Firstly, this is a free to enter venue. The botanical gardens are a beautiful piece of serenity within a large city. The gardens are stunning and laid out in a way that enables one to amble around relaxing. There are many varied areas with lots of different themes, all utterly gorgeous. We saw lots of squirrels that are so tame they can be hand fed. We also stopped at the café for a very welcome cup of tea. The gardens are definitely worth a visit.

Great place to visit and free too. We were pleasantly surprised, its really is a hidden gem. The Glass House is full of interesting plants and the gardens are really well maintained. The squirrels were very friendly and entertaining.

The botanical garden is beautiful in autumn, with trees in many shades creating lovely layers of colour. We went in the morning, and the squirrels were very active. Several even came close looking for food, which was really cute.

It is a wonderful garden and I am not just saying that because I live close by and I love Sheffield's parks and gardens in general. It has a great variety of plants and species. Has a great cafe. There are often event run at this site too. There are two plant sales that happen in a year, one in spring and one in autumn.

A great place to get away from it all. Some lovely walks around the gardens, loads of plants and trees (looks lovely). Most plants and trees have labels to help you identify them. There are plenty of seats in all parts of the gardens, some are in lovely quiet places. Spent ages just looking at the plants and listening to the wildlife. There is a cafe and toilets. When I visited the indoor part of the gardens were closed for maintenance. It is free to enter!

Surprisingly nice and well kept gardens even in winter! Great for a stroll through nature and an escape from the city. Keep an eye out for the fat squirrels.

A wonderful place to relax with family and alone. It's a beautiful view of different corners. There are a large number of different varieties of magnolia here, about 30 species, so it is worth returning here at the end of May. There is also an alley with roses, both old and new varieties. There is a greenhouse with a great number of plants, especially cool cacti, aloe which was planted in 2003 and looks like a tree, there are also banana trees. Admission is free here, but you can make a donation online. Also on the territory there are many interesting tablets with the history of the garden, which will be especially relevant for children in the study of biology and nature in general. There's a café and a parking lot.

Been here before. Plenty of shops and food quarter to eat in. Stayed in hotel near by so could return with better photos. Plenty of security staff and shops clean and tidy. Had taco bell which was nice and hot. Popeyes which I found quite spicy. Overall shopping centre with lots of choices. Being on Sunday was very busy. And car park looked full. Xmas lights looked nice.worth a visit once xmas sets in.

Meadowhall is a massive shopping area right next to the M1 motorway. Been around a few year now and needs more upgrades in certain areas. Lots of parking in privately owned car park free for a certain amount of hours. Lots of big brand shopping outlets for everyone’s needs regardless of age or gender. There used to be a lot more individually owned shops rather than just jig department stores which is a shame. I would go in the week if possible weekends are mental. No supermarkets but a M & S so most things covered. Worth going to for sure.

Meadowhall is a huge shopping centre, so huge that I felt overwhelmed. At times I was disoriented and had no idea which section of the shopping centre I was in. Virtually every high street shop is present along with a few independents. My favourite shop was Lindt Chocolates. If you enjoy large shopping, you may live Meadows which has great variety of shops and eateries!

Meadowhall remains a bustling shopping hub, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. The Oasis Dining Quarter provides various food options, making it a great spot for a break during shopping. As for Motorfest, it was a spectacular event featuring Hollywood cars, classic vehicles, and even Transformers like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. The event also supported Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, with charity. Visitors enjoyed live music, arts and crafts, and even supercar passenger rides for donations. It was a truly great experience.

Came for Christmas shopping. Place was easy accessable for my wheelchair. Beautiful decorations there is an abundance of different things to shop for and veriaty of food to eat

Love meadowhall with its range of shops and free parking. Plenty of places to eat too. I would not advise going in school holidays or as Christmas approaches,on a Saturday. It does get very busy but we enjoyed our visit on a Friday late November.

Great shopping center and easy to reach via public transport, has a train station. Plenty of parking. It's huge, very easy to get lost but that's all part of it. Pretty much every shop you'd imagine to be in such a large place. Plenty of good food and things to do. Definitely worth a visit.

Steam train on a regular line. A spectacular day out. It’s a regular line and engine, now maintained by a volunteer organisation. There are both steam and diesel engines. The carriage has a great bar with local beers. The shops at the station have interesting gifts. People are super friendly.

Small,but perfectly formed line,with immaculately preserved stations. Staff very personable,great carriage stock,and excellent value for money,with a great addition of the museum,adding to the all round experience. Fantastic to be on the iconic platform, as featured in the Railway Children,and of course,the quaint smallest station in Britain. My son is a railway enthusiast,and adored it. Highly recommended

Really enjoyable train ride. Good views. Travelled in a carriage that didn't have a bar, however when stopping at Keighley and Oxenhope, there's enough time to get off and grab a drink. Great for kids too. Some carriages are accessible for prams. Would advise getting on earlier, we got off in the evening and it was getting busy

I myself recently re-visited the historically renowned keighley & worth valley railway on saturday 8th of November 2025 (with my P.A. accompanying me), we travelled by train from morley/leeds all the way up to keighley... went up the steps and across back in time once again as we descended onto platforms 3 & 4 for the heritage train bound for oxenhope, Throughout my latest revisit to west yorkshire's branch line heritage railway, We checked out the successfully uniquely restored old water tower/column on platform 4 - which I consider a splendid site to behold - whilst we waited for the oxenhope-bound passenger train, which was hauled by that brilliantly uplifting ex-LMS stanier black five tender locomotive number 44932 that gave us (and the rest of the other passengers) an enjoyable train journeying up the valley of the river behind the KWVR's very name (as well as it's nature), It was great revisiting all the stations along the line, especially Ingrow (west), Damems, Oakworth, Haworth, and of course the outstanding Oxenhope - from where we watched the brilliantly steaming balck five run-round it's train bound for the return journey back down to keighley, I also took plenty of photos, well, quite a lot... along the line, especially safely from carriage window, for whom I do hope the KWVR itself really likes them, as I hear by share some as part of my latest review on west yorkshire's branch line heritage railway. Hope to come back & revisit the KWVR someday.

Booked the Haworth Haddock and had a fabulous time. Steam train from Oxenhope to Keighley, fish & chips, on board bar and the brilliant Night Patrol played on the platform. You can pick your tickets up early which allows you to travel the line during the day. Staff are lovely, they all work hard to make sure you have a good night. Fabulous to see such enthusiasm. Well worth a visit but if you get the chance for one of their themed events definitely book it!

£16 for full line return £23 for all day hop on, hop off Lovely journey with picturesque views. Some journeys are diesel, others steam. Check which ones but some have hot drinks and snacks available on board too.

A lovely day out. Diesel and steam were running. The engine sheds were open and very informative. All the staff working that day were friendly and helpful. We bought a Rover ticket which allowed us to hop off at station's along the line.

I’ve been to many museums around the world, and this is definitely one of the best. The collection is astounding and there’s so much to see, you’ll need a whole day to do it justice. It’s great for all ages and you don’t need to have a particular interest in armies or weapons to enjoy your visit. The displays are beautifully arranged. The museum is free to enter and there are multiple free shows for kids and adults alike to enjoy throughout the day. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Leeds.

Fantastic day out. Loads to see and interact with. The historic role plays are very informative. A well stocked shop has plenty of items for all ages. If you fancy a snack and drink then the cafe has it all. There is a car park very close.

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is a treasure trove of history, offering a fascinating journey through centuries of arms and armour. The Royal Armouries itself dates back to the 15th century, originally serving as the national collection of arms and armour for the monarchy. Today, its Leeds museum houses this incredible collection, making it one of the UK’s most important historical institutions. The museum is divided into several impressive galleries, each highlighting different aspects of military history: • The Tournament Gallery showcases medieval European armour, including full suits worn by knights, ceremonial helmets, and weapons used in jousting and battle. It’s a striking insight into the skill, artistry, and traditions of the medieval period. • The War Gallery presents a chronological view of warfare through the ages, featuring firearms, muskets, and rifles alongside historical accounts that show how weaponry shaped battles and societies. • The Oriental Armour Gallery highlights arms and armour from Asia and the Middle East, offering a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship, styles, and cultures beyond Europe. The museum also features live demonstrations of swords, archery, and firearms, making history interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages. The exhibits are meticulously curated, providing context and storytelling alongside the stunning collection. Best of all, entry is completely free, allowing everyone to explore this incredible heritage without cost. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or visiting with family, the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds offers a deeply educational and inspiring experience, celebrating the artistry, innovation, and history of arms and armour through the centuries.

A must if you're in Leeds. Free entry and four floors to explore with a ticketed seasonal exhibit on the top floor. Pieces of armour and weapons from all around the world and from many different time periods, arranged from oldest to newest. There is also a peace exhibit. Most of the Asian/African pieces are on the fourth floor, which was my favourite part of the museum. Live events happen throughout the day, tickets are available for seated positions with standing tickets free and first come first served. Showing up about twenty minutes before start time will almost guarantee you a seat but means you miss time in the museum. Modern building that is walkable from the corn exchange and main shopping district easily in about 15-20 minutes. I recommend the walk in daylight hours. There is also a water taxi service available that terminates near the entrance and a bus that gets you most of the way there, look online for full schedules and details.

I’ve been visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds since I was a child, and it remains a timeless experience. Some of the exhibits are clearly veterans of many years, but they add to the charm of returning time and again. It’s a brilliant place for kids – the interactive displays bring history to life across different time periods without being frightening or sensationalised. One of the highlights, as always, is the magnificent elephant in its suit of armour – though I still don’t know how they manage to get it to stand so patiently all day while visitors admire it! My favourite exhibit was a temporary film and TV exhibit in 2008 which I visited with my high school history class and was able to view arms and armour from the critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings and Narnia feature films. On this visit, we enjoyed the temporary Roman Gladiator exhibition, which was well worth the small entry fee (the main museum remains free). A special mention to the kind lady at the desk who offered concession entry for NHS/Blue Light card holders – much appreciated. The museum could benefit from clearer signage, as it’s quite easy to lose oneself in the vast collection. I was a little bemused to find Steven Gerrard among the Tudor plate armour, but equally delighted to see Princess Diana represented in the peace exhibit – a thoughtful touch. The visit finished, as always, with a trip through the extensive and tempting gift shop. Overall, the Royal Armouries is a wonderful museum, full of history, surprises, and memories – well worth visiting, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.

A wonderful place to visit. Free entry. Lots and lots of exhibitions covering many centuries. We spent couple of hours in here but needed much longer. It’s really well spaced out, so even though it was busy it wasn’t cramped. Air con was very welcome. Kids loved the show that was on. Lots and lots to do and see and it’s set at leeds dock which is also a fab place to visit

Go early to catch as many shows as you can. We were there only able to catch the last 2 shows of the day. Hall of steel is an amazing hall to awe. A showcase in a gallery called Make Belief includes knife crime which is important for kids nowadays. A display on peace is too tug away. Though it is free admission, they seem keen on gaining donation to support the operation.

This made a good treat towards a hard studying week for my son. Costs a lot relative to what I saw my son doing, but he enjoyed anyway.

An expensive but fun day out. 4d golf is good, but we found the 2nd course more enjoyable than the first. The Cell escape room was also great fun and recommend.

I did my workplace first aid course in the church here, the course was great, and it was a bonus there was plenty places to grab a bite to eat whilst I was there. It was a little hot in the building as it was a very warm week, so maybe a bit more air-conditioning wouldn't go amiss. Plenty parking and right off the motorway too 👍

Fun mini-golf course with cool T-Rex theme. But it is pretty expensive. Still, a good time overall!

Great place for adventure for the kids and adults from mini golf to wall climbing trampolines bowling gootopia to name but a few also great restaurants to eat highly recommended wish we had one near me

Visited on our way from Wakefield to York. Fantastic variety of restaurants and activities. We ate in Frankie and Benny's which was good. The centre is bright and clean and well set out. Although we did not use any of the activities we were told by a friend they are amazing. We were also told the cinema is currently closed so please check before going.

What a great place to spend the wet days of the school holidays with the kids! Getting them to run around the soft play to burn off that energy and then we went for a chilled game of dino crazy golf ⛳️ - soo much more to go and do! Will definitely be going back and trying all the other entertainment

Amazing weekend out for all the family. Look for a hotel stay with extra day free park entry tickets because you will need 2 days, at least, to see everything. Park is large, good selwxtion of animals and animatronic dinosaurs. Lots of play parks, soft play, indoor play, cafes and restaurants. Staff in the park, hotel, and shops were exceptional and very informative. Costs are very reasonable for food and gifts.

It's a fun day out for everyone! There's loads of free parking, but stick to the regular car park unless you're staying at the hotel. The animals have big enclosures. You can find the feeding times at the entrance. You can buy a map at the entrance or download the app. I reckon the best way to see the Park is to go right after you get through the turnstiles. Head through Pangea, the dinosaur bit. Watch out for the spitting dino! It'll take you 2 to 3 hours to walk around. Wear comfy shoes. There are plenty of places to eat and picnic spots for the kids. Drinks and snacks are a bit pricey, but hey, that's what you get when you're captive audience! We visited at the beginning of October and saw at least 90% of the animals.

Very good parking and a large footprint. Contains several play areas and eating establishment's. A good variety of animals and good viewing areas. In windier/colder weather, be aware that some areas are closed off and there's a chance you may not see certain animals. Could be better signposting throughout the park in my opinion. Overall it is worth the visit.

What a day! I honestly felt like a little kid again. It’s been years since I last visited a zoo or wildlife park, and I was completely in my element. The staff were so friendly, the animals were fantastic, and the walk-through areas were an absolute highlight. Such a lovely experience from start to finish – I can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic place. Awesome day out, animals look very well looked after with big enclosures, originally went to see Capybara due to an obsessed child, nice little walk around to be within a few feet of one. Plenty put stops to eat or have a picnic. Highly recommend.

Visited many times in the past but this time it was for the Light Festival. Couldn't fault anything. Food options at The Hive are varied and obviously lots of things to do/see - although of course most of the animals were abed! The staff were helpful and kind , even after a long day of helping. Easy to get to and exit - but that's by car. Can't speak about other transport options. The Light Festival is worth a visit; it's truly a 'walk-of-art'!!

Nicely laid out, great attractions and plenty of different animals, it was nice to see them in decent enclosurs. Went for the Halloween event which had 5 sections to find, they was big ques but they didn't make you feel rushed. Will definitely visit again.

Loved it here. It was my first visit and the gardens are truly beautiful. Plants and trees are well established and currently displaying autumn colours in all their glory. Well worth visiting here. It's also worth converting your day ticket into an annual membership.

Went to go to bettys tea room as we had never been and WOW! Those pastries were out of this world. I had a vanilla slice which was the best I’ve ever had. Partner has a scone and he loved it. That had a lovely walk round the gardens and it was just stunning. The pictures don’t do it any justice.

What a wonderful place to visit, within walking distance of the centre of Harrogate! I came here on a coach trip, and stayed about two and a half hours. A lady at the entrance greeted us and gave us all a free map, which I found very helpful. Adult admission is £16.80 (it's £12.50 if you pre-book online), 5-16's get in for £5, and under-5's and RHS members go free. Lots of free parking. The garden is extensive, with well maintained tarmac and gravel paths, and a few hilly parts and steps, but most of it is wheelchair accessible, and you can hire a wheelchair or scooter at the entrance. Harlow Carr is a delight to explore, with colourful flower borders, a streamside walk, sandstone rock garden, lily ponds, a small lake, wildflower meadows, an arboretum, and much more. It all looked beautifully kept, the plants clearly labelled. I particularly loved strolling through woodland filled with lovely rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowering shrubs, and relaxing on a swing bench among palms and exotic plants in the subtropical garden. There are plenty of wooden benches and shelters, picnic areas, toilets at the entrance and dotted around the garden, and a children's adventure playground and tree house in the woods. Three cafes, a garden centre and two gift shops. Betty's Tea House is the ideal place to chill: great view of the garden, and a good selection of drinks, cakes and sandwiches. The coffee was very good. Did not get to see all the gardens (you need at least three hours), but I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around them and getting close to nature. Will definitely come again!

Absolutely recommend. We got there by bus and there is a stop right off of the grounds which made it convenient. (Be sure to ask for the discount for not driving when you pay for entry. I think it’s 30% off for taking the bus or walking or biking). The cafe had a nice variety. The garden was extensive and so beautiful. Tons of space to lay out a blanket and enjoy the day. Def recommend staying for at least 2 hours (minimum) but you can spend the entire day here.

This place is a gem! Judging by the car park a lot of people already know. As to be expected, the gardens were beautiful and more plants than you can shake a stick at. There is a Betty's cafe right at the entrance and another inside, the food is homemade and very nice. Staff are very helpful and pleasant. You can hire a mobility scooter if required. It seems a little pricey for entrance fee.....but where isn't? However they have a number of exceptions which can reduce the cost. Not knowing what to expect prior to entry my wife and I were pleasantly surprised. I would highly recommend.....go early!

Beauty and peace here at all times of the year. My kids love it. Well worth the annual membership if you live nearby as it's not cheap for a single visit. Staff are always excellent. Lots of good gift ideas in the shops.

A fabulous place to visit. We go every season so much to see and its wonderful watching the newer projects as they develop. Plenty of places to eat and drink at reasonable prices. Though if you want to splash out there is always an option to visit Bettys Tea room and shop. Play area for the children and plenty of seating to relax in.

A short walk in Valley Gardens during a day out in Harrogate. It is a beautiful park that offers not only green area where you can have picnic, walk your dog, jog or have family time; it offers you a tranquil space with lots of flowers and plants where you can unwind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. The park has well maintained grounds, you can visit Japanese Garden, New Zealand garden, woodlands or be active and spend some time at boating pool, skate park, tennis court, crazy golf, paddling pool or playground. Whatever you decide to to, the place has something to offer to everyone. If you need some refreshments, there is a cafe and refreshments spot next to Games Pavilion. Toilets available as well.

What an absolute gem of a park. Very picturesque, serene and pleasant walk through with a beautiful victoriana style cafe and beautiful views across the park. Plenty of benches for seating. I saw a few dog walkers. One thing I notices was how clean and well kept it was. Also, I didn't see any noticeable dog doodoos which was great. I could spend a day there with a book, flask with hot tea and snacks and relax and down tools. It has a very calming aura. I think there's a hotel on the higher ground overlooking the park? I think it's a lovely place to go to get some quiet time or to go for a nice sit and chat.

Beautiful and well maintained gardens. Even at the end of October there were still flowers in bloom. I imagine this park is lovely in all seasons but the autumn colours were stunning. Once a month, on a Sunday, there is an artisan market. There was a range of food & drink stalls, stands selling gifts, and more.

Possibly the most beautiful public park I’ve ever visited. This park is incredible. The variety of gardens and woodland is stunning and the children’s play area is incredible. There are food vendors within the park and you can easily spend a few hours just walking around.

Beautiful park, amazing trees and plants. Had a funfair in park if you have little ones. Live music and has tennis courts and mini golf. Not sure if fair and live music on all time but we went on Sunday 27th July.

“A real jewel of Harrogate — the Valley Gardens are bursting with colour, winding paths, and hidden corners. From the elegant Sun Pavilion to the Japanese Garden, it’s a place where every turn feels like it's straight from a postcard. Whether you’re strolling with family, stopping for coffee, or simply breathing in the roses, it’s a slice of calm and beauty in the middle of town and bursting with charm.

First time visit and a truly lovey gardens. Love band playing which had a good crowd. A farmers/craft market was also on, plenty of choice and all good quality but we didn’t purchase anything on this occasion.

We visited Mother Shipton’s Cave as a family of four, three adults and one 10-year-old girl and it was such a magical experience! ✨ The whole place feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The woodland walk is peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by tall ancient trees, charming paths, and hidden surprises. My niece was absolutely enchanted by the wishing well and the old tree where visitors press coins into the bark for good luck. Throwing coins into the water felt like something out of a storybook. The wooden sculptures, fairy-tale cottages, and mystical atmosphere make this place truly special. It’s the perfect mix of nature, history, and imagination a wonderful day out for families, nature lovers, or anyone who still believes in a bit of magic. 🌿💫

Went for a birthday treat as visiting the area and as a couple with a dog. The place was busy but not overly and had a great family feel. We wish we could have taken our kiddies here when younger, they would have loved this. We enjoyed the Halloween experience and so good to have somewhere that is dog friendly. Loved the autumnal walk and pretty lights. The queue for the hot chocolate and drinks was large so would be nice to have two venues for refreshments but people bought their own as well so we could have planned to do this. Lovely outdoor walk with the dog and interesting site. Poor mother shipton and her 15 year old mum, what a life. When you think about it a poor bullied young woman who made the best of her tragic life and now we visit the cave she lived in. The sites not that deep though lol so it is child friendly in presentation, but as an adult visiting it's quite thoughtful. I love the history and that it's been visited for so many years. Worth a trip, and dog friendly. Thanks

Fantastic, really enjoyed the whole experience. There is audio so don't forget to press the button. Did not realise it was dog friendly also, except not allowed in the gift shop. There are lots of seating areas should you wish to bring a picnic. No problem getting parked as was quiet and we were only charged pedestrian charge. We went first week in September so I imagine it would be very busy when schools are off.

My son treated me to a fabulous time here today. All I can say is go!!! Its well worth it. The story of Mother Shipton is delivered with respect and compassion. I dont know how much the entry fee is as this was a gift . I had a delicious hot chocolate and a cheese and onion pasty halfway through the walk and was served by 2 lovely polite and friendly ladies. Later , I made my wish at the well. The gift shop is small but well stocked. All.in all a lovely place to visit. Give yourself about 3 hours.

A beautiful gem, the living history. The forest walk is amazing, throughout the whole year. The peak is Halloween: amazing programs, kind and helpful staff members. The waterfall and its stoney effects on artifacts is world unique phenomenon, lovely gift shop. Ideal for couples, families (with pram, elderly people or doggos). Parking lot is big enough: simply must visit, to make life memories.

We’ve visited Mother Shipton’s Cave quite a few times now – first as a couple, and more recently as a family with our son. It’s easily one of our favourite places to visit together, and somehow we fall in love with it a little more every time we go. Autumn is by far our favourite season to visit – the colours, the crisp air, and the atmosphere perfectly capture everything we love about this time of year. There’s so much to see and do for both adults and children, and it always feels like stepping into a little pocket of magic.

Absolutely outstanding place to visit. We visited during the fairy trail exhibition and had the most magical time. There was lots to do and see. There was a little fairy village with lots of different information, we visited the petrifying waterfall that turns items to stone over a period of time which was absolutely fascinating. There is a little gift shop at the end of the walks which was really weird and wonderful.

Would highly recommend the Train Museum. We spent many hours walking round and reading the information plaques infront of each train. My son was very impressed with how big trains are up close. The Bullet train was really interesting. There were 2 well stocked cafes and ample seating. The road train back to the Minster was also a highlight. Its free to go but i recommend leaving a donation as they rely on these to keep the trains maintained and new trains coming in the future.

Excellent museum & rich in history. We booked tickets in advance via the website. It is free entry, easily accessible for wheelchairs etc. It does get busy so I would suggest booking tickets & it saves queuing. Within the ground there is plenty to see & I was pleasantly surprised how vast it is. Cafe's are set within the grounds (we had 2 large lattes at £8.10) plenty of seating if you wanted to bring your own pack lunches as many families did or you can order a family pack-lunch on site). Toilets are accessible & clean. There is a museum amongst all the history & this is payable to enter. There is another building across from the main one where you can continue the walkabout & continue viewing the fascinating history also a cafe in here too. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing Queen Victoria history. But there is something for everyone. A delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon & the staff were very welcoming & polite which was a nice way to start the viewing. You can make a donation to the museum of your choosing & make it via cash or card if you so wish. I highly recommend going & making a day of it, you won't be disappointed. It is a gem of a place. Parking is permit only around the area or you can park on the car-park at a cost of £10 for the day (a very good offer considering entrance to the museum is free). 😊

Amazing experience at this Museum. Very interesting so see trains over 100 years old. Gets busy on weekends. Allow atleast 2-3 hours as minimum just for the museum. Good gift shops inside. Must visit. Free entry. Car park is expensive at £10 a day.

We visited this place last year ! We loved this place ! So many trains and so many nice experiences! A great selections of them and you actually have the chance to get on board. They have a nice dinner too. Museum highlights Iconic locomotives: See famous engines like the world's fastest steam locomotive, the Mallard, and Japan's Shinkansen 'bullet train'. Station Hall: Explore a century of railway life in this reopened gallery, which also houses the world's most extensive collection of royal carriages. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery: An interactive, family-friendly exhibit with hands-on science displays. A separate ticket is required for entry. Virtual Reality experience: Experience the history of the world-famous steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman, in a special VR experience. Railway memorabilia: The museum holds a vast collection of railway artifacts and memorabilia.

Brilliant day out with the kids. Definitely worth a visit. Visited from the west Midlands so we left early in the morning, just so we could get to York with enough time. We did arrive bout 3mins before our timing slot, but we was aloud to walk in. It does get busy then does have quiet bits through out day. Loads to see all throughout. Great viewing platform overlooking York Station. Just a shame the was doing works on the line that weekend when we was there. So only seen a few trains coming and leaving towards Scarborough. We sent at least 4 to 5 hours there. My 3 children enjoyed the whole day out. Took our own pack lunch to save money. Definitely worth a visit.

Great museum for all ages. Apart from seeing the iconic engines, the railway memorabilia area is thoughtfully curated and displayed in an innovative manner. The newly opened Station Hall is well worth a visit with special carriages on display in an atmospheric vintage Station setting. Children can enjoy the ride on the outdoor miniature railway.

A Fascinating Journey Through Railway History. The National Railway Museum in York is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable day out. The collection is truly impressive — from beautifully restored steam locomotives to sleek modern trains, each exhibit tells a fascinating story about the evolution of rail travel in Britain and around the world. The museum is very well organized. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. It’s also a great place for families — children can climb aboard some of the trains and enjoy hands-on activities that make the experience even more engaging. The museum café and gift shop are also worth visiting, offering good food and lovely souvenirs. Best of all, admission is free, which makes it an incredible value for such a high-quality experience. I highly recommend the National Railway Museum to anyone visiting York — it’s inspiring, educational, and full of charm.

Well worth the £17 ticket price for this amazing, award winning museum. Built on the site of the original castle, which then became a debtors prison and a women's prison. It was founded in 1938 t house the large collection of objects relating to the study of social history donated by John Lampugh Kirk. Biggest highlights for me was the atmospheric sights and sounds of the Victorian Kirkgate Street with museum staff, actors, in period costume giving their knowledge of the local history. I also loved the experience of the prison with the actors on video speaking about the harsh conditions.

Excellent museum well worth spending several hours going through. It's housed in the former Female Prison (1780) and the Debtor's Prison (1705) both of which have Georgian architecture. I had gone here 50 years ago and remembered the streets and shops of Victorian York they have. It was nice to see it again. The signs are very informative - if you have the time read them.

I had a great time here! Decided to visit the Castle Museum rather than the Jorvik on my trip to York because of my interest in the Victorians and was not disappointed. Visited on a Saturday, pre-booked but it wasn't too busy. Loved the Victorian streets, friendly and informative guides, the fashion exhibit, and the old chocolate adverts in the chocolate history section. Also a special mention for the antique 'gamesc machines, really fun that they're all working!

York Castle Museum – Tower Street, YO1 9RY (Visited Tuesday 18th November 2025) This is our own experience with this business, and we know different clients will have different experiences — but we always leave reviews based on the service we received when we ordered or visited. First Impressions From the moment we arrived, the York Castle Museum made a wonderful impression. Rowan at the front counter was friendly, welcoming, and set a positive tone for the visit. The entrance area is well organised, with umbrella stands provided so you can leave your umbrellas to dry before exploring the museum—such a thoughtful touch, especially on a wet November day. Cleanliness & Safety Concerns The museum was clean, well maintained, and easy to navigate. The bathrooms were tidy and thoughtfully set up, with small stools available for children to reach the hand towels or dryers—something we really appreciated. Accessibility is excellent throughout, with ramps, lifts, and easy-access toilets making the entire museum comfortable for wheelchair users and anyone with mobility needs. Food Quality The café is a lovely little spot serving drinks, snacks, crisps, and sandwiches. Perfect for taking a quick break before continuing your visit or at the end. Everything looked fresh and reasonably priced. Ambience & Surroundings Inside the museum, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of character—especially welcome on a cold, rainy day. The displays are incredibly well signposted and wonderfully educational without feeling overwhelming. The Victorian Street area was a real highlight, beautifully dressed up for Christmas and full of charm. Service & Atmosphere The staff throughout the building were fantastic—friendly, approachable, and happy to interact and share knowledge. Rowan in particular was excellent, but everyone we came across added to the positive experience. The museum has a great energy, making it engaging for adults and children alike. Don’t forget to take some 20p and 50p coins—there are old machines dotted around that the kids absolutely loved. Facilities Facilities are excellent: accessible toilets, lifts, ramps, child-friendly features, a cosy café, and well-maintained exhibition spaces. The ticket you buy allows unlimited visits for 12 months, which offers great value. The museum is also just a short walk from the town centre, with a public pay-and-display car park only a few minutes away. A brilliantly laid-out museum with lots to see, do, and learn—we highly recommend a visit, especially with children. I hope this honest review helps others make an informed decision.

Planned our trip here in York to coincide with what the weather forecast a pretty rainy afternoon. Was quite impressed. Didn't realise it had different areas from other eras. From Victorian times to the wars 60s and of course the jail. Well worth the 17 pound entrance fee and it took us roughly 3 hours to complete.

This was brilliant. So much to see and very interesting. Lots of things were going on for kids as it was half term but even so it wasnt interfering with those just wanting to visit. Nice little cafe and shop too

We visited York Castle Museum for the first time and absolutely loved it. It’s fascinating how so much history is gathered in one place. My daughter and I really enjoyed seeing how people lived in the past – from old rooms in the castle to a recreated Victorian street with characters from the 19th century. Even the smells of those times are included, which makes the experience feel very real! The prison section shows the darker side of history too, which was very interesting to explore. We highly recommend this museum to anyone visiting York!

Lovely and cozy place to walk around. Very narrow lanes and looks line to be in horror movies streets.nearby many restaurants whee you can have variety and delicious food. Must to visit place

Second time back to York and loved it as much as I did previously. Sadly The Shambles was very much crowded and couldn't get the photos we were wanting to take, but I guess it's a tourist attraction and there are lots who want to go and see this anyways!

A beautiful place. Architecture its moved me in victorian era. How great looks all buildings. Loved it to walk on this street and surrounding.

Wow!!! What a magical street- fantastic if you are a Harry Potter fan!!! We went fairly early in the morning as I can image it would get very busy and crowded later in the day. The Christmas shop …. ❤️ wow!!!

Beautiful buildings, almost like you’ve gone back in time. If you want good photos you have to get there at the crack of dawn before it gets rammed with tourists. I got there at 6:30am to snap these shots. Wonderful

I loved the Shambles. Yes, it is crowded and attracts tourists, that’s no question. But it also has such a fun vibe and great shops. We arrived at 9:15 AM and it was almost empty. We got in line for the Ghost Merchants. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the street before it gets super busy. The eateries were great and the employees at every shop we went to were so kind and welcoming. Our entire experience was excellent. We came back in the evening during a witch tour and it was also quiet. All the shops had shut down and besides the unfortunate scaffolding currently in place, it was also charming and inviting. We did our best to enjoy all the shops (so many great ones!) and avoided any place that would provide royalties to she who shall not be named. Really loved our time here.

Some lovely shops, we waited an hour to get in the ghost merchants but it went quickly and it was worth it. Lovely street just very busy.

York is a wonderful town and well worth a visit. It's easy to park and the historic center is perfectly easy walkable. And the centerpiece of course is the massive York Minster. It's an Anglican cathedral. The first record of a church on the site dates to 627, but the bulk of the building was constructed between 1220 and 1472.The minster retains most of its medieval stained glass, a significant survival among European churches. The Minster stands tall at a max. tower height of 235 feet (72 m) and is visible from far away. Good if you get lost...just look out for the Minster. And it is a really impressive piece of history, art and architecture. Really amazes you when you first walk up to it. There are so many details to find, to explore. To think how long it's been standing here - surviving quite the fire in 1984. We didn't go in this time around, but that's surely something for another visit. Not sure it's always as windy as it was when we've visited (August), but boy....did it almost blow us away at Precentors Court on the west side of the Minster. So, hold on your hats! Definitely a must do - probably THE must-do when in York.

This is one beautiful town you have to visit . York Minster is a magnificent Gothic cathedral located on Deangate in the heart of York, England. Formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, it is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England. Key Information Address: Deangate, York, YO1 7HH. Architecture: The current building is a large Gothic structure, showcasing all three phases of Gothic architecture: Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular. It was built between approximately 1220 and 1472, taking over 250 years to complete. History: A church has been on this site since the 7th century, founded by the Saxon King Edwin. The site was originally part of a Roman fortress. Stained Glass: The Minster holds the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, including the Great East Window, which is the size of a tennis court. Visiting: The Minster is open daily for sightseeing, though closures can occur for church events. Services, including Evensong, are free to attend, while there is an entrance fee for general sightseeing. Features: Highlights include the Undercroft Museum, which displays Roman remains and 1,000-year-old artefacts, and the central tower, which visitors can climb for panoramic views.

Visiting York Minster was a truly unforgettable experience! Walking through those magnificent stone arches made me feel completely lost in history. The stained glass windows, shimmering with colour, and the intricate craftsmanship throughout the cathedral left me in awe. The highlight was the climb up the Central Tower. Each step revealed glimpses of the cathedral’s inner structure, offering a rare perspective on its monumental design. Reaching the summit, I was rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic view of York!

York Minster - A Truly Unforgettable Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a Google Maps Contributor with over 6 million views, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of the world’s most magnificent landmarks, and I can confidently say that York Minster stands in a league of its own. From the moment you approach its towering stone facade, you’re not just seeing a building; you’re witnessing a living, breathing testament to centuries of history, faith, and artistry. What truly sets the Minster apart is its incredible detail. The medieval stained-glass windows, particularly the famous Great East Window, are simply breathtaking. The light pouring through the vibrant, intricate panes tells stories that have captivated visitors for over 600 years. I highly recommend taking your time to study the rich narratives depicted in each section. Beyond the aesthetics, the sense of scale is awe-inspiring. Standing in the central nave, you feel dwarfed by the sheer height and grandeur of the Gothic architecture. A trip up the central tower offers a reward well worth the effort—a 360-degree panoramic view of the historic city of York that is second to none. The staff and volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience even more enriching. They're more than happy to share historical anecdotes and point out hidden gems. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler in search of a profound experience, a visit to York Minster is an absolute must. It’s an essential pin on any serious reviewer's map.

Beautiful cathedral! Would recommend everyone to see this if in the UK. The architecture was astonishing, both inside and out. So lovely hearing church bells again, it really uplifts the soul. Only thing is it’s expensive to go inside and I would advise you buy tickets before hand.

York minister is an absolutely stunning cathedral, the architecture, stained glass windows and stone carvings are spectacular. The staff are very friendly and there is also a free guided tour. I would definitely recommend, it’s a must see if you visit York.

Hard to stress how important this place is! Walking distance from the Station, its worth the £20 admission fee. There are many medieval Stained glass windows, all worth a close look. The Great East Window, recently restored is a National Treasure, depicting the Revelation, constructed from 1405-8, the single largest expanse of medieval glass in Britain. A long camera lens or binoculars recommended! Dont forget the Zouche chapel and The Chapter House too. Plenty of other interesting things to see as well.

You don’t need to pay to go on the city walls, just walk around the main part of York and find some stairs going up onto the walls which can be found usually at the end of main roads. The York City Walls are a beautiful walk around the city, sometimes the wall is thinner on areas and can only allow single person file, whereas it is larger in other areas. Safe for children, not certain of the ability for those in wheelchairs or prams to use the city walls as I am not sure there was any ramps up onto the walls.

Visited York on many occasions but only now got around to touring the walls. A pleasant walk around the historic edge of the city also provided numerous unique views and perspectives on the history contained within. If you are in the city don't wait as long as I did to discover these sights for yourself.

Do not miss York's Walls. You can walk most of the way around the city, and in the Autumn the leaves of nearby trees look stunning. You need a head for heights, because most of the walls are not protected by railings on the inside edge, with a 3 meter drop to grass or thorns, but nobody seemed worried. The best views are from the highest point of the walls near the railway station, looking towards York Minster. The unexpected bonus is Baile Hill, a FREE mound beside the wall, which I preferred to its more famous cousin, £9-to-enter and no-views Clifford's Tower.

Great walk accessed by steep steps, I was 😍 vilaged to walk one year during sunset which bathed the walls in gold. The walk is free but closed at dusk or in bad weather for safety reasons. The Walk is not complete, some sections demolished, most saved by a Bishop who fought for it not to be demolished.

A free attraction in York which we were happy to take advantage of. We walked the wall route clockwise starting at Bootham Bar. They say these are the most complete city walls in England, personally I’m dubious of this claim as the ones in Chester seem more complete to me, albeit the Chester walls are shorter (2 miles not 3 as in York) whereas the York walls have a couple of significant gaps in them. Nonetheless this was a pleasant walk if you are moderately fit as there are several sets of steps to navigate. There are some sections without inner railings but the drop isn’t a sheer drop, but a grassed slope. If you are lucky, the Tudor ‘Red Tower’ might be open, as was the case on the Saturday we did the walk. Don’t miss the section of Roman wall near the multiangular tower.

Super place and easy to see the sculptures and stone masons for the minster. Spend around 1 hour 30 mins. No pushchairs don't even try it

The York City Walls (also known as the "Bar Walls") are the most complete and longest medieval town walls in England, running for a circuit of approximately 2 miles (3.4 km) around the historic centre of the city. The elevated walkway is free to access and offers unique views of York Minster and other landmarks. Key Information for Visitors Opening Times: The walls are generally open daily from around 8:00 am to dusk, except on Christmas Day, in very high winds, or in icy/slippery weather conditions when they may be closed for safety. Access: Access to the walkway is via steps at various points, including the main 'bars' (fortified gateways). The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs/prams, or dogs (except assistance dogs). Route and Duration: A full circuit can be walked in about two hours at a leisurely pace, but many choose to walk only sections. The route is clearly signposted, with a brass stud trail marking the path where the walls are not continuous at ground level. Main 'Bars' (Gateways): The four principal gatehouses are Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar. Walmgate Bar is the only one in England to retain its barbican (an outer gateway). Points of Interest: The walk offers views of major attractions such as the Multangular Tower (Roman ruins in the Museum Gardens), Clifford's Tower, and York Minster.

A wonderful and magical experience for fans of James Herriot! The World of James Herriot is a small but incredibly rich museum that beautifully captures the life and legacy of the real James Herriot (Alf Wight), his veterinary practice, and the world he wrote about so lovingly. The museum is set in his original home and surgery, offering an authentic and intimate look into his daily life and work. One of the highlights is seeing the actual set used in the All Creatures Great and Small series, alongside a fascinating collection of vintage veterinary tools and historical displays about the profession. It's a real treat for anyone interested in veterinary history or a fan of the books and shows. While there is an entry fee, it's absolutely worth it. The museum may be small, but it's packed with charm and nostalgia. If you're a fan of All Creatures Great and Small, this place is magical. The surrounding area of Thirsk is equally lovely – a picturesque Yorkshire market town that adds even more charm to the visit. Highly recommended for fans and curious visitors alike!

We absolutely loved this museum devoted to the life of the original James Herriot (pen name). It is the original house and veterinary office of the man behind the books All Creatures Great and Small. We appreciated the attention to detail throughout the rooms, and were fascinated to learn about the filming of the series that ran on BBC for many years. Upstairs there is a veterinary medicine museum that features equipment used to treat farming animals over the years, as well as a hands on kids museum with some delightful sets to entertain. We left having learned about the real life veterinarian challenges as well an insight to the amazing man behind the books. Parking is in the main Thirsk Pay & Display lot in the center of the town. It's about 2 blocks from the museum entrance.

Excellent value for money. Beautifully laid out. Brought back many memories. It's visual and tactile. Films give interesting and surprising information. The film sets give you an idea of the conditions they've worked in and how technology has changed. I would imagine all age groups would enjoy. It's a must if your an All Creatures Great and Small fan.

If you're a James Herriot fan, this is a must see destination. Wasn't on our to-do list, but was a quick train ride from York, so decided to check out Thirsk. The museum was full of interesting items and information. Cool to actually be in the house where the books were written, where Wight practiced and where parts of the first series of All Creatures were filmed. Regarding Thirsk, we visited on race day and a weekend so the town had tons of traffic and the square was crowded. Outside of Herriot World, not much in Thirsk. The train station is 1.5 miles or so from town. 8.5 pounds entrance fee.

A very enjoyable time going round this museum. With several interactive games for entertainment for adults and kids alike if you want a go. Great value for money at £8.50 a adult. It says allow 1hr 30 mins to go round we were there over 2 hours. Enjoyed every minute. Not really knowing much about James herriot did not matter on visiting.

Visited The World of James Herriot in Thirsk and absolutely loved it! It was amazing, interesting, and really informative — fantastic value for money. Perfect for anyone who loves animals, the Yorkshire countryside, or the Yorkshire Vet. There’s so much to see and learn, and it’s all presented in such an engaging way. By far the best attraction I’ve visited for the price — a million times better value than the overrated York Dungeon, which felt overpriced and tacky by comparison. The James Herriot experience is full of heart, history, and charm. Highly recommend!

What a fantastic museum especially for 'All Creatures'fans. I didn.t realise he had written so many books! Set out in the original surgery from which Alf White operated. Upstairs there is a fascinating display of Vetinary equipment through the years. If you are in or near Thirsk this is a must visit museum.

Beautiful gardens, the rockery area and the lake are amazing. All the Lillie's where flowering all different colours. There was entertainment for kids and families. Small play area for under 12s. Lovely cafe and gift shop. All the staff where great and the place was so clean and well kept. Highly recommend!

Beautiful place to visit. My daughter absolutely loved feeding the fish, playing on the playground and wondering around the gardens. Very well looked after. The cafe was lovely, had lunch there and a cake. The staff were great, but some looked a bit lost, not too sure if that was because there were too many on or because they were new. The food was great

I came here for the Tulip Festival 2025, when the gardens were bathed in gentle sunshine and the air carried a soft, easy warmth. The grounds stretch wide and open, inviting both rest and wandering, with a playground where children’s laughter drifts like music. Quaint cafés and charming restaurants sit clean and welcoming, while a little ice cream shop sweetens the day with delight. And should you wish for a touch of whimsy, buy a small bag of fish food — the simple joy it brings is nothing short of enchanting. Highly recommended!

Immensely enjoyable gardens to walk around, the best I’ve ever seen. Most of it is a flat walk around a couple of lakes and off shoot gardens that has a small aviary flower garden and rockery before you get to a smaller second lake that has a picturesque bridge to walk to the other side to carry on your walk back to the main entrance. It has a nice sit in or out cafe along with a play area for children. I can highly recommend this place and the highlight is feeding the fish which follow you around the lake ( small bags of feed are £1.50 a bag (£8.50 to get in for a adult as of today)but as it’s a trust it’s worth getting to have fun feeding the estimated 1000 fish that live here. It also has around 100 different types of lily dotted around the lake to make this place a must visit addition if you’re around the Pocklington area .

I love this place there's a lake with fish in. You can buy fish food which is great fun. There's a good cafe. Hundreds of flowers bushes and trees. A play area. Bird hide with lots of birds coming to feed from the feeders lots of Water lillies,picnic tables. There is also entertainment some times. Check on line.

I went here for work and it was gorgeous! The gardens were so lovely, obviously very fortunate with the weather but it was so beautiful! The water feature was so lovely to walk around and the fish were just insane!!! We went on a day with an owl talk which was a fun surprise to watch. Very accessible and great for families

We had a great day day at Burnby hall, one of the cleanest and best looked after gardens we've been to, not huge, but a fantastic place to relax, loads of benches and places to sit, very easy to get around as it's nearly all on one level. A museum, rock garden, walled garden, stumpery with a bird hide. The fish in the lake are amazing, you won't be able to help yourself bying some fish food from the gift shop to feed them. Highly recommended if your in the area,

We finally visited the Abbey in August after months of anticipation, and it did not disappoint. The Abbey itself is absolutely stunning. We parked in the village car park, which is just next to the site, although there is also a car park on the property. The location is well-maintained, with a shop and cafe at the entrance, as well as a small museum on-site. We spent a couple of hours exploring, even bringing a picnic to enjoy there. Helpful information boards are scattered throughout to guide you during the visit. It's a beautiful spot, and we’ll definitely be back

An ethereal, spiritual experience. The wonderful quiet, with sound lead by the wind passing through the ruins. One could swear that they were hearing the thousands of voices of those who have lived there for the past 1000 years. A most wonderful place.

This is definitely one of those sort of places that is so much more than the sum of it's parts. Blue sky, a splash of sunshine, vibrant green grass and towering walls of stone providing whispered suggestions of what might have been if the buildings had been left untouched. All combine together to provide that kind of magical experience that can never be quite adequately defined in mere words. I loved this place, and I feel it stands on a par with other similar attractions (Fountains Abbey etc) that will also be competing for your time. Come here and lose yourself in the wonder of it all.

Superb Cistercian abbey. Great tea rooms. Good gift shop. All of it is dog friendly. Good museum. Probably takes at least an hour to two hours, but could take a lot longer if you like reading everything. Lots of parking - on busy days they open up a field a little short of the abbey itself to use as an overflow car park.

The Abbey ruins are substantial & are accompanied by a small museum but imho if you aren’t an EH member the admission prices are prohibitive. Thankfully we had a free entry barcode. The other major negative with Rievaulx is the car park is too small to cope with demand, people were boxing other drivers in & generally parking inappropriately both in the car park and outside it on the small country lanes.

After searching for abbey ruins in Yorkshire, I happened to come across Rievaulx Abbey. Seeing as I'd never been here before, I thought it would be an experience, to come and pay a visit. I'm glad I did, these ruins are beautiful and a fascinating insight, into the past. Of course, if you're an English Heritage member, parking and entry will be free. But I didn't mind paying the £15 for entry and the £6.00 for parking (mind you, that was all day!) There was the option, of getting 2-3 hours. However, I wanted to take my time and not have to clock-watch so the parking didn't run out. There was a brief wait to pay, but the pleasant gentleman at the counter made purchasing an entry ticket a breeze. Through the automatic double doors, you walk along the path and then, as you clear the trees, begin to bear witness to this magnificent structure once teeming with life and monks, dedicated to their faith and monastic lives. These are ruins which, in my opinion, are still in fantastic condition and so allow you to really picture, what it would have looked like all those years ago. To stand in the main part of the church, is quite an experience indeed. You get a real sense, of just how huge this place really was! I loved that there were boards along the route, which were great with the complimentary audio guide, which helped to tell the story of this once busy and thriving abbey. You don't have to have the audio guide, but if you are interested to learn more than what the information boards tell you, I'd highly recommend! There are benches and tables as you exit the gift shop, on the grassy area to your left, along with benches dotted around the ruins too, particularly around the cloister garden, which makes for a very peaceful place, to stop and admire what once was. When you return to the main building, as I mentioned earlier, there is a gift shop to pick up a fridge magnet or a postcard (along with some other, cool things too!) There's also a cafe too, if you're wanting to sit and enjoy a hot/cold drink with a slice of cake (I believe there are other things on the menu too). However I cannot comment on this, as I decided to head into the nearby market town of Helmsley. If you're someone who loves history and enjoys taking in ancient ruins, then this is definitely somewhere you won't want to miss. Just a word of caution, that the road to and from the car park can be quite narrow in parts, along with walkers that use it too! So please do be careful, when going down there.

Frienrly service, well maintained area and very informative audio guide. The Abbey ruins are absolutely fascinating. It's been a bit bothersome that some hobby singers used the ruins as a backdrop for a video of their horrible caterwauling when we visited, but that didn't diminish the overall experience.

Beautiful gardens and forest. The walled garden is one of the best around. The audio house tour is highly recommended. One can easily spend a day wandering the grounds and forest trails. Excellent farm and garden shop, and a children's play area that makes adults want to join. Excellent cafe. All in all, a wonderful place to wander alone, or for a day out with the entire family.

My second visit after many years. Such a lovely historic building with volunteer staff to tell you about the family, the paintings, and just a wonderful experience all round. The gardens are huge but very well tended. If I get to Yorkshire again it will definitely get another visit. We had lunch there too. Very good food with help yourself to salad stuff. We had the cheese filled jacket potatoes with salad and homemade coleslaw. Too full for sweet but they looked amazing.

An absolutely beautiful place. I highly recommend buying a ticket to visit the palace and gardens. The interiors and paintings are beautiful. Most rooms have guides who will tell you the history of what you're seeing and the entire place. Lady Howard still lives in one of the wings of the palace. Unfortunately, the castle library is in her private rooms. 😢. The place is enormous! We were only there for three hours, but we could have explored it all day. A perfect place for a family trip. 👍👍

Came here to take part in 10k run, so had a lovely opportunity to run all the way round the gardens, and then have a further potter around in the walled garden afterwards, and nip to the cafe, and a peek into the big House itself. The gardens are magnificent, very natural, Capability Brown style. You could certainly imagine two Austen characters galloping across the grounds, laughing as they did so in the warming sun. At least that’s how it felt in October. Would have liked to look more round the house, but in terms of the gardens, and its peacocks, it’s quite superb, and a worthy afternoon out to enjoy it.

This is the best non- mideval castle in all of Great Britain. While it is 500 years old, it is almost modern in the look and feel. The way it's set up for viewing, you can almost see and hear the family going about their daily routines and lives. The grounds are magnificent and and need to be seen to be fully appreciated. This is a historic site that should be mandatory for everyone visiting England.

If you enjoy a walk round some fabulous gardens, lakes, temples then this is for you. I didn't go in the house as I had a dog with me but the tea rooms, gift shop and farm shop all had something to give you joy. Really worth a visit.

Popped along for a visit whilst in the York area. Stunning. Definitely worth a visit. The grounds are quite large. We visited in Oct so was quite quiet, can imagine in Summer it's very busy.

A very interesting place to visit. Much of the large Parish church rather than the splendour of the great monasteries. The people were very friendly and told us what they knew, at some length. I was really impressed by this Church.

Free of charge to visit but they welcome donations to support the upkeep of the minster. Beautiful church with plenty of history and information as you walk round Guided tours available and even a tour of the roof (views) is available. Well worth visiting give your self a good hour to walk round and see everything

Beautiful minster with a very warm welcome. As with all these types of places there's plenty of unique features to keep you interested. The town of Beverley also has a great vibe with a good mix of shops and cafes.

Uncrowded, warm welcome, helpful info. A delight with so much to see with many obvious features and so many hidden stories to discover. May be lesser known than other cathedrals but up there with York and Westminster!

Beautiful church.. Architecture was stunning outside. Disappointed it was closed when I arrived. Being set up for an antiques fare.

A wonderful minister full of history inside and out that often gets used for many TV series and films. Also it's free to looks around but people are asked to make a donation if they wish

Free of charge or you can give a donation, very well kept and really nice

We visited Flamingo Land with online tickets. While the children enjoyed themselves, particularly the Peter Rabbit trail and the area around it, the overall experience was disappointing. The atmosphere felt flat, with no fun or engaging music to create excitement. Service near the rides was slow, and since we had online tickets, we didn’t receive a map at the entrance, which made it difficult to know where to go. Considering the high ticket prices, I expected a much better experience. Aside from the Peter Rabbit area, the day felt underwhelming.

We had the best 13th Birthday week in the cottages at Flamingo Land. Immaculate, comfortable accommodation with clean hot tub, right at the entrance to the park. We did a Meerkat experience which was incredible and a tour of the zoo after hours where we fed Giraffes, hung out with hippos and black rhino and stroked white rhino whilst learning so much from Danny, the animal encyclopedia! The rides were all working and really fun and the arcades were great too, not a single complaint! We took a trip over to Alpamare in Scarborough too for a swim and a ride on the slides (also owned by Flamingo Land) My 18 year old didn't want to come but since he's seen what we got up to, he's asking js to book again... and we definitely will!

Flamingo Land is a nice theme park in Malton. Getting here with public transport seems difficult, but it's really comfortable by car. We visited on a rather quiet day, but operations were slow and many of the big coasters were running on one train so we still had to wait a good while on some attractions. Sik was closed for the first half of the day but luckily it was fixed in time so that we could have a ride. Hero was closed all day. I think my biggest problem with this park is that they are really missing that standout coaster that really makes you want to travel to this park. Right now I only really visited because of the quantity of roller coasters. For the ride lineup we really enjoyed Mumbo Jumbo and Kumali, which were conveniently placed close to each other at the back of the park. Sik was a miss for me unfortunately, since I found the lap bars to be more uncomfortable than an over-the-shoulder restraint on e.g. Colossus in Thorpe Park, especially in the 5 heartline rolls. The park is overall quite clean, but the theming is lacking. It kinda feels like a big plaza where all the attractions are just placed down next to each other. Kumali does have a nice atmosphere though running next to the lake and with the big entrance sign. I can't say that I was disappointed, but I probably won't be visiting the park again unless they open a new headlining coaster in the future.

lovely caravans park really comfortable statics and well kitted out. The theme park is a good day out for all the family but a bit disappointing end of season some rides not open and those that were either opening late or closing early because of lack of light this I don't feel is 3.30 which is when most of queues closed. Zoo is good with a good selection of animals and informative keeper talks and various feeding times to be watched

Saved money on tickets by booking through kids pass, no wait to get in but arrived at 9.45 so before it opened at 10. Lots of walking, was a long wait for rides some 85 plus minutes. Really enjoyed the zoo would go again but very long day for under 18month olds not much there for them older children loved it apart from the waiting.

I do not recommend this park, one big scam, 30% of the carousels were closed, the game areas where you could win plush toys were also closed, only two were open, the train was not running, a lot of animals were not available. I took my child for his birthday to have a great time. I paid for everything that was supposed to be available, and almost half of the parks were closed for children. I do not recommend it, I will not return, scammers, avoid this park.

We went to celebrate a birthday. We were able to book concessions for two carers and two disabled people. This was a great start. We were able to book a wheel chair in advance to avoid disappointment, and we joined their virtual queue system so that we weren't waiting long between rides. The lady that served us deserves a shout out as she was fast, yet patient in dealing with us. Her name was Freya. She set the pace and all the staff kept up with her, customer service from all was great. Smiles around. The rides surprised me as a thrill seeker. There was something for everyone, but the thrill rides were very high quality. The only measured issue, is that they can be a bit short, 2 laps would solve this especially on quiet days. Excellent day, will go again

Easy parking and great views with a steep and slightly less steep walk to the top . Would definitely recommend appropriate footwear, it can be tricky in places. The minimum 2 hour parking is only just long enough to get to the top and back if you don't stop for a breather.

A great beginner trail for families to enjoy. Lovely local 360 views at the trig point. The trail offers a man made stepping route all the way to the top (last section rock climb ‘easy’). Local facilities 🚾 🅿️ are well maintained.

Did the short, steep hike up from the A173 car park up to the Roseberry Topping summit. The car park has toilets, one negative is there are no parking concessions for disabled people with blue badges, not sure why as they are hardly likely to be climbing this hill! As for the hill itself, it is obviously a prominent feature of the local area & the views from the top are very good on a clear day. There are a multitude of routes you can take, we took the most popular one.

Beautiful place to visit, near Middlesbrough. Elevation of 320 meters but feels much more than that, fantastic views from the top.

One of my favourite walks, not too difficult & great fun for everyone! Views from the top are stunning 😍

A small, but steep outcrop on the Moors. The stone steps are hard work but the view is worth the effort.

You do just Roseberry topping from the carpark or do 11 km walk to the Captan cook memorial. I have been couple of times and it has been lovely both times. If you want to do the hard / steep climb follow the steps otherwise follow the path on your right. The car park is handy if you can find a free bay. You can park for all day for £5.50. On both occasions I was not able find a parking bay. I ended up parking in he kings head inn few meters away for £6.00 all day. If you buy drinks or food for over £10 they refund the ticket charges. I I would recommend to have drinks after your climb not before.😁

Burton Agnes Hall is a very interesting building, incorporating detail from the 1600’s to the 1950’s. Fantastic staircase and carved oak panels, nice French art in the long room! The gardens are nice too with a lovely walled garden. There is a very early manor too, with an interesting undercroft, the stairs to the hall are not for everyone. Good cafe on site too. A good place to visit for all the family.

This was, to my mind, the highlight of our u3a trip to South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. A beautiful house, still a family home, with lots to see and, importantly, plenty of places to sit. Splendid views too. Beautiful gardens, a lovely little café with exceptionally tasty wood-cooked sandwiches. It has the friendliest staff too. Highly recommended.

A very little place. It is marked as national Heritage site but in reality for your membership you are allowed to walk into 1 building. The rest of the site: gardens, house and the Cafe are to be paid optionally. Ridiculous. There is also a church on the site built in 12th century. The entrance there is free.

Something of a hidden gem of a manor house and gardens. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. The gardens are beautiful and extensive. The house itself has an interesting history and many tales to tell. There is a small gift shops aimed more at kids and ladies, rather than an old man like me. There is also a small cafe, with outdoor seating. The menu is limited but the food was excellent especially the wood oven cooked sandwiches. Not the cheapest of places but you could easily spend a day wandering around the gardens and house.

The walled garden is beautiful and dog friendly. The exterior of the house is exceptional. The wood fired pizza sandwiches were really tasty and good value too. A really enjoyable visit and made a very memorable day.

What an amazing building and grounds, even though the weather was overcast and grey the visit was enlightening and impressive a must to visit again at a different time of the year when the Elizabethan garden is in bloom.

We had a wonderful afternoon wandering around the gardens. The walled garden was very peaceful and beautiful to walk round. It was a calm autumn day and many summer plants had been cleared away, but the vegetable garden was in season! The woodland walk had us looking for pumpkins hung on trees! We had lunch before we explored and it was quick and fresh! It’s dog friendly around the grounds!

It is a place that offers a beautiful and scenic experience from the beach. With stunning views of the coastline, various entertainment and restaurants, it is the perfect place for a relaxing walk or a fun day with family and friends. The range of activities at the pier and Cliff Tamway also make it a great place to visit. Overall, a beautiful mix of seaside charm and entertainment.

The allure of a truly beautiful beach is undeniable, a sanctuary where the world's chaos fades into the gentle rhythm of the waves. Imagine soft, powdery sands, warm beneath your feet, stretching out to meet the shimmering, turquoise embrace of the sea. I love it 🧡🧡🧡🧡

Ideal for young families. Good stretch of beach, dog friendly. Wee cafe and restaurants. Usual fish and chips and arcade. Pier loverly and fenicular railway wonderful if working. Only downside getting up and down steps to beach.

A beautiful scenery of the coastline. Here is a solo trip itinerary: Put saltburn pier in your sat nav to get to the car park (pay and display) download ring go as the machines are fussy Walk round the beach. Get wet if you want to. Take it all in 🧘‍♀️ There is the arcade thing which was very exciting for a first timer like me :) barely won anything but still lots of fun playing. There is a cash machine inside so don’t worry if you don’t have cash on you. The food—-I had fish and chips duuuh 🤪 at the seaview restaurant. The views are absolutely worth it but there are other chippy places nearby so you can buy and sit on one of the many benches and enjoy it that way. Please have an ice cream as a dessert it’s just amazing plus you deserve it. Oh there is also Tomahawk steak house nearby with great views so if you fancied something else other than fish and chips Dog friendly Child friendly There is the famous old cliff tramway whi ch was pretty cool if you ask me. £2 for one way. Do it! You know you want to. Other things: -rent a wetsuit -surf school 🏄‍♂️ -Fishing -watch the sunset -people watching -take selfies -chat to random strangers Etc

A gorgeous old pier, and magnificent views from the end. A nice walk down and ample seats to rest and take in the sea air.

The pier looks pretty cool and goes quite a way out into the sea. Although once you get to the end, it's just full of fishermen taking up all the room with their gear and rods. Surely give them a start time of 6pm to allow tourists and people fancying a quiet walk or some photo taking, clear room to do that. That always spoils it for me. Also the arcade that you walk through or around to get to the pier is another ticket induced nightmare. There's a machine that charges you £1 for Pokémon cards, then gives you one card, imagine a childs disappointment when that happens. There's also never any money tubs, here's some money bags to hold your change in, just isn't the same.

It's a fairly ordinary pier, but we all love a pier, right?

The park has multiple entrances, includes a lake (with island), pedalos (dragon boats), cafe, mini golf etc. We visited straight after having some train rides just over the road. There was a bit of a wait for the dragon boats, but it is the school summer holidays...! We comfortably fitted the whole family in... although I regretted being volunteered by the kids to do the peddling!

Fabulous walk around the lake with paths suitable for all mobilities. Also woodland walks, again with proper paths. Wild animals and water fowl to watch. Plenty of seating. Nice little cafe

Not been for too many years but getting back remember why I love it. The walk around the lake is lovely watching the birds and plenty of seating so you can watch the world go by. Wonderful little piece of tranquility in a crazy world.

Stunning park close to North Bay beach. The park has something for everyone. The main attraction would be the pedal boats. There is an elevated island in the middle with an oriental building to the top. There is ample seating and toilet facilities. You can also observe wildlife here. Very well designed gardens. Great place for family picnics.

Lovely setting. Enjoyed the walk around the lake, Didn't go on the paddle boats but they looked great and didn't seem overly expensive. Really nice Chinese style buildings and a gazebo with a band stand in the middle of the lake.

Big park with a beautiful lake and island in the middle. There is a cafe and toilets, and you can also rent a pedalo. The best part for me was the tree trail. Very relaxing, especially with the wildlife like the squirrels and birds running and flying around.

A little gem of peace and quiet, just a couple of minutes from Scarborough North Beach. We visited in mid-September. Lots of waterfowl, grey squirrels begging for food. There's a cafe with very pleasant, friendly staff and lots of benches to sit and watch the birds on the lake.

Went on a sunny day but during the evening time, the parking is not so far from here, can park down the road or they have free parking underground after 6pm. The beach was nice and was not so busy but maybe this was on this particular day, the pier side with the shops was really busy. I'm sure if you go during peak sunlight hours it would be a great day out.

My family visited in the summer. The day was sunny but also windy and chilly. Scarborough Beach was beautiful — a lovely spot to enjoy some sunshine and the sea breeze, even though it was far too cold for a swim.

Stunning beach in Scarborough. Easy drive and access from the train station too. The beach is clean and maintained so well, beautiful place and very close to seaside amusements and even a paid and clean toilet. Also it has a lovely view of the lighthouse but not many shells.

Clean beach and nice long beach front for walk. Fantastic hot shower Fecilities could not believe it’s even done sustainable with solar energy .

Had a fantastic day here a lovely place to visit. We went on a coach trip to Scarborough for the day and really enjoyed ourselves, unlike a lot of places there is plenty to do here. We had a great time looking around the shops on the front looking for bargains, all the shops were open which was nice to see. We went on the beach that was Clean. We also went on a speed boat ride (highly recommend) and we also found a great place to eat fish and chips and there was plenty of eating place to choose from. We will definitely go again fantastic day out.

1st time in Scarborough, took a while to find a parking space but what a lovely large sandy beach. My dog absolutely loved it 😆

Beautiful area. Aquarium is worth visiting. But needs better restaurants in town - many are over priced, dated and somehow always fully booked...

Very good for adults and children. We found it very interesting and factual. We spent two and a half hours here, we didn't rush. You have to pay for parking which is not very much. I would recommend buying tickets online before you go as I paid full price which was £22.00 each. Had i booked online it would have been £16.00. But really good nevertheless.

We really enjoyed our visit to this sea life adventure. Easily accessible from town center via bus, it is open from 11-3. The tickets are affordable. Toilets as you enter and you can also take photographs which you get to buy later on in the trip. So many beautiful aquatic creatures in this well maintained habitat, the staff is very well informed and there are many places to rest during the trip. We spent 3 hours there and could have spent more if the only bus out was not running at 1350 (the next bus is 5 and sea life closes 3). Otter display was closed but the sharks and sea lions were our favorite. We got to see the sharks being fed and the gift shop was reasonably priced. We also met vipers! Each staff member was so friendly and lovely- thank you. Loved our visit and will go again.

Lovely day out for adults and children. Plenty to see and do. I advise coming for 11 am to see the animals being fed throughout the morning. Staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable about the animals, they were all happy to answer questions. We had lunch here also which wasn’t too badly priced and a decent selection available including veggie stuff.

Visited with 2 friends using my Merlin Annual Pass and prebooked tickets to have cheaper tickets. We attended the Seal, Penguin and Shark/Ray feeds and talks. Niamh was amazing. The knowledge provided was educational but also fun. Engaging for both children and adults. Niamh’s visible love for the job made for an energy that was just contagious. She was very friendly and answered questions when asked by anyone. The only negative was that there was construction work being done on the Otter habitat meaning that we were unable to see them. This also meant there was drilling and digging causing loud noises and re-directions around the complex. However this did not affect our day. Just means we will have to come again when it re-opens next year. A Fintastic day was had by us all.

OUT IF THIS WORLD!! I bought special tickets to to feed the Seals as a surprise for our 25th Wedding anniversary. This included a guided tour of the rest of the exhibits and our guide Bev was brilliant. We both use walking aids to get around and we didnt feel rushed. Once we made it to the seals we weee givena bucket of fish to feed them it was great to see them swimming round and catching the fish, we also got to feed the grey mullet. Included in the ticket was admission tickets to look round after the tour and a great breakfast cooked fresh, this was all before the doors actually opened to the public. We had also booked to go to the Deep a few days later, but we found ourselves comparing it to the sealife centre and felt let down because of how great the sealife centre was. If you have the chance to do something special then I recommend paying to feed the Seals. A big thank you to all the staff (especially Bev) at Scarborough Sealife centre for making our visit so special and memorable.

Booked online in advance. I loved this place and the staff are very knowledgeable and approachable, more than happy to answer any questions. So many different things to see and a very good restaurant if wanted or there are picnic tables near the otters to have your own food

Have been here before but definitely almost 20 years ago. Went on a cloudy Thursday, just gone 10 am (all children had gone to school, our 15 year old wasn't starting back until the Friday). Friendly staff, all of them...one guy was telling us some really interesting information regarding the jellyfish, was nice of him to take the time to answer our questions. We were able to walk round leisurely as not hugely busy. Saw the seals being fed and talk by Josh who was funny and knowledgeable. Saw the penguins being fed also, Bev gave that talk I believe. Spent between 2-3 hours here. Daughter loved it as she's a fan of aquariums. Cafe was good, nice selection of regular lunch food, sandwich selection, toasties, hot dogs, chips, nachos, onion rings etc so easy for many "particular" eaters and reasonable pricing. Toilets very clean. We just had to buy the souvenir photos at the end as well 🤣

Walk to Whitby Harbour is enjoyable and having fresh breathe. There’s a lot boats fishing and tourists boats, birds, cafes, restaurants, pubs and plenty of shops for your entertainment. Even you can have a lively walk to the beach which is minutes walk aways. There’s plenty to do things around.

Whitby Harbour is one of those places that instantly grabs you with its charm. The moment you arrive, you’re met with classic fishing boats, beautiful old piers, and that unmistakable Whitby atmosphere. It’s a perfect mix of history, working harbour life, and stunning coastal scenery. There’s always something happening — boats coming and going, gulls calling overhead, and people strolling along the waterfront with fish and chips in hand. The views from both sides of the harbour are superb, especially looking up towards the Abbey. Sunset here is absolutely magical. The surrounding shops, cafés, and little winding streets add to the experience, and everything is within a short, easy walk. Whether you’re popping through on a road trip or spending a whole day exploring, Whitby Harbour is a standout stop on the Yorkshire coast. Highly recommended for photographers, coastal walkers, and anyone who loves that old-school seaside feeling.

A stunning area to sit and enjoy the sea. Great walks along the beach and plenty of places to stop and relax. We watched the boats for a while before grabbing some food. We arrived before 9am but parking was still tricky if you want to be close by.

Lovely walk along the pier to the lighthouses. There is plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the views. It is easily accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Went for a family day out while the weather was nice. Few flaws:- toilets cost (everywhere) with a bunch of kids and having a pregnant wife that was not cheap. The ice creams and soft drinks were extremely high. £6 for an iced latte and £6.50 for two scoop ice cream is quite high. In the heat of the summer they definitely know what they are doing to make extra cash. Okay so we enjoyed a boat trip down the river and back for 20 mins and cost £25 for 5 people. Food costs weren’t as bad as some places and there are plenty of options. Watch out for those seagulls as one bomb dived our teenage son to steal a Greggs paper bag with pizza in it. Scared the life out of him but all he made off with was a screech and bit of paper! (He wasn’t letting go!) haha We visit every few years and treat the kids. There are some little kiddies rides at the end of the harbour and some arcades. These were only about £1 per arcade game and £10 for 5 play tokens. It’s busy in August but manageable. The park and ride system is amazing. £6.50 for three kids and two adults which includes bus travel 10mins each way and parking all day. Loads of shuttle buses so hardly any waiting. Parking in Whitby is a nightmare even tho we have a disabled badge. Definitely use the park and ride. Will def visit in a few years again.

A first visit to Whitby and I must admit I was staggered by just how 'trippery' it is. Wall to wall cafes and restaurants offering fish and chips, boat trips-a-plenty, souvenirs, ice-creams, sticks of rock et al. Plus no loos at the station or bus station and 50 pence to use the one across the road On a glorious day, it was just nice to potter about and people watch, there being plenty of visitors on a sunny mid-May day. I shudder to think what it must be like here in mid-Summer when it certainly would not be to my taste.

Nice to walk around, not too busy despite the warm weather. Views looking over to Whitby Abbey, calming listening to the water, and watching boats go out

Lovely place to visit. Halloween is a spectacular time to visit. So many people dress up, it's amazing. At night when the Abbey lights up, ghost talks, roast chestnut stands, fire pits and marshmallows. I would suggest any one to go, even with the kids, they will love it - ours did! And Whitby is a beautiful place to see. Lots of places around to go and look at.

Very beautiful historic buildings, lots of people, milling around in strange attire, my travelling companion and I, came to the conclusion it was some sort of erotically themed gothic festival, the fish and chips were splendid, straight from the sea. Parking was initially quite difficult, untill we happened upon a young farmer chap, who allowed us to park in his field for five pounds.

Whitby Abbey is a hauntingly beautiful place — dramatic ruins perched high above the sea with incredible views over the town and coastline. The atmosphere is both peaceful and powerful, especially at sunset. The visitor centre tells the story of the abbey and its connection to Dracula in an engaging way. A perfect mix of history, mystery, and breathtaking scenery — truly unforgettable.

Had a walk up the infamous 199 steps on two occasions - once with our 4 year old daughter and the next day with our two dogs. Everyone enjoyed it. Things to prepare for this time of year; it's windy. Really windy. Wrap up. Some were less prepared and shivering at the top. It's wide open and exposed. Dress appropriately! For those less keen on steps, there's a path to the side of the steps - Donkey Path! Once upon a time, the donkeys would work there, walking up and down serving the people of Whitby and it's carrying needs! The church, ruins, museum, cafe and brewery were all visited over the two days and would recommend them all!

Whitby abbey is a beautiful place to visit, and very interesting even if you are not bothered about Dracula. The abbey is practically nice as it's not restricted and you can explore as you please, seeing some great views of the area and the abbey. The visitor centre has lots of information about various things that have happened around the abbey over the years and there's a fun fact for everyone. The shop is spacious and has some nice objects.

Whitby must be the jewel in the crown of the Yorkshire coast. It has a lovely Abbey associated with Bram Stoker of Dracula fame, a lovely harbour and lots of places to eat. We had a lovely day there. We parked up near the abbey right next to the carpark with unrestricted street parking. We walked down the steps to the harbour and wandered around.

I had the opportunity to visit Whitby during Goth Weekend, and I've always wanted to see the Abbey illuminated. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enter the Abbey on this occasion due to the large crowds and extensive queue during the event. However, I was able to admire it from outside the walls, and it truly looked absolutely stunning when lit up. While it's a shame I couldn't experience it properly from the inside, the views from the Abbey overlooking Whitby town were quite spectacular.