Great value and iconic way to see the Promenade in Blackpool! Some of the trams are open top, which is great for the illuminations but beware of bad weather! We just missed an open top tram and we were disappointed we missed it. But as luck would have it, a rain storm came out of nowhere and we were lucky we got on a tram with a roof!

I was looking forward to a ride on the tram which I experienced today. Unfortunately the tram was very busy with standing room only and despite all the information I have seen they would not accept my bus pass for payment. I was not the only person on the tram who expected their bus pass to cover the cost if the fare. The conductor was very nice about it but told me I would have to pay for the return journey so I declined and got off at the next stop and had quite a long walk back into Blackpool. I suggest they update their information.

Its been a while since i last visited the wax works. we decided to go and give it ago and for £48 for the family ticket it was not the cheapest. We enjoyed our time here seeing the different people and having phots with them. it was not too busy at the time so we did not have to wait long to get a good look at each wax work. the whole walk around was around 2hrs with a stop in the rovers pub mid way.

Great day, parking is not far. 50% when buying tickets to Madame Tussauds. From 11am - 9pm £7. There is sitting area to have food if you brought your own. Vending machines for snacks. Hot and cold Drinks available in Rovers retrun Coronation street sections.

Had such a fun visit here, was fun for all of us. It was very clean, including the toilets. Appears very accessible too with lots of lifts (not that we needed to use them. But worth mentioning for those who do). Staff very nice and helpful, always smiling. The wax figures were so good, I had to look up close to so many of them because you couldn't tell that they were wax. Now history doesn't usually interest me, but I loved reading the history behind Madame Tussaud. So many different areas inside and a place to sit, drink and eat. The marvel area was incredible, and our favourite by far! Lots of photo opportunities, including paid ones to purchase if you'd like to. The gift shop at the end had a little bit of everything in there. It was very clean and well kept. Would be nice to see a few more people added in there like Luke Littler and Luke Combs.

Better than expected, and the waxworks were actually really good. Definitely worth a walk around with more celebrities than I realised there were. Not too costly, and especially great if the weather is rubbish outside 😂👌👍

Well worth a visit. It has been many years since I visited the wax works! All the exhibits are fabulous. I really liked the rovers return exhibit as "Deirdre" was sitting at a table. It was unexpected. The mirror maze was hilarious!

First time attending and was really fun. Free photos by the staff on the way around and some really cool picture spots to take for yourself. The wax hand bit was also cool with the staff being very patient and friendly.

We had a really good time here. The tower was closed due to strong winds so we came here as an alternative. Lots of photo opportunities and some great waxworks. It's much bigger inside than you might expect. A lot of fun

The pleasure beach is very much reduced since we last visited. I believe you have to buy tickets to ride before you can go inside. There used to be lots of stalls games food etc. That s all gone. That end of the town is pretty much shut down. No open businesses on the promenade. The illuminations are really nice they've been dramatically updated

Really enjoyed the day not been since I was younger although I live in the town! Bought tickets in advance so had an e-ticket which was no problem. As a resident you do get a small discount. Think we payed £35 per ticket. Lots of rides to suit all ages. Small rides had pretty much no queues , the large rides like The big one, avalanche, Icon had to wait 30mins, but worth the wait! Love the old fashioned wood rollercoaster unfortunately the big dipper was closed but the grand national was open. There is a hog warts train which goes round the park , which is great for little ones and grownups. The station is a good replica of an old fashioned station. Park was very clean, toilets spotless and attended always cleaning the loos. Staff great happy to help and very friendly. My only complaint is not enough signs telling you where rides are. You can download app and there is a map on the app, which is easy enough to use. Arcade on site with traditional 2p machines and others, small stores like hook the duck and basketball ball games. Burger King , Cafe, and other stalls selling chips ect. Well worth a visit if your in Blackpool

Even though it was windy, cold, and wet at times, we had a great day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The queues weren't too bad, and the rides were great. To be honest you really need longer than a day to get around all the rides, and next time we will attend for 2 days. At this time of year its getting dark around 4pm, so you have a few hours riding in the dark 👌 I went with 4 stars due to 3 main issues. 1. The on-site carpark is £18 for the day 🤯 Ouch! I feel that is a little steep, but it does keep the carpark quite available, and there are other carparks available nearby if you don't mind a little walk. 2. They only allow bottles of water to be brought into the park. We turned up with 3 small bottles of pop and were told we needed to either throw them away or store them in a locker on the external side of the park. The only reason for this is to encourage you to buy drinks in the park, and no other reason. Personally, when there are 3 paying guests, all with 1 small drink each I find it inappropriate, and not like we were all bringing in several 2-litre bottles for the day. We didn't take any food with us, as we intended to buy food inside, but you will also find no food is allowed to be taken into the park either to encourage you to buy inside the park 🤷‍♂️ 3. The price for the lockers are also ridiculous. £6 for a small locker, £8 for a medium sized locker, and I believe the large lockers were a tenner 🤯 We found out that only medium lockers were still available, so we paid £8 to store our contraband pop in 😂🫣 All in all we had a great day, and next time we will come more prepared 😊👍

Staff are friendly and helpful. Rides are amazing. Food and drinks are good quality and not quite as expensive as you might think. Getting in when you arrive can take a bit of time but security is there for everyone’s benefit so you just need a little patience. If you’re visiting with family, I’d strongly suggest a go on the Alice in Wonderland ride as it’s looking fantastic this year! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Visited Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the Halloween evening event and it was amazing! The park came alive after dark with spooky decorations, eerie lighting, and fantastic Halloween-themed shows. The atmosphere was thrilling but not too scary, making it perfect for adults and older kids alike. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout, and the rides were just as fun as ever. The Halloween evening really added an extra level of excitement and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a spooky, fun night out!

Visited to see the illuminations, after hours for the Pleasure Beach. Chose to go as had visited as a child and had many happy memories. LED lights were good, but the warmth and vibrancy of the incandescent bulbs, was definitely missing. The prom looked very tired in areas, a lot of fencing/metal railings to stop visitors, as did a lot of the buildings. A shame, especially with the historic nature of the place.

Visited Blackpool pleasure beach for the first time on holiday this August 2025. It was a dream destination from me as ever since I was a child I’ve always wanted to come here, and especially ride The Big One. My previous experience of theme parks are only Alton Towers and Drayton Manor plus some of the American ones including Disney Orlando and Universal Orlando. We booked tickets which I don’t think were unfairly priced. It was slightly cheaper than a day out at Alton Towers. If you stay at the Boulevard hotel or The Big Blue hotel you get free entry on select days. Entry was fast, but be prepared to go through body scanners. Overall I’m beyond impressed. The park was extremely clean, well kept, nothing looked like it was neglected. The ride operations were exceptional. All rides were operating at the time they were stated to open, with queues in peak summer time no more than 30 minutes for the main ones like Icon or Valhalla. All rides operated through out the day until closing, there were no unfortunate break downs. We managed to do 17 rides from 10 am to 6pm, riding Icon 4 times and the Big One twice! Just be warned, if you’re going to ride Valhalla yes it’s really that wet!! There are plenty of food options on site, much cheaper and so much tastier than Alton Towers! I can’t recommend this park enough. Leaving was heartbreaking but I can’t wait to come back another day. Well recommend for anyone 5*

I visited Formby Beach on a Monday, which turned out to be the perfect choice — it was fairly quiet and peaceful, with only a few other people around. The beach itself is really beautiful and quite clean, with nice soft sand and lovely views. One thing to keep in mind if you’re planning to visit: the walk from the car park to the beach is around 15–20 minutes through forest and sand dunes. It’s a nice walk, but definitely something to be prepared for, especially if you’re carrying stuff. There are also no obvious bins near the beach itself, so if you’re bringing food, drinks, or anything else, make sure you have a bag to take your rubbish with you — I couldn’t find a bin anywhere close, so I had to carry everything back to the main road area. Also, there aren’t any beach toilets or facilities nearby, so that’s something to think about if you’re planning to stay for a while. And I imagine on weekends parking could be a challenge — I was lucky to go on a Monday when there were plenty of spaces. Overall though, it’s a stunning beach and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something a bit more natural and peaceful.

Really lovely and gorgeous place to go for a walk or a run. I always enjoy going there over a weekend when the weather allows to have a nice walk around the woods and finish at the beach. Spacious and so well maintained. We need more National Trust spaces for everyone to enjoy and unwind.

Amazing place to visit with family and young children, it gets very busy on sunny days leaving the car park full/closed however you can walk from the outskirts of the village down through the dunes. The beach is a very fine soft sand ideal for sandcastle building and the area is very extensive to explore. I've been a few times both when busy and quiet.

Formby beach is lovely but I spoke to someone local and he was saying that the water companies just dump untreated sewage into the water. So it's not the best. Views are beautiful... But the fact that nothing is being done about sewage is despicable. What a shame.

Lovely forest walk and a very clean beach too, take some time to take in the silence and you may see a red squirrel just as I did

Beautiful spot. Difficult to access via public transport and most arrive by car..national trust rules etc..pay to park. Beautiful woods and plenty of wildlife..bustling with squirrels who approach and are fridnly..can buy feed at parking desk..this is a real beautiful.spot and can capture really stunning photography here.. Lots of identical trees in geometry great location for a music video..

Parking can get very busy on warm days so it's worth getting there early. Parking is £8.50 all day, however National Trust Members can scan their membership card at the pay and display machine and park for free. Beautiful space with a squirrel walk, delving into the woods with the chance of seeing the Red Squirrels. The Dunes could be a bit of a climb, especially for people with mobility issues, and the path to the beach is a little steep but once passed that it's absolutely worth it. The beach is lovely and well maintained, although if you need to go to the toilet or get a drink, etc, you will have to walk all the way back to the first car park area as there are no facilities on the beach side.

In season 2025 that was my favourite spot in UK , I was visiting that beach quite often, really enjoyed sunsets . Parking 🅿️ close to the beach with cost £8.50 or a bit more walking around beautiful forest and u can leave your car for free next to the street. Highly recommend for everyone.

Beautiful little place this, if you plan on walking to the beach like I did please avoid my mistakes and don’t pack heavy and also wear shoes you know have good grip.

It's a lovely beach with beautiful sand dunes. Walking through sand dunes in 30 degrees of heat to get to the beach was exhausting. Kids struggled a bit but we made it. We took our picnic eith us. It was a lovely day

Great beach to come to with family a little walk from the car park had to pay £8.50 for the day if you're not member of the national trust i took coins with me from reading previous reviews. There were people helping helping out from the national trust so any issues let them know

We arrived at dusk on a great day no breeze and parked in lifeboat carpark. We headed straight for the beach but should have walked through the well marked woodland path then onto the beach as light became dim for a better walk back to the car using the lifeguard station but as our marker to find the carpark again. When you walk from lifeguard hut north towards the main carpark via the beach it can feel a long walk with no waypoint landmarks to judge how far you have walked.

My favorite Beach around Liverpool Most people don't realize that you can find next to Liverpool a beach which sand that is so fine, it could be the Maldives. Then you put you toe in the water, and then realize immediately, that it is not the Maldives ;) Joke aside, this is a fantastic beach and by far my favourite around Liverpool, highly recommended by us!

A quiet day as it was a Monday. However, as the weekend clear up commences I can't help feeling some degree of despair over people's actions - namely leaving rubbish behind on the beach and in the domestic. That apart it's a lovely site.

10/10 brilliant day out. We spent about 4 hours here. Loads to see, lots of animals. We even saw the baby elephant too. Food was handsome bit quite pricey, we bought online lunch tickets so turned out a bit cheaper. Take your walking shoes though.

Great zoo, lots of animals to see, and enclosures are well designed to allow outdoor and indoor viewing. It was quite cold and wet when we went, but we were still able to see all of the animals even if they were sheltering inside. We were told that a baby elephant had been born very recently and were really lucky to be able to see her in the afternoon when it was quieter. Lots of maps and well signposted so you can easily see where each animal habit is located. Quite a bit of expansion and improvement work on some of the enclosures (giraffes, wolves) so some areas were closed off, but still plenty of places to see those animals. Only seemed to be one main food area on the site, which got very busy because of the weather. Lots of picnic benches but very few under cover. I think there are a few other little food and coffee booths but they were closed when we went past them. Halloween theme for Half Term, lots of skeletons and spider webs added to the trees and walkways, clearly a lot of effort made to create the atmosphere, was a lot of fun trying to spot the little things that had been hidden away. Wizard themed event trail for the kids to follow. We had paid for tickets through a promotion at our hotel, but there was only a separate queue for members, everyone else waited in the same line so no apparent advantage for pre-booking online.

Really fantastic zoo, went in with lower expectations as have enjoyed some of the larger zoos in the UK, however this one packs souch in while remaining fairly small to walk around (which is a huge plus, especially with kids!). Good range of different animals, the gorillas and the baby orangutan especially were great to see. Big plus that the restaurant has decent options plus a Subway inside so you're well served for a quick lunch too.

Hand down my favourite zoo! Clean, fantastic range of species and great layout. Absolutely amazing and a great day out. Only just managed to see it all in a day but had to rush near the end end. Will definitely be going back!

A great place to visit, just the right size, so you can spend quality time with each exhibit. Loved seeing the baby elephant, amazing. Each enclosure looks well looked after & new things going on. The only thing which I would like to see is somewhere enclosed for people who brought packed lunches, it was raining at lunchtime when we went & not any dry places to sit & eat. The zoo is good value & great if you have Tesco points to swap. Would recommend a visit to this lovely zoo.

This is a smaller zoo that is making big improvements to the animal enclosures. Membership is reasonable and visited October during wizarding and Halloween activities. The staff are friendly except staff member on train who was making it clear he wasn't happy with the train not working correctly. The tigers are beautiful and recent baby elephant is worth the trip alone!!

Brilliant zoo. The elephant house currently has reduced opening hours to support the wellbeing of the new baby. Loved the Halloween pop up shop and quest. Can get busy but there is ample parking and once inside there is enough space to not feel busy. Beware of seagulls trying to steal your bucket of chips!

Really great River for long walks and cycle route. Great at any time of the year easy to get to and some rally great long distance off road walks and paths.

A peaceful and charming spot to sit and relax. The beautiful river, with ducks swimming by and boats available for rides, adds to the serene atmosphere. Colorful flowers enhance the natural beauty, making it a delightful place to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. Perfect for a quiet, scenic escape.

The River Dee is a stunning waterway that flows through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Scotland and Wales. Stretching approximately 110 miles, it originates in the Cairngorms of Scotland and winds its way through the historic city of Chester before reaching the sea at Liverpool Bay. One of the River Dee's defining features is its breathtaking natural beauty. From the rugged hills of the Cairngorms to the lush, rolling countryside of Wales, the river offers a constantly changing backdrop that makes it ideal for scenic drives, hikes, or boat trips. The Dee is also known for its crystal-clear waters, which are popular with anglers. It's famous for its salmon and trout fishing, drawing fly fishers from around the world. For those interested in history, the river is a key part of the region's heritage. The city of Chester, with its Roman walls and medieval architecture, sits on its banks, adding a cultural richness to the river's allure. Additionally, Llangollen, a charming Welsh town, sits beside the river and hosts the renowned Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod each year, bringing together music and culture from around the globe. The River Dee also has excellent opportunities for outdoor activities beyond fishing. Canoeing and kayaking are popular in its calmer sections, while its rapids provide a thrill for more adventurous paddlers. The surrounding areas offer great hiking, with trails that lead through scenic valleys, forests, and along the riverbanks. One of the downsides is that some areas of the river can become crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, pollution in certain sections near urban areas can occasionally detract from the natural beauty. However, ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect the river's ecosystem and maintain its reputation as one of the UK's most beautiful waterways. Overall, the River Dee offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and recreation, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into the countryside. Its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and abundant wildlife ensure that it remains a beloved gem in the UK.

The River Dee in Chester is a recreational place of pleasure boat rides, walking , jog or just leisurely stroll aimlessly , crossing the bridges to get to either side of the river. Other then that , it’s a place to catch those beautiful moments whatever the time of day and in different seasons

My husband and I walk down the river with our dogs quite regularly. It's beautiful. We start on the Meadows in Chester and walk for 6 miles along the river to a pub called the Grosvenor in Aldford. The path is well trodden and easy to follow. It can get a little muddy in places after a lot of rainfall but for the most part it's a nice easy walk. We sometimes start the walk in ecclestome at the car park that is right on the river as that is a much shorter walk. We see a lot of wonderful wildlife, birds of prey, deer and stag on the Duke's property, herons, commerants and all manner of other lovely nature.

This river is amazing for kayaking. There are tough rapid sections as well as some easier sections. I would highly recommend this river for both newer kayaker as well as more experianced kayaker.

I take my dog every Sunday for a walk down the River Dee outstanding doesn't matter if is raining or sun's out it's calm and peaceful and lot of history around the area around the area

Absolutely lovely place that will keep you entertained for an hour ⛪General info: So there's a lot to see & read at this cathedral. The entrance is not big, but noticeable. Upon entrance, you will find a few pamphlets and will be kindly nudged towards a small donation (£5-10 per person is acceptable). Then, you can immediately proceed to the corridors and halls of the cathedral, as well as a big gift shop. It is notable that, while there's not much walking to do, there's much to see & "inhale" the atmosphere of an effectively ancient place. I'll leave it for you to discover 😊 🧹: State of the place: obviously it's an old old building and I think that the administration is doing their best to keep it tidy and relatively organised. Toilets are clean, no foul smells or anything. I would say there's a few random boxes and just "stuff" here and there, but generally it's pretty nice 🤵Service: obviously in a place like this people will be very nice and polite, as they are working for a greater cause. A lot of personnel going back and forward, moving and cleaning stuff. It's nice to see, as it is clear that this place is loved and is being taken care of Honestly? Visit it. Whether you're religious or not, you'll be in awe of this grandiose piece of history called Chester Cathedral ✌️📿

Extraordinary place. Well maintained, very large, beautiful ceilings, glass, mosaics, metalwork, statues and more. Not to opulent (unlike some) but extremely well maintained. Exceptional value for money with a minimum entry price of £5. Pay more of you can as a building of this size and quality takes thousands per day to keep open.

My Visit to Chester Cathedral, Chester Visiting Chester Cathedral was an unforgettable experience — a perfect blend of history, architecture, and serenity right in the heart of the city. The cathedral stands as one of the most magnificent landmarks in Chester, with its stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained-glass windows, and beautifully carved wooden choir stalls that tell centuries-old stories. As I walked inside, the calm atmosphere instantly stood out. The soaring arches, detailed stonework, and peaceful background music created a sense of timeless beauty. The central nave is breathtaking, and the Lady Chapel and Cloisters are absolute must-sees — especially the peaceful garden courtyard that feels miles away from the bustle outside. I also climbed the Cathedral Tower, which offers panoramic views of Chester’s rooftops, the city walls, and even Wales on a clear day. The staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share fascinating details about the cathedral’s Romanesque origins and its role through medieval times. Visitor Tips: • Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. • The Tower Tour and Falconry & Nature Gardens are worth adding to your visit. • Allow at least 1–2 hours to fully explore and enjoy the architecture and history. • There’s a lovely café and gift shop inside for a quiet break. Overall: A must-visit gem in Chester — awe-inspiring, peaceful, and full of heritage. Perfect for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates timeless beauty.

A warm and welcoming Cathedral. Lots of interesting bits for everyone. Lovely windows, nice choir and beautiful carvings, esp. misericords. Floors are beautiful tiles. Well worth a visit and donation!

A beautiful cathedral lots of history and things to see. £5 voluntary admission price into cathedral. Takes a good hour to walk about. On day of visit part of area was unaccessible due to a private function. Nice grounds to walk around also

Beautiful dog, friendly cathedral in the center of Chester. An interesting layout. Many cathedrals are laid out simply as a cross, but this one has a number of different nooks, and courtyards. It was the 250 year anniversary of English railways, and there was a large model train display going on. Quite interesting to see the high-tech switching for the tracks. It was not your run of the mill model train set.

Wonderful and spectacular. Beautiful Cloisters and amazing history. Well worth a long visit and after, something to eat and drink in the spectacular café! We are also pleased that entrance is by a donation and not by ridiculous entrance fees like Canterbury, York and Winchester. Cathedrals and churches should be available for all and not driven by financial gain.

A great way to get your bearings around the city centre the walls stretch for over two miles and are amongst the most intact in the UK. You have views of the River Dee…. the Roman garden… famous clock tower …the Chester Canal and Cathedral all from the raised walkway

Some lovely views from up the city walls Gotta say that the state of the walls is pretty good for ancient architecture. Also if I'm correct it was restored in 2015 which made it more safe and durable Anyways it's free so go see them!! 😉

My Stroll Through Chester Walls, Chester Walking along the Chester City Walls was like stepping back in time through layers of English history. These ancient Roman and medieval fortifications encircle the heart of Chester, offering some of the best panoramic views of the city — from the magnificent Chester Cathedral to the River Dee and the charming old streets lined with Tudor-style buildings. The entire walk is around 2 miles (3.2 km) long, and I loved how every section had its own story — the Eastgate Clock, the Northgate, and the Water Tower all stand as reminders of centuries past. The walls are beautifully maintained, and there are plenty of spots to stop for photos or just take in the view. I particularly enjoyed walking during the late afternoon when the golden light made the sandstone glow. It’s an easy and peaceful walk suitable for all ages, with clear signboards and multiple entry points. I recommend starting near Eastgate Clock and circling around at a relaxed pace — it takes about an hour if you pause to explore along the way. Visitor Tips: • Wear comfortable walking shoes — the path can be uneven in places. • Early morning or late afternoon walks are best for fewer crowds and lovely light. • Don’t miss the view of the Roman Amphitheatre and Chester Racecourse from the walls. • Entry is free, and the experience feels like a journey through living history. Overall: A must-do experience in Chester — peaceful, scenic, and rich in heritage.

The Chester city walls are a breathtaking marvel of medieval engineering and historical preservation. As you walk along the ancient ramparts, you're transported back in time, surrounded by the rich tapestry of history and craftsmanship. The walls beautifully encircle the city, their sturdy stones and well-preserved towers creating a striking contrast against the modern skyline. The iconic Eastgate Clock, perched atop the entrance, adds a charming touch of elegance and serves as a stunning focal point.

Walked all the way around and it is free. Lots of viewing points, especially over the town and river. Gentle walk 1½ hours

Chester was a nice day out especially as the weather was favourable the walls and clock tower is a must just to say you've done it obviously if you have mobility issues it would be a problem. The cathedral is a must free entry but donation is accepted it does make you feel a bit guilty as you do have to pass reception where you could pay and get brochures the boat trip was good up the river not very long but you do get a bit of history comentation thrown in. Finished of with a meal at the smoke House on the river side.

What a well appointed, well maintained and totally free, historical tourist treasure. We walked the entire circuit over an evening stroll and brisk morning walk. A joy to behold.

Everything a British pub should be. Homely and inviting. A picture paints a thousand words. This is somewhere you go to ponder life on your own or have great chat with friends. They intentionally don't play music and they don't offer WiFi.

One of my favourite pubs in Chester when I’m visiting the area. Love the fact that’s it’s right in the middle of Chester’s hustle and bustle but it’s a sanctuary of calmness as soon as you enter. Great service and prices are very reasonable for the location. I fully support their no phone rules whilst visiting and appreciated the barmaid reminding people who may have forgotten especially when one of them was my wife 😂

We always visit here when in Chester. Fantastic service, love old traditional boozer with no electronic devices allowed. Brilliant. Just a nice atmosphere with people (mostly mature adults) talking and enjoying a drink. Thoroughly recommend

What a real pub used to be like. So nice to find a pub like this in the city centre. Great beer and great prices. Very friendly staff and no phones no music just good company and great Samuel Smith beers. Step back in time and give it a try.

Brilliant proper old style pub. Very good pint, friendly staff. It's a digital detox zone so no phones, laptops or tablets allowed to be used and no swearing. Very refreshing pub

I was visiting Liverpool and came to Chester for a daytrip and had a very nice time. However, finding Ye Olde Boot Inn was the peak of my day as I'm a sucker for ambience and medieval/fantasy style pubs and I can hands down say this was the best one I have ever been to. The lighting was very dim, everything looks like it's at least 300 years old, yet so clean and well kept! The no electronics and no swearing policies were a bit of a surprise to me as it's the first time I've ever so it, but I believe that it completely adds to the ambience as there are no bright phone or laptop lights all over the place and you can actually converse with people without everyone checking their phone every 30 seconds. In a nutshell, this is a must for anyone who appreciates "old wooden tavern" vibes where you can feel like Aragorn sitting in the corner od the Prancing pony. Also, the beer is MUCH cheaper than from what I'm used to in Liverpool.

Sam Smiths pub, dimly lit, there's usual beers on offer, plus the threats of expulsion for violating their draconian "rules" around electronic devices. The Owner of this brewery is proper old school, and hates innovation.

Absolutely brilliant! What a wonderful experience and to be able to get up so close to these beautiful animals. We bought the owl experience for my brothers birthday and he loved it! He couldn't stop smiling! All the volunteers are very knowledge, friendly and passionate about the birds and the sanctuary. I love the fact it's not commercialised. Its all about the birds and creating a safe and natural environment for visitors to enjoy too. Thank you for having us and allowing us to take photographs of a very memorable day.

Great sanctuary to see owls and bird of prey up close. The volunteer guides were informative and friendly, and all guests can experience handling some birds during the flight display show. Highly recommended place to visit and hope to get another chance to come again! =^^=

We found this place while looking for something to do on our journey back to north wales from the lake district. What an absolute gem of a place. It's £12 entry you get to see the various birds in the aviaries. There is also a flying display in the price at no extra cost. The display was absolutely fantastic finding out about the individual birds you also get the birds flying to your hand also. This place isn't a big company owned place. It's run by volunteers. All the money they receive goes to the care and feeding of the birds. I would highly recommend this place if your in the area.

Great little place. All volunteers which you can tell really love the birds they look after. The show was really good and got to hold one. No show will be the same because the birds will only do what they want to do, which is great they are not forced to do anything.

What a lovely little place. It's run by volunteers who are lovely. There is an array of owls and some birds of prey. It is £12 to get in and they also have consessions. It opens at 11am (ish) and closes at 2pm. From 1230pm to 2pm there is a flying display. This is very informative and you get to fly the birds. You can get a drink, hot or cold and snacks but there is not a cafe as such. I must reiterate just how nice the volunteers are. Will definitely go back again.

What a little gem, just under 30 minutes from home! We spent around 3 hours here and the time absolutely flew by. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and you can really feel how much they care for the birds. The flying display was a highlight: not only spectacular to watch, but also full of interesting facts that we learned along the way. The sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers, so every penny goes directly towards the care and upkeep of the birds. They do take card payments, but if you can, bring some cash along as it helps them avoid card fees and means more support goes straight to the upkeep of the sanctuary. We also got a great local tip for lunch afterwards at The Farmers Arms, just a few minutes away, which rounded off the day perfectly. Highly recommend a visit - we’ll definitely be back!

This place was absolutely fantastic!! Such a special day. I came with my family and immediately the staff are super friendly and helpful, they all clearly have lots of passion for the birds they care for. the displays are wonderful, you get a good view of the birds and get to see them up close. All the birds have educational signs posted to their enclosures about the species and conservational status so it's super great to teach children too. There are many birds to see, along with a small park to roam in and you can make a day out of it with a picnic. The best part by far were the Owl showings. It's an intimate little gathering where the volunteers show the owls up close, out of enclosure, and even give you the oppurtunity to hold and feed them. This is of course, only if the owls feel up to it, which is my favourite part about it, as it puts my mind at ease knowing the best interest is in the animals rather than the audiences entertainment. The Owls were super friendly and playful the day I went, and so were the volunteers, who really just have so much love for these birds, and make sure that each and every member of the audience get to participate fully. All this for a relatively cheap price considering the experience, can't recall the exact amount but it was worth every penny!! Aboslutely recommend for anyone who loves birds, animals or has kids with a passion for learning and nature

We took a winter walk in February 2024. The mist made it eerie. It was a great walk and warmed up afterwards with a hot drink. Onsite facilities, family and dog friendly

A beautiful place to visit. Superb for cycling or just taking it easy and enjoying the view. Lovely stream running through, plenty of paddling for the children and great for picnics. Lovely villages to visit and explore along with enjoying an ice cream.

Such a beautiful day so the run as prefect , seeing lambs , and different wildlife

Beautiful place. Well worth a drive through

Like many more than likely, I usually bypass the Forest of Bowland en route to/from the likes of the Lakes & The Dales. This time coming home from The Lakes I got off the M6 at Lancaster driving through the Trough of Bowland to rejoin the M6 at Longridge & what a nice little drive it was & not busy. Think I may be tempted to do it again in the opposite direction whilst heading northbound to get the great views over Morecambe Bay that were behind me on this occasion!

Beautiful countryside to drive through. Lots of great views. Some picturesque villages and quaint pubs along the way.

Beautiful and unspoilt! Best part of Lancashire.

A great green open space and nature reserve for birds (no dogs allowed to protect ground nesting). Good set up where you can get a bite to eat and relax inside or out. The play area was a bit disappointing for the kids as it was under construction/refurb, but in fairness it looks like they're making a good job to make it better for the future.

We had a great time at the superhero event. My children are 18 months, 6 and 7 and they all joined in the fun! From mud throwing to den building, we were all entertained for a good 2 hours! The staff and volunteers were so friendly and great with the children. Thank you!

A lovely place to go visit with family, friends or just yourself. I usually walk all the way to Brockholes from the Preston city centre but even if the walk is long, the scenery makes up for it. A lot of greenery and amazing nature at Brockholes. A chance for you to bask in the nature and atmosphere and see the views. Definitely a must visit!

Had a lovely walk around Brockholes nature reserve. The weather was very pleasant nice sunny autumn day. Topped off with a coffee and ice cream. The car park has gone up to £6 which doesn't seem bad for all day parking but steep if your only there for a couple of hours. This makes people like cyclist park on the roadside so they don't gave to pay. The café is closed Mon, Tue, Wed now. Since we have been going the shop and plant stall have gone. The ice cream cafe has closed. You can get a coffee from the visitors centre out of a flask but the quality is poor and they charge £2.50 a cup. I know it's volunteer led, I know there is a cost to everything but if you don't provide facilities people won't bother going.

Ample parking, a great cafe and lots of well surfaced paths. Plenty of birds to see & photograph. The floating village is an amazing construction too.

If you love nature or bird watching you will love this place. Great for walking or picnic. Little shops there with local crafts, something to eat . Grab a coffe and enjoy the nature :)

It's nice enough here. Well kept, good walking paths, nice cafe and visitor village. We did see a few unusual birds, some butterflies and damsel flies. The walk through the trees is lovely, like an enchanted tunnel. What did spoil it for me though, was the overwhelming traffic noise, with the site being right next to the motorway. It made the walks far less peaceful than they should have been, and made it difficult to use the bird identification app that I often use on walks. The pollution from the traffic isn't great either. That said, it's free entry, though you do have to pay for the car park, which was fairly pricey at £6 for a few hours. I'd suggest a visit if it's nearby to you, but I wouldn't travel too far or you might be disappointed.

We recently hosted our 1V Cohesion Afternoon Tea at Salmsbury Hall, and it was a fantastic experience for the whole team. The hall’s elegant setting created the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon. The spread of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries was both delicious and beautifully presented, while the tea selection offered something for everyone. The event was a wonderful way to bring the team together, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the thoughtful touches throughout made everyone feel valued. It was the perfect mix of indulgence and connection, leaving guests feeling relaxed, appreciated, and more connected as a team. Highly recommended for anyone looking to combine great food with a meaningful team experience!

A beautifully preserved medieval hall steeped in history. It originally dates from 1325, but what we see today is a mainly Tudor manor house with a lot of Victorian restoration. The black and white architecture is stunning! I came here with a coach party for a guided tour of the downstairs rooms and the chapel. Our guide was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He told us not only about the hall's long and often violent history, but also gave us a vivid insight into how the family and their servants lived in medieval and Tudor times. His account of what went into the cooking pot was a real eye opener! The rooms are sparsely furnished, but there are some wonderful timbered ceilings, stone fireplaces and heraldic decorations. I liked the ghostly musicians up in the minstrel gallery! The tour lasted about an hour, and afterwards we were offered complimentary tea and biscuits. We were free to explore the upstairs rooms on our own, and there was plenty to see: lots of interesting info to read, interactive displays, and a priest hide where a brutal murder took place. Don't miss the witch's den and the ghost room, which felt really creepy! Did not get to visit the café, but there was time for a quick walk in the well-kept garden with its lovely views of the hall and a children's play area with its own miniature Tudor house. Entry to the hall is free but it's well worth making a donation to help support its upkeep.

We can’t thank the Samlesbury Hall wedding team enough for making our day absolutely perfect from start to finish. A huge shoutout to Mel and Anthony, who went above and beyond throughout the whole day. Mel’s experience really shone through — she was calm, organised, and reassuring, which helped us feel completely at ease and allowed us to just enjoy every moment. Anthony was brilliant too — so helpful, friendly, and attentive all through the evening. We’d also like to give a big thank you to the rest of the team who supported them — everyone worked together seamlessly to make sure everything ran smoothly. As for the accommodation, the Gatehouse was lovely and spacious, with great rooms and bathrooms. A few small touches could make it even more practical for wedding stays — perhaps a proper ironing board, a corkscrew, and the microwave in a more convenient spot. For the shepherd’s huts, everything was charming and comfortable, though a lighted pathway or providing torch light would be really helpful — especially for pregnant guests or older relatives finding their way back after the evening celebrations. Otherwise, all our guests gave really positive feedback about their stay. Overall, Samlesbury Hall is a truly special place — the venue, the team, and the atmosphere made our wedding day everything we’d hoped for and more.

We went for lunch in the really warming in the garden room. The food was absolutely delicious and so nicely presented. We headed over to Maria’s Cafe for cake and sweets, which was also super pleasant and warming. Staff all super friendly and approachable. We then had a walk round Samlesbury Hall itself, the history and how it’s been kept is beautiful. We loved all the history and the exterior of the building, perfect for weddings. Stunning visit. Definitely recommend and will be visiting again in the future.

We had our wedding at Samlesbury Hall on 11th Oct 25, we had the best day. Stunning location, service was excellent, food was amazing. All our guests loved it. Can't recommend enough.

My friend and I went to have hot drink today. I was unfortunately needing the toilet quite badly. I have a bladder problem. Post surgery for prostate cancer. I was told in no uncertain terms that I could not use the toilet as there. Was work being done. The woman I spoke to was very blunt about my situation and suggested we go to the restaurant and pay for a drink and then I could use the toilet. I have a special card which enables me to use any toilet anywhere! The lady at the restaurant was very helpful and kind. We did not have to pay for any drinks! This is not what we expect from a place we regularly visit. Not happy!

My husband and I had our wedding last week at Samlesbury Hall and it was the most beautiful day! We've worked closely with the staff over this last year planning every last detail - they were so friendly and helpful in all our communications and made the whole planning process a breeze. We've had so many compliments from our guests on how stunning the Hall is, and it made for the perfect backdrop for our photos. We can't wait to revisit the Hall in the future as it holds so many special memories for us.

Was disappointed to find the miniature train was all blocked off for maintenance, had all year but choose the first week of the summer holidays to do it, so, thought we'd go and look at the hall...nope, not possible as that was enveloped in a huge white screen, ok, so we went to the cafe and was charged £10 for a baked potato!! Parking is not free and you are not allowed to use a blue badge... had a little play area for kids and mini golf and Go Ape, " ornamental " pond was more like black slime and full of lily pads, totally neglected, lots of space for kids but lots of dogs off lead, so be careful, take a picnic too to save yourself some money

I've been coming to this park for several years now and honestly, I feel like it is going a bit downhill. We arrived today and the two main play frames were sectioned off for repair. The funfair had stopped even though all the kids aren't back in school until at least Thursday. The go ape climbing was shut. The little train track is NEVER running when we go. It looks like it's undergoing maintenance but never seen anyone working on it. The duck pond has blue algae in it and doesn't seem like it is being treated. The main gardens with the lovely trees have been shut now for about 2 years. No idea why! The toilets are really smelly and the soap box hasn't been fixed in at least 12 months and you could really do with putting some toilets down near the smaller wooden park as I've been caught out twice there now with my toddler who needed a number 2! Luckily had bags on me for her to do it in! On a positive note, the cafes / shops are great. There's some woodland you can walk through which is good to explore. There's a range of play equipment suitable for all ages and 2 places you can play mini golf. Plenty of sit down spaces and picnic tables. Parking is cheap and you can spend hours there on a good day. The new flower garden is really lovely. There's a great little bird watching area and the shop on the way in is selling wild bird food for you to put on the tables. Wigan council need to do a lot better! This is a well used park and would be so much better with access to all areas!

We had a lovely day here. The park caters for all ages. There are 2 crazy golf's, my nearly 4 yr old grandson loved his first time playing this. The staff in the crazy golf were really friendly guy's and at only £1 per person, it's well worth visiting. We went to the cafe for lunch and the staff there are also very helpful and friendly. Only 2 highchairs available that we could see but we managed to beg one off a lady who's child had finished eating and also passed ours on after we finished with it. We also visited the small funfair. Tokens only and each token cost £2.50. Only thing I don't agree with is that the parent on the rides with small children have to pay a token too. We will definitely be going back there.

Great place for a walk, plenty to do come along and try out the Low and High Ropes course. A few places to get food and drinks.. a couple of ice cream vans and a shop. Kids park and fairground rides at weekends and school holidays. Parkrun every Saturday good route on trails which can be muddy at times it’s down hill a loop then back up the hill.

My two children, 11 and 8, and I, had a brilliant time here yesterday. It was a little disappointing to find there's quite extensive renovation works going on at both the hall and along the miniature railway, and this is the reason for the 4☆ review - not that we minded the work at all, it's clear this is in the best interest of the hall and the miniature railway, but that there's no mention on the website or Facebook page (which I checked prior to our visit) and also that we didn't know the path passing the swan pond to complete the 1 mile circuit was closed as there was no signage until we got there. It didn't make our day any less enjoyable, as we followed the path around past the victorian kennels ruins (a huge hit), then followed the canal back to the car park, but those paths weren't suitable for pushchairs or scooters so families with younger children would've had to turn back. Our 1 mile walk turned in to a lovely 3 mile trail, which we finished off with a picnic, a few fairground rides (all very quiet, I expect due to the rides costing £2.50 each), and an ice cream from the van (£10 for 3). We did head over to the playground, but we found the equipment a bit too busy for us so we went back to find their favourite tree and had a bit of a climb before we left. £3.50 for the car park all day is a bargain when compared to other similar locations, particularly as there is so much going on here for children. We spent 4.5 hours here in total, but could easily have stayed all day, and we look forward to returning when the miniature railway re-opens as the kids would've loved this. It would just be nice to know before you travel what closures are in place, so you can plan your day accordingly.

Haigh Hall and the surrounding plantations, AKA Haigh Woodland Park are a great place for a bit of R&R. The main path through the plantations is wide and and is surfaced with tarmac making it accessible for all. It's both dog and cycle friendly with several entrances that include access from Swinley, Whelley and Haigh. As of March 2025 the main hall, a listed stately home, is currently undergoing restoration however there are many other facilities in the immediate vicinity. These include a sprawling playground for the kids, high rope adventure, mini golf, a great little bar and numerous cafes and shops. There is also a large carpark close to the facilities for those who wish to arrive by car.

Very nice , popular country park , with plenty to see and do . I went for the adventure golf , and walk around the shops , which were all close together . The shops are quite small , with plenty of eating options . They have several golfing options . Standard golf course , footgolf ( you kick the ball into a hole ) , adventure golf ,and a smaller/cheaper crazy golf course . Did the adventure golf which was very popular and reasonably priced . The theming was old school charm , and even had a moving viking ship . The holes were well presented if a little worn . The playing surface was super smooth and fast , probably because it is well trodden . This made putting out tricky , as a missed putt could travel a few feet past . Also on occasion , the ball would roll out of bounds . There are two water holes , which can slow things down , if you go in the water , there are scoops available to fish the ball out . I was alright but the groups in front of me had problems . Good course , enjoyed it , might do it again sometime . There is lots of parking , which is reasonably priced , and how no issues with the pay machines . The park is about 15 minutes off the motorway and makes for a fun stop .

An unusual and fascinating place to visit. Lots of interesting items and information. Plus cafe, shop, toilets. Entry ticket valid for returns within 12 months.

Well worth a visit if history - particularly military is your thing. Although in the scary world we live in atm it could be the future as the nuclear threat hasn't gone away really. As a teacher I believe this The Cold War and significance for today is something that should be part of our out of date curriculum. The young lady on the desk was welcoming and friendly. Although the subject matter is serious the place had a calmness and one felt relaxed viewing and reading exhibits. So much to see - we hadn't expected as much. We did not have Spotify so did not follow audio - perhaps bunker audio headphones would have set the scene more? Lots of information to take in and some find reading tricky. Dates of reference and origin on some articles would have improved things for me but that's just me as it did not really distract just wondered if sources was credible and time written. Taking the dog was brilliant and he enjoyed it to. Cake and drinks were lovely esp the chocolate sprinkles!! Would definitely rate this place and lovely staff.

Having previously visited a nuclear bunker in Scotland we were keen to come here. We visited with our dog who was welcomed in all areas of the site. A fascinating location with plenty of exhibits and information. A simulator of a nuclear strike whilst in a shelter really made us realise how terrifying any sort of bombing must be for civilians. We were a little late visiting the 'canteen' but we're made to feel very welcome and enjoyed a tasty lunch and authentic cappuccino 😉. A great place to visit for exhibits and the fantastic staff who seem to manage both admission and catering with brilliant service.

Well worth a visit if you have an interest in this period of history. Well laid out with clear explanations at each exhibit. It was a lot more expansive then we were expecting, spread over two floors with 20+ rooms. Keep an eye out for Goulash the cat though he is most likely to be hovering around the cafe! Tickets are good value especially if you are local as they are valid for 12 months.

A grim reminder of troubling times. Just south of Nantwich a secret nuclear bunker was established in the Cold War to monitor any attack and resultant devastation, coordinate communications and support rescue and recovery. The bunker is now a museum. Fascinating technology and horrifying mockups on nuclear weapons.

Not sure what to expect, but it was certainly thought provoking. Excellent musuem, well laid out with a download available for each room and area. Staff very pleasant, and very knowledgeable. Enjoyed refreshments in the Navies Canteen, toasted sandwiches, very good. The ticket is for a years admission, which if local is very good value. As no way can you observe everything in one visit.

For quite some time now I can be best described as a “Cold War Enthusiast” and not longer after my visit to the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker in Essex I learnt of the Hack Green Bunker and made it my mission to one day visit the bunker. I visited the bunker on the 1st of August back in 2023 and even to this day whenever I think about the bunker I am still shocked and amazed by it. The amazing information and the displays within the bunker transported me into the world of Mutual assured destruction and fear about the bomb one day dropping. The bunker wasn’t as big as Kelvedon but the Bunker made up for that with not only a Soviet display which gave you a glimpse at the armed forces of the USSR but also a showing of the 1966 banned film The War Game which blew me away as I longed to see it! Staff in the Cafe were friendly and very understanding of my autism and the fact I was so hyper. Overall I would recommend this to anyone who loves history but also loves the Cold War

Great and Amazing views around Leeds. Great Walks to do .

What a wonderful day...... walked today Gargrave to Skipton, about 5 miles in total, totally amazing due too, wildlife, scenery & old farm buildings. Along the route we passed various bridges & even 2 or 3 raised lower bridges. Our cocker spaniel was in his element exploring crocks & crannings along the way. Once we reached Skipton the canal path got busyer all the way into the town centre. There's a lot of boat owners forming a few little communities along the route. Walking is very easy going, plenty of room for wheelchairs, pushbikes, even mobility scooters due to the well made up tow path.

Absolutely beautiful walk, well worth the time. Difficult to find. We looked for a cycle route on Google Maps to get us on to the path. I will add pics on our route. We were lucky enough to see a boat come through and operate a lock. Easy walk on a level path. Watch out for the occasional biker.

I have walked and rode large sections of the Leeds Liverpool Canal and it's a mixture of nice and not so nice areas and the path is also a very mixed bag being well maintained in some areas to total neglect in others.

What a gorgeous views around the canal. I had a long walk from Crossflatts to Shipley. Just breathe taking views. Love the passing by boats, swans, people & cyclists. Love greenery all around, hilly areas, houses on top of the hills. Just amazing. Even it was rain on my way but it didn’t stop me to go further more to enjoy. Many train stations on the way so u have many choices to get or drop ur train. Sure going back again n recommended to others who love to enjoy nature, greenery, canal etc

Rode the entire length of the canal. Main issue is that some of the canal towpath has awful ground. Barely walk on it let alone cycle. Extremely beautiful though which makes up for it. Great pubs along the way. It takes a average of two days to cycle the length of the towpath. May hotels to stop which makes it easy enough to do.

A truly lovely stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool canal towards Ewood in Blackburn with Darwen. If you look closely you can see both the Ewood Park stadium and a wonderful local bowling green lawn. Also a delightful glimpse of little ducklings trying there hand in the water. A lovely route all round 💯

Museum not open on Monday or Tuesday, so just walked around the grounds which were lovely. Stopped at the cafe for tea and cake which was lovely. Lots of places to enjoy a picnic. Need to pay for parking.

Lovely grounds to walk around. Clean toilets at the hall and a lovely brew at the rotunda by the car park. Only down side.. Reflection pond was empty at the time we visited

A beautiful historic house and art gallery, set in a really nice park with a wonderful garden. I particularly liked the chapel, long gallery and the Victorian kitchen.

Expectations exceeded. It's a forest, magnificent gardens, a stately home, a museum and an art gallery all in one. Even the coffee was good. All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable.

What a lovely place! Beautiful, well tended grounds, and a stunning, newly renovated stately home to look around. Sleepy ducks round a pond and fountain, wonderful flowers and ancient trees. A very nice cafe. Despite being a weekday when we visited, it was pretty busy, and we were lucky to find a parking space. Parking was cheap though, as was entry to the hall and museum.. cheap for me, and free for my student companions. My ticket is also valid for the whole year, should I wish to return, which I certainly will. Definitely worth a visit if history, nature and beautiful houses are your thing.

Excellent place. Ticket price is £5.50 for an annual pass, so can visit as many times as you want in a year. Staff welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Lots of 'behind the walls' secret panels that were highlighted, along with information and historical stories. Great cafe in the grounds with a good assortment of food and drinks at a reasonable price. Nice outside grass and garden areas too. Great afternoon spent here

Amazing place my 4 grandchildren loved it I even got thanks of afterwards they found all the 19 mice

Really enjoyed this visit, short walk to the actual tree and did sound pretty good when it was chiming. Accessible for most although parts of path are rocky and short hills may make it difficult to access for some. It was great views for miles and miles, really worth a visit.

This the second time I've been here and although I would class myself as a conservative artist lover, hating Turner prize and that type, I love this. You need it to be windy, the more wind the better to be honest. However, where its situated i guess its always windy enough. The car park is free and the walk down to the sculpture is about 5 minutes, maybe 1/4 of a mile. I dont think you would easily get down to it in a normal push wheelchair or if you were disabled but with care and help you can. There is a bench and seating when you get there to rest as well. The sculpture provides a strange, haunting sound, almost a moaning or wailing. I think if there were 10 people listening then they might all have a different thought though. The views are spectacular as well. I hope the videos give a reasonable reproduction of the sound. It will be VERY spooky if you go there on a dark stormy night, may be All Hallows eve?

Sure! Here’s a revised version of your review, incorporating the tree sound: Car park (free) is about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Singing Tree. It was a breezy day with a steady wind – we could actually hear the tree making sounds, almost like a haunting background from a horror movie, which was quite atmospheric! The views were absolutely stunning – well worth the visit for those alone. A unique place that’s perfect for a quick stop on a beautiful day.

Well worth a look, especially on a windy day (you'll really hear it singing, as you approach!) That said, keep tight hold of your bag/ phone! The wind can get FIERCE up on Crown Point! Truly unique experience 😁

I enjoyed the little walk along the straight length of the path approaching the Tree, it kinda enhances the peaceful experience. (It's a shame that the humming sound which I heared whilst there, wasn't audible on the video I shot, just the distorted wooshing sound from the gusty wind on the microphone. 🙄😁

Great attraction to visit if you’re passing that way. I first saw this when it was shiny and new in 2007 and it’s still going strong when we visited on the way past this weekend although it’s a bit weathered now. Best visited on a moderately windy day because too little or too much wind and it doesn’t sing as well. When we went this weekend it was extremely high winds so the audio on the video is crazy, don’t listen with headphones :’) It’s almost impossible to get the sound of the tree on videos so it’s worth experiencing for yourself and the YouTube videos don’t do it justice. There is a 4 seat picnic bench which needs reloading and one of the wooden stools has come off. Accessible via a 5 minute walk from the carpark, along a gravel path. We saw a mum coming back towards us with a baby in a stroller managing the path fine but the last bit on the way back up is a slight incline so bare that in mind unit visiting with a heavier wheelchair. The path also experiences strong cross winds.

A really cool piece of artwork set in a peaceful spot – the only sound you hear is the sculpture itself. 👀 First Impressions It looks huge in photos, so I was expecting something massive, but it’s only about 3-5 metres tall. Bit of a surprise! ✨ Experience Still, it’s clever, unique and worth seeing if you’re nearby. The sound it makes is oddly calming and adds to the quiet setting. ⭐ Overall Smaller than expected but still a cool stop – peaceful, unusual and definitely a photo-worthy landmark.

Amazing library and is worth a visit especially since their is no admission fee (please feel free to make a donation). Although the library looks quite old, it only opened on January 1, 1900. It took ten years to build and was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands. The staff here are extremely knowledgeable, it's worth waiting for the talk they give about the building's history. They're are some very impressive works in their collection. A copy of the Gutenberg Bible, a copy of Shakespeare's famous First Folio from 1623, and many more impressive items. It is a true functioning library and you can view books in their collections. We were very impressed with the library and will come back on our next visit to Manchester.

Went to this library with my friend previously, very astonished to see the lovely architecture and design of the place. Also there is a mini bay with a modern building right beside it, yet they were blended together very well. The differences and blending of both buildings are just fascinating. Again, our visit is just magically enhanced by the rare but welcomed sunshine. Took such great photos because of it as it shows how beautiful the stained glass windows are ♥️✨

100% worth a visit, for exploring or studying, I'd recommend getting in there early though before the crowds assend upon the library. It's like stepping into a library from Hogwarts, or more accurately put, I can see where the inspiration for a set from Harry Potter came from. Free entry, but you may need to wait in line for 10-15minutes, but don't let that put you off visiting as you will not be disappointed.

One of Manchester’s best attractions to visit. Very highly maintained building with a blend of old and new architecture. The reading rooms are beautiful and so is the library upstairs. The building is well laid out. They also offer a free talk giving you insight into the history of this place. Toilet facilities on site. Free entry. Staff are friendly too.

Absolutely stunning place, John Rylands Library is a must visit in Manchester! Part of the University of Manchester, this Gothic style library is open to the public for free. The architecture is breathtaking like stepping into a 19th century castle. Vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and dramatic lighting give it a magical, almost Hogwarts like atmosphere. The collection is equally impressive. Even if you’re not a book lover, the building alone is worth the visit. Peaceful, historic, and visually spectacular. Just remember, it’s a working library, so be respectful and keep your voice down. Perfect for fans of history, architecture, or anyone looking for a quiet escape in the heart of Manchester.

Today i visited the John Rylands Library in Manchester, England. It is a neo-Gothic building that was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands, and opened in 1900. The building is considered one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe The library is part of the University of Manchester and houses a large collection of rare books, manuscripts, and archives. The money in which the library comes from has a bit of a dark past. The Rylands' wealth was significantly linked to the transatlantic slave trade, as much of the cotton used in their mills was cultivated by enslaved people in the Americas.

Free entry and waiting time differs at what time of the day and what days you go. Friendly and approachable staff. Beautiful architecture. Exhibition is in the level 1 and reading room in level 2. Reading room has religion, history and geography books and Level 3 has research rooms to study the books which require appointment. People also come here for photoshoots such as for their graduation photos. Definitely worth a visit if you are coming to Manchester.

The support acts sound quality didn't seem too great for an arena, and they could do with some additional facilities - especially useful would be access to toilets from near the front of the arena, instead of having to fight through the entire crowd to the back. Otherwise a good experience and the show was incredible.

Good venue, Especially when it comes to boxing events no better in the country! Parking is plentiful so no need to worry about that. Prices of drinks good luck very expensive!

Awesome concert seeing disturbed (and megadeth - though wasn't that interested in them, but they were good). All staff i interacted with were nice and directed which entrance needed to go in by. Actual concert was great, really good live and such a good mix of songs (the Sickness album plus few other biggest hits). Couple of mosh pits happened but never close enough I'd be pulled in but was fun to see (incl someone in Ronald mcdonald style onesie). Cool firework, light and fire displays throughout plus huge 'the guy' appeared and David did his death row act before diving straight into psycho all bloodied up. Only negative was some of the attendees chucking half filled beer and water bottles

Watched The Offspring there yesterday, Fantastic place for a concert, load, bright lights fireworks and confetti. Staff were excellent and friendly, managed to park in the multi storey car on site, we arrived 2 hours before the venue opened its doors and it was getting quite busy, Easy access to the bar and merch areas, toilets got ridiculously busy between acts, but kept clean.

Not my first visit but as always memorable. Great acts great atmosphere, absolutely love it. Never a bad gig here.

Overview of AO Arena
The AO Arena in Manchester is a massive venue that rocks the scene, hosting everything from concerts to sports events. It’s one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe, making it a popular spot for major artists and events. With a capacity of around 21,000, it’s got the space to bring in big crowds and create an electric atmosphere.
Venue Experience
1. Accessibility: Getting to the AO Arena is pretty straightforward, whether you’re driving or using public transport. It’s located near Manchester city center, so there are plenty of bus and tram options. There’s also parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on event nights.
2. Seating: The seating is generally well laid out, giving good views from most angles. If you’re up in the higher tiers, you might feel a bit far from the stage, but the sound is still solid. For a closer experience, snag seats in the lower tiers.
3. Atmosphere: The vibe here is next level. When the lights go down and the music starts, you can feel the excitement in the air. The crowd is usually buzzing, making it a great spot to enjoy live performances.
Amenities
1. Food and Drinks: The food options are decent, with typical arena snacks like burgers, fries, and nachos. Prices can be a bit steep, so it’s good to come prepared if you’re on a budget. There are also bars serving a variety of drinks, including beer and cocktails.
2. Restrooms: The restrooms are spread throughout the venue, which is a plus. However, they can get crowded during intermissions, so plan accordingly if you need a break.
3. Merchandise: Expect to find plenty of merchandise stalls for the artists performing, but be ready for some long lines, especially if it’s a sold-out show.
Events and Performances
The AO Arena hosts a wide range of events, from music legends like Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd to sporting events like basketball games and wrestling. The variety keeps things fresh, and there’s usually something happening that’ll draw big crowds.
Safety and Security
Security is tight, which is reassuring. You’ll go through bag checks and metal detectors, but it moves quickly enough. Just be mindful of the venue's rules about what you can bring inside.
Final Thoughts
Overall, AO Arena is a fantastic spot to catch live events. The mix of accessibility, atmosphere, and sound quality makes it a must-visit if you’re in Manchester. Just remember to plan ahead, especially with parking and food, and you’re in for a great time! 🎉

Went to see disturbed with my sister and daughter. I was really worried about queueing and standing because if mobility issues. However, the staff accepted my access card and were very helpful. The concert was brilliant and we all enjoyed it. My daughter started suffering from a migraine and the medical staff were understanding and got us sorted with paracetamol and water before it got too bad. I would definitely recommend seeing concerts here!

Visited the Football Museum in Manchester and it was a mixed experience for me. There are some good interactive bits, especially for kids – things like penalty shootouts, making your own magazine cover, and different touch exercises. The building itself is very striking from the outside and the architecture is worth a look. Inside, there’s a lift to every floor, clean toilets, and a café if you fancy a break. The staff were friendly and even chatted to me about the team I support, which was a nice touch. The gift shop has plenty to browse such as shirts, signed frames, posters, magnets, badges, etc. On the downside, some of the interactive sections have long queues, sometimes up to half an hour. It’s also cheaper to book online, but if you turn up on the day you pay quite a bit more, which feels unnecessary. I found it a little expensive for what’s there – most of the displays are about football from the 1800s to early 1900s, with not much focus on modern football. There are some trophies, but again, mainly older ones. They have baggage lockers, but they’re not cheap either. Overall, worth a visit if you’re a big football fan or have kids who’ll enjoy the activities, but I wouldn’t rush back.

Hmmm, so am interesting viewing and a way to spend a couple of hours. BUT in my opinion, not worth the £17 "donation" (so they can also claim an extra 25%) entry fee for adults. Lots of stuff for kids to do (some are chargeable extras or ticket upgrades) and one to visit for the real football fan. Great to see the Jules Rimet trophy (I would have expected the museum make more of this) and also a (replica?) of the premier league trophy. £10 I think would be a fair price....

Definitely worth an hour or two for the dedicated fan, especially if you have kiddos who can play all of the interactive challenges like the penalty shootout or the passing accuracy- there’s even a VR section where you can immerse yourself with the professionals! And your ticket is good for a year so you can come back again if you don’t get to everything the first time through. The gift shop has a nice selection of items to include some retro jerseys as well! I should’ve bought the Beckham England jsy for £100…

This place is filled with history and nostalgia. One of a kind museum delving into football origins and the great championship clubs. Took about 30 mins to cover this place plus about 20mins to cover the coffee shop at ground floor..found some interesting souvenirs as well to take home. Walkable distance to other historical places. Well recommended. Wonderful time

Generally great. Loved second floor for kids. The generalised pc bregade. Takes away from fundimentals of the history of the game. Would have liked more about mens game and history.

Fantastic couple of hours spent at the NFM - Packed with one of a kind memorabilia from every era and generation of football. Lots of interactive stuff to do for the kids, both young and the young at heart kids! Ticket prices are very reasonable, and the gift shop isn't one that feels overpriced either

Good price for an annual pass. The stories are informative and staff are friendly. Many exhibits are interactive. Suitable for both solo travellers and families.

Had a great time here for my friend Edens birthday. Everyone who served us that night was brilliant. I got chatting to one staff member Mit great guy but well done team

Great cocktails. I had a very good Negroni. Warm and attentive service in this atmospheric and intimate bar we stumbled on when trying to escape the rain. Highly recommended.

There is this one bartender who is a rude and arrogant. Our pints were not full and when we asked him to fill it to the bro he made sure to fill it but later made a very very arrogant comment and a rude face. Suggesting that my boyf and I were asking for something which was not usual. I have been to this this place so many times. The last time we went here we had a lovely time. Our bartender was as a lovely man!! He made sure we were look after! But this time it was comepelt opposite! A really rude guy!serving downstairs!

Beautiful discreet cocktail bar. Gorgeous decor and ambience. Makes a mean old fashioned. Really skilled staff.

Great tasting cocktails, very good ambiance plus very enthusiastic staff! The cocktails were amazing just a bit pricey but they were well worth it! The bartender even made me a customised drink when I asked for something that they would recommend for me - and that was absolutely lovely! Will definitely come back here!

So glad we found this place. From the moment we were greeted by the quirky friendly host the staff were so friendly throughout. This is also a serious cocktail place for people who like proper cocktails from mixologists that know their stuff. Thanks for a great night!

Nice, but quite expensive for what it is. We were expecting more of a science theme, but the drinks weren’t anything special. My partner got a good recommendation from a member of staff, but it was just not worth the money. It was also very loud, to the point where you couldn’t even have a conversation, with some patrons being very rowdy and staff not doing anything about it. Overall, it was okay but we wouldn’t go again, but we did like the ice cube!

Loved the history behind the castle was bigger than initially thought. You get a map to follow when walking around gives you more information on history of the rooms. Beautiful preserved castle and grounds. Dogs are welcome in castle just not in shop and tea room but there is plenty of seating around. Kids under 5 go free takes about an hour or 2 to walk round castle slowly not include grounds.

Really enjoyable look around this brilliant piece of history, you are left to walk around at your leisure which is good lots of signs explaining everything. Dog friendly which is great. It has a good car park which is a bit of a walk from the entrance but not a problem and it's something like £4.50 for the day so ideal for looking around Skipton town centre after the castle. The castle is literally 1 minute walk away.

Visiting Skipton Castle today felt like stepping gracefully into a living chapter of England’s storied past. Rising proudly above its surroundings, the castle possesses a quiet, enduring grandeur that immediately captures the heart. Its weathered stone walls, ancient archways, and immaculately kept grounds create an atmosphere where history does not merely linger — it breathes. Wandering through its corridors, one cannot help but admire the exquisite preservation of this medieval fortress. Every room, every vault, and every spiral stair whispers tales of resilience and nobility. Sunlight filtering through narrow windows casts soft patterns across the stone floors, lending a poetic stillness to the place. The courtyard, with its venerable yew tree standing sentinel for centuries, feels nothing short of enchanting. The staff deserve the highest praise. Their warmth, courtesy, and genuine passion for the castle enriched the experience immeasurably. They carried a quiet pride in sharing their knowledge, answering questions with patience and charm. Their presence added a welcoming human touch to the grandeur of the site. Access to the castle was wonderfully straightforward, with clear signage and well-kept paths that made the visit smooth and stress-free. Whether travelling alone, with family, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat into history, one can reach and explore the castle with absolute ease. Skipton Castle is not merely a tourist attraction — it is a beautiful encounter with heritage, artistry, and the enduring strength of time. I left with a sense of awe and gratitude, carrying with me the gentle magic of a place that truly honours its past. A must-visit, and a memory I shall hold dear.

I love castles and Skipton castle is well preserved. Half of the castle is a private home ...the rest of the castle is open to the paying public and is small. The rooms are disappointingly empty...I think they could get furniture, weapons, suits of armour, period dress etc to make them look period and a bit more interesting...visitors can move around at their leisure. There is a gift shop toilets and tea room. There is also a car park close by which is part of the castle grounds.

Absolutely loved it. Love castles and this is a good one. Not very big and apart from the few places you weren't allowed, then it's got a lot of history.

Amazing castle so much is original and in good condition. No fancy Disney stuff all original history . Some great views too. Highly recommended

Friendly staff at the gate immediately made me feel welcome here. It is amazing how a first impression like that can carry through a visit, but after I just felt like it was okay to be there. The castle itself is a substantially intact stone keep etc with roofs still in place to keep the weather out. In fact I would absolutely recommend this as a good wet weather option. I should know as it was raining throughout my visit. There was a strange kind of duality to the place which is difficult to describe. Fully intact structure yet completely bare within, it seemed caught between living structure and standing ruin. Never quite knowing what it wants to be and landing awkwardly somewhere in between.

First time visiting here. I was not dissapointed. Staff were really friendly and helpful. The house and gardens are small but lovely and very interesting. I think you would struggle viewing the house if you had a mobility issue but there is a ground floor cafe and gardens where you can sit to eat amongst the fruit trees. Its not somewhere unfortunately you can take a dog. But it's definitely well worth a visit

Fabulous visit to this gem of a Tudor House. A free gravel parking area is provided close to the house, just off the A34. Shaded by mature trees and space for a good number of cars. Knowledgeable staff with an excellent talk given in Tudor dress in the courtyard at 12.00 & the great hall at 2pm. The teashop reckon they are the best in the National Trust & I would not argue 👍😋. Excellent lunch options and homemade specials. Worth a visit in it's own right! No curried pasties, just amazing food from pies, quiche to crumble and custard. Fab (Do note, the new till system does not take Amex cards). The upstairs of the house is not for the less able, but fascinating if you can manage the stairs. No NT shop, but a huge range of secondhand books and a lovely stamp for your NT passport. Certainly worth a visit 👍☺️

I still can't quite believe that this place actually exists. It's a relatively unspoilt Tudor farmhouse cum Manor with moat. Its jam packed with original features and the guides really brought the place to life. It probably isn't big enough to be a full day out but you will not be disappointed by the house. A word of warning, if you are unsteady on your feet or have other mobility issues you may struggle with the narrow winding stairs and uneven floors. I don't think that there was a straight or level piece of wood inside or outside the building. Simply stunning.

Outstanding wonky Tudor moated Manor house. Built between about 1504 to 1610, it has a fascinating history including being requisitioned in 1643 by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War which plunged the Moreton family owners in to crippling debt. Beautiful house and gardens with a good cafe and shop. Well worth a visit.

A wonderful experience for young and old. Make sure you listen to the guides talk before going round and in the long gallery, enjoy the crooked room. You'll know what I mean when you go there. My grandchildren particularly liked the garderobe and we're fascinated by what passed as a toilet in Tudor times.

architecturally this place is a wonder! You can walk around the whole the uneven, mis shaped house with some beautiful examples of craftsmanship to experience. We went on a Saturday & there was talks on in the great hall throughout the day which really brought to life Tudor England.

Very unusual, quirky and wonky National Trust property. The angles of the woodwork, the floors and windows are unbelievable, some steel has been added which may explain how its still standing. We had a nice visit here on a lovely sunny day. Inside the house was nice and cool, with plenty of information points and helpful staff. The gardens are very nice to walk around, and a moat around the property. We had lunch in Mrs Dale's tearoom, which was very nice and reasonably priced. Also a smaller cafe where you can get snacks/drinks and sit in the garden. Big car park and good access. Definitely worth a visit.

This is a superb garden, no house to visit but there is the usual tea room serving a nice selection of food and snacks. The gardens are huge but in a lot of areas not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or the less able as there are lots of narrow uneven steps but if you can manage it is visually stunning. The gardens are stunning and well managed with the Chinese garden being beautiful. There are many different gardens with a theme but each one is different. A very popular place with plenty of car parking. There is a small shop with quite a few plants for sale. Well worth the drive to visit

I’ve visited many National Trust estates, and while this one was enjoyable, it didn’t quite stand out for me. I found the historical interpretation to be somewhat limited, and neither the architecture nor the landscaping left a strong impression. That said, the tearoom was absolutely lovely — the smell of the coffee drifted outside and was truly inviting. It was a real highlight of the visit. A pleasant spot overall, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing break with a great cup of coffee.

The garden is not massive but takes a long time to see everything with different mini gardens. There were lot's of people but you could still find a quiet spot. A lot of changes in levels so not very good for wheelchair users. Had a good cup of coffee served with very friendly staff. Staff Very friendly and helpful all over.

A great place to come for the whole family. It's not an all day thing but you can spend a few hours here looking at the stunning gardens. Absolutely beautiful place and the garden are kept so well.

Lovely garden but doesn’t have a great many unusual plants. I’ve seen it described as a botanical garden which is pushing it a bit and if you are a real plants person you may be disappointed that there are so few what I call “wow plants” if that is the reason you travel there. However, a nice afternoon out if you enjoy attractive spaces.

Really interesting and fun gardens to walk around. Very well maintained. A shame one of the walks is only open on the weekends but still plenty to see. Tea room for lovely sweet treats. Would definitely visit again.

Beautiful ground. Such a lovely place. Nice coffee shop Lots of different areas to go to - Egypt, China, dahlia walk, tunnels There were some narrow steps so a buggy isn't ideal I took a 17mth toddler. She loved it. We fed the carp and rang the bells

Stunning house, visit if you can as a wonderful and rare tour of the behind the scenes showing the butlers pantry and the brewery site. Also the Regency dressing room, do take advantage and dress up as your own Mr Darcy/Elizabeth as it really enhances the experience for you and those around you. The garden is great even in Autumn and dogs are very welcome A great day

Like a dream 🌿🏛🌿 From the Paddock cottage and Scottish Highland cattle to the the Cage and rolling grass hills. I visited many national trust locations during my recent trip to England and I can safely say that Lyme Park was my favorite. The property is expansive and beautiful. The house also had many interactive exhibits. I can't wait to return one day and experience it again.

Vast grounds, interesting house and knowledgeable volunteer room guides. The main lake near the house was part drained, so otherwise five stars. Gardens are worth a look, but the "cage" whilst open on the ground floor is quite a walk for not very much until it's refurbished and fully open again.

Had a great time, as always at Lyme Park with our daughter & grandchildren. (5&3) We love the gardens & all the Summer activities for the children are fantastic, along with the adventure playground which our girls loved! We enjoyed the refreshments in the cafes. It’s really great place to visit with so much history to explore in & around the house. We’ve only really just scratched the surface & we want to do more of the walks all around the estate in the future.

Unfortunately, the house is closed until the end of November, so I didn't have a chance to explore a house with six centuries of history. Walking around the gardens doesn’t take much time. There’s a bookshop and a nice café.

Huge grounds where dogs are welcome to roam. There's places where they are even allowed to run off lead, which is a rarity at national trust properties. The house is impressive to look around, and the gardens must be stunning in summer. The trees were in glorious colours on the autumn day we visited, but the flower beds were mostly empty and the fountains and pools drained for the winter. I can only imagine what it must be like in the summer. Maybe we'll come again and find out! Dog friendly section in the cafe was great. There's a bit of a steep walk from the car park up to the house entrance, but I saw accessibility parking signs so perhaps they avoid it.

The wide and beautiful garden was turned into a play area for the children’s summer event. My kids had so much fun! The house inside was also very large and interesting. There were children’s toys inside the house, and my kids had the special experience of playing freely in a historic building!

Visited Poole’s Cavern yesterday and had a great experience. Our guide, Anne, was friendly, welcoming, and made the tour really engaging. She explained everything in an interesting and clear way, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

It's the people who work here that really makes this place. The cavern is a fascinating, geological wonder with an interesting history, but it was our tour guide, Callum that brought it all to life. He told us about the man John Poole who the cave was named after. He was a thoroughly nasty character who got a very satisfying cummupence, courtesy of the Buxton locals. Next he spoke of some of the other artifacts found including but not limited to Roman remains in a shrine to a water goddess. He spoke of the caves acquisition by a rich Victorian gentleman, and the side hustles that the impoverished children that were hired as tour guides at the time would use to extort more money out of the wealthy elite. Very industrious. It even has connections to Mary Queen of Scots, more specifically her portrait artist. The cavern also boasts 'poached egg stalacmites' that are only found in this cave system. Fascinating. This excavation is run through a charity that has already broken through into more of the cavern and hopes to soon use drones to bring footage from a cave blocked off from human eyes thousands of years ago. I would urge you to book a guide, buy the guidebook which is excellent and run amok in the giftshop which is full of crystally goodness as all this goes in towards this very important research. If you're really lucky, you might even get Callum to show you around.

We were suprised that due to my husband walking with a rollator and not being able to do stairs we were able to part of this tour for free which included a carer. Our guide was very knowledgeable and staff were really friendly. Would thoroughly recommend it. Also a sculpture walk next to it which not accessible but looked amazing. Also Go Ape next door.

Brilliant experience! It’s really well laid out and the lighting is very atmospheric. Dog friendly too, for a quid. There are guides in there too with lots of info if you’re on a self-guided tour. Can walk through it in 20-30min if you’re in a rush.

A living relic of ancient history right beneath our feet. We'll worth an easy stroll on a well lit, well supervised and grippy, almost adhesive path. The coffee alone is worth a quick visit and the staff are a pleasant and accommodating bunch.

Our tour guide Anne was absolutely brilliant. She answered my children’s endless questions and was so knowledgeable and interesting. She made it very fun. The cave was gorgeous and truly fascinating.

First time visiting Buxton and this was a must see. The cave itself is quite something and access is straightforward with an easy to follow linear path. The kids loved it! Guides are approachable and knowledgeable. The gifts shop has some wonderful little keepsakes and is actually very fairly priced (not often the case for gifts shops) with some wonderful things for under a tenner. Plus, it sells Buxton brewery beers! Highly recommended day out.

A beautiful sunny day made the walk to Solomon’s Temple a wonderful experience. The gentle trail led up through open fields, offering peaceful moments along the way. From the top, the panoramic view over Buxton town and the rolling countryside was simply breathtaking, with green hills stretching endlessly in every direction. We enjoyed our day with the kids.

Slightly over hyped if I'm honest. Nice place to visit, but I don't think it was worth the hike. Good views over the hills, met some well behaved horses and cows along the way. They don't seem bothered about people around them as long as you are not bothering them, I did see a few people scared of the cows, but they are really harmless.

Tuesday, 7th October 2025 Solomon's Temple, also known as Grinlow Tower, is a Victorian folly on the summit of Grin Low hill, near the spa town of Buxton in the Derbyshire Peak District. On 23 February 1894, a meeting at Buxton Town Hall decided to rebuild a landmark tower that had been built by Solomon Mycock, of the Cheshire Cheese Hotel, in the early 19th century, and of which only a few stones remained. The Local Board vice-chairman had talked with the seventh Duke of Devonshire's agent and decided that the reconstruction was feasible if the townspeople would donate sufficient money. Sketches were submitted by architects W. R. Bryden and G. E. Garlick. By that May, the plans were confirmed by the Duke of Devonshire, and it was well known that the site was of prehistoric importance. In June 1894, the seventh Duke of Devonshire subscribed £25 towards building the folly. Buxton had already subscribed £50. The foundation stone was laid by Colonel Sidebottom, M.P., on 31 May 1896, witnessed by a large crowd, and the tower was opened by Victor Cavendish in September 1896. The tower was restored in 1988 by public subscription. The structure is a 20-foot-high (6.1 m), two-storey tower built on top of a Bronze Age barrow, sitting on top of a ridge at a height of 440 metres (1,440 ft) above sea level. From the open top of the tower there are good 360-degree views over the town and the surrounding countryside and parts of the Peak District. The tower does not contain anything other than the staircase to the top. It is a Grade II listed building. It is a pleasant walk to the tower especially in nice weather ☀️ and has some greatviewsfromthetop. I can recommend a visit to this place😀.

Lovely walk on dedicated paths. Suitable for most fitness levels. I would imagine great views over Buxton below, however not so on the day I walked as the rain was almost biblical. Didn’t stop the enjoyment of the walk though and would definitely do it again.

19th century folly atop a hill overlooking Buxton, standing as a monument to the area's industrial past. The walk up to the tower passes remains of quarrying and lime burning that once occupied the area. The land is now home to livestock. Inside the tower, a short spiral staircase leads to a viewing platform, from which many of the elegant buildings of the spa town of Buxton can be seen looking one way, and the working quarries of Harpur Hill the other. There's plenty of paid parking and facilities at Poole's Cavern visitor centre.

Its a great place to hike. If you are in Manchester or near Buxton - this place is worth a visit. Its very windy on the top. On a clear day you can see the Mam Toe from the top. Make sure it is a sunny day. Otherwise, it won't look the same.

Great place to visit near the Peak District National Park Area. Used the Poole's Cavern carpark, then started the hiking route to get there. The route is quite friendly, not difficult, and doesn't have to climb on a steep hill. The view is gorgeous, looking far ahead and down to the town and the forests at the altitude of Solomon’s Temple.