Beautiful place to wander with history and wildlife all around. Grounds are well maintained and there is a very good play park for the children to burn off some energy. Something for everyone.

What a gem for families to visit. You don't have to pay for entry, only £7 for parking! All day. The grounds are extensive, so it's a good place to take your furry friends too. We had fun exploring and enjoyed coffee and cake at the restaurant before we left.

We had a brilliant day at Rufford Abbey, and it totally exceeded all expectations. Free entry - just £7 for parking. Beautiful gardens, a great kids playground and multiple cafes. The Abbey itself is eye opening, with lots to learn and a great view of history. A must visit (especially if you are staying at Center Parks)

Good amount of parking on arrival and pay and display information was made clear. Very disappointed to not be able to access any of the abbey but it seems like it's being renovated or made safe, although I couldn't see any information about this. Need to use the information office three times and one of the members of staff was not particularly helpful or engaged. The information videos and tour above the gift shop was good but needed some maintenance as some of the displays didn't work. The shop was nice and stocked a good variety of gifts, books and food. The cafe was ok but needs some work. We set off on the blue walk to Rufford Mill which was nice and had a picnic in the park area. Great way to spend half a day and we would return in the future if the abbey was ever opened.

A beautiful area of woodland, gardens and lakes. Great for walking around. In high summer activities and a playground available. We had a sausage roll and coffee from the cafe and sat by the lake watching the many birds. The ruins of the Abbey that are being renovated hold so much historic value.

Visited yesterday with friends for a walk, and I was impressed how beautiful this place is on that time of the year. Variety of coloured trees around you and that peaceful atmosphere makes you feel relaxed. Got a plan to visit again in blooming time.

Ruined abbey now turned in to a county park and lots to see . Large childrens park is a plus point and have few caffes for food the gardens may be very lively in spring and sumner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Peaceful Green Escape in the Heart of the City The Arboretum is a beautiful green space located right next to the city centre, making it an ideal place to escape the busy atmosphere without having to travel far. The park is full of charm, with plenty of hidden alcoves and nooks to discover. There is a lovely aviary enclosure, and the area is rich with wildlife, from birds to squirrels, bringing the space to life. Throughout the park, you’ll find interesting pieces of architecture that add character and a sense of history. I often encounter kind and friendly people during my visits, which adds to the welcoming feel. It is a truly peaceful spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy a moment of calm in nature.

This is an absolutely wonderful park to stroll around if you have a couple of hours to spare, there's plenty of benches to relax and watch the wildlife, the squirrels are very tame and a joy to see scurrying around the trees and bushes... The park is wheelchair friendly with everywhere on the flat and no obstacles to overcome... It's also a dog friendly park, but please keep your pets on a lead so as not to scare the wildlife... The trees and bushes are splendid, I'm returning for definite in the Autumn when nature's colours are at their finest... The Arboretum is only 15 to 20mins walk from the City Centre, so if you're in the City centre and fancy a break from the City, come here to recharge your health batteries, it's well worth it... I caught the bus from outside the City and exited the bus at Canning Circus then it's only a 5min walk downhill to the Arboretum, but please be careful of the trams as there's a couple of tramlines to cross from there... All in all a marvellous place to visit... Come, you won't be disappointed ...

The National Arboretum is a place everyone should visit. It has amazing memorials and statues for all the armed forces and other organisations that have done so much for others. We went for the Donor Family service held annually in the Aspect building. There is a free exhibition on 1944 inside. A great restaurant, and shop. A land train to take you around the grounds. Loads of volunteers to talk to. And entrance is FREE apart from parking

Absolutely beautiful park — perfect for a relaxing walk or peaceful afternoon! There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery, and the friendly squirrels are such a delight to watch. The park is flat and wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to explore. It’s also dog-friendly, though best to keep pets on a lead to protect the wildlife. The trees and greenery are stunning, and I can’t wait to return in autumn when the colors change. Only about a 15–20 minute walk from the city centre, it’s a great spot to escape the hustle and recharge. A real hidden gem — definitely worth a visit if you’re nearby!

Lovely place with lots of history, I went to take some wedding photos, it was a gorgeous autumn day.

Well kept gardens with gorgeous trees, British birds and friendly squirrels. The Chinese Bell is interesting too. I enjoyed my time here. Shame the cafe or toilets weren't open, especially as it's been half term week.

This is such a big peaceful area to visit. The sound of the trees when the wind blows,is such a refreshing sound. The colourful flowers make this place is a relaxing place to be. This is such a nice place to have picnics especially during summer time.There are a number of bins and the park is well maintained. It is important to point out that there is a pond with some ducks and there is a restriction of not feeding these ducks. We love to visit this place as its easily accessible with nearby tram stop and also it is wheelchair accessible.

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

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

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

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

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

Lovely grounds, plenty of deer and a nice walk in fresh air. There are toilets, a café and gift shop.if you need them. You need the Ringgo app to park and pay £6.10 for all day.

What a wonderful place for a walk, the gardens are beautiful and it was lovely to see the deer and the birds, especially the Mandarin duck. We didn't go into the house this time but will definitely look around next time we are there. There's a lovely cafe and 2 shops. Well worth a visit.

Compared to other castles and British monuments, this attraction isn't very extensive. It essentially consists of two buildings: a medieval mansion for receiving guests, and the castle, where the nobility resided. Furthermore, since the attraction was once abandoned, most of the furniture and decorations are missing or damaged. Despite this, it's still well worth a visit. The castle is built on a magnificent hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding area from the castle gate. The interior is also unique, and wandering through the rooms makes you feel like you've stepped back into the Middle Ages.As a half-day family weekend trip, followed by a good lunch, I think it is very good.

English heritage site well conserved with good information. Spectacular views on clear days. Dog friendly in areas without a roof, except for the café. Friendly informative staff. Fairly good free parking around Bolsover. Only negative is signage to the castle. Well worth a visit.

Nice little castle to explore in a great setting with lot's of ruins. The smaller castle is very interesting, with lot's of winding stairs, marble fireplaces, paintings, architecture etc. Some great views from the castle and there's also a nice walled walk accessible from inside the castle. I'd probably say it would take 2-3 hours at most to explore everything. There's free parking and also some additional parking nearby that you have to pay for. Also on site There's a small playground that is quite good, which is very close by to the cafe. We didn't use the cafe so not sure on prices - quality of food. There's also a few benches around so you could sit and bring your own food if you like. There's a nice gift shop there to, which is definitely overpriced but they always are. There's also a nice wetherspoons nearby if you wanted breakfast/lunch. Staff were very helpful and knowledgeable here.

A very small castle, but my goodness what a history. to be honest you can normally walk around it in an hour but on my visit 25.8.25 there was a jousting display and static displays of medieval life with interesting talks. A superb family day out for all ages. I really can't recommend joining English Heritage highly enough, the whole day, and it was a whole day was fabulous.

Great castle and stunning views. We went while the Halloween events were on and my 6 year old absolutely loved it. I think it would have been nice for more information to be around to read, for those of us that didn't pick up an audio guide (they are hard to listen to with a young child running around), some short descriptions of each of the rooms around the castle would have been really interesting. But overall really enjoyed our visit!

We visited Bolsover Castle to 21st November 2025. It is a fabulous Castle, there is plenty to do for all ages. A very nice coffee shop and gift shop, children's adventure playground and plenty of outdoor seating. The Castle very interesting to walk round. There are some out of this world veiws of Derbyshire from the Castle.

Bolsover in my opinion is the best example of 17th century castles I've been to. Built purely for entertaining royalty and the hierarchy it truly shows how the other half lived. I recommend you book online if you are not a member of English heritage and allow yourself at least 3 hours to look around,free audio machines available for free which are very informative.

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

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

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

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

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

Intriguing place punched atop a hill looking out sadly over the M1 now, but back in the day it would have been quite the most magnificent spot for party's. Some old Yes topiary and magnificent Cedar of Lebanon stand century in the garden providing a great contrast from the pinkish yellow stone and unbelievable lead pane windows which adorn the hall.

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

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.

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.

Roundhay Park is a beautiful green space at the heart of the community. The park has something for everyone – from wide open areas to relax, to fun attractions like the land train ride and play parks for children. The lake is perfect for a stroll, and feeding the ducks is always a favourite. There’s a lovely café overlooking the water, and you’ll often find an ice cream van nearby on sunny days. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including fairs and food festivals, which make every visit feel different and exciting. A vibrant and welcoming place

Nice area with cafes, walks, cricket pitch and a land train. Area was really clean (almost no litter) and the paths were fairly good; more than good enough for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Also the Monet Garden and HESCO garden which were lovely too.

Roundhay Park is such a nice place to spend a few hours. It’s really big, with lakes, open fields, and plenty of walking paths. There are always people out with their dogs or having picnics, but it still feels calm and peaceful. You can get some great views around the park too. It’s one of those spots that just makes you feel relaxed and glad to be outside

It was very fantastic yesterday afternoon and I enjoyed it a lot with my only brother and husband. There is a nice view of the lake area. A nice arrangement for sitting is also a perfect picnic spot with a picture perfect environment.we are delighted specially me because I always ask my husband for the "Ice-cream " they sell at the park yesterday its perfect timing and took two on my both hand like my childhood then went back to my childhood days....itsssss a Marvelous day out....thanks to park authority.... Going very soon there.. 😊

It’s my favourite place to visit in Leeds. The most beautiful and spacious park in the city with great views and landscapes especially round the lakes. You can enjoy walking, cycling, hiking or just relaxing having your tea or coffee near the lake. It’s the best place for picnic although it doesn’t have enough restrooms for visitors.

A fabulous huge open space free to visit. Although LCC have now imposed car parking charges which isn’t ideal. Disabled parking is free. 2 beautiful lakes, loads of walks. Wonderful band stand. Boathouse cafe and coffee shop at the bottom. Mansion house tea rooms at the top.

I have wandered through Roundhay Park in Leeds, where winding paths invite quiet walks and nature whispers through rustling leaves and birdsong. I still remember sitting by the lake one quiet afternoon, the sun casting golden ripples on the water, lost in thought as time seemed to slow. Beneath towering trees and open skies, peace lingers like a gentle breeze. It’s a place I’d warmly recommend to locals seeking a breath of calm and to visitors hoping to feel the quiet soul of Yorkshire.

It's a nice, reasonably priced day out for the kids with a wide variety of different animals from around the world that are well treated and seem happy and some of the birds come right up close. Just a few empty areas/ displays and only a few butterflies when we were there - but for the price and being council run it was good. Cafe drinks not overly priced either for a change!

Really lovely place to visit! Bigger than I thought it would be (and than it looked when we first entered). Lots to see, especially good for children, and a good mix of species. Some areas are sloped and are hard to navigate with a manual wheelchair but almost all areas are wide enough to pass through easily and visibility of the animals was good in most areas from a seated position. Would be helpful to have clearer guides/signs along the way for those with visual impairment (route directions, entry & exit signs between the different areas, high contrast on level changes). Café was nice; good variety of food at good prices, plenty of space around tables and lovely outdoor seating (two areas, one overlooking gardens). Would recommend

It's a walk through basically, good for an hour or two plus lunch at the modest café. Not a bad place to take older children. The only slight bugbear is it doesn't have its own car park, though in October street parking nearby wasn't a problem.

Tickets are a really good price, especially if you have a few kids. Animals were healthy and looked well looked after. Some animals were in hiding and either weren't in their enclosures or have verrrrry good camouflage - butterflies were beautiful but very sparse (more to do with the season I think), a lot of the birds on the information boards and small reptiles in tanks didn't seem to be there. That being said there was still plenty to see and watch. Took about an hour to go round.

Visited Tropical World in Leeds and had such a lovely time! It’s like stepping into a warm, exotic jungle right in the middle of Yorkshire. From colourful butterflies fluttering around to cheeky meerkats and fascinating reptiles, there’s something to catch your eye at every turn. The rainforest atmosphere is so calming, and the tropical plants and waterfalls make it feel like a true escape. It's not a huge place, but there's plenty to see, especially for kids and families. My favourite part was the butterfly house – so beautiful and peaceful! There’s also a little café and shop at the end which is great for a quick break. It's perfect for a rainy day or a quiet afternoon outing. A great spot for all ages, and definitely worth a visit if you're in Leeds!

The animals are well cared for but there isn’t really that much to see in the grand scheme of things. I think we only saw like 4 butterflies and each enclosure has one or two animals at best (on average, some have more) There are a lot of kids screaming and shouting so I’d avoid going on a weekend if you want to properly have a look.

Beautiful interesting displays, huge variety of animals, a lot bigger than it looks! Cafe was also very tasty with gluten free pizza and other options avalible

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 🙏💙🇯🇵👁🤣

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!!

Had a fantastic day here. The staff were fantastic. The in character staff were amazing and so friendly and knowledgeable. Special shout goes to Mel who showed us round one of the caves. She was fantastic and a real credit to you. So funny and knowledgable. There’s lots to do up there. The cable car ride is great. 2 caves to tour and plenty of fun for the kids on the play grounds. The cafe was brilliant. Had a lovely panini in there and some lovely cake. We came on a weekday outside of the school holidays and didn’t have to wait for anything. Lots of walking to be done and some is rather steep.

We had an absolutely wonderful experience here today. It was our first time visiting and had no idea what to expect, but what a day we had. I’ve come to write a review because I want to give recognition to Lorin, the lovely guy that did our Cavern tour. He was so helpful, approachable, and even took the time out to stay back and show us some fossils in the final cavern, because my autistic son’s special interest is dinosaurs. He was brilliant with both of my children and made the tour really quite special. Give this man a raise immediately HoA! 🥲🤣

Great couple of hours at least spent with great views . The Cave experience is informative and interesting. The cafe is very good with great selection at reasonable prices. parking is in the station carpark payable . Blue badge holders can pay for time and get an hour ontop free. It is a short walk to the cable car ticket office. Just be aware that the last 150yard to Ticket office is steep.

Plenty to see and do. The cable cart was good fun being dangled so high up. The tower was great for the veiws and cave tours were both informative and entertaining. The staff are all friendly and good fun. Lots of walking involved, but well worth it.

Heights of Abraham is a fantastic family destination—perfect for both toddlers and older kids, with plenty of land to explore, play areas, and exhibits to keep everyone entertained. We especially enjoyed the Wombles exhibition—it was fun and whimsical, and offered something a bit different. The views from the hilltop are absolutely lovely, trampling over the Derwent Valley and surrounding countryside, making the cable car ride all the more magical. The food was okay, but nothing to write home about—not quite matching the beauty of the surroundings. I was also disappointed that they didn’t have a chai latte on the drinks menu, and vegan soft serve ice cream wasn’t available—both would have been great choices to round off a lovely day. Admission is on the steep side: adult tickets cost about £25 online or £28.50 at the gate  . It felt quite expensive, especially for a shorter visit, but with a longer stay it might be more justifiable. Overall, it’s a beautiful and memorable place with a lot to offer families. With improvements to the food and drink options, it would be near-perfect!

Wonderful day out, perfect for dogs also, they are allowed everywhere but caverns and the Vista restaurant. Food a little pricey but picnic tables are everywhere for a packed lunch. The cable car stops half way up for stunning view pictures.

Had a great little visit here. Really enjoyed the cave lighting show, the cable car, live band playing, beautiful views. Food wasn’t cheap but wasn’t too over priced. Staff were all friendly and pleasant to talk to which always makes a difference. Would definitely return.

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.

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

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.

Amazing 360 views from the top. There are stepping stones up on one side. Its a steep but rewarding walk. Parking is in a car park off of the small country road, HOWEVER the machine is currently broken so you'll have to pay by the app "justpark". The location code is 80622, and its £6 for a minimum of 4 hours. I would suggest doing this beforehand as phone signal isn't always the best in this area. Car park postcode is S33 8WA. Its free for national trust members but the machine still won't accept a national trust card scan. People also park along the surrounding lanes and walk a further distance to the top. ( the car park is the closest distance. ) Do park carefully and not on double yellow lines. Its worth a visit despite the parking kerfuffle, and you can walk along a ridge path from the top. Sometimes there is livestock near the top, so dogs welcome in leads. Its also very popular for a sunrise viewing. Sadly I only made the sunset.

Lovely 8mile circular walk from Castleton. Mam Tor itself was busy, but most of the walk was quiet. On the day we went the wind was howling - when my wife's hat blew off I went to retrieve it and found lots of hats and gloves :)

Lovely short but steep walk to Mam Tor from the National Trust car park (Just Park app needed if not a Trust member). Stone path to the top, well worth the climb for the 360 views, bad knees or no bad knees! Would still recommend proper walking shoes. Really lovely, thank you Peak District. On a sad note we could not believe we saw dog poo on the path and some litter - take it home!

A very decent hike with a wonderful view. The sunset and sunrise must be breathtaking. Also, maybe when the weather is a bit misty and with mikd rain, I beleive the view would be surreal as clouds pass by the mountains....

Steps up from the national trust carpark the quickest way to get here, about a 20 minute walk or so many other walks to get here. The scenery was breathtaking, so beautiful it was 360 degree views stunning.

Lovely hike or walk ,seen you can park close to.top for a easier route,but well.worth the hike and getting oost a little

Great walk especially when you get the weather!!! Can be a bit windy at the top!! But great an adventure to take the kids out and get fresh air!! Great views!!!

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...

Lovely walk at the Roaches and Luds Church, definitely worth a visit. Mostly an okay hike with a few uphills. Lud's Church definitely worth the additional trek.

Incredible towering sandstone edge with a red hue, situated on a hillside looking west over the Staffordshire countryside and Tittesworth Reservoir. To the east lies wild moorland. At the northern end of the Roaches there are amazing formations weathered into very striking shapes like Bearstone Rock. A long, bracing walk leads along the top of the Roaches to Hen Cloud, where the rocky edge becomes much higher, towering above Don Whillans Memorial Hut. A small disused quarry sits amongst the bracken below the rock face. Along the walk you'll pass countless amazing shapes in the rock providing great photo opportunities. On a clear day, it's possible to see over Cheshire, the Shropshire hills and beyond to the Welsh mountains. With a good zoom lens it's possible to pick out landmarks including the Wrekin, Mow Cop, Jodrell Bank's Lovell Telescope, Fiddler's Ferry Power Station and Congleton Viaduct amongst many others. There's a small roadside layby with free parking a few minutes walk from Bearstone Rock, providing easy access to the northern end of the Roaches. Nearer the southern end and Hen Cloud, there's a reasonable amount of free roadside parking. While visiting, it's worth talking the walk north to Lud's Church, a deep, narrow chasm with moss covered walls. This geological feature formed by a landslip provides a real contrast to the open views from the Roaches. On the sunny summer day I visited the conditions were perfect, but the path is relatively uneven and on a cold wet day the exposed location would make for heavy going, so dress sensibly.

We had been staying near Bakewell for couple of days and was travelling to visit a friend who lives near Stoke. We saw that the Roaches were en route and decided to stop off for a walk. So glad we did, the place is stunning. We took the path up opposite Roach End Farm The views start immediately. There was heather everywhere and the out crop of craggy rocks provided a great atmosphere. .

The Roaches is a prominent rocky ridge above Leek in the Staffordshire Peak District of England. The ridge, with its striking rock formations, rises steeply to 505 m (1,657 ft). It offers beautiful walkways and is an excellent spot for picnics. The rocks, formed during the Carboniferous period, reveal through their carvings and shapes how rain and water erosion have acted over time. The A53 road branches into narrow lanes that lead to the site, which is dog-friendly and has picnic areas, an ice cream van, and access for emergency vehicles. Visitors are rewarded with remarkable views and unforgettable memories.

Loved this walk, we walked up from the A53 and did this followed by Bearstone, Lud Church, and then back via Bearstone, Roaches and Hen Cloud. A total of 19km and every part of it was special. But there is something really lovely about the roaches, it's a relatively easy hike if you are used to hiking. I would recommend some good walking shoes, water and warm clothing and be prepared for some spectacular views.

Brilliant hike from Granbach to Luds Church and then on up to The Roaches . If your lucky they'll be an ice cream van just before the final climb as you come to a road. He sells hot dogs and hot drinks , pot noodles and of course ice cream as well as a few other treats & snacks. Amazing rock formations and great for scrambling up and over and around with spectacular views over the countryside . I'm quite sure on a clear day you can see Mam Tor !

Beautiful, easy underfoot if you stick to the path, but you can challenge yourself if you want to climb it scramble

A maintenance yard and museum for old steam engines with a small bar serving a small selection of real ales at great prices. Staff were friendly and polite. Something really different and worth a visit. Enjoyed my visit.

We were unfortunately pressed for time when visiting. But the volunteers onsite were great & our wee train enthusiast loved what he got to see (along with the good selection of reasonably priced model trains). Hopefully we will return for a full day later this year

Great little railway with a station pub, a gift shop and static display of locomotives showcasing the history of the railway and local area, also a good range of rolling stock. Really enjoyed the ride up the line with a mixage of diesel and steam trains running. Really would recommend visiting when there’s an event on such as May and the Wheels of War weekend, What a great day out!

Visited on 13th August 2025 for the first time since I was a child, so was nice to return. Was nice to see the owls on display, as well as the locomotives etc in the museum. Was a lovely train ride up to Dilhorne and back as well. Certainly brought back memories for me. Will definitely be back. Check out my Youtube series on my channel - @karlsmith25.

Great trip to foxfield railway. Really interesting and they have a lot of great trains to see in the museum. The train was very slow and only went about 1 mile which was a bit of a disappointment, but the line is the line I suppose.

Fantastic day out for all the family the volunteers are fantastic. Great food perfect day out.

Very enjoyable. Our daughter (8) loved the stream train ride. There are plenty of volunteers to answer questions. The rail journey lasts about 40 mins, and you can get out half way and watch as the engine changes end.