As a fan of palaces and castles of all kinds, I was impressed. The palace is still undergoing renovation work, but definitely a place worth visiting. Beautiful view of the lake from the top.

A beautiful location steeped in history, the castle is remarkable and the loch is simply stunning especially in early spring. Had the pleasure of being able to walk most of the way around and found the trail pleasant and the locals friendly and accommodating. Would have loved ore time here, maybe another time if I'm up this way I will as I would certainly visit again. Nice location with plenty of amenities nearby.

Went to see the housing and the experience was brilliant, loads to do and everyone was exceptional! Getting to wander around the castle was great and wish I had enough time to explore but there was far to much to do and not enough of the day to do it. Would go again 10/10

We were really looking forward to seeing the palace and we were not disappointed. What incredible architecture and a lesson in history. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We loved exploring the many spaces and levels. A must visit location in our opinion.

Great ruin that the are trying to maintain. They have alot of info regarding its past. Found it really interesting. Allowed to walk almost all halls and stairs, even allowed up on lookout point

Worth an hour, you can walk to the top of one of the towers and take in the vews and explore all the rooms. There are plaques throughout and the staff are really helpful and friendly.

Lovely place to visit in a great location next to town and a park. Lots to do although there is a bit of construction going on.

Amazing day out for all the family. Best zoo we have been too. Loads to see, food vans located around the park which is great and it's actually decently priced too and great quality. There are loads of great animals to see and definitely could spend an entire day there. We all had the best day. Would definitely come back again.

Hands down the best zoo I’ve visited. Animals were so well looked after, staff were lovely - helpful and friendly. Could not get over the amount of different animals. Loved the unusual displays - something for both older and younger family members. Soft play was also a welcome rest. And kids loved it. Would love to return for the Christmas lights and the summer rides and things. Highly recommend. Some of the reviews on here are silly 🤷‍♀️ We spent around 4 hours here but could easily have spent the whole day. Didn’t see many empty enclosures 🤷‍♀️ and the black bear has signs explaining they are monitoring the behaviour as he is still settling in. You can tell that staff are very passionate about the animals and their wellbeing. We watched several staff members interacting with them.

Fantastic enclosures and very happy and content animals. I was super impressed with the animals husbandry and it is clear they have created the best environment for each animals needs. The staff were friendly and clearly cared about the animals on their care. We had a fantastic day out and could have stayed longer. A very well deserved 5 stars.

What an absolute amazing to visit to the zoo with my family. Such a diverse range of animals and a really cosy family feel to the whole park. From the you youngest to the eldest of our party we were all kept engaged and entertained for hours. We will definitely be back.

I loved it. It is a great place to go with family. I was lucky to see the otters that I love. And one of the bears very nice.As always... there was some shy animal that we didn't see... that happens.

Cafe and playcenter I don't recommend at all. Soup wasn't great, and the chicken tika panini was lukewarm. The coffee tasted dirty or burnt, there were so many flys. Finally the bathrooms smelt horrid and there's no hooks to put your bag up while you go to the loo. The zoo The zoo area was nice and had quite a lot to see, the animal talks were great and gave you a chance to ask more. The walk in bird enclosure was surprisingly my favourite. The carasol and other rides are nice though rather odd seeing more then half of the animal pens say to be quiet, but you could hear the carasol music across half the zoo. We did have concern for one of the monkeys (a vervet) as they had bad sores on their hands and a large gash on their rear.

What a lovely day! lost of animals to see, all the animals looked well looked after, very helpful staff… The reason why I didn’t give a 5 stars is that though there could be more picnic tables as we waited for quite a while for somebody to leave. I work with animals myself and would like to share some of more of my ideas if you would like to hear! :)

Nice place to walk around with some interesting buildings and history. The scenery next to the Clyde is lovely. Thank goodness there was a courtesy bus to get back up to the car park though! Will come again when not so hot..

Fantastic day trip from Glasgow! History, soft play, a great cafe, and a short walk to the waterfall. What more do you want? There's even a hotel here if you want to stay the night. See our full video review on our experience under The Olive Tree Family on all social media platforms.

New Lanark is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site with an industrial past dating back to the late 18th century. The mill complex was founded in 1785 and is famously linked to social pioneer Robert Owen, who transformed it into a model village for mill workers. The restored stone buildings—including the mills, workers’ housing and school—are beautifully preserved and give a real sense of history. Parking is available at the top of the hill with a short walk down to the village; limited disabled parking spaces are provided near ticket office There are plenty of picnic tables dotted around the site, making it easy to bring your own food if you prefer. The on-site café offers good quality meals and snacks, though I found the prices a little on the high side. Clean and well-maintained toilets are plentiful throughout the complex. Great walk to falls Clyde Overall, New Lanark is a wonderful day out for anyone interested in Scotland’s industrial heritage, social history, or simply enjoying a scenic riverside walk.

Simply fantastic National heritage site, with great walks, museums, a coffee shop, and photo opportunities are endless, along with a good amount of parking. I loved how professionally run the whole area was.

A beautiful place to visit to experience both Nature and cultural heritage. The walk around the gorge makes for a great day out but expect to be relatively close to the gorge edge so not suitable for young children. The Autumn colours are just stunning and I'll be returning in the spring to see what the area has to offer.

This is a place that will suit everyone. Adults will find the history and the living conditions of the mill workers interesting. Children will enjoy a short ride inside the building on gondolas with interactive characters. Everyone will be amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the waterfalls of the River Clyde.

Initially I wasn't impressed but once I explored more I realized it was fantastic. So much learn and explore both inside and out! Highlights: The mill tour is very well laid out to keep attention of adults and children. You follow the route through each floor and there are various interactive displays showing life in the co-operative. The attention to detail is fantastic. The immersive ride puts you right into the story. Challenges: The parking doesn't have great signage, from the village entrance you have to take the opposite road and drive past several lots to get to the main lot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lovely place and full of history. We really enjoyed the visit, from the indoor rooms and collections, to the maze, gardens, coffee, and brewery. The staff is kind and passionate, always happy to help. Every room is provided with leaflets plenty of information.

We visited Traquair House as part of our search for an initimate venue for our elopement wedding and knew right away we had found our perfect location. For our wedding stay, our room (White Room) was huge but cozy, comfortable and well stocked and felt very romantic, with lovely views of the peaceful gardens. Breakfast and our romantic wedding dinner were served in the Still Room the food was absolutely delicious and we were treated like royalty. It was also great to be able to sit in the Drawing Room in the evening and soak in all that history. We were married in the chapel - such a wonderful and magical place which just mesmerised us when we first visited. And of course - special mention to all the staff, including Lucy and Rose - and especially to Gillian the wedding coordinator at Traquair who gave us our tour when we first visited and looked after us during our special day. She is an absolute star! A wonderful place which I'm sure we'll visit regularly in years to come.

My partner and I chose to get married at Traquair House for our intimate wedding of about 20 guests, and it was truly the best choice we could have made. We stayed there the night before, enjoyed drinks in the beautiful drawing room, and had a delicious breakfast, a perfect start to the celebrations. Everything on the wedding day looked absolutely fantastic, and the food and drinks were wonderful. The service throughout our stay and the wedding itself was flawless. They offered vegan options for the wedding menu, which was very important to us as we are both vegan, and they were incredibly mindful of guests with allergies. A very special thank you to the wonderful event coordinator Gillian and the lovely housekeeper Lucy for being so kind, helpful, caring, patient, and flexible throughout the whole process and on the days of our stay. They made everything feel effortless. All of our guests were amazed by our wedding, and we felt like the entire day was absolutely perfect. Getting married in such a beautiful historic home made the experience even more special and unforgettable. We can’t recommend the Traquair House highly enough!

Lovely day out. Nice walks.. a maze, a few animals (pigs, goats and chickens). And a nice play park. Recommend for a family outing

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a fantastic visit to Traquair House yesterday — truly a hidden gem in the Borders. The house itself is absolutely steeped in history, with beautifully preserved rooms and fascinating stories around every corner. Did you know that Glasgow market charter was created here, which lead to development of the village, town then city! You really get a sense of stepping back in time (though thankfully without the drafty rooms and powdered wigs). The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to share anecdotes and answer questions, which made the experience even more engaging. After exploring the house and grounds, I stopped at the café, which was an absolute delight. I had a pulled pork bun with a fresh salad — it was delicious and hit the spot perfectly. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, just what you need after a good wander. All in all, Traquair House is a wonderful day out. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, beautiful surroundings, and a tasty lunch to top it all off!

A fascinating place, remarkably unchanged since the 18th century. Clearly still a family home which adds to the charm. Loads of rooms open to the public which means there is so much to see. My wife went a couple of years ago with our daughters and absolutely loved it. So my expectations were high but ended up being exceeded. All the guides were helpful and interesting but a special shout out to Ian who entertained us for ages with stories about the house and its occupants. Didn't have time to spend enough time in the grounds, which looked lovely, so will definitely be back.

A lived-in and amazingly preserved Scottish tower house, well worth the visit from, say, Edinburgh. The rooms are filled with artefacts of interest, the gardens and scenery are beautiful and the atmosphere is great. Oh, and the standard of the food in the café is very high indeed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A spectacular old cathedral in the northeast corner of England. It is a personal favorite and I would recommend a visit. Begin in 1123 in the Norman style, it was built with local red sandstone. Much of the church was rebuilt in the 13th century in the Gothic style. The ceiling is spectacular. Owen Jones designed and specified the painted star ceiling in Carlisle Cathedral’s choir during its 1856 restoration under architect Ewan Christian. The wooden barrel vault dates to the 14th century, but the medieval scheme was lost, and Jones—a prominent Victorian decorative artist known for his work on the Crystal Palace interiors—created the blue background with gold stars and angels, drawing from historical styles. It was later repainted in 1970 for preservation, maintaining Jones’s original vision. The east window is impressive. It is the largest and most complex such window in England at 51’ by 26’. It depicts events from the life of Christ; some of the panes in the upper portion are original, dating back to 1350. Parking in the area is good. There are several car parks within half a mile.

So nice to be able to wander around with the dog. It’s a beautiful cathedral with some unique points of interest, including the ceiling. Perhaps not the most impressive in the country but it holds its own. The grounds are also very pleasant.

Fabulous. A warm welcome on arrival, no pressure to pay or make a donation (which is high on our reviews of somewhere - happy to make a donation, but to be charged to enter a church !! Totally unacceptable in my view ...). Plenty of volunteers to offer historical information, really friendly. This cathedral 'feels' comfortable, warm and open. Really enjoyed the stories ... well worth a visit (& the donation !).

I visited the cathedral on June 2nd and was warmly welcomed by the kindest staff. Two gentlemen offered me a map, pointed out the must-see spots, and shared a timetable. They also noticed that my friend had stayed outside with his dog and proactively let me know that dogs are allowed inside. That thoughtful gesture really stood out. It was heartwarming to see how genuinely kind and attentive they were. And the cathedral itself? Absolutely stunning. Truly worth a visit!

Very old and interesting. The stain glass windows are in very good shape considering the age. The organ pipes along with the organ itself are really worth the visit. There are lots of buildings on the site which you can look around the library is interesting the entrance to which is through the cafe, the cafe has a large area outside and quite a large area inside the food is good. Would recommend trip here.

Today, accompanied by both my sons and grandmas, we spent a truly memorable two hours at Carlisle Cathedral—an experience that was both calming and profoundly awe-inspiring. The cathedral’s serene atmosphere speaks volumes beyond words, inviting quiet reflection within its historic, hallowed walls. We were fortunate to be greeted by a highly knowledgeable guide who kindly provided us with a detailed map and patiently answered all our questions, enriching our visit immeasurably. Although the organ wasn’t playing this week due to half-term, which was a slight disappointment, it gave us an opportunity to treasure the visual and spiritual grandeur of the space even more deeply. We took the chance to purchase a CD of the cathedral’s magnificent organ music, promising to carry a piece of the experience home with us. Carlisle Cathedral, with its timeless beauty and thoughtful stewardship, is a gem that left us inspired and grateful—a place to revisit time and again with loved ones.

Magnificent, pocket sized, deep-red sandstone cathedral, with a magical painted ceiling that will give you neckache for the time you will want to keep marvelling at it. It’s a small building with a pretty cloister, not really something you’d spend more than half an hour poking around, but if you’re in Carlisle, it’s definitely worth going out of your way to go and see this. Check opening times though, it isn’t always open. And maybe help support the cathedral by having a bite to eat at the cathedral cafe, as in the UK, this really is one of a kind - painted ceilings like this are what you see occasionally in France, but very rare in the UK. I remember being blown away the first time I saw it, I’d never seen anything of the kind before. Quiet, rarely many people, you’ll generally have the place to yourself.

Had difficulty getting here due to road closures, but the museum is well laid out and some of the exhibits can be touched, it needs to be used in conjunction with the vindolanda ticket as the two complement each other. My only criticism is that the video room needs a door as the noise from school visits can drown out the audio.

Good museum and interesting displays. Worth getting joint ticket with Vindolanda. Big plus is free parking at both sites. I walked east along Hadrian's Wall and on return went back into museum.

The Roman Army Museum does a fantastic job of telling the story of the men who served on Hadrian’s Wall. Through well-presented exhibits, films, and displays, it shows how soldiers came from all over the Roman Empire to defend this frontier. The museum really brings their lives, duties, and experiences to life in a clear and engaging way. It’s an excellent complement to visiting Hadrian’s Wall and a must for anyone interested in Roman history.

A wonderful Museum that provides insight into all aspects of Roman army history. A really interesting film half way which guides you through the history of the wall. A good couple of hours, if you do everything on offer! Incredible education on the history of animal bones my children still take about the talk one of the volunteers gave! 👌🏼👌🏼

The Roman Army Museum at Walltown is an excellent first stop for understanding Roman military life, especially in the context of Hadrian’s Wall. If you’re visiting the area, it adds a lot to the experience—especially with its films, interactive displays, and connection to the landscape. For families, casual visitors, or history fans, it offers good value. If you’re more of a specialist, you might want also to visit Vindolanda or some of the larger forts for deeper archaeology

This place is a must if your visiting Hadrians wall! Excellent. Watch the 20min film if your there, it was worth it and gives a great insight into a soldiers life on the wall

The museum was great on a rainy day but we were not able to go to the second location to walk around the actual Roman fort. The museum provided a good background on the growth and decline of the Roman Empire, the establishment of Hadrian’s wall, and the life of the Roman soldier. All of the items in the museum are items recovered from the fort. Wish there was more information on the any battles fought while the fort was occupied.

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

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

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

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

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

Incredible place to visit. The site is huge and they are still excavating it. There is lovely museum full of artefacts that were found on site - shoes, coins, horse wear, pots and bones etc.. There are guided tours available. We visited with children so we didn't join one, but we overheard a little and the guides seemed very knowledgeable and were happy to answer questions. We will definitely be coming back without the children to take advantage of the guided tours! There is a cafe on site and toilets with baby changing facilities and accessible too. Site is kept lovely and the staff were very polite and professional. There is a gorgeous little river with seating - perfect area to have a picnic.

Great example of Roman remains and we had the guided tour which was excellent. We combined it with a walk to sycamore gap and called at The Sill for coffee on way back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This 4,500 year old World Heritage Site is a really atmospheric and intriguing site to experience ... it may be small in scale but its landscape setting is just so beautiful... even in a damp June visit it was so good! Its poorly signposted btw and we used Google maps to get there.

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

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

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

Wonderfully enigmatic place in a beautiful setting. Perfect symmetrical grouping of stones with smaller set within. Fun walk past sheep to get to the site.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fabulous place to visit. Romantic, but very impressive ruins. Food in the cafe was lovely. We opted for a light pizza each and my whipped feta, pear and walnut was divine! Lovely to see the gardens being brought back to life. The newly planted Rock, Japanese and sweet scented gardens will be wonderful once established. We didn't have our granddaughter with us, but the children's play area is amazing, and we will definitely return with her in the future. Well worth a visit.

Magical place, viewpoints are stunning, lovely coffee shop in the woods, huge open gardens. The regenerated gardens are in their infancy in parts, definitely on the revisit list for a few years time to see how they have developed! Rose garden smells unreal!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huge lake and you'd love the cruise here as there are very differing sights to see and click. The commentary on the cruise boat is also very informative. We took a sunset cruise and it was just gorgeous! Also, being summer time the weather was very pleasant.

Stunning lake area, first time ive been for 30 years. Very commercial these days, so expect it to be busy and of course pricey. Ariel views from my drone.

Don't miss this place, if you visit or live in the UK! An amazing spot in the North of England! Acceible with train and bus, and appropriate for family and kids.

Amazing views, defo recommend for sightseeing and you can book (both online and in-person) boat trips for you and your family which was so fun and cheap as well!

Had a great day at windermere. If you are ever in the area nearby definitely make the drive to windermere its so beautiful and there is so many shops

Beautiful view. Definitely try boat ride for seenic pics. Great nature feeling. Few different Boat ride depend on distance, we opted for longest one , so it took almost 90 min to complete. Few was amazing but felt little bit bored due to duration. Boat ride was amazing. Literally felt like lost in green nature. Parking options were many.

A must-see area of the Lake District. (The ferry crossing is convenient and would save drivers nearly 45 minutes of traversing to get across the lake.)

You can imagine Beatrice in all the rooms and outside sitting in her garden. Full of things she loved and the stories she wrote, the house is big (lowish ceilings) and interesting but lots of visitors make the rooms seem small. Dog friendly, a few benches in her garden to enjoy a picnic or a drink\bite from the mobile cafe, toilets down a step. 2hrs parking is ample for looking round, so arrive a few minutes before your booked time, check in and collect your token for the house. Book and gift shop plus a house had cake for £2 and another a few plants for sale.

Beatrix Potters beloved farmhouse. You need to book car working if visiting here via the National Trust website. It’s a nice way to spend and hour reminiscing on the books you had in childhood. Beatrix used the farmhouse and local area as inspiration for her famous children’s story books. You see story boards around the side demonstrating this. The house is interesting with lots of the original contents on display. These are refreshments, toilets and a shop on the site.

My visit to Hill Top was a cherished return after 25 years, and it was just as magical as I remembered. It was a joy to walk through Beatrix Potter's gardens and home, which truly sparked my imagination. I was especially excited to find a Peter Rabbit book for my grandson, a perfect memento of the visit. ​The grounds are pet-friendly, which was great for our group. However, dogs are not allowed inside the house itself, so we took turns visiting to make sure everyone got a chance to see it. ​The views and the small village are incredibly quaint and charming. I highly recommend stopping at the pub located between the car park and the property entrance—it’s a great spot. ​A major tip for visitors is to book your tickets online in advance. We purchased our tickets the day before and got the last two available spots for the entire day. I would have been so disappointed to have traveled all the way to the Lake District and not gotten in! We booked the last time slot at 2:30 PM, and it seemed to have the fewest crowds, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The main attraction here is to be in the same spaces that Beatrix Potter occupied and see how those spaces inspired the writing of some of her books. Having copies of those books open and available at points through the house was a nice touch which added an extra level of understanding to the place. The mice hidden throughout the house to find also added to the visitor engagement in a way that seemed to fit well with the general feel of the place. If you are not a Beatrix Potter fan (but you're other half is perhaps?) then do not fear. There is plenty of interest here for the tag along visitor too. The house holds its own as a purely historical attraction, and the garden areas surrounding the house are also noteworthy. The gift shop just before the exit is well stocked and the staff were welcoming and helpful. Some exclusive items here that can only be bought at the shop itself. They are not cheap but I would imagine a dedicated fan will not be deterred by the larger numbers involved.

Lovely place, well looked after by the national trust with almost all the original furnishings. So interesting to see more about Beatrix's life. Got the ferry across from Bowness and walked up, a bit of road walking at times but a beautiful walk.

The house is beautifully set for visitors to see how Beatrix Potter lived and worked. The garden is just as I imagined. Beatrix Potter did so many good things for children with her books and pictures. Her work with people in the Lake District helped to keep it looking wonderful for generations to enjoy. I am so glad the NT takes so much care of Hill Top. Thanks to Joey’s for the yummy coffee.

Its a quiet, small and beautiful garden to visit if you are in the area & a NT member. However it’s missing the usual NT tea room, facilities & information to make worthwhile a re-visit as we only spent 1.5hr there… which included a long sit in the garden.

Such a beautifully curated attraction. We all loved it (adults) so beautifully done. It must have been such a joy to put to together, the modelling and art work was so clever. I loved going into the garden it looked just like the real garden at Hill Top (though smaller). The little boxes with Beatrix Potter figures in a mini tableau were exquisite. A must for all ages.

I first visited this place three years ago, and I found that this place was quite small. I cannot believe how much bigger it has become this year. They have not only added more visual aids of scenes in mainly Peter Rabbit’s stories, but also added a brand new gallery showing the background of Beatrix Potter, involved with the Lake District history. It’s quite fun to take photos here and observe cute little animal figures in the barrows closely. The gift shop has not changed much, and the products there remain the same. Overall, it is an interesting place to visit, especially when you come with families and friends.

I’m in love! Totally worth a visit if you are a fan or in town with the kids. Lovely exhibition and enough activities to keep the kids entertained. Even if you’re not a fan it is worth a visit for their display! From an artistic perspective they did a marvelous job. Unfortunately for we visited quite late in the day so we only got to spend so much time inside. Would recommended the latest admission at 15:00 if you truly want to enjoy the full experience and get lost in the world of Beatrix Potter!

Such a nostalgic place to visit as an adult (with no kids) who thoroughly enjoyed reading the books as a child. The exhibition is in great condition and it was lovely to have all the memories brought back. We thoroughly enjoyed stopping at the Peter Rabbit Café afterwards too!

This was one if the loveliest, cutest museums we have been too. The animations and displays were beautifully done, and took straight back to your childhood days. It was so informative and interactive for kids. Highly recommend a visit

Superb!! The highlight of our holiday. We started at the cafe across the road (well worth a visit) and then came here. It starts with a short film which my 2 year old enjoyed, and then the free-pace walk around was outstanding. Low stimulation great for toddlers, beautiful displays and garden really brings the books to life. We’ve told everyone about it as we enjoyed it so much. I hope this stays with my daughter as a childhood memory and hope we can come again in the future

This was so much more than we ever expected! We thought it would just be a quick one-hour visit since it’s quite a small area. But guess what — my girl spent almost three fun hours inside! There was so much to learn and explore, and she was determined to answer every question and not miss a single hidden gem. What a world of imagination and creativity!

It was very good considering it was a cold, snowy day, but we had booked to partake in a snow leopard experience for a special birthday treat so didn’t let the weather put us off. We’ve been here before numerous times and do enjoy our visits, it has a very unique offering of a walk through aviary and a all through animal section (which was sadly closed this time around) but honestly it is starting to look a little tired. The couple of staff we crossed paths with were friendly and knowledgeable, the animals we saw appeared happy and not fussed by the weather, the snow leopard experience was outstanding! I can’t help feel like the place gets a bad rep from a previous owner and bad management, we saw no issues when we were there other than it was very quiet, the place could do with a general tidy up and maybe offer more seasonal things like a Christmas themed scavenger hunt or something like that. We’ll be back for sure.

A day out at South Lakes Zoo. There was a bit of a queue to get in which is not great when the weather is bad. Entrance is a long pathway which is a bit muddy so obviously suitable footwear is a must. The Zoo is quite big so lots of walking around. There was a super long queue to feed the giraffes which you pay for in advance. The food available is terrible so taking your own food is advisable. There is also limited seating inside in bad weather and very basic seats nothing fancy at all. As expected there is a shop which is quite pricey. When we went it was very wet and there were huge puddles everywhere. It would be a different experience ( better) in summer months but I can’t imagine the queues to get in or for any food then. I wouldn’t return if I’m honest. We traveled from Newcastle and I couldn’t wait to leave but my Grandson loved it. The children’s play area was swamped and he fell in a huge muddy puddle. The animals seemed well cared for but I do think the whole place could do with an overhaul.

We had a fabulous day at South Lakes. We were gifted a giraffe experience by our Sons as I have an obsession with giraffes! Alex was our zoo keeper and she was so friendly snd knowledgeable about the animals in her care. She really went above & beyond to make sure we had a great time. We had a lovely time walking round the zoo seeing all the other animals who looked well cared for. Some areas of the zoo look a little run down & in need of some TLC, but on the whole it’s a lovely place

Have to say after reading all the reviews I was very concerned about going here. We turned up to an empty car park and had no queue to get in. The zoo itself was a little run down I will agree with others about this it's definitely not what it used to be. But we got to see nearly every animal in the zoo and they all seemed as happy as any animal you see in a zoo. Yes there could be more enrichment available for the animals but none looked sad and depressed. It seems like the zoo is trying to improve things slowly. Overall a really nice day. We did 2 feeding experiences. One with the red panda which was amazing. Great keeper that was friendly and knowledgeable. The giraffe feeding was also good. We feed them their Normal diet of leaves with no carrots in sight.

We brought tickets in advance as they were on a deal. It was a very nice little zoo, I would say 2-3 hours is enough, the exhibits were nice and the animals looked healthy and happy. The map was a little difficult to read but it was ok and we got around.

After seeing the recent reviews we was a little anxious about visiting the zoo. But I can safely say we had a brilliant day out. It's a fantastic place to visit. The smaller animals are free to roam which creates some unforgettable experiences, feeding the Lemurs being top of the bunch. It was a hot day so some of the big cats stayed in the shade, but we still managed to see them and all the other animals on display. All of the toilets and facilities seemed clean and maintained. The shop was a little pricey but they all are at the zoos. The only downside was the play area looks like it's being renovated so most of the equipment was off limits. But that didn't spoil a great day out. Would definitely visit again.

The zoo is okay. It's feeling very run down now though. Staff weren't really present, other than at the entrance. Advertised feeding times were either late or didn't happen at all. Signs around the zoo were worn out and completely ineligible. The zoo doesn't allow picnics or food at all. They say it's because of the free roaming animals, which there aren't many except a few peacocks. But they have a restaurant of their own. So, it felt more like they want visitors to buy their food. Could be better, but needs some refurbishment and just some overall care. I managed to get £6 tickets as part of the summer special, but wouldn't recommend at full price.

Lovely little unspoilt seaside town, plenty of car parks, campervans aloud to park on the seafront promenade. Great beach, dog friendly beach at the far end (north side). Plenty of eateries and watering holes, amusement. Its a lengthy promenade which makes for a good walk.

Absolute must for this iconic photo, get a selfie with Eric or if you're a horrendous teenager, do him durty with a .5 I have the feeling Eric and Ernie would have loved these photos! I can't see the place, so here's a top tip, the indoor market has a bakery near the rear exit, Chunky Steak Pie! 10:10 @ £7.50 would easily feed 4 ppl.. bread, cakes pies all delicious, unfortunately I can't find the business name to review it, so get yourself a pie for the way home! And thank me later! P.S Tyson where were you? We were hoping to see the 3rd best reason to visit Morecombe 🥊our one and only GK World Champion Get'Up!

It's a lovely view over Morecambe bay but its a fantastic tribute to a great and funny man. Well deserved. Made us happy and sad at the same time.... And No, he's not going to sell much ice cream at that speed 😄

Excellent tribute to one of the UKs favourite and best comedian of the 20th Century.

A great statue with the surrounding information on the dynamic duo! Well worth a visit.

Morecambe seafront is a pleasure to visit. The promenade is very smooth and well designed which means all users can enjoy it. The view over the bay is magnificent which adds to the experience. The statue of Eric Morecambe just makes me smile and brings back good memories of the great man.

A lovely tribute to the best comedy duo the world has ever had.

Amazing place to visit we had a coffee and sat in the grounds. You can pay £9 to go on a tour as well. It also has holding cells that are currently used for HM Prison. There are only a few Parking spaces outside that you have to buy a ticket for . Recommended

Absolutely brilliant! Our tour guide Sandra was very entertaining and knowledgeable. The Castle, Police Museum and cafe combined made it one of my favourite days out in a long time.

We took the guided tour of the castle, reasonable for £9 per person. Since it used to be a working prison and parts of it are still a working court, you have to take the guided tour to see the full thing. We had a lovely guide, very engaging and informative. The tour lasts about an hour. The castle has a lot of history, quite a lot of it is dark, the tour touches upon these themes too. There is a Prison Museum too. The courtroom is part of the tour, unless it is in session on the day. Photography isn't allowed in those parts of the tour. I would recommend visiting castle, doing the tour and then visiting the Priory at the back of the castle, there are some remains of roman baths too.

We did the tour as a family and it was really interesting. Great value for money. They give you lots of insight into the history and had a lot of knowledge. Simon made it fun and interesting and kept the whole group engaged. It’s my second time of going and I would go again. Dogs are not allowed but I couldn’t resist getting a snap of our dog there.

Arrived not really knowing what to expect and with no intention of doing a tour. However the very engaging man at the ticket office talked us into doing the tour and as it turns out I’m glad we did. ‘King’ David was an extremely entertaining guide and got us all involved in the commentary during the tour. Educational content and drama was in abundance and my wife and I were very happy with the afternoon in the castle. Highly recommended.

You need to book on a tour to go inside. We arrived at 10am and booked onto the 10.45 tour so had a look round the Pendle Witches exhibition room and part of the police museum first. The tour inside was really interesting and the guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining. It lasted about 80min and was well worth the £9 fee.

Stunning castle in the centre of Lancaster. Although no longer used as a prison, the courts are still active, and as such you cannot take photographs in certain parts of the buildings. This however does not detract from the buildings awe. Hghly recommend a tour !! This is the only way to access certain parts of the castle Prison. Our tour guide was excellent 👍🏼 great knowledge of the history and told the stories with the right mix of seriousness and humour. There are some parts accessible without a tour, and these parts you are free to take photos. Police museum is a great part, set inside what was the mens wing. Also a cafe and toilets on site ..

Location- 5 out of 5. Lovely little village, quiet and calm. Well decorated on the inside with rustic furniture. Tables were a bit sticky but were cleaned when prompted. Food- after ordering at the bar, we were presumably forgotten about as an hour passed and no food arrived. It was not due to the place being busy as there were lots of empty tables. After asking how long for food, our orders appeared a minute later, therefore meaning they’d just been sitting there. It was warm not hot. In general I would say the food was definitely sub standard. The meat was delicious but the rest let it down Cost- 100% overpriced. £18 for a Sunday roast, you think the plate would be stacked. It wasn’t. Not enough food for the money, and especially for the quality we got. The drinks were tiny, glasses for coke/ lemonade smaller than a half pint

A great experience staying, eating & drinking at this lovely pub. I stayed for a night as a lone traveller- the room was so tastefully decorated & furnished. I couldn't believe what good value it was being £69 including a delicious breakfast. I had a lovely evening meal of chimichurri steak. The bar was super busy on the Monday evening I was thete with a while to be served but I can't imagine it's easy to predict demand in somewhere a bit out of the way. I really hope this place thrives- it really deserves too.

The best place to stay! Had a brilliant time at the inn, we stayed for two nights. The inn is amazing, lots of rich history and detail. The food is incredible - very generous portions, great range of options and enough to fuel us for several hours of exploring! The room was also lush, clean, newly decorated and everything you need. The staff are what makes the whole place shine, super friendly and a joy to be around! Thanks so much, we look forward to returning soon!

This has quickly become my absolute favourite pub. Ever! Fabulous interior, wonderfully atmospheric with an open fire and candles on the tables. Staff were lovely, friendly and extremely welcoming. We felt very looked after during our stay - thank you, Nicky. We had dinner at night washed down with a couple of pints and a very tasty red wine. The pie and mash was delicious. Super comfy bed and nice, hot shower. Great breakfast - set us up for a busy day out and about. Thank you. See you when we return in April.

Lovely room & really comfortable bed. Views were amazing. Could do with a good clean everywhere in the whole place, although the bedding etc were top notch. Not a fan of wet smelly dogs(& there were loads of them). Everywhere you went, it absolutely stunk. Could perhaps have one room dog free, especially where food is being served. I love dogs, just not the smell of them!

We arrived at the green dragon hotel and bar which is used for the filming of All creatures, great and small the British drama ,we parked at the rear of the property near the entrance to the waterfall,the bar is old and authentic with open fires,we can recommend the lunch roast beef and cheese melt ciabatta with salad . We checked in at 5pm and were shown our dog friendly room no 4 on the ground floor with lovely views over the Yorkshire countryside .the rooms were clean and comfortable with lovely views across the fields of sheep ,we had booked a table for 8pm and were directed to table 12 towards the back of the restaurant ,you order your food and wine at the bar, the food took over an hour to arrive , we had gammon and the celeriac with chips ,the food was ok but not really worth the wait ,and you had to find our own condiments , nobody came round and asked if everything was okay and we were never offered a sweet menu .The Gentlemans toilet was not clean and both urinals we’re out of order resulting me every man in the toilet having to queue for the cubicle , this looked like it had been the same for sometime as notices were printed out and stuck above each urinal , we came down for breakfast at 9:30 there were a variety of cereals and juices available and you pour your own coffee from the bar, we both had a full English breakfast with poached eggs which was okay but not very filling ,I used the toilet in the morning after breakfast and everything was the same not cleaned from the night before. overall, the rooms were fine and comfortable with good facilities but the pub restaurant needed some work the staff were young and didn’t seem bothered about the customers ,

Stayed for 1 night recently. We stayed in the small double room which had been newly renovated and had everything you need for a short stay. It is quite snug but when you aren’t spending a lot of time in there it was fine. Unfortunately the cleanliness was lacking attention to detail. The toilet hadn’t been cleaned and there were a few cobwebs/hairs etc. Nothing too bad but just felt like it could have had more time spent on it. Especially seeing as check out is at 10.30am and new guests can’t check in until 4pm. The worst thing was the walls are very thin and so you can hear everything from the rooms next door. They’ve put huge flat screen TV’s on the walls meaning if your neighbour is watching something, you are also listening to it. The food was okay. We ate there for tea, it was very busy which is to be expected over half term. Breakfast was also okay. Fairly good choice but quality was quite average. Tables hadn’t been cleaned from the night before. Service overall again was quite average. Nothing was really explained to us when we came down to breakfast which meant most guests were confused whether to order at the bar or not and where everything was. Overall the location and general history of the pub itself are amazing and it’s definitely worth a visit. The waterfall is unreal and wood fires are gorgeous.

Loved the Cheese Experience which was fun and informative. The shop and cheese room is full of delights to buy. However the restaurant really let it down. Overpriced for the quality received, tables available but told full initially and there seemed to be chaos amongst younger staff working out table spaces at front of restaurant yet ignoring those waiting to be seated or to find out if there is space. Restaurant was really completely disappointing.

I just love cheese of any description, and with my own history of working in the dairy industry a visit here was a bit of a no brainer really. The cheese making demonstration followed by tasting was an absolute highlight. Nice to see they had put out some Wensleydale and fruit cake samples to try. The two together just work so well. Regrettably there was no actual cheese production to watch from the viewing gallery during my visit, but I can hardly fault them on account of their production schedule. The cheese shop is also a must visit, more so than the equally well stocked gift shop in my opinion. Well laid out and with samples of each flavour available to try before you buy. I did a lot of trying, and then of course a little buying. Be prepared for the cold in here though, presumably to help keep the cheese fresh.

Wensleydale creamery visitors centre and Calverts Restaurant is in Hawes, in literally the heart/ middle of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The staff had spot on customer service/ hospitality. In shop, cheese shop and the restaurant. They have a small visiter car park,but the is a large car park 150 yds down the road, which is a pay car park. The Wensleydale creamery experience you need to buy tickets for online. In Calverts restaurant, we were lucky to get a table, many people turned away and had to book. For 2 meal,a side & 2 drinks cost £36. The meal was delicious 😋. I will post pictures. The cheese shop was very busyand wasnice to taste other cheeses. 🧀 😋 Will show also in pictures as well as the gift shop. The gift shop was like going in a candy shop as there was loads of items to buy and gifts. Some items was expensive but others not so bad. Ice-cream cost £3.50 each. I totally recommend. Wheelchair friendly and has blue badge parking.

It certainly looked like fun when reading about it online. But when we visited on Sept 27, the place was absolutely packed. There was no parking in the visitor lot, so we needed to use the Pay & Display lot located down the street. I had hoped for a lovely cheese type tea in the restaurant, but had not realized that booking was necessary. I would have had to wait an hour, and I wasn't willing to do that with so many people crowding around. We opted to go to the "fast food" counter and order cheese scones, each of which came with a walloping amount of butter. I ordered the cappuccino to go with it. I felt a bit like splurging. The scones were OK. I wouldn't say they were outstanding. So, overall, I'd say my experience was disappointing, and I'm one who usually gets excited by simple things!

Took the tour last year, was amazing. This year, was back for more cheese (after free samples in the tasting room!) Both times had a lovely meal in their Calvert's resturant. Totally recommend.

What a great place. Much bigger than I was expecting, they've certainly made the most out of their association with Wallis and Gromit. There's a large gift shop selling a wide range of goods including; Pottery, gin, beer, biscuits, smelly stuff as well as cheese, of course. We paid to watch a demonstration on how they make cheese, around £5.50 for adults. They run demonstrations at certain times throughout the day. We enjoyed it as well as looking at all the old equipment and hearing about how it all started.

Came a bit late in the day, so didn’t have lots of time to visit the different areas. We sampled some cheeses and ended up buying some to take home. Then we stopped at the cafe for a cuppa, and cheese scone! We had a decaf tea and would have liked a Yorkshire decaf! The cheese scone came with a slice of Wensleydale, butter and chutney, which was delicious . There’s plenty of seats outside which was fab, with the afternoon sun on my back!!

Loved the prom, so different from Blackpool promenade. Lots and lots of seating and photo opportunities. Beach is mainly sand but does have rocks and pebbles.

We stayed here this summer, absolutely beautiful place! The North Promenade is lovely and the views from our holiday let were breathtaking! We were right on the beach yet close to all the lovely shops, bars & restaurants. The stroll down the promenade was gorgeous! Definitely coming back again for some peace & tranquility next year. Wonderful place!

Cleveleys is a lovely place to visit. Not too busy and friendly people. Cafes are very nice and clean. Fish n chips are always fresh. Mr. Whippy ice cream! What more can I say! Grandkids love it here and is dog friendly.

We stayed on North Promenade this summer, we couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant peaceful location. We was right on the beach yet a moments walk from the lovely bar’s & restaurants. The views from our balcony were amazing! We had a full uninterrupted panoramic view of the sea and the adjacent mountains of the Lake District. The beaches here are beautiful and the newly renovated promenade is amazing. We had a lovely stroll down towards Rossall but we was rather disappointed with all the crowds and cars parked up there near those little townhouses houses. There were common people sat on deckchairs blocking the pavement. We set back towards the north promenade where we found it to be much nicer. Lovely place and looking forward to returning soon.

The work on this promenade is still ongoing, but what a lovely walk on a nice day. BTW a small scene of Star Wars was filmed here. Fresh air straight of the sea, breath deep and walk walk walk...

A sunny day and the sea side. What could go wrong with that. Went with a friend their dogs and my teenage son. We all had a lovely walk, and a bit of lunch in a cafe.

Nice place for a chilled day. Away from blackpool

Never heard of this place before so we thought we'd give it a go. Being in early October and a Monday it was quiet when we arrived, plenty of parking. Not the best of days weatherwise but that didn't put us off. It's definitely a trail that needs moderate fitness as it's fairly up and down with many steps, plus good boots are needed (especially in the wet as the rocks are slippery). But if you take time there shouldn't be any issues. Some amazing waterfalls with good viewing points. There are cafes at the start and half way round but the one by the carpark was closed. (Monday). There was an ice-cream van further up the trail. Overall a pleasant hike with great views. Is it worth £11 per adult? I'd say yes as someone has to maintain it.

This walk is amazing. We went as a family group with 4 adults and 2 children aged 3 and 6 yrs. We thought the prices were a bit steep at first but the car park is very good and the toilets are clean and modern. The walk is exciting and awesome. There are waterfalls all the way up and on the way back down too. The path is stoney and slippy at times with lots of steps so adequate footwear and clothing is necessary. Absolutely brilliant.

Was a bit skeptical when i had to pay 11 each to walk around the trial. It was worth it. Many beautiful waterfalls and takes about 2 hours at least to complete. It took us 5. We like to stroll and really admire what were looking at. We even got to walk behind one of the falls which was breathtaking.

Way better than I imagined..walk took 3 hours to complete,and we saw many small to medium waterfalls. Entrance at £11 IS good value,don't let it put you off. Parking is plentiful,with excellent toilets just before yo pay to enter.

This walk is beautiful and follows a river full of waterfalls around a circular route stating in Ingleton. It is ideal for families with children who can walk 4 miles. The walk has been on private land for many years and costs adults £11 (in 2025) including parking. The walk has a nice cafe stop halfway round. I took a detour up Ingleborough adding another 6 miles, but it was worth the views. Ingleton is a lovely village with decent pubs, cafes and outdoor sports store. A great day out.

Been wanting to visit here for a while. It didn't disappoint. Yes there is a charge, but it is also kept very well. Paths are good and there are a few fun scramble parts( I visited in the dry, might be different in the wet) Waterfalls galore and plenty of swimming spots. Great area at Thornton force for a picnic. All in all a full fun day out.

Beautiful views lovely and peaceful. I enjoyed the Waterfalls. But I won't lie, this trail is not easy in the slightest. I found it extremely difficult at times despite taking regular rest breaks. A lot of people turned back halfway through and we wondered why. The last half of the trail is mainly a hike through scenery and nothing to do with the waterfalls at all. The map does not match the trail which I found very unhelpful, there are numbers at certain points of the trail as you go along. I would suggest finishing at 8 or if you want to see the last waterfall 10. There is an ice cream van but it's another 10/15 mins after the last waterfall and is over a bridge with a steep decline and incline. Overall I'm chuffed we managed to do it in just over 3hrs but I wouldn't do it again. There is a toilet block and plenty of parking but the price seems a bit steep at £22 for 2 adults.

It's the only show cave I've visited and actually felt like I was in a natural cave. The fact that most of the cave is pretty much j as nature created it, with scaffolding platforms to walk on (rather than a dug out and concrete filled floor) gives it this feeling. Plus the end of the cave is still being explored. Really worthwhile visiting. The tour guides are great at what they do, and you're given plenty of opportunities at the end to make your own way out of the cave at your own pace to take photos.

White Scar Cave is a fascinating underground wonder! The guided tour takes you through impressive limestone formations, waterfalls, and unique chambers filled with natural beauty. The staff are knowledgeable and make the experience engaging. A bit of walking and ducking in places, but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking sights inside. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area

Great cave experience, Mike our guide was fantastic. Informative and interesting to listen to. Great for adults and kids. You do need to have quite good mobility, there is a few sections that require you to walk stooped over and to be manoeuvring around rocks, lots of stairs too.

Second visit to this outstanding set of showcaves and still every bit as magical as the first. Even the view from the car park is awe inspiring in a way that few other attractions can match, and things only get better from there as you make your way underground. The guides are very knowledgeable and help you to make sense of what you are seeing as you go. Some superb flowstone formations, and I found the ice age mud deposits in the battlefield cavern utterly fascinating. Take advantage of the toilet facilities before you enter the caves. It's a long walk around with a lot of running water. Definitely worth half a day of your time spent on a visit here.

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour . The guide was extremely knowledgeable and very personable. If your tall be prepared for quite long passages where your crouched right down . The tour takes around 80 minutes to complete. Our group comprised ages from 10yrs old to about 70 ish and we all enjoyed it. Well worth a visit Esp on a rainy day

We were on our way back home from Lake District and decided to check it out as a stop. Great experience. Our guide was Christopher. Not only did he show the key areas but thrown in some fascinating facts on how the cave formed and how old it is. The discovery of the cave was also an inspiring story. See for yourselves. Truly recommend. Shame we missed the kitchen opening times at the cafe. Stunning views inside and outside. :)

Found this place quite by accident, while eating lunch and managed to get on the next tour. Booked my ticket online but tickets can also be bought at the cave. There were so many people that they spilt us into two groups with a guide each. Our guide, Adele was knowledgeable, fun and delivered a great tour. Truly an amazing experience.

A great green open space and nature reserve for birds (no dogs allowed to protect ground nesting). Good set up where you can get a bite to eat and relax inside or out. The play area was a bit disappointing for the kids as it was under construction/refurb, but in fairness it looks like they're making a good job to make it better for the future.

We had a great time at the superhero event. My children are 18 months, 6 and 7 and they all joined in the fun! From mud throwing to den building, we were all entertained for a good 2 hours! The staff and volunteers were so friendly and great with the children. Thank you!

A lovely place to go visit with family, friends or just yourself. I usually walk all the way to Brockholes from the Preston city centre but even if the walk is long, the scenery makes up for it. A lot of greenery and amazing nature at Brockholes. A chance for you to bask in the nature and atmosphere and see the views. Definitely a must visit!

Had a lovely walk around Brockholes nature reserve. The weather was very pleasant nice sunny autumn day. Topped off with a coffee and ice cream. The car park has gone up to £6 which doesn't seem bad for all day parking but steep if your only there for a couple of hours. This makes people like cyclist park on the roadside so they don't gave to pay. The café is closed Mon, Tue, Wed now. Since we have been going the shop and plant stall have gone. The ice cream cafe has closed. You can get a coffee from the visitors centre out of a flask but the quality is poor and they charge £2.50 a cup. I know it's volunteer led, I know there is a cost to everything but if you don't provide facilities people won't bother going.

Ample parking, a great cafe and lots of well surfaced paths. Plenty of birds to see & photograph. The floating village is an amazing construction too.

If you love nature or bird watching you will love this place. Great for walking or picnic. Little shops there with local crafts, something to eat . Grab a coffe and enjoy the nature :)

It's nice enough here. Well kept, good walking paths, nice cafe and visitor village. We did see a few unusual birds, some butterflies and damsel flies. The walk through the trees is lovely, like an enchanted tunnel. What did spoil it for me though, was the overwhelming traffic noise, with the site being right next to the motorway. It made the walks far less peaceful than they should have been, and made it difficult to use the bird identification app that I often use on walks. The pollution from the traffic isn't great either. That said, it's free entry, though you do have to pay for the car park, which was fairly pricey at £6 for a few hours. I'd suggest a visit if it's nearby to you, but I wouldn't travel too far or you might be disappointed.

Absolutely brilliant! What a wonderful experience and to be able to get up so close to these beautiful animals. We bought the owl experience for my brothers birthday and he loved it! He couldn't stop smiling! All the volunteers are very knowledge, friendly and passionate about the birds and the sanctuary. I love the fact it's not commercialised. Its all about the birds and creating a safe and natural environment for visitors to enjoy too. Thank you for having us and allowing us to take photographs of a very memorable day.

Great sanctuary to see owls and bird of prey up close. The volunteer guides were informative and friendly, and all guests can experience handling some birds during the flight display show. Highly recommended place to visit and hope to get another chance to come again! =^^=

We found this place while looking for something to do on our journey back to north wales from the lake district. What an absolute gem of a place. It's £12 entry you get to see the various birds in the aviaries. There is also a flying display in the price at no extra cost. The display was absolutely fantastic finding out about the individual birds you also get the birds flying to your hand also. This place isn't a big company owned place. It's run by volunteers. All the money they receive goes to the care and feeding of the birds. I would highly recommend this place if your in the area.

Great little place. All volunteers which you can tell really love the birds they look after. The show was really good and got to hold one. No show will be the same because the birds will only do what they want to do, which is great they are not forced to do anything.

What a lovely little place. It's run by volunteers who are lovely. There is an array of owls and some birds of prey. It is £12 to get in and they also have consessions. It opens at 11am (ish) and closes at 2pm. From 1230pm to 2pm there is a flying display. This is very informative and you get to fly the birds. You can get a drink, hot or cold and snacks but there is not a cafe as such. I must reiterate just how nice the volunteers are. Will definitely go back again.

What a little gem, just under 30 minutes from home! We spent around 3 hours here and the time absolutely flew by. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and you can really feel how much they care for the birds. The flying display was a highlight: not only spectacular to watch, but also full of interesting facts that we learned along the way. The sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers, so every penny goes directly towards the care and upkeep of the birds. They do take card payments, but if you can, bring some cash along as it helps them avoid card fees and means more support goes straight to the upkeep of the sanctuary. We also got a great local tip for lunch afterwards at The Farmers Arms, just a few minutes away, which rounded off the day perfectly. Highly recommend a visit - we’ll definitely be back!

This place was absolutely fantastic!! Such a special day. I came with my family and immediately the staff are super friendly and helpful, they all clearly have lots of passion for the birds they care for. the displays are wonderful, you get a good view of the birds and get to see them up close. All the birds have educational signs posted to their enclosures about the species and conservational status so it's super great to teach children too. There are many birds to see, along with a small park to roam in and you can make a day out of it with a picnic. The best part by far were the Owl showings. It's an intimate little gathering where the volunteers show the owls up close, out of enclosure, and even give you the oppurtunity to hold and feed them. This is of course, only if the owls feel up to it, which is my favourite part about it, as it puts my mind at ease knowing the best interest is in the animals rather than the audiences entertainment. The Owls were super friendly and playful the day I went, and so were the volunteers, who really just have so much love for these birds, and make sure that each and every member of the audience get to participate fully. All this for a relatively cheap price considering the experience, can't recall the exact amount but it was worth every penny!! Aboslutely recommend for anyone who loves birds, animals or has kids with a passion for learning and nature

NB no cafe here, though a welcome coffee caravan made well earned drinks. The hall itself is worth a visit and the staff are all friendly, knowledgeable and want to inform and entertain. The grounds were ok but in need of some love and a good prune here and there.

A hidden gem in a very pleasant setting. Much more to see inside than I expected: Beautiful, period furnishing and decor throughout and I was especially taken by the wonderful plasterwork. Really enjoyed looking around and gathering new information from the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Browsing the interesting selection of goods in the lovely little gift shop completed my visit. Another new favourite place that I'll definitely be returning to.

Excellent visit and the volunteers have excellent knowledge and share this with you about the family, the house and the artefacts in it. Gardens and woods are nice for walking, the only down side is there is no cafe.

What a lovely day out in Burnley. We really enjoyed the Jacobean/Elizabethan history of the house and the later period with Victorian rooms. The interiors furniture were stunning. The national trust needs to keep up with renovating this lovely treasure well worth a visit for history buffs. Well worth a repeat visit. The guides weee really helpful and chatty for questions and wxtra bits of history to the house. The Car park was free shame no cafe on site as it would really take off. There was a little van which provided refreshments on a nice day not sure about inclement weather though.

Sorry that hall was closed on visit I will return when open ...well maintained grounds I thought it was lovely...was expecting to scan my nt card to park but no machine re parking on site. No cafe facilities to my knowledge was crossed out on info sign

Absolutely stunning place to take a walk. The dogs loved the foreat Even the kids enjoyed the walk and scenery. It's a must see and free if your NT members

The approach from a tricky road entrance, along a very patched driveway and into a dusty car park is not inspiring but the Hall is wonderful. What a survivor! The room guides bring the history to life and the reception staff are so friendly. If textiles and needlework are your thing, or not, the collection upstairs is interesting. There is no tea room and the toilets are not the best but there are picnic benches and there was a coffee van . This is a joint venture between National Trust and Lancashire County Council but all the better for it. Perhaps the most interesting shop I’ve visited, I couldn’t resist a weaving loom flying shuttle repurposed into a Galileo thermometer. Despite being rough around the edges this is a true historical gem.

Was disappointed to find the miniature train was all blocked off for maintenance, had all year but choose the first week of the summer holidays to do it, so, thought we'd go and look at the hall...nope, not possible as that was enveloped in a huge white screen, ok, so we went to the cafe and was charged £10 for a baked potato!! Parking is not free and you are not allowed to use a blue badge... had a little play area for kids and mini golf and Go Ape, " ornamental " pond was more like black slime and full of lily pads, totally neglected, lots of space for kids but lots of dogs off lead, so be careful, take a picnic too to save yourself some money

I've been coming to this park for several years now and honestly, I feel like it is going a bit downhill. We arrived today and the two main play frames were sectioned off for repair. The funfair had stopped even though all the kids aren't back in school until at least Thursday. The go ape climbing was shut. The little train track is NEVER running when we go. It looks like it's undergoing maintenance but never seen anyone working on it. The duck pond has blue algae in it and doesn't seem like it is being treated. The main gardens with the lovely trees have been shut now for about 2 years. No idea why! The toilets are really smelly and the soap box hasn't been fixed in at least 12 months and you could really do with putting some toilets down near the smaller wooden park as I've been caught out twice there now with my toddler who needed a number 2! Luckily had bags on me for her to do it in! On a positive note, the cafes / shops are great. There's some woodland you can walk through which is good to explore. There's a range of play equipment suitable for all ages and 2 places you can play mini golf. Plenty of sit down spaces and picnic tables. Parking is cheap and you can spend hours there on a good day. The new flower garden is really lovely. There's a great little bird watching area and the shop on the way in is selling wild bird food for you to put on the tables. Wigan council need to do a lot better! This is a well used park and would be so much better with access to all areas!

We had a lovely day here. The park caters for all ages. There are 2 crazy golf's, my nearly 4 yr old grandson loved his first time playing this. The staff in the crazy golf were really friendly guy's and at only £1 per person, it's well worth visiting. We went to the cafe for lunch and the staff there are also very helpful and friendly. Only 2 highchairs available that we could see but we managed to beg one off a lady who's child had finished eating and also passed ours on after we finished with it. We also visited the small funfair. Tokens only and each token cost £2.50. Only thing I don't agree with is that the parent on the rides with small children have to pay a token too. We will definitely be going back there.

Great place for a walk, plenty to do come along and try out the Low and High Ropes course. A few places to get food and drinks.. a couple of ice cream vans and a shop. Kids park and fairground rides at weekends and school holidays. Parkrun every Saturday good route on trails which can be muddy at times it’s down hill a loop then back up the hill.

My two children, 11 and 8, and I, had a brilliant time here yesterday. It was a little disappointing to find there's quite extensive renovation works going on at both the hall and along the miniature railway, and this is the reason for the 4☆ review - not that we minded the work at all, it's clear this is in the best interest of the hall and the miniature railway, but that there's no mention on the website or Facebook page (which I checked prior to our visit) and also that we didn't know the path passing the swan pond to complete the 1 mile circuit was closed as there was no signage until we got there. It didn't make our day any less enjoyable, as we followed the path around past the victorian kennels ruins (a huge hit), then followed the canal back to the car park, but those paths weren't suitable for pushchairs or scooters so families with younger children would've had to turn back. Our 1 mile walk turned in to a lovely 3 mile trail, which we finished off with a picnic, a few fairground rides (all very quiet, I expect due to the rides costing £2.50 each), and an ice cream from the van (£10 for 3). We did head over to the playground, but we found the equipment a bit too busy for us so we went back to find their favourite tree and had a bit of a climb before we left. £3.50 for the car park all day is a bargain when compared to other similar locations, particularly as there is so much going on here for children. We spent 4.5 hours here in total, but could easily have stayed all day, and we look forward to returning when the miniature railway re-opens as the kids would've loved this. It would just be nice to know before you travel what closures are in place, so you can plan your day accordingly.

Haigh Hall and the surrounding plantations, AKA Haigh Woodland Park are a great place for a bit of R&R. The main path through the plantations is wide and and is surfaced with tarmac making it accessible for all. It's both dog and cycle friendly with several entrances that include access from Swinley, Whelley and Haigh. As of March 2025 the main hall, a listed stately home, is currently undergoing restoration however there are many other facilities in the immediate vicinity. These include a sprawling playground for the kids, high rope adventure, mini golf, a great little bar and numerous cafes and shops. There is also a large carpark close to the facilities for those who wish to arrive by car.

Very nice , popular country park , with plenty to see and do . I went for the adventure golf , and walk around the shops , which were all close together . The shops are quite small , with plenty of eating options . They have several golfing options . Standard golf course , footgolf ( you kick the ball into a hole ) , adventure golf ,and a smaller/cheaper crazy golf course . Did the adventure golf which was very popular and reasonably priced . The theming was old school charm , and even had a moving viking ship . The holes were well presented if a little worn . The playing surface was super smooth and fast , probably because it is well trodden . This made putting out tricky , as a missed putt could travel a few feet past . Also on occasion , the ball would roll out of bounds . There are two water holes , which can slow things down , if you go in the water , there are scoops available to fish the ball out . I was alright but the groups in front of me had problems . Good course , enjoyed it , might do it again sometime . There is lots of parking , which is reasonably priced , and how no issues with the pay machines . The park is about 15 minutes off the motorway and makes for a fun stop .