderful place to visit with young children. A range of indoor and outdoor activities to keep them entertained including a soft play centre, and always a programme of activities going on throughout the day such as animal feeding, goat racing and milking demonstrations. We're lucky enough to have an annual pass which makes it pretty goof value for money.

Pletty of Family fun for the whole day. Tractor rides £1.50, bouncy castle, cow milking, barn with animals in with guinea pigs on you lap, lambs, goats, deer feeding, pig racing, dinosaur trail, play parks, soft play, and a cafe.

Even in the rain, Farmer Palmer's was a great day out in which my kids enjoyed endless play, holding or feeding a number of animals, pig racing and a dinosaur trail. We were there from opening until mid afternoon in rainy weather, and can only imagine if the sun is shining this place is easily a full day out for any family with kids under 8. Loved it.

Had such a great day out at Palmer’s Farm Park in Falmer! Super family-friendly with loads for the kids to do. We did the deer feed tractor ride, we fed the animals, held a bunny (so cute!), and explored all the different areas. The splash park is new and perfect for a hot day, and the pedal go karts around the track were a hit. There’s also a playground & bouncy castle so there is plenty to do and lots of space to run around. We visited on Father’s Day and even caught the pig race, honestly such a laugh! Definitely recommend for a fun day with the family 😊🐷🚜🌞

A great find to add to our annual Dorset adventures. So good we’re going back tomorrow for more mud & water fun 🤩 Friendly & helpful staff, clean toilets & a great selection of food to keep everyone happy 🤩

We had an incredible first experience on the inflatables. The team were great with us all and ensured my 3 boys had a fab time? everyone was kept safe, they even dealt with a medical emergency half way through the session in the most rapid and professional manner! Team should be proud of themselves. Well worth the drive and the money and that’s on a rainy day! We wouldn’t hesitate in coming again and really look forward in doing so.

This adventure park is great if you love outdoor activities. Inflatable water park - It's great fun every time, you get an hour of fun, with 30 minutes on 2 different obstacle courses, you can go on all different obstacles, from a water trampoline to a water slide straight into the lake. Mud trail - The mud trail is a challenging outdoor fitness activity with up to 50 obstacles and different ways to go, every way is different, from fitting through tires to trying to get through mud with uneven surfaces. The safety is perfect as there are friendly staff all over the water park and mud trail that you can trust. Overall this is a great experience for the family and you can purchase a multi ticket for the water park and the mud trail which is cheaper than buying both separately. I would recommend buying tickets online because you are guaranteed the spot if you book and is cheaper if you book online. The parking is free and there are lots of spots. 10/10 experience!

Great fun for all the family! Inflatable water park and the Mud trail. Make sure you’ve got some old cloths very muddy. 😃

The inflatable water park is a great activity for the whole family. Strenuous but fun and each lake has a different selection of obstacles and activities. Reasonably priced for this type of activity and the staff are all excellent.

Great experience suitable for all ages highly recommend we ended doing in the rain in September was so much fun.

Went to the Halloween trail here last night and it was fantastic. I wasn't expecting to scream but I did! Definitely get tickets for this next time if you like being pleasantly terrified - well worth the ticket price.

Interesting town museum which has objects and documents of the town and its industries. It’s larger than it looks and you can spend some time rambling around the rooms. The building was the priest’s house and then a pub. There’s a small shop and a garden with good views over the valley

If you are fit enough you really need to walk Gold Hill which was made famous by the Hovis adverts. The museum is at the top of the hill, it is small, free to enter and full of interesting stuff. Is one of those places where you can breeze through and see a few things that interest you or spend ages looking at everything. Sadly we've got to the age where we recognised some of the exhibits from grandparents homes. The staff were friendly and helpful and we enjoyed the visit.

Picturesque views:) Small little village. It was very windy and rainy day when I visited so couldn’t explore much but managed to take a few nice shots, I think? 😉

Wonderful little gem. It's free to enter, with option to donate at the start/finish. Two floors of themed rooms with reference to Shaftesbury and the area. Very interesting, learnt loads. Well laid out with lots of information and very friendly and helpful guides on hand. Excellent Unfortunately we didn't see outside due to the torrential rain, but the inside displays were a dry, great distraction.

Fantastic little bit of history with plenty for the kids to do. Beautifully presented with a sprinkle of humour 👌 All for a donation. So please do sa it's run by volunteers.

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury. We visited here on the way back from a week in Dorset. It is simply Stunning! So picturesque and pretty. There was also a Christmas Market with plenty of stalls and shops to browse around. A truly beautiful place and well worth a visit.

A very interesting and well layed out museum, walking through the different rooms in the building you get a learn about the history of shaftesbury and see aftifacts dating back. Also told here is the story of the peach family who made a difference in their shop here. It's free to enter here and certainly adds a nice touch to gold hill. Please note the manaquin next to the fire truck was very life like 😂

The Abbey ruins and small museum are well worth a visit on a day out in Shaftesbury. Entry is free but there is the opportunity to make a donation. The ruins are well presented and there is plenty of information available plus places to sit on a nice day. There is a gift shop that sells ice cream, books etc. The museum is small but interesting. All in all its pleasant if not spectacular. Makes a part of a good day out in the town.

Shaftesbury Abbey was a lovely addition to our family afternoon outing (We have a toddler and baby). The museum provided a really helpful insight into the Abbey, it’s long history, and what it would have been like to live and work there. What’s left of the Abbey after it was destroyed has been really thoughtfully displayed with information about each section of the original buildings. The gardens are beautiful, well kept with areas cordoned off for safety and to preserve Abbey remnants. There were activities for children in the museum including a wooden Abbey puzzle, dress up basket and interactive screen. There was a peaceful and respectful atmosphere and we enjoyed our visit.

Great reception and employees! Beautiful visit and very interesting history. Well explained, concise and dynamic. Beautiful garden and overall very interesting!

Free entry. Interesting, tranquil spot close to the historic town centre. Great views from the entrance and close to Gold Hill (Hovis ad)

It’s a very old museum, there is a free Gide and free entrance it’s full of history about nuns and religion, the stuff are very friendly and happy to talk with you about the all long history about Abbey and Gardens.

We were greeted by a very friendly and knowledgeable volunteer, who gave us an intro to the history of the Abbey, and asked if our kids would like to do the scavenger hunt/quiz which lead us nicely around the grounds and kept the kids engaged. It was short and sweet, and a lovely stop on our walk around Shaftesbury!

Absolutely stunning location, perched high on a hill overlooking the medieval town of Shaftesbury. The museum will be open again in April 2024 as its only open April to October each year. Whilst standing at the locked gates I saw the ghost of a nun wearing a white habit. I looked this up later and found that style of dress was worn there in the 1500’s! This validates my sighting. I will return when it opens in April. Went in August and it was a beautiful, not too hot day. Lovely volunteers and relaxing garden. Highly recommended!

We had a fabulous day out at Stourhead. The views and walks were amazing. The house was also so interesting! Unfortunately I can't rate it a 5 star this time as the lake had blue-green algae (lots of good warning signage though) and the flower beds and gardens were looking very dry and a bit unkempt. We will definitely visit again in Spring!

Lovely walk around a lake. Easy access and nice views. Busier than expected at October half term. Good setting off point for other walks outside the grounds of Stourhead house. Large car park, pub (check opening times), farm shop.

One of the most beautiful places ive visited recently, the architecture and the scenery is just amazing, absolutely perfect for a family to visit or walk the dog . Stourhead estate on the Wiltshire-Somerset border is the perfect day out for everyone. A breathtaking 18th century landscape garden with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples is only the beginning. You can also visit Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion with a fantastic regency library and beautiful art collection. Then why not climb the 205 steps to the top of King Alfred's Tower, an amazing red-brick folly, for vistas over Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, or explore one of our Iron Age hill forts.

We went on a weekend in October and there were queues to get in, but once on the grounds it didn't feel too busy at all. The autumnal colours made made the scenery all that more stunning. If you don't want to grab a sit down meal before or after your walk, I'd recommend packing a picnic

Excellent place for a day out, lots of things to see! Definitely one of my favourite National Trust places so far, highly recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a lovely day at stourhead visiting with my parents. The National trust House and gardens was really well set up. Probably the best National trust House and gardens for children to visit - obviously have to be careful of them around the lakes but lots of interesting things for them to do and see including in the house. The house itself you could only see downstairs which was slightly disappointing but the bits that you could see were really impressive - that included interesting architecture plus an extensive set of paintings, the furniture and the library outstanding from my perspective. The volunteers were really enthusiastic and explained about the different rooms and previous owners of the building. The house gardens and lakes are of course also very photogenic. The walk around the lakes takes about an hour we stopped on occasion because it was very hot to look inside the different grottos and buildings around the lake. Most of the refreshments and facilities are up near the house so it's worth getting ready for the walk. There are some steep cobbled sections which can be slippery in wet weather. We found a photographic exhibition was very interesting actually displayed in the gardens of the house.

Second time visiting, but in the rain which was different altogether, in a good way. Lots of features to look at when walking the vast grounds and the house is interesting, full of beautiful books and furniture as well as paintings with hidden features. Definitely worth a visit.

Fantastic family day out! The monkeys and apes are so happy and clearly very well cared for. Food and drinks are reasonably priced but you could take your own picnic. Monkey world is even better than we expected.

At first I was a bit reticent coming here as I thought it was a zoo but turned out it’s a rescue centre. I was surprised to see how spacious their space is and how many toys they have. It seems like they take good care of them which is good. The monkeys seemed to be happy too. It was great to see them all! The park is huge and you can spend half a day or more if you take your time.

Well what can I say, this is a great attraction and by visiting you will hear some sad stories about how the apes and monkeys have been treated while at the same time doing good by providing money to keep the monkeys in food and 5* accommodation. The staff are very knowledgeable and answer all your questions, thank god for people like this that have a passion the welfare of all the apes and monkeys in their care. Please go and visit this place is open all year round apart from Christmas Day . Thank you monkey word for what you do.

Had a great day out at monkey world. We were lucky that the weather was so good and the park so quiet. You can't can't escape the fact that these beautiful animals aren't in the wild - with infinite space around them - but they also wouldn't be alive. The space they have feels generous - and engaging for them to have fun. Monkey World treads a delicate line carefully - and has created an educational and enjoyable day out. We watched monkeys play and interact not just with each other but with us too. They are incredible to watch. Good job Monkey World. Keep doing a great job.

Excellent. I went with family who watch the show every evening. We all throroughly enjoyed it. It was a lot more walking than we all thought but there was so much to see. We listed to a chimpanzee talk and you can really tell how much all the staff care about the animals they have. All of the enclosures looked clean and tidy but in a natural monkey sort of way! My only moan is that the map is terrible. I could not figure out the map at all. There were other people who struggled to as they asked me for help! Worth the visit. There were lots of play areas for kids and the big one (I think it's called the orangutan park maybe) looked great. Plenty of space for picnics and for little ones to run around. A great day out.

This brought back such wonderful memories of visiting here with my grandparents when I was small. There are so many different monkeys across a pretty large park. There were lots of children around and they all seemed to be enjoying it, just as I did when I was young. I definitely recommend coming to monkey world for a fun filled day out.

Our Daughter has always wanted to visit Monkey World, so not to disapoint her, as She still had a Weeks Holiday left from work, Me and My Wife Decided to journey to Poole from North Wales, booked into a Travel Lodge for a few nights, and it was a very enjoyable experience for the three of us. It was a very Hot Day, lots of walking, but there's a few kiosks where you can get Cold Treats. Plenty to see, and amuse you too. Yes, would recommend visiting this Wonderful place. Good parking facilities too.

Although I grew up only 4 minutes drive from the museum, I'm embarrassed that this was my first ever visit. My 14 year old daughter and I enjoyed it so much and the staff were so friendly. The cars are so well laid out. As a mini owner, we really enjoyed the talk about minis by volunteer Jon. Highly recommended for a day out and able to visit as many times as you like in a year.

An absolute gem of a place! A great way to spend the day learning about motoring history! The staff were amazing! I was very well looked after by the ladies following a minor medical emergency. Can’t thank you all enough. All in all, a fantastic day out at this wonderful museum!

Absolutely must stop place to visit. Packed with cars and other exhibits. Every turn you see something that blows you away if you are a car lover. I never thought I would get close to a Ferrari 250 GTO. Exotic cars alongside every day cars but all superbly displayed. Special mention to the lights as they make every photo a brilliant shot.

A modern museum with lots of great cars to view. Ancient and modern. A small motorcycle exhibit. Plenty of parking and a nice cafe. Tickets last a year so you can visit multiple times should you wish. Very friendly and knowledgeable volunteer staff.

Brilliant visit. Superb layout with magnificent exhibitions. Vehicles set in well ordered displays. Photos of cars I have owned in the past. Looked like the day I bought them.

I really enjoyed my visit , it was lovely seeing so many cars that I remember when they were new , and so many super cars . All of which are very well displayed. The shop and Cafe are excellent as well .

Amazing!! Took my dad here for his birthday and we really enjoyed it. Many different cars to look at. Staff were so friendly aswell. Would 100% recommend

This mysterious, well endowed hill figure is a famous local landmark. It's worth a look as if you're in the area, but without getting up in air, the best view of it isn't brilliant, at least compared to other hill figures like Westbury White Horse or The Long Man of Wilmington. That said, I can highly recommend a look around the delightful village of Cerne Abbas, where you'll find an impressive church, abbey remains and a curious well. The chalk downland that the giant is carved into makes for a good walk with lovely views.

The best place to view the giant is actually from the village car park. It only costs £1 and has an electric charger. There is also a small wooden playground and picnic tables. I also walked to the giant, but you could see very little of it as it is behind a barbed wire fence. I enjoyed the walks leading to it, and think it is a beautiful little village with interesting buildings and an old Abbey and Well.

Good view of the Giant from the viewpoint parking area. I parked in the main parking area, then walked around Cerne Abbas. Lovely village. Good selection of pubs if you fancy a bite to eat. Then took a walk all up around the hills & valley, well worth it for the views......note that you can't see the Giant when you're at the top, but you can see everything else.

The Cerne Abbas Giant is a colossal chalk figure carved into a hillside near the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset, England, standing about 180 feet (55 meters) tall and brandishing a large club in his right hand. One of his most striking features is his prominent phallus, which measures approximately 30 feet (9 meters) in length. While long thought to be an ancient fertility symbol, modern archaeological analysis suggests the figure was created sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries AD, placing it in the early medieval period. Despite its likely Saxon origins, the Giant was not mentioned in any known documents until 1694, when it appeared in church records, leaving its true origins and purpose shrouded in mystery.

It gets a star because the car park was free, as for the giant itself, dont go as you will hardly see it as The National Trust who 'look after it' have not re-chalked it.We visited it on 29th August 2025.My wife remarked "Is this it?" Through squinted eyes.Can anyone call The National trust and tell them where it is?

A must see if you are in the area. Nice circular walk or you can drive to the view point where there are a few parking places. At there moment there is an art installation on the slope next to the giant. Very colourful although it was a dull day when we visited.

Worth the visit and walk up the hill. Wild orchids were flowering in early June with plenty of insect life. A lovely walk through many different trails before & after the giants hill. Yes you can't see the giant very well while walking on the hill, that's the way it was made, to be seen from a distance. It is also fenced off to protect it, if every numbskull was allowed to walk over it, erosion would soon take hold and it would start to disappear. Also don't expect the grass to be trimmed every week for your viewing pleasure, Cerne Abbas doesn't receive anywhere near the number of tourists to justify the money it would cost to do this. Take your time here and spend some money in the village to help out the locals.... and don't be ungrateful, rate it 5⭐!

Been going to minterne since early 70s, may is best time to go to see flowers, candelabra primaulas will be in flower like Pulverulenta, prolifera, Apple blossom, bulleyana, beesiana, 3 swans in the small lake, must be cold for them in winter, lake is too small for them to take off to go to the fleet so are stuck at minterne, soil is acid, theres a lot of big trees, small river, as a cafe which usually shuts at 3 pm, could spend a day there sat on benches, don't see any birds there apart from ducks swans phasants. Hostas don't have many holes in them so must be things eating slugs & snails, lot of water coming out of the ground at the lower part of the garden so marsh plants do well, could do with a few dozen marsh marigolds planted a long the river, in the 1970s used to see buccaneers & phantoms flying low over the gardens

Absolutely stunning garden. There's an entrance fee of £10, but in my opinion it's more than worth it. I am happy to contribute to the upkeep of this feast for the senses. A beautiful and mysterious path along abundant rhododendrons and azaleas, by a stream with waterfalls. There's also a tibetan hut along the way, and other decorations that give the garden a himalayan feel. And then there's a nice cafe in the manor, with a lovely terrace where you can finish off your day with a cream tea. The best time to visit is April/ May when everything is in bloom. There are also some very fragrant rhododendrons, so the air will be heavy with scent. Definitely a recommend.

Nestled in the heart of Dorset’s rolling hills, Minterne House and Gardens is a true hidden gem that effortlessly weaves together centuries of rich history with the natural splendour of its breathtaking gardens. Home to the Digby and Churchill families for generations, Minterne House is steeped in stories of the past — from its connections to Sir Winston Churchill’s ancestry to its place within the tapestry of England’s stately homes. The house itself exudes timeless elegance, and stepping onto its grounds feels like stepping into a living piece of history. But it’s the gardens that truly steal the show. Inspired by Himalayan planting, the gardens at Minterne are a feast for the senses — a meandering paradise of rare rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, and towering trees that frame peaceful lakes and cascading waterfalls. Each turn along the mile-long trail reveals another stunning vista, with surprises of stone bridges, tranquil streams, and charming benches inviting you to pause and soak in the serenity. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Minterne House and Gardens offers an experience that lingers long after you leave. It’s a place where history and horticultural beauty come together in perfect harmony — and one I can’t recommend highly enough.

Awesome walk thru the forested gardens. The hydrangeas are magnificent! Beautiful fairies and woodland creatures dancing between the trees!

Went with my mate to do the Halloween Trail. There are lots of different Halloween bits and pieces throughout the gardens and a few games that can be played along the way. We had a good laugh. Although £10 a head and no carer discount made it a bit expensive. Especially as I genuinely couldn't have done this on my own... The gardens are accessible to a point on a mobility scooter. There was one path (at the end) where I needed a push. It's not for the faint-hearted here (and I'm not just talking about the skeletons and witches that you'll encounter)! The paths are rough in places and steep too plus the camber on the path at the beginning and end is not to be tackled lightly. But, as long as you have good balance and can cope with the odd steep path, you will have a lovely few hours. The toilets are not ideal. There are some posh portaloos behind some bushes but I wasn't able to access them due to the steep steps up into them. On asking if there were accessible toilets available, I was asked to wait while one of the cafe staff ran to the office to find out. She then came back saying there were some inside but she'd have to get the ramps out. She also said they were very narrow aswell. After a bit of discussion, I decided I would have to give them a try, so she asked me to wait at the front door and she would get the ramps. They obviously weren't nearby due to the very long wait we had. In the end, she brought 3 wooden ramps and arranged them on the steps. After a bit of a run up, I managed to get in the house and use the loo (which was fine by the way, but no hand holds). Leaving the house however, was not as easy! My scooter got caught on the 2nd ramp which moved away from the step and left me in mid air. I had to get off it mid way to get it removed from the ramp. Anyway, I survived the incident but I think I aged the staff somewhat 🫣. After going round the gardens we thought we'd get a toastie at the cafe but we missed their 2pm deadline for hot food by 13mins! Luckily they have a Churro's Shack doing fresh churros and doughnuts till 4pm so we had some fresh, hot churro's with a coffee from them instead. Very tasty. Only issue here was trying to find a non mouldy stirrer due to the outdoor nature of the milk and sugar station. All in all though, it was a fun few hours and a place I will try to visit again - although they dropped some stars due to a few issues, I'll give them another chance. Not sure if I'll ever dare to use the loo again though. Eeek 🤣

A very well organised fairy and dragon trail, had to look out for all the fairies, there is a little colour booklet to purchase for kids whoch has a map and pictures and puzzels, also a colour ribbon of your choice to hang on the wishing tree, well sign posted with a river walk, himalayan hut, wild flowers and a few pheasants popping out at times, a real treat, had a lovely coffee and cake before we left looking forward to our next visit

Visited today with 3 adults, 1 teen, 1 child. Lovely serene gardens. We did the fairy and dragon trail which was loved by all. The variety of plants, trees and flowers is amazing with all the different colours. The river walk is stunning with all the mini waterfalls and the big bridge at the end. Will be revisiting. A hidden gem 💎

Went here on a lovely sunny and warm day which is great as a lot of the attractions are outside and ideal for young kids that can play in the play park and water splash areas. Not as many inside tank areas as in other sea life centres. Good access for wheelchair users. Blue badge parking adjacent to the premier Inn car park. Wheelchair accessible toilets are quite small.

I had a good time at Sea Life, everything was clean and the exhibits were well presented. That said, I’d recommend going on a weekend when the full experience is available. Visiting on a Monday meant only the drinks section of the gift shop (located at the exit) was open, and the food kiosks were shut, which was a letdown if, like me, you fancy a drink and a bite to eat during your visit. The signage could definitely be improved. We had to exit through the Shark section just to find our way out via the gift shop, and we weren’t the only ones, other visitors ended up following me through the same confusing route. Overall, it was a decent few hours out, but for a smoother, more complete visit, especially with family - I’d say stick to the weekend.

We visited on a weekday in early November and spent just over 2 hours here. We were very surprised at the size of the site and the large variety of animals housed here. The aquarium is spread out over a few buildings, each housing a themed exhibition from rock pools to rainforests and coral reefs. Each exhibit includes detailed information signs and screens providing more information about the animals and marine life houses here. They also host a variety of free talks and feeding sessions throughout the day and we found these to be very informative. Our highlight was visiting the seals in their open-air pool with underwater viewing area. In addition to the aquarium exhibits, there are also a variety of play areas and other attractions which would certainly keep younger visitors entertained (and could easily extend the visit from a few hours to a day out). There is also a gift shop and cafe at the exit. The site is fairly flat and there are tarmac paths throughout which would make it very accessible for prams, buggies and wheelchairs. There are also lots of signs and maps dotted around the site (as well as the free map they give you when you enter) so you can easily find the exhibits you are looking for. You are also able to pop out and return later in the day if needed. The staff here were all very friendly and helpful and also incredibly knowledgeable. They were a credit to Sea Life and made us feel very welcome. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sea Life Weymouth and would happily return in future.

Perfect place to visit with family or if you love sea life. It’s not as big as the one in London which I visited before, but it’s still a really nice one. If you can, try to get there around 1 PM so you can catch all the feeding times. The place is small but very well designed, and you don’t really need a guide. Just grab a map from the entrance and you’ll easily find your way around. The one thing I felt was missing was food. There were souvenir shops everywhere, but a coffee machine or a small snack corner inside would’ve been great. The only spot for a warm drink was the cafeteria at the exit. Other than that, it’s a fun and relaxing experience

We had a lovely visit to the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth. The staff were really friendly and welcoming, and the whole place was clean and well looked after. The kids enjoyed seeing all the different sea creatures, and it was a fun family day out overall. That said, we were quite frustrated that none of the refreshment shops were open until the very end. By the time we reached the exit café, it was a bit too late. For the price of the tickets, we were expecting a bit more from the experience. Still, we had a great time and made some nice memories.

Very accessible for a scooter user, only one bridge by the otters wasn't but there was another way around. The aquariums are indoors but you go outside to get to each one and to see the penguins and otters, be aware of this and have a poncho with you!

This is a really small Sea Life, 2 hours and you will have seen everything. The animals and fish appear well cared for. The staff are well informed, courteous and friendly. The cafe by the gift shop served good coffee and had a fair selection of snacks available.

The scenery here is truly breathtaking — a perfect blend of history, nature, and the sea all in one place. It’s a spot that definitely deserves more appreciation and care. While the natural beauty is undeniable, the area would benefit from better maintenance and cleanliness. Adding more benches and picnic tables would make it even more enjoyable for families and visitors. The restroom facilities don’t seem to fully meet the needs of the visitors either. Still, despite these small shortcomings, it’s a magnificent place where you can relax, enjoy the view, and feel completely refreshed."

An absolutely brilliant experience that takes you on a journey of the history of the original Victorian fort through two World Wars and then the Cold War, when part of the fort was used as a Nuclear Bunker. The films and exhibits are superb and the D-Day exhibition, which highlights the role of Weymouth in the D-Day landings and Operation Overlord, is outstanding. There are also amazing views across Weymouth, the Jurassic Coast and Portland. There's a great little café too! It's well worth the entrance fee!

A wonderful place to visit. There are lifts to the different levels and the majority of items are step free. There are well laid out ramps that are suitable for wheelchairs. There is plenty of parking which is not free outside the venue. There is a sloping down hill walk go the entrance. A well stocked shop which you enter and exit the site. There is a large cafe and lots of seating inside and out. Disabled toilet next to the cafe. The rooms around the site are well laid out with lots of information

Brilliant afternoon here with my wife and parents. The fort has loads of information about its history over its three levels in its labyrinthine tunnels and has spectacular coastal views looking out across the English Channel. I would definitely recommend this amazing place allow yourself up to four hours to go round the fort.

Excellent experience. Great day out. Lots of interesting exhibitions and a maze of tunnels. The cold War exhibits and nuclear bunker really interesting. Lovely cafe serving light lunches volunteers very friendly and helpful,the accessibility very good there is a lift that goes from the ramparts all the way down to the tunnels. Lots of ramps everywhere very impressive

Nothe Fort is a fascinating historic site with amazing views over Weymouth Bay and the harbour. The fort is well preserved, with interesting exhibits, tunnels, and displays that bring its history to life. The staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable. A perfect mix of history, scenery, and fun — a must-visit attraction in Weymouth!

An absolutely brilliant place to visit. Every member of staff was polite, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The whole experience was fantastic but stumbling upon the Nuclear shelter was an unexpected highlight. Would 100% recommend

Excellent beach, dog’s allowed on west beach only until 30th September, plenty of parking but at £4.80/hr near the sea front a bit expensive, if you are prepared to walk it is cheaper near the swannery car park. Plenty of shop’s, cafe’s, etc. Worth a visit

Lovely area, we attend the motocross annually and always great atmosphere and brilliant stalls with plenty of food options. Shops and easy parking nearby, handy disabled spaces down the seafront.

Weymouth Beach is a beautiful and clean seaside spot with soft pebbles and clear waters. The gentle waves and scenic views make it perfect for a peaceful walk or relaxing by the shore. The promenade nearby adds to the charm with plenty of cafés and ice cream stalls. A lovely place to enjoy the classic English seaside atmosphere!

A beautiful clean beach Its always warm on the sea front Plenty of places to sit or eat. Definitely recommend Weymouth its lovely

One of many amazing beaches on the Dorset coast, not as easy to find a parking space unless you use the car parks either end of the beach or use the park and ride from outside the town. Once there the lovely well looked after beaches are so beautiful and through the summer many families enjoy and use the many amenities for souvenirs and snacks to evening meals with plenty of restaurant choice. It has a all year dog friendly beach either side of main beach and dog friendly everywhere after 30th September. The harbour and Nothe fort walks are amazing too.

I really enjoyed our walk on the beach. Wide open beach, plenty of cafes and restarants, arcades and friendly people all around. We were there in October so I can imagine it is gets very busy in summer But I would recommend going off peak

We went in late october. Drizzling with rain on and off but it is still gorgeous there. Lovely long sandy beach. Dogs are allowed. And just crossed the road to shops and cafe.

Very enjoyable stroll along both sides of this picturesque harbor & town. Arrived on a cruise ship, opting to venture out on our own & soak up some uniquely European ambiance in this - our first port across 'the pond' - since crossing over from Florida ... Mission Accomplished👍

Beautiful harbour surrounded by lovely shops, cafes, pubs & restaurants. It’s lovely just to sit and watch the comings and goings of the boats.

I love the place. I walk about the place at least once a day. The place always looks different. Morning, afternoon or Night time. It can get very very busy around the harbour on both sides when it's warm and the holiday season. Plenty of places to buy food and other shops. They also do a Christmas day swim across the harbour. Which I found pretty cool as it was Christmas day and the place was the busiest I had seen it at any one give time. The land train buzz's round that way also when it's running. Also a good place too park your Boat up and tease me 😂

Good to see an active fishing industry in the harbour. There are brightly coloured houses lining the harbour waterfront and a few quayside pubs, cafes and restaurants. Seems like the place for fresh seafood although I was too early in the morning for that.

Absolutely love this place it's like heaven totally my vibe so much to see and do

Been to harbour side for a walk. Such an elegant view from the bridge. Colourful buildings just amazing and making very different impact on the atmosphere around harbour area. Just beautiful place, water, blue sky, fishing boats, excellent pubs, nice eating places,happy people and charming atmosphere. I'm so happy that came to this place and spend my all day this lovely city.

So much too see, plenty places to eat and drink, lots of people walking, dinning, sailing, crabbing and so much more. Lovely atmosphere, We went to the "Quayside" for cake and coffee, we sat outside as the sun was shinning, friendly and pleasant staff and the coffee and cake were delicious. The bridge had just gone up, lots of people on the quayside both sides waiting to cross. Boats exiting and entering Weymouth harbour. All was very Very enjoyable.

What an amazing place, thought it would just be planes on display, which it is, but there's way more to it than that ! There are four halls, the first is mainly Wessex helicopters and these are big !!! There's bullet holes in one from the Falklands conflict, you walk through to Hall 2 with some amazing aircraft including a Sea Vixen, Gruman and you can sit in a Vampire cockpit which we should all do, you are never to old to do that ! These planes are huge, theres also a viewing area of the airfield where you may see planes and helicopters. Walking through to Hall 3, via a helicopter where the floor vibrates and the sound fills the compartment, you exit onto an aircraft carrier... its just ...wow ! The Phantom looks ready to go, the Harrier is locked, loaded and you can see the command bridge. There's a lift which had a video display about life below deck, and so many models of carriers and the supporting vessels. You the walk through the decking of a 70's carrier which is simply brilliant. There's see through video screens which activate as you approach and you get people telling you about their roles, its so good. Finally ..Hall 4 has Concorde, what's not to love about Concorde 002, you can walk through her, theres a Fairy Delta 2.. which was at one stage the fastest aircraft on earth. Its simply a brilliant day out... there's also a lovely cafe ... so get yourself there, no matter how young or old you are !

We visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum earlier in the day, which was a smart move as it was nice and quiet. The staff at the entrance were friendly, welcoming, and gave us great advice on the best route to take. The museum itself is brilliantly laid out, with each hall flowing naturally into the next. You really get the chance to move around the aircraft and see them up close—it feels immersive rather than just a display. The collection is fantastic, giving you a real sense of the Fleet Air Arm’s history. If I had one small suggestion, it would be to make navigation in the aircraft carrier hangar a little clearer—it’s an impressive, well-designed exhibit, but we found ourselves slightly turned around at first. That said, it didn’t affect our enjoyment one bit. Overall, this is a superb museum: fascinating, hands-on, and excellent value for money. I’d absolutely recommend a visit—100%!

Great place to visit. Worth the price. Definitely buy the tickets online as they’re cheaper. There’s lots to walk round. You can walk into helicopters and planes. Staff are super friendly

An incredible collection in an absorbing and appropriate setting. Easy to gt to by road with plenty of parking once you get there. Beware the A303 can be a bit manic in high Summer traffic. Leave a whole day for t=your visit as there is plenty to read and just look at whether adult of children. You don't need a Naval background to get the best out of your visit, but listening to veterans chatting about their experiences certainly adds atmosphere. A good selection of things to buy as mementos and space to enjoy your own picnic to the sound of the nearby airfield HMS Heron, RNAS Yeovilton if you prefer. A visit to the on site cafe lets you chat and decide what to look at again.

We 'popped' in to break a journey back home from holiday. Thinking it would only be an hour or so...three hours later and we had to go to continue our journey. To give justice to the place you need a good 4-5 hours. It's absolutely amazing and I think it's all indoors as well because we didn't get to see it all. Even with our shorter visit it was well worth the entrance fee.

Loved it . Plenty to see and very well displayed.All very interesting and the chance to walk inside concord was great.All.areas were accessable to my knowledge.. See if you can ..Find the photo booth 😉 good fun .( There is a charge but only if you print off) The Food and drinks area was clean and prices were average for this type of place ( Nice pot of tea👍). Plenty of helpful & knowledgeable staff .

Based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, just a short drive from Yeovil, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and families . Housing Europe’s largest collection of naval aircraft, including Concorde 002, Harriers, and helicopters, the four halls chronicle the Royal Navy’s aerial history from biplanes to modern jets. Knowledgeable and friendly staff as well.

Absolutely fantastic experience. The staff were among the best I’ve ever encountered, genuinely attentive and welcoming. Climbing the Lighthouse was a highlight, made even better by a tour guide who knew his stuff inside out. The lady in the gift shop was an absolute gem. And the views? Endless. Just breathtaking.

What a beautiful day. The 🌞 was shining and not a cloud in the sky. No queues for the lighthouse, what more can you ask for. If it was the middle of summer I'd book tickets 🎟️ in advance, but at this time of the year... we didn't.

Very interesting - if you're into that sort of thing. Only take kids if they don't mind climbing up and down the stairs - we had a child that screamed half the way up and had to be almost dragged back down from lantern room.

Portland Bill Lighthouse is a stunning coastal landmark with breathtaking sea views. The striking red-and-white tower looks beautiful against the dramatic cliffs and ocean backdrop. It’s a great spot for photography, peaceful walks, and watching the waves crash along the rocks. The area is well maintained, with a cozy café nearby. A must-visit for anyone exploring the Jurassic Coast — truly iconic and unforgettable!

This was a lovely unplanned visit. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The history of the place is nice to see and there are plenty of posters around to learn about the different type of lights they used. Definitely worth doing if you are able to manges walking 150 steps and a steep ladder.

Really beautiful area to walk around and the lighthouse was fabulous. The tour was informative and the views from the top were great. I highly recommend going and seeing it

Stunning spot with unbeatable 360° coastal views. The lighthouse is iconic, and the surrounding area is peaceful and perfect for a walk. Great mix of natural beauty and serenity — a must-visit on the Jurassic Coast.

Loved it. A small car park nearby was free due to construction. Completed pebble beach. Amazing for pebble collectors. And the sunset here is glorious

I've been coming here all my life, it's still one of the most beautiful places in the UK. The beach itself is beautiful, vast and naturally interesting, the views are stunning and at night time you can see millions of stars here. If you're going to the Abbotsbury part of the beach, good parking (paid parking) with toilet facilities and a little cafe. Feels very safe here both day and night.

Beautiful unique beach if you are prepared to walk on the millions of pebbles 😃 You need strong legs to get near the water from Abbotsbury car park, not ideal for trolleys. Once you are by the water the sensation is indescribable 🤩🤩🤩 If you enjoy fishing 🎣 you will have plenty of competitors 😃 There is a carpark that you can pay on the machine by the the bar or by phone

Want a challenge? Walk this entire Chesil Beach from Fortuneswell (Quibbles cafe)to West Bay (The George Hotel). I did it 6 years ago but soon realized that I hadn't taken in just how tiring the pebbles can be for walking on. I ended that walk at Abbotsbury due to not having enough time. So I have done it again for its entire length this time. Forget running. Walking is more efficient. I believe that you can walk this beach all year, even during the bird season, 01/05 to 31/08 as long as you keep to the side of the sea. A lone walker may still be ok to walk as long as they do not disturb nature. But ask at the Chesil Beach visitor centre first. They will also inform you of any recent events, like landslides or rockfalls that may hamper your progress. I made a mistake of asking tourists who misguided me. Not to worry, it didn't put me off. I just got on with it and was soon back on track. Update: Did it for the last time today, Wednesday 24 September, entirely by beach, using tidal times for optimum beach width. No diversions. See proof of route photo. Some tips for those who fancy this walk. Check tide times. Check seasonal restrictions. Check firing range..MOD. Take a fully charged mobile phone. Take snacks and drinks. Don't rush it. Enjoy it. It's a mammoth task for most. Regular breaks. Start early, around 07:00 but before 09:00. Duration depending on the individual is anywhere between 6 hour 40 mins to 13 hours. But most likely, just 9 hours. There is the option to leave the route at the 10 miles ? Point, Abbotsbury car park. No shame if you do. That's the hardest bit to do for anyone. Start from Fortuneswell end of the beach. Begin there at high tide. By the time you get in range of West Bay the tide will be lower. Lower tide means wider beach. Wider beach means safe distance from cliff collapse. Wider beach near Bridport area means no detour to avoid river run off across the beach by Freshwater caravan site. Further on, still keep a safe distance from the cliffs. Due to low tide, some sections of the beach have exposed , hard sand that can be taken advantage of due to low the tide exposing it. See video of smooth, flat gritty sand.

Have a great time fishing for the first time in Chisel beach, we were lucky to catch some mackerels. Shore is mostly pebbles so make sure to have the right footwear. Nice view of the hill and Isle of Portland from this area as well. Camping is not allowed in this beach. Will surely comeback for more fishes.

Beautiful beach, has a swimming area to both sides, one under the cliffs and the other to the west, we were told to stay clear of cliffs as they fall. Bring rubber shoes as it's rocky and watch out for kids and adults throwing rocks to see if they have fossils on th. Of fossil hunting, bring a hammer. Has a nice little shop that sells fossils and mementos as well as a visitor center, which is free. Slippery rocks during low tide and a lot of small pools for little ones to explore.

Lovely place to go for a stroll along the coastline, especially on a sunny day... we'll worth a stop at the cafe for a bap and a sausage roll to replenish. Lots of folk fishing along the shore and big waves to test your running legs against. Well worth the trip to see Chesil beach!

A nice garden to wander around, also has nice vegetable plot. Loverly pond with nice undercover seated area to sit and admire the grounds. While there spotted a Dragon Fly drying its wings for its 1st flight. A wonderful sight to see. There is an Arboretum, but we did not walk around it. Small cafe. I would say on hour in garden is all you need here. August 2025

Garden is absolutely lovely divided into 6 'rooms' each with a different theme and colour scheme. Gardening items for sale here with small takeout cafe and toilets on site. Pity the gorgeous looking house is a holiday let. !

The house started as a small farmhouse in 1630 but was enlarged into its current form in the 18th century. The house was the property of the Napper family for centuries. It was given to the National Trust in 1954. The gardens were set out in the early 20th century by cottage owner Dr SJM Price. The subsequent owners Phyllis Reiss and Captain FE Reiss expanded the original theme by designing a number of garden 'rooms' each with its own style and purpose and separated by walls and yew hedges. From 1979 to 1993 writer and gardener Penelope Hobhouse cared for the garden. Very dog friendly, we took our dog, the only place she wasn't allowed was the kitchen garden (understandable). Two picnic areas, one by the car park and one in the auditorium, toilets and small cafe, small but lovely gardens. The bonus is you have 4 National trust places in this area, so you can do 2 a day.👍👌

We had a lovely visit to this beautiful little garden with its 5 garden rooms walk round took about an hour. It has a good little cafe and sells fresh veg from the garden which is a bonus.

A small but pretty National Trust Garden, with a number of different sections, including a fruit / vegetable garden, a pond and an arboretum. The roses were particularly pretty. We found the garden to be very tranquil but it's clearly seen better days and could do with a little TLC. We walked round all of it in about half an hour ! There's a small cafe, bookshop and also some reasonable plants for sale. Nice for a quick visit if you're in the area and already an NT member.

A beautiful National Trust property. The garden is the star of the show although the house is quite interesting. Easy to combine with a couple of other local properties for a day out!

Great and well kept garden just outside of Yeovil. It’s only small compared to most national trust properties but very beautiful and scenic

Very beautiful property. Well worth a visit. Set in a picture perfect village. Recommend the estate walk up the hill to the tower for the views.

Fabulous Elizabethan House. The grounds are beautiful. There is a timed entry to the house. Also, there is some limited access whilst a staircase is being renovated. Easy parking. Great place for a picnic.

A National Trust star. A fabulous garden with lots of different styles on display in a tiny area. An imposing house with lots of rooms to explore and a long history to understand. There’s a nice cafe and you can go for a stroke around the estate if the mood takes you.

Fantastic location. Beautiful garden. 1st floor visit only. Eldest tapestry known by National Trust. Furnuture partly not original but that's part of the history of this estate.

This is a beautiful place with three different walks around lovely grounds. The guides that tell the history of the house are very knowledgeable, polite and friendly. The upstairs area was unfortunately closed awaiting renovation but the grounds were lovely. There is a good café and I can say that the pulled pork sandwich and potato wedges were very nice and reasonably priced. I will definitely return.

Superb house & gardens. Very sad that only the ground floor available whilst extensive repairs made on the other 2 floors. Very good cafe with plenty of open air space. Dogs welcome in the grounds & cafe. Super little shop but like ALL of the NT shops & similar, all their prices are far too expensive but of course, you are part if their captive audience. Finally, the staff could not be more pleasant & helpfully esoecially that lovely lady sitting on the shadows, quietly in the study. This is a well worth visit.

A really nice place to visit, I would say that you wouldn't spend all day here as you can complete the look around in 2 to three hours. There is a play area for the little kids to keep them happy for an hour. The house is ground floor only due to problems on the second and third floors ... The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable...you also have a cafe which sells hot and cold meals as well as drinks. All in all well worth the 3 hours we spent there. One last thing the ladies walk does include a few hills and the path does contain a few trip hazards so be careful

Had lunch at the Hive Beach Cafe . Absolutely one of the tastiest dishes I’ve eaten in a very long time . I had the mackerel and it was sooooo good. Staff were friendly , personable and the location is great. Definitely recommend and would go back in a heartbeat ( I’m g/ f too so it was an extra treat to have such good food ).

Hive Beach in Dorset is an absolute gem. Nestled along the Jurassic Coast, it offers stunning views with its mix of sandy and shingle beach, backed by dramatic cliffs. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and fossil hunters, with the South West Coast Path providing beautiful walks along the coastline. It’s also dog-friendly and has good facilities, including parking. While the beach can be a bit steep in places and the cliffs can be unstable, it’s still a fantastic spot for a day out. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or an outdoor adventure, Hive Beach delivers both.

Beautiful beach, and very clean. Enjoyable long walks along the sea or on top of cliffs, both directions. Parking and cafes are available nearby.

Favourite place to be in the world. Perfect for families, Perfect for couples with pets. Once you park up you don't necessarily need to touch the car again. Plenty to do, plenty to see. Beautiful walks and scenery. Just Perfect holiday town

We visited this fantastic beach last week. It stretches for miles in both directions and the sea views and cliff faces are breathtaking. A really great place to visit for a long walk, combined with some fossil hunting. There's a very popular cafe and plenty of parking, which is free for NT members. Well worth a visit and much more accessible than nearby West Bay.

Nice beach and cliffs. Amazing view from the top of the cliff.

Serene and soul searching place at the far end of Chesil Beach. Beach itself is shingle so a bit easier to do the paths rather than the Beach unless you are up for some decent exercise.

What a great afternoon! The guide is one of a small team that's involved in the brewing process, he was very informative. It was nice to see how beer was made way back when, and how subtle changes have been made for today's market. The tour also included the local history, of the family owned brewery and how it interacted with Bridport. The tasting session, after the tour, gave an opportunity to taste all the beers and purchase samples from the factory shop. I would thoroughly recommend.

My wife and I were holidaying in the area and noticed that Palmers do tours. A rainy day so we decided to book, easily done online. The 2pm tour was booked. There were 6 in our group and our tour guide was Andy. A fascinating insight into the brewing of their beer, brewing, the ingredients, and a little history of the, brewery, and the town of Bridport was given by our guide. The tour is in a working brewery so care is taken where necessary with high viz vests given out to you. The tour has some steep steps to negotiate so make sure that you are agile enough. The tour lasted approximately 2 hours. You finish the tour in the wine store where you are given free samples of their ales and ciders. The shop is well stocked if you should wish to take home some of their excellent products or wine, spirits etc. A great way to spend a rainy day, or a sunny day for that matter.

Did the tour with my mum last week on Thurs 11th. We've been visiting Bridport for years as a family, but had never been to Palmers. Had wanted to do it since last year, and I think the rain this year helped us go ahead and book! So glad we did. So interesting and eye opening about the whole process. Our guide Dave was absolutely brill and his knowledge about Palmers and the brewing process was faultless. So lovely to learn more about the history of our beloved Bridport :)

Visiting Bridport with our family for the week and had to try the brewery tour. Graeme our tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. It was fascinating and a wonderful use of an afternoon. Trying all the beers at the end was of course the best bit. We will definitely be going to the Palmers pubs in the area whilst we're here.

The Palmers Brewery Tour was excellent - as it provided a unique opportunity to see a real life working brewery situated within a characterful Grade I listed building. Our friendly tour guide demonstrated an exceptionally high level of knowledge of the brewing process. We enjoyed sampling the full range of Palmers beers at the end of the tour! Highly recommended.

There were 4 of us celebrating 60th's and what a great 2 hours it was! David, our guide was very knowledgeable and to see the process from start to finish - well I have the utmost respect for beer making! I have been on other tours, and I have to say this was the most informative. The tasting session at the end was very generous and we had a wonderful cycle home.

What a great tour. Ian Scott was great very friendly and so informative. Then to top off such a great tour you get to taste all the beer's, just a sip for me as I was driving, but that was ok as I got to buy my favourite to go in my new glass. The price is amazing too

Lovely little harbour surrounded by fish n chips and icecream huts etc..West bay beach is stunning. Great for families but as a solo hiker, I prefer somewhere a little less busy.

This is a great place to sit, chill and unwind. Views are spectacular and stunning 😍 Plenty of amenities close by, with pubs, restaurants, tea, coffee, just great!!! Great food available right near to where you could sit a d chill! Very romantic setting as the sun goes down! It's a "must visit place!"

Lovely walks and my places to stop for drinks and food

Nice little harbour with plenty of benches to sit down and have your picnic or food from one of the food huts we had small cod and chips and a tea really nice.

Nice harbour at West Bay with south west coastal walks on both sides. Good place to stop for food, coffee, ice cream, toilets, etc.

Stopped here on a coach day trip on the way to Swanage. It's a lovely town with a lovely market and lots of nooks and crannies down by the Custom House. Well worth a visit.

Bridport is a thriving community with always lots going on