What started as a quick detour on our way back to London turned into the most relaxed shopping experience we've had in ages! Arriving two hours before closing on Friday was absolutely brilliant timing - no crowds, no stress, just peaceful browsing through a genuinely charming outlet. The £2.50 parking felt totally reasonable, and honestly, it was refreshing not getting gouged like at some places. The covered design is genius! While most UK outlets leave you battling whatever weather throws at you, this place keeps you cozy year-round. Perfect for our unpredictable seasons. We snagged some great sporting goods and fashion bargains - yes, "discount" designer prices are still pricey, but definitely better than full retail madness. The food court and coffee shops were perfect for a quick break, and everything felt clean and well-managed. Two hours flew by exploring this compact but well-curated space. It's refreshingly manageable - you can actually see everything without feeling overwhelmed. Our spontaneous stop turned into a thoroughly pleasant shopping adventure that left us both happy and satisfied!

Visited the Swindon Designer Outlet mainly for clothes and shoe shopping and was really pleased with the variety and the deals available. Lots of well-known brands and genuine discounts, so it’s easy to find something good without paying full price. The whole outlet has a nice, relaxed atmosphere, clean, bright, and well organised. It’s great that most of it is covered too, so the weather doesn’t spoil your day. There are several cafés and restaurants, and I appreciated that a few have halal options, which made eating there much easier and more enjoyable. They also got solat / prayer / multi-faith room near to Clarks, Slim Chickens, French Connection. It’s also very family-friendly, with play areas for children and plenty of space to walk around with buggies. You can easily make it a half-day trip with the family; shopping, eating, and letting the kids have some fun. Parking can get quite busy, especially on weekends, but overall it was a really good experience. I’d definitely recommend it for a relaxed shopping day with family or friends.

All I can say is this is the best Designer Outlet I have been too! Although M&S Outlet didn’t have any air con it was too hot in there. Besides that they have a very good brands at the Outlet. Worth a visit if you’re driving along the M4.

This place is a hidden shopping gem in Swindon. There are a host of Mid level brands available to shop at. There are also a lot of food outlet like Five Guys, Starbucks, Mexican etc. The toilets are clean and makes me feel ive got a bit of Dubai in Swindon.lol. It was a good place for me to kill time before my train. There is also a dedicated play area for children.

I really do like this mall. Although its not massive, it has a good variety of stores for shopping, and particularly boasts a great selections of places to eat and drink. I frequent this place regularly and can say that its always been impeccably clean and seemingly well-run. Kudos to the staff and management.

It's ok. Best part is that the management company were able to use a world class old building to develop as an outlet, complete with stream locomotive and historic plaques

Nice set of shops, not the largest outlets around though. Parking is plentiful and free for blue badge holders. Nice system of scanning the blue badge when returning to the car to get the free parking.

The Platform One Cafe has been taken over by new owners and it is absolutely super, serving the most wonderful paninis I've ever tasted! They were reasonably priced, very generously filled and huge! The chips (not needed as paninis were so big) were very good, very well fried so they were crunchy and soft inside. You don't need to visit the actual museum to enter the café, which is a great bonus! Keep up the great food!

Great food well cooked and not a bad price at all. Coffee really good too

Ha drinks before visiting the museum and then food in-between all the exhibits to allow a bit of rest for the old brain - the cafe is small and not on the ground floor and the toilets are down stairs There is a menu and the jacket potatoes were nice

Good value food and portion size, really friendly staff

The food and service here is excellent. Above and beyond usual cafe standards. Jacket potato and fillings a highlight and coffee is really good

I visited the museum yesterday which was great. The food choices for lunch were poor and no hot food menus were on displayed so I just had a sandwich and a soft drink. I paid by card and was not offered a receipt. My bank statement shows a payment to Zettle yesterday with a location given as York ( not Swindon!). This cafe could be so much better with a little bit more attention.

I had the crispy chicken wrap , salad and fries, it was delicious!

We went to see the Swindon Youth Project production of Annie. Such a brilliant show!! However, the theatre was far too hot, no air conditioning and the doors were kept closed. It’s a great theatre and there isn’t a bad seat, it just needs some investment (or a completely new one if the council ever pull their finger out!!). The staff are friendly and the food and drink is extortionate!!

Small personal theatre, seats comfortable. Reasonable prices in bar. Plenty of parking, either a small car park out & multi storey just a few minutes away. Only issue was that it was so hot..take a small hand held fan.

The show was amazing (Annie) the theatre was far too hot. Everyone in the audience was struggling with the heat. Make sure you bring a fan. The staff were lovely.

A lovely compact and bijou theatre which has a wide & diverse range of entertainment. We saw The James Bond Concert Spectacular which was wonderful & actually narrated by an original Moneypenny, Caroline Bliss. The staff were lovely and very helpfully, which added to our wonderful evening.

Great venue, always clean and staff are friendly and helpful. Seats are fairly comfortable and most have adequate legroom. Good range of shows and plays throughout the year.

Went to see Tap Factory at Wyvern recently. Car Parking is not easy as very limited spaces close to the Theatre. Nice cafe/bar area selling good drink options. Food options pretty limited. We had a great view of the stage from our seats in the Stalls. Sound quality was very good. Staff were helpful and friendly.

Well a fantastic show, however the ventilation is appalling. Even the band performing complained how hot it was inside. Half time looking going outside on to the balcony, looked towards the court building, visitors are greeted with overflowing bins and homeless people's tents. Not very indearing for the reputation of Swindon. Considering it's closeness to the Civic offices and the amount of community tax we pay, can we not keep areas seen by visitors to our town clean and less seedy looking?

This ancient site, managed by the National Trust, is truly one-of-a-kind. Blue badge holders and members can park conveniently at the top, while others can use the nearby lot. Be prepared for wind or a chill, especially at sunset. It's perfect for picnics, kite flying, or hiking to admire the views over Wiltshire, stretching almost into the Cotswolds. Just remember to leave no trace behind!

Amazing history and much bigger and better than expected. Lovely walk through the fields and such a majestic view of the countryside. The horse was far more stylistic than I expected.

A wonderful place with stunning views. My kids loved walking and exploring the hills. Perfect for families and nature lovers.

For the history and sense in of humanity seeking to communicate, this is a must. Good free parking for NT members nearby. However we also found that up close you don’t get the full sense of the effigy.

A pleasant and well maintained path takes you on a route from the car park to the White Horse Hill and smaller Dragon Hill. Options for longer circular walks are possible on dry days but likely to be muddy after heavy rain. Very difficult to see the white horse itself from the hill though!

In the lush, grassy chalk hills of Oxfordshire lies one of the most famous geoglyphs in the United Kingdom. No, it's not a depiction of the dragon that Saint George is said to have slayed on nearby Dargon's Hill, but likely a local Iron Age deity. Although the geoglyph dates back to 1000 BC, a time when people were still far from flight, it's best seen from the air. Because tradition dictates that the local lord must organize (and finance) a renovation every seven years, the Uffington White Horse remains in good condition. Although this elegantly designed geoglyph is difficult to see from the ground, it's definitely worth a visit!

A great place to visit. It's not a steep walk and the views are spectacular on a good day across several counties. There is a disabled car park near the summit, contact National Trust for advice for your requirements. There is a picnic area as well by the main public car park which is chargeable, free for members. Your dogs will enjoy it as well, on a lead in areas as sheep are present. Have a good day.

I was completely amazed by the sheer number and variety of items in this museum's collection. From ancient pottery to classical paintings, there was so much to discover. The way the museum is divided into different geographical and chronological sections is brilliant—it felt like taking a trip around the world and through the ages. It's an absolute must-see for both tourists and locals. Don't miss it!

I wanted to see the Tradescant collection, from the English settlement period of Virginia, Powhatans mantle specifically. It was an easy day trip from London Paddington station. Ut turned out to be my favorite museum! So many world treasures! Beautiful exhibit designs, lovely lighting. The rich colors compliment the objects and time periods. Labels easy to read. Nice, quick-lunch cafe, big enough to rest a few minutes before going on. More manageable size compared to The British Museum.

The museum is wonderful. I visited in very limited time. I recommend that you take enough time to get better information because there are many galleries in the museum,from Ancient History to modern art. I recommend that you take enough time to get better information because there are many galleries in the museum. My favourite galleries were Ancient Greek, Roman galleries and painting galleries. The Pissarro gallery, which includes the works of C.Pissarro, V.Gogh and E.Manet, is definitely worth seeing. I hope to travel again. Because it was a very good experience.

Nice museum, well spaced, they have free entrance but encourga donations. I donated buy gettin the map which is 2£. It was walkable and had well structured displays. Also had some interactive ones. Worth a visit if you are in Oxford.

The museum’s huge , we had the luxury of time so did each floor on separate days. It’s well planned so you can walk around in a seamless tour. Lots of detail explaining exhibits. Nice cafe in the basement and I could have spent a fortune on the shop!

We visited this museum to specifically see the exhibition THIS IS WHAT YOU GET STANLEY DONWOOD | RADIOHEAD | THOM YORKE Running until 18 Jan 2026 I’d definitely recommend seeing this exhibition before it finishes. What a find! Free entry to the rest of the museum. So much to see we didn’t get to see it all. Some fascinating pieces.

It is a lovely day to visit Oxford on 20 nov 2025. First stop to visit is Ashmolean Museum. There are many exhibitions round the round. Egypt, Greece, middle East, India , Asia. Comprises of many floors. Lift is available for special needs people to visit. Very well illustration of every display. Require many hours to go through slowly. It is free entry. Donation is appreciated. Thanks

Visited Christ Church mainly for the Harry Potter sights and it did not disappoint! We saw several iconic spots from the films, like the staircase from the first movie and the Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts’ dining room. It was a bit crowded and the entrance fee is on the pricier side, but it was still absolutely worth it. The guide shared some fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories that added a nice extra touch to the visit. A must-see for any Potter fan (or history buff, honestly)!

Christ Church is breathtaking and full of history. As a Harry Potter fan I loved the references even though the main hall scenes were filmed in the studio. Still I cannot believe they built such a detailed set without shooting at least a few moments in the real hall. The stairs alone are iconic. One suggestion would be to offer a self guided tour option as the place is so rich in details that wandering freely would be an amazing experience

Visited Chris Church and was truly captivated by the experience. Firstly, the exterior of the church is magnificent and grand, while the interior showcases exceptional craftsmanship. As part of Oxford University, it is imbued with historical significance and cultural heritage. The well-maintained gardens are tidy and aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall charm. Additionally, as one of the filming locations for Harry Potter, the church carries an extra layer of mystery and enchantment. Highly recommended for a visit!

The Christ Church tour was absolutely stunning and far beyond what I expected. I originally went just to see the famous Hogwarts staircase, but the whole place is breathtaking and much larger than I imagined. We explored at our own pace and ended up staying longer than planned. The audio guide seems more suited for those interested in studying at the college, as it includes detailed academic and historical information that casual visitors might skip. For tourists like me, wandering around freely was perfect. Just remember it is still an operating school, so a few areas are restricted and visitors should keep noise to a minimum. Definitely worth the visit for every Harry Potter fan.

If you only had time to see one thing here in Oxford, this is easily the one place you MUST GO. Disclaimer: I love visiting schools in other countries, especially places that hold a significant historical value, so I was mentally salivating here. This is in the city centre and the entrance very easy to find. You can buy tickets online but you’d still have to go in to the entrance to redeem them because an audio guide tour is included. We spontaneously went on a sunny Sunday afternoon so it was quite crowded but we still got in! The cathedral was closed that day so the tickets were £6 pounds cheaper pp that day. The audio guide tour was available in many languages including BSL. It was quite comprehensive and had stories and videos you can watch for each area of the college, including historical explanations and personal student experiences. It’s a real college so they want you to be conscientious as to not disturb the students and faculty when you are there. There are some popular cultural references which this college holds, such as Harry Potter filming and the author of Alice in Wonderland. You’re able to take pictures anywhere here as well. There are very little restrictions there. I would say you’d easily spend 2-3 hours here from entrance to exit if you were to thoroughly go through the whole audio guide and take all the photos you want. Definitely worth the visit!

Christ Church is a truly magnificent college with an inspiring academic vibe that makes you feel part of Oxford’s long intellectual tradition. The architecture is breathtaking, and every courtyard and cloister seems to tell a story. The Great Hall is simply spectacular.

Marvelous place. Couldn’t go inside as tickets were sold out, but the church’s grand architecture and serene grounds were stunning. A must-visit in Oxford for any classic architectural enthusiast or a Harry Potter fan - just book ahead to avoid missing the beautiful interiors.

Stepping into this museum feels like walking into a cathedral of knowledge. The grand Victorian architecture itself is breathtaking soaring glass ceilings, beautiful ironwork, and light flooding the halls. But what truly makes it magical is the collection inside. From towering dinosaur skeletons and giant prehistoric creatures to dazzling minerals, fossils, and rare specimens, every corner sparks curiosity. It’s a place where both kids and adults can feel the excitement of discovery. I loved how interactive and engaging the displays are you don’t just look, you learn. It’s not just a museum, it’s an adventure through time, nature, and science. 🦕🌍✨ Whether you’re a science lover, a history buff, or simply curious, this museum is an absolute gem in Oxford. And like the best treasures it’s free to explore!

I have not geeked this hard ik the UK. I love this museum. It's smaller than the one in London, but it makes up for with extreme nerd gold! This was my first ever T-Rex skeleton viewing. And I got up close with a Triceratops skull. This is dino, zoology and biology nerd-dom at it's peak. If you love this stuff, I'd say this is your second stop after finishing the Natural History Museum in London.

Amazing museum with many animals and information. Can touch the artifacts and stuffed animals too. Cafe inside with hot and cold drinks. Definitely recommend a visit to this place if your close by. Nice staff inside too. Recommend to get the bus here with an all day travel card. Would at least give yourself 2 hours for here.

10/10 museum, free entrance, great display and not too big. The coffee shop upstairs even has great prices with views over the whole exhibition. I truly recommend to go when visiting Oxford. The staff is very kind and the temperature inside is perfect.

First visit today with my 3 year old grandson. Certainly lots to see and not a fussy ‘no touching’ museum. Busy-ish with school groups and a conference group. We enjoyed exploring. Nice cafe which offered a kids lunch box. Toilets are in the basement which is a faff with a young child. Nice gift shop with unique gifts. Will visit again!

FREE entry, another amazing museum in Oxford, opened in 1860, was established to consolidate the university's scattered scientific collections and facilities into a single, purpose-built space. Its Gothic Revival building, designed by Deane and Woodward (which is amazing). The museum is known for its architecture, research contributions, and the famous "Great Debate" on evolution held there in 1860. The only problem is that you could spend the whole day here. We will definitely be back again.

Free admission to a museum over two floors. Cafe on the 1st floor. Lift available. Gift shop available. Toilets in basement floor. Not the largest natural history museum but plenty to see for 1-2 hours. Few dinosaurs specimens. Live insects in a glass cabinets on the 1st floor. Interesting to see cockroaches upclose.

We were able to purchase tickets on the day for the 30 minute tour of the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey's library. The tour was very informative! It did involve walking up a long set of stairs, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. To ensure we weren't disturbing those using the library, we listened to our tour guide speak through individual head sets.

Lovely trip to the local library, nice gift shop and Stonework. Can get very busy on end weekend and tours avaliable too. Best to conmute via bus or taxi, roads are pretty good to drive on too but lack of parking. Recommended a visit and take a camera

We did the 30 minute tour of the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and gave an excellent tour to our group. We learned a lot in our 30 minutes. The staff were well organized, with badges and ear sets for the tour so that the guide did not need to talk loudly - which makes sense for a library. Standing among such old books is such an amazing opportunity for a book lover like me. I wish we could have explored more for the library during the visit, but 30 minutes was a good length and enough time to get a view of what the Old library looks like and some of its history.

I could not find a book about Nicholas Flamel here, just kidding. The entire library is amazing and for a true Harry Potter fan it feels like stepping into the films. The building is breathtaking and full of history. They are strict about time slots so plan ahead. Special thanks to the kind ladies at the front desk who were very helpful and made the visit even better.

The Bodleian Library is one of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Oxford, a true treasure for lovers of books, history, and culture. The building itself radiates magnificent architecture and rich tradition, while the interior leaves a lasting impression with its atmosphere of knowledge and silence. The library houses a vast collection of books and manuscripts, including many rare and valuable items. Visiting is an inspiring experience, whether you come as a researcher, student, or tourist eager to feel the spirit of the university.

The Bodleian Old Library is, hands down, the most quintessential Oxford library experience. It’s absolutely stunning—historical and atmospheric. Alongside the Radcliffe Camera, it’s one of the most beautiful places to study in Oxford. That said, depending on the reading room it's also not the most comfortable or practical space. ⸻ Duke Humfrey’s Library - 4/5 This is easily the prettiest part of the entire Bodleian Old Library. However, it’s important to know that the rules here are quite strict: • You can’t bring in bags, coats, or even bottled water. • You’ll need to store everything in the lockers on the bottom floor of the library before entering. For anyone wondering (since this isn’t listed anywhere online): you do get your £1 coin back after using the locker. It’s refundable, and you can reuse it as many times as you want throughout the day, which is a relief. The space itself isn’t the most ergonomic or comfortable—little to no adjustable chairs or desks—but the atmosphere makes up for it. It’s an incredible place to spend a few hours working or reading. ⸻ Lower Reading Room - 2/5 The lower reading room is a decent working space. It’s quieter and a bit more private than the upper floor, though not as pretty. A few ergonomic chairs are scattered around, and they’re usually available. One downside: the desks are low, and it’s hard to cross your legs under them because of the built-in structure. It’s not ideal. Both the upper and lower reading rooms are laid out in a U-shape (horseshoe), with lots of seating on both ends, so it’s worth walking around to find a good spot. ⸻ Upper Reading Room - 5/5 This is arguably the most beautiful working space in the Old Library. It’s large, full of natural light, and has stunning high-up views from its big windows. The atmosphere feels much more spacious than the Lower Reading Room. It’s also surprisingly warm and comfortable, even on cold rainy days. There are a few ergonomic chairs available here too, and they’re not in high demand. Overall, it’s one of the nicest places to work for long periods. ⸻ Gladstone Link - 1/5 The Gladstone Link is, in my opinion, the worst part of the Library. It connects the Old Library with the Radcliffe Camera, and while it’s useful for quick reference or accessing the stacks, it’s simply not a pleasant place to work. The lower level feels like a bunker—windowless, cold, and dim. The upper level is slightly better, but the see-through floor makes it disorienting and uncomfortable being able to see the stacks and people below you. The whole Gladstone Link fine for quick research or grabbing books, but not for actual sitting and studying. ⸻ Final Thoughts If you want to feel Oxford, the Bodleian Old Library—especially Duke Humfrey’s and the Upper Reading Room—is unbeatable. The atmosphere is incredible and deeply inspiring. But it’s also a reminder that this is a historic library, not a modern study lounge: beautiful, yes, but not always built for comfort.

A quiet walk through history and books I had always heard that Oxford was beautiful — but being there in person is different. Every street, every archway, every courtyard felt like it had a story to tell. There’s something special about how the old stone buildings and narrow lanes create a calm and focused atmosphere. Walking through Radcliffe Square, the famous circular library stood out like a symbol of how Oxford blends tradition with learning. I spent time inside the Bodleian Library area, including the Divinity School, where the ceiling details were just stunning — like something out of a movie. Even with tourists around, there was a peaceful feeling. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy it — just walking around slowly, looking up, and noticing the textures, the symmetry, the age of everything… it gives you time to think. I also enjoyed sitting at a nearby café for a quiet coffee. Oxford is not just for sightseeing — it’s a place to slow down and reflect. If you like walking, books, and beautiful buildings, this city will speak to you in its own quiet way.

Universally regarded as one of the great universities in the world, Oxford oozes history with every step and around every corner. As a student of British history, this was a dream come true to visit. I honestly could’ve stayed a week and wish this old guy could’ve put on a cap and gown and pretended to be a matriculant. Spread all throughout the city, the university tends to dominate the center of town and rightfully so. What an amazing place to see.

Visiting Oxford felt like stepping straight into a storybook! The city is full of stunning architecture and rich history, but what I loved most was how it connects to Harry Potter. Walking through the historic colleges and seeing the Bodleian Library, I could immediately recognize some of the film locations — it was magical!

The University of Oxford is truly one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. Every corner feels like stepping into another century grand architecture, golden stone buildings, and a quiet sense of history that’s hard to put into words. From the stunning Radcliffe Camera with its perfect symmetry and iconic dome to the intricate details of the surrounding colleges, the whole area radiates knowledge and tradition. It’s not just beautiful it’s inspiring. n absolute must-see a masterpiece of architecture and intellect combined.

Excellent University of Oxford for an annual law conference to update my legal knowledge and a really clean and tidy study bedroom with excellent views from your window and access to the City centre only a short walk away. Really pleased to have networked at an annual law conference and made all new contacts and interested buyers of my new first book Parachuting in the name of Charity released soon with Olympia Publishers in London available on Amazon when available.

Visiting Oxford University feels like stepping into a world rich with history and academic prestige. The stunning architecture and peaceful courtyards create an inspiring atmosphere. Exploring its colleges and libraries is both humbling and fascinating, leaving a lasting impression.

Victorian looking buildings and all looking very grand and majestic. How nice it must be to be able to study here.

Walking around the University of Oxford campus gives you that iconic “Oxford” feel — historic architecture, cobbled lanes, spires reaching up. Many of the colleges are open to visitors. The surrounding city is often referred to as the City of Dreaming Spires.

Used our voucher from the paper so free entry! Helpful map so had a good walk around all the gardens. Walked down and along The Thames- beautiful. Several places for a coffee, cake or lunch. Watch out for Red Kites- they target picnic areas! Second hand book shop too! Lovely day.

A fantastic day out at Cliveden! We had a wonderful family day out at National Trust's Cliveden. It was a perfect escape from London. We loved strolling through the grounds, which provided much-needed shade on a hot day. The views were stunning, and the kids were delighted with their ice creams. A quick tip for visitors: Be sure to look for the insider car park to avoid a long walk to the main house. We also wished we had known about the boat rides in advance, so be sure to check that out if you visit! Highly recommend for a family day trip. The estate is stunning, we especially appreciated the beautiful, shady walking paths that made our strolls incredibly relaxing. We found a great spot for our packed lunch, which was a nice way to save a bit of money and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The views across the grounds were truly magnificent. The kids absolutely loved their ice creams, and I enjoyed a well-deserved coffee break.

What a wonderful state in England! One of the most beautiful places I've been to of its kind. It's not far away from London, but it's easily connected to motorways. During the spring and summer, it is a great park to walk through gardens and forest, so bring your sunblock, hat and comfortable shoes. I cannot imagine it during the winter but maybe that's also a wonderful experience. If you can, book your tickets in advance and arrive early in the morning, because it is a popular spot and the park lot is limited. You can bring your trolleys (if you need). It has many accessible ways. It's dog friendly, but it's your responsibility to keep the place clean. Bring as well your banquet with food and drinks to picnic, if you cannot, don't worry! You can buy them here. Please! Please! Please! 1. Take your rubbish with you. Shame on those who leave their mess. 2. Respect the queue line entering with your car. Yes, everybody wants to enjoy the day ASAP, but good manners are really appreciated living in a community.

Well-worth the annual national trust membership price if you are a local resident. Beautiful gardens to explore and spacious picnic areas for small to large groups. There is also a coffee shop near the car park and a bigger cafe/restaurant close to the main house. There’s a good size children’s play area and there are also frequent children oriented events during the year which the our young child loves. Don’t forget to walk down to the river and have a boat trip in the summer months!

Our local National Trust, we love it here! So many different areas to visit, the woodland, the water garden, long garden, the Thames river, the house, the list goes on! Reliable food options and decent parking if you get there earlier on or later in the day... Can get busy busy weekends or school hols.

Without doubt one of the best kept places I’ve visited in England. The area is vast and full of interesting walks, greenery, water garden, fountains, rose garden and lot more to explore. The public facilities are more than adequate and the staff are extremely helpful.

Beautiful estate visited in August. Lots of ground with both a woodland area and the main house. Plenty of space for everyone. Beautiful views from top and activities to do on the river (boating). Lovely for a day out.

We had a lovely time at the farm with our baby last Thursday. We really enjoyed feeding the animals, and the outdoor play areas were fantastic! The baby soft play could definitely use more balls in the ball pit, and the café closed quite early, with no food options available later on. Still, it’s a great spot for little ones and we’d happily go back!

We spent the day at Odds Farm for Halloween half term and it was a blast. From pumpkin picking (every paying child gets a FREE pumpkin!) to watching Wicked the Musical performances — three times might I add, because it was definitely my son’s highlight of the day! We also loved the brilliant bubble show, tractor & trailer ride, Marmalade’s Mini Rovers, and of course feeding all the adorable animals. If you’re looking for some Halloween fun this half term, I highly recommend Odds Farm - there’s so much to do and it’s perfect for little ones! We’ll definitely be back soon! (@landoandlyra) x

We are from Sweden visiting and really enjoyed this place with the kids. It had a lots to do and see. And a kids playground inside to where you can eat food for a ok price. It tasted okay to. The nois level was a big high but it is kids,;). The coolest was that we went to get the pumpkin in a wheel barrel and then cut it out as you wanted to and get it home.

Wonderful place run by genuine, passionate people. Kids always have tons of fun. Playground and soft plays are huge and in great condition, animal shows are entertaining and informative.

We was excited to visit after reading all the great reviews. Unfortunately I dont believe we got value for money. It cost nearly £80 for 4 of us, We purchased some animal food but as all enclosures are double fenced my son struggled to feed the animals and we ended up throwing it for him. There isn't many animals onsite to see, we was told there was over 250 animals onsite! The cafe was busy and very messy, lots of rubbish on tables/floor and table tops dirty. Toilets were also dirty. There is a free tractor ride but we only rode around the highland cow, about 5 times in circles! My son enjoyed the indoor slides but the carpet stairs were dirty too. We Unfortunately decided to leave at that point.

The adults only night was so cute!! Free face paint, see the animals, silent disco and fire pits 🎃😽 so good for £20!! - and no screaming kids!!

It was amazing experience for family, but the customer service at the coffee shop inside in front of the softplay need to improve. Slow, incompetent and arrogant, they got the order wrong and several times despite there being few people they made us wait 20 minutes. They majority of them were young guys without experience and they don't care about the outcome, they work there sure just temporary to pay some university bill .

I’ve been coming to this park since I was little, and it used to be one of my favourite places – peaceful, full of open space, and a perfect spot for family walks, playing, or just relaxing. It had that quiet charm and a real sense of community. Lately though, it’s definitely changed. Some of the natural feel is gone – more concrete, fewer trees, and it can get a bit crowded or noisy depending on when you go. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good place to walk and bring the dog, but it just doesn’t have that same calm vibe it used to.

Nice park to spend few hours with children. We have been here over the Halloween period, so had the chance to get and carve the pumpkin on the spot, the farm was very well decorated for the occasion. Nice bouncy castle and play area, the only thing I believe was a bit unpleasant is to pay over 5£ the parking which is normally included in this kind of farms. Rather then that nice day!

Parking is extortionate if there for less than a few hours. 5.50 regardless of how long or short your stay is. Reservoir is nice to walk/run around. Went for a park run so can't comment on the farm.

Lovely area with great activities all around. However, we stayed in the camping which had absolutely no value for money. It’s suppose to be family friendly but there’s loud music and parties most evenings, also the facilities are way below expected quality and always dirty. Also, the grounds are filled with stinging weeds that can easily be plucked with a little bit of effort. Camping site is not recommend.

The location is lovely, nestled within country views. The animals are of basic, usual farm animals that you would find walking a bridle way, lake or any other farm. The website is very misleading in what is included within your entry ticket. For £45 which was 3 adults and 2 children aged 2 & 11 I think the value for money is poor. Our entry ticket only included the farm and 'play barn soft play'. The 'soft play' was a bouncy castle in a small building with a few pay to ride sit ons... Not exactly what I would call soft play. There are A LOT of optional extras ( trampolines mini games ) that you have to pay for, although the website suggests that these are all inclusive within ticket price. The website also states that it is free parking, then when coming to check out in very fine print states pay on exit, which you have to accept to proceed with payment. It was £5.50 parking to pay on exit We took a picnic. The picnic area was pleasant and bebches were spaced out enough to enjoy the company of my family and not feel like we are struggling to have a conversation. Overall I don't really have a positive review for this place and would not recommend. I suggest spending a little more and going to London zoo or other attractions nearby.

Spookfest, Absolutely rubbish. Very busy, we paid for animal food that none of the animals were interested in at all as they were full. Nothing is included in the farm entry price, pumpkin picking, tractor ride, animal petting, animal food, even the play park is a paid extra! The kids were bored after an hour. Then you have to pay to get out the car park. Save your money, or pay a little bit more and go to Willows farm.

Absolute money making scam, DO NOT waste your time! Went to their spookfest with my 10 month old and two nephews who are 5 and 3. There was nowhere to sit down to feed my son. When I asked a staff member she was incredibly sullen and useless and said “there isn’t anywhere”. For the whole farm there are TWO ladies toilets and the baby changing facilities was a stand in the open entrance (so freezing cold) where everyone walks past to get to the disgusting, tiny toilets! Everything costs you extra money including the car park where they charge £5.50 per car! It is such a scam, was packed and wholly unenjoyable! At the end I tried to give feedback about this and share my experience so asked to speak to a manager. She came over with a younger staff member so there were two of them and one of me and proceeded to quite rudely point out to me that they “actively discourage eating on the farm which is why there are no seats”! She and the younger staff member were incredibly intimidating and rude to me. Do not be fooled that it is a family day out - only if your days out include not eating or sitting down or using the toilet!

I live in London, and visiting this city and this cathedral was one of the most beautiful experiences I had over the weekend. It was truly enjoyable. St Albans Cathedral is absolutely stunning — it feels like every wall and door has a story to tell, as if they’ve witnessed countless events over the centuries. The atmosphere is peaceful yet powerful, and walking through the cathedral felt like stepping into history. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves architecture, history, or simply beautiful places.

A magnificent architectural with loads of history and story. We visited in a weekday thus not crowded at all. You will be embraced by a deep sense of peace and afford to slow down to appreciate the view around you. Worth a visit together with the town.

The sheer scale of St Albans Cathedral, a structure of profound history and weight, provided the perfect canvas for the Poppy Fields light installation by Luxmuralis last night. It was more than an event; it was a deeply moving, sensory experience designed for quiet contemplation and remembrance. The massive, soaring architecture of the Nave, usually bathed in the soft glow of natural light or high electric lamps, was utterly transformed by darkness and vibrant digital projection.

This an absolutely stunning building dating originally from the Norman period but with additions over the centuries. The place was a pilgrimage site long before the Norman's arrived and the tomb of St Alban is still a pilgrimage site today. The cathedral possesses the longest nave of any cathedral in Britain and there are a number of medieval frescoes still visible; fascinating even if somewhat faded.

Being there you imagine that the place is nearly 1000!!!!! Years old. Some buildings were built from the Romans bricks. It is the oldest and one of the most significant church in England. This church saw everything. Besides that, town is beautiful, going there you should have enough time. It is hard to find the parking lot.

Absolutely enjoyed my visit. A stunning place that showcases its long history through a mix of architectural styles. I just loved every single detail, from the floor and columns to the ceiling.

Enjoyed our visit there. They have a free guided tour of the cathedral which runs for about an hour; I strongly recommend it. The entry is free too!

You can book a time slot ticket for free online before hand. This ensures you dont have to queue if it gets too busy. Truly a must visit Museum in London. There are so many different exhibitions that you can easily spend 3 hours here. Of course the main attraction is the Blue whale skeleton, called hope. It weighs 4.5tonnes and measures 25.2m long. This is a real blue whale skeleton and not a model! Can you imagine! There is a dinosaur exhibition and for your info, most of the bones on display are actual dinosaur bones! If you see its dated, then its real dinosaur bones. Other than that there are other paid exhibitions available throughout the museum.

The museum is well-maintained and full of interesting collections. Natural History Museum in London and was truly impressed. The building itself is stunning with its grand architecture and detailed interior. The dinosaur and gemstone exhibits were fascinating and well-organized. I especially enjoyed the interactive sections that make learning fun for both kids and adults. Spending few hours here may not enough. I recommend booking paid tickets for elderly visitors.

Always love going to museums where ever I go to take in the local perspective. It is free entry with donation recommended, which is easy once you see what this place has to offer. This would have been one of the larger sites I have visited in my travels. It has a large variety of collections spanning several floors. I really enjoyed most of the galleries I saw, with their interactive displays that complement the static representations. We literally spent all afternoon their until close and still didn't get a chance to see the whole building. Missing out on the Darwin, and some of the green sector. From what we did see the rest of the place would be just as amazing. Since it's free entry it can definitely be a 2 day walk about. The place is large and requires a bit of sauntering. There are lots of benches and presentations that you can sit while you watch. Which is nice for those who have mobility challenges. Overall, a great visit but if you really like to hit every inch, it's a whole day visit so keep that in mind.

Well kept clean and spacious. Wheel chair acess though out and entering with no steps . Its extremely hot inside even in November. Could do with air conditioning. Lots of history with lots of animals. Great for kids all ages and adults. Toilets and disabled toilets on site with a cafe which is rather expensive so I would recommend brining yours own lunch in if you are a family. 2 coffees and a cookie was approximately £15 . Over all a great experience and very educational. If you home educate your children its worth a day trip in to London to visit the museum. Hot peanuts with honey out side are delicious 😋 pre book tickets for free on line to avoid quing. Pre booked Tickets walk straight in and que jump !

The Natural History Museum in London is a must-visit for science and nature enthusiasts. With free entry, it showcases fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs,evolution, and the natural world. You can avoid the queues by booking the ticket online or there will be free tickets at the gate as well. The museum is usually open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM, with extended hours on certain days. Special exhibitions require tickets, which can be booked online in advance. Audio guides and tours are available for a more in-depth experience.

Today, I took a group of elderly visitors with dementia to the London History Museum. Our group varied in mobility — some were able to walk independently, one used a walker, and two were in wheelchairs. We had a brilliant time exploring the different rooms, and the earthquake experience was truly amazing and impactful for everyone. The museum was quite busy with several school groups, which did raise some concerns. One of my members was bumped into twice by a school group, causing them to become unsteady on their feet. While the school group was apologetic, the situation was a little disappointing. The only drawbacks were that the toilets are quite spread out across the museum, and the lifts were sometimes difficult to use due to limited capacity and unclear floor labels. Despite this, we managed to navigate successfully. It was nice to see seating areas scattered around the rooms, providing opportunities for rest. Booking disability parking was straightforward and very helpful, with friendly staff assisting us both on arrival and when we left. Overall, it was a positive experience, and I’d love to return with my family next time for a more flexible visit

For a free entry this museum was absolutely incredible. A very wide variety of exhibits from a multitude of scientific fields. Definitely take your time and explore the entire building. Enjoyed looking at all the different animal exhibits. The dinosaur section of the museum was very fascinating to go through 🦖. I also enjoyed the geological sections. It really does seem that the museum is promoting education at no price! 👨‍🔬 A must visit if you're in the area.

I recently visited the V&A with a friend to see the Cartier Exhibition. It was great, even though it was a bit crowded, which meant no hanging about. However, there were opportunities to return to an exhibit if you wished. I visited on a lovely autumn afternoon and the colourful trees outside added to my enjoyment. There's also a beautiful cafe for a wide selection of food and drinks. It's one of my favourite museums to visit as they put on great exhibitions on a wide variety of subjects. I recommend it highly as a wonderful place to visit anytime.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is truly an amazing place to visit. The collection is huge, beautifully curated, and full of history, art, fashion, and design from all around the world. Every room has something interesting to see, whether you’re into sculptures, jewellery, textiles, or modern installations. The building itself is stunning, and you can easily spend hours exploring without getting bored. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who loves culture and creativity. Highly recommended for a day out in London!

If you’re anywhere near South Kensington, the Victoria & Albert Museum is one of those places you absolutely must pop into. As someone who’s lived in England for years, I can honestly say the V&A never gets old. What surprised me the most on my recent visit was just how incredible the ceramics collection is. If you’re even slightly into pottery, porcelain, glazes, or anything to do with craft and kiln work, you’ll be blown away. There are shelves and walls filled—and I mean filled—with pieces from all over the world, from tiny delicate bowls to massive vases taller than a child. You could easily spend half a day in the ceramics section alone. And it’s not just ceramics. The museum has an impressive range of sculptures as well—scrubbs, marble carvings, classical statues, and pieces that make you wonder how on earth someone carved something so smooth out of stone. You walk through a hall and suddenly you’re surrounded by history in 360 degrees. The jewellery gallery is another highlight. It’s not just “oh that’s pretty”—it’s genuinely fascinating. Crowns, brooches, rings, intricate metalwork… some pieces are hundreds of years old, shining under the lights like they were made yesterday. One thing I really love about the V&A is how hands-on it feels. They’ve got sections where you can take a closer look at materials, textures, and even a few areas where touching certain samples is allowed. And if you love photography or design, the V&A has a bit of everything—fashion, textiles, prints, historical photos. It’s like a treasure chest that never ends. Honestly, if you’re truly into art, craftsmanship, or history, one day is nowhere near enough. You think you’ll breeze through it, but the more you look, the more there is. It’s the kind of place where you follow one hallway, and suddenly you’ve discovered an entirely new world. So yes—highly recommended. If you’re visiting London, the V&A should be right near the top of your list. Free entry, world-class collections, and genuinely inspiring. Come for an hour and you’ll wish you stayed the whole day.

My visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. As I entered the galleries connected to Punjab and Sikh history, I felt a deep emotional connection. The artifacts linked to Maharaja Ranjit Singh—his weapons, jewelry, and artistic treasures—were beautifully preserved and displayed with great respect. Seeing them filled me with immense pride for my heritage. The staff at the museum were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Each section was well-explained and thoughtfully organised. For anyone interested in Punjab, Sikh history, or Indian heritage, the V&A Museum is truly a treasure. I highly recommend this museum to every traveller visiting London. It’s not just a museum—it’s a place where you feel connected to your roots.

Such an Amazing Museum. Amazing exhibitions and gallery and displays to view your mind. Make sure to have 4 hours spare to take in all the displays. World class. Take well organised. Great food in the cafe at a reasonable price. Make sure to dine in the Victorian cafe.

A Truly Remarkable Day! I simply can't recommend the membership strongly enough! My visit to the Marie Antoinette exhibition today was truly remarkable. Not only was the collection breathtaking, but the staff were incredibly kind and attentive throughout the day. My daughter and I wore period-style Marie Antoinette costumes, and it was lovely to feel welcomed and celebrated. Every single person we encountered was charming and pleasant. What a fantastic museum experience!

Free to enter for their main exhibits, except for special exhibitions. But there's plenty to see and explore in the different courts, organised by theme, geographical area and time period. Wheelchair accessible Look out for the giant statue of David in the Cast Courts, as well as the rather large pillar of Trajan. Also, the collection of sculptures donated by Auguste Rodin. If you like Jewellery, head up to 2F.

Such a beautifully presented platter of delicious cheese and crackers which we thoroughly enjoyed with our cups of tea! Unfortunately however my partner being a 6’4 when used their loo, bumped his head as they have a low ceiling. Also, my partner had ordered another cup of tea that was served in another table which made him wait longer for his extra hot drink. As we explored in the field, we smelt a wonderful fresh fragrance of Lavender! It did not look as purple anymore as I am aware they were going to be harvested soon when we went on 07.08.25 However, the Sunflower field did not disappoint us as they were in their full bloom and most yellow. Nice day out! We love The Barn! Recommended. Be careful with your head at the loos though.

Visited Hitchin Lavender for the first time yesterday to pick our pumpkins for Halloween. We had a fantastic time. Despite the big crowds the pumpkin patch itself was full of loads of large and undamaged pumpkins, perfect for carving. The decorations were fun and well thought out. There was face painting, games and a clown present for the kids. It very aimed at families and children however me and my fiancée still had a great time as a couple. Both the cafes were busy but the staff were handling the queues quickly and politely, plus the pumpkin spiced latte and Halloween luxury hot chocolate were worth the wait as they were both delicious. I will definitely visit next summer as a result of how good it was for the Halloween season.

Absolutely 💯 beautiful experience. Wonderful atmosphere. Gorgeous place and definitely worth a visit. Our second visit and it’s better than the last. The Weather was hot ☀️ and nice 😊 All staff were nice and friendly. The Lavender Fields was vibrant with colour and the smells were amazing. Food was delicious 😋 and delightful. The lavender ice cream 🍦 was amazing. Lavender lemonade was delicious and very refreshing. Overall we had a fantastic experience. Everyone should visit Hitchin Lavender. I’ve come with my family from Manchester.

Hitchin Lavender is such a beautiful place to visit. The fields are stunning, filled with rows of vibrant lavender that make the perfect setting for a peaceful walk and lovely photos. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and the scent of lavender everywhere is just amazing. The café is a nice touch too, offering tasty treats and drinks. It’s a wonderful day out for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys nature.

We went to their Sunflower farm, just beautiful. Highly recommended to go near sunset hours. Snack truck / ice cream van available Tea house available Shop available Toilets - available Entry £7.50 pp - we are allowed 3 free sunflowers each Parking - available and free Nearest Train station - Hitchin Station, minivan from station to lavender field.

I have visited Hitchin Lavender Field twice, and I simply love that place. The beautiful purple fields and the smell of lavender make me feel so relaxed and happy. Among all the lavender fields in England, Hitchin is my number one favorite. The peaceful atmosphere and lovely views make it a

We recently visited Hitchin Lavender Farm and had an absolutely amazing experience! The whole day felt like a perfect escape into nature — beautifully scenic, peaceful, and wonderfully pet-friendly. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning sea of purple stretching across the fields. The aroma of fresh lavender in the air was soothing, and the views were breathtaking — perfect for photos and for simply taking it all in. What made the visit even more special was that we brought our pet along — and they had a blast! Hitchin Lavender is genuinely welcoming to pets, and it showed. One of the biggest highlights was the pet ice cream available on-site. Our furry friend devoured it and couldn’t get enough! It’s such a thoughtful touch for animal lovers. We also tried the lavender ice cream ourselves — and wow! It was creamy, floral, and incredibly refreshing. A truly unique treat that we still talk about. The food options in general were lovely, with plenty of choices for snacks and drinks, and the outdoor seating made it easy to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Before we left, we couldn’t resist browsing the shop. We ended up buying several lavender products — from oils and soaps to beautifully packaged dried lavender. Everything smelled divine and made perfect gifts (and keepsakes for ourselves). Whether you’re coming for a peaceful walk, a family day out, or just to spoil your pet a little, Hitchin Lavender is 100% worth the visit. We left feeling refreshed, happy, and already planning our return next summer. 🌿💜

Interesting to be and see inside this storied place. The State Rooms are interesting and the chance to see the royal art collection is a real treat. I also enjoyed the special exhibition of art produced on the King Charles’s travel over the years as well as the throne room. It’s crowded but manageable. I also visited the mews with the carriages and would recommend. My disappointment was the limited access to the garden. The website lists the Royal Gardens as one of the highlights and includes pictures of the rose garden and other select spots. Once on-site I learned that much of the garden, including the roses I hoped to see, is off-limits unless you book a special tour, which were all booked. This is not made clear on the website when booking. Also note that the amount of time they indicate for the palace tour is far too long unless you’re planning to eat in the cafe and do a lot of shopping in the gift shop. I listened to the entire tour and spent time in all of the rooms and it took me 45 minutes or so—they indicate 2 to 2.5 hours. This can be an issue if you are booking multiple timed elements at the palace or tickets elsewhere.

Tickets are not necessary for the changing of the guard. But I recommend standing on the fountain if you cannot get near the fence. You will need tickets for the States room tour. It's well worth with it.

Highly recommend the palace tour as the palace is quite stunning on the inside. Do buy the tickets in advance and show up right in time for your entry because there’s no wait then! The gift shop also has some quality souvenirs so I highly recommend it. Also, the palace gardens were my favourite gardens in London ✨✨✨✨

The palace is absolutely beautiful inside, but no photography. We really enjoyed our visit there. It's is a good bit of walking around but benches to rest on. There is a 20 minutes walk one you get outside to get back out to the main street but once again plenty of benches to rest.

you can feel the history behind the building. A truly wonderful palace, with stunning architecture and beautifully maintained surroundings. Watching the Changing of the Guard adds to the charm, making it a must-see landmark when visiting London.

Visited during the changing of the guard I really didn’t know what I was in for. The crowds and fences were ridiculous and the event was not that impressive to me. I could’ve skipped it and been fine. Because of the event I really didn’t get to see the palace exterior and gates very well due to large crowds and barricades. Unless the changing of the guard is a bucket list thing you really want to see I would recommend not going during that event if you’re wanting to get a good view of the palace.

Strolling by Buckingham Palace with a friend in the afternoon was unforgettable. A lively crowd gathered out front, and to our surprise, the King himself exited! The grand palace looked stunning in the sunlight, and the nearby fountain added to the royal charm. Truly a special moment! If you are in the vicinity give it a go.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absolutely love London. And Big Ben is a must see / visit. It has been beautifully restored and looks grand as it should. Right next to the houses of Parliament and across from Westminster Abbey just down the road from Buckingham Palace. And then there is number 10. Definitely make time to go to this iconic land Mark.

I’m not the biggest fan of London, but Big Ben was absolutely beautiful. The architecture is stunning, and the city around it feels so classic and elegant. It was really cool getting off the Westminster stop on the Tube and walking straight up to see Big Ben towering above it’s such an iconic sight. Even if London isn’t your favorite city, this landmark will definitely impress you.

Big Ben is absolutely stunning and a must-see landmark! The architecture is incredible, and it really lives up to the hype. The only downside was how crowded it gets, especially during peak hours, which makes it a bit hard to enjoy peacefully. Still, definitely worth the visit and a great spot for photos.

Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks — a true symbol of the city. Seeing it in person feels almost surreal, especially when you hear the clock chime across Westminster. The architecture is magnificent, with incredible detail and timeless charm. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or when lit up at night, reflecting perfectly over the River Thames. The surrounding area — including the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey — makes it a must-visit spot for first-time visitors to London. Even though you can’t go inside the tower, just standing nearby and admiring its grandeur is worth the visit. A classic London experience!

We didn't get to do the tour but coming off the tube and Big Ben being right there outside the station was pretty awesome. Its even bigger in person than I thought it would be. Really good angles from the station and out on the bridge.

Visited Big Ben while in London. Did you know its official name is the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee — but everyone still calls it Big Ben. The site was impressive, with plenty of onlookers taking in the views. We spent about 30 minutes exploring and enjoying the surroundings. Fun fact: the minute hand is roughly the same length as a single-decker bus! Overall, it’s worth a quick stop and was one of the highlights of our trip. Saluti

Big Ben is an incredible and historic landmark, truly one of the most famous symbols of London. The architecture is beautiful, and seeing it up close is a memorable experience. It’s a place full of history and charm, and it represents the classic elegance of the city. However, it’s a bit disappointing to see that some areas around it could be better maintained and cared for. Such an iconic site deserves more attention and preservation to keep its beauty shining for future generations. Despite that, Big Ben remains a must-see attraction and one of the most remarkable places to visit in London.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a beautiful house. Went for a guided tour, which was very informative and entertaining. It’s really worth it. Did a little walk around the gardens, which aren’t huge. But so nicely kept. I would revisit sometime as it’s a calm place to walk around. Nice cafe too. All staff are friendly and approachable.

Had a great day out here in the house and gardens. My only criticism was that the day we visited, the house was guided visits only - no mention of this when we booked. It was useful to hear about the history of the house, but we felt a bit rushed and not really able to fully look around each room.

Grand stately home, eclectic gardens with wild west fort, dinosaur trail, maze and formal gardens. All alongside the history of Indian viceroys, Hollywood movies and famous music concerts

Beautiful Tudor house, the stewards are very knowledgeable and approachable. Loving what they do. The family still live there, which gives the whole place a homely feel. The gardens are well kept . Great rock Festival exhibition with posters, soundtracks, and videos. Cafe offering good, well stocked, service area a bit confusing. Lots of picnicking space in grounds. Can't wait to go back!

Beautiful historic home and grounds. The home itself is beautiful and guided tours available which we did and definitely worth it. Not that expensive. Lovely grounds and gardens, with a lot of walking to do if you so wish :) great on a lovely sunny day. Theres a dinosaur trail aswell which is great for kids and dino fans alike. Theres alsos a play park which i didnt directly go to but can see and its quite a large one. Lovely cafe with good food and drinks available including veggie options. Toilets were clean with nappy changing toilet available too.

We had an amazing day at Knebworth House! The historic home was absolutely fascinating—truly a magical place that’s stayed on my mind ever since 🤩. The kids’ activities were spot on, and both of my children had a fantastic time. The adventure playground was a definite highlight! I highly recommend visiting, especially for families with kids. We loved every moment ❤️

Excellent adventure playground for little ones. Outdoor obstacle course with swings, little houses, zip lines, A huge fort with towers and slides. Also some huge mat slides. Perfect for picnics - no picnics allowed in house gardens however you can around the adventure playground. Worth noting you can walk across the grounds to the house from the playground or vice versa however about 1.2k apart across bumpy grass so you may want to drive. The gardens around the house are not really buggy friendly apart from across the grass. Wilderness walk/trails where dinosaurs are is definitely not buggy friendly. Adventure playground has decent toilets/changing area and a small cafe operating out of a shipping container/shed. 10:30 opening time which wished it was a bit earlier especially with younger children. Grounds were lovely and had a great day out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thoroughly enjoyed talking the self guided tour. The glass floor gives a unique view of the Thames, but can be slightly unnerving. The engine room has the two steam engines, used to power the bascules, on display. Over all, it's very good venue for money.

One of the most important attractions in this wonderful city! Especially, if you visit it at night is way more beautiful! This bridge brings its own unique touch of beauty in London! You have to visit it with no hesitation! 🌉✨

Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and visiting it was a fantastic experience. The views from the bridge are stunning, both of the Thames and the city. Taking the Tower Bridge Exhibition tour made the visit even better, as it gave detailed insights into how the bridge was built and the fascinating mechanism behind its operation. Walking across the glass floor was a unique highlight too, giving a completely different perspective of the bridge and the river below. The site is very well maintained and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only thing to keep in mind is that you may need to wait in a queue for entry, and on a sunny day this can feel a bit frustrating. Still, it’s not just a landmark to admire from outside, but also an educational and memorable experience to explore from within. Definitely worth visiting.

Walking near Tower Bridge is honestly one of the nicest things to do in London, especially if you’re trying to escape the busy streets without leaving the city. The view is unreal – you’ve got the bridge itself, which looks straight out of a postcard, the river Thames calmly flowing, and plenty of spots to just sit and chill. There’s something peaceful about hearing the water and watching the boats go by, even when there are tourists around. At sunset, the whole area lights up in warm colours and it feels kinda magical. It’s also surprisingly clean and safe, even in the evening. Loads of nice little cafes and street food stalls around if you fancy a bite, and the walk towards the south bank or down to St Katharine Docks is worth it too. You get a mix of old-school charm and modern city vibes. Would definitely recommend it for a date, a solo unwind walk, or just to take some beautiful photos. 10/10 – calming, scenic, and very London.

The Tower Bridge is a great stop if you're in the nearby area, and provides about 30min to 1 hour diversion. Combined with the free audio tour, great views complete with partial glass floor in one section, historic awe of the building process, and gift shop at the end - I would highly recommend if you're in the area. There are lifts for the tower, but I suggest/recommend you take the stairs getting some insight, facts and touch of history on the way up and down. There are benches to rest, toilets but no Air Con for most of it, however fans throughout provide plenty of relief - 84 degrees and it never felt sweltering inside. Learn how the bridge was designed, constructed and changes over the years - in particular the engine room videos and presentation on divers were really great. And whenever you're done walk along the Thames River path near the wharf and grab a bite to eat.

Tower Bridge is indeed an iconic and highly recommended destination for anyone visiting London. You've captured its essence perfectly! Here's a summary of why it's a must-visit, echoing your points: * Iconic Landmark: It's instantly recognizable and a symbol of London. * Ideal for Shorter Visits: As you said, it's not a full-day commitment but perfect for a few hours. * Photographer's Dream: Offers incredible opportunities for stunning photographs, especially of the bridge itself, the River Thames, and the surrounding cityscapes. * Engaging Experience: Walking across the bridge allows you to appreciate its architecture up close, enjoy the (often cold!) wind, and take in the mesmerizing views of the River Thames. * Great for All: Whether with friends or family, it offers a memorable experience. For those looking to delve deeper, the Tower Bridge Exhibition (inside the bridge itself) offers a chance to learn about its history, see the Victorian engine rooms, and experience the glass walkways for unique views. Even without entering the exhibition, a walk across and around the bridge is a highly rewarding experience.

Good view from the top from a perspective you won't see otherwise. Short video of old footage of London was good. Information boards everywhere to enlighten visitors. On the London Pass so that makes it better value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jordan was great. Parking easy. Open gendered changing rooms with showers. Also had a mirror and hairdryer which was nice. Lockers were easy to use. Had a group of 9 for the whole raft, unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you see it, one person at the helm doesn’t paddle. This position can rotate between within your group, which might be a good thing, so you can take a break because this was a tiring activity for sure. Great fun though!

This sports venue is truly delightful. It’s such a pleasure to watch the determination of those battling the powerful water and waves, whether in team boats or individual kayaks. I genuinely enjoy the atmosphere here, and I try to visit once or twice a week. The café adds to the charm—coffee on cold days and beer on warm ones. Altogether, it’s an outstanding place with an incredible vibe

Fantastic facility, make time for coffee or food on the terrace because it's lovely. As described on the website, great fun white water rafting. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a thrill!

Fantastic place to practice your open water and white water rafting skills there is an equipment hire area on site so you dont need to bring your own gear, ample parking the largest car park is just 100 yards from the entrance. Staff are super friendly, there is a cafe on site too with inside or outside (on balcony) seating. The road leading to the place is only a normal 30 mph road and it gets busy quickly so try and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Amazing facilities. Second time Ive done the rafting which is great. Shaun was a top instructor Can't wait to go back Very clean and tidy highly recommend

I went white water rafting with 7 mates for a birthday. An excellent experience, we loved it. Ask for Sean as your instructor he made it a 5/5 experience. We did 6 runs on the Olympic course and Sean upped the ante each time. Would highly recommend it!

Lee Valley White Water Centre delivered a brilliant day out. The staff were welcoming and made the whole experience feel easy, even for first-timers. The course has the perfect mix of fun and challenge, and everything is run smoothly from start to finish. I’d happily come back and recommend it to anyone looking for something memorable.

I’ve just been on the Royal Gunpowder Mills walking tour. What a great experience. The history at Waltham Abbey is fascinating, and was brought to life by the knowledgeable volunteers/guides. We were a small group of 8, so plenty of opportunities to ask as many questions as we liked. The tour allowed access to many of the buildings and structures that you only see from afar on the tractor tour. For anyone with an interest in military history, explosives, or industrial architecture l’d highly recommend this tour. Many thanks to the guides for giving us their time.

Fantastic day at the Gunpowder Mills. Greeted before entry by welcoming volunteers. The site is huge with attractions and information. We made a rocket and launched it which was fun. The tractor was great with a very informative guide. The volunteer who gave us the talk in the rocket vault was exceptionally good. We went on the miniature train and the bigger train where we saw more of the site. There is so much to see and do here. Our visit was four hours and worth every penny of the entrance fee. Looking forward to booking a walking tour when they are organised.

I had been recommended the Royal Gunpowder Mills by a friend, and with the kids now a slightly bit older we decided it would be worth a try. It's only open to visitors a couple of times a month on a Sunday, and on our visit from 11am to 4pm. We got there at 11am as it opened, there is a big sign as you come off the main road, but the site is located at the end of the drive once you have driven past all the housing. Car park is a fair size, and the entrance is located to the right once you have got into the car park. Once you have gone in, it's probably worth getting yourself booked on to the tractor ride. It leaves at specific times. We went straight towards the miniature railway which took us up the site to the gunpowder mill railway. Again, there are some set timings for this, but when we got there we pretty much had the train to ourselves. The railway takes passengers for a ride further up the site, stops and then comes back again. We managed to see the deer as well as bits of the site. The guys running the railway did a fab job at showing us all about the railway, and even let the young 'uns sit in the main cab. The tractor ride was incredibly informative and really gave a good idea of how big the place truly is (massive!) and how much history is here (loads!) Again you get to see the deer, and lots of the old buildings - lots of areas are covered in greenery where nature has taken over. The kids were also given a sheet of things to look out for on the journey. At lunch we popped back to the car to get our picnic and sat at the benches next to the play area (obstacle course / zip line). There is an area where you can get a free tea / coffee - as well as toilets if required. Post lunch, we went to create some rockets and had a little competition to see who's rocket could go the furthest - kids enjoyed this! (Well, the adults did too!) After the rockets, we went to look around the exhibition and armoury. Lots to read here, and kids did do a few little interactive games (mixing the substances at the factory etc.) but they weren't quite so keen to stand and read! The armoury was literally a room full of different guns, rifles etc. When we came out of the exhibition, we just had time to have another trip on the railway. The volunteers were great and radio'd up to ensure we would catch it on time! Once our second trip on the railway was finished it was closing time... we had been there all day! We thought the dedication and hard work by the volunteers was great - we even thought about volunteering ourselves, but it's a bit of a journey away! (Although if they ever do a family volunteering day where the kids can get involved, we would certainly consider it!!)

If you want to learn about the history of gunpowder and explosives, The Royal Gunpowder Mills provides a fascinating day out. In many respects, this is the place where it all started. Our tractor guide was quite knowledgeable and provided interesting insight. The Mills is run completely by volunteers. As the MOD has been involved in siphoning off material, it's too bad the MOD doesn't promote it as the volunteers care dearly and they can use some help.

I visited with my two children and another family, on an open day during the summer holidays. There were varied activities for the kids (rocket making/launching, tie dying, slime making and nature crafts) as well as the train that runs further up along the grounds. It was a really nice day out without the extensive crowds that you often find with children’s activities in the holidays! When booking the tickets I noticed that numbers were capped quite low so I can’t imagine it would ever be uncomfortably busy. Having a mixture of fun activities for children alongside the educational side of the small museum and exhibitions was a good balance. They particularly enjoyed role playing in the village shop with ration books! I would say the open day activities etc are probably most suited for children under 10 (which all of ours were). We also saw some beautiful deer and the children enjoyed the playground as well. Everything was staffed by volunteers (I think) giving up their time to run it. Drinks and snacks in the cafe were very well priced - i bought ice lollies for 5 children for barely more than the price you’d pay for one at an ice cream van!! We brought a packed lunch with us as suggested on the website - I don’t think there is much in the way of food other than snacks available in the cafe. All in all a nice day out, something a bit different and easy to drive to and park.

A great place to learn a little history. With a bonus tractor and train ride.

I took the walking tour today. Absolutely brilliant experience! We started in the cafe with a tea/coffee before heading out in a small group with the volunteers. They really knew so much about the site and were so passionate about its history that it was a real pleasure to listen to. Look out for the wildlife too- we saw lots of deer around!