I had a wonderful day at Whipsnade zoo today. Highlights of the day were the brown bear, elephants, rhino’s, giraffes and the birds of the world show. Didn’t see the lynx which was a shame. Didn’t see a lion only a lioness and some cubs. 1 star lost because the tigers enclosure seemed really small and the tiger looked sad pacing around the enclosure. I also felt sad for the chimpanzee who seemed like it was having fun and was very entertaining but again enclosure felt small. Park could also do with more signage to help navigate the way around as although map on the app is good would still be good to have more signage as the grounds are huge and easy to take a wrong path. I also went on the steam train which was £5 for adults but I wouldn’t go on it again. Very big ground with loads of viewpoints and lots of walking however lots of places to sit along the way and plenty of small shops providing snacks and some provide food like hotdogs at £8.50 a pop. I much prefer this zoo to London zoo, I feel like you have better sight of the animals in comparison. One other perk about this zoo is that you can drive around the grounds with an additional fee. There is also free parking with easy access to the zoo. There is also an app with a live moving map which helps you navigate around the park very good.

We had a wonderful day out with the family. It’s a large venue, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Families with young children may find a buggy useful, as there’s plenty of ground to cover. Visitors can bring their own packed lunch or enjoy the selection of cafés and restaurants available throughout the site and near the entrance.

First time visiting, absolutely loved it, an amazing day. The enclosures were lovely and spacious, all areas lovely and clean, staff we spoke to were so helpful. We had afternoon tea at view point, which was lovely and the staff really friendly. The day was just brilliant, would highly recommend a visit.

Had a fantastic time visiting whipsnade zoo .. travelled all the way from North Wales.. Easy to find and access ♿ parking was just great for my wife. So much to see and do here for the whole family.. Loved seeing how much open area the animals had to enjoy compared with other zoos.. The zoo covers quite an area.. and it can be explored many ways..foot. train..or by car... Yes if mobility is an issue like my wife it can still be easily explored.. We seen a bus going around..sign simply said..Hail bus driver to stop..jump on a train which was around £5 .. Otherwise drive the car around and stop and explore where you want.. plenty of parking on the side of the road... please drive safely!!.. There is part of the zoo where you can only explore by car or taking the train.. Feels like your on safari.. amazing time When we visited they were giving the flamingo's a health check.. you were invited to ask anything you wanted.. Fantastic interactive experience Cafés , toilets and picnic areas are ample and dotted around the park.. Gift shop as like most places near the exit... Would love to visit again in the future as one visit is simply not enough to see and enjoy everything whipsnade has to offer...

Whipsnade Zoo is in a beautiful location of Dunstable Downs, there is a free car park off site and charge for car to enter, blue badges are free, you can drive around the whole park and there is parking spots at each area of the Zoo so you can view the animals at safe distance. It’s a favourite Zoo of mine due to care of the animals and the enclosures are well maintained. If you visit now you may find parts of the Zoo is being improved and some enclosures updated and cleaned, so some of the animals are relocated, the kangaroos are free roaming the zoo and can be approached but best respect nature. The only part of the experience that requires the most improvement is the toilets most are not regularly cleaned or look clean, the restaurants and food vendors do not offer quality food, the sandwiches were not that appetising and the hotdogs were served in baguette, I didn’t understand the combo nor did my palate. Not that they need a fast food chain there but better menu of food and quality would justify the insane prices like £2 for a bag of crisps. Overall I still recommend this as a great family day out but bring your own lunches and snacks.

THE BUS IS BRILLIANT! Whipsnade is an awesome zoo but the bus service elevates the experience even further! Lots of walking and make sure you dress warmly, but if you get tired legs then the bus is perfect. Can't fault it. Such a friendly driver (Gary) and they come round every 20 mins. Thank you so much

This zoo is possibly one of my favorite ones I have been to. The animals have so much space and the possibility to just hide away if that is what they want. We were there on a cloudy temperate day that made the animals more active so we got to see a lot of them. We saw the penguin talk and the bird show, both are very much recommended, but especially the bird show was super well done and very enriching. I have been about 5 times the last ten years and every time has been a great experience.

Just back from an epic day at the Herring Green farm. My family and I had booked my husband an eagle experience which I would highly recommend. The falconer Erin was fantastical she took time to show us so many of the eagle and some eagle owls. My husband held and flew the massive beautiful birds and really enjoyed his experience. We had young children with us and there was lots to play on and keep them amused. All staff were very welcoming and friendly We went on a Sunday and it was very quiet which was perfect for us to look around.

Absolutely fantastic day out. Got the deal through virgin experiences and had an amazing day. The lady Lisa was so informative and clearly had a huge love for all the birds. Going to book to go back

On the positive side -The woman that did the display was fantastic. She really knew her stuff, she answered everyone’s questions and was entertaining. - Lots of amazing beautiful birds when we walked around in cages and used in the display. - They released lot of birds at a time to music which was really good to see so many flying at the same time. On the negative side - The receptionist was rude to all 4 of us when we arrived. She was clearly annoyed she had given us 4 stickers before our 2 other friends had arrived, like we’d deceived her for some reason ! She also denied telling us to wait in the field as the display had started elsewhere. We all very negative about the place before we’d even started. - The display group was far too big. We were in a group of 28 people so when the birds were being passed around we waited for ages before we could hold the birds. Also taking part in the displays took ages to include everyone. So became very boring which was a shame because the display was good otherwise. Overall, good quality but needs to be smaller groups 1/2 the time, and better reception.

Absolutely love this place. We've been here a few times now and every time I come away with some new nugget of information I never knew about the wonderful birds they have there. All the staff clearly love what they do, and what they do is so important not just for the birds but for educating the people that visit.

I booked the 3 hour falconry experience for my dad, partner and child. They said it was absolutely brilliant and completely exceeded expectations. We were worried that 3 hours was too long and that the rain would ruin the morning, but they said it was jam packed, the group was lead by Laura who was great, there were sooo many amazing birds that each member of the group got an opportunity to hold, they watched a great display and learned a lot. The rain didn't put them off at all and everyone left very happy. On a different note, my partner said the coffee in the coffee shop was the worst he had ever tasted in his life! I did have a look and opted to go into Bedford instead to have a coffee and wait for them to finish. I guess the facilities could be better but that's not what they were there for.

The centre has a wide range of birds of prey and a good flying exhibition. Small people can also hold an owl, which is quite special. The rest of the facilities are looking rather tired - for example there were lots of nettles growing round the kids activity area. It’s not too expensive so, on balance, a good half day out for the family.

I had a 2 hour bird of prey experience and the guy in charge “Riley” was an absolute professional as well as having a sense of humour. Riley was very health and safety conscious and explained everything so we understood the birds and there behaviour whilst holding them. Riley was very knowledgeable and explained everything about each bird in a calm and controlled manner,I could easily relate and understand him completely. Each bird I held was an amazing experience from Owls all the way upto a Bald Eagle with Riley by my side watching and reassuring me every step of the way. As a member of the RSPB I could identify most of the birds but Riley’s knowledge was supreme. Riley is a massive asset to the Farm and his customer service was the best I’ve ever seen a true professional at all times. Thankyou so much for the experience of a life time 10/10 I highly recommend this bird of prey experience to anyone.i hope you remember me the big tall guy who needed a bigger glove,Thankyou again.

Really enjoyable visit to this stately home although it was built as a museum to house the possessions of the Rothschild family. Fantastic collection of art works, ceramics, tapestries and furniture and grounds. Entry needs to be pre-booked via their website there is a long walk 20 to 30 minutes from the car park to the house or you can book a shuttle bus for £2.50 return, free if you’re a blue badge holder.

Easy to find with large ticket office and excellent parking capacity inc disabled with a shuttle bus to the house and stables. Property has an interesting history and easy to walk through the various rooms. Large gardens for outdoor walking. Plenty of food and drink available. House has timed tickets available online or at the ticket office on arrival. Staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

A good wee place to explore and walk (in the garden), learn about history, architecture and art. Perfect for couples and families as they have a nice cafe(outdoor sitting) and wine shop. Some of the areas were closed when we visited(they were doing some renovation/maintenance work). They have spacious parking. Overall a very good experience.

Lovely day out, and very beautiful architecture. Lots of walking, if you like that sort of thing, which we do! The Manor's history is also fascinating. We enjoyed it here. The gardens are particularly beautiful.

We had a great family day out here, the house is beautiful and full of amazing artifacts, and all manner of priceless treasures. I enjoyed the Solomon's temple exhibit, interesting to see how it may have looked in it's original form. The grounds looked incredible with the autumn colours, and walking around a finding little hidden details was interesting. The outdoor cafe next to the gift shop had lovely, tasty food and drinks available. The gift shop was very pleasant aswell. Every interaction we had with the people working/volunteering there was very positive. Thankyou for a great time.

Beautifully kept manor. Lovely to walk around. Kids can run free and have a look at the birds. Kids also have a nice playground to go in. The whole place is pushchair friendly. There is a steep slope down to the play area and stables bit. The shuttle bus is great if you don’t like too much walking. Car park was spacious. Great day!

I think this was my most enjoyable National Trust visit. One of many Rothschild properties in the area but must be the jewel in the crown. A very good tour round the house King Louis writing desk and so much more it was just amazing. The grounds were also extensive and very beautiful

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.

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.

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.

We had a fantastic day out at Bletchley Park. There was so much to see. I particularly enjoyed the areas recreated to look as it did during the Second World War. Whilst I knew of the work done there and its importance, visiting left me with an even deeper sense of admiration for the people who worked there.

What ca. you say? Incredible place where some incredible people worked long hours to help shorten WW2. So very informative, plenty to see. Can easily spend a day here, and the great thing is that your ticket is valid for 12 months so you can return any time within that period. If you’re a member of English Heritage then you can get money off your ticket too.

Another good session here. Our 13 year old boys have done the 1 day course reaching level 4 back in April, now they are doing level 5 and 6 in the 2 hour lesson. Super instructors and good facilities. A great way to prepare for a ski trip.

Staff here are so friendly, passionate and supportive! Did snowboarding for the first time the other day with Marian who was so so friendly, patient, amazing and kind. Also had skiing lessons previously with Charlotte who was extremely kind, helpful and patient. I also met Claire - the manager who went above and beyond for me and was also really helpful. Thank you to each of you, you really are special people. Hope we meet again :)

First day of my sons ski course. The parking was easy and aprox 100m from the Snozone desk, all flat and accessible if needed. The staff were efficient in organising his boots, putting him in his team and supporting him over the next hour or so. No complaints from either of us. I only gave 4 stars as the available cafe for me to spend my time waiting could have provided more options for breakfast, like a bacon butties. I did have a nice hot chocolate though.

Visited Snozone for a Snowboarding beginners day course. Had a fantastic time. Jago was super friendly and helpful in teaching technique and providing advice. Lunch was included in the price and we were offered a choice of pizzas, jacket potatoes and a few other options. Course lasted around 7.5hrs from 1015 to 1745. Group size was five, which worked well and Jago did a great job of supporting individuals with varying degrees of experience. Great fun, had a few hard falls, but perseverance is key! I will be back.

I’ve visited Snozone several times over the past six months. I started with a 1-1 session, followed by a Level 2/3, then a Level 3/4 session, and was due to have my Level 4/5 lesson next week. By the end of my Level 3/4 session, my instructor had ticked off all sections of Level 4 except the final box, mentioning that “with 10 more minutes, you’d have completed the level.” That would have allowed me to progress straight to Level 5/6. However, this week I received an email stating that Snozone no longer offers combined-level sessions and that my upcoming lesson would only cover Level 4. I called to explain my situation and asked whether I could move directly into Level 5, given my progress in the previous session. Unfortunately, I was offered very few options—almost none—and it felt as though the issue was being treated as my responsibility. I even suggested arriving early to complete Level 4 before moving on to Level 5 on the same day, as I was simply trying to continue the training I had already paid for. The staff member I spoke with wasn’t very helpful, and I eventually had to ask for a refund myself, which I would have expected them to suggest.. I later called back to ask about booking a full 7-hour Level 4/5/6 day instead. Thankfully, the second staff member I spoke to was much more professional and understanding. Although the available dates didn’t work for me, she processed my refund promptly. I’m really disappointed, as I had thoroughly enjoyed every session up to this point and was genuinely looking forward to continuing.

Amazing beginners snowboard course last Friday. Tony (and Dave) did an amazing job of making us feel comfortable and helping us to progress throughout the day. From never standing on a board to completing some relatively good turns in a few hours. The facility is great, easy to get to, cheap to park at, everything you need under one roof. The best bit was the instructors. Tony really put 100% into the job and was awesome. Had loads of fun and learnt so much. He was helped by Dave who was great too. It's a hard day, and physically demanding but so worth it

My first time trying snowboarding. Had a great instructor, Rachel, who was very patient with the group. I plan on coming again for more lessons

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

Bicester Village is a fantastic destination for luxury and premium brand shopping. The place offers a wide selection of high-end and well-known brands, all set in a beautiful and clean environment. Both the exterior and interior designs of each store are meticulously crafted, adding to the overall pleasant shopping experience. The only downside during my visit was the lack of particularly attractive discounts, which was a bit disappointing. Nonetheless, overall, it was a great place to shop and explore.

Bicester Village is a nice designer outlet that features most of the well-known luxury brands. However, I couldn’t find many good deals, most prices were almost the same as regular market prices, and many of the items seemed to be older collections that didn’t sell well. The design of the village is beautiful, though. It’s very clean and pleasant to walk around, with charming little streets and lovely store façades. The place isn’t very large, so you can explore it in a few hours. There are only a couple of restaurants, so dining options are limited, but the big parking area is definitely convenient. Overall, it’s a peaceful and stylish place to visit for a short walk and some window shopping, but not necessarily the best destination if you’re looking for real outlet bargains

Absolutely loved it, definitely worth a visit especially if you’re into shopping. Might not be as fun if you’re not into shopping. Lots of designer and high end brands at discounts prices, *discounted* not cheap. All the shops look really nice especially during the Christmas period. Nice and easy to walk around, shops are all next door to one another kind of like on a parade.

This is a polished and enjoyable shopping destination, especially if you’re looking for luxury brands at reduced prices. The village-style layout makes it feel more relaxed than a typical outlet mall, and the pathways are clean, well-kept, and easy to navigate. The selection of designer stores is strong, and the customer service is generally excellent. It can get extremely busy—especially on weekends and holidays—which sometimes means queues both for parking and for popular boutiques. Still, if you time your visit well, it’s a great place to find quality pieces at good value while enjoying a pleasant, upscale atmosphere.

I recently visited Bicester Village and had a fantastic shopping experience. It's a premier luxury outlet shopping destination with a wide range of designer brands offering excellent discounts. The village is beautifully laid out and perfect for a day trip. I recommend buying your shopping ticket in advance online for a smooth entry and special services. Also, if you travel by train, note that Bicester Village station not supports contactless travel cards, but importantly there is currently no tap-in or tap-out system for contactless payments on the train journey. This means it’s best to buy a ticket in advance or check carefully to avoid any issues. The combination of great shopping, easy access, and the convenience of modern payment options makes Bicester Village a must-visit. Don’t forget to book your tickets ahead and enjoy a seamless, luxurious shopping day out!

Visited recently for a shopping day out and had a very enjoyable time overall. Bicester Village offers lots of high-end brand outlets, making it a premium destination for luxury and designer shopping. You’ll find major names like Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and many more — definitely a paradise for fashion lovers! The atmosphere is great — beautifully designed, open-air, and feels classy yet welcoming. We were so busy shopping that we completely forgot to take any photos! One thing that really stood out was how well the parking situation was managed. As we were about to reach the Village, we noticed clear signage informing us that the main parking was full and directing us to an alternate parking location. There was also a free Park & Ride bus service available, which was super convenient and very well organized. The only downside was the long queues outside some of the popular stores, which took up quite a bit of time. It would be great if they could introduce an appointment or token system to help manage the crowd and make the experience smoother. Overall, a fantastic shopping destination with a wide range of luxury brands, good facilities, and a pleasant vibe — just be ready for some waiting during busy times. We’ll definitely be visiting again!

Very busy but really nice shops. We can find a lot of deals most of the time. Really enjoyed going there. Finding parking is always a challenge but with persistence we can find a spot. Good few spot to eat. Highly recommended for designer shopping

My girlfriend and I came here, and it's a lovely walk. In some sections, it feels very close to nature, while others are clearly designed for children to play. It's a wonderful place for a quiet day out.

Visited many times, but today just the wooden trail. However, the whole park it's perfect to go for walks, visit different sites like coffee shops, playgrounds for the children, ride on the train ( this will depend on the days and weather), and also boat rides (this is seasonal). There's a lot in here, as sometimes they do events as well. Always look at the website for what's happening. But, if you like nature like I do, Ferry meadows is a great escape from the town of Peterborough.

Beautiful place has a lot to offer, play areas, BBQ, pedal boats, and lots of walking trails. A small train that takes you on a tour of the park, cafes and toilet facilities. Various parking locations which you pay when you leave. Very pretty place, would definitely return for another visit.

Lovely place for a day out .plenty of walks. parks for kiddies cafe and ice-cream stall and a train to take you round the park. We stayed on the caravan site for few days it was nice .you can also tents in a different area .

Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, is beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. The big lake is perfect for fishing and just relaxing. There are plenty of walking trails, running areas, and horseback riding avaliable. Plenty of adventure woodlands, large picnic areas, and a variety of wildlife, it’s an ideal destination for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a calm escape outdoors.

Visited here for the Saturday morning parkrun. Loads of onsite parking which is only £1 for park runners. This is very well attended event , with 600 people on the day. The park is great with loads of facilities including toilets, cafes etc. The run is two out and back loops, there are some 2way parts that get a little squeezed but for most of it there is plenty of room. Its all flat and alot of tarmac so its a fast course. Lots of marshalls all doing a great job, this is a must visit parkrun.

Parking £4-8. Very beautiful and scenic. Cafe was busy and their way of doing drinks was odd, tea was made and put on the tray but we had to wait for the coffee (they hold back the tray) so tea was cold. Coffee was around £4, cake £4 . Watersports and activities available on site for extra charges. Picnic area and play park. Short walk around the lake and some other paths that we didn't get chance to visit as it was just a short visit.

We went for a comedy show that I surprised my partner on valentines day. I loved the atmosphere, very friendly and supportive staff. The arena was absolutely full, people were laughing mostly... some people were a bit shocked by the amount of extreme language and black humour... It was extremely difficult to find parking and to come our at the end, we waited more time to come out of the parking then the actual show time.

This is a wonderful theatre. Great service provided by the staff and always a great atmosphere here. Parking nearby is very convenient and the acoustics within the theatre is perfect. Watched Roachford and Level 42 on their UK tour. A great night out made special by the venue itself.

Northampton is privileged to have a great theatre. I had the best experienced while attending a recent show called Jamaica Love. A wonderful, educational and funny production, the whole communit enjoyed. It was easy to access, the seats were comfortable, the sound was great for such a big modern theatre, no echo's or sounding distant. Well worth a visit. Thanks for putting on a great show!

Great venue with amazing front of house. Northampton is lucky to have such a venue with multiple spaces and uses. Top class programme of theatre music etc bringing people into the town. Close to carparks.

We love the Royal and Derngate theatre. Always original and full of variety. Stalls seats generally best, but avoid front left or right stalls if you are going to see a rock band - you might be deaf for a couple of days! Upper circle (front) are super seats with a panoramic view of the stage.

Nice theatre. Staff are friendly. Bat out of Hell is amazing. The cast are incredible 🤘

This theatre is looking very tired. The seats are in a very poor state of repair with exposed foam on the seats and about 50% sporting poorly sewn patches. Also the seating is not offset or raked sufficiently, I was unfortunately seated behind a large man who completely obscured the centre of the stage.

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.

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

Booked a tour online for our wedding anniversary. Turned up to be greeted by very friendly staff who explained where we needed to be and more importantly where the toilets were (needed those after a 2hr drive). The tour starts off with a video which took about 10 minutes. James then took us around the site and explained how everything works and what they do with the byproducts throughout the process, it's a nice feeling knowing that you can drink something which doesn't leave much waste. Once the tour was complete, we were taken to the tasting room. I won't ruin your experience, so I'll leave that for you to find out (very positive I promise). If you are the designated driver, don't panic, there's something for you to take home as well, you won't miss out. We opted to add the pizza and drink option to our tour. It definitely pays to do this. It's cheaper than ordering from the table. There is a choice of pizzas from their menu, which should suit most tastes. Of course you can buy what you sampled, we've walked away with a couple anniversary gifts for each other. A pleasant day out, and we'll be back with friends very soon, that's for sure.

We had a fantastic time at the Cotswolds Distillery! This visit was part of a gift voucher experience we had been meaning to redeem for a while - and we are so glad we finally did. Our guide (Jo, I believe) was excellent - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the distillery’s history and the whisky and gin-making process. It was fascinating to see how everything comes together to create such high-quality spirits. The tasting afterward was great fun - my partner enjoyed sampling the whiskies, and since I was driving, I really appreciated being given a few miniatures to take home and try later. Such a thoughtful touch! The premises are lovely, with a welcoming café/restaurant (the food looked delicious) and a well-stocked shop. We would definitely love to come back - next time, probably by taxi so we can both enjoy the tasting fully. [Date of visit: 08 November 2025]

What an absolutely wonderful time spent here ! Hattie does an amazing job guiding us all thru the tour and provides so much information. From the beginning of the tour to the end of tasting, she was amazing, and her personality is like we've never experienced! Absolutely love her ! I was super impressed that we were allowed to view so much of the making process up front instead of behind a glass wall. I am a huge, huge fan of all Costwolds Gin they produce. In fact, I've been able to try each and every one. Too difficult to say, which is a favorite as they all are incredible. So when I visit the UK, I bring home a mix of the smaller bottles that can be purchased at the end of the tasting. Also, I must comment how impressed I was that they provide a care package of samples to your designated driver. Who does this? Most tasting couldn't care less if one walks out and gets behind the wheel under the influence! Great job, Cotswolds! Much RESPECT!! Thank you, Hattie & Cotswolds for such an enjoyable day ! Definitely will be back during my next visit!!

Absolutely fantastic experience. Probably one of the best distillery/brewery tours I've ever done. Our guide, James, was fabulous; fun but knowledgeable, keeping us engaged while helping us to understand the process of creating whiskey and gin as well as the history of the distillery. He really made the experience for us. The tasting was fantastic! The group size was small (around 15 people) and we had a private room where we got to sample around 6 different options each. I am not a huge whisky fan, but thats ok, as you can just sample the gin (and vice versa). The cafe was lovely, though did get busy. Food was exquisite and not overly priced all things considered. The shop is small but has a wonderful family feel to it. The staff greeted us as if we were old friends bot when we first entered and when we went back at the end of the tour to buy some bits. This was just a great day out. A beautiful location, fabulous staff and some very tasty gin 😋 Oh, and, if you are a diver, don't worry, they cater for you too! We got a goodie bag to take home with 6 tasters (4 of which you can choose yourself). Its like they've thought of everything!

My husband and I went for a tour and tasting and had such a great time, we returned a couple weeks later to bring friends! The tour starts with a video to detail the history, vision and commitment to quality, then a tour of the production facility and ends with a tasting in a beautiful and comfortable private room. We've been drinking Founders Choice since visiting their tasting room in 2019 and enjoyed getting a chance to try all their other whiskey's and gins, plus a couple additional unique offerings (amaro + cream whiskey) I really want to highlight our tour guide/host, Charlotte. She was spectacular and made the tour so much fun!!! She was super knowledgeable about the production and products and was very easy to talk to. We had a million questions and she answered every one. Also - super important to know, she told us about an upgraded tasting which allowed us to try their higher end whiskeys! We didn't know about that in previous tours so she made this tour extra special - and the upgraded cost was minimal - definitely worth the £12. Thumbs up to Charlotte and the tour and I'm sure we'll be back.

I was gifted a visit to the distillery for the whisky masterclass from my wife and daughter and was lucky enough that my daughter very kindly offered to drive. (More of this later). I had been to a Scottish distillery a long time ago so was not expecting to be so enthralled this time. We started off with some history of whisky distilling, which was very interesting and then moved on to the process and storage. The staff were really knowledgeable and answered any questions easily and made the whole thing so much better than I could have imagined. The highlight for me was learning about the blending and then making our own whiskey using the knowledge that we had learnt. It has to be said that you do not want to drive after you have sampled all that is provided! It was a fantastic afternoon out with lovey staff and I can't recommend it strongly enough. Thanks very much.

Great spot. They were full for the tours but the Shop had samples for tasting. Nice brunch menu and all the staff were very helpful and friendly.

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!

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 on a Sunday for pre-birthday fun with our daughter, well laid out park with plenty of things to do, small wait for some rides but nothing extreme. Longest wait for for the food as one poor guy was manning the BBQ shack by himself during the lunch rush, He did an amazing job tho! I saw at least 2 people litter picking, surly one would have been better supporting the cooking?

Nice little park suitable for smaller kids. I would say probably 6-10 year olds will have the most fun but might be a bit boring for older ones. You can see some (mostly) farm animals there as well. Most rides are looked after by teenage looking staff which wasn't the most comforting thing although they seemed to check everything properly. If you don't expect any thrills for yourself and just want to offer your young child some good times i would recommend.

Beautiful riverside in the sunshine. Brunvh menu , no greenn red or fungi to bother with. Beautifully cooked poached eggs wgich could have done with being reheated. Excellent hash brown. Gluten free a difficulty as limited meny and staff didnt know and the one we had resented having to find out. Cumberland sausage was advised as gf and tasred good. Fingers crossed it was. This is a beautiful setting but nowhere as good as the restaurant on the 3rd floir. Lets the brand down. The manager said she would adress issues, i hope she does.

We went on my birthday for a pre-theatre meal. The service was exceptional. I was made to feel very special. There was a full vegetarian menu. The food was delicious. After the meal I was given a special birthday cake plate. Thank you.

We had a lovely pre-theatre dinner at The Rooftop Restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and it was the perfect start to our evening before Cyrano de Bergerac! 🎭 The food was beautifully presented and full of flavour — from the delicious tomato soup and smoked salmon starter to the perfectly cooked main and heavenly desserts 🍰✨ Everything felt fresh and well-balanced. The service was attentive and friendly, and the view over Stratford-upon-Avon made the experience even more special 🌆💫 Even though I was fighting off the flu and stuck with tea instead of wine 🍵😅, it was still a wonderful birthday evening. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the theatre or looking for a relaxing, elegant meal in a great atmosphere! 💖

Came here for pre-theatre dinner on a Friday evening. At £35 for a three course meal, this was excellent value for money. The menu had lots of options and the we both agreed that the food and service were excellent. The restaurant decor was cleverly done, with great views across the park and river. This place most definitely exceeded our expectations.

We often eat at the Rooftop restaurant and have enjoyed excellent food and service, everything served in time for us to go downstairs and enjoy the theatre experience. However, on Monday evening, in spite of the restaurant not being very busy, we had to wait quite a while for our drinks and then we were served with such a delay that we had to rush our main course in order to ensure we were not late for the performance. Disappointing.It seems staff are much more efficient when they are busy as they seem to focus better: my g&t was presented with almost completely melted ice cubes , it seemed it had been prepared much earlier and then had sat on the bar counter for some time.

Lovely evening pre theatre with excellent service. Huge wine and drinks list (almost too much!) and nice food options. We had the vegetarian options which were delicious and they catered for GF very well. Overall will return and recommend

Special mention for the lovely Louise who made my mother and I feel so very welcome. She was friendly, knowledgeable and really took the trouble to ensure we had everything we needed. She is a real credit to you. Give her a pay rise! The “small plates” are a great idea. A full meal would have been too much for us so soon after breakfast and before sitting through a show. The interesting and delicious selection of small dishes and sides was ideal.(The little cubes of black pudding hash were especially yummy). It was also a very pleasant surprise to be offered complimentary sparkling water. This trip to the theatre was my gift to my mother for her 95th birthday.I can’t think of anything she would have enjoyed more and it will be a very special memory for us in the years to come. Thank you!

This was a late in the season visit. Not all the attractions and vendor stands were open. It did not spoil the visit. The best attraction was the falconry quest. The birds were amazing and the handlers ensured that everyone was buzzed by a bird. The barn owls was majestic and graceful. The peregrine falcon was fast and precise. When looking up at the condor as it flew over was awesome. At the end of the show I couldn't tell you what the birds were, but the sky was full. It was amazing, worth the 3 hour drive for this. The horrible histories maze was fun and informative. There are peacocks everywhere. Other wildlife in abundance squirrel's, Robin's and ducks. There are plenty of seating and concession stands. There are plenty of staff who are helpful. Yes there are a lot of areas accessible for wheelchair users but it is hilly in places.

The knights lodge was big enough for 3 of us nicely dressed with a modern bathroom- breakfast was good too - I'd recommend as a short stay. Castle speaks for itself don't miss the dungeon tour - absolutely brilliant my son is 8 and loved it best £6 pp I think iv ever spent

Had a fantastic day with my dad. Birds of prey are fantastic! Really loved seeing them! Lots to see and do. Lot's of choice of food and drink. It's well worth the money. The car park has plenty of space. It's a good day out for the family or just going your own. The castle was really good! Something for everyone. 😁👍. Plenty of toliets. Clean.

Amazing! I enjoyed spending half a day visiting this stunning castle. It’s so big and beautiful, I could stay there the whole day. I love to go again.

Absolutely amazing visit to the castle for Halloween!! The special touches everywhere for Halloween were super fun. It was a great day out with the family with lots of performances, some Karaoke, plenty of food options and lovely views from the top of the towers. Definitely a must visit!!

My friend and I had a wonderful day at Warwick Castle. Such beautiful grounds and such an interesting place to visit. We loved the guides tours, so engaging and informative. The bird of prey show was absolutely outstanding.

A Truly Magical Day at Warwick Castle! From the moment we arrived, Warwick Castle completely exceeded our expectations. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and every corner feels steeped in history. The live shows were absolutely fantastic — the Falconer’s Quest was a standout, and the actors really bring the medieval atmosphere to life. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making the experience memorable. We especially loved how interactive the exhibits were — perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. We left feeling like we’d stepped back in time for the day. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, educational, and truly magical day out. We can’t wait to return!

With not a lot of time to spare, we ran through this wonderful landmark and got a wonderful experience. Shakespeare’s birthplace felt like a familiar home even though it was our first visit there. The volunteers were incredibly helpful and friendly, went above and beyond to help and support each visitor. The tickets that we bought only covered Shakespeares birthplace but there was an option to see Anne Hathaways home which due to time constraints, we couldn’t do. I also believe that the tickets also allow you to go back over a 12 month period as many times as you want to. All in all, a wonderful place to see, visit and enjoy.

Drop in short visit to Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare Birthplace. If you start from The Shakespeare Centre then gradually work around from there. Adult price was £30 might be worth seeing if there's discount codes to see if you can pick up cheaper tickets, there are concessions available. I would advise you to pre book online. The price includes Shakespeares, Birthplace, Ann Hathaways cottage and Shakespeares new place. As you walk through Shakespeares Birthplace you come through a large gift shop that's well worth a good look around, my apologies to the ladies in the sop for taking a video, however there's no problem if you care to take a picture. As you walk towards your next stop you'll pass the statue of Shakespeare ideal photo opportunity, to the bottom of the street turn right and just before the Guild Chapel is Shakespeares New Place. Ann Hathaways cottage is further away so maybe hop back into the car and set the GPS to get you there. A very nice walk is to be had along the river and around the park. As we had limited time we will be returning when we have some nice weather and we will make a whole day of it.Theres plenty of gift shops , cafes and bars a a reasonable variety of shops and through the summer there's boat trips to be had. All in all a nice place to visit with plenty to do.

I was very pleased with my visit. I travelled there via the park and ride. I was happy for it to be open on a Monday and as it was not too busy it allowed me to walk around the exhibition in my own time. It was a very informative visit as it included clear and easy to read information as well as volunteers who were well-informed and attentive to visitor questions. I would recommend the visit.

A fascinating place for those who love Shakespeare’s work. If you’re not familiar with his life or literature, it may feel a bit slow or less engaging. Plan anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on how deeply you want to explore the museum and the surrounding exhibits.

I really enjoyed our visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace. We bought the 3 site pass at the door and visited here first. We started by going through and exhibit with some background and information on Shakespeare and then outside and in the queue to enter the house. There was about a 10-15 min wait to get into the house itself as we were following a school group. Inside the house there were staff in multiple rooms who provided background to the spaces and information on Shakespeare life and the home. We found it very informative. Before or after entering the house you can walk through the beautiful garden right outside it. The exit is through the bookshop/giftshop.

Lovely experience. Had a live theatre with famous lines being enacted by wonderful actors. Saw Macbeth / Romeo Juliet. There were guides inside to tell us about Shakespeare’s early life with his family. Lovely garden and a very nice gift shop. Bought some lovely souvenirs from there. Weather was perfect. Good reminiscent of life of Shakespeare.

Very charming street with a lovely park. BUT … VERY touristic. If focused on learning about Shakespeare, then this is the place to be. If focused on the Cotswolds and charming villages, then you may wish to skip Stratford Upon Avon and venture to smaller villages that offer a more peaceful experience.

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.

It was great to see so many vehicles designed and built in Britain, but suddenly, to see the decline, even though it's been that way for a while, was a little depressing. Great experience though. The kids (2-7yo's) loved it too. Particularly the land speed cars at the end. Tickets are valid for a year so can go back again and again.

This experience is truly exceptional and perfect for the entire family. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, a chance to bond over shared activities, or simply some quality time together, this destination has it all. I highly recommend you visit and see for yourself the delightful attractions and engaging experiences it offers. Don’t miss out on creating lasting memories together! Cars are fun for all ages.

There is a lot to take in here. If you have children (currently Children 5-16 £8-£9, Under 4 s free - but cheaper with GO CV 2025) then it is filled with activities for them to do. I think it is always like this - not just during school holidays when I visited. There is a good range of locally built cars, bikes and motor cycles. The Jaguar 'section' brings a modernity to the historical units here, as does the Land Speed Record Thrusts 1 and 2. I was hoping to see a Jaguar C or D type but sadly not here. There are a few tractors, light military vehicles, trucks and buses, but the vast majority of the displays are cars and (motor) bikes and cycles'. The Triumph / 1970's / 80s sections were good - the range is fairly narrow as they are Coventry or locally built models. I couldn't quite get why there were some examples from Birmingham and surrounding areas - there were a lot missing if that's the rationale. Still, better to see them than not. It isn't as big as I thought from the outside. I like to see inside the vehicles but there were a lot where I couldn't do this, partly because of the way they were displayed - maybe not enough room? I think it was the unpainted monocoque shell of a Jaguar XJ220 hanging vertically - but I couldn't see any info on that. Signage was generally OK. The basic floor plan map (attached) could do with a bit more detail I thought, as could some of the displays. The 4D simulator wasn't working on my visit (30th Oct 2025) However, apart from the small bits of nit-picking above, there were so many interesting things to see. There were several unexpected delights too. Cars using fabric instead of metal, cut-aways of cars and car parts, some really unique cars, the 85th anniversary Blitz section, a huge collection of model die-casts (e.g. Matchbox) and much more. Definitely worth the entrance price - which is cheaper if booked online. The ticket is valid for readmission for a year. So, maybe when I come back (and I will) I will get to try the 4D simulator. I had intended to adopt a vehicle(!), but for £100 a year, that didn't seem good value on inspection. I also had a coffee at Baxter Baristas (enclosed in the museum. It was pretty good. The home-made cakes looked tempting too. The toilet facilities only seemed accessible if you used the cafe? I parked very close-by at Bishop Street Car Park CV1 1JN. Cash - i.e. change, or app only. A reasonable price for a heavily pot-holed lot. Not sure if there are any security cameras here - certainly not visible. No directions to the museum from here though and about a 4 minute walk.

Easily a must see if visiting Coventry. I'm personally not a huge car fanatic, but there's no other place where you're gonna get to see the two fastest land vehicles ever made. That alone is worth the visit. Tickets are £15 if booked in advance and a around £16.50 if booked in-person on the day (for adults). However, while the ticket is valid for multiple entries for a span of 1 year either way, I'd recommend booking online in advance simply because it's cheaper.

Brilliant vehicle museum devoted to products made in Coventry or nearby. Huge collection very well presented. Interactive section for smaller children. Cars, bikes, motorbikes, lorries, armoured cars, buses, fire engines and the world's fastest cars.

Great museum, with lots of interesting cars and bikes from all times. Including the record-breaking Thrust 2 and similar vehicles. Takes around 2 hours to finish the whole museum, take that into consideration when parking your car. The one day tickets are only available for Coventry residents.

Unbelievable place. Absolute MUST VISIT for any motoring fan. It's got an unbelievable amount on display, from vintage to absolutely cutting edge motoring technology. Wheelchair accessible throughout, lots to keep kids/families engaged as well as anyone just looking to learn about the history of motoring or Motorsport or car design. Staff were outstanding, particularly Den who was a wealth of knowledge and, more importantly, passion for the museum and local area. This is a place not to be missed. Could send a half day here easily. Extremely highly recommended.

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.

Lovely experience. It was a wonderful time, spent around 2 hrs. The best part was the 4D movie which was just wow. And then the avenue was the good experince. If could show more about how chocolates are made nowadays then it would be more interesting. I have seen cadbury making process in a different country and that was more into the process making, so thats what a gap was I feel... rest everything was an amazing experience. It was my best birthday present.

Its not a very big place, but informative and there were things to do. We also got a taster cup of chocolate, it was nice. Saw a demo about how the chocolate was made. Unfortunately when we went the rides were not working and my child was so disappointed! The ticket was not cheap, so all the rides should work properly!

Terrible place to visit, definitely not worth £52 for 1 hour and 20 mins after traveling for over 2 and a half hours. Press and play features not working, other functions not working. Interactive machines not working and one that was working went into error mode when we tried to use it. Nothing for adults and it is more themed for children under the age of 8. The 4D attraction was not good at all unless your of a toddler age, motion seats just move a little and vibrate and the other motion seats in the other video tour slightly move from left to right and was over in 5 minutes. Staff at each station do not explain what to do and what you can do at the chocolate making feature which you don't actually make any chocolate or decorate anything, instead they just say the initial hello and tell you to start and then talk amongst each other in front of you about their personal life's. Booking online isn't any quicker as they have a zigzag queue line for any prepaid visitors. The price of a ticket for an adult ticket is the same price for a child under 15 and the whole experience is far from value for money, it is not something you want to plan as a day out. There is lots of places marked on the map as no visitor access also, and when it came to an abrupt finish ending up in the gift shop to spend more money, we where not told if there was anything else to go to or see and nobody creating us at the door or giving us wishes on our way. Parking is free and about good thing as the whole place appears run down, washed out and offers little to do for the whole family. It is more like walking around a mirco museum with a family playground and cafe.

Loved it, was a lot of fun, even as an oldie. Would loved to have seen more of the factory and some more of the history of cadburys. Also has a lovely afternoon tea while we were there. Please take your time to look and use all the activities or you will be out in less than 2 hrs but saying that I think the entry fee is reasonable.

I visited Cadbury world in Birmingham on a weekday as I predicted this to be a little quieter than a weekend which it was. I managed to get a few snaps of the factory as you take a trip an a good history lesson of the beginnings all the way to present day. I like the tour and I think it’s pretty cool, especially seeing the chocolate makers on the ground floor making the chocolate fresh and shaping these for souvenirs to buy or for special events coming up. The gift shop is also pretty cool and worth a visit, having some cool novelties you can buy and take home with you. HOWEVER, for being a chocolate tour, the ride was not working when I was there, which was disappointing. Also, you only get 2 free bars of chocolate included in your tour visit, which is a little ridiculous considering that you pay a decent price to go.

A place that offers information, fun filled activities and entertainment. Booking tickets in advance is must. It will save you a trip and money. Arrive by about your time of entry, they let people queue and enter in batches. The tour begins with a historic display of cocoa production and evolution of chocolate while it travelled across the world. Then the first chocolate shop and birth of Cadbury, some stories of the family and how they ventured into this business. Followed by the making of chocolate, staffs demonstrating the process and later you get to do it by yourself. Inside they also sell some crazy structures of chocolate. Then you get entertained by 4D movie, dwelling into the world of characters Cadbury has introduced. Followed by a nice exhibit narrating the story of Bournville village and a fun filled ride where you collect the ingredients (virtually) to make your own chocolate. If you may have forgotten to collect something, don't worry you can buy them from their store that has EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE!!! A one of its kind place to engage all age groups. You get some free chocolates on entry and can buy more at exit. There is a cafe inside this building. Parking available. Cloak room is only for large luggage bags. Enough numbers of toilets available in intervals throughout the tour.

It's not just about chocolate (although that's rather a key theme …) but also about how the workers were treated. Very well. A quite interesting self-paced tour. Three free (well, included in the admission price) bars of chocolate for each guest, plus a sample towards the end of the tour. Then there's the museum to see, too. Oh, and the shop, just in case you haven't already got enough chocolate.

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.

This was my 7 yr old daughters first visit to a proper theme park she absolutely loved it. I am not so keen on rollercoasters as I have gotten a bit older, however the roller coasters here, although fast at twisty, did not feel like they were trying to fling you out of the atmosphere. Very enjoyable rides, and my daughter is already itching to go back, and also eager to try something bigger and faster. The whole family enjoyed the small zoo which is there also. The Red Panda, Gibbons and Meerkats were the favourites.

Our family had the most wonderful stay-and-play experience at Drayton Manor Resort, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! My wife, our 5-year-old son, and I visited recently during their Halloween special, and it was a magical experience from start to finish. Everything — from the themed décor to the warm hospitality — made it one of the best family getaways we’ve ever had. The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the Thomas Land theme park. Our little boy is a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, and seeing his face light up when we entered was priceless. He absolutely loved riding on the Thomas-themed trains, meeting his favourite characters, and exploring all the fun rides designed especially for younger children. The park was beautifully decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, friendly ghosts, and cheerful seasonal music, creating a festive yet family-friendly atmosphere. Every corner had something new to discover, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the experience enjoyable for both kids and parents. We also stayed overnight in one of the Thomas & Friends-themed rooms, and it was simply amazing. The attention to detail was outstanding — from the Thomas bedding and wall art to the little touches that made our son feel like he was sleeping in Sodor itself. He was so thrilled that he didn’t want to go to bed, and the next morning, he didn’t want to leave! In fact, he kept asking if we could stay “just one more night” so he could go back to Thomas Land again. The staff throughout the resort were friendly, helpful, and always smiling, which made the experience even better. The food options were great, and everything was clean, well-organized, and family-oriented. Overall, Drayton Manor Resort is a dream destination for families, especially those with young children. We created some truly special memories and can’t wait to visit again — maybe next time for Christmas or summer!

Wow, what a season, and it’s not over yet! Well done Drayton Manor for the friendliest welcome, be it customer services, ride staff, and catering staff. New entertainment, more atmosphere, and an incredible Halloween theming, and the light and firework show last night 😱. We have had a brilliant year and look forward to Christmas! Keep doing what you do - great value great family entertainment 🙏

We had a wonderful day at Drayton Manor! The rides were fantastic, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many of the thrill rides our children were able to go on. The Halloween entertainment was excellent — our children especially loved the trick-or-treating experience. There was great entertainment and a fun atmosphere all around the park, with lively music adding to the Halloween spirit. The park itself was really quiet, so we were able to walk straight onto most rides, which was a huge bonus. All the staff were super friendly and really embraced the Halloween theme, which made the day even more enjoyable. We had lunch at Safari Pizza, and the family deal was great value for money. Later, we treated ourselves to Halloween milkshakes and a Halloween waffle while watching the water show — both were delicious and again, very reasonably priced. The water show was a lovely extra touch that we all really enjoyed. The zoo was another nice addition to the day, and it was lovely to see how well cared-for the animals looked. A few rides, like the rapids and the pirate ship, were closed, but honestly, we wouldn’t have had time to fit them in anyway — there was so much else to do! It’s a shame we don’t live closer, as we would definitely buy an annual pass. However, we’re already planning to return soon for the Christmas celebrations 😀 thanks !

Loved the Halloween theme. The park was not very busy. We had fast passes but didn’t have to use them. It’s great that they allow you to use the fast passes at a later date.

Drayton Manor is perfect for children up to about 13, or for teens who prefer medium size coasters. My pre teen enjoyed all the rides, it was the perfect fear level for her. There are 5 big rides, plenty of medium size rides and loadsss of little rides for toddlers. The theme was Halloween and the whole place was decorated lovely! We didn't get chance to visit the zoo, but we will definitely be back to do it all over again and make sure we save time for the zoo.

I did the stay and play offer for myself and my son. We had a free room upgrade when we arrived which was lovely. Included in our stay were two days entry to the park, fast track passes for rides, free parking and breakfast. Friendly helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms. The park itself was tidy. Wait times for some rides were long, especially The Wave! Took ages for them to load the trains , giving half the train to fast track and half to regular waiting customers, just felt wrong considering how long we were waiting. Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time.

Great day out for my daughters 10th birthday. Bonus as May was buy one get one free so really good value! As the girls were 10 I didn't have to go in the pool or on the snow play sliding with them (extra bonus 😂) but easy to watch and manage. Snow play staff were lovely. Life guards a bit moody to be honest.

I recently visited Tamworth Snowdome and have mixed feelings based on two very different lesson experiences. If, like me, you’re someone who learns best through clear instruction and explanation (and not just being told to “give it another go”), I really recommend thinking carefully about which lessons you book. My first session was a 9am Saturday Fast Track lesson, and honestly, it wasn’t great. There was very little actual teaching - we were mostly just sent down the slope repeatedly with minimal feedback. We were merged with another group and had to do more standing around and waiting rather than actual skiing. I was the slowest in the group and unfortunately the instructor didn’t handle that very kindly. When I asked genuine questions - like how to walk at the top of the slope without slipping - she (Rhea) just smiled and didn’t give an answer. It felt dismissive and unhelpful. I was also moved into a line with a longer wait time because I was struggling, which made me feel singled out. I do want to highlight Max, who was assisting that day - I learned more from his quick tips than from the main instructor. But overall, I left that lesson frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling like I’d wasted my money. That said, my Level 2 lesson the same afternoon was the complete opposite experience. Adam and Joe were brilliant - patient, clear, happy instead of grumpy, and genuinely helpful. They told me exactly what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. Within three more runs I was skiing with control, and by the end I was confidently linking turns. They turned a discouraging morning into a huge win, where my partner noted I was smiling constantly and more relaxed. I honestly can’t thank them enough. My advice: If you’re someone who needs proper explanation rather than just trial-and-error mixed with standing around, book Level 1, 2, and 3 separately instead of Fast Track. You’ll get more focused teaching and less pressure to keep up with the quickest learners. Also, go with an instructor who actually instructs. I also found (in my personal experience) that the male instructors were warmer and more helpful than the female instructors - as there was a older lady instructing a group we were later merged with, who wasn’t very warm, but that may vary and isn’t meant as a blanket statement. In the end, I’d still recommend Tamworth Snowdome - just be mindful of which lesson format you choose. With the right instructor, it’s absolutely worth it.

What a fantastic day. All 3 of my boys went to Clip and Clmb and had their first lessons snowboarding. Every member of staff were so polite and professional. The food in Aspen was great and pizzas delivered on a mini snowboard was great. A big shout out to Imogen and Ethan the boys instructors who were amazing from start to finish, their smiles and constant tips to push them on had them from wobbly newbies to being independent and in control. Thanks for such a memorable day!

We bought a group of 6 kids to SnowDome for a snowboard lesson! Special thanks to Coach Leo who was absolutely amazing and made the session so much fun for them . We did ski with lift pass the next day and the staffs there were all really lovely and helpful. Great experience all round! We will definitely book again.

I recently completed the beginners’ Ski course and it was absolutely fantastic! I can’t praise my instructor, Ben P, highly enough. He was incredibly attentive and patient with everyone in the group, giving each of us the confidence we needed to get out on the slopes. Ben spent plenty of one-on-one time with those who needed extra help and made everyone feel completely at ease. If all the instructors are anything like Ben, I’m certain anyone who joins this course will have an amazing experience and make great progress. Highly recommended!

I attended a Fast Track 1 lesson, but the group was far too large and the instructor was quite abrupt. Several children became upset during the session. With so many participants, there wasn’t enough time for proper attention to each learner, so class sizes should definitely be smaller. It also didn’t feel like a safe or suitable environment for beginners, as there is no dedicated training area. While waiting on the slope for my turn, I was knocked over by a free-skiing skier, and snowboarders from the top slope were repeatedly coming through the group as well. There is only one entrance and exit, meaning everyone — beginners included — is funnelled into the same crowded space. If I were a more confident skier coming from the top, I’d be concerned about finding a safe gap to get through with such large groups blocking the run. Given the venue’s limited space, they really need better crowd control — smaller groups and/or set training hours would make a huge difference. Clearly this isn’t a priority though, as it seems the focus is on maximising money rather than safety or learning experience. To highlight that point: the pass was £120 per person. So with around 10 in the group, that’s roughly £1,200 for a 3-hour session — yet the experience felt overcrowded and poorly managed. Finally, the instructor we had should reconsider their approach. Shouting at people that they are “not doing it right” only creates a stressful environment and doesn’t help anyone improve.

I recently took my first group ski lessons for beginners at Snowdome Tamworth, where three instructors were looking after our group. During the session, one of the instructors — Adam K. — really stood out. His passion, friendly attitude, and clear guidance helped me take my very first steps on the slope with confidence. I felt truly supported throughout the lesson. Because of this great experience, I decided to book a few private lessons with Adam K. as well. I never thought someone as clumsy as me could actually learn to ski, but thanks to his patience and excellent teaching, I did! I highly recommend Adam K. for ski lessons — he is an outstanding instructor!

There is a helpful little tip for visiting - in the corner of the gift shop there is a lift back up to the toilets. These are back at the beginning of exhibition so you can head round again to pick up any bits you missed! It is a great half day out with the kids. The centre feels like it could do with some updating and refresh on some of the side activities but the exhibits are all great, and the feeding / talk times flow quite well through your visit. The staff are all super friendly and helpful, our daughters especially loved the roaming pirate!

It was am awesome experience! I'll be honest when I first went in, I thought it was quite small, however it is extended at the back so it was indeed quite spacious. Easily took us 2-3 hours to explore the entire place at a slow pace with a 5 month old. The penguins were adorable at the start, the amount of fish in each aquarium space was quite adequate. I did wish we could see the otters though, only managed to catch s tiny glimpse in the room at the far back. The area with the jellyfish was so mesmerising. There were different photography stations located at multiple areas. You could take photos at each station, and at the end you could choose which pictures you'd like to buy and what package. Overall there was a lot of cleanliness, tanks were clean, the walkways were clean too. We ended up going at a busy weekend, but still could easily manage to get around with a baby pram. There was however a pram parking area, if you will, to store the prams if you'd rather do that. Definitely worth a trip.

Visited on a Saturday with pre-booked tickets and went straight in. It was as busy as you would expect on a weekend. Theres a route to follow and as long as you are patient in certain places you can see everything (unless creatures are hiding) There are some additional options like photos taken and a VR experience included in the admission charge. There is quite a bit to see and different areas. There are toilets at the start and halfway through, there is a shop at the end but no cafe. It takes around 60-90 mins to go round but we didnt do any photos or VR. It does look a bit tired and dated in places and the enclosures look a bit on the smaller side especially for the Penquins and Sea Otters. We used Tescos Clubcard vouchers to pay but our tickets would have been £55.00 which is steep for what you get but, if you used all the things offered it might seem better value for money

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham: A Submerged City Escape ​The National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham offers an engaging and surprisingly intimate exploration of the underwater world, making it a perfect family outing in the city centre. While its footprint is smaller than some coastal aquariums, it packs a real punch, particularly with its signature attraction: the UK's only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel. ​Walking through this clear acrylic tunnel is genuinely jaw-dropping, providing an immersive experience as sharks, rays, and the beloved giant green sea turtle, Molokai, glide directly overhead and beneath your feet. This highlight alone justifies the visit, offering incredible photographic moments and a true sense of being submerged. ​Beyond the ocean tunnel, key exhibits include the playful Gentoo penguins in their icy habitat and the charming sea otters, Ozzy and Ola, who reside in the Mammal Rescue Facility. Interactive elements like the rock pool, where visitors can gently touch a starfish, keep younger guests highly engaged. Other sections, like the jellyfish displays and the Clownfish Kingdom, are vibrant and well-presented. ​While tickets can be pricey, seeking out available discounts or utilizing combination passes with nearby attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers better value. Allow about 90 minutes to two hours for a comfortable tour. Despite sometimes being busy, the SEA LIFE Centre remains a truly "splash hit" and a memorable journey into marine conservation and discovery.

We had a fantastic afternoon here with my daughter and grandson! It’s such a wonderful place, and we especially loved watching the feeding the sea otters, Ozzy and Ola. The gentleman narrating was so friendly and knowledgeable, answering all our questions with enthusiasm. He’s a real asset to the centre and made our visit extra special — we only wish we’d caught his name!

It's OK for young children, not a long experience for the price so would definitely plan other activities around this if you are travelling into Birmingham. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and the venue is clean and tidy. The immediate area, Brindley Place, is clean and well presented and has parking nearby.

Awesome experience,amazing staff!! They have designated talk and feed times for penguins and otters, so you could enjoy that. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Specially enjoyed the penguins. Would have given a 5 or even more if otters were close instead of on screen. However I understand and appreciate that they need to adapt first to this environment before exposing them to public. Overall, it was a very fun experience and Happy Weekend instead!!

Almost 5 stars but this was our first visit & entering the carpark we had no idea or signs to say which way to the entrance or instructions to pay for the carpark. It wasn't very busy today but we thoroughly enjoyed our time spending over 4 hrs. The staff were delightful & oh so helpful. Fish & Chips were utterly delicious, best I've had in a long long time. The houses & shops were wonderful, bringing back so many memories. All in all a truly wonderful day, thank you.

Such an amazing experience. The museum and what it offers is phenomenal and the staff and volunteers are so engaging. The way they have set this up is exemplary and we learned so much from the people there and the exhibits. The forging and Army and Navy store were two of our favourites as well as the canal and chain shop area. A must see if you are here, a short train ride from Birmingham New Street to Tipton and it's about a 15 minute walk to the museum. Excellent day.

Well worth a visit. Great family day out. We have two boys 7 and 11. They engaged really well. The fun fair cost more but parents of little ones went on free and they were great. Staff were super 👌. The fish and chips were amazing much better than we get these days and cheaper. The demonstrations were informative and entertaining. Definitely go down the mine but watch your head! The gift shop was reasonably priced.

Really enjoyed it and here. Took my 8 year old. Lovely to walk around and really takes you back. Even I remember houses like these when I was alot younger. The boat rides do have an additional cost. There is alot to see and do. Although they do have some eateries we didn't bother. I think I'd have preferred a packed lunch regardless. Definitely recommend a visit here!

Open air museum, this is more like a small, Industrial Revolution, town with plenty to see and do. Very good parking facilities with plenty of disabled space as well as spaces for families, especially those with younger children giving easy access to site. A quick 2 minute walk from the car park to the main entrance where you are greeted into a large atrium in a modern building with a comprehensive gift shop to the right on entry. To the left there is an eatery serving up hot and cold food, and the usual coffees/teas and soft drinks etc. Exiting the main entrance the is a world of history in front of you starting with a tour of the mines. Sadly even early In the morning 10:30 (30 mins after opening) there was a long queue however this was accessible during the day. Old buildings galore, presented in various period decor all accessible to view both upstairs and down as well as black smiths, foundries, smelting, brick production, the list goes on. Heritage building with cars and bikes for viewing. The museum also runs a bus service with busses from 1940’s. They operate an early funfair with several period rides including ghost train, carousel and penny slot machines, well worth a ride. To the rear of the museum there is a modern building dedicated to the canal trust and preservation with the ability to take passenger on a boat ride through the caves where they mined line stone. Several found outlets in the various building, accessible toilet throughout the site, actors on site who interact with the public. All in all a fantastic day out FYI, I travelled from Essex the morning of the visit. Worth every penny.

What an amazing day we had at the Black Country living museum. We got there about 10am and stayed about 5 hours . So much to see and do. The staff was very friendly and helpful and willing to answer any questions. The fish and chips was amazing . Had one or a few beers in various locations. Then we went back for peaky blinders night . What a great time that was. Music and attractions all over the museum. Can’t wait to go back for a 40s or 60s night next year.

Absolutely incredible experience, we do come quite often due to being in the midlands but the new updates are fantastic and there is so so much to do. I actually don’t think the museum is open long enough to do everything they now have on offer. Not to worry you are able to return as many times as you like within a year with those tickets! Incredible! Such a good time had by all!

Shugborough Hall is a place well worth a visit. It is a National Trust site located in a large estate in rural Staffordshire. There is plenty to see and do for Adults and children alike. On a nice day there are some very pleasant walks that you can do, as well as visit the house. There is a gift shop, toilets and tea room/restaurant close by. The Hall and all of its history is quite fascinating. As I like my photography I loved seeing some of Lord Lichfield's cameras and equipment, as well as the many photographs mounted on the walls. Some are of famous faces that you will recognise, and some of the Royal Family over various years. There are also events put on throughout the year. I have visited twice in December to see the spectacular display of Christmas Trees. They differ every year, and sometimes follow a theme. They also put on a light show display in December. I haven't seen this yet, but do plan on it this year. I have heard it is very impressive.

Wonderful national trust free entry day. Blessed with fine sunshine. Greeted by 2 very helpful members who explained the map. Added onto planned guided visit to new garden at 2pm. This proved really good with the gardener being very interesting. Volunteers in house brilliant, informative and friendly despite impromptu fire alarm, they were unflappable. Beautiful grounds, gardens and all with our rescue dog Maddie. (She stayed in the car whilst we went inside house). Just had such a lovely relaxing day. Thank you 😊

Lovely day out at Shugborough - the staff are 10/10 and gave brilliant service. The gentleman and lady upstairs in Patrick Lichfield’s apartments on Saturday were brilliant, friendly and knowledgeable and great help. The girl working the ice cream counter near the mansion tea room (but not inside the tea room) was amazing, really helped us with our intolerance while ordering an ice cream, super friendly to all customers in front of us and gave exceptional service to us with our celiac dietary needs. It’s a shame a lot of Shugborough has shut since the national trust took ownership, but still has lovely grounds on a sunny day.

Shugborough is simply beautiful whether you're visiting the house or just walking the grounds. Me and my fiance visit often as we just love walking our dog through the grounds and picking up a coffee at the tea room. Very friendly staff upon entry, plenty of info boards explaining future plans, the house is gorgeous inside and out with lots to see. Staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable with the history of the the house. It's just a fab place to visit.

First visit today and what a fantastic place! We decided to join as family members and it was well worth it. The grounds, gardens and mansion are all beautifully kept — full of history and charm. The tea rooms were excellent too, perfect stop for an autumn treat. Even during October half term it never felt crowded; plenty of parking and so much space to explore that you’d hardly notice how busy it actually was. A brilliant family day out — we’ll definitely be back! – O’Toole UK | Keeping it real, one visit at a time.

Had a wonderful day, strolling around the gardens and small walk plus a joy to hear so much history from the volunteers in the hall. The cafe was reasonably priced with good food and coffee.

Amazing place the mansion has lots of things to admire the gardens spectacular iff your going with your family pack up for the day and spend a full day exploring this huge place its a little pricey so best to make it a day and enjoy or the other option join the national trust and visit some of there amazing places

I enjoy all the fun slides. The changing room is clean. You get a cheaper price when you book in advance. The downside is a lack of signage of where the water park car park is located and one of the claw machines is faulty.

A really nice and atmospheric water park, with plenty of theming. The water was warm and clean. The staff were polite, even though it was busy, they still had time for everyone. The only problem was the amount of time we spent quing to get an inflatable for the slides. It was also a cramped waiting area for the inflatables. But apart from that, we had a really nice day out.

We enjoyed it. Fun place to take the kids and we will comeback. The toilets however were dirty I attribute too it being very busy. Also it took a while to find a parking spot at least 20 minutes so I suggest arriving at least half an hour before your booking.

Was quite anxious as my 7 and 10 yo went off in different direction. Staff friendly and had the use of AI life guarding, continually scanning swimmers and those in trouble. Rides where great, queues manageable, pools warm , food was a bit pricey. Parking free.

Never been here before so took the grand children who had a wil of a time. Recommend fast track if you can afford it as there are long waits og up to 2hrs on some rides.

Pretty average water park. Firstly, there is only one big slide (master blaster) which I waited about 70 mins for. There are also lots of reliability issues with the slide and almost every time I get in the queue for this slide it end up stopping for 10 mins. The changing rooms and even parts of the water park smelt terribly of urine and a lot of the changing rooms are dirty. Also the lockers require 20p so keep that in mind. There are also some flumes outside which have a short queue for each one but are really fun. I also enjoyed the smaller ring slide which I only waited 5 mins for. It seems everyone just goes to the master blaster leaving the rest of slides with barely any queue. The water park is quite crowded and areas like the lazy river and pool get really busy. If you really like water parks then I suppose it’s worth a visit but if you aren’t that bothered then I’d give it a miss.

It all started with Doug in reception who was polite, helpful and welcoming and it just got better after that. The 20 Pence man was fabulous and then all the staff poolside were great. The pool was warm, exciting and really fun. My 6 year old loved it. We will definitely be coming back. Well done Alton Towers.

I'll start with the car park. It's decent size and well maintained. I completely do not agree with flat rate you have to pay on top of the entry tickets. Regardless if you are there for just couple of hours, half a day or full day, still have to fork out another £12. Park itself is spread out across vast space. There's lots and lots of walking. Rides are decent. Other attractions are good as well. For us it worked out quite expensive as we've come with a child under 2 years old mainly to visit CeBeebies Land. I've managed to pop on some rides when he had a power nap. Overall we've enjoyed our time in there and definitely rate it higher than any other UK theme park. Problem is, once you've been to Universal Orlando and other Florida parks you gonna find all rides in any UK park not as thrilling and stunning as what they have in there. We've found all staff to be friendly, helpful and polite. Cleanliness throughout the park was decent including rest rooms. We've even found a nice kebab takeaway on site which was a plus.

We’ve been to Alton Towers three times now, and it never disappoints! Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo rollercoaster thrill seeker, there’s something here for everyone. With a little help from Cadbury’s (who will you take vouchers — are a huge help! As it can be a little pricey) we were able to enjoy another amazing trip. The whole park is lovely and clean, and all the staff we met were really friendly and helpful. If you’re planning a visit, just be aware that during peak times the queues can get quite long for the rides. We went out of peak this time, and it was incredibly quiet — barely any waiting at all, which made the day even better! Just a heads up also food in the park is very pricey if you don't want to take food with you, but as a one off it's ok. like us going three times we learnt to take sandwiches and snacks and bought a coca cola refillable drinks beaker we take everytime. We noticed families taking the travel trucks with their bits and bobs into carry around for the day of there is a large amount of you who which is a brilliant family hack. Some of the food wasn't that spectacular and very cheaply made as you would get in most big theme parks but some little hidden gems in the park were lovely like the coach house confectionary in gloomy woods serving up there social media viral black ice creams and sweet foods. Overall, Alton Towers is an amazing day out full of excitement, laughs, and memories. Can’t wait to go back again!

We had an amazing day in Alton towers. We went on a Scare fest event, it was brilliant. I really recommend to download the app to see the waiting times in queue as well as if it’s closed or having a weather delay. It’s good to see every ride update so you don’t make any unnecessary walk. To be honest even the 45mins ques were quick. Staff were very friendly and helpful, food is nice but pricey. Bring comfy shoes and snacks!!! We went for opening which allowed us to go on every main ride. The scare mazes were fantastic, the themes the actors were spot on!!🖤🧡 Both day and night time all the resort looks very stunning with the rides lighted up and the Alton Castle! 🏰 all the park is very looked after. Definitely coming back next year!

Great visit everytime. The food stalls are expensive but if you can take some food to save yourself some money. Definitely recommend visiting during scarefest even if you dont do any of the scare mazes. Staff are brilliant they keeps things moving quickly so the ride times stay as low as possible and the park stay open 9pm meaning you can get to go on the rides in the dark. Which is well worth it!

Honestly hands down best theme park in the UK. The theming is immense and absolutely mind-blowing. Has the best rollercoasters in the UK and the best inverted coaster in Europe. The food is amazing Sand is worth it, especially the loaded fries on Tower Street. The Smiler is one of the most intense rides out there and is definitely a coaster worth going on, even if you are far away from the park it is definitely worth a visit. Loads of kids areas to adventure but some big areas for the thrill seekers. My favourite coasters in order: 1. Nemesis Reborn (Got on it 2 times in 1 day and got front row) 2. Smiler (Can be rough sometimes but is so thrilling) 3. Galactica (Really underrated and immense fun) 4. Wickerman (Best wooden coaster in the UK bc of Megafobia) 5. Oblivion (Short and boring after the drop) 6. Rita (The launch into the turn is amazing and forceful) 7. THI3TEEN (The droptrack's airtime is absolutely stunning) 8. Spinball Whizzer (Quite painful and colours don't suit Alton) Haven't been on: Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure, Runaway Minetrain. Honourable mentions: Toxicator (Best flat ride in the UK coming in close with Samurai. Sharkbait reef (I love fish and this was cool for a Theme Park) Hex (I love the story and the ride is quite unique) Congo River Rapids (Great family ride) So overall the price is worth paying and the food is worth eating. You should go to Alton Towers if you are wanting thrill and you can also go if you need a family day out with the kids. (Scarefest at Alton Towers is the best Halloween event at a major theme park throughout the whole of the UK and the vibe of the park already fits a Halloween vibe)

Look I totally get that there may have been issues with staffing as it was the last day of scare fest, but we still paid the same amount then any other days. Ultimately I have seen a huge difference in the service from staff at the resort, I’m not talking about the ones on rides or at the guest services, the main issue is the food and restaurants staff and the facilities. Shocking difference, the attitude on some of the staff and the serious lack of any customer service. It was like they have just grabbed a load of teenagers out of school and plonked them down, in all the restaurants and food stalls. 1. Total mess around the food stalls including hotdog stand. 2. Unlit areas when they have organise for night rides and attractions there were broken lights everywhere and massive dark spots across the park, including near the food stalls as. 3. Toilets, this shocked me as I had never experienced issues with unclean toilets at AT before. Really smelly and no cleaning staff in sight. Almost every toilet in the resort had an issue . 4. Lots of areas of the park were closed as they were setting up for bonfires night, it was almost like an excuse for staff to behave like the resort was half closed. 5. Monorail stunk of alcohol, first thing in the morning and generally needs to be cleaned up it’s old worn and looks uncared for. 6. Staff at the video stalls after a ride has some serious attitude problems, not all of them, but sone would just stare at you, not saying anything, and then mumble and give annoyed looks. The attractions/rides, as always were great. And the actors of the scare mazes were brilliant. but what makes Merlin entertainment brilliant is the whole magic of the resorts and the magic was definite missing and most of the staff just didn’t care, this could be because of the way they’ve been treated who knows but I was very disappointed, it’s lost its magic for me.

Absolutely amazing place! Definitely recommended for all the family If you're an older family I would recommend two days - would also recommend looking at the Waterpark as it is fantastic for all the family Only negative that you would expect, the food, drinks and merchandise is expensive so make sure you save up if you intend on eating and drinking on park

Beautiful gardens with free street parking if you can find it or loads of paid parking either around the town or in the gardens which can be located by the main road. Free public toilets, a small railway train that goes around the park for £2.50 per person, lasts around 5 minutes and is very cute, allowing you to see and take in the park from different angles. Theres loads of different paths, trees, wildlife and plants, some with information plaques, as well as frequent benches, bins and play parks for the kids. Extremely child, disabled and pet friendly. The streams, ponds and riverways are very well kept, as is the whole park and its lovley to see the ducks and wildlife enjoy it too.

Nice easy walk round a pond. Lots of water birds, ducks ,geese, herons. Quite a bit of duck poo on paths near pond. Nice bar, cafe, swimming pool, music venue.

Love the pavilion gardens here in Buxton. Some nice snack/eateries, locally made beers and I particularly like the "hot house" garden, and walking around the park.

What a lovely and unique place. We walked around gardens for a bit, lots of wild birds, small water lakes, had live music playing, which made atmosphere really nice.

Disability freindly in most of Buxton pavilion.Family freindly clean beautiful park and buildings, small train ride in the park lots of geese and other birds in the park.a small river running through the park.you have Buxton opera house with a tea room and inside garden area.not far away is the famous Buxton spring water well you can use your own bottle and fill it for free.You could have a full day out here all while including a day at the opera.

Absolutely stunning area. Great park with wide clean pathways. Plenty of wildlife around. Lovely facilities in the pavilion

Beautiful, well maintained gardens and old heritage buildings. Would be lovely to see more of the Pavilion buildings themselves open and used though.

Stunning house, visit if you can as a wonderful and rare tour of the behind the scenes showing the butlers pantry and the brewery site. Also the Regency dressing room, do take advantage and dress up as your own Mr Darcy/Elizabeth as it really enhances the experience for you and those around you. The garden is great even in Autumn and dogs are very welcome A great day

Like a dream 🌿🏛🌿 From the Paddock cottage and Scottish Highland cattle to the the Cage and rolling grass hills. I visited many national trust locations during my recent trip to England and I can safely say that Lyme Park was my favorite. The property is expansive and beautiful. The house also had many interactive exhibits. I can't wait to return one day and experience it again.

Vast grounds, interesting house and knowledgeable volunteer room guides. The main lake near the house was part drained, so otherwise five stars. Gardens are worth a look, but the "cage" whilst open on the ground floor is quite a walk for not very much until it's refurbished and fully open again.

Had a great time, as always at Lyme Park with our daughter & grandchildren. (5&3) We love the gardens & all the Summer activities for the children are fantastic, along with the adventure playground which our girls loved! We enjoyed the refreshments in the cafes. It’s really great place to visit with so much history to explore in & around the house. We’ve only really just scratched the surface & we want to do more of the walks all around the estate in the future.

Unfortunately, the house is closed until the end of November, so I didn't have a chance to explore a house with six centuries of history. Walking around the gardens doesn’t take much time. There’s a bookshop and a nice café.

Huge grounds where dogs are welcome to roam. There's places where they are even allowed to run off lead, which is a rarity at national trust properties. The house is impressive to look around, and the gardens must be stunning in summer. The trees were in glorious colours on the autumn day we visited, but the flower beds were mostly empty and the fountains and pools drained for the winter. I can only imagine what it must be like in the summer. Maybe we'll come again and find out! Dog friendly section in the cafe was great. There's a bit of a steep walk from the car park up to the house entrance, but I saw accessibility parking signs so perhaps they avoid it.

The wide and beautiful garden was turned into a play area for the children’s summer event. My kids had so much fun! The house inside was also very large and interesting. There were children’s toys inside the house, and my kids had the special experience of playing freely in a historic building!