Such a fun visit. Loved seeing the place where so many films have been set, and learning about the castle's true history. Well-worth the visit; make sure to go outside and walk around the peaceful gardens.

Really interesting place with lots to explore..! I went to see the current exhibition about magic and superstition its very cool! Beautiful gardens and stunning scenery too. Lots of uneven floors and steps so not great for people with mobility issues and I wouldn't fancy taking a pram..parking is charged extra so be prepared for that. Highly recommend 👌

A beautifully renovated medieval manor house hosting a delightfully styled exhibition about Elizabethan connections to magic and mature, informed, educating and entertaining. The beautifully designed gardens are a pleasure to walk around and the host volunteers are friendly and welcoming. There is a lovely restaurant on site, best to book in advance as it's popular. A experience, highly recommended

Great place, we visited during the Magic exhibition and thought it was really well designed in both exhibition text and visually - it was stunning to see in the Hall. Guides were good- especially Chris M who showed us all of the scorch marks and was really informative. The café is small but the food was great. On our way out we were looking forward to the gift shop but found this disappointing, nothing about or related to the Hall or the exhibition. Though it's good to work with what I assume are local small businesses, a core retail offer remaining would have been appreciated as we aren't local so won't be back. The lady running the admissions desk kindly returned after closing so that we could at least buy the exhibition guide. Parking was easy with an attendant and payment was taken on entry as the exit barrier was faulty.

Amazingly well preserved medieval hall. If you visit on Mondays there are free guided tours, our guide was both fun and informative. Would definitely recommend the restaurant as well, great home made food at a reasonable price.

It's a smallish medieval country house which is an independent business compared to those often operated by the National Trust. It's quite interesting architecturally but there's not a whole lot to see yet admission prices are quite high. We went whilst they had a theme on Magic and Superstition which was reasonably interesting if quite condensed. The cafe wasn't bad with a decent selection of food and drink offerings Make sure you are steady on your feet as there are significant amounts of uneven floors and stairs

What a magical day out! Definitely the best Christmas market I've been to - so classy, great stalls, good food and just so well done. Will absolutely be going again!

A truly breathtaking cathedral. The Gothic architecture is stunning, with its three spires creating a unique silhouette against the sky. The stone carvings and intricate details on the façade are remarkable, each statue and ornament telling its own story. Inside, the stained glass windows glow with vibrant colors, filling the space with a quiet, almost sacred light. The vaulted ceilings and fine woodwork show an incredible level of craftsmanship. It’s not just a place of worship, but also a masterpiece of art and history,worth taking time to explore slowly.

Today I finally did the tower and roof tour. It was amazing and the views from the tower are stunning. Got to see a lot of stuff you don't normally get to see too. The tour guides George and Alan were very knowledgeable and I learnt a lot of new stuff about the cathedral and Lichfield in general. Well worth the £18 as the tour was nearly 2 hours. Made my day and now when I look up on future visits I can say "I've been up there" 😁

One of the best Anglican churches in the region and in England. The church building has a great character don't forget to walk around the church to appreciate the lovely location and features of the church building. Going inside the church has no ticket, but donations are appreciated which goes towards the maintenance of the Cathedral. Volunteers were kind and helpful and can guide you around the premises. From the East side of the building you can go up yo St Chad's terrace and is quite and peaceful for a prayer and specially very positive vibes when hearing the choir. The giant table made with 5000 year Dark Oak wood! Worth visiting! Recommend checking the website, there is plenty of activities specially in the summer. For concerts recommend booking tickets in advance.

Lichfield Cathedral truly is a hidden gem. Although it’s only a short drive from the M6 motorway, it’s like stepping back in time. The cathedral itself has a grandeur to it which is unlike many other, smaller, more modern cathedrals. The outside of the cathedral is beautifully designed, in proportion, and well appointed with a variety of statues. The West door is huge and impressive with a variety of ornate Victorian carvings outside. Once you enter the cathedral, the visitors’ desk is staffed by polite and helpful members of staff who will guide you around the cathedral. The ceiling of the nave is particularly impressive and the grand arches are second to none in the UK. The stained glass throughout the cathedral is particularly impressive. However, when you get to the far east end of the cathedral, you will see the Herkenrode glass which is unlike anything you will see in any other cathedral in the UK. There were several treasures contained within the chapter house, such as the Saint Chad Gospel which make this cathedral a real pleasure to walk around and visit. There is parking nearby in Bird Street car park and the public toilets are easily accessed. The Minster Pool next door is also worth a visit to feed the ducks. Although Lichfield is not on the usual tourist trail, it is worth a detour. I can’t recommend this cathedral strongly enough.

A very good cathedral for visiting with family and friends. You will enjoy the outside area as well Inner sanctuary. Very well maintained. We visited during the time when there was a showcase of wild life photographers photo’s.

Such a beautiful peaceful place of worship. I am not a Christian but felt so welcome by all patrons I came across. I was astounded by the amount of colonial history from the empire, from flags, priests, infantry.

Large cathedral in centre of scenic Lichfield. Costs £5 voluntary donation admission. Extra to go into tower area. The cathedral has many beautiful stained glass windows. Lots of other interesting areas to visit within the building. A nice little shop selling a variety of souvenirs etc.

I loved the place. So much to see for every age. One issue. We has pulled pork rolls in the butterfly cafe. They looked good but we're swimming in grease. It meant that the rolls were sodden and the meal sat very heavily on the stomach. This spoiled our afternoon.

Our second visit here and it was just like the first time amazing with lots of lovely animals to see, you can easily spend the whole day here, however on this occasion we went nearer the closing time and it was raining and not many of the animals were out but we still had the best time, they have so many lovely birds and the variety of butterfly species each one as gorgeous as the other. The staff right from upon entering and to the end were absolutely amazing and so friendly. Definitely worth more visits, and a day very well spent!! Definitely recommend!!

So much more than a butterfly house. We didn't know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. There is so much to see. The staff and keepers are very friendly. There are so many animals to see as well as dinosaurs and fun attractions (press the buttons for a few surprises). The otters were very entertaining. You can buy food to feed the various animals. They have a wallaby walk-through and a lemur walk-through a farm yard with friendly goats. A bird house with exotic birds you can see up close and, of course, the butterfly house. There are so many pretty butterflies in a lovely setting. The bird show was very entertaining. The cafes serve a nice mix of hot and cold food at reasonable prices and the toilets are very clean. A great day out for adults and kids alike. Highly recommend.

Went with the wife and kid. The size is good enough to walk round with a kid. We spent about 2 and a half hours looking at some wonderful animals and the butterflies 🦋 were amazing and plenty to see. Also, lotties cafe was really good. The staff were very friendly. Definitely planing go back at some point. Only thing bad is that I didn't get the a code for a second visit discount that was advertised.

Wonderful staff and a very beautiful place with tons of animals that are very well kept. Don’t miss out on experiences with armadillos and meercats. They are definitely worth the money and it is the only place that we visited in that area that were you really could enjoy that kind of experience. The rest of them were from far away and not that nice.

My daughter really wanted to see the Butterflies so we went on a Sunday during the 6 weeks holiday. We had to wait to get in as there was only one woman on the gate and she had to give everyone a ticket for a reduced return visit and had to write on each one. Saying we arrived during the first hour of opening youd think they would have more staff on. The butterfly house was lovely, and there was other animals to see but we was done after 2 and half hours as was many other people who had arrived at the same time as us. I think the price is slightly high for what you get as you can go other wildlife parks and pay around the same and spend the day. We were also disappointed to find out the lemurs were only open for 30 minutes during the whole day so missed seeing them.

Really lovely place, we went on our own as a couple but would definitely bring the grandchildren back. I wanted to go to a butterfly farm and we live in Derby so this was the closest I could see. I wasn’t disappointed with the butterfly greenhouse area and it was an added bonus to have the other animals there too, including the super cute otters, meerkats and lemurs! The leaf cutter ants were astounding!! Cafe service was very slow though and it wasn’t that busy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friendly helpful staff. Fascinating building, and luckily 2 of our group knew the history of this Castle. Visited the cafe. This was a beautiful building. Staff were good, if not a little slow, maybe short staffed & we were quite a big group. I’d recommend a visit. All areas were easy to walk up. Views were beautiful.

Well restored and presented historical castle and grounds. Very informative and interesting, especially with the Wicked Game art installation. Not very accessible for wheelchairs due to all the stairs to the levels in the Castle, but good access to the site, garden, cafe and toilet. Could do with more toilets!

Lovely English Heritage site. Biggest ruins we have been to - lots to explore, quite a few different sections where you can climb to the top. Well maintained, clean and tidy site. Really enjoyed the superb sculpture display currently at the site. Would highly recommend.

Although the park is small, it has very complete facilities. Once you enter the park, you can use the tour guide to learn about the history of the place. There is an exhibition hall that shows the entire castle from construction to the final demolition and it is very interesting. I also recommend everyone to visit the GateKeeper Tower. It is very well preserved the most luxurious furniture and furnishings, you can feel the luxurious atmosphere of the time. Although the castle itself has been severely damaged, you can still imagine the style and living conditions of those who lived here during the guided tour.

Even on a day of mixed weather it was a great visit! So many places around the ruin to explore and I enjoyed the views. All very well cared for and well laid out. The exhibitions inside were also interesting and gave more information about the history of the place. Well worth the entrance fee if you buy in advance which included an audio guide. I didn't go to the cafe or use the car parking, so can't say much about those facilities. The toilets were a bit cramped but fine. Kenilworth itself was also a great place to visit.

What a lovely, historical place this is. Well worth a visit and nice to use our membership as not many English heritage have facilities and such a nice cafe. The stairwells had been replaced so that it was easy to walk all over this castle remains, right to the very top. The garden was pretty too.

This is a truly beautiful and spectacular English Heritage site which needs to be seen. Visited here Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. Arrived about 2pm and was very busy due to the good weather and a major event on at the Castle which was great to see. After last visiting here about 10 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much time and money has been invested into this historic site. You have the Castle, Gate House, Stables and the Gardens to look around during your visit. So you'll need at least a good 2 to 3 hours to make sure you take it all in. The grounds have lots of information boards around the site for you to read which helps immerse yourself back what it would have been like in the past. The site has shop, a café and toilet facilities. There is also a large English Heritage car park. Staff we spoken to were all pleasant and friendly. This should be on your tick list of Castles to see.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

We visited Legoland on a Sunday afternoon and stayed in one of the woodland lodges before a full day in the park. The process of booking the stay was fairly convoluted on the website, but from that point, there were clear instructions and links for all our passes, which were very handy to have on the official app! Sunday in the park was manic and not at all quiet, with 40 min queues for all the main rides (including the underwhelming Dragon rollercoaster). Flight of the sky lion is a great ride, but please sort the queue system out for people with the fast access pass (some of which have paid extra). We waited longer in this queue than people were in the standard entry! I don't think the clearly hungover lad running it could cope with figuring out what to do. The site is quite sprawling and despite there being a train that runs from the entrance into the middle of the park, it isn't always in operation, so prepare for the walk back up the winding hill! Food offerings are standard over-priced fried theme park fare unfortunately, with little imagination in the variety on offer. Breakfast at the woodland lodge clubhouse was fairly decent on the other hand. Our lodge was clean and spacious, with the skylight projector in the kids room being a nice touch. The treasure hunt also went down a treat. You might want to take earplugs though, as the Heathrow flight path is directly above, so sleep was fairly limited to the hours of 11pm -5am. It could be so much better in places, but overall it was still an enjoyable outing that was worth checking out.

Great theme park, I enjoyed the rides, we didn’t wait to wait too long to get onto the rides and there was 2 that we did a couple of times. Kids loved it. The Lego mini land was great, loads to see and a lot of detail gone into it. Food was expensive but always is at these places. We’d happily return!

Bad: Rides waiting time: I'm starting with bad because I want people to first know what they are getting into so they can make a better decision. The rides have massive queues, the resort is not very organised in terms of crowd management. The queues are massive, like there's at least 60 minute of waiting for almost all the rides, unless you have ultimate ride pass forget about managing to do even 3-4 rides in a day. And their opening times are only 10-5, which is definitely not enough for the money you pay. I had ultimate pass and still I couldn't do all the rides and it felt such a stretch - is it worth the money though : absolutely. As we didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes for any rides. But it's ot for people who can't afford to pay for those passes. Food: If you are vegetarian, forget about eating here, not many options to eat, a Pizza place, that's beyond expensive £23-£24pp - with very limited vegetarian options, a burger place that does serve vegetarian burger, and the waffles place can't handle crowds and they close the shop when they can't handle the load. Face paint: rude staff and poor face painting skills Good: ultimate pass is rhe best way to enjoy the park, we loved all the rides we took. Miniland is awesome and so is their train. Staff is helpful (if you find them).

Visited Legoland with my two kids (1 and 4 years old) and we had a really good day out. Went during school time so there were hardly any queues, which was great! The park was clean and tidy with plenty to see and do to fill the day. Not much for the 1-year-old, but our 4-year-old loved it and went on lots of rides. Overall a fun family day out and would definitely go again when they’re a bit older.

The kids absolutely loved it. It was definitely a fun outing that everyone in our group really enjoyed. The ride times generally seemed to work out pretty well, and you can definitely make a great day out of it if the weather stays nice. The pizza and pasta buffet was efficient and there was plenty of food to go around.

Had a really good time with my 2 daughters. They both enjoyed the experience. Seeing how much stuff was built out of bricks was awesome. Some really good rides. Had to queue a bit but expected on a busy day. Would definitely recommend and 100% come back again

A very nice amusement park. It needs some social spaces/facilities like cafes or restaurants. Theme park is nice. Mini land is very cheerful area. Priority parking is extremely convenient but general parking is a bit far, consider this if you have any mobility difficulties.

First time visiting and was blown away at the history and beauty of the Castle, the church and grounds. The town is charming as well. This is a must see, easy trip via overland train from London. Get the audio tour headsets as it’s included and will make the experience worthwhile.

Its an english castle. Well kept. I Its slightly less for value of money. Would advice to buy tickets in advance as that will save money. If you are visiting multiple castles throughout UK, kindly buy a pass for them as that will be cheaper rather than buying tickets at every castle. No pictures allowed inside.

Its a very nice castle to visit with a lot of interesting weapons and armour. The security section is a bit unorganised and chaotic but otherswise a great place to visit. The audio guide is great. Staff is nice.

What a beautiful castle. The tour is well planned and if you love the monarchy and the queen/king things you will be blown away by this gorgeous place. Just don’t forget to book tickets in advance, take the audio guide with you and enjoy a little touch to royal family’s life.

We took the day trip to Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge, and it was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Steve, was wonderful, he is incredibly knowledgeable and funny. I also want to give a big shout out to our coach driver Carlos who made sure we got to each location in a timely manner. ​Steve shared so many interesting facts, especially at Bath and Windsor Castle my favorite stop. It's a lot to see in one day, but Steve managed the schedule perfectly. Lunch at La cock was a nice touch and very delicious. ​Seeing all these iconic sites in one go was unforgettable. Highly recommend this tour!

The castle is quite large, especially the Royal Apartments, which include many rooms. You should allow around four hours to explore everything calmly and take it all in, and that’s even without taking photos, since photography and video recording inside the apartments are unfortunately not allowed. The castle grounds are beautiful, with lovely trees and a small park. You can also see the royal guards outside, who seem to change several times a day, marching across the castle grounds. We visited on a rainy day, and although the weather wasn’t ideal, there were still quite a few visitors. I highly recommend taking the audio guide, it’s available in several languages and gives an excellent explanation of each building, room, and painting. In the guidebook, the tour starts with the Royal Apartments and then continues to St. George’s Chapel, but in reality, the chapel seems more logical to visit first, as most people turn left rather than going straight uphill to the apartments. Perhaps this is because there aren’t many clear signs outside indicating the order of the route, unlike inside the Royal Apartments, where the directions are very well organized. Because of this, the route can feel a bit confusing, or maybe it was just because we were rushing to find shelter from the heavy rain, as we didn’t have umbrellas. There are several souvenir shops on the castle grounds and a café where you can buy official chocolate, keychains, magnets, books, toys, coins, jewelry, and beautifully designed pens and pencils. From the windows of the Royal Apartments, there’s a truly stunning panoramic view of the inner garden, which, unfortunately, is closed to visitors. The bushes are perfectly trimmed, genuinely royal. We arrived at the castle around 11:00 a.m. and stayed until about 2:45 p.m. Online tickets cost £31, but since it was a Monday in November, there were no queues, so we bought ours on-site for £35 per adult. Before entering, there’s a security check at the gate. Overall, the castle is absolutely worth visiting, a perfect trip for one or one and a half days. The town itself has a great variety of restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. The train station is right in the centre, about a five-minute walk away. Everything is within walking distance, our hotel was just 10 minutes from the castle, which was perfect, as after dinner in town we could enjoy a short walk back. Since the castle stands right in the heart of the town, there are hotels just across the street, but even those located a bit further away are still very convenient and charming. Parking could be improved, as in most tourist towns in England. We checked several public car parks, with daily rates between £22 and £28. Our hotel had its own secure parking area behind the building, gated and monitored, for £20 per day. It might be worth checking some higher-end hotels, as a few of them may offer free parking, though such options are quite limited.

Fascinating visit, it's everything you expect it to be! £35 for an adult ticket which includes an audio tour. Well organised and the staff are efficient and friendly. Amazing to finally see how the royal family live in the castle and the history is incredible .

Amazing place! Its been many years since I was last there and its nice that more things have been added in that time. Went during the dark arts time and was fun to see the death eather preforming at different locations around the studio. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys Harry Potter! The lay out is brilliant and just getting to see how it was all made is amazing.

Where do I start! Absolutely amazing experience. A must visit for all the potter heads out there. Being a core fan of the book, the movie sets was truly a visual treat. I visited during the Dark Arts theme right after Halloween. The entire tour looked like a carefully planned adventure. The atmosphere felt do lively - kudos to the employees and the guides. A kind employee even took my picture (I was on a solo trip!). I saw the butter beer had mixed reviews. But I personally devoured it. It was refreshing after a long walk. Food was alright, not a fan of the unsalted fries. Some spaces did feel a bit rushed, specially people pushing and hovering around impatiently. Could see the kids engaging a lot with the sets. The photo booths are cute, however felt like a rip-off to have a poster print for £20! Considering the high turnaround rate, they could reduce the price. The broom videos looked a bit tacky but would be a fun try out for kids. Loved the small performance by the Death Eaters who kindly let us take pictures together! Cried myself through the pricey souvenirs, but the butter beer packs were a steal! For folks who can’t find the tickets during the holidays, keep checking every single day twice. I got mine on a random day check, and snagged it right away! They were kind enough to swap me to a different slot (which I found again), without additional charges! Overall worth every penny!

We had arranged a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio for our daughter’s birthday, as she’s crazy about Harry Potter. We were greeted by Menaka at the ticket collection counter. She was incredible!! 😃 Super friendly and charismatic in every way, and a true potterhead too! Our daughter was fully engaged in conversation with Menaka who shared all the wonderful things to look out for whilst on the tour. We gained tips on how to manage our time during the tour, which took 5 hours in total, including a break at the Butterbeer Bar. Menaka also gave our girl a birthday badge and several other goodies, which truly delighted her. We were amazed by the genuine kindness shown to make our daughter feel special 💓 We had arrived over an hour earlier than our scheduled tour time, so Menaka encouraged us to enjoy lunch in the Food Hall. We loved it! All dishes were very tasty and generous in portion, so we were fully prepared for the grand tour 🤩 As a birthday girl, our daughter was given the special privilege to open the door to Hogwarts! 🎉 From then on, the tour was outstanding. Spectacular sets, fun green screen experience and entertaining death eater performances. Beware of the Dementors and Acromantulas in the forbidden forest! 😨 Overall, a superb day out made extra special by all staff members, though Menaka was our favourite!! 🌟

Went on the small group tour. We were meant to skip queues but we didn't skip the queue we just skipped the bit we were going to see. But it was still worth it to get all the amazing little facts that the guide gave us. We went when it was hogwarts in winter. The food here is super expensive! You can take tour own food but i felt like it was part of the experience so just went with it. Remember to get your free passport so you can get your stamps as you go round 👍 The tour was 4hrs with a 1hr break. We went back in so in total spent 6hrs there and definitely could have spent longer. Take your time and make sure you make the most out of the full day.

We visited on a weekend, expecting it to be busy, but boy were we surprised at exactly how busy it was going to be. After a fair bit of queuing and somewhat rude security personnel at the bag check, we finally got through! The whole complex is huge and be prepared for a lot of time walking, standing and walking some more (reminded me of Disneyland) to get anywhere. However, it is really worth it once you can get over this and that is speaking as someone who isn't a huge HP fan. The work on display is amazing and the attention to detail so very impressive. The displays are well thought out, but do make sure you can stomach the high price of food and gifts!

An unforgettable experience for any fan of Harry Potter. Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a magical journey behind the scenes that brings the wizarding world to life like no other. From the detailed sets and authentic props to the incredible special effects and costumes, every corner sparks wonder and nostalgia. The interactive elements and knowledgeable guides make it engaging for all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about movie magic, this tour is a must-visit. Truly enchanting from start to finish! ✨

Weather you are a Harry Potter fan, love mechanics, art or any DIY projects - you will love it. If all I mentioned above describes you - prepare for a very long visit, as you will love everything. Make sure you book tickets in advance, as the are sold out very quickly. The amazing world created by J.K Roling and later by Warner Brothers studios, before advenced digital effects technologies were widely available - is truly amazing. It is definitely one of the MUST VISIT places when you are in London or around. You will LOVE it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So much to do for all of the family our age range was 6-11 and there was only 1 ride the 6yr old couldn't go on so if you have thrill seekinging younger ones I would recommend Chessington but also the gruffalo ride and room on a broom we're amazing gentle fun the was perfect for a little (or big) one that doesn't like going too fast. Plenty of photo opportunities to capture the family fun memories

I’ve been visiting Chessington ever since I was a kid, and now I get to bring my own children here! The park has retained much of its charm from when I was younger. My daughters are 8 and 2, and there are plenty of rides and attractions suitable for both of them to enjoy. It’s great to see the park continuing to evolve with exciting additions like the Jumanji area and the upcoming Paw Patrol attraction. However, I do feel that some of the older rides could use a bit more attention — we got stuck on the Gruffalo ride, and the Vampire ride (my very first rollercoaster!) was unfortunately closed. I was really looking forward to sharing that nostalgic experience with my daughter. Overall, Chessington is still a fantastic family day out and a place full of wonderful memories. We’ll definitely be back once the new areas and rides open up!

A very good family theme park. There is a wide variety of attractions, including a good selection of rollercoasters for those wanting rides of the slightly more thrilling type. There are also many younger oriented rides.

Disappointing Experience at Chessington Adventures I spent around 45 minutes stuck in traffic just trying to get into the park, and then another 30 minutes driving around the car park looking for a space. Even though we paid full price for our tickets, we were only able to go on about 3–5 rides the entire day because of how extremely busy it was. The signboards claimed the waiting time was 30 minutes, but that’s completely inaccurate — it took at least double that for every ride. The park itself looks nice, but the whole experience was ruined by the endless queues and poor crowd management. Overall, it was an awful experience and definitely not worth the time or money. I wouldn’t want to visit again.

I visited Chessington World of Adventures today with my family and had a really good time. The weather was lovely, which always helps, and I was impressed with how easy it was to get on the rides. Most of them had little to no queue at all, so we could go straight on, which was fantastic with young children. The kids really enjoyed themselves and there was a nice mix of rides suitable for their ages. On the downside, some of the rides could definitely do with a bit more cleaning and maintenance, as a few looked quite worn. I also noticed a bit of a rat problem near some of the bins, which was unpleasant to see. Overall though, we had a very enjoyable day out and I would recommend it to families, especially if you can go on a quieter day like we did.

Lovely day with the children, my only criticism is the time it takes to get onto the ride, the cost to upgrade is just too much, but the time wasted on getting people off and on I think could be improved to speed things up. The guys in the ticket office were brilliant after some issues with my tickets not coming through they sorted it very quickly.

Chessington is an all rounded place to visit as it both has animals and rides!!! The ride queue time is sometimes long but you get to buy quick access tickets. Sometimes even when the queue was just 5 minutes you had to walk through the long queue path which sometimes can be annoying. The park has something for everyone. Not much choice in food especially if you are health conscious but you get to bring your own picnic. Staff were friendly in the park- not so much in the car park. The refill stations for the cups you can buy for £18 were few and not well sign posted and the ones stationed outside were covered in wasps. The ones in the sweet shop were great!! They also don’t let u refill for ten minutes which was also annoying cos I got a couple of wasps in my first drink!! The rides were good. The animals look healthy and happy. I had a very good day out here.

What a place to visit. The world meets in London and I hope it continues that way. Everything is well organized, spaced and placed. It’s my second time in there and am keen to go back more times. This is not a one day visit you need few times to cover the whole Musuem. Recommend to come with comfortable shoes

Went on a Thursday in half term time, it was incredibly busy, loads of children! It was still a nice experience for my kids, they loved it. You need a couple of days to visit the whole museum, especially if you are looking to study anything in particular. Limited choices on thw food in the food court area and expect London prices but there is also a high end restaurant at the top. Own food and drinks are permitted only in the designated area. We will definitely come again to see and study other areas.

A Must-see Museum! You can literally feel the history of the world here. It’s free to visit; however, when you think about all the pieces taken away from their motherlands, it does feel a bit bittersweet. :) Make sure to book your tickets in advance — it gets busy! The ambiance will truly astonish you the moment you step inside.

A visit to The British Museum is a rewarding but demanding experience. To make the most of your trip, book your free ticket online in advance. While entry is free, I highly recommend the paid app for its excellent guided tours, which greatly enhance seeing incredible exhibits like the Egyptian mummies, Roman antiquities, and Persian histories. Be prepared for security and bag checks, and note that there's a fee for coat and bag storage. With more wonders than you can see in a single day, the museum thoughtfully provides portable stools—a welcome relief for tired legs. Several cafes and a restaurant are also on-site to help you refuel.

Offers an outstanding and educational experience, with impressive exhibitions and an incredible collection from around the world. The curation, accessibility, and historical depth make every visit memorable and highly recommendable.However, amidst all this cultural wealth, it is important to critically reflect on the origins of many artifacts. A significant part of the collection consists of objects that were taken from their countries of origin under problematic historical circumstances. The museum could do more to address this legacy openly and transparently, initiate dialogues about restitution, and provide more context about the provenance of these treasures.Overall, the visit is rewardin yet the experience would be even richer if the museum visibly acknowledged its responsibility regarding looted art and made an active contribution to justice and transparency.

*5/5 stars* "I recently visited the British Museum and was blown away by the vast collection of artifacts from around the world. The museum's permanent exhibitions, such as the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the mummies in the Ancient Egypt gallery, were fascinating. The temporary exhibitions were also thought-provoking and well-curated. The museum's layout and signage were easy to navigate, and the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The museum's location in the heart of London made it an ideal stop for anyone interested in history, culture, and art. *Tips:* - Plan your visit in advance to make the most of your time. - Take breaks to rest and recharge – the museum is massive! - Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. - Don't miss the museum's excellent audio guides and guided tours. *Overall, I highly recommend the British Museum to anyone interested in history, culture, and art. It's a must-visit destination in London!*"

The British Museum is truly timeless. It was my fourth visit, yet it still felt magical. My kids loved the Egyptian mummies — their excitement was contagious! As a Chinese visitor, I felt proud yet emotional seeing so many treasures from my homeland. The collections are stunning, though the crowds can be intense. Entry is free, but booking online helps you get in faster. This museum isn’t just about history — it’s about humanity, memory, and reflection. A must-visit for anyone coming to London.

Visiting The National Gallery was truly a magical experience. From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the atmosphere and every room tells a different story through its paintings. The layout makes it easy to explore, and the colors, details, and emotions in each artwork are breathtaking. It’s not just a museum but it’s a journey through art and history that leaves you inspired and full of wonder.

It was a wonderful experience. The museum has a good collection of Monet and Van Gogh paintings, which I really enjoyed. For just an afternoon, it’s possible to see everything without getting too tired, though you could easily spend a whole day if you want to study the works in detail. We visited on November 17, and there was also a Christmas market outside the museum, which added a very festive atmosphere.

A very spacious series of galleries housing some of the best known images in the international art world. With a restaurant and toilets and plenty of friendly guides you can easily spend a day here, or just pop in and revisit your favourites. It may look daunting from the outside but the new entrance makes the whole place accessible for anyone. Children of any age will find something to look at and many school trips visit and no they don't disturb the 'grown ups'! A teashop, restaurant, bookshop and well stocked shop make this a day, or two to remember.

I can say that I love this museum. Seeing such a collection of paintings for free is just amazing nowadays. There are beautiful paintings in every room. I could spend a day to visit it. Just do not forged taking a map at the entrance as this is a pretty large museum. French, Spanish, Italian, English, Deutsche… painters from middle age to impressionists. A pretty large collection of Impressionists paintings that can rival with that of Musée d’Orsay in France. Only the Louvre in France is more impressive (but far from being free) among all painting museums that I visited all other the world (with a special notice for Grenoble and Poitier’s painting museum that are great place to visit too).

The National Gallery, a one place to see history through paintings. As usual this gallery is free for entery and quite big so plan ahead. You can book free online ticket or walkin. Tube connectivity is there. Plan to enjoy and take photos from outside squar also. There is a paid washroom available outside. You get chance to see a lot of historical paintings and know about the artist. Due to limited time I was not able to complete it. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water if possible.

I visited the National Gallery today and absolutely loved it. It’s an absolute must visit place when in London, and you can spend hours wandering from room to room, never running out of things to look at. One of the highlights for me was seeing some of Monet’s pieces in person, a moment I’ve been looking forward to for so long. Standing in front of his work felt surreal, and it was worth the entire trip on its own. I highly recommend paying the galley a visit, especially because it’s free entry!

If you’re in London, you must visit this place. I stopped by during an 8 hour layover, and even though I couldn’t take my time the way I wanted to, it was absolutely worth it. The collection is stunning, wall after wall of masterpieces you could spend hours admiring. I barely scratched the surface and already felt amazed. I’ll definitely be coming back on a proper trip so I can truly enjoy and appreciate everything this museum has to offer.

At first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to follow the system or get myself lost. Which I did, end up going the wrong way. But it’s actually so easy to follow, it’s good to make a few errors as then you will be conscious of ensuring you’re on the right tube. London Underground is amazing and it is really easy to get around and see places. I would walk around central London. Use the underground when going further afield. The trains are very regular, you will find they can get very busy, packed. Don’t feel you need to squeeze in, just wait for the next train as it will add to your experience and enjoy it better. As you would anywhere just be vigilant of your surroundings. I felt very safe, as a solo traveler I was very surprised.

As a visitor, you can’t ask for a better system to get about to major museums, etc. You get to ride with both the working class and executives alike. Iconic London ! Takes a little getting used to, if you need to travel in the City, it’s the way to go. As a visitor, we purchased a Visitor Oyster Card online, it’s a fantastic deal. Recommended.

This is a good way to get around London. The new trains and updated stations are good. It is easy to get a ticket and to get around. However, the ventilation is poor, horrible, hot, and sweaty. It makes for an unbearable and uncomfortable ride. However, some of the trains and train stations have proper ventilation and air but most do not. I only take one train with no transfers, which is all that I can bear, and walk just to be outside where I can breath easy. I caution you to only ride when necessary and recommend you walk outside if able.

These shops are all closed for good. I could rattle on about the good old days, (people actually pay to hear about it) and a book would be better; it would take a book, pdf, file, whatever to explain how much it has changed. Point? Many but the main one is: Thanks to Bid Rigging the same people keep getting rich fulfilling contracts that do nothing but cosmetic change. I'd rather see the old retailers (driven out by sky high rent, business taxes, business rates that the the big corporate retailers. Btw/ if you come to London be prepared to lug your suitcase up and down many flights of stairs. Of course the bureaucracy will point to "no step access" (only lawsuits by disabled brought that in) and there are more lifts (elevators), yes this is better than nothing - - lucky find one lift 20 years ago. The old, dirty, extremely noisy rolling stock in Central London is the same. Recently you could still find "MetroCamell" 1973. John Lennon probably on one. Sure, they Spent £16 Billion over budget and late) on a new Elizabeth Line. It's a nice reflection on what we have - - tourists are in central London for the sights, not off to Abby Wood (the other one) and to have them riding the clittering, clanking, clattering collection of caligenous junk - - (think Wizard of Oz to the Tin Man) is a disgrace.

Coming from Manchester we need this in the city.... Yes its a bit dim, dark and dirty.... But what a brilliant, cheap and quick way to get around....

Cheap fast efficient travel for our sightseeing trips. Easy to use gates and pricing simple capped and taken from our banks.

Crowded, stuffy place, too many people in London, but its easy to use, it gets you to your destination on time

A fantastic experience and absolutely worth it! The views from the top are incredible — you can see all of London’s major landmarks so clearly. The ride is smooth, relaxing and perfect for both kids and adults. The staff are friendly and organised, making the whole process easy from start to finish. It’s a great family activity, amazing for photos, and something everyone should try at least once. Highly recommended!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing experience! The London Eye offers some of the best views in the city—360° panoramas of the Thames, Big Ben, and the skyline. The ride is smooth and lasts long enough to really enjoy the scenery. Queues can get a bit long during peak hours, but they move quickly and are well-organized. Staff were friendly and the capsules were clean and comfortable. Definitely worth it, especially around sunset!

I’ve been wanting to take the kids on The London Eye for a while but I’m glad I waited until they were older otherwise I think they would have got bored after a while! We came during the summer holidays so the weather was nice and the views were beautiful. I pre booked for the best ticket prices and to take advantage of the £20 per adult and £18 per child special offers. We enjoyed it and the kids were able to spot famous buildings which was fun 😁 The only let down was that there were alot of us in our cabin as we were grouped up with a large family with limited seating so after a while of standing i had to sit on the poles due to issues with my knee and the kids sat on the floor. It was a busy day and I think the staff filled the cubicle to capacity This is something to bear in mind for those that may have ailments or disabilities where they need to sit down. Other than that it is worth the visit, we didn’t wait long in the queue and they also take pictures and give you a card with a QR code which can be scanned so you can purchase the pictures after your ride which is nice 😊

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable experience! The London Eye is absolutely incredible — a must-see attraction when visiting London! The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the city lights start to sparkle. You can see iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the River Thames stretching out below you. The ride itself is smooth and relaxing, and the capsules are spacious and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the whole experience felt well-organized from start to finish. Whether it’s your first time in London or you’ve lived here for years, the London Eye gives you a whole new perspective on the city. I’d definitely go again!

The London Eye is one of those attractions that truly lives up to its reputation and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The moment you step onto the giant wheel, you’re treated to spectacular panoramic views of London, stretching out as far as the eye can see. From the top, the historic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Windsor Castle on a clear day come into perfect view. Watching the River Thames wind its way through the heart of London adds even more magic to the experience. One thing families and visitors should prepare for, however, are the long lines. The London Eye is extremely popular, and during weekends or holidays, the wait can feel quite lengthy. For those short on time or traveling with children, the Express Entry tickets are definitely worth considering. They cost a bit more but save you from the longer queues, letting you enjoy the ride without the wait. The capsule itself is spacious and moves slowly, making it comfortable for families, children, and even those slightly nervous about heights. The pace allows you to really take in the scenic 360° views and capture plenty of photos without feeling rushed. Overall, the London Eye is an experience that beautifully combines fun, relaxation, and sightseeing. Despite the queues, it’s absolutely worth the visit for the incredible views of London’s skyline and its historic buildings. It’s one of those attractions that reminds you why London is such a timeless city.

The London Eye is an interesting experience that I was glad that I went on, but I am not sure if I would recommend. It offers great views of the city but I understand that The Shard and Sky Garden also can do this. Heck, the coffee shop at Tate Modern also has great views and it is free to go up. We had booked a time and were waiting for our slot, when we arrived 15 minutes early to join an extremely long queue. I was very surprised how quickly the line went and we actually boarded the ride at our allocated time. I suspect if we arrived early (within reason), we could have got on sooner rather than waiting around. Getting on and off was easy, even though the ride didn't stop. The entire trip lasted about 30 minutes and was very relaxing. Obviously the views were great, but I `think that I would have spent less time if I had gone up the Shard or Sky Garden, as the ride seemed to trudge along. The are definitely opportunities to get discounted tickets: book online or in the visitor centre or with the London Pass. Since the line went quick, I wouldn't pay extra for a fast path.

The London Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offers a breathtaking experience that defines London’s skyline. At 135 meters, it’s one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, delivering unrivaled 360-degree views of landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard. Each spacious, glass-walled capsule holds up to 25 people, ensuring comfort during the 30-minute rotation. The gentle pace allows ample time to soak in the city’s sprawl, with informative touchscreens pinpointing key sites. Tickets start at £33 online, though fast-track options (£48) cut wait times, a boon during peak seasons. Pre-booking is essential, as queues can swell, especially on weekends. The Eye operates daily, with evening rides showcasing London’s twinkling lights—perfect for romantics. Accessibility is excellent, with step-free access and wheelchair-friendly capsules. While the experience is undeniably magical, some may find the price steep for a single rotation, and foggy days can obscure distant views. Still, the London Eye’s blend of engineering marvel and panoramic splendor makes it a must-do. For families, couples, or first-time visitors, it’s a bucket-list highlight, offering a unique perspective on London’s historic and modern charm. Arrive early for shorter lines.

Wonderful experience. We travelled to Waterloo by train and hopped on boat to London Bridge for the Tower which was easy and entertaining. The Tower was fascinating, such history. The poppy installation was fantastic. A really good day.....but you need comfy walking shoes!

Great day out. Went on a weekend and not too busy outside of peak season. Crown Jewels clearly the highlight, and didn’t disappoint - displays nicely spaced out, not too much content to overload younger ones and up to date, but there’s also so much more to see. Poppy display was superb, exotic animals, Yeoman tour and White Tower also worth the time, with the latter having interactive area for children. Nice day out and good to take a picnic (though not lots of spaces to sit and eat).

Absolutely awesome place, went when the poppy display was on for the memorial. Got to see everything, crown jewels, the tower of London and other surrounding buildings. Was a brilliant day out. Highly recommended A+++

Enjoyed all the history The Ravens were alot bigger than I imagined. The crown Jewels were amazing and loads of gold pieces of various objects the punch bowl was massive. All the beefeaters were friendly and helpful.

A lovely sunny autumn day spent with my history loving son. Went to see the poppies and did the audio tour guide. Spent 3 fab hours pottering around 😊

A world recognised tourist location. Amazing history connected with the Tower of London. I'd recommend visiting here, even just to walk around the history laden walkways . 😁🇬🇧👍

Absolutely a wonderful time. As a tourist from the US, I cannot believe the amount of history in one place. You could spend an entire vacation at this site alone. Seeing highlights from the coronation amd seeing them in real life was fantastic. The displays in the White Tower were worth it alone

Truly exceptional. A perfect blend of captivating history, magnificent gardens, and engaging activities for all ages. You can easily spend a full, delightful day here. ​Hever Castle is not just a building; it’s an immersive experience that lives up to its 'fairy-tale' reputation. As a visitor, what truly stands out is how well the estate caters to diverse interests, from the most dedicated Tudor enthusiast to a family looking for a fun day out. The 125 acres of gardens are stunning and a massive part of the attraction. They are meticulously maintained and offer something different in every season. Picnic is a good idea: While there are on-site cafes and restaurants, they can be a bit pricey. The grounds offer numerous scenic spots for a picnic. ​Wear comfortable shoes: The gardens and lake walk cover a significant amount of ground. ​Time it right: If you are a history fanatic, plan for half a day in the castle/formal gardens. If you have children, plan for the whole day to enjoy the mazes and playgrounds.

Such a beautiful place to visit and plenty of history... looking around the castle it self is very interesting, I would recommend taking the audio guide when offered to you as has plenty of information, as if it busy its hard to get to the information signs which are dotted about. The gardens are well looked after and beautiful to wander around on a sunny day. They have cafes and shops to look around to. The grounds are fine for wheel chairs and a buggy but the castle isn't suitable

Hever Castle & Gardens is an AMAZING place to visit! Ansolutely stunning Italian park, lake, yew maze, fountains and superb floral displays surrounding a very old castle superbly maintained and loved. William Waldorf Astor, the world's richest man at the time, funneled so much of his resources and devotion to transform and maintain this historical site. Highly recommend as a visit for anyone who appreciates art, history, and nature! Thank you :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hever Castle is such a beautiful place — full of history, stunning gardens, and peaceful nature all around. It’s a wonderful spot to visit any time of year. In November, they also have a great membership promotion, which makes it an even better time to join and come back again. A perfect mix of heritage and natural beauty.

Beautiful castle and grounds with a lot of history. Be prepared to spend quite a few hours here. The water maze was fun, and not just for children, be warned, you may get wet, but not if you are careful 😉. Autumn was a great time to visit for the leaf colour but I would imagine it is stunning anytime of year. Definitely recommended.

My wife and and I only got to see castle and gardens because we over 6 hours of time to kill before our flight from Gatwick Airport.It was was one of the best decisions we have ever made, we were lucky with the weather, it was a lovely sunny and warm day and the castle and gardens looked superb, but the garden were outstanding, ! The castle itself is worth seeing being the home of Anne Boleyn and her family, but we found the gardens magnificent and well worth coming to visit alone.

Definitely recommend to visit. Please allow between 4 hours min to visit the castle and enjoy the gardens if you love Nature. Perfect for solo, family days out. Preferably try to avoid to visit on rainy days. Otherwise a lovely experience 👌

We had a all day rider from a virgin experience and it was a brilliant day out. Just sit back and imagine yourself in the days gone by when steam locomotives were everywhere. The amount of work that has gone into the restoration of the trains and stations is unbelievable. Everything has been built, designed and styled perfectly. Even the staff were dressed in immaculate period clothing. The trains looked great and sounded great. We went from Sheffield park to east Grinstead and went to town for lunch. On the way back you can get off at all the stations and explore the stations, picnic areas, museums and buildings. Sheffield park seems to be the main one and had a lovely museum. The day is what you make it. If you just want the ride the fine but if you explore a bit further then you will discover so much history. The pulling coaches looked so stylish. Halloween and Xmas events are in the diary.

My Partner treated me to this most amazing birthday surprise. I have to say from the moment we arrived at the Bessemer Arms we were greeted by the staff, who were all dressed in their black & white tuxedo very smart. So friendly, polite, professional & very hard working. Serving Prosecco & Canapés in the pub to begin. Followed by heading outside to the steam train were we took photos. Then it was all aboard & I have to say, I was taken aback by it all the carriages were absolutely stunning, from dark wood, brass coat hooks & handles that's without the most comfortable seats. Dinner was also served by the same staff in the Bessemer Arms. I totally enjoyed our roast beef meal & dessert 5* fine dinning. Not forgetting the train driver of course. However most of all if you are looking for something special for a loved this is it, highly recommend. My partner also booked added extras nice bottle of their own wine, a golden arrow pen & beautiful card.

We did the Fish & Chips Train Ride last night and it was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived at Sheffield Park Station, the atmosphere was full of charm: beautiful vintage carriages, friendly volunteers and the lovely smell of steam in the air. The ride itself was peaceful and scenic, with gorgeous views of the Sussex countryside. The fish and chips were hot, crispy and really hit the spot. We also enjoyed a sweet treat and tea afterwards, all served at our table while the train gently rocked along the tracks. The whole experience felt relaxed, well-organized and really special. A perfect mix of nostalgia, good food and great company. I highly recommend this event for a unique evening out. 🚂🍽️✨

Lovely afternoon steaming through the beautiful countryside and enjoying autumn and its rainbows. Helpful and knowledgeable staff, all volunteers. Had lovely toasted fruit loaf and latte at the converted railway carriage in East Grinstead, again, friendly staff. All ages represented and they need more volunteers. Most places dog-friendly including the train ride.

It's a great experience, the locomotives, carriages, stations and even the staff uniforms make you feel like you are in another time They have a great museum and many locomotives that you can get inside at Sheffield Park Station. Lovely activity for children and adults.

Visited The Bluebell Railway for the Ghost Train Event. Loved it. Very spectacular with amazing visual and sound effects. The actors were brilliant. If you're thinking about going, just go, you'll have an amazing time.

Three of us visited on Saturday 12th of September, 2025 for a lovely train ride and high tea in the afternoon. It was a really good journey, the staff were very attentive and friendly and made us feel welcome. A+++

Our kids love this place, we go every year for the day. Great price for entry and half price after 5pm. Open till late, plenty to do in the area. Carers can get a wristband for half price, up to two Carers but you need to buy tickets on the day at the park itself. Other tickets can be brought online or on the day.

Great rides for £35 per day per head or half price after 5pm. Or £4 per ride if you want fewer rides. I had 6 and 11 year old and both enjoyed.

As a family we have been coming for a long time. The wrist bands are really worth while buying ahead of time as long as you go on at least 5 rides it’s worth it. We did wait for one ride as it broke down and my daughter couldn’t get out one as the harness got stuck for everyone. The rides are fun. The only down side for us was we got a pancake at the end of the evening and there were three staff just mucking about and not really serving. They were laughing at each other and shouting. Other members of the public were not happy as we waited nearly 20 mins. I don’t mind people having fun but they were meant to be working and it was more like a social gathering for them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea What an absolutely amazing experience! 🎢 Adventure Island is truly the happiest little amusement park by the sea! The moment you enter, you can feel the excitement and energy all around. It’s beautifully maintained, super clean, and offers something for everyone — from thrilling rides for adventure lovers to gentle ones for kids and families. The staff are cheerful, helpful, and always ready to make your day better. The sea view adds a special charm to the whole experience — imagine riding a roller coaster with waves in the background! 🌊 Food stalls, games, and the overall vibe make it a perfect full-day outing. Whether you go with family or friends, you’re bound to make wonderful memories here. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Southend-on-Sea! ❤️ [ Adventure Island Southend-on-Sea, amusement park, family fun, seaside rides, thrill rides, UK travel ] #AdventureIsland #SouthendOnSea #FamilyFun #UKAdventures #SeasideVibes #ThemeParkFun

We visited on the first day of our week holiday. We went for the annual pass as the children will want to visit again and the pass also gets discounts for food, shop etc. We are now on day 3 and going again! Well worth the money! The queues are very quick, we could wait nearby and see them in the queue for the majority of the rides. I wanted to go on a couple of rides so bought some ride tickets separately (no need for a day or annual pass for me 🤣)

VISIT DATE: SAT 20/09/2025 VISIT TIME: 13:30 - 20:00 Adventure Island is a fantastic place to visit if you have children and are in the Southend area. We’re based in Hornchurch, about an hour away by car, or you can also travel quite easily via C2C from Upminster, so my ex and I have visited a number of times with our daughter, starting when she was 3 (she’s now 6). The park promotes itself as free entry, but no one is going to come just to walk through it, so the reality is that you’ll need to get a day pass to take advantage of the rides. At time of writing, it’s £35 for the day, but you can save £10 by purchasing online in advance. If you’re planning to go more than once, then it makes sense to upgrade to an annual pass. These are currently on sale at £50 and do not start until the first time you go. If your child is under 120cm tall, you won’t need your own pass, as they need someone taller (and at least 14 years old) to ride with them. As you’d expect, during the summer, or on character event days, the park is very busy, so there are queues for rides, but going off season reduces this dramatically. We were really blessed with a quiet day, so barely any queuing time, all rides open, with the exception of one, which was closed due to a mechanical issue and the park and rides were open till 8pm. It was also a warm day - being inside the park means that you are sheltered from the wind coming off the Thames Estuary, so even when it’s breezy, you don’t really feel it. There are a variety of rides, with plenty of slower ones for younger children, or those who don’t like faster stuff. Oh these, we really like Adventureville and Spooksville (which is the “scary” version, in darkness and with models of monsters and clowns, as well as appropriate sound effects), and you’ve also got stuff like little trains and boats and the best Crooked House ever, which has been an attraction on the site since 1949, surviving the great flood of 1953 and various ownership changes and developments over the years. I loved this attraction as a child and my daughter loves it too! There are also a number of rollercoasters, with more gentle ones, then building up to Rage, which has a vertical drop and loops. My daughter is looking forward to being tall enough to do that, but she’ll be going on with her Dad when that time comes, not me! There is also a water slide and an indoor area, Adventure Inside, which features a few more rides, including a traditional carousel (my personal favourite) and a decent sized soft play. Staff at the park are generally young, so they have lots of enthusiasm (if we lived nearer, I’d probably encourage my daughter to apply when she’s older, as I think it’s probably a pretty fun working environment, as well as quite hard work) and they are also friendly and helpful when you need anything. As well as the rides that are included in with your entry, there are also plenty of stalls encouraging you to spend more, like “Hook-a-Duck”, which my daughter loves. This is where having an annual pass is beneficial, as you get 20% discount on purchases, including from the food and drink stalls, of which there are also many! Personally, we recommend avoiding the restaurants inside the park as they’re not that great and there are loads of really nice local places a few minutes walk away which deserve supporting. You can also spend money on a Funtopia gamecard, to use on the many games machines in the arcade areas. You can pay to play with a debit / credit card, but the Funtopia card gives you extra credit and allows you to collect points which can be exchanged for prizes. Annual pass also gives you extra credit! Plenty of toilets in the park, including accessible and baby change. All in reasonable condition throughout the day. Overall, we really enjoy visiting and will continue to do so; it’s a great day out on its own, but when you add the other nearby attractions to the mix (Sealife Adventure, Southend Pier, spending time on the beach and in the water when it’s warm enough), this is a fabulous place to visit.

Discounted tickets after 5pm. Got to be quick if you want to do all the rides. Rage was the best. 2cm too short for two. Height checks in que. Ferris wheel took ages. Some ride staff were brilliant. Got wet on the green water slide. Toilets at either end. Plenty of places for food and drink. A good enough park to say you've done.

Beautiful castle with nice gardens you can walk around. Lots of seating areas outside along with benches to sit on as you walk around. There are public toilets a book shop a souvenir shop and ice cream stall along with lots of parking and knowledgeable staff members in different rooms of the house to answer any questions.

Amost interesting place, so much to see...and lovely walks around estate. Walled garden in car park full of colour and some pumpkins. Hexagonal in shape and easy to walk around. Inside house reflective of being lived in and each room had costumes on display as worn by previous owners which reflects alot of achieved acquisitions not normally seen. Walk to ruin castle steep but rewarded by good views. Dont miss boat house if you are sandman fans as thus part of estate was cain and ables home! 40 min lake walk good path and easy 2 mile walk. Quarry quirky where stone for building house came from. Dont miss cat on fountain at back of house.... We thought grounds better than sissinghurst. Oh yes no toilets at bottom of hill by ruin. So make sure you go at top!! The painting in dining room of dwarves Hunting worth a muse and comment as so unusual in any old property . Volunteers most tolerant of me telling them about sandman as not many knew much about it!! Last tip house/ castle/ grounds all shut at different times so check if going for pist lunch visit.

​Scotney Castle is simply one of the most beautiful and unique National Trust properties in Kent, offering far more than a typical castle experience. It is a true triumph of landscape design, centered around two distinct periods of history. ​The absolute highlight is the romantic, 14th-century moated ruin of the Old Castle, which sits dramatically in the valley bottom. The views as you descend through the sloping gardens towards the moat, especially in autumn and spring, are breathtaking and perfectly exemplify the "Picturesque" style. It’s fascinating to learn that the ruin was deliberately created in the 1830s to serve as the ultimate centrepiece for the landscape. ​Overlooking the valley is the Victorian mansion (the "New Castle"), a warm and engaging family home filled with eclectic collections. Taking a tour gives you a real sense of the Hussey family's life, from their collection of objects to fun details like the secret door in the library. Beyond the buildings, the 780-acre estate offers wonderful woodland walks, a productive walled kitchen garden, and a fascinating Quarry Garden.

We love visiting Scotney Castle with its beautiful house and dramatic looking castle in the valley down below! First stop though of course is always the cafe for a lovely breakfast snack and drink. Upon entering the property, all staff members were excellent at telling us anything there was to know about each room with their vast knowledge. We then took a walk around the grounds enjoying the scenery and views of the castle. We would always return and recommend anyone to visit! It may be recommended to book parking, as we found out upon arrival that without prior arrangement you have to park in the additional parking section.

This a beautiful Victorian mansion house with views over an even more beautiful estate that leads down to a ruined medieval castle. There was a real bounty of flowers at this time of year and the flowers in the walled garden were spectacular. Nice cafe, shop and second hand bookstore. Well worth a visit.

Beautiful and incredibly well maintained gardens. We were lucky that we had free passes from the paper otherwise it would be very pricey. We used public transport and the bus service is hugely patchy, the access guide will say there are footpaths but there are several quite scary bits of 50mph country road. It is possible to do it via public transport but you must time everything around the bus. After 1pm the next one was at 5:15pm

A really excellent place to visit. The gardens are extensive and somehow very relaxing. We visited over the summer when there was a Summer of Play area for the kids. Perfect for play, picnics and chilling. The house was almost something out of an Agatha Christie novel. It actually had a very gentle, warm vibe. It was nice to see the drinks selection in the library! You felt it must’ve been a fun house once upon a time. Some of the rooms - particularly the bedrooms - almost felt too personal for comfort. I felt almost like I was snooping round some elderly relative’s house at times. Nonetheless, a very interesting place to visit.

​I had a truly fantastic trip to Leeds Castle. This place is awesome—it genuinely feels like a jewel in a crown. ​While the entry cost is significant, it is absolutely worth the price because there is SO MUCH TO DO, making it an easy full-day trip. Even better, your ticket allows you to return for a whole year! ​The grounds are magnificent and incredibly varied, featuring beautiful hilly areas, serene lakes, and varied walled garden areas. Don't miss the maze, the epic-looking children's playground, the Birds of Prey display, and the unique and fun Dog Collar Museum (the only one, I believe!). Inside the castle is amazing, filled with great displays and information. ​What really stands out is the clear investment and the incredible staff. The whole operation is so well-organized, and there are countless staff members who were universally friendly, kind, and helpful. ​The café was especially great! The food was good, and the Lemon Drizzle Cake was absolutely sublime—a perfect break during the day. ​Plus, you can buy duck food in the gift shop—a small touch, but very fun for feeding the birds! Highly, highly recommend this incredible historical gem.

Wow, Leeds castle was stunning. Set in the countryside, the drive up to the castle you knew it was going to be spectacular and we weren't disappointed. The grounds are stunning. It just got better and better, the Maze, Falconry, castle. The food was good here and the restaurant was superb. There was a boat ride available on the lake, Go-Ape, play areas. You could easily spend a day here. The staff were polite and knowledgeable and the castle itself is steeped in history.

An absolute gem — the most beautiful castle in the UK! If you’re visiting Kent or anywhere in the UK, this is the castle you can’t miss. What makes it truly special isn’t just the castle itself, but the breathtaking landscape surrounding it — every view feels like a postcard. There’s something here for everyone: an incredible adventure play area for kids of all ages (the maze is a must!), a stunning collection of birds, and a truly entertaining eagle and owl show that keeps both adults and children mesmerized. Take your time strolling through the gardens and woodlands on your way in — and on your way back, hop on the charming little train or relax on the scenic boat ride. Both are experiences in their own right. The castle grounds have plenty of great dining options, from cozy cafés to proper restaurants, so you won’t have to worry about food. Plus, they host brilliant seasonal events throughout the year — whether it’s a medieval festival, light trail, or Christmas market, there’s always something new to enjoy. The ticket you buy gives you unlimited entry for a full year — which is perfect, because once you’ve been, you’ll definitely want to come back. Ample of free car park. I suggest booking your entry ticket online in case it's busy.

Leeds Castle is absolutely breathtaking — a true fairytale setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene lake. The castle is rich in history and wonderfully preserved, offering fascinating exhibits and lovely walks around the grounds. The location is peaceful, and the atmosphere feels magical from the moment you arrive. A must-visit in Kent and one of the most beautiful castles in England!

Absolutely stunning castle afloat it's moat. Beautiful gardens as well, especially the Mediterranean area. Enjoyed seeing all the various sculptures around the gardens. Lots to see and do. Fun maze to get lost in. The castle itself is amazing and beautiful inside. Had a lovely chat with one of the volunteer guides. He informed us that sadly no black swans currently at the castle due to avian flu 🥲. You can have a boat trip on tge lake but this costs extra on top of the admission price!

We stayed in accommodation on site, marvelous location for a three night stay. Beautiful landscape and gardens, use of all facilities on site during our stay, castle is a fascinating place to visit with lovely walks in the grounds, a visit to the birds of pray is a good choice. All the staff are amazing and friendly and helpful.

Lovely historic castle with plenty of interest other than the main building, beautiful grounds and lakes, there's a small road train shuttle from near the entrance to the castle, which is about a ten minute walk from the entrance, £1.50 each way. The falconry display is a must, the staff that do this are very knowledgeable about their subject, and don't forget to duck !! 😃 All in all a great day out. Oh and dont forget the small lake ferry and maze.

Went on a Thursday, a week day. Large cathedral, bigger than expected. It did have some construction ongoing outside so that did affect the pictures of the building. Staff and volunteers inside were friendly and happy to tell you a lot about the history, for free. Ticket office staff also helpful explaining the differences in tickets. Very quick and easy. Cathedral probably needs two visits and definitely a tour guide to fully appreciate. There is a cafe and restaurant, and even a hotel. Toilet facilities were adequate. Good places to sit and read if you need a break also. Definitely will return.

Very impressed. More than expected. Magnificent architecture. Huge, light, airy and less dark and oppressive when compared with Westminster Abbey. Beautiful ceilings and stained glass and extensive history. Less ‘tombs’ and fortunately less busy midweek. During our visit a Chaplain addressed all visitors briefly from the pulpit, and offered a prayer, using the cathedral for it’s intended purpose as a place of worship - not a tourist attraction - as it should be. The entry fee to the Cathedral is very reasonable considering the cost of maintaining the building and overseeing visitors. We paid an additional small sum for a guided tour which was exceptional. Lucky to get a ticket. The volunteer gave us a lot of insight into the development of Christianity in the UK, the various phases of the Church during different occupations and global conflicts, the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 AD, the destruction of his shrine by King Henry VIII in 1538, all wrapped up with visiting the different areas of the building and outlining the many extensions and renovations over 1000 years! Wonderful learning experience.

A beautiful and peaceful place to spend the day. You can wander around the whole site taking in all of the history and story of the cathedral. There is plenty to see inside both in the crypt and the main floor. You can walk through the entire cathedral. There are places set aside for prayer and quiet contemplation. The outside areas are quiet and interesting to look at. Since the building has been cleaned on the outside you get a good feel for the surroundings and what it would have looked like when it was built. Hearing the bells on the hour was magical and seeing the places where St Thomas was murdered and the site of his tomb before it was destroyed in the reformation makes you stop and think. A fantastic day and a day of learning is never wasted. One day I will return to learn some more. Thank you.

Beautiful Cathedral inside and outside. Very well maintained. You might need two days to walk around inside and outside, lovely gardens with lots of historical information. We thought it was free to enter, but it wasn't. We brought tickets either £19 or £21.00 each (don't remember exactly) they are valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. Just as well really, we thought they opened early on Sunday mornings, but they don't they have Sunday service and they open at 12.30. We had planned to go somewhere else and couldn't wait that long. We managed to walk around inside on Saturday morning early when it was quiet. The cathedral echos when people are talking, it looses it's essence of peace and solidtude. Definitely check the opening and closing times when planning a visit, it isn't visible from the outside of the cathedral which currently has scaffolding surrounding it for maintenance work. I will definitely go back to walk around the remainder of the cathedral before our tickets expire.

Went for a short stay to see Cathedral and town. So historic and interesting. (Museum was great too...and free! ). Went to a choral evensong with the school girls choir, in the Cathedral....beautiful. Next day toured the Cathedral and amazing Crypt. Well worth the money. Walking outside to other historic sites in the Cathedral area, afterwards. We didn't book tickets,as at the beginning of November, it was not busy.

Stunning... Just walking around this magnificent building is a delight... And there's no charges. So with a beautiful cathedral and a lovely quaint town with plenty of food options you definitely cannot go wrong for a good day out..

The Cathedral is truly a jewel of medieval architecture. The town, where Charles Dickens once lived for a while, has its own magic. You can feel the atmosphere of English life, away from the hustle and bustle of London (in a certain sense, it conveyed this to me). In the winter, it comes alive with university student life, and I think the pace of daily life changes, but despite everything, it remains beautiful to visit, perhaps even better.

Free coffee and lately free snacks won't make up for overall cleanliness and horrendous state of the Club Car bathrooms. Tap water often smells worse than what you've left in the loo; hope they use different water for the coffee machines! Quick way across, just don't touch anything without gloves.

More often than not one train an hour during the night. Understandable at the beginning of the week when it’s quiet. but mid week when it’s busy and the lines are full and still only One train an hour, terrible service. Quite often have sat waiting to get on a train for two hours because of lack of trains being put on!

Fast and good service, if customs go smoothly…

I use this service multiple times a week and in both directions. When it runs properly, its a fantastic service! But the calais side is by far the worst side! It is an unnecessarily long process just to get through to the lanes. Don't bother even checking the train times on the app as they stop your lane half way through just to send a half empty train! 4 departures an hour, but sat in the lanes for over 30 minutes? I wonder how they get to those departure numbers. The staff are friendly enough though. The coffee on board is rancid but the hot chocolate is nice enough. Toilets can be hit and miss to the cleanliness, but thats down to the drivers. And let's face it, how many don't practice self hygiene. The toilet flushes only work as and when they want to. The carriages themselves are right enough. But I wonder when the last time they were given a deep clean was. Using the service today, I had over a 30 min wait I the lanes and there were only 10 drivers on board the carriage whilst the lanes were getting very full. They could have fit atleast another 2 lanes of trucks on this train alone. They prioritise passenger trains over freight. In January 2025, they removed the duty free from the UK side from freight drivers but kept the passenger side to which we have no access. We was told this would be for 6 weeks or so whilst they build a new one. Middle of August and there is still no duty free for freight drivers on the english side. There is so much room for improvement, but you never see any change.

Nice and quick through the lanes at the minute in the uk. But why do inside the trains have to be so bloody hot get some air-conditioning pumping through them properly

Currently missing 8 journeys for my points crossing, and the most recent shuttle had a very strong smell of bo

Cool 30 not long