A lovely castle to walk around the high wall. Also a little wander around the perimeter was nice to see it from a different angle. The cafe and museum were both good as well. Not much going on with the inside space of green grass. Also they had repair works in place which prevented us going the whole way round. Its also 100% dog friendly which was great! Even up on the wall.

This is a well maintained castle that you can walk around at your leisure, it is pretty much an access all areas place where you an walk around the walls and the various buildings within that contain static exhibits regarding the history of the castle and the area. The staff as expected are excellent. The cafe is excellent with a good selection of food and drinks, toilets are fresh and clean and there's plenty of parking.

Fascinating place to visit. Good parking (with 2 blue badge places), impressive castle, free electeonic guides with guided tours also available. Reasonably priced cafe. And a wall walk also part of the experience. Well worth a visit.

Really enjoyed our visit to Framlingham Castle today. Was great to walk the walls, read the history of the castle, walking through the local history museum, have a drink at the cafe and enjoy browsing the gift shop. Loved that there is a currently a Task Master challenge and activities going on. So from the castle walls we could hear hysterical giggles and people competed against their team mates to win the taskmaster trophy and have their photograph taken in the winners photo frame. Well worth a visit. Even better if you are already an English Heritage partron -free entry and discount in the shops.

Lovely few hours spent here walking around the castle and the grounds lovely view from the top going around. Have 2 little exhibition room. We did the guided tour which was good. Not a whole day thing but we had fun

Lovely place to visit and obviously this is the castle that Ed Sheeran has sung about "The Castle On The Hill". We didn't go into the castle, but did walk around and take some lovely pictures and then visit the Two Magpies Bakery which was really good. We had a nice couple of hours out so if you have a bit of free time, it's worth a visit for a leisurely walk and a spot of lunch.

Due to the high wind, we couldn't do the battlements walk whilst listening to the commentary so the rating is lower than it would have been. Small discount on entry fee as a result but it wasn't as good an experience without being high up. The museum inside has some interesting stuff though. Staff were very friendly & helpful.

Lovely clean beach..big amusement centre with funfair and food shops on pier..lovely atmosphere..big ferris wheel..mini golf..excellent all inclusive wristband price which includes 5 different thing for kids including 3d encounter miningolf fun fair rides 50 free tokens and 5 arcade game rides..what more could you ask for..what a bargain value..£20 instead of £30 for a wristband when booked a day in advance online..I would suggest anyone to visit here..been here around 6 times in the past 2 years..booked caravans around here 3 times..and looking forward to coming more..also came by train with a bunch of friends..we enjoyed so much.

Great place to spend time with family and friends. Lots of entertainment, food stalls and even a pub. Or you can just walk alongside the beach and learn some history by visiting the Martello towers built during the Napoleonic wars and were part of the costal defence system

Visited Southend and Brighton Pier. Give Clacton Pier a try. Beach and pier were great, but places to eat and drink were area specific Need more small soft ice cream shops. Clean though. Recommended 👍

Beautiful clacton pier always holds avents for kids Halloween 6 weeks holidays etc… massive restaurant inside with endless fruit machine and games followed by more rides on pier outside which pushes far to the end of pier always nice to visit and walk along seafront towards Holland on sea

Absolutely fantastic. Came from Australia with my two year old and the pier kept her entertained for hours without spending any really money!

Great pier. Looks like it’s recently been renovated with loads to keep you busy.

Great value all day wristband if bought in advance unlocks pretty much everything at the pier. We spent 7 hours here and had great fun. The stuff were all so friendly and added to the fun. Thank you for a great day out.

This cathedral deservedly made Norwich a proper Christian city when Normans began construction in 1096. It boasts the 2nd largest extant spire of a British cathedral (this iteration standing since 1485). The cathedral doesn’t have a peal (unlike the storied nearby St Peter of Mancroft) for which only 4 stars are given. The church has received a modern hostry and refectory in the 2000s, where modern toilets can be found as well as a three-quarters decent contracted vendor for the café, the Bread Source. The wood and glass structure makes for a pleasant space and a good entrance, where entry is subject to a voluntary donation. The close is also lovely and home to several businesses, a college, and private residences.

Beautiful place and really helpful staff! Staff arent pushy for donations which is great as many places are pushy. Free tours makes visiting very affordable. Would definitely reccommend for half a day/a full day out. We went at 11am on a Wednesday during the October half term and it wasn't busy at all. They had activities like colouring avaliable for children.

Easily the best to look at for stained glass. This place is vibrant!, well lit and all of it accessible. We travel the length of the vou try looking st cathedrals and so far this has been the best one we've seen. The people here are friendly and approachable. Fantastic parking just moments from the cathedral and be sure to keep an eye out for there cat. 10/10 would recommend visiting here.

Absolutely stunning place! 🌿 Norwich Cathedral is one of those spots where time seems to slow down. The moment you walk through the gates, you feel peace and history all around. The building itself is breathtaking — the architecture, the soaring arches, and the beautiful cloisters are simply magnificent. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a wonderful place to reflect, sit quietly, or just admire the craftsmanship and beauty of centuries past. The volunteers and staff are very friendly and happy to answer questions. Don’t miss walking around the peaceful garden and the lovely café nearby — perfect for a quiet cup of coffee after your visit. It’s definitely one of the highlights of Norwich. Highly recommend to everyone visiting the city — a truly magical and inspiring place ✨

Norwich Cathedral is a truly stunning landmark and a must-visit in the city. The architecture is breathtaking, with its soaring spire, beautiful cloisters, and intricate stonework that reflect centuries of history. The interior is equally impressive, offering a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection. The staff and volunteers are welcoming and knowledgeable, happy to share the cathedral’s rich history. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or simply seeking a serene place to visit, Norwich Cathedral is an unforgettable experience.

Unfortunately couldn't spend as long here as would have liked. Understandably but without forethought closed part of this morning for remembrance day. Managed to wonder round inside afterwards and was guided expertly by 1 of the tour guides to the locations of the 2 people's graves/tombs/plots we we're looking for. Glad we went back after remembrance and most definitely worth the £5 each charity donation. The building itself is in excellent condition considering its 900 years of existence.

Beautiful large cathedral,glorious stain glass windows. Dogs allowed. A lovely inner grass area with a surprising maze in the middle. A small shop for souvenirs. It has its own cat which gave the side eye. A very modern brass font as well as the traditional one..lovely grounds to explore. Paix for parking a short walk away.

The whole experience is visitor friendly from young to old. Much appreciated the lifts to all floors including the battlements for the amazing views. The museum full of artefacts, clearly labelled again interactive for children to enjoy.

Newly reopened Norwich castle 2025. Well worth the visit, it's a combination of walking around a historical castle, museum exhibits and artefacts, fine art, natural history and a WW2 exhibit. There are screenplays/shows in the great hall which briefly go over the history of the castle, and there are good views out the windows and across the battlements. All items in exhibits are labelled and described, and there are display boards around the actual castle interior explaining parts of daily medieval life or the significance of certain design/areas of the castle. There are historical arms and armour on display if after pieces for artistic reference. The well is very very deep.

It was great to see the castle after the recent renovations. It's a fine building with some great exhibits and interactive elements for children. The views from the battlements are great, especially on a clear day. It's a bit pricey and there's no senior citizen discounts, otherwise it would be five stars

What an amazing place right on our doorstep. I've lived in Norwich 10 years and never been to the castle and what a gem of a place this is. I can't say how much it's improved since it's renovation, but wow there's so much to see! From the basement to the battlement they have honestly outdone themselves. We didn't get a chance to see it all sadly as we had two toddlers, but what we did see was amazing and definitely worth the price of admission.

I brought my 1 year old daughter here today. We had a lovely couple of hours exploring and taking some lovely photos. My only criticism is that we couldn't get around the whole castle as the lifts were out of order. My daughter was on her trike, and I wasn't prepared to carry her up and down stairs. We explored the museum and what we could of the castle. Plenty of activities for children. Very friendly and informative staff :)

Went to Norwich Castle today. It has been completely restored and is great. Only negative is maybe too restored. Looks almost new. Really good museum and art gallery too.

A very popular venue for a wedding ceremony and it's easy to see why! Norwich Castle, recently referbished is a gorgeous wedding ceremony venue. Slap bang in the centre of the city, it gives stunning views of the city, and the room is beatiful. Have a peek at the images to see what your wedding ceremony could look like!

Had a wonderful day out at Jimmy's wildlife park with my wife and two dogs. The only place dogs can't go is the butterfly and reptile enclosures. So much to see and a lovely environment. Ample activities for kids and buying animal feed gives you the chance to get close to a lot of different animals. We saw the bears... although sleepy as we passed and watched a couple enjoying an 'experience' and feeding the brown bears. Thoroughly recommend. 10/10 The shops are great too.

Website does not do it justice, the FARM section is pigs but the rest is a fine selection of a small scale zoo. Powerd wheelchairs available but we had our own and it copped just fine, its hard pac mostly and the off road bit was 1 little section which wont be there once they complete the other enclosure its only temporary. Amazing place, great for family and Adults, they offer wedding packages too, food and drink prices relevant to the times.

After watching the ch4 episode on the Brown 🐻, we decided to make the journey from South Yorkshire to Ipswich Suffolk. Very good visit, had around 3 hours+ on site, only animals we didn't see were the Wolf's & Coos otherwise a good place to visit. There was quite a bit of work going on so it'd be nice to visit again next year once it's all completed. Staff we came into contact with were very nice and helpful, we managed to be at the Polar Bear 🐻's when May have a talk on the P/Bears only to find 2 of them were from The Yorkshire Wildlife Park 7 miles from where we live in Doncaster...👍👍👍👍

We had our wedding at Jimmys farm this past weekend and it was without a doubt the best day of our lives. The rangers at the park were incredible happy to talk to all of our guests, our lemur experience was the best! The food was sensational all of our guests raved about it, in particular the roast beef course, and the venue was beautiful. Huge shout out to our wedding planner at Jimmys Claire, who had only been working at Jimmys for a few weeks before helping with our wedding but helped with everything and reassured us at every point. What an amazing day and venue xxx

Had an absolutely brilliant time at Jimmys yesterday. Such a beautiful and big place and you can clearly see that the animals have the best care. We fed Diego the brown bear and the experience was absolutely amazing. A huge thank you to May his keeper who went above and beyond spending time with us and chatting. Highly recommend and will definitely be going back!

Excellent park. The park is well laid out and easy to get to. It gets busy so book your spot and get in early or suffer the overflow parking (which is not far from the entrance). Good food at the restaurants and lots of places to explore. All the animals are easily viewed and petting is allowed on e of them (goats, donkeys, etc. ). No - you can’t pet wolves or polar bears :). Have fun!

Travelled from Scotland, just to visit the farm, was not disappointed. This place is totally amazing. The talks about the animals were educational & fun. Seeing the wolves was a highlight for me. Looking forward to seeing the new enclosure open, hopefully with a tiger or two? Keep up the great work. Highly recommend

Visited Banham Zoo this week and had the most amazing time. The animals are so well cared for with outstanding enclosures. We did The Big Cat Experience which was well worth the money as you get to spend time with and feed several big cats. Highly recommend!

Absolute brilliant place, we got there my chance, was in the area with some time to spare and discovered this brilliant diamond. As an experience, I would say it's the best Zoo I've been so far in the UK. I mean, they have a snow leopard. It's a completely brilliant place and just can't wait to go there again.

We decided to go on one of the hottest days so not many of the animals were out. It’s a very big area and caters brilliantly for the children. I love the fact you can hire buggies and mobility scooters, the train was always packed and there was plenty of staff around. I took off a star as even though it was a good day out wasn’t the best zoo we have visited and if we didn’t take our time we would have been round it in an hour! We loved the tropical area so much.

Nice enough zoo and can’t argue with the value after using the kids go free promotion for half term. The park itself is clean if not a little rundown. The selection of animals is disappointing and not anywhere near as good as Africa Alive. The food outlets are fantastic with all being spotlessly clean, excellent value and really delicious food. What a shame it’s such an utter shambles. Queue for ages to get in only to be met with a disgruntled team member who would rather do ANYTHING than speak to customers. We had prepaid the trick or treat packs and was told we could get these in the gift shop so we then had to queue up again for well over half hour for a lanyard and a a little pencil. These “packs” could have been at the main entrance. The staff on the gift shop were painfully slow and unorganised making the wait even longer and allowing multiple people to queue jump. There’s lots of work going on round the park to update and introduce enclosures which is exciting and we look forward to seeing.

Haven't been here for years and took my 7 year old granddaughter. Can't blame zoo but weather was so hot all the animals were hiding in shade so we're hard to see. Some enclosures and areas looked tatty and would have like a few more interactive things to interest children and adults around. We did love the train ride which was very popular.

I had a fantastic time at the zoo! The animals looked well taken care of, and the enclosures were spacious and clean. There was a wide variety of animals to see, from tiger to penguins and reptiles. I was amazed of the animals. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions. Definitely worth the visit. 😍

Brilliant zoo, found whilst on holiday and was pleasantly surprised! Really good selection of animals, all really well looked after, good food and a cracking day out! Would highly recommend!

Had a lovely day out here plenty of animals to see,some were hiding in their beds as it was a bit chilly but you could peep at them there. There's walk through areas to get up close. Plenty of food and drink cafes dotted through the zoo and picnic benches too. Definitely worth a visit.

Love a zoo trip!! such an enjoyable experience. Great variety of animals to see and even though it can be very busy you still see and enjoy it all. The animals all have great spacious enclosures and plenty of items in for them to enjoy. There is plenty of things to see and to do which is great. The Gift shop at the end is brilliant as well, has a great variety of things for all ages.

What an amazing zoological zoo. It's started off as wet and windy but cleared up as there was many indoor areas to visit. The meerkats took abit of coaching to get them outside but eventually came out. Feeding the giraffes was really good and exciting for the children. Well grown ups. The staff were really helpful and knew exactly where to send you when lost for the next adventure around the park. So many animals and looked in good care. Lots of schools visiting which was good to see. Well done teams.

Had a very nice day. Very nice experience during the visit. The zoo is very easy to find with plenty of parking. The staff is very nice and helpful. You can stroll around the park in a relaxing enjoyable atmosphere. The zoo is easily accesible for wheel chair users and the benches around the park come in handy for those who have issues walking longer distances. The zoo beeing situated in a field away from towns, villages is very nice and gives you a better touch with nature. The large animal section is very nice. Also note that animals might take a nap exactly when you want to film or take a photo of them...with patience you can still catch them moving around. The restaurant offers good food and you can enjoy the food outside in nice weather. Kids playground close to the restaurant. Toilets also around the park are clean. You can get a ride on a mini train. The souvenir shop is nicely organised, affordable prices. The plush animals are very nicely made. Definitely worth a day visiting. Best to buy tickets in advance. You'll find a nice biodiversity animal range. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Better buy tickets in advance or an year pass if you plan to visit more times.

Really enjoyable day and a huge variety of animals to see. It’s really well laid out and the animals all looked happy. The Africa section was impressive. The elephants and giraffes seemed happy. Every turn you took there was something new to discover. Food options were a bit hit and miss with long waits for average not even hot food. That was the only down side but went for the animals hence the 5 star review. The green anacondas were stunning as were the chimpanzees

I had an absolutely fantastic time visiting Colchester Zoo! One of the highlights of the day was the amazing train ride that took us on a scenic journey around the park, giving us a chance to see the majority of the animals from a unique and relaxing perspective. It was such a fun and convenient way to explore the zoo. Another great feature was the variety of informative talks held at different animal enclosures throughout the day. These talks gave us the chance to learn more about the animals, their behaviors, and conservation efforts, all while getting a closer look at them. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. Overall, it was a brilliant experience—perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals. Highly recommend visiting Colchester Zoo for a memorable and educational day out!

A great day out. I came with my six and ten year old and they loved the day. We didn't get to see all the animals but we did see most of them. We were there from 11.30 to 6pm l. There were plenty of places to sit and eat lunch/snacks. Lots of playgrounds, exhibits and interactive places.

I came here today with my little family, and we had a lovely few hours here! We loved seeing the aviary, the gardens (which are stunning!), seeing the ruins and our daughter loved the play area! Highly recommend for an afternoon out with the family.

A great place to stop for a picnic 🥪 . Some lovely ruins to explore and a beautiful flowers 💐. Be careful not to get hit by the water sprinkler. There are lots of benches all around the edges and a few tables near the gate. I loved looking at the birds. 🦜🐦🦜

The sheer history of this place is awe-inspiring and simply stunning! The combination of a beautiful cathedral, well cared-for gardens and the Abbey ruins makes it a perfect place to explore, relax and learn more about history, allowing you to imagine just how vast and powerful the abbey was in its heyday!

Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds is absolutely beautiful and such a joy to visit. The gardens are perfectly maintained, full of colour and seasonal blooms, with peaceful paths to wander and plenty of seating to take in the views. The historic Abbey ruins add a fascinating sense of history and make the setting even more special. It’s a wonderful spot for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, or simply to enjoy some quiet time in stunning surroundings. Truly one of the highlights of Bury St Edmunds

Abbey Gardens absolutely stunning flower displays. Beautiful walk around the Gardens. A great place to visit.

Beautiful to.walk amongst the history. Definitely recommend

Gardens are always well looked after. Pilgrims cafe was also excellent

Great place for a visit and some lovely walks. There are at least 4 different walking routes you can take all with different distances for all fitness levels. The house is nice, but the viewing experience is quite small. My only small complaint would be that there are not enough bins for your food waste if taking a picnic etc, there were none on the walks we did. There's plenty of parking too

I recommend getting one of the free guided tours. It really brings the history of the place alive. Our tour guide was really good if a little arrogant. Inside is good but not a lot to see but the grounds make up for it. There is a little cafe and an activity for children.

Absolutely wonderful National Trust property with part still inhabited by the family. As with most NT properties it is in beautiful condition. The volunteers in several rooms are extremely knowledgeable and add to the overall experience. Wonderful grounds to wander round add to the appeal. Mention must be made of the cafe. Absolutely first rate. Already looking forward to another visit when we are back on the area.

Last minute decision to visit. Hadnt booked tickets but not a problem , small gardens but lovely moated house. Swans with cygnets swimming in moat. Guides very knowledgeable. Woods and plenty of space to walk and seating to sit and relax, taking in the day. Delicious scones with cream tea at small seating area near entrance. Several visitors with dogs walking in gardens.

Our 3rd visit here,all the necessary work to the roof and windows is now completed, they have a small exhibition of articles found during restoration which is interesting, the tearoom is up to normal NT standard, we enjoyed a lovely cream tea! The grounds are lovely and well maintained ,we had a very enjoyable visit 😀

Very smiley and helpful ladies at the entrance. Took my dog round the walks that had some very nice wooden statues on them. Very pretty and well kept estate. Went as a National Trust member so the entry fees where not an issue.

Really enjoyed visiting Oxburgh Estate (National Trust). Well worth joining a tour as the history is very interesting. Very nice cafe, with lots of choice on the menu (inside and outside seating). The house was more interesting I think because we did the tour first. We spent around 4 hours there and could have stayed longer - lots to do and see

Ely Cathedral is absolutely stunning. The architecture is breathtaking, especially the unique Octagon Tower and the spacious Lady Chapel. Inside, every detail feels majestic yet peaceful. The staff and guides are very welcoming, and the whole visit is well worth it. A true gem and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England.

Spectacular and unique among cathedrals, its wooden octagonal “lantern” high above the crossing is amazing to see and explore. We booked an Octagon Tower tour before our visit, and learned from our guide the original tower had been square and built in a Romanesque design, but that unstable ground - possibly exacerbated by construction of the adjacent Lady Chapel - had caused the tower to collapse in 1322. Something new was clearly required, and result was an octagonal tower made of stone and wood that was lighter in weight, spread the load more evenly, and that had an upper row of windows to admit light (a “lantern”). After examining this construction method on a model at ground level we were escorted up the first spiral staircase to the clerestory, where we were asked to deposit backpacks and purses. Nearby were the bass pipes of the organ, some of them so long that they are installed horizontally. Three more stairways ensued, two of them among the narrowest we have ever climbed in a Cathedral. All were inside the walls, and the one that accesses the roof requires one to bend almost double to duck through the exit door. The interior of the Octagon Tower is a busy maze of beams installed in the 14th Century, with some of the larger pieces at least 1,000 years old. We approached the lantern from behind and found it consisted of a number of high, narrow, painted doors, three of which were opened for us so we could peer across the octagon to the painted other side, and crane our necks to see the altar far below. It was absolutely splendid. We learned that the lantern’s last significant structural restoration was done under architect Sir Gilbert Scott in the mid 1800s, and that the lantern paintings (and part of the nave ceiling) were completed in the 1860s. Outside on the lead-clad roof we were treated to a terrific view over the city. Back downstairs we explored the magnificent Lady Chapel and some of the Chantry chapels before calling it day. Practical info: A tour will really make your time at Ely come alive, so visit the excellent Ely Cathedral website to see what is on offer. Allow about 2 to 2.5 hours for a visit.

An impressive and magnificent cathedral that makes Ely – even though it’s the second smallest city in England – truly special. Knowing that this remarkable building is almost 1,000 years old makes the visit even more fascinating. It’s also interesting to learn that parts of the first Harry Potter film were shot here. The audio guide is excellent and very informative.

Beautiful cathedral. This is an excellent place to visit for a day out. The grounds and staff are helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. If you are in the area, well worth the trip. There are numerous pubs, shops, and restaurants near the cathedral as well.

What an amazing place to visit and look around. Lots of things to see, so much history and so much beauty. The ticket price of £14 pp may seem quite steep, but you could essentially spend hours here and still not be bored. Be mindful that the Stained Glass Window Museum costs extra (to be the cost for this is quite steep for what it is) and it is also up some steep flights of steps so no good for people with disabilities; but interesting to look at the stained glass exhibits.

Ely Cathedral is fantastic. Special mention goes to Tracey, our guide on the Octagon Tower Tour. She was so full of amazing information and her pacing of the tour was perfect. Such a special and unique place.

A beautiful building from the outside and looks magnificent inside. But sadly they charge a ridiculous £14 per adult to enter just for a 20-30 minute browse. Understand they need to maintain the place but this is meant to be part of our collective heritage and should be open to all for a much smaller donation. In France similarly grand cathedrals outside of Paris are free to enter. Also, the church fathers have built an ugly building opposite the entrance that really ruins the surrounding area ( see picture). Disappointed.

Fantastic day, need more than one day to see everything. We mainly done hanger 1, the US area and the outside planes. These were knowledgeable and informative. We became members so we can come back a few more times. 100% recommended. All the staff we spoke to were lovely.

Great museum. It's huge. Spread over several hangars and buildings, and includes a Concorde, B52, SR71, U2 and many others. When we visited there were lots of light aircraft and classic planes like spitfires and bi-planes flying as well. There are several restaurants, a free shuttle bus, large gift shop and lots of volunteers (in red) more than happy to help. Car parking is free.

The Duxford Air Museum is an absolutely incredible place to visit! The collection is vast and beautifully displayed. The exhibitions are informative and engaging, with plenty of interactive displays and stories that bring the history of flight to life. Watching aircraft take off and land right in front of you is an unforgettable experience. There are also great facilities — plenty of parking, a nice café with good food and coffee, and lots of space for families to explore.

As a big aviation enthusiast, I was really looking forward to exploring the site and seeing some of the iconic aircraft up close. There was a short wait to buy tickets, and while the entry price did seem quite steep, I was happy enough to pay it for the chance to see the planes I’d come for. Unfortunately, the gentleman at the ticket desk (older, with white hair and a beard) was rather unfriendly and didn’t offer the warmest of welcomes — not the best start to the day. My first stop was the Concorde, which I’ve always wanted to experience. There were two staff members standing by the entrance, but they seemed too caught up in their own conversation to greet visitors or answer questions. Once onboard, there was no one available to provide information or engage with visitors, which was disappointing — especially for such a famous aircraft. After leaving Concorde, I made a beeline for the commercial airliners on display outside — the part of the visit I was most excited for. Unfortunately, when I arrived, all of them were closed for the day except the aircraft in British Airways livery. While that one was open and staffed, and the gentleman onboard was extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer my questions (thank you for that!), I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that the others were shut. Throughout my visit, I also noticed that staff presence around the site felt quite sparse. In several areas, particularly around the commercial airliners, I had a lot of questions but couldn’t find anyone to ask. I was later told that access to the aircraft varies by day, which feels like a bit of a “luck of the draw” situation — fine if communicated clearly, but frustrating when you’ve paid full price and key exhibits aren’t open. Overall, while I did enjoy parts of the visit and found the open aircraft fascinating, the lack of staff engagement, limited access to exhibits, and inconsistent communication left me feeling underwhelmed. With such an incredible collection, I had hoped for a more welcoming and interactive experience.

Incredible place! Honestly the best aviation museum I have ever been to and one of the best museums I have been to overall. Lots to see, lots to interact with, actually getting into some of the planes, many elevated platforms and floors to see these huge aircraft from different angles. The airfield is active with all sorts taking off and landing throughout the day. Accessibility for wheelchair users is great too.

Very extensive collection contained at an active airfield. Vintage planes taking off and landing all day was a huge perk! To see these aircraft still flying is indeed a pleasure! Everything was in good order and labeled. Well worth spending the day here; so very much to see and experience!

Visited IWM Duxford during the school summer holidays and explored at our own pace. The vast hangars packed with iconic aircraft—from Spitfires to Concordes—bring aviation history to life. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and outdoor displays kept everyone engaged. Super accessible with wide paths and family facilities. A brilliant day out for all ages!

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is truly a gem—and completely free! Founded in 1816 from the personal collection of Richard Fitzwilliam, it has grown into a world-class museum with stunning collections of art, antiquities, manuscripts, and decorative arts. The building itself is beautiful, with grand galleries and a light-filled central hall. Highlights include works by Turner, Monet, and Van Dyck, as well as fascinating Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts. Every corner has something to surprise you, from delicate miniatures to imposing sculptures. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or just curious, it’s easy to spend hours exploring. A perfect cultural stop in Cambridge, and a must-see for both locals and visitors.

This is a fantastic museum and if you’re interested in art, it would be a reason enough to come to Cambridge, even if you have nothing else while you’re here. There’s a lot of nice impressionist paintings as well as other realist and pointillism from around the same time. As you could see in the photos, the Holdings for armory, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, ceramics are very extensive. I’ve got a big gift shop in a very nice little café on site as well. It’s really nice.

A true oasis of culture and beauty in the heart of Cambridge. Whenever I have a bit of time I like to walk in and get a good dose of inspiration. The museum never disappoints. The staff are lovely, helpful and friendly. I like the new, more modern display mixing various periods under different themes, it's refreshing. There are always fascinating temporary exhibitions too. The café and gift shop are also excellent. All in all, the Fitzwilliam museum is a must if you have more than several hours in Cambridge.

An outstanding museum in an impressive building! It offers a compact and clearly arranged collection of works of art, priceless historical artefacts, coins and much more. It may seem surprising to someone from Germany, but like many other institutions in England, admission to the Fitzwilliam Museum is free. Culture should not be commercialised and should be accessible to everyone – the UK is absolutely on the right track here. Anyone who is in Cambridge and has not yet visited the Fitzwilliam Museum has really missed out on a significant opportunity!

Very nice museum with a lots of different arts displayed from various era and places. If you like arts your place is here when you visiting Cambridge. The entry was free, the staff was polite and helpful all the way. Please make a note turn off your phone flash as it harms the the displayed arts. The staff also will ask you politely. You can take many photos as you want. Very diverse and nice collection. Recommended to visit it. I post pictures from my favourite part the armory.

Excellent museum in Cambridge, with an amazing art gallery and Egyptian, greek&Rome artifacts to name a few. Nice cafe and shop. Highly recommended A+++

Its a very nice place, had a wide range of collection. Exhibits are from all over the world and they have separate sections. Expect some amazing displays and special exhibition as well.

Beautiful Cathedral King’s College Chapel is an amazing architectural building of Gothic Art. Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in this city. We highly recommend the visit. It is very unique, but tremendously stunning!

Words are wasted here - one of the finest monuments to Perpendicular architecture anywhere. Go in, have your breath taken away, admire the paintings, and try and keep your heart in your chest. The fan vaulting is like no other. Pick a sunny, still day, and approach the college from the Backs, the classic side - you avoid the tourists, feel more like a student 😉 And when you are done, take some time sitting on the Backs, and appreciate that Rupert Brooke and others used to punt to here from Grantchester for their lectures. I'm guessing (hoping?) in straw boaters

Indeed a very very special place. We were lucky that a former student has shown us this area. With all the details and historical parts of the Kings college chapel. All these details are so special that you need to take the time to observe all the details of this chapel. The colors, the building architecture in relation with the stories is amazing. You can easily enter this chapel via the main entrance of the Kings College. Please do vist the total area which is amazing and combine this visit with the other College areas in Caimbridge.

There is a reason this is a must stop. The ceiling alone was worth the price of admission. The stain glass work was very human. It needs renovation. They seemed to admire the "modern man" in several panels which caught my attention. Yes, all the tourists stop here. . .for a reason.

beautiful, and picturesque place that feels like stepping into a storybook. From the historic colleges and cobbled streets to the tranquil River Cam, every corner offers something breathtaking. The locals are incredibly polite and friendly, always happy to help or share a recommendation. Whether you're punting, visiting museums, or simply enjoying a coffee by the river, the atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming.

Very beautiful place, nice place, i havent been punting but I would like to try👍. Lots of shops and places to eat near. Students who study here should be gratful for such a beautiful college✌️

Can only visit the chapel by attending a service. We went to Evensong - a truly uplifting place. It made me feel very humbled. The choristers were serene.

The road to the zoo is a bit narrow and winding, and driving with the steering wheel on the opposite side made it even more unusual. This is a truly small family-oriented zoo with an interesting selection of animals. Everything was clean and well maintained, and we enjoyed the visit. I was especially excited to see capybaras and meerkats. Personally, it was also fascinating to observe the visitors — many families with two or more children. The food was decent, but because of the strong wind and too many wasps outside, the experience was mixed. Overall, it’s a great place to spend a day with family.

Visited for my daughter’s birthday and it was great all round. The entire place is very well designed and in good condition. We tried food at a few of the outlets and all were good quality tasting food - not amazing but not the typical greasy nonsense you get. It’s good that you can walk around each area multiple times and in different directions so you really feel like you get the most out of your ticket. Price wise was good, about average and like I said there is plenty to do when inside. All the animals we saw looked happy, no concerns there.

A brilliant zoo, I would say one of the best we have visited. It was busy but we didn't feel it, its nicely spread out so you never feel crowded, it was also very clean and tidy. The staff were fantastic, even when doing something they were happy to answer questions on animals, they were all happy, friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy being there. The animals all seemed happy and healthy with a lovely variety. As with all zoos it would be nice to see them with more space. The food was of excellent quality and reasonably priced. Nice to have the mix of animals, the dino trail and parks too. It is 3.5hours away from us but worth every minute in the car. Would 100% recommend

Great zoo, loved the red panda experience, keeper was very friendly and informative in answering any questions I had. Loved getting to see the two red pandas being introduced to each other. Got good views of the animals, some of the viewing windows were quite wet with condensation which blocked views but not much to be done about that. Lots of kids so was quite noisy but think I came in the school holidays. Only negative was one of the jaguars was pacing around a lot in its enclosure, hopefully it was just waiting for food or something like that and not stressed. Got Uber easily to/from the train station. Staff were all friendly and helpful.

A really good day out. I went with my sister and my two teenagers and we all thoroughly enjoyed our day. The theming, informative signs, viewing areas/platforms and eateries were very good. Of course the wonderful animals were the highlight and I can recommend attending the bird show! At the end of the day we even had a train ride around the dinosaur area for £2 each, which ended the day nicely.

A family favourite. My son was two when we went and he loved the dinosaurs section even though I was worried he was too young, there are some bits that are slightly gruesomely but you can quickly go past them. It’s good fun and you can then go to the zoo and look at the animals. It’s very well organised and clean. Limited option for food and as with any of these venues, it’s overpriced for the quality you get.

Hertfordshire Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly destination with a great variety of animals and interactive zones. The enclosures are well maintained , highlights include the lions, camels, and alpacas, all easy to view up close. The “World of Animals” and “Tumble Jungle” soft play area add extra fun for kids, with clearly scheduled play sessions. The zoo is clean, well signposted, and offers a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. A perfect day out for families with young children!

A beautifully designed and built cathedral. Are there better ones - depends upon what is considered better, this one is full of history and stunning architectural details. There was a 5 pound charge to visit the chancel but I did not think that excessive considering the maintenance costs on this building. If you visiting Peterborough, this is not to be missed. Also a lovely place for some self reflection and hop out of the daily trials of life.

What a great cathedral. The architecture is amazing and walking inside its so spacious and the art work is amazing. Such a peaceful place. The cathedral is right in the city centre of Peterborough and you can’t miss it with the walk way leading to it. The cathedral looks so beautiful and grand from the outside and when you walk in it looks so nice

An impressive building with the three arches. The Nave is beatiful too with the wooden ceilings, etc. An amazing building. But, I was disappointed to find that in order to visit the chancel and other areas at the back of the cathedral, I would have to pay an entrance fee of £5.50, you have to buy tickets at the information desk. There is no clear signage of that being the case, nothing to inform me of this. You need to be more clear as it does not say on your website or indeed on any signage that I looked at that there is a fee.

Like majority of Cathedrals in the UK, Peterborough cathedral has stunning Gothic architecture and a real sense of history. The intricate ceilings and beautiful stained glass are breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to pause and reflect.

I have visited a lot of Cathedrals over the year across England, and this has to be one of best that l have seen. l was very impressive with both the inside and the outside of this cathedral. I would highly recommend coming here. The cathedral is free to visted, but there is a donation box/card reader if you would like give something.

Superlative example of a cathedral lots of spectacular details and information and friendly and helpful staff. Gift shop didn't seem open and if they did contactless donations we would have.

This is one of my favourite cathedrals in UK, just beautiful. Check out their xmas fayre in November each year .. fabulous

Visited this safari recently and it was a fantastic experience overall. The lions were pretty relaxed, lounging around, but it was still an incredible thrill to see them up close. The real stars were definitely the monkeys – full of energy, playful, and even bold enough to jump on the car, which was hilarious to watch. We also got surprisingly close to some truly impressive animals, making the whole trip unforgettable. The kids loved it so much that we ended up coming back just two weeks later… apparently, I didn’t have much choice! But tickets in advance to save a few quid.

We have been to Woburn many times over the years, and it’s always enjoyable. The weather was excellent. Most of the animals were out and about when we visited this time. The grounds looked well kept. We didn’t see many monkeys this time, and am not sure why they were “hiding” from us. We like to poke around the shop and have an ice cream. It’s was a great day. Thanks for a good experience. I would recommend it.

Great place with plenty to do apart from driving around looking at the animals. There is a free train to go on, pedalos in the shape of swans or a flamingo, places to eat and drink, gift shop and shows at certain times of the day. Well kept park and quite big. Doors and windows to be kept shut and no feeding the animals. The lion was my only concern as he was enclosed alone and pacing his enclosure but otherwise all good and the lionesses were free and together. The great bird show was the highlight of the visit for me. Plenty of parking spaces. Well worth a visit if you get a deal with a car of 5 people as we did . Would definitely to back next year as for us it was over 2hrs to get there.

We visited on a bank holiday weekend in August. We had just a few minutes to enter the park and soon lots of incredible animals came into view. The Road Safari and the on-foot Foot Safari provides a perfect blend of excitement and exploration, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The Road Safari is a huge highlight. It's a thrill to drive your own car just a windscreen's width away from majestic rhinos, elegant giraffes, and even powerful lions. The ability to do unlimited circuits means you can go around as many times as you like, which is brilliant for catching glimpses of animals you might have missed on the first pass. The enclosures are vast and the animals seem well-cared for, which is a big plus. The mischievous monkeys are a must-see, just be prepared for a bit of cheeky fun!

We have been several times and throughly enjoyed every visit. This time was particularly great because of the staff. From the moment we arrived at the booth, visits to the gift shop and Cafe to the very end we were treated very well indeed. James was superb with my Son on the high adventure course thing. We explained what help he needed and nothing was too much for James to handle. What an excellent member of staff you have there! Thank you for a great day out.

We went to Woburn and had a fantastic time. We had a nice slow drive around the Safari, seeing all of the animals. Pretty much all of the animals were out and about which was great to see. The African Lions were fantastic and one walked right by our car. The kids loved it. You can bypass the safari and drive straight to the carpark and start the walking safari if you prefer. Parking was very easy and there is an overflow carpark for when it gets really busy. I did find navigating the safari walk a little tricky as there are a lot of branching paths to the various enclosures but it's probably because I'm used to other Zoos. Be prepared for a bit of hill climbing here and there as some of the enclosures are set down the hill but there are steps and slopes for buggy and wheelchair access. There are loads of eateries and cafés, we went to the one in the soft play. Food Prices were not too bad but could get very expensive very quickly. We had a great time, the Park was very clean and tidy, the staff were friendly and approachable. If you are visiting with family members needing the disabled toilets, then bring your radar key as I had to keep asking in the gift shop!

Great to see the animals up close and while they were active. It wasn't too busy despite being summer holidays so that was also a win. Love that you can go round the safari a couple of times under the same tickets, as there is always something different happening each time!

We visited Bletchley Park today and had an absolutely fantastic day exploring this incredible piece of history. From the moment we arrived, the experience was first class. We were greeted at the entrance barrier by Jake, who gave us a lovely warm welcome — full of good humour and friendly banter — the perfect start to the day. Inside, every member of staff and volunteer we met was just as friendly and engaging. Their enthusiasm for the site and its history really brought the stories of The Codebreakers to life. A particular highlight for me was the Radio Team, who were exceptional. They not only explained the radio technologies and the process behind them in fascinating detail but even offered me a chance to have a go myself! Their knowledge and passion were infectious and added so much to the visit. We took our time exploring the Mansion, the huts, and the surrounding grounds — everything was beautifully presented and full of atmosphere. The attention to historical authenticity and the care taken in preserving the story of Bletchley’s wartime legacy was evident everywhere. The Gift Shop was excellent too, well-stocked with books, souvenirs, and thoughtful keepsakes. I was thrilled to find a book I’d owned as a child (a long time ago now!) — something I never expected to see again. All in all, it was a day filled with learning, nostalgia, and wonderful interactions with passionate people. A truly memorable visit, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Five stars without hesitation.

Excellent museum to visit, very good & humorous tour guide - Robert - entertained and informed us for an hour in the heat of the afternoon - really brought the place to life. I paid the night before & the ticket allows unlimited further visits for 12 months. Loved the sound effects in the outside areas. Great ice cream 🍦 kiosk. A smartly presented and well thought out museum, recommended.

An amazing place and well worth a visit. The guides are all volunteers who give their time and expertise completely free of charge. In my opinion this makes them even more valuable to the whole experience and definitely worth listening to if you can get on one of their guided tours. Your entry ticket will allow you to return as many times as you like with a year of your first visit, completely free of charge, and you’ll need it as there so much to see and learn.

This is an amazing Living Musuem of history. The splendid work both highly intellectual people accomplished, together with every day men and women during WW2 is shown here. Without this secret team WW2 may not have ended when it did and with the British victorious. There is so much so see we needed 3 day visits. When you purchase your ticket you get a year to return and Thank Goodness for that.

After having heard so much about this place we finally made the long journey to visit. There was a barrier at the entrance, reminding one of the fact that this was once a secret military establishment. There is much to see over several buildings. We joined a guided walk which was useful with much information about this history of the site. The main museum is where the story of the code breakers is told and there is much to see and read related to this significant work done during the Second World War. It is significant to see how most of the work was done by women.

Interesting visit to learn more about the WW2 Codebreakers and see the technology they used. Informative and entertaining video presentations. Friendly staff and good interactive displays. Quite expensive at £28 pp (we won't be going back in the next year even though the ticket says you can) and disappointed that the museum of computing was another £10 each next door. The website says the cafes have gluten free options but they didn't have any gf cakes or sandwiches, only a main meal.

An amazing time in our countrys' history, remarkable work carried out by extraordinary people. We learnt a great deal more about the events that occurred there than we previously knew. Definitely worth visiting, as your entry tickets are valid for 12 months multiple visits.

A great and popular place to visit. Reasonable parking costs , and good places to eat and drink. The views are stunning. My only concern is there's no segregation between you walking and the inexperienced bike riders on there hired electric bikes. It's an accident waiting to happen. However we will be back as so much more to see and do.

Stunning views and lots of water related sports and activities. Great amenities. Cafe with views over the water. Set in 4,200 acres of countryside. Home to the Rutland Osprey Project.

Rutland Water is a truly stunning spot — a vast, handmade reservoir that feels both peaceful and lively at the same time. It’s easy to see why thousands of visitors come here each week. The lake is beautifully maintained, surrounded by rolling countryside, and offers plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or just sitting by the water with a picnic or barbecue, there’s a sense of calm that makes it perfect for relaxing weekends. The onsite parking makes it convenient, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. For those looking for something more active, Rutland Water doesn’t disappoint. The range of water sports — from sailing and paddleboarding to kayaking and even open-water swimming — gives the place an adventurous edge. Runners and walkers will love the scenic trails that circle the lake, offering constantly changing views and fresh air. It’s a wonderful mix of recreation and natural beauty — somewhere you can easily spend a whole day and still want to come back for more.

Beautiful place to come and fish for a day! The boats are well maintained and they also supply nets and drogue per boat. Such a vast body of water, will need to visit a few times to see it all, and fish it but it was that nice today, I know I'll be back again soon!

A pleasant and civilised day out with families enjoying the beautiful scenery, playing games a d having barbecue. I was impressed with the obvious lack of litter and the well stocked visitors centre. The toilets could do with a bit of tlc.

What lovely place Great walks amazing views

Lovely place to visit could easily spend a day walking round and enjoying the water and nature

Had a lovely day, it's about fun, simple rides and the park land. Food was not too expensive either, the baked potato in the cafe was quickly consumed with no complaint. We went to Alton Towers last year and whilst not comparable, this cost about the same as the food there, and in truth we had more fun. There is plenty to improve, not least the free playground and some of the buildings, but go with the right level of expectation and enjoy your day, helping to protect this little bit of heritage.

I was lucky enough to win four tickets to Wicksteed Park in a competition, and I went there yesterday. What a fantastic day it was! I absolutely loved my visit and would highly recommend the park to anyone looking for a full day of fun. The first thing that impressed me was how enormous the park is. There's so much space to explore that you never feel cramped or are fighting for room. The size of the park gives you a sense of freedom and the opportunity to discover something new around every corner. Besides the space, there's a huge amount to do. The variety of entertainment is impressive, with attractions for all ages. Whether you're looking for big thrills or something more gentle, there's something for everyone. We spent the whole day there and still felt like there were more things to see and do, which is a big plus. For me, Wicksteed Park is the perfect place for a fun family day out. The atmosphere is great, and with so much to do, it's impossible to get bored. It was an experience I'll remember fondly.

Absolutely amazing day yesterday. Came with my son and my two granddaughters. Purchased wristbands for all. Great price for family of four..unlimited rides which we all..especially girls took advantage of. As a grandmother of a child with svi I cannot recommend this park enough. From staff to patrons of this park everyone was amazing and so respectful to my granddaughter. Staff were aware my granddaughter required help by her dad or myself to get onto rides..and were extremely courteous. Gentleman on carousel was the best. Thank you sir! Unfortunately daddy and I felt a little unwell after a ride..you probably heard our screams asking for help during ride which my..obviously caring granddaughters..laughed incessantly.. Will definitely return. Thank you guys for an amazing day

Great day. Great value. Great staff. Have selected 5star for rooms service and location as whole day was a 5 star experience. The haunted walk was scary! Our 2yr old, but almost 3yr old.104cm, grandson loved it and got more confident so by the end of the day went on the high swings! We didn't eat there - it wasn't silly money but we had brought our own.

Staff were absolutely amazing enjoyed evey ride i went on with my friend. Favourite had to be the slide where a lovely girl called skye, made the ride even more enjoyable just by not only helping understand the ride but her cheerfull demeanor made the ride soo much more entertaining. Shout out to the meerkats who were adorable as ever.

A great park for toddlers, with both open play areas and an indoor play zone. Kids can enjoy various rides (though some may not be suitable for children under 3. Adults can enjoy walking or running around the park. There’s also a small train ride that’s fun for all ages.

Awful Oktoberfest for 2025. False advertisement with their posters and you left feeling like it was a scam: The event was advertised as a lively and festive Oktoberfest experience, but unfortunately, it fell far short of expectations. When we attended, there was only one food truck, no decorations, and an almost empty room with a band performing, where the only thing festive about them was the generic costumes they wore. While the musicians did their best, the overall atmosphere did not resemble the vibrant Oktoberfest celebration that had been promoted. £20pp for nothing. When a refund was requested the customer feedback team were very unprofessional and you’d be luck to get a reply.

Brilliant family day out, something for everyone here. Enough rides to suit all ages and queues were fairly short. Indoor areas are great with plenty to keep children entertained, perhaps aimed at more younger children but the dark themed slides and play area is great for all along with the rapids ride. Classics like the pirate ship and log flume for all the family to enjoy. Easy to navigate around the park. Free parking available and gift shop at the end. Purchased a family photo which can be taken upon entrance. Highly recommend for families. Great value with family pass which we purchased via offer code at half price. Bargain! 🌟

We are theme park connoisseurs and this park definitely is one of our top five parks in the uk. As we have kids under ten, this park has things to cater perfectly to them. It's a perfect size to be able to cram every ride in. The queues are small and the atmosphere is very nice. There's a large, soft play and separate aerial ropes. And drop slides. There's a farm on top to. Great visiting during halloween, as there is a pick your own.

Great park but definitely more suitable for small children. Our 9 year old wasn’t as enthused and entertained as our 6 year old. Quite a long queue for some of the rides which meant the kids were getting fizzy. Water wasn’t working either whilst we were there so had to use hand gel - provided by the park - this wasn’t the parks fault though. Good choice of food at decent prices and the place itself was kept nice and clean.

Every member of staff were a delight (apart from the woman in the paying booth.... They were kind and considerate and very child friendly! The rides were great as our two are ten and haven't really been on anything like that much. Excitement overload. The indoor slides and lazy river were a godsend as it was bitterly cold. There were some animals in the barn, and we enjoyed feeding them (50p for feed from a self-issue machine). Especially as the llama and goat were trying to eat the feed out of the machine! And the Shetland pony kicking the door to get more food. There were rabbits and meerkats too. The kids enjoyed picking a pumpkin too which was free with the ticket. Who knew choosing a pumpkin would bring so much delight. Thanks Twinlakes it was a blast!

A great day out for kids with plenty of space to burn off energy, from rides to play zones. However, some queues are long, and one day may not be enough to do everything. Staffs were efficient but not very smiley. Still, a fun-packed visit for active families!

It's a good value for money with ONE big but, as long as your child is over 90cm. Otherwise there's virtually no rides they can be allowed on. They would not let you hold them on your lap and go down the water slides in the splash zone either. Animal wise it's quite poor in terms of variety. Nice picnic areas. Decent cafe and indoor playground. Car park is decent size but on the rainy day it's a bit of disaster especially if you have to go through it with a buggy.

Went for the firework display this evening and it didn’t disappoint, far enough away for my little girl not to be scared by them!!! Incredible display and it was nice that everything else was open later to accommodate for the fire work display!!

Great weekend away, really enjoyed it. Recommendations would be to take your own food as it’s a long day, also take walk clothing as you will be sat still outside for a while. Negatives would be lack of signage to locations and open stands, we were walking around for a while to find stands were closed. Also more screens or pole position details from stands, but of a guessing game otherwise.

Had an amazing time here. Had the Aston Martin driving experience, which was brilliant. Other than the cars, the most impressive part of the day were the staff. Every single one of them were polite, friendly and enthusiastic. I cannot fault the customer service at all, including all the staff at the museum. The instructor that did the briefing was the most enthusiastic car person I’ve ever met! His passion oozed from him and it set us all on a high for what was to come. The driving mentors were great. I cannot fault this experience and I would highly recommend others give it a go.

The Silverstone Festival, celebrating 75 years of Formula One where it all began, was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From start to finish, everything was very well organized, and the staff were polite, friendly, and helpful, which made the day even better. There was so much to see and do, especially on the Friday when we went. It was the perfect choice — not overcrowded like the weekend can be, and the atmosphere was just right. Everywhere you looked there were interesting events taking place, from historic displays to on-track action. One absolute must is the museum — don’t miss it! I highly recommend purchasing the official booklet. It’s packed with useful information and really helps you navigate the festival. I only discovered at the end that the last page unfolds into a map of the whole site, which makes it much easier to see what’s going on. The booklet is a little expensive, but honestly worth it — with it, you won’t miss anything. The festival shop was another highlight, offering a wide range of merchandise, especially clothing, with some good sales. The food was also excellent and reasonably priced — much better than the usual “event food.” Both at the hotel restaurant and from vendors on-site, there were plenty of good options to enjoy, so no need to bring your own. It’s a shame that some of the great legends weren’t part of the event anymore, but it was still a powerful and moving experience. The history, the atmosphere, and the celebration of 75 years of Formula One made it truly special. Overall, the Silverstone Festival was an amazing experience — one that everyone should try at least once. My advice: don’t just stay in one place. Explore, walk around, and take it all in, because there’s so much more than meets the eye.

Came to Silverstone on the Sunday to watch F1 Grand Prix. We bought our tickets in advance which is essential. It was a great event. There was loads of food, shopping, variety of stalls. It is an all day event so can make of it as you please. My biggest concern was the toilets, but they had proper portable toilets so even better. Will definitely come back again and would recommend anyone to come and watch the F1. We had general admission tickets and stood at the Village A section on the corner. If you can afford to pay for a grand stand then I would recommend doing so. Just ensure you are prepared for all weather types

Amazing place for everyone, even if you are not a Formula 1 fan you will find plenty to do here it's like a festival for the whole family plus a chance to watch racing cars in action and if you are lucky you can even meet some of the Celebrities 😃 I got the tickets from my work and it was Friday practice only (initially I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't the Sunday when the main race take place) but still we've had fantastic day🤩. So many attractions are here and surprisingly for free, selfies with your favourite drivers, simulators, pit stop experience and even the Big Wheel....all free and worth queueing for. Many many different food stations, bars and places to sit and relax in between the drivers sessions. We have been lucky with sunny weather so the day was like a holiday experience from 8am till about 10.30pm with the concert to finish that brilliant day. I am already thinking about coming back here next year 🎉🎉🎉 I am obsessed....very well organised and packed with entertainment for anyone. Very grateful for the experience 🙏

Great track, worth seeing. Went to a BTCC weekend in September and had a great time watching the qualifying from the stands. Plenty to see including a museum, lots of parking spaces and toilets, food, store had a lot of merchandise on sale, probably because it was end of the season. Allow a couple of hours to visit the track.

Love this circuit best place to watch British touring cars and MotoGP. Been here a few times now and the staff are very helpful. The food stalls are good a bit expensive but they have to pay slot in pitch fees for the day. Parking is easy and free which is great for the amount of spectators that turn up. Had a great day at the BTCC open pit garages so you view the cars/mechanics etc, you can sit anywhere in the grandstands.

Went to visit as it was recommended to me. Good size carpark for cars and coaches. I found it very interesting as I took the tour around the house first then went inside exploring all levels of the house. There's plenty to see and I spent 4 hours exploring the site.

Visited this week with my twin's, what a history lesson rolled all into one. Very sad 😔 mixture of emotions as walking around. School's should definitely visit here to educate the kids and how hard England was back then. My twin's understood just how lucky they are. Definitely will come back.

This is one of the first workhouses. It's fairly smaĺl, but has everything you would expect. There is a small cafe here with the normal NT fayre in it, but I think in mid summer it may become crowded. Great place to bring children, to learn about the realities of 1800 Britain. I reccommend the external 30 min tour which you can book at the visitor centre when you get inside.

This is certainly a unique property owned by the National Trust. It gives the visitor insight to the living conditions of the residents of a workhouse that has stood here since 1824. Rooms are set up to recreate the life of the residents with separate wings for men, women and children. Everything is explained on placards and there are volunteers to answer questions. The tour is self guided. This place was very busy for late September, and there were no less than three school groups touring the workhouse on the day we visited. Lots of activity. There is a former hospital/nursing home on the grounds as well that is open for touring. The building holds a cafe and there are toilets should you need them.

Really well presented and so interesting to see the history of what was originally a test site evolving from the poor law. So glad the National trust saved it from the developers. Thanks to the amazing volunteers as ever 👏

Fascinating place to visit with lots to explore and learn the history of the building. Plenty of parking and a nice cafe. Well worth a visit.

This is a really special place that has lots of great stories attached to it. We managed to be there at a time where we could go on a guided tour where we found out lots of facts, stories and were able to ask any questions. The philosophy of the workhouse is explained well and really makes you think about not only the conditions of life there, but the alternatives that were/weren't available. The infirmary is a 'mark in time' and it feels like it has just been left 'as is', only without the medical professionions and service users there. It still smells like a hospital and this only adds to the fascination when looking around. I believe opening hours are limited so please check the website. Access to the car park can be found using what3words ///monkey.brief.tadpole

Came here to watch Pink Floyd Dark side of the Moon in the planetarium. The show was one of the best I've ever seen. Amazing atmosphere in the planetarium. The visuals and sounds were perfect. We also had a good look around the space centre itself. Properly cool place with absolutely loads for kids and adults to do and see. Very educational and we will be bringing our kids to have a look. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely do it again

The NSC is an amazingly well curated museum with interactive elements and immersive shows in the Patrick Moore Planetarium inside, shows last 25mins. They even have a real rocket! and you can take a lift to see it from above. It's well suited to kids and adults (we never grow up really) and you can touch space objects and interact with some scientific tools and even play some games to test your astronaut potential! I spent 2ish hours there and there's still more that I didn't get a chance to experience. Tickets were £20 & that gets you an annual pass. The cafe they have is great too, they do hot food and good coffee and even an awesome giftshop! You gotta go :]

The National Space Centre is a fascinating place for both children and adults. It’s especially engaging for Generation Y and millennials, showcasing the Cold War era, the development of technology, and the first steps in space exploration in an immersive way. You can step inside a Mercury capsule, see how astronauts eat and live, and even sit in a period-style room to feel the thrill of watching a rocket launch to the Moon on a vintage glass screen. The planetarium, presented as an animated journey, is truly impressive – even for adults. It’s a wonderful centre for both learning and fun, and the best part is that with just one ticket you can return all year round. Highly recommended! 🚀✨

Where do I start. The place was amazing. The staff and the exhibits were exceptional. So much great information to digest and lots of things for little ones and bigger little ones to do. There were a lot of people in, but it never felt packed. The cinema show was brilliant and way more immersing than we thought it would be. The gift shop had a great collection of toys as well as interesting gifts specific to the Space center. A great day out and it would've recieved 5 stars if it wasn't for the poor cafe that was let down by a lack of choice and the cleaning of the eating/utensil areas which was really poor. The staff serving were great super friendly on all departments but the eating areas were disappointing. Still won't stop another visit to this wondrous place.

Located north of Leicester city centre, the National Space Centre is an amazing day out for kids and adults of all ages. Filled with interactive and educational activities, award winning shows on immersive 360 degree screen, and lots more to see and do. Super helpful and attentive staff, great gift shop, lots of space to sit. Buy ticket online for free annual pass upgrade without hassle. Kids could spend the whole day in here to learn and play. Bring your own lunch to avoid weekend and peak time queues.

This visit has been a long time coming, after trudging the M1 for three decades and seeing the brown sign for the National Space Centre I finally found time to visit, and it was no disappointment in the slightest. Many facts and exhibits tie into loads of classic films, articles and milestones from over the years and lots for the kids to learn about along the way. A great day out and at the moment (summer 2025) the artists elephants are all around Leicester. The planetarium is incredible! Please go and enjoy one of the midlands great attractions that you might have missed.

I been there for first time, lovely place with many different views. I can see there is a plenty space for car parking. Amazing location with foods, and gifts. I was so happy and excited to be there and to be part of this. I will share few videos and photos from this amazing place. Highly recommend.

Bradgate Park is truly a gem, an incredible place to unwind, take a long walk, and just breathe. It's the kind of spot where nature does all the talking. The landscape is vast and beautiful, with open spaces, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps you disconnect from everyday life. It used to be quieter, and while it's more popular now and can get busy, there are still those rare, quieter days when you can enjoy the serenity and really take it all in. If you're lucky enough to visit on one of those days, the peacefulness is something special. Perfect for a picnic, a long stroll, or even just some time to sit and think. Just a tip bring everything you might need, because you might find yourself staying longer than planned. It’s that kind of place.

Bradgate Park itself is beautiful – really enjoyed walking around and especially loved seeing the deer roaming freely, which made the visit feel quite special. The scenery is lovely and it’s a great place to spend time outdoors. That said, the parking felt quite extortionate, which does take away from the experience a bit, and the men’s toilets could definitely be improved in terms of cleanliness. Overall, worth visiting for the park and wildlife, but a couple of practical things could be better managed.

Bradgate Road leads to the stunning Bradgate Park, a truly beautiful and expansive place that’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park is filled with wildlife — from grazing deer to a variety of birds — and its natural scenery makes it ideal for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re after a quiet stroll, a scenic jog, or a full day out with family, the area offers something for everyone. There are designated BBQ spots, picnic areas, and clean toilet facilities that make visiting convenient and enjoyable. The walking and running tracks are well-maintained, offering routes for all fitness levels and interests. Overall, Bradgate Road and its surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the city, combining nature, history, and recreation in one truly lovely destination.

The park is beautiful. What I didn't like was the amount of dogs off leads near the deers. This included a pit bull. Owners need to be wary at all times as deer are loose everywhere. Great for photographers. I parked in the south woods carpark as it is £2 all day.

A beautiful park and a great place for hiking, walking, and simply relaxing. It’s always thrilling to see wildlife up close here. Toilet facilities and cafés are available both at the entrance and in the middle of the park, which makes it very convenient. You can easily spend the whole day enjoying a picnic and connecting with nature and wildlife. There’s plenty of parking available — £5 on weekdays and £6 on weekends for the full day. It’s also good to see that bins are placed throughout the park, helping to keep it clean.

What and incredible place! Visit the ruins and the gardens. Take a walk alongside the stream. Or hike up the rocky hills to take in the panoramic views and pay your respects at the war memorial. Deer and Peacocks wonder freely around the grounds. This really is a stunning part of the midlands. When you need to rest your legs you can pop into the cafe to refresh, grab a bite to eat and take bathroom break. There's something for everyone to enjoy regardless of your physical abilities. I came via public transport from Nottingham. The number 9 Kinchbus took me from West Bridgford (Notts) to Loughborough (Auberry Gap stop), and then I got the 154 Centrebus from the Auberry Gap stop to the reservoir at the Bradgate Park. The stop which takes to back to Loughborough is also right next to the reservoir wall. I believe the last bus back to Loughborough is at around 18:30, and then there are multiple late buses back to Nottingham from there

Fantastic parkland with a large expanse of green space, some striking landmarks and remarkable prehistoric rock formations. Bradgate Park dates back around 800 years, when it began life as a deer park, a role it still fulfills today with a large herd of Fallow and Red deer. It's also home to the impressive ruins of Bradgate House, one of England's oldest brick built houses, and amazing ancient oak trees, many of which date back over 500 years. The park is maintained to a very high standard and has a number of entrances, each with their own parking area (charged daily at a reasonable rate) and public toilet facilities. Tearooms are located near the reservoir and the Newtown Linford entrance. The path is crossed by a network of well maintained and clearly signposted paths, ideal for dog walks and popular with families. The Newtown Linford entrance is best for short, easy walks past the stream to the house, while the Hunts Hill entrance in the upper part of the park is best for more challenging walks to Old John Tower and the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial. These high points offer expansive views over the surrounding countryside and the Leicester skyline, with rugged rocks in the foreground. We stopped here on the way to the Peak District thinking the park would be a more interesting way to break the journey than a motorway service station, and were very happy to have done so. A real suprise that exceeded all expectations.

Nottingham Castle played an important role in Britain's history. Apart from being famous for being home to the Sheriff of Nottingham, the castle was a strategic stronghold during England's civil war in the 1600's. Today the castle is museum that houses exhibits of Nottingham's lace manufacturing, studies surrounding the "Major Oak" in Sherwood Forest, and many other interesting displays. Outside the walls is a statue of Robin Hood that is a must see for visitors. Beneath the city is a network of caves that are also present at the castle. Booking a tour of the castle caves provides visitors with much more information about the history and importance Nottingham Castle has played in Britain's history.

Cool castle ramparts encasing a grand mansion steeped in history. Highly recommend booking a cave tour to explore the tunnels within the castle rock. The guides are hugely knowledgeable and give you a fun, educational, story-filled experience.

Nottingham Castle looks impressive and full of history, even from the outside. The grand architecture and its position overlooking the city make it a striking landmark. The grounds and surrounding area are beautifully kept and offer great photo opportunities. A must-see spot that captures the heritage and charm of Nottingham!

The castle is nice but was expecting more of a castle then an art museum. There are few interesting exhibits. The castle looks nice from the outside, the grounds are nicely maintaned offering nice views over Nottingham. The price is a little high for the experience. The Robin Hood experience is nice but is more of a playground for kids with interactive stuff, for adults kind of boring. The cave tour was nice but to pay extra for that, above the entrance price can be pricey for some folks compared to the experiance. The staff is nice and hepful. You buy tickets at the entrance or online waiting in the queue is the same to enter. Next to the castle you'll find a mini square with the statue of Robin Hood. The Forest exhibition is let's say ok but doesn't really impress, a natural woodland walk might be better. One visit is enough honestly, doesn't make any sense to visit the castle again especially if you travel from a bigger distance. The location of the castle is very good, in the city center, car park buildings close by. The souvenir shop and restaurant is nice.

Nottingham Castle is a great mix of history, legend, and modern storytelling. The museum inside offers well-presented exhibits about Robin Hood, local art, and the city’s past. The castle grounds are beautifully maintained with lovely views over Nottingham. While the original medieval castle no longer stands, the experience is still engaging and family-friendly — worth a visit if you’re exploring the city’s heritage.

The staff were all very helpful and friendly entry price is reasonable but..... I was expecting more castle. I am aware that the castle is self was destroyed many many years ago. I enjoy looking at castles in their various states and wonder what they would have been like. The exhibitions were informative and interactive.

Personally, we thought £15 entry for adults (£30 for us both) was expensive for a one-off visit if you wanted a tour of the caves that was an extra £8 per adult (we did not go on that). Yes, the entry ticket lasts a year and you can go as many times as you want which is good if you live close by, It's nice that children are free to enter, nice grounds with views over Nottingham, it's not really a Castle more like a mansion building which houses an art gallery / museum in the main building, the Robin Hood experience is more for kids with lots of interactive things to do, we enjoyed the Rebellion part of the exhibition and all about the history of Nottinghams troubled past, Wasn't really impressed with the echos of the Forest exhibition lots of tree photos and a video of some ladies dressed on cloaks hiding in trees, it may be I would prefer to walk in a natural woodland or forest and listen to the natural sound of nature, personally we would not return as we have seen it

Visiting Wollaton Park was a dream come true for me as a Batman fan. The moment I found out this was the filming location for Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises, I knew I had to see it—and standing there in front of Wollaton Hall honestly left me in awe. The building is absolutely stunning, with its towering windows and intricate stonework. For a moment, it really felt like I was stepping into Bruce Wayne’s world. The park itself is just as beautiful as the Hall. Wide green spaces, autumn leaves scattered across the grass, and peaceful paths made it feel both grand and calm at the same time. I could’ve stayed there for hours just walking around and taking it all in. The staff were also really friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even better. You can tell they care about the place and its history, and they were happy to chat and answer questions. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. As a Batman nerd, it felt like a pilgrimage to Wayne Manor. But even if you’re not into Batman, Wollaton Park is still an incredible spot to explore—beautiful, relaxing, and full of character.

Great place to visit. The car park is £5, I paid for this in the shop, giving them my number plate. The park is very extensive but it was fantastic to see the deer so close. The house is fascinating with all the natural history displays. This was £15 but the ticket lasts a year. The gardens were also very nice and the view down to the lake was beautiful. The cafe was ok, not the largest selection of food and the drinks were all served in cardboard drinking cups. All the staff everywhere were very friendly and helpful. The shop was nice to look around and standard prices. The toilet facilities were good and clean. There were some near the cafe and in the house. I definitely recommend a visit. On a warm summers day it would be a lovely place to bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Visited the walled gardens specifically. A wonderful, relaxing and fascinating project to restore the site. Lovely volunteers working at the site and amazing progression being made. Only open set times during the summer for tours. A warm welcome. This is a very special place.

This is very good place. This is wollaton hall gardens and dear park location is in Nottingham wollaton Road Nottinghamshire. Here is lake. Here is golf clup as well. Here is kids playing area as well. Here is parking available. But you need to pay for parking. Here is you can see dear as well

The park is about 500 acres. Many children at the playground, families on picnic rugs, deer wandering through acreage. Camellia House & Wollaton Hall are so different. Enjoyed every moment.

Not the best of days from a weather point of view but certainly from the number of people there. We will definitely be coming back and hopefully on the next visit go around the house. The cafe coffee and smoked bacon baguette was superb imo.

The grounds and lake, as well as the cafe and deli along with the wandering deer are worth the visit for the £5 (£6 at weekends) parking fee. But Wollaton Hall itself is no more than a taxidermist’s museum labouring under the ‘nature conservation’ banner. And at £15 each, not worth it - not our thing, but may be yours. I forgot, the connection to the 2012 Batman Movie, ‘Dark Knight Rising’ where this was Bruce Wayne’s Manor, but this was only mentioned once on an obscure info board.

Very friendly and lovely looking hotel .it would have been 5 star if our room was had a double bed rather than 2 singles pushed together. Quite dark in the room but not a problem as it fitted with the theme really. We were ground floor and the hall smelled a little damp. Reception and restaurant staff were very friendly . The area was pretty too. Nice walks and the bonus is the guy who offers very affordable punting . Very knowledgeable and kind. We done the medieval banquet and enjoyed ourselves. Can recommend visiting the hotel and the experience .

Such a beautiful park with woodlands, ponds with ducks and a centre with cafe, toilets, shops etc! We really enjoyed our time walking in the woods area with massive gorgeous trees around us! The ducks and doves and swans were enjoying the duck food we bought from the info centre for just £1/bag, although we saw some people giving their children sandwiches and bread to chuck at the ducks which was sad to see. A stunning place!! Definitely worth the visit!!

Coombe Abbey Country Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. The gardens, lake, and woodland walks are perfect for relaxing or enjoying nature. The historic abbey building adds extra charm to the stunning landscape. A lovely spot for a family day out, picnic, or quiet stroll — truly one of Warwickshire’s gems!

It was a pleasant visit, where we arrived by chance. The park itself is very beautiful, where you can charge your soul, and if you are going to stay at the hotel you will be spoiled. The lake is full of life, different birds, and even a gondola ride. I liked it and recommend that you set aside a whole day to visit this area.

Beautiful woodlands, nature at its best! The trees were absolutely fascinating and added to the charm. Great for peaceful strolls, picnics and relaxing in the fresh air. The car park was easy to find and reasonably priced. A perfect spot for nature lovers.

My wife and I recently spent an afternoon at Coombe Abbey Country Park, and it turned out to be one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. What struck us most was the variety within the grounds – one moment you’re walking beneath tall trees in the woodland, the next you’re stepping out into wide, open fields with sweeping views across the countryside. The contrast makes every part of the walk feel fresh and engaging. The woodland paths are beautifully looked after, offering a calm, shaded route that feels almost timeless. Once we reached the edges of the park, we were rewarded with what looked like golden wheat fields, stretching out into the horizon. It’s a stunning sight and gave us that wonderful sense of space you don’t often get so close to the city. Around the lake and ponds, there’s plenty of activity with swans and ducks to feed, and we particularly enjoyed stopping at the bird hide – a quiet spot that gave us time to slow down and watch the wildlife. For those after something livelier, the Go Ape course adds a bit of excitement, but it blends in neatly with the surroundings rather than dominating them. The practical side of things is well thought out too. There are toilets on site, which makes longer visits easy and stress-free. The ice cream shop deserves a special mention – after a long walk, treating ourselves to a cone felt like the perfect finishing touch. Parking was also simple and reasonably priced, with plenty of availability. All in all, Coombe Abbey Country Park offers a mix of tranquility, natural beauty, and good facilities. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a simple walk yet come away feeling as though you’ve had a proper day out. For us, it was a wonderful way to spend time together, and it’s somewhere we’ll happily return to.

Lots of space and plenty to do. Improved play area for children. Beautiful grounds. Pay extra for Go Ape, car Safari (very expensive) and forest play area (£3.90) which was empty at half term. Still plenty to do.

We visited the British Motor Museum in early September. At first, I thought £20 was quite expensive, but given how much time I spent there, I think it is very reasonable. Especially as the ticket lasts a whole year. The museum is easy to get to and find, and there is plenty of parking. There are plenty of things for families too. Small ride-along cars are available for children right at the entrance, and there’s also a small interactive play/games section to keep them entertained. The sheer number of cars is quite amazing, and even after spending a couple of hours here, it felt like we could have easily stayed much longer. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. One gentleman gave us a fascinating and detailed explanation of the Model T Ford, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great museum with a lot to offer. I highly recommend visiting.

Fantastic day out. The day we went there was also a Jaguar meeting so there was not only the hundreds of cars in the show, but hundreds outside too. Opted to do gift aid and got 12 months return tickets which makes it great value. Ended up spending most of the day their and there was lots of interesting bits to keep my 5 and 7 year old interested too (they are into classic cars anyway). Plenty of benches outside to eat food you have brought yourself. All in all a lovely day and we will be making a return journey when there's another event on. We purchased tickets in advance at the discounted price and this made entry very quick. Just show the tickets and enter.

A fantastic collection of classic cars, prototypes and cars used in a variety of films. Two buildings packed to the gills with some very fine and special examples. There is an entire of a building dedicated to Jaguar and well worth the visit. The cafe food and service is great too. I went for the Great British Model Railway Show and stayed for the cars!

This place is fantastic! It's a must see....... It's a great place for car lovers and automotive historians alike, there is a wide range of cars in the collection from movie cars, classic cars, celebrity cars to royal vehicles and more. Parking is easy and free, there is also a Cafe with spacious seating, toilets are fresh and clean, tables chairs etc. all clean. There is an adventure pack for kids that gives them things to do on the way around although it is not best for younger children. There is two buildings to see lots of cars in access of 400 or more! There is also a conference Centre for hire and they welcome school trips etc. This is a lot of history you can learn about ordinary car manufactures as well as the specialist manufactures as well. There is a couple of vehicles you can sit in such as a range rover and experience the massage seats working etc., plus a "Shaun the Sheep" Land Rover! The museum is well laid out, very clean and well presented. It is worth a visit even those who are not car fans who will still find it fascinating and enjoyable. Staff are friendly, very approachable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend visiting this museum.

Amazing museum with honestly the most comprehensive British automobiles yet. Tickets cost £20 for adult and £10 for children aged 5-17 but it’s definitely worth the price. Great for any family, with friends, or automotive enthusiasts.

We had a wonderful day out at the British Motor Museum with six of our residents. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and lovely memories. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Ian and Thomas, the amazing staff who went above and beyond to make our visit truly special. Their friendliness, patience, and passion for the museum brought every exhibit to life. They took the time to connect with each of our residents, sharing fascinating stories and facts, and making everyone feel included, valued, and completely at ease. A special thank you also to Sophie in the café, who took our orders and served us with such care and kindness. Her warm smile and attentive service made the lunch experience just as enjoyable as the museum itself. We are so grateful for the hospitality and support we received. It was a memorable day for our residents and team, and we are already looking forward to visiting again.

Obviously a great place if you are a car nerd like me - where else would you see long forgotten Austin / Morris / BL prototypes and concept cars like a Triumph TR7 saloon?? Aside from this they have a great display of more mainstream cars from my childhood too :-) I actually enjoyed the ‘overflow’ building across the car park more than the main exhibition, packed with over 100 cars parked nose to tail … it took me some time to weave in and out of them all! Not sure if I saw a Marina in Harvest Gold but hey you can’t have everything …. and the Jaffa Cake cake in the café was excellent too!

It was our first visit and we hadn't realised how big the site was. We recently had English Heritage membership, so had free entry. There was ample free parking and the ruins of the old house and impressive newer house. Lots of interesting history and rooms you can access, such as Bess' bed chamber. Lots of tapestries, including one made by Queen Mary. Nice shop and cafe and beautiful gardens. Plenty to see and do.

A really amazing place to visit. We only expected to be a couple of hours at most, but there was so much to see. The visit also includes the adjacent old hall ruins. The house is stunning, and the interiors are decorated with the most amazing embroidery which hangs from almost every wall and room. The volunteers are very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the property. We took our dog and he was welcome in an area of the restaurant, which was nice as it was cold and raining. We would have liked to walk more of the grounds and gardens, but the weather put us off. They do look stunning and I'm sure on a better day would have been very enjoyable.

Fantastic to look around. Amazing house and gardens, easily able to spend a full day there and more. I could just look at the tapestries for days! Well worth a visit if you're into history or just beautiful places.

We haven't been here for quite a few years and we're pleasantly surprised, there is a lot more to see and do. The guides were interesting and knowledgeable but not overpowering like at some properties. A very pleasant day out 😁

Expect an expansive estate as the drive from the entrance to the parking lot must be a mile long. This property features two historic buildings: Old Hardwick Hall and the Renaissance style Manse known as Hardwick Hall. Bess of Hardwick was born in the original hall and had it renovated to impress guests in 1587. When her 4th husband died and she came into substantial funds she built the latter and present day manse. We were able to tour both with our National Trust memberships (via Royal Oak Society). One can climb to the top of the Old Hall for a bit of a view of the countryside if the weather is accommodating. There are no handrails, though, so take walking sticks if you think you need support while traversing the original stone steps. The Manse is huge and the tour is quite extensive. It is self guided but volunteers are available for questions. Some unique features are the longest Elizabethan Long Hall in the National Trust holdings. It has 450 year old tapestries hanging on the walls. There are also four noble women tapestries that Bess designed specifically for this house. She was obviously quite a talented woman. There are some gardens along the front and the back of the house, but not a formal designed style like you see on some properties. Parking was in a very large lot a bit of a distance from the entrance. There is a cafe on the grounds that offers a delicious cream tea as well as a myriad of other delights, all reasonably priced.

Amazing staff/volunteers making sure your visit is :) I wish I had noted the name of the lovely lady at the visitors centre who went through the areas I and the dogs could visit. The old hall, gardens and estate are brilliant. We loved our visit ❤️

A wonderful historical place of interest with stunning tapestries. We spent a very happy 3 and a half hours there. Checking out the history of bess's family, with help from the very knowledgeable volunteers. Strolling the gardens and climbing the 127 steps of old Hardwick hall. Then stopping for a very tasty cheese scone and coffee in the restaurant.

We had a brilliant day out here. The house is really interesting and all the staff were very knowledgeable and super helpful. The gardens were lovely, as was the church. The cafe and restaurant were great and the shop and book shop were full of tempting goodies. Loved the whole day.

There is a LONG drive to the entrance. Be sure that your GPS takes you to the correct one. Calke Abbey is maintained a bit differently from other National Trust Properties. The Trust chose not to try to bring it back to its original glory, but rather, to leave it in the condition in which it was received, which includes wings of rooms in disrepair. Tour is self guided but volunteers are frequent to offer explanations or answer questions. One of the unique holdings is a state bed made for King George I in 1715. The bed linens were found by the Trust rolled up in the basement. Since they were in perfect condition, the bed is set up as it would have been and preserved behind glass. Another was the caricature room whose walls were covered with humor satirical pictures. I found it to be quite entertaining. The dining room featured some outstanding decor, simply presented. The main entertaining room was filled with glass cabinets loaded with taxidermy. Not my favorite but that is how the family had left it to the Trust. One particular wing has rooms that are in complete disrepair with the ceilings falling, wall paper peeling, and loads of broken furniture haphazardly tossed in the room. Not at all what one would expect while walking through a National Trust Site. Calke Abbey is perfect example of a country estate that was barely held together in the 20th century. Many similar country houses did not survive to tell their story. We are National Trust members (via Royal Oak), so I cannot attest to the cost of entry. Parking lot was within easy walk of the entrance. No reservations were needed.

Had a lovely dog walk around the beautiful grounds of Calke with friends, I can’t believe I’ve never done this before, being fairly local. The gardens were beautifully maintained and the gardener was happy to stop his work and have a chat. There were outhouses with interesting artefacts to see. We walked the tunnel, dogs weren’t quite sure about this, but we loved exploring. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. What a pleasant place to work at. Had a light lunch in the cafe, it was extremely busy, so there was a bit of a wait for the coffees, but by the time the drinks were served, the warm quiche was ready, so perfect timing. There were plenty of dog water bowls dotted around which was good, as it was a hot day. I will return to this national trust gem.

Superb property, that's been kept as the trust found it in its decline. The house has loads of interesting items in it and the room guides are very knowledgeable. The brewhouse tunnels were decorated for Halloween and were good fun. The church is also worth the walk. The usual cafe and giftshop on site.

I came here today with my partner for a couple of hours, sadly didn't take many photos. The restaurant is nice, the gift shop is cute. The house and the tunnel is great too. As a National Trust Member it is great that we get access to this place. Because it rained we didn't end up looking at the gardens/trails. I definitely recommend a National Trust Membership to come here to visit and other places around Derbyshire.

Fascinating " unstable home" Handed to the National TRUST in 1981 in a very run down state. Continues to be preserved as the family left it. Servants tunnels, ancient kitchens, cases of taxidermy, antiques and general decay. Amazing place. Wonderful gardens, great dog walking and lovely cafe. A full day out to explore.

Calke Abbey is a really interesting house to visit as most of it is in it's original state so you can appreciate it as it was. The volunteers are very knowledgeable about the history of the family. Outside there are grass areas and woodland to take a walk and there's a lovely walled garden and cafe area to visit.