Really interesting and sad hour walking through the house and rooms, still looking as they did when the boys/family lived there. Through the attic and back down to reception. Check the website for 'what's on' tea/coffee available and you can park in the old orchard...

This was a long awaited visit. Booking is restricted, but on the day we had freedom to explore the house for as long as we wished. This is an amazing time capsule, I recommend it to anyone interested in social history. The greenhouse was a particular treat.

This is not like any other national trust property I have visited. It definitely is not a trip back to the 1920s; it is a look at what a house looks like when it has been lived in for 70 years. It raised a lot of questions for me, some about the story of the house (such as, what did Mr Straw think he was giving to the NT?) and some about the houses we live in and the way they tell our histories/stories. As usual the volunteers were passionate about the place, so talk to them to explore the questions.

The property is actually 2 houses, side by side, and one enters the house on the left to check in. Parking is across the street in the old apple orchard. The sign is small so keep a look out. You need to book a time slot for entry as they only permit a small group into the house at one time. After checking in, you are escorted next door by a guide who gives the history of the house and the family. Really quite informative. This is the property of a hard working grocer who managed to make enough money to build a house on this "posh" street. When you walk inside, it's like being in a time capsule from 1932. When Mr. Straw passed suddenly in 1932, his wife proclaimed that nothing was to be touched. When she died her sons did the same. As a result, you are walking into a house that had upgrades for it time period: running water, electricity and a toilet, but no future amenities like central heating or refrigeration. Mr. Straw's coats still hang on the hooks as they were in 1932. There are stacks and stacks of items still sitting in the spot where they were originally. Room after room was the same. The self guided tour takes you through all of the rooms, up through the third floor, then exits into the adjacent building, and down the stairs back to the check in desk. There is no accommodation for limited mobility. Also, large purses or backpacks are not permitted to be carried through the house.

Amazing group of volunteers that work at the house. They are so knowledge and have so many stories about Mr Straw, the Straw Family and the house itself from who owned it, why it has been kept as a time capsule as well as unique stories about the tenants and encounters with those that remember the history. The house itself is packed full of history. It is dark inside to keep everything safe and secure from the damages of time. The items are unique with some of the rooms holding loads of small items including chocolate boxes and bottles. The listening pod has a few stories about the grocery shop owned by Straw and his personality about a funny story about the shop cat. The garden is stunning. The cactus green house still prominent. The gift shop had a few items including stationary, cacti, blind dates with a book and rare books.

This little time capsule is a absolute must to visit. Every item is genuine to the house. Nothing has changed in the house for around 100 years. You are given a small talk about the history of the Straw family history which is super interesting , then you are left to explore this wonderful house in your own time. Many thanks to the lovely staff and volunteers there that made us very welcome. Well worth a visit.

Lovely, different kinda NT property with it's own unique charm. You really do get a feeling of stepping back into last century from all of the nik-nacs the Straw family left behind from the sweet tins to the old vacuum and mountains of letters left on the piano. Remember to look above the kitchen door and you'll see a switchboard type system for the live in maid at the time. The garden is beautiful and divided into two for the two properties with a few apple trees and a plum tree. At the back of Mr Straws garden is a wood framed greenhouse that was restored when NT took over and houses many of his sons Cacti collection. Definitely worth a couple of hours to spend here and the volunteers are in no rush to kick you out after looking around the house. They're also really friendly. I spent a while relaxing in the garden and reading the leaflets about the family.

Everything about this aircraft is completely awesome. To be in a hangar with it, to be able to walk under it, see up into the crew area and to talk to people who've flown and maintained it, is utterly wonderful. Well worth the entry fee. I just hope when the old bird ends her flying days in Oct, they will allow entry to the cockpit and crew area as well. Not possible when I visited (due to ejector seats being "live"), but it would be the icing on the cake for anyone who loves this icon of British cold war engineering.

Attended a event here for work. A fantastic venue to engage with clients under the backdrop of the magnificent Vulcan Bomber. All the staff were excellent and provided a great experience for all visitors (about 1000) attending. The gift shop was reasonably priced giving the chance to pick up a few interesting mementos.

An amazing experience, and the best bit of our holiday. Spending 2 hours with the Vulcan was truly amazing. The chap who gave the speech was really interesting and the time flew by (sorry for the pun). I would love to come again.

Dear Vulcan to the sky. Today my wife and I attended a coffee morning in the hanger of XH558. We thoroughly enjoyed our time viewing this amazing aircraft. We would like to mention Danial who took us around the aircraft. Not only was he very knowledgeable but he was also very capable of explaining in a way that was accessible to non-technical people like us. 5 stars to Vulcan to the Sky and 5 stars to Danial. Thank you for a most enjoyable visit.

A wonderful fun and fact filled tour for young and old alike. As well as THE VULCAN there is a brilliant array of artefacts to view. Staff are all volunteers but as professional as any I have encountered. The ladies tend to enjoy the tours much to their own surprise 😉

AMAZING day out for the whole family, everyone enjoyed it from my 80 year old father in law to my 4 year old son and all of us in between. The trip was well worth it and they both got an ice cream at The Doncaster Dome in the end for being good boys on the journey.

Excellent day out covering the history of Vulcan XH558 and also the V force as a whole. Chance to get up close to XH558 and a number of other exhibits (Canberra & Supermarine Swift). Sadly closed at present, however they are still completing engine ground run experiences - get yourself along for a feel of what the vulcan howl sounds like up close & personal!!

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.

One of, if not, the finest parish church in England. Originally an abbey it began construction in the late 9th century and it has been added to over the years. Both the exterior and interior are in very good condition and there are numerous interesting facts to discover about the church. We were met by two volunteers who were able to give some fascinating insights into the building. Absolutely worth a visit if you are ever in the area.

Must see when around Selby area. FREE admission although you can donate. Café and toilets instead. Lots of information and an amazing building. Sometimes helpers around to tell you about the history.

Lovely weekend destination! We drove from Leeds took about 40min. Plenty of low-charged parking nearby in walking distance. The Abbey is free, some donations and a little cafe inside. If you want to explore a centuries-old heritage site, never miss this!

We stopped off at Selby for breakfast on our road trip and decided to pop into the Abbey for a look round. It's free to enter although donations are accepted. The man on the desk was super helpful and friendly and gave me guide leaflets and lots of extra info. It's well worth a look in if you're in the area

Lovely Abbey in the lovely town of Selby . Well worth a visit. We found out from a local lady the whole structure sits on oak beams on a water table.

Made the decision to detour into Shelby and to take a look at the beautiful Shelby Abbey. Firstly, The Abbey is absolutely beautiful inside and out and stepped in history. There are volunteers at the entrance to talk to you and let you know a bit about the abbey. Nigel in the cafe was very friendly and helpful. 👍🏼 There is a cafe, toilets and a little gift shop to make sure you're able to pick up a must have fridge magnet 👍🏼 Well worth the visit. The closest parking is probably on Market Place a 2 minute walk from the Abbey.

Beautiful, formerly Benedictine abbey, much bigger than I expected, given that Selby is a small town. Free to enter and you can donate by cash or card to support its restoration and upkeep.

It was the 1st time we've been to Magna this weekend and we loved it. Lots to do and see, the big melt was amazing and got my 6 year old attention which is not easy to do. My sons favourite floor was the water floor and he was drenched when we came out of it. Luckily we had a towel to hand but it was good fun. We had a mix of a picnic and food from the cafe (the cafe food is expensive). The playground adventure had lots for all ages and my partner even went on the zip line too. The water park looks lovely but my boy said it was too cold to go in.

An absolutely epic place for kids and adults alike! So interactive and interesting it kept us all entertained for hours. I loved the set up representing the 4 elements earth, wind, fire and water plus I found the big melt interesting (a little jumpy for my 2 year old). The outside park was huge and if we lived closer we would be there all the time! They had standard play area equipment but standpits I couldn't get my 2 year old out of and a water park I couldn't get my 5 year old out of! 100% recommend and we will be going back!

Went to the Magna science centre today and it was great. The exhibition was interesting, interactive and quite inspiring. The place is massive but it felt full of interesting things to do and look at. I felt like I was on red dwarf at one point haha. My niece enjoyed it and got involved. The cafe is ok, there are plenty of toilets and there is also a good park outside. The bonus is that you pay once and get an annual pass free, fantastic!

We got there very early, highly recommend getting there for opening time. It is quite dark so be aware, it can be quite noisy so if you have a sensor problem with sound take ear protection. There are plenty of interactive things to do, you will be very entertained, great for all age groups, we went with a toddler and he love all of it ( not the noisy parts of course) They have toilets on every floor and seats for you to rest on every floor and entrance. They have a cafe with plenty of seating they also have a specific packed lunch area too with is different and nice. The food prices where good not expensive at all. They have a large outside play area with a dry part and wet part. Be prepared for your kids to gey wet. Bout indoor and out. Best are is the year round ticket

Absolutely fantastic day out! Can't wait to visit again. The park and splash pad outside is a day in itself. Our 18 month old loved running round and all the interactive things. Cafe was nice, staff friendly. Only thing I'd say to improve was the baby changing facilities were a bit rough and would be nice to have some stations dotted round to refil water bottles. Otherwise really recommend Magna!

Went today with a 10 year old. He started off looking bored, but after 4 hours had to drag him out! Very good value for money. The exhibitions were great, but often too dark to see the words on the exhibits. Cafe was ok, long queues at busy times and slow service. The “Big Melt” was a little disappointing to start with but got better, although a lot of small children were taken out screaming - it’s very loud. We then were invited to tour the factory floor - probably just those with older kids- I loved it, but it went on a bit too long, just looking at rusty old machines. Be aware, it’s very cold, it’s a cavernous steel shed with no heating, it’s often rather dark and uneven floors, and the Water exhibit is, quite wet ! Outside the adventure playground is huge and suitable for a wide age group, very clean and well maintained

Wow, absolutely amazing day! If I'd read other reviews before buying tickets I may not have gone but what a mistake that would have been. Went with a 9 and 10 year old and they enjoyed every minute. So many interactive things for them to do and so much to see. We could have stayed much longer, will definitely make use of the annual pass! The outdoor play area and water area is brilliant and a day out in itself. How anyone says they got round the museum in an hour is beyond me. I couldn't get the kids out! Was definitely not cold anywhere although im sure thats different in winter months but I'd happily wrap up to go back.

Outstanding gardens, plural. I visited and took the tour given by Mrs. Cook. Some horticultural knowledge is helpful here as I know little Latin and Latin names are used throughout, with some common names added occasionally. It is windy hereabouts and although much planting has been done to create windbreaks it is not always easy to hear the lecture, especially if others are talking too. Started in 1975, I was astonished to see such mature trees in such a short time. As more space became available successive individual gardens were planted even during horticultural college studies. The whole is entirely self sufficient and no chemicals are used except for the gravel entrance. Hens keep the slugs down. I could not grasp all that was told so I plan another visit, or several ! It is straightforward to find from the A19 signposted Stillingfleet then follow the brown signs. Final access is along a short narrow track to the field parking. An illustrated map with highlights described, a list of courses and a questionnaire are provided. The tea room art work is gorgeous. Not an extensive menu but a good variety of teas and filter coffee, cakes and ice creams. The tour took just over an hour and many other visitors were much more knowledgeable than I. If you've any gardening interest at all then come here and be hooked. I found the place much better than any others I've visited over the decades.

Lovely gardens,worth doing the tour. Nice little coffee shop enjoyed the fruit cake.friendly sfaff

A lovely afternoon looking round these beautiful gardens, plus a small tea room with local art and products to purchase.

Took my aunt to visit these stunning gardens yesterday. The gardens are superb and so much inspiration to take away. The tearoom offers a lovely selection of cakes and the lady there was very friendly and welcoming. We were delighted by the nursery which has a vast stock .of plants. I had a shortlist of hardy geraniums I hoped to purchase and I was delighted to find them all ( plus extras!) There is no online ordering which is great as it is another excuse to visit this beautiful place. But check opening times before you go. Highly recommended

Beautiful natural gardens, so interesting! A hidden gem. We really enjoyed the peace and tranquility as we walked round and it was lovely to chat with the owner. So many interesting plants and habitats. The tea room is also a delight with friendly service and delicious cakes. We also liked the plant nursery, the hens, the sculptures and were lucky enough to meet Donald the cat before we left.

Absolutely stunning nursery. Fantastic stock and supply. The gardens are fabulous, so calming and quiet, you can hear the songs that the birds sing. The food in the cafe is just divine, the cakes and sausage rolls are just incredible. Highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about coming!

Stillingfleet Gardens are a pleasant place to visit for a few hours. The garden is split up into several different areas that you are free to explore. These vary from formal areas to wildflower meadow and pond. There is a tea room on site that does drinks and cake/pastries. At the time of the visit the tea room had an art exhibition from a local painter and these pictures were also available to purchase. There is a nursery attached with excellent and different plants and shrubs grown on site and is well worth a visit on its own.

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.

Went to Chatsworth for the Christmas markets, light trail and to see the house wonderfully decorated for Christmas. Really enjoyed the decorations in the house, which was a nature theme this year, bringing the outside in. The grandeur of the house is magnificent, with a great history, you can wander round at your own leisure. There are guides in every room who are friendly and very approachable ready to answer any questions you may have. There are lots of places to eat and drink and some nice gift shops, plenty of toilets and amenities for baby changing and people with disabilities. The grounds are extensive and well kept, I particularly liked the rock garden, which looked lovely lit up. The market is very good, with all the usual Christmas stalls, selling gifts and food/wine/ gin tasting, most off the stalls I did notice were card only, I did draw some cash out and ended up spending it in the gift shops. The ground the stalls are on is all got a ground cover on so not muddy. There is plenty of seating areas for when you grab a coffee or burger etc.

We enjoy visiting Chatsworth House. This time an art exhibition was on display, which changed the experience in a positive way. We don’t always get to see the animals, but we were able to this time around. The weather was great. The staff were helpful. We had a poke around the shops. A lovely day out. I would recommend to anyone, especially if you haven’t been before

Visited Chatsworth Christmas on the 23rd November. It was truly a lovely day. The Christmas market is excellent, very different from your average UK Christmas market. The quality of food, drink and products on offer was brilliant. Definitely visit the Scone hut, they are truly to die for. Chatsworth House Christmas display is outstanding and walking the garden just adds that extra dimension to a great day. Add in the gift shops and the overall atmosphere and you will not be disappointed. If you are local in Derbyshire then do one thing, go to Chatsworth, its a no brainer.

The Chatsworth Christmas ticket gives you access to the House, unlimited entry to the gardens for one day, and you can also access the Christmas market (which is free). It’s a lovely day out and well worth the ticket price. Be warned, food and drink inside is very pricey (but what do you expect?). I’d recommend the Stables for something lovely and warm that doesn’t break the bank.

Fabulous visit to chatsworth house & Christmas Market. Lovely stalls to look round. You will love the house with all the Christmas trees and the wonderful decorations. The walk round the gardens were just wonderful too. So worth a visit at this time of year.

An absolutely magical, Christmas experience! The house itself is mind blowing and each room makes you gasp with how much detail and care has gone into each and every decoration. It was laid out perfectly and even had sounds and scents through each experience. The gardens were beautiful to walk through and the Christmas markets were spectacular 😍 There was something for everyone to enjoy there! I cant wait to come back again next year 🎄✨️🎁

Bought tickets well in advance to visit the house and also the Christmas markets. My family enjoyed visiting the house, it's very easy to get around there are a few staircases which you need to navigate. As the visit is in preparation for Christmas there are lots of Christmas trees beautifully presented throughout and the staff are very helpful and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas markets; having been to lots of busy public access Christmas markets like Manchester, Liverpool, York etc it was a fantastic relaxing experience to be able to walk around freely and visit the different vendors. Will certainly look at returning.

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

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

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

A truly beautiful Christmas Market! What makes it special are the loads of lovely independent stalls—a perfect place to find unique gifts. This is an absolute must-visit during the Christmas season. You'll find that an afternoon or a morning is plenty of time to fully explore. When you get hungry, the on-site cafe offers reasonably priced food, while the food stalls have the standard pricing you would expect at any Christmas market.

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

24th September 2025 about 2pm. Firstly, there is a car park across the busy A6 road which is 50mph and really ought to be 40mph to enable pedestrians to cross more easily and more safely. The car park is £4 regardless of how long you stay at the hall. We witnessed an older person trying to exit, who didn't park close enough to the card scanner, had to get out of their car but failed to exit before the barrier came down. That happened 3 times! It's not that the barrier doesn't stay up long enough, it was just that he was older and slower and stopped too far away. The hall is wonderful and a real treasure that is preserved and has hardly been renovated. A very magical place with an interesting history. There are a lot of uneven surfaces so watch your footing. We didn't go in the restaurant as it was quite late. Overall well worth a visit. I highly recommend it. 25th September 2025, as we only got a short visit and felt we loved it and perhaps missed something we went back the next day. It really is a peaceful, magical place and has a bit of an Alice in Wonderland feel to the garden. Perhaps it was all the roses 😁 some of which were red... It was literally buzzing with life and you can look down to Dorothy's bridge which is a beautiful little bridge. There's a bit of a romantic story to go along with the bridge too. We saw a Dipper bird amongst the rocks in the shallow water too.

We went to Haddon Hall Christmas market today. At first it seems tiny, but as you explore the Hall, there is more stalls than you think. Very arty crafty if you're in to that sort of thing. Not many food stalls and the question for coffee were horrendous. The one down side is a lot of people attend which makes for some very cosy moments inside the hall, because the rooms are quite narrow. If you hate crowds, avoid it. A pleasant experience, but far too crowded for me.

Great place to walk over the mountain, enjoy water and have lots of fun. Get ready to spend at least 4 hours. There is parking facility and credit card is accepted. There are toilets for free. Carry food & get ready to walk for kms. Great pleasure ahead.

A beautiful area with plenty of walking, the path along the riverside can be rough in places so mind your step. The walk (fairly steep and loose) up Thorpe Cloud by the stepping stones gives stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Beautiful place, however the natural beauty is spoiled by many who leave behind all their rubbish. Fulled used baby nappies in the car park, left in the parking bay with bins within 20 yards, plastic bottles, crisp packets amongst many. The National Trust staff try their best to litter pick and offer bin bags to large families who set up picnics but there are still many individuals who can't use the bins. Maybe it's a strange concept or maybe they are just dirty, lazy people. This is a national park that should be looked after by all.

One of my favourite places to hike in the Peak District because of how gorgeous it is and how accessible it is for us. The stepping stones are always fun. The climb to Thorpe Cloud is lovely for a great view and very doable with kids. There's a £6 min. charge for parking (unless you have a National Trust membership, in which case it's free). There's a small coffee truck on the car park for refreshments. We tend to take a picnic with is instead.

I visited Dovedale Stepping Stones recently and absolutely loved it.The walk from the car park is short and easy, with gorgeous views of the River Dove all along the way. The stepping stones themselves are such a fun and iconic feature,great for kids and adults alike❤️❤️

Dovedale is a gem of a dale, I as a preference would say it is the best of the Derbyshire dales. It has a very nice river with lots of bird life, you can walk down the whole length. There are stepping stones to cross the river,caves which have been lived in and if you fancy a challenge you can walk to the top of Thorpe Cloud. On coming to the Ilam end there is a national trust car park and cafe. If you carry on into Ilam passed the memorial you get to Ilam Hall which i9part youth hostel and part national trust with a cafe belonging to the national trust,you can also get food from the youth hostel.

Lovely and scenic walking tracks with a no of spots for picnic. Lovely lime stone formations.. The tracks are not wheelchair friendly...

Nice places to walk in the summer. Good car park but can be busy so get their early. Nice little cafe with friendly staff. Enjoyed a jacket potato at lunch time with a big helping of coleslaw and cheese. Few benches located just opposite the cafe where we sat and enjoy the food and drinks. The visitor center was sticky to find as listed as the visitor centre not the actual reservoir on maps. Recommended for amazing views of North Derbyshire.

The reservoirs are in my top five of places to visit. Whenever we go, we try and take a different path. Ladybower is the perfect place for an autumn walk. Child and dog friendly (don't just pick up, take it home). The small car park at Heatherdene fills up quickly. We had a fantastic walk.

Great walk. Take prams if you have small kids. Serene and peaceful.

Did the lost village Trail and a lovely walk it is. There is a pathway all way around and therefore good for wheelchairs and prams. Also good route for cyclists and they facilitate to hire bikes. We parked at the Fairhomes carpark which had plenty of facilities ie: public toilets which were very clean. Hiring bikes and a kiosk to purchase food, drinks and ice creams etc The beautiful weather was an added bonus and we wasn’t too hot as most of the walk you are shaded with the trees etc

Lovely place.... Very quite and peaceful. Good for runners and cyclitis

Plenty of routes to take. I have done a different route every time. Win hill has fantastic 360° views. The forest looked magical & ancient. Apparently when there is a drought you can see the foundation of the village in the reservoir. Still plenty to see I haven't covered yet.

Lovely sight! I like to use the all trails app for my walks / hikes and did a trail today around Derwent edge and lady bower

What a brilliant and beautiful place. I am a carer for a boy with disabilities who is not easily entertained or kept engaged enough to not want to leave place after 2 hours, Canon hall was different. Greeted by a lovely lady called Rebecca who scanned our ticket we booked online. Rebecca kindly and clearly explained about the pumpkin patch and the activities on the brochure given to you. Rebecca also gave me a great heads up about the free parking for care assistants - honestly really helpful annd genuine advice from her. The little boy I Look after enjoyed every section. - The goats -the sheep ( sheep racing was his favourite) - watching the cow get moved about - all the other animals -the two different park sections - the pumpkin patch -the pumpkin carving - anddddddd a soft play area ?!? We were spoilt for choice. Spent 4 hours here, could have been a lot longer if we didn’t have to get home. On our way out we also bumped into the lovely Rebecca again who interacted brilliantly with the little boy I look after and explained to us the best way to get out ( give that woman a raise she was great). Canon hall farm is a beautiful, scenic place to come to, and most staff are friendly and genuine. I recommend it highly 👍

I took my daughter there for her birthday and we loved it. We enjoyed seeing the animal. I watched a sheep race. They have a indoor area and outdoor area. They're really good the food was fresh and well served. I do recommend this place

The parking was really big and more than enough spaces. We pre paid online. The farm is fantastic, it's well set out and enough for all ages to enjoy. The animals are well looked After and the surroundings are well cared for. Love the farm shop. Definitely will be back again. You could take your own food and leave it in your car until needed, also cafe well laid out, clean and has a play area for. Kiddies.

Beautiful mature trees... plenty of space for dogs to run around and play off lead. Very dog-friendly all round! It can be busy on nice days, but there's plenty of parking, especially in the top car park. A great destination for family members of all ages.

This place has been on my bucket list for such a long time. What a gem! I could’ve have walked around three times instead of twice. Visited with my teenage son and hubby. We all loved it. Staff are friendly. The lemon drizzle style ice cream was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS 😋 The chips are delightful. The shop was great. But the highlight for us all was all the fabulous animals. Piglets, chickens, sheep, meerkats, alpacas, Guinea pigs, reptiles, cows, goats, reindeer. I could go on and on. The animal feed was cheap and loved by the sheep and cows. I was disappointed that we couldn’t get closer to the animals but it was still a fantastic day and I didn’t want it to end. The paths are well maintained. The animals look so happy and well looked after. I was sad to leave, especially as we’d not seen farmer Dave or Rob, but maybe next time as I will be back.

Really enjoyed our visit here and so did the grandchildren who proudly left with their pumpkins, had cake and coffee in the lucky pup and really enjoyed that also, next time I will stay over at one of the local hotels and take a closer look at Barnsley. Really enjoyable visit and will be back.

What an excellent place to visit, will definitely be returning. The set up is great you have the chance to buy animal food and feed certain animals. It’s a great place to take the kids with lots for them to do. We ate in The White Bull and the food was amazing, the farm shop is also a great place to go with an extensive range of local produce. Well done Cannon Hall Farm.

A great day out for all. Beautiful gardens, surrounded by stunning scenery and extraordinary sculptures. Well worth a visit. The gardens are situated in a valley so you need to be fairly fit to walk down and back but the slopes and steps make it possible even for older visitors.

Loved it here. Beautiful park full of loads of amazing sculptures. Lots of areas to explore. I particularly enjoyed the William Kentridge exhibition and the chapel too. Highly recommended and look forward to my next visit.

A random day out, selected by my daughter. I had never heard of the place but found it really enjoyable. The day we went was early November, very misty with a slight drizzle toward the end if our time, this actually made the atmosphere quite eerie. £9.50 entrance fee seemed fair. We only had a few hours so want to go back probably on a sunny day as there is a lot more to explore.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a wonderful place to explore, with amazing sculptures set in beautiful, peaceful surroundings. It’s easy to spend hours wandering through the open spaces, enjoying the artwork and relaxing atmosphere. The park is well-kept and offers plenty of facilities, making it convenient and comfortable for visitors. Overall, it’s a great spot for a calm day out filled with creativity and nature.

This has long been on my list and well worth it. I was bowled over with the exhibits, enjoyed myself even with the rain. Plenty of trees to shelter under. Huge park, the site map shows routes and distance, a few times I was disorientated needing some more signposts. I worked out I walked over 12k with my round trip and gallery walks. A fun Art Studio in the Underground Gallery with objects, paper and coloured pencils to create ones own art. Accessibility: Good, one room I thought was difficult due to the door and the gallery in the Chapel. Otherwise Lifts, Ramps and accessible Paths. Scooters and Wheelchairs for hire. Some hilly areas, and you need to get onto the grass to get close up to quite a few sculptures. Car Park: Not too far from the entrance with parking for disabled nearer. Staff: Friendly and helpful. Toilets: In the main building and another set in the park. Disabled loo.

Plenty to see, though you do need to be wide-ranging in viewpoints about sculptures. The sculptures range from simple "Ah yes, I can see what that is." to "OK, but from where I am it looks more like a ...." So, you need to be open minded. There are big names in art and less well known. The works are displayed mainly in open parkland so be prepared for a walk. It is possible for disabled visitors to borrow either a wheelchair or a Tramper (mobility scooter) to roam far and wide.

The sculptures are set in beautiful grounds and the sculptures are extremely varied. There are a number of location maps around the grounds but I feel where individual pieces are could be made more clear.

My favourite park. I live not far. Great place for a walk, cycling and running and many other events. Beautiful view around. Little lakes and garden. Massive space for walkers or people who do sports. House is great too. Farm _ great for kids and children. I just love it each time of the year.

Super enjoyed the visit , fantastic insight on how the very wealthy lived in this wonderful mansion. The influence they would have had when Great Britain was building its empire around the world. Definitely worth a visit 👍🏻

Four out of five stars because on the whole, the house and Home Farm are brilliant. Good value for money also. The house is as fine and authentic as any grand Elizabethan house that you can imagine. Well preserved and looked after, steeped in history and a real maze of corridors, rooms, staircases and more. The staff have beautifuly dressed it with a Halloween theme throughout and all are super friendly individuals. The farm also is staffed by a real good bunch and the farm is easy to get around and explore. The cobbles however may prove difficult for some but in truth aren't that bad and add to the original character of the farm. The landscape also makes for aesthetic viewing and walking, a real Capability Brown piece. The let down is that whilst the house and farm is payable, albeit good value, the wider estate is free access and whilst that is a benefit to most, you had the same old few who like to destroy or degrade all that is beautiful by rising off road bikes through the estate. Plenty of playgrounds for the young ones and parking is affordable (£4 for 12 hours). A treasure that we need to preserve for future generations and a great day out.

A well-maintained, house and grounds full of interesting artefacts from over the years. The rooms are a step back in time and give a glimpse of generations passed. The house is well looked after and is a quality visit with plenty to see. The grounds when we visited (Autumn) had the usual autumnal colours and sparsity of summer flowers but we still enjoyed our stroll.

Our first time here and what a lovely place to visit. Only £2.50 to park for upto 4 hrs. We didn't go in the house or farm because we had our dog with us. We walked around the estate and had some lovely food in the cafe. Looking forward to going back and visiting the house in the near future.

Large well kept grounds with lots of wide paths. Free motorised disabled transport. Nice walled garden. Very peaceful

We had a great experience here during Halloween! The staff were super nice and helpful but our most favourite thing was the cellar tour! I would definitely recommend! We will be back in summer to do the full cellar tour!

Amazing fun day out with the kids. Plenty of things to keep the kids entertained. We spent around 4 hours with 2 kids and took a ride to Shelly and back. Train goes through a tunnel which feels cold but only for a short while. Definitely recommended on a warm day. Tickets are a little pricey.

Lovely place well worth a visit we took our grandchildren we all had a great day. Once you have paid the admission fee there are no further charges. Lovely countryside views if you take the 20 minute train ride on the miniature steam train. Every area is well maintained and well designed. Large carpark no parking fees. Plenty of picnic areas or a cafe if you prefer.

This was a great family fun day out, fairly priced and some fun activities for children of all ages, the crazy golf course was easily accessible and included within the price of park entry, friendly staff. The only downside would be that there was only 2 magnets to choose from which weren't really relevant to the park. Would recommend more magnets with the parks name on.

Fabulous day spent at the Thomas & Friends event today. The kids were entertained for hours. Special shout out to the children’s entertainer Spike Bonzo and the fabulous Sir Topham Hatt & Rusty/Dusty! Plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for picnic and play. Friendly staff and clean toilets. We will be back!

Had such an amazing full day out at Whistlestop Valley today! It's exceptional value for money and offers so much choice of entertainment for all ages. The rides and outdoor play areas are beautifully kept and we even had a themed search for the hidden "seagulls" which the Grandchildren loved and won a prize at the end. The restaurants offer great choice of food for both children and adults alike. The train journey to Shelly is an amazing journey passing through beautiful countryside along the way. We were so lucky to catch the Punch & Judy show performed by Spike, the children's entertainer. He was brilliant. Our Grandchildren simply loved him! ❤️ An ice cream and coffee topped of the trip served to us by a lovely young lady. Cannot praise this place enough, today was loved by all age groups. A special mention to Isabelle who ran the children's roundabout, she was such a incredible person to meet, her passion and jubilant nature shone out to give the children and parents an enjoyable experience to remember. To be honest all the staff from reception, restaurant and all who were operating the entertainment are a credit to the place. We have been many times before and will definitely be returning soon.

We went (two adults and two children) and spent five hours here. To be honest we easily could have spent longer! It’s really good for the price and you can take your own picnics- however the cafe has lots of offer and reasonable prices. They also offer blue light discount for adult tickets. Lots to do- sit on train ride, peddle cars, bounce pillow, mini golf, park and little carousel style ride- all included in the ticket price. I would say it’s best for 3/4 years old to about 9 years old. (We went with a 3 year old and 5 year old).

The whole day pass was a brilliant way for myself and grandson to enjoy all the different rides and play areas on the full site! I am aiming to go again soon!!

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.

Great british pub awards dinner held at this arena. The arena is very substandard. No toilets on the event floor level. Causing havoc for women in heels. Really poor toilets. Lights missing, door missing on the men's. These are basics. For am awards dinner you would expect a venue that is able to cope with a certain level of customer expectation. Security staff were very polite and ok point. If you are looking to host a formal dinner or expecting a women in heels and men who like lights and doors in toilets. This is not the venue for you.

Has been there for Simply Red concert. Well organised everything was on time. Not impressed with t- shirt prices but I think that maybe the band indication. Good acoustic. Overall good experience.

We went to see Simply Red in September. We paid £175 per head for the North Gallery. It was a mixed bag. The photos are what you see from where it is. If you have the choice between the back few rows that are high up and the gallery, take the latter. If the cost difference isn't huge. The view of the stage is unobstructed, but if you want to see the artist up close, you may want to avoid this. The description of it sells it as more of a suite or corporate box. It's not, you'll pass those on the way. It's essentially a self-contained, tiny corridor with around 15 barstools, each with limited space to move or dance. There is a dedicated waitress service, and she was lovely, although you receive one token each for a complimentary drink. I had a Diet Coke, which half-filled the glass. I inquired and was told they only served 330ml bottles of Coke, hence it was half full. It didn't look good and didn't sit well with us. Subsequently, 2 alcoholic drinks and the Coke cost me £23. The toilets are immediately outside, so instantly accessible. The kitchen apparently closed at 20:30 - it may not always be so - which seemed a bit like the DC. For about 10 - 15 max people, at least offer cold snacks or sandwiches. Maybe they do, but if so, we weren't told. The external entrance to the VIP area is clearly visible and well signposted, with a dedicated lift providing direct access upstairs. If the cost wasn't significantly higher than the high rows, we would use it again. Obviously, that's an individual judgement call. On the other hand, we felt somewhat short changed. There was certainly no wow factor. But it was ok.

We had a fantastic night watching Busted vs. McFly on Sunday. I love this arena because it's set up so there aren't really any 'bad' seats, everyone has a good view of the stage. Getting in through security, getting drinks and toilets were so smooth it was a dream. I need to say a HUGE SHOUTOUT and thank you to the wonderful lady who was stewarding section 329, you really made our night in spite of some miserable concert goers. PSA, if you don't want to have a good time, don't go to a concert of a 00's boy and and ruin it for everyone else.

I have only visited the First Direct Arena in Leeds once and that was to see Chris Rock live. I got parked near the venue were pretty cheap, with a really pleasant surprise that right next to the arena, there were plenty of food options outside of the venue so you don’t have to buy expensive drink or snack in the venue itself if you choose to. The arena itself is pretty big, and spaced out quite nicely so you aren’t feeling claustrophobic when sitting down or getting up to walk around the arena for the interval. Overall, I would recommend it, and I will make a trip back here one day.

Great venue, we came here for the first time to watch John Bishop. The drink prices are very expensive for 6.90 for a large soft drink is absolutely scandalous. But the venue itself is good. Only not a 5 due to extortionate drink and food pricing

Visited on 7 Nov to see Peter Kay. We booked premium tickets which included a meal. This meant we could enter earlier than the normal door opening time and through a dedicated entrance. We were taken straight to our table where we enjoyed champagne and a tasty 3 course meal. With this package, your table is yours for the whole evening so you are not rushed to finish your meal and you can return to it for the interval. There are also dedicated restrooms with Molton Brown handwash, a lovely touch! For the performance, you enter the arena through an internal door, so no queueing and then you can show your ticket to return back through at the interval. There is a private bar with lots of staff so queueing is minimal but you can also preorder interval drinks. We did this and they were waiting on our table when we got there. Highly recommend this premium experience, all staff were excellent throughout, our server was fantastic (table 40), and security staff were also great. It was so great to see Peter, years after we originally booked and worth the wait x 🙏💙🇯🇵👁🤣

It's the ruins a castle built in the 1100s, and then rebuilt in the 1300s. Nothing particularly impressive compared to the other castle we've seen, at least not from the outside (we didn't went inside). But you do get a good view of the viaduct from here.

This place has an extremely beautiful view of river and viaduct from its ground. You don’t need to pay tickets to roam on their ground. But castle and courthouse itself is rich. The staff are fantastic. Very helpful and polite.

Had a lovely day, weather was sunny, castle is well brocken up but you can get into the dungeon as they call it and up to the first floor too. The court house is interesting to look around as well. Lots of views over the river, and handy for the town center easy walk.

Wasn't planning on visiting Knaresborough but took up the suggestion from someone at the hotel we were staying at in Harrogate. Unexpected andsurprising. The castle and the view to the River Nidd quite awesome. Well worth it and only a short bus ride from Harrogate too so no need to take the car.

Well preserved ruins of the castle. Very scenic view of the viaduct. The views are stunning.

Nice, calm and serene atmosphere. Well preserved ruins of the castle. Very scenic view of the via duct. The museum is closed on Monday.

This beautiful and charming town has a long history with a castle and museum on top of the hill. Basically its ruins of a castle which are free but you have to pay for tower and museum. The castle location gives you an amazing views across to the town as it’s at top on the hill. It has a park within the castle walls. There’s a parking as well. From top of the castle, you can have best stunning views of river Nidd and viaduct. Woth a visit to capture some astonishing photos of viaduct and river as well as scenery around.

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.

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.

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.

We weren't sure what to expect, apart from seeing some beautiful birds, but the shows were incredible! The keepers were so passionate and knowledgeable about the birds and the shows were breathtaking. I cannot recommend this place and show highly enough. Thank you for a fabulous day out.

A fantastic experience for my two teenage boys and myself as a spectator taking pictures etc. Took them for the full day experience for my youngest sons 16th birthday treat. The staff make it such a fantastic experience. Really friendly, knowledgeable and hard working. Made to feel very welcome and we just had a great day. The birds are awesome. So many different experiences in one day with loads of different birds.Can’t recommend it enough. Such a great experience and a wonderful memory and a great way to appreciate nature and the efforts of those people who help to preserve and look after such wonderful creatures.

Had an excellent time here. Though fairly small, it punched well above it's weight. The birds all seed to be happy, and they worked very well with their handlers. Owls, Eagles, hawks, and even vultures!!! The shop has various souvenirs, and some light snacks for lunch. You won't be disappointed with a trip here

Highly recommended, my partner and I enjoyed the half day owl experience, but spent the full day at the centre enjoying the flying demonstrations and looking at all the different birds. Really knowledgeable staff who clearly care about the birds.

We have visited this Bird of Prey Centre a number of times over the last 25 years or so. It is absolutely fantastic. You can clearly see all the birds are very well looked after. It is spotlessly clean. The staff are outstanding. The flying displays are out of this world. Different birds used in every display. They have now introduced an African flying display for the Sumner months. This was exceptional!

Went on a whim for something different to do and what a great decision really interesting day and at just over £20.00 for two good value lots of birds to see and a couple of engaging displays of flying too.

A truly amazing experience - some incredible birds, a beautifully kept facility, spotlessy clean - a recommended day out.

We enjoyed our visit to Shibden Hall. It's only a small house but is full of atmosphere. It probably took a little less than an hour to go round thoroughly. The staff were very pleasant without being in your face. Lots of information about the Hall. And, although I enjoy the story around Ann Lister, it isn't all about her. There's a lovely set up round the back of the house with some beautiful old carriages. The out buildings are set up like an apothecary, a small house, coopers, blacksmiths etc. It costs £10 for adults or £7.50 for concessions (might have had child prices too but I can't remember ). There is a small shop at the end that sells the usual novelties plus coffees and teas. I didn't see any cakes or other food on offer but there's a nice room to sit at tables and enjoy your drinks. It was a wet Thursday afternoon at the beginning of June so maybe they offer more in high season. I don't know. At the bottom of the hill, near the pond and the bottom car park, there is a very large cafe selling drinks, cakes, lunches etc. Unfortunately we had parked at the top car park. Although this is nearer to the Hall itself, it is almost half a mile downhill to the cafe from there - and uphill all the way back!!! There is disabled parking near to the house. The grounds are pleasant and there are some good footpaths marked.

Oh my god this place is incredible! My friend is a huge fan of the show Gentleman Jack and when she was visiting the UK this is the main place she wanted to visit! I'm so glad and so grateful that I was able to visit here! We spent from 11am until 2pm exploring! And we could've spent an hour longer but had to leave due to our train times. The place is incredible but please do be aware that if you're planning on walking (like my friend and I did) it is entirely uphill! Literally all of it 😂 and then going back is all downhill! Now I'm not a hiker and I've always wanted to hike but I was seriously not prepared 😅. However that being said, it was absolutely worth the trek and id love to go again (with more comfy shoes)! Highly recommend if you're a fan of Anne Lister, Gentleman Jack or just historic houses!

Absolutely amazing and fascinating period house just on the outskirts of Halifax. Spent a good few hours there but sure i didn't see everything. The house itself is truly incredible as are the staff and volunteers who make any visit a pleasure they are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the Lister family and the history of the house. Small cafe serves excellent coffee. The outbuildings are a museum in itself and definitely worth visiting. The gardens and lake offers lots of walks and stunning views of the house.

Unbelievable treasure trove of history. I only wish the tower had been open. I visited as a Brontë fan, but I'd also seen the show/ knew a little of Anne Lister. Fascinating history if morally questionable individual considering her string of partners and their numerous eventual declines to the asylum..! I couldn't believe I was witnessing items (note the plural) as old as 1500, let alone beholding them in their impressively preserved conditions. The Red Room was of special interest to me as a Brontë fan. It was magnificently eerie and Gothic. It was also fun to sit through a thunderstorm on the sill of an ancient window. Worth a visit to anyone interested in history. Also loved learning of John Lister who first deciphered Anne's diaries but kept them private, most likely out of respect, until they were found after his death. He was the founder of the Halifax Labour union, and the first treasurer of the Labour party. A socialist. Good man.

We were a small group of friends- some hadn’t seen Gentleman Jack but were still pleased to visit. I’d loved the drama and characterised by actors I respect but it was great to see the actual place Anne Lister lived. The house is a real treasure for Halifax and the North. It’s well preserved with good interested volunteers who add to the atmosphere. So knowledgeable- do engage them and learn about Anne, her ancestors and watch the 20 minute video too. We went on a Monday and it was surprisingly busy with quite a few folk like us enquiring about Anne and the family and how the house was affected by the drama as crowds then wanted to visit. Read the information boards, spend time and admire the amazing Anne Lister who was such an adventurous person. We went from the house to the cafe in the park a good walk there and an even greater uphill walk back to the house and the car park. The park looked nice in the sunshine.

Absolutely wonderful place to visit! Myself and my partner are big Anne Lister and Gentleman Jack fans. To go and view Shibden Hall was an absolute dream. The staff were so friendly and helpful, offering loads of information about the estate. As we visited around Halloween, there was a spooky puzzle to crack the code which was an extra bit of added fun. The house was in immaculate condition with so much information to read. There was a diary in Anne’s bedroom to write an entry in, it was lovely to see other peoples’ messages too. I would love to come back in another season to see how the grounds change. An absolute must-visit!

Shibden Hall was gifted to Calderdale council in the first half of the twentieth century. It is a remarkable building, well preserved though heavily modified through its life. Made globally famous by 'Gentleman Jack' but there is much more to learn. I have known Shibden for more than fifty years, having visited from a very early age. The folk museum was created in the fifties and is of its time, don't expect Beamish or you will be dissapointed. Access to the hall is best gained by parking in the upper carpark, not directly accesible from the main park, although you can walk up. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable and as you may infer I have a nostalgic attachment to the place. I only marked 4 stars as I feel the folk museum is a little tired and ripe for developement. If this review has been helpful, please consider following me to see more. Thank you

Such a great interactive museum. My kids aged 5 7 and 11 all absolutely loved it. So much to see and do to keep them entertained. Dressing up, role play, interactive exhibits all ready to be touched and experienced. Eureka are also extremely helpful and accommodating to children on the spectrum. With resources there to support parents and children who may be overstimulated. We got there at 10 and left about 3 so a good chunk of the day. We took our own picnic and refreshingly for a museum they have both inside and outside picnic areas which is great. The only downside really is the price. They do have different discounts available but it can get quiet expensive for a larger family, although once you pay in you get a years membership so another plus

Went with my 9yo. I wouldn't say it is a full day out. We felt most of the museum is aim at 5 and under. We spent three hours here and did several of the attractions twice.. Personally would not say it was worth the £55 I paid..another thing I didn't realise was the car park is pay and display another £6 added to the day.. Lots of places to sit with a picnic. Cafe is as to be expected a little expensive.

Had a lovely day at Eureka and it was surprisingly easy to get to via Rochdale train station and when you get off the train, Eureka is right next to the station. My daughter was very wary of the ABOUT YOU section as it freaked her out but after we got her passed that she enjoyed the gaming room, Lego, drawing, play house exploring. Well worth a day out.

Amazing place! Every time we go it's a different adventure. My 3 and 6 year old love it and it doesn't matter how many time we go.

Brilliant day, my Grandson loved the sandpit and the pizza in the restaurant was good, not frozen cardboard type that you get in a lot of kids meals. I guess it's quite expensive, but as we live locally we will use the unlimited additional twelve months access

Went here when I was 8 or 9 with primary school and I remember how cool it was. I'm 40 now and couldn't wait to take my lad. What the heck has happened to the place? It's not at all how I remember it. It's more like a creshé for toddlers not the interactive adventure filled fun experience I had when I was at school. My lad is only 6 and he was bored after 2 hours and so was I. There's a food court that was so busy there were no tables left. So we went to the picnic area and again no seats so we waited another hour to sit down and eat something. £18 each is a bit steep for what you get which unfortunately isn't much now. Coming back has ruined a good childhood memory and we Won't be coming back in a hurry sadly.

Kids absolutely love this place, especially the infinity tunnel. Cafe is a bit expensive costing nearly £30 for 4 drinks and 4 slices of cake. Plenty of places to have a pic ic inside and outside. Lovely big sandpit outside.

The best music space I have been too! Beautiful building. Bar is ran really well with a efficient queing system. Price of drinks are reasonable and food provided is accessible and high quality. Really helpful and friendly staff. Will look forward to my next visit

Two gigs Simple Minds & Faithless. SM was in the lounge and Faithless on the balcony. The sound on the balcony section with the lounge, is at an angle that completely wipes out anything like reasonable sound. Don't go lounge if you wish for coherent sound from your band. Faithless was completely different. The balcony is directly opposite the stage and the sound was actually very good. Staff at the gig were very good bar the odd 'I don't want to be here' which you get everywhere. Elsewhere they were friendly and pleased to help you. 3 stars for the sound let down at SM, it really wasn't worth being there. However, balcony or downstairs, all fine. Traffic sport links, very, very easy - train station 200 yards away or very easy to park a d very easy to get away too. I am sure I'll be back.

Pretty impressive when you consider the age and history, the rejuvenation of the site has certainly made it a fascinating place to visit. Lots of small independent shops and places to eat, definitely worth visiting The other shopping areas of Halifax are only a few minutes walk away.

What a lovely day out! Everything about Piece Hall is stunningly beautiful, we were pleasantly surprised. There are cafes, bars, shops, museums, concerts, markets and much more. Everyone who works there was so helpful and friendly. The gelato and hot chocolate were delicious served at the pizza restaurant. Definitely will go again soon, I believe the Christmas markets are lovely.

A concert.. Apollo Junction, Cast and Doves. Fabulous concert. Apollo Junction were very good. Cast were my standout. Doves sound odd without their normal lead singer, not helped by the mix that seemed to hide their vocals behind the music. The highlight being surrounded by my contempories dancing like it's 1995 ... Only slower. Not forgetting that the lead singer of Apollo Junction brushed past me while I wasn't looking, to stand next to me and sing on the steps. I didn't even take a picture it was that surreal.

Amazing concert venue! Loved the libertines, the only issue were the toilets! Only on one side only the venue so if you're watching the concert on the other its a right farce to fight your way through everyone and there is definitely not enough of the portaloos!!! Apart from that i loved every second!

This has to be my favourite music venue! Great staff, beautiful surroundings and amazing acoustics. It's almost a 2.5hr drive for us, but it'll always be worth it! Lots of reasonably priced parking nearby in the town centre too.

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.

Afternoon Tea in the Prince of Wales carriage was a wonderful experience. You don't need to be a steam train fan to enjoy the ride, the delicious food, excellent service and interesting history. Watching the scenery go by at a leisure pace is so relaxing.

Our children bought us a Murder Mystery Experience, and what good choice it turned out to be. This trip is for those who like drama, trains, history, scenery and a fairly unique meal. Driving to Bolton Abbey Station is a breeze and there is plenty of parking. A word of warning for those using wheelchairs and high heels. The carpark is crushed stone but there are plenty of tarmac paths so you just need to choise your parking spot. Accessability is good but what is even better is the care and helpfulness of the staff and volunteers. Access to the historic coaches is limited but I would guess there is very little the team at Bolton Abbey Station cannie do to get you on a train. In fact, everything from the website onwards is very professional. We had arrived early and were able to explore the station, which is a cutie and in fine fettle. We made use of the cafe to have a quick cuppa and watched the train come in before we joined the 'crowd' in the performance tent. We got an idea of how good these events are as the first couple we spoke to had taken part in 13 shows. I say taken part as these shows are quite interactive. We had dressed in period so we were targeted somewhat. The performance is brilliantly OTT but the mystery is tricky. Now I have to confess, one of us was here for the show, trains and view. There other wanted to be the detective. The entertainment over, we moved onto the train to Embsay, for the meal and to quizz the suspects. To provide a decent meal on a historic train take some doing so well done to the food team. And all the crews, the amount of work it must take to keep everything running and shiny must take a huge effort and organisation. I chatted to a couple of volunteers and they had been there for many years and loved being there...it showed. Check or book in advance as they get very busy. We did not work out the murderer but had a brilliant time. We do a lot of historic events but congratulations to Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, you provide a grand day out. Did we like it...well we've booked for the Fawlty Towers doo, so a definate yes.

We absolutely loved this trip! The carriages were so beautiful and we felt very nostalgic. We had a lovely breakfast, served by friendly people. You must book onto one of the Dales Dining experiences, they are totally worth it! Also, please donate to keep these steam trains running for future generations.

An extremely interesting and great place to visit. I had an Afternoon Tea and steam train ride on the Prince of Wales Carriage, as a gift from my son for my 70th birthday. Would highly recommend this experience. The food and drinks were excellent and very filling. All the staff were very positive, friendly and polite. The owner of both the Prince of Wales carriage and also The Queen Victoria carriage gave us a very interesting history of these, along with details of their restoration. Well worth a visit We had a fantastic day. Thank you.

Short but lovely. Lasted just over an hour but plenty of time to enjoy our afternoon tea, which was lovely. The staff were very busy but were lso very friendly. Great day out.

This is a review of the 'Faulty Towers' dining experience; 3 course dinner hosted on the steam train by Basil, Sybil and Manuel with 2 return trips between Bolton Abbey and Embsay stations. Food was ok, service excellent, good range of drinks at reasonable prices both in the bar before and on the train. (would've been even better to finish off the meal with a coffee on board). The actors put in a great performance; all in all a great fun way to spend an evening. Duration approx 3 hours.

We chose the English breakfast on the steam train option which sets off from Bolton Abbey station at 10am heads to Embsay station where it stops for 20 minutes before returning to Bolton Abbey station. Both stations are well maintained with toilets, cafes and gift shops. The set English breakfast was served during the first leg of the journey along with a choice of tea or coffee and the waitresses were polite and helpful. On the return journey we were served tea or coffee and biscuits. All of this went well. The only drawbacks were that the scenery along the route wasn't very impressive, my carriage seat springs needed strengthening and the seating space around each table was a bit cramped for 4 adults. Despite this it was a good experience.

Brilliant! Fantastic play areas, tons of guinea pigs to sit with and feed / brush. All the extras like feeding the calves or horses are included in the price. Tons of seating areas to take your own food/ eat from the cafe. Nice coffee and very fancy hot chocolate. Would recommend getting a free loyalty card when you go in (although did mine half way through the visit just showed them my receipt) go 5 times and get the 6th visit free. Closed from November to February.

Really great farm, Loads of extra bits to do, tractor rides and lots of different animals to be hands on with, I would take your own food though as it was a very limited menu option. Definitely a great family day out

The kids were absolutely buzzing to visit Hesketh Farm! They loved interacting with the animals, and it was such a joy to see their excitement. The place is spotless – honestly, cleaner than many play gyms we’ve been to. Prices are very reasonable, and the views around the farm are simply breathtaking! We’ll definitely be coming back and will happily recommend it to friends 👌💯

Lovely farm park especially for under 11s. Loads of animals to see and brushing the pigs and holding the guinea pigs is always a favourite with any kid! Nice little cafe area and you can take your own picnics. Great play area with sandpits, climbing frames and go carts.

Absolutely loved the place! So much to see and do with young kids. Farm animals, feed and pet a lot of animals. Lots of play activities inside and outside. Definitely worth a visit if you have a young family

One of our favourites for a day out with the kids. Reasonable ticket prices and you can bring your own picnic but you can also purchase food and drinks there too. The animals are well kept and there's programmes throughout the day, at least one every hour (calf feeding, goat feeding etc). Also, we went on the tractor ride which was so cool, we stopped to see a herd of cow in the middle of the field next to the farm and the farmer told us some very interesting facts about them. You can easily spend the while day here with the family, highly recommended.

This place is a dream for children and petting all animals.The staff are the best and the surroundings are brilliant.Well thought out catered to everyone . A fantastic day out .Been again today 10th July 2025 . This place is heaven for children and adults too . So much to do and see . The piglets and Guinea pigs were the best . Will be back in the near future. Well worth a visit and reasonably priced for a great day out🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷