Sherborne Abbey is truly stunning—its architecture is remarkable and the atmosphere incredibly peaceful. Although I am Buddhist, I felt a deep sense of calm and serenity while sitting inside. I spent quite some time there meditating, and it was a beautiful experience. Staffs were very friendly and welcoming. Well worth a visit.

What a splendid site and wonderful interior with some of England’s earliest fan vaulting. The town is obviously very prosperous, which also means good coffee and food. We visited during a Sunday service, and were able to sit in the side and enjoy the choir and organ.

Beautiful Abbey, first time visiting. Lovely chap and his dog at the gift shop. Lit a candle for those we’d lost. Well worth a visit. Remember to make a donation

Such an impressive cathedral. The ceiling and stained glass windows were truly amazing and the volunteers and staff were dedicated to keeping it looking wonderful.

Stunning Church with so much history. The Abbey is free to to enter which is fairly unusual these days. when visiting for a look round you do need to check if there is a service on. There are no toilets on site, but the Abbey tea rooms just next door does have toilets and there are very good toilets in Digby Road opposite.

Worth a visit. lots of local history to read with in , Beautiful staindglass to see .Also a nice remberance area & book of names open to view.

Magnificent Benedictine abbey built of beautiful golden stone, with a truly stunning interior. The incredible ceilings, towering arches and wall paintings come together to make for a dramatic spectacle inside, further enhanced by the beautiful stained glass windows. The abbey has had a storied history, which is detailed on a small leaflet available inside, and you can walk around at leisure to take in the all the details. The abbey is free to visit, donations are welcomed and there's a small gift shop inside. Sherborne itself is a very attractive market town with a pleasant park near the railway station, and some very picturesque streets; well worth a look around while you're visiting.

Well worth a visit. We opted for the Garden Package, as the timing didn’t work for the castle’s guided tour. The gentleman at the entrance was very helpful and clearly explained our options. The gardens are stunning, and the castle itself is equally impressive. A lovely experience overall.

Really loved these castle ruins owbed by English Heritage. Its free to visit and there is so much information and history posted all around. The the views from here are also stunning. The car park is very close by and you donate £3 to use it. There are benches around the castle so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Well worth a visit for all the family and you can bring your dog.

A great ruined castle to visit (and free), but with limited investment compared to some other nearby ruins; not a lot of the castle left but enough to give a really good impression of the scale and original layout. Good signs in place to give some information about the site too. Could use some extra funding for repairs and upkeep of the main structure. Option to donate at the car park.

A hidden gem of English Heritage. Free to enter the ruins. Walk around the moat (dry of course). Lovely place for a picnic.

Four of us were looking for a reasonably priced day out and found Sherborne Old Castle for FREE. Parked for free just outside and walked up and around. Beautiful old ruins and fantastic informative boards all around. For us to visit the other castle would’ve been £80.

Access. Getting to the castle by car is not difficult. The roads are not bad and you can park in the castle grounds. A wheelchair user will require a little assistance up to the castle grounds as the path is a bit bumpy. The shop is nice and small, stocked with English Heritage goods. There are no facilities here. The castle is impressive for its size and the grounds are large and you can sit on a bench around the main wall by the entrance. The grounds are flat and the lawn well kept, so access is good for most. There is no climbing and there is surprisingly a lot to see, especially surviving stone work details. There are signs around the site explaining interesting facts about the building, it's structure and history. You can easily spend an hour at this location if you are in no rush and want to take pictures. The building and it's ground are good for children, just keep them away from the long grass areas.

We visited Sherborne Old Castle a recent Sunday afternoon in June, and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Firstly, a word of warning: make sure you find the right castle, and don't get confused by Google Maps pointing you to the other (newer) castle! Another warning: there are no toilets (except the porta-potty that the English Heritage guy uses behind the entrance office). To the ruins themselves: we dedicated about an hour or so to walking around the site and reading the information signs. Also, make sure you find the entrance to the moat and walk all the way around. The moat entrance is on the opposite side to the castle gate, facing the train tracks. Unfortunately, the moat finished 3/4 of the way round, so we had to walk all the way back round to exit.

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.

This is a very impressive local museum with many top quality display areas but, for me, the visit was spoiled by the arcane charging system. We live 170 miles from Dorchester and were visiting solely to see the museum's current entertaining and informative Jane Austen exhibition. At the cash desk, I was frankly shocked to find that this would cost us £15 each. As avid museum visitors, we found such a charge for a local museum, albeit a rather good one, pretty extraordinary. I was already feeling grumpy when the very pleasant young woman at the till insisted that I must give my full name and email before I could have a ticket. I suggested that it was very unusual for museums to demand personal details before selling a ticket but she explained, very politely, that she could not issue a ticket without these. This left me totally bemused until I later received an email with a link allowing me to claim an annual museum pass. Neither of us had seen any obvious indication at the desk that even the casual visitor had to buy an annual pass to get in, and this was not explained by the assistant. Living so far away, we would certainly not be visiting again within a year and, in my opinion and based on my experience of local museums, £15 is an eyewateringly high price for a single entry. The most liberal local authorities offer free entry, as does my home town of Bedford to its equally impressive Higgins museum and gallery. Some charge £3 to £6 or £7. I would associate £15 with a major collection, which, lovely though it is, this is not

Being a history lover (weirdly it bored me at school 55-60yrs ago) I enjoyed my couple of hours here , especially the Roman mosaics, Victorian hall and the library. The building itself is also worth a second look especially the windows. The cafe looked nice but I didn't use it so can't comment , likewise the toilets.

Spent the day in Dorchester and explored the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery - truly fantastic! This museum is one of the best we've visited, with four floors of surprises around every corner…

What a fantastic place!! There is so much to see, from the prehistoric Dorset coast to Thomas Hardy connections. We were interested in the travelling Gladiators in Britain exhibition which was brilliant. Make sure you allow plenty of time to look round but the ticket does allow you to go back within 12 months.

Very disappointed that it closes at 17:00 hours yet at 16:10 they refused to let me enter because I was 10 minutes late and they needed to close the rooms. Also the cafe doors were locked. So you don’t close at 5:00, you close as soon as the last person leaves as long as it is before closure time. The woman just said come back tomorrow. I won’t bother!! Be aware that traffic getting in to and out of Dorchester is horrendous. I saw the beautiful church next door and got to wander around the local shops. Everyone else I met was friendly and helpful. Shame.

Great museum, lots of Jurassic coast fossils and sea dinosaurs. A fantastic collection of archaeological finds from local locations, Bronze and Iron Age, Roman and Medieval. Human skeletons and fascinating local history including Roman mosaics, funny phalluses and a hoard of Roman coins. Enjoyed the art gallery too especially the Alfred Wallis paintings.

Ticket is valid for a year. Staff friendly & knowledgeable We were directed to exactly the section we were most interested in - Thomas Hardy. Fabulous collection, wish we had more time

Worth a visit for sure. I should say I have little interest in the author but did find the visit interesting and enjoyable. Allow about 1-30m. Guided tour was very good thanks to the knowledge and manner of our guide Mary👍House is intriguing, lots of unusual details. Furniture is authentic for the period but not necessarily from the original house.

Interesting and knowledgeable guide. Another brilliant National Trust building, free to Nationsl Trust members. Booking your visit ahead of time is recommended. Parking is on the road opposite the house.

Spent a lovely morning at #maxGate. The host on my tour was formerly a teacher and obviously a fan of Hardy. I learnt so-much more from him in that 30 minutes about Hardy and his love of Women and eccentric life. Especially the tale of the formidable mother Jemima. Definitely worth a visit, the house and grounds are lovely. I would set aside at least 90 minutes for a visit. I forgot to mention Nikki who says #SconeAsInGone, she was baking biscuits for the guests!

These are photos connected to the novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. The first photo is Hardy's Cottage, Dorset, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. Photo is from 2006. The remaining photos are of Hardy's House, Max Gate, Dorset, the home of Thomas Hardy. Photos are from 2019.

Fascinating house, lovely to learn more about Hardy, Cathy (I think that was her name) was really friendly and nice to chat to after the tour. Adam read me a poem by hardy and was very friendly and knowledgeable

A wonderful morning here greeted so enthusiastically even for none hardy fans it’s worth visiting. For Hardy fans it’s unmissable.

Excellent place to visit, especially if you are into Hardy. Friendly, helpful staff. House, garden, secondhand bookshop, small gift shop and loos. No proper site parking (some spaces just outside) or refreshments, but The Trumpet Major pub up the road is very walkable with a large car park, and that does classic pub food and drink, so not a real problem.

Lovely gardens with beautiful flowers and water features. The tea room is light and airy with a tasty menu. Good clean facilities and plenty of car parking. Their is also an interesting house to visit on the grounds but on this occasion we didn't go in.

We recently visited Athelhampton House & Gardens for a family day out, but decided not to go inside the house itself, as we had newborns and a toddler with us. Instead, we enjoyed the beautiful outdoor spaces. We spent a relaxing time in the secluded picnic area before exploring the impressive grounds, which featured a lovely walled garden, several water features, and plenty of exotic plants to admire. For lunch, we purchased food from the restaurant. Because we were sitting outside, the staff had to specially cater for us, as they normally only serve food indoors. This meant our meals came in takeaway containers, which wasn’t ideal, but understandable. My wife ordered two sandwiches (Cheese & Pickle, and Chicken Mayo) with side salads and drinks. The total came to nearly £30, and while the sandwiches were tasty, I felt they were a bit overpriced at £8-9 each. That said, the staff were polite and very attentive, and we had a lovely afternoon overall. We’d definitely consider coming back in the future - especially when we’re not navigating the gardens with a double pushchair!

One of the best houses to visit. You are left alone to walk around at your own pace and time. Was greated just inside the house with a very nice lady who had a lovely bubbling personality. The gardens are very good and large. The food in the restaurant is very good and reasonably priced. Well worth a visit and we'll worth the entrance price.

The house has an amazinly preserved Tudor kitchen, rivalling Hampton Court's. The rest of the house is also gorgeous with lots of original Tudor elements, along with later additions and adaptations. The gardens are stunning, with lots of little nooks and almost secret little gardens all cobbled together; perfect for exploring one sunny afternoon. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely little restaurant and gift shop too. Spacious car park, with some electric charging points.

A very interesting house and gardens not too big or too small just right. The house has 29 rooms to view and the gardens take about an hour to view. You can take photos I. The house most unexpected. The tea room is lovely and allows dogs, they are also allowed in the gardens but not in the house. Plenty of parking including enough space for us to park our 6.36m long motorhome. All the staff were very friendly and you are encouraged to ask questions of them. I would really recommend his house and garden.

Lovely gardens even in the rain. The cafe is nice and has a decent size menu. The staff are lovely and the gardener is very knowledgeable

Lovely gardens with many quiet corners. River Piddle runs through. If you drive ev you can get one hour of free charging in the parking area.

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.

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!

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 😂

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 !!!

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.

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.

We parked at the Durlston country park and did the clifftop walk down to Dancing ledge, really lovely walk along the cliffs, then looped around to take the high path back, would recommend walking boots as it's a bit rugged in a few places.

An absolutely amazing place to visit. If you have a disability and can't walk to far you can hire a Tamper which is a electric ride on buggy. It's powerful enough to take you on any of the four walks, like cliff top or meadows. Just call in advance to book the tempers at just £3 for the day. The cafe has a great menu and the food is amazing, just make sure you get there before 3.45 pm to order your food. I would recommend this place to visit.

Wonderful place. I’ve visited Swanage many times but have never been to Durlston. Such a beautiful place to walk around on a sunny February day. Absolutely loved it and will be back in the summer.

Lovely park to spend time in exploring, it's hilly but the views are wonderful. Came for the parkrun, made full use of the 10% discount after in the cafe (with views of Old Harry), but browsed the shop, so it's dog friendly and they sell Pawbeck ice creams for dogs, so which my Buzz loved.

Excellent place to walk with breathtaking views. Lots of photo opportunities. Don't miss the giant snail shell. Perfect photo op.

Took some friends here last Saturday. Had a fantastic time, beautiful views and spectacular coastal path walk.

It's a wonderful area, with simply stunning views. But the thing that impressed me the most, is just how accessible it is. The amount of thought and effort that has been made to enable everyone to access the castle is quite impressive. A series of lifts and ramps make this possible, and when you head outside the tracks are wide and well made. It really is a place that everyone can enjoy, and dogs are made welcome too!

A heritage railway mostly run by enthusiastic volunteers. From the beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage stopping at numerous stops that includes Corfe Castle.

For me was the one attraction in the area I wanted to visit on our holiday and it didn't disappoint. A long time since I went on a steam/heritage railway but this was by far one of the best I've been to. The stations and carriages were all in noticeably great condition, with the stations decorated in the 'golden age of steam' fashion - they look great. It's gets busy, we got the 1040hrs train out of Norden and we were lucky to get a seat so get there early - there is a luggage carriage for wheelchairs/buggies Tickets can be bought online, on the platform or with the ticket inspector, kids under 5 go free (!) and adults were a very reasonable £18 open return. Journey to Swanage took about 20 mins and was very picturesque with a great view of Corfe Castle. The numerous return journies allows for ample time exploring Swanage. There are various museums at the different stations to explore and a shop at Swanage station. Staff were very helpful and a pleasure to see being so enthusiastic about working there - certainly added to the experience.

Fantastic piece of heritage well preserved by the excellent staff members, everything is kept to clean and tidy and it was a pleasure to be a passenger on. Every time we visit this area we will support this piece of English heritage.

Could be a lovely visit, if you are not disabled, avoid if you are, no parking facilities for disabled, car park 3/4 of a mile from the station. Absolutely disgusted, The trains might be 19th century, we are n now in the 21st. Never again

Absolutely wonderful return trip to Swanage from Corfe Castle. Our little dog hadn’t travelled on any train before and they made a fuss of him which he loved. Scenery is stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The staff have to be commended because they were so friendly and obviously enjoyed their work. I think many are volunteers? If so that’s amazing!

Brilliant day out kids loved it prices very reasonable

Lovely afternoon out, specially good if the weather isn’t beach worthy. The staff are always friendly, the trains are clean and a joy to watch, and ride in. I have taken to riding to Corfe, having a pub lunch and riding back again (not having to park in Corfe is always a plus). UPDATE: If you're here at Christmas, go on the light spectacular trip. Great evening, whether with or without kids. And finally, nothing to do with this train, but made me smile...... Did you know reading between the lines can be dangerous, specially if you’re at a train station.

What a fantastic gem of a place. The horses all have their own characters and are so well looked after. The staff here are all so friendly and knowledgeable and more than happy to spend time talking to you. There’s so much to do here for both adults and kids. We had the best time here thank you so so much.

My last visit was back in 2015 with my then 8yr old daughter, so it was only fair that I took my now 9yr old son to the same Horse Farm. It was lovely to see that it had some new improvements, but it was lovely to see it still had lots of the same things when I last visited. The horses all looked well loved and cared for, and its great to offer activities and mini history sessions to teach the new generations of the importance of our horses and how they helped Shape the world we live in today. My son loved the same things as my daughter, feeding the horses, riding the pedal go-cart, petting the rabbits and reading and listening to the history of the horses. It was a shame we didn’t get to go on a horse and cart ride, but that was our fault as we didn’t arrive til 12:30pm and with it being the summer holidays. The staff were all friendly, the main man, who seemed to be here there and everywhere was great, I believe it was the same gentleman who let my daughter sit in the front of the horse and cart ride. The facilities were clean and reasonable. We didn’t eat here, but the cakes looked good. Easy to find and lots of parking spaces. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit again and will continue to recommend it to anyone who is holidaying in the area. I also got a lovely head hug from UNO 🥰

A really good, fun day out. We took our daughter for her 2nd birthday and we all loved it. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming and full of fascinating information and you can tell they have a genuine passion for the animals. It was great to step back in time and see the vintage machinery, the old farm ways and the world war Mockups. All related to horses through the years. What was really nice was the free rides and games dotted about and refreshing that there wasn't an extra fee for these. There is a western themed cafe with a really good choice of food and kids menu and the portions are really generous. I had the ploughman's and was not disappointed. We spent a full day here and will definitely come back to this hidden gem.

A Wonderful Day at Dorset Heavy Horse Centre From the moment we arrived, the warmth and friendliness of the staff made us feel completely at ease. Everyone was welcoming, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they do. A special mention goes to Richard, the owner, whose deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the heavy horses truly brought the experience to life. His informative talks added so much value and made the visit both educational and enjoyable. The entire day was a delight—peaceful, well-organised, and full of charm. Whether you're an animal lover, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a pleasant countryside escape, this place ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended for families, couples, or anyone wanting a unique and memorable outing.

Really excellent. My 3 year old loved it and was entertained for nearly 4 hours. The day was well rhought through choreographed with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff offering a variety of talks and activities. Although the horses are the star attraction, there's other animals and things to do in the old way tgat is becoming a lost art. Spoiler alert, you'll leave feeling a lot better than when you enter.

The Farm was well worth a visit. The heavy horses are beautiful and it was worth going just to see them. The talks were interesting and informative. The WW1 trench was unexpected but educational. There are a lot of play areas and animals for children to enjoy and it is certainly a place I would take grandchildren if I had them! We turned up on spec and had no problem getting in, however we were warned that the previous day coach parties filled the place up. So, I would book in advance in the future.

I’d definitely recommend this place for families with little children, children can feed animals & brush ponies’s hair, wagon ride, & tractor ride, & so much more activities. They also have a very sweet staff with so much information about different kinds of horses, breeding, & wagon history. if i were the owner i’d add pony rides for double fun. & thanks again everyone was so sweet 🙏🏻 Love from Kuwait 🇰🇼❤️

Great oceanarium to see a large variety of sea creatures including sharks penguins and a giant turtle! There is a small kids area halfway round for a little break and a couple of cafes with small areas to eat. It is a bit of an odd layout and there can be a bit of a wait for the lift to get to the buggy park. Having the tunnel to see the sharks being fed is great fun. It took us about 1.5 hours to go round and listen to one of the talks.

I went to the oceanarium for their shark feeding experience and it was so much fun! The guide, Lucas, was very nice and explained the whole process very well. After the experience I walked around the rest of the oceanarium and the place as a whole is very interesting with a lot of animals I haven't seen at other aquariums or ocenariums. Over all a fantastic place to visit!

A visit to Bournemouth Aquarium proved you can spend time while making the most of the town, making it an excellent choice for families particularly those with young children. The compact yet thoughtfully designed space offers an engaging mix of marine life and educational content, ideal for a half-day excursion regardless of the weather.Accessibility is a standout feature: a dedicated pram park, full wheelchair compatibility, and clear stair routes ensure smooth navigation for all visitors. The staff are courteous, well-informed, and deliver informative feeding talks throughout the day, adding real value to the experience. A Blue Light discount is also available, which is a welcome gesture. Minor areas for improvement include inconsistent hand sanitiser availability and a need for slightly better overall cleanliness. The on-site café offers convenient refreshments but has limited seating and premium pricing. The small indoor play area caters well to toddlers but feels restrictive for children aged 7 and above.Crowds build quickly, and some viewing areas can feel cramped during peak times. Visiting early or on a weekday will provide a more relaxed and immersive experience.Verdict: A well-executed, family-friendly attraction with strong educational value and thoughtful accessibility. Minor operational tweaks would elevate it further such as more interactions and more sea life. Highly recommended especially for little ones.

I just wanted to take the time and probably ramble a little on how amazing Chris was with my son when we came for the penguin experience. It was my son’s 10th birthday present, so had a lot of high expectations. A little back story my son Nicholas fell in love with penguins at Bournemouth oceanarium and had a small penguin teddy since he was a baby. And his love has just grown over the years. When I saw that you had this experience I knew it would an amazing present for him. I want sure what to expect but still what expectation I did have were far exceeded!! Chris was amazing, friendly, kind and patient. His knowledge was mind blowing and we learnt so much. You can honestly see and feel the love and care Chris has for all the animals you have. This is a great day out! Loads to learn and see and the team are amazing!

We went for the Penguin Keeper Experience and it was incredible and so worth the money!! Chris was friendly and he was amazing at showing us around, teaching us things and giving us the best experience possible, thank you. We got a private tour of the aquarium, got to feed the fish and otters and most importantly got a lot of time with the penguins. It was such a fun date morning and I would highly recommend ! 🐧

Loved every minute here. At first apprehensive about comming as ut looks small but dont let that deceive you. It's got loads to see and do here with many educational boards and things to do. Loved the penguins and the shark tunnel. The jellies were cool to see to and the cute kids play area too. Located on thr beach iys a lovely little side quest of your at the beach or just passing through. Staff were helpfull and kind.

I really liked this place! When it was suggested that we visit I was sceptical as I am in my 50's and thought this would just be for the kids. In the end I spent over 3 hours here- looking at the penguins , sharks, fish and other creatures that were there. They all seem to be will looked after, and I thought it was really worth the entrance fee.

Great pay out on a diverse range of fun machines. After getting what I wanted, I tried to get rid of my remaining 2p coins, only to come out with 2 more prizes!

I like coming here with my partner to play pinball, however the machines are set-up completely incorrectly! Currently, there are 3 positioned in the corner all at an angle. There’s only room for one person to play a machine at a time, otherwise you’re bumping shoulders. I also wish they’d kept some of their older cabs from days gone. Getting rid of Sega Rally was a huge mistake!

I liked it here, deffo not that cheap, most games has really short rounds and to continue playing after you die you need to add more coins, but it is like any other arcade hall. I thought they had a good selection of games racing Sims and shooters. Even some cooler simulations, claw machines and other classics etc... make sure to bring cash as the card machine there charges you £1.99 to take out cash. But if you have any notes they trade them for coins for free. Most machines take contactless with a few exceptions.

Fantastic place to take the kids, we spent a lot of time playing all the machines and enjoying the whole pier area, I needed help while in the amusements with directions and places to go so I asked a worker within the amusements called Kevin, he was brilliant! He was very kind and helpful and helped me with all my questions regarding the area. He even told me of local eateries and places to take the kids within the Bournemouth area. I totally recommend visiting this area of Bournemouth

Team member Danny showed some of the most heart warming acts of kindness I have ever seen. You made Mums visit to the arcade today in Bournmouth extra special awarding her a toy dragon! Thank you so much, you don't know how lovely your gesture was. Give this man a pay rise! We'll done Danny!

Absolutely rammed, 2p machines didn't have a lot of prizes in when we got there so maybe they don't refill them quickly enough. The pier itself was closing by 6pm which is weird for the middle of the summer holidays.

I loveeee this arcade!! It’s great! Everything is really cheap- most of the games are £1 and there’s a mixture of coins and contactless so there’s something for everyone. Great variety of games as well! When I’m back in Bournemouth I’m going straight there 👾🕹️!!

Plenty of parking, free to cadw, English heritage, and historic Scotland. Very Busy even at 10am. Free Busses taking visitors down every 5 to 10 mins. And bringing back. No going on the stones. Very impressive visitors centre. Toilets, shop, cafe. All wheelchair friendly. Great audio guide app. Friendly staff. Soooo many nationalities visiting. Heard soooooo many languages. Wonderful place to visit. Better when not so many people, but over a million people visit so not any quiet time.

Stonehenge is such a fascinating and historic site, the place is visible from the road itself and is also very good for capturing photos, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light hits the stones beautifully. The visitor centre is well-organised with clear information about the history and significance of the site. Definitely a must-see spot in the UK

Fascinating experience. This place is free to visit for English Heritage and National Trust member. There is shop, cafe, toilet and exhibition at the visitor centre. Shuttle bus is available every 5 to 10 minutes to take visitor from visitor centre to the stones. But if you choose to walk to the stones and enjoy it is convenient too. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. Plenty of parking and it’s free if you are an English Heritage member or else you need to pay £3.

I didn’t go through the visitor center — instead I took a lovely, easy path through the fields. The walk was beautiful and peaceful, and it leads you right up close to Stonehenge without needing to pay. The site itself is amazing and well-kept. Totally worth it, especially if you prefer a quiet nature walk over the crowded official route.

Stonehenge is iconic for a reason—the sight of the massive stones rising from the landscape is truly impressive. The visitor centre has good information and a shuttle that takes you to the monument, making the experience smooth and well-organized. Parking is available on-site and easy to navigate, though it can get busy during peak hours. The walking trail around the stones is well laid out, offering great views from different angles. You can’t get too close, but the path still gives you plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet moments to take in the atmosphere. Overall, a memorable visit if you appreciate history, engineering, or a unique landscape.

Absolutely breathtaking! Visiting Stonehenge was such an unforgettable experience. The site is peaceful, fascinating, and has this incredible sense of history and mystery about it. Seeing it in person is completely different from photos, it really makes you stop and take it all in. The area is well maintained, the shuttle service is convenient, and the museum and exhibits add great context to what you’re seeing. We went as a family and everyone enjoyed it. Even the kids were amazed by how massive and perfectly arranged the stones are. Definitely worth the trip if can squeeze it in when visiting England! If I was local, would be cool to see during the winter and summer solstice.

Decent place to visit. 1. 30 pounds to visit is outrageous. Better to walk the trail (visitor car park to stonehedge- 30 min each way) and view for free. 2. After reaching the entrance a lad would ask if you have tickets, if you say no he will show you from where to enter the trail. 3. There's a long queue for the bus, to and fro, wait time is minimum 15 mins, walking could be quicker

We were looking for a fun outdoor activity for a while. Archery was new to us. Our instructor Glenn was brilliant! Very safe environment, surrounded by trees and wanted squirrels :) I think we just became an experts in archery! Definitely will come back! Thank you!

We had an absolutely fantastic afternoon at Insight Activities, and a huge part of that was thanks to Glenn. His guidance and support throughout both axe throwing and archery made the experience not only great fun but also easy to pick up and enjoy. Glen struck the perfect balance of being professional, knowledgeable, and encouraging, while also keeping the atmosphere relaxed and full of laughs.

A few weeks ago a group of us went to Insight Activities and did the MedievalTrio for my daughter’s birthday. It was absolutely brilliant! Nick who taught us, so knowledgeable and fun, we all had a great time. Good value for money as well! Thank you!

We visited Insight Activities for a family session of Archery. 2 adults and 2 kids, 8 & 6yr olds. Nick was fab coaching us all, straightforward simple instruction with slight adjustments throughout the session to help hone what little skill we had! The kids absolutely loved it and now we’re researching local clubs to pick it up as a new hobby. Adults equally enjoyed the challenge and had a little friendly competition whilst the kids shot at a zombie. Something for all of us. Worth noting not to be put off by the rain, there’s a couple of sheltered areas. Thanks again for a fun filled afternoon Nick!

A really excellent day for the family or any sort of group really. Glenn was our course instructor - he was outstanding. Clearly a high degree of knowledge but importantly very approachable and made the day all the more fun. Highly recommend. Picture here of the kids and Glenn.

We had an excellent morning doing the Medieval Trio. Our instructor was great and made it so fun, and gave us really helpful tips to help our archery skills. The crossbow and axe throwing were great too. Would recommend to anyone- three people in their 30s and two in their 60s loved it!

Great day out for my team. It was fun and interactive and lovely setting in the forest. Nick was a great instructor and very good at what he does. Thanks again. The whole team thoroughly enjoyed it

Worth a visit, especially if you have the English Heritage membership and have been to nearby Stonehenge. There isn't a lot left of the old castle, but it is in a nice, elevated position overlooking the "new" Salisbury Cathedral. We spent an hour or so looking around the ruins and admiring the lovely autumnal colours in the surrounding countryside. There is a small shop on site, it sells the usual memorabilia and EH stuff (always seems to be a new mead variation to buy). The staff members were friendly and helpful, we had a pleasant conversation. About 25 car parking places, the road up to it is quite steep and narrow, but there are passing points on every corner.

One of my favourite days out, this place had such beautiful views, great history and the people who worked here were very welcoming, up for a chat and overall friendly, also got some ice cream which i was quite happy they had a decent amount of vegan options. You can easily spend a good few hours here just walking around and reading everything, even just sat relaxing. Great place for dogs to come and run about, even children and it was fun watching the sky divers. i'd love to revisit here in the future. (For anyone wondering, you pay for the small middle part over the bridge, all the outer bits you can walk around for free)

Staff super friendly and helpful. Lovely to explore and learn. Only managed few photos as having fun with kiddies exploring. Little gift shop and picnic benches. Beautiful views and dogs welcome on leads.

Interesting place to visit. Cadw free entry. Has toilets and visitirs centre/shop does hot and cold drinks. Friendly staff. Car park free. Original cathedral foundations on the outer ward. Inside the inner castle is well described on info plaques. Stunning views of Salisbury.

Beautiful views of the surrounding area and the town of Salisbury. You can see the cathedral clearly from one of the walls. Lots of history related to kings of the past. Highly recommend if you’re a tourist buff and it doesn’t take too long to explore.

Incredible, eerie, lovely place to take an autumn walk. Literally layers upon layers of history. Hiking around the perimeter of the hillfort is a must for the beautiful views across Salisbury and the Wiltshire countryside.

Nice little wonder around was surprised that it was free with our Cadw membership If you are turning up you know what to expect but was definitely worth a vist. Another pile of stones listed hahaha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highcliffe was brilliant, what a fantastic place to go! Every bit of it took my breath away, I couldn’t stop saying wow look at that. The zig zag to the beach was easy for anyone to use, the beach was amazing. When I went it was hot and sunny. No benches to sit on only big rocks or the beach. Can’t wait to go again and walk to the light house!!!

Got in at 1.15pm, and inside of castle tour was at 1.30pm. For only £3 extra was able to go into rooms not available to the public normally and get a really good storytelling volunteer guide named Sue. Very interesting and engaging. Exploring after that the grounds and eating cake were a plus. Love how its dog friendly for the cafe and their selection of food. Quite a historic place, very happy to have randomly found it on the map and making a detour.

Highcliffe Castle was built between 1831 and 1836 by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. Vast quantities of medieval French masonry was shipped across the channel and used in its construction, making it appear older than it actually is. Kings, Queens and the rich and famous have all stayed here over the years. The castle interior was destroyed by fire in the 60s but grants from Heritage and Lottery funding have been used in its restoration. It's a truly beautiful building with so much history! There's a lovely walk down to Highcliffe Beach as well.

Went to highcliff castle had a look round the outside, after I purchased a cream tea in the cafe there & 5 bus fares each way from Weymouth didn't have enough for the £10 entrance fee, castle is in a good place by the sea, the grounds are well kept and the castle looks good from the outside

Highcliffe Castle is a beautifully restored building located just back from the seafront on the Dorset Coast. Well worth a visit. Plenty of open space for children and dogs to run about. There are tours inside the house if you wish to pay for a ticket and explore the rooms. There is a lovely café/restaurant on site with outdoor and indoor seating. Very clean well maintained toilets too. I should imagine it can get very busy at peak times, although there is a good amount of parking space. A short walk to the nearby beach is available. Usually very quiet, and dog friendly as it is away from nearby Mudeford and Christchurch.

Looks magnificent on the outside but a bit disappointing on the inside in my opinion. Has been restored post 2 fires in the 60's but not quite back to its former glory, I don't mind the brick wall etc.but the modern style staircase just doesn't suit the style.

Amazing! Before you start your journey you can watch a very short informational video. Only issue I had was there was no reset for the video. Very friendly and helpful staff!

Super visit for 3 or so hours. Loved all the animals who were friendly. Lots of activities for kids including safe and study trampolines in several places and indoor soft play. Wine samples a plus and we did take a bottle home too. Would recommend to people travelling around for young kids especially.

Good relaxing farm, lovely animals and great interactions. Lovely grounds, can feed all the animals when you purchase the food. Indoor softplay, trampolines and play structures. Nice woodland walk and fairy trail forest. Only point would be the Wooden play structure is starting to look tired and could do with a refresh. Food on site but didn't try as bought a picnic a d lots of benches to sit at. Chilled atmosphere and good price point.

We visited Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm for Highland Cow Day and absolutely loved it! The staff were welcoming, friendly, and clearly passionate about the animals. The Highland cows were the highlight of our trip — such a special experience to see them up close. The farm itself is beautifully kept, with lots of different rare breeds to meet, and it has a really relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Everything felt well-organised, and it was easy to spend hours exploring. We had such a fantastic time that we’re already planning our next visit — we’ll be back on the 18th! 100% would recommend this farm to anyone looking for a fun, unique, and memorable day out.

beautiful setting! We had such a lovely day there and all the staff we interacted with were lovely! This was such a great place for us to meet our friends as it's right in the middle for us. We will definitely be back for another visit! I think it's very reasonably priced for the entrance fees and also for the bucket of feed which you keep the bucket to refill next time, great way of saving waste on paper bags. Plenty of space for outdoor picnics and great play areas too, including a soft play and trampoline's for the kids to use. We had a lovely walk on the woodland and our kids enjoyed hunting for all the fairy doors! It's also great because it's not a huge place you can actually do all the stuff in one day and not feel rushed of you want to see it all.

Totally fell in love with this little farm! I turned into a kid for the day. Fantastic game and the staff were so friendly and amazing. What was supposed to be a quick visit before going into somewhere else turned out to be a full day visit and the last ones to leave.

Such a wonderful place. All the animals are so happy and have such lovely spaces. I loved feeding all the lovely sheep, goats, alpaca and more. And also the food was really good! I wasn't expecting it only because people are there for the rare breeds and usually the food is secondary because people will still eat it. But it was so good!

We absolutely love Cholderton! We come here quite often. Being able to feed the animals is great and the animals are very friendly. My little boy has the best day when we come here, highly recommend. (Good price too!) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A wonderful garden but they need more signs and directions to the actual lavender fields as I totally didn't see them, we saw a small lavander patch and thought that was it. But other than that you could see it was very well taken care for. I wonder if they use the beans/parsley/chard and other vegetables I saw in the kitchen? We didn't have time to stay for food but I guess we'll be back as we haven't actually seen the lavander field.

This is a little gem of tranquility and beauty! The staff are friendly and welcoming. Visiting the lavender farm was a wonderful experience, truly a slice of paradise tucked away. and setting the tone for a peaceful and inspiring visit. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous carefully tended and thoughtfully laid out, with vibrant fields of dahlias, scented roses and sunflowers. The rich purples, pinks yellows and reds with lush greenery provide the perfect backdrop for photos or just quiet time and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring the fields or relaxing under the umbrellas you should try their lavender biscuits and savoury scones which are delicious! If you’re looking for a peaceful day out or a special place to bring family or friends, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s a place that soothes the soul and I’ll definitely be returning soon!

My new go to place. The cottage garden, formerly New Forest Lavender gardens, is a tranquil, laid back place. If you need to escape and feel at peace, this is for you. Disabled and dog friendly. Most of the gardens are level and plenty of seating areas if walking is a struggle. I used my gardeners world entry card so it was £9 for the 3 of us. Had a delicious lunch outside in the seating area. Nice little garden centre with some quality plants. Took about an hour and a half to walk round, but we were talking about the plants, so were very much lost in the moment. Well worth the visit.

What a little hidden Gem 💎 this place is. They do some beautiful cakes some using lavender to give a little extra magic! ✨ They also do a few gluten free options which is a bonus. We also walked around the garden which costs £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for a child. The money goes on the upkeep of the garden. 🪴 I would definitely recommend visiting if you are looking for a lovely cup of tea 🫖surrounded by beautiful flowers and nature.

Magical place! We love the gardens and immediately relax the moment we visit.

The gardens are well worth paying £6 entry to visit. I have never seen such a magnificent display of flowers in nature. Absolutely breathtaking. So try their lavender scones with clotted cream and lavender tea!

Beautiful haven, well maintained. Why haven't I discovered this gem before.