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.

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!

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

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.

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*

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

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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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.

This time, I had the chance to visit the lounge of 9320. It offered hamburgers, hot dogs, fried fish, french fries, and some pies. The most impressive thing was the Asahi beer! The seats in the venue were quite comfortable. Although I'm not a fan of the City team, this venue experience was quite good.

Unbelievable stadium, but don’t expect a big atmosphere from the fans compared to other teams, except during the big games. If you’re going to a match, the leather seats between Blocks 121 and 131 are honestly the most comfortable ones you can book. Blocks 110 to 142 also have leather seats and are perfect if you want to focus on the match and enjoy the football. Just keep in mind that you’ll mostly be sitting among older fans there, so the vibe is usually calm. But if it’s your first time attending a big match and you want to feel the atmosphere, go for seats in Blocks 019 to 032 or 010 to 042. The seats there aren’t as comfortable, but you’ll definitely experience the best crowd energy when it’s a big game. If the weather looks rainy, make sure to wear a jacket or book seats higher up in the Level 100 or 300 sections for better cover. I had a great experience over the last three years in this stadium, and I really appreciate how easy it is to buy tickets through their official website. Based on what I know, there’s only one halal food option available inside the stadium, so it’s better to eat beforehand if you prefer halal meals. There’s also a small prayer room, which is a nice touch, but it would be great if they could add more prayer spaces in different stands or create a larger one that’s easier to access. That would definitely help reduce the crowding before matches or during halftime.

This was a great way to spend a few hours on the stadium tour. Funny and informative guides, really good atmosphere. Great to see where the players go about their match day rituals, through the tunnel club hospitality bar, into the gym and changing room, and right to pitch side. We even got the chance to sit in Peps chair pitch side and have photos with the man himself. Fantastic value for the price of the tickets, would highly recommend.

Had a fantastic day out ~ brought my son here for a birthday treat and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute.. Our tour guides (Tim and Mick) were amazing and very entertaining!!! Thank you for a great day, and we will definitely be back ⚽️🏆😎

Event staff at the Stadium were tremendously helpful for a 'black tie' charity fundraising event, couldn't have gone more smoothly - apart from two emergency evacuations, fortunately an hour before the first guests arrived! (False alarms but a good test of their processes by the security teams.) And, unusually, for Manchester, it wasn't raining (jj)! Result!

Iconic stadium. the travel in & out was streamline and immaculate. £5 burger inside were lethal too - wish I got 2 🙊

Arrived via the Manchester Metrolink tram (Etihad Campus stop—short walk). Turned up in the morning and found it closed until 10:00, so note that tours/City Store generally open from 10. This isn’t a public jogging venue like Jakarta’s GBK—no track access outside events—but the complex is clean, modern, and easy to navigate with excellent tram links. For match days, expect efficient security, contactless payments across kiosks, and a lively atmosphere around the concourse. On non-match days, book a stadium tour if you want more than exterior photos. Tips: come after 10:00, check fixtures/tour slots in advance, travel light due to bag restrictions, and use the tram for hassle-free access. Overall, a very impressive stadium even if you only have time for a quick look.

This is a great museum and can be done in about 2-3 hours and is good for all ages. It's free to get in but you can make a donation. The vivarium was very popular. The gift shop had some good and interesting items for souvenirs or gifts. There is an elevator for those with strollers or that can't do stairs. They're are several different sections to see. The Egyptian section has a real mummified person that you can view, along with their sarcophagus. There are taxidermy animals and the skeleton of a whale. Lots to see and definitely worth a visit. There is even a good cafe attached for a snack once you're done.

Great place to visit for a couple of hours. Went mainly to see the triceratops skull which is on display until February and it was well worth seeing! Plenty of things to see including other dinosaurs and fossils. Egyptian mummies and other artefacts too. Free to enter but need to book tickets for triceratops- still free though. Donations are of course welcome.

My son and I had a truly wonderful time visiting the Historical Art Exhibition in Manchester. We were both deeply impressed by the richness of the displays and the beauty of the precious artifacts. My 7-year-old son was especially delighted to see so many fascinating and valuable pieces from the past, which sparked his curiosity and excitement. It was such a joyful experience for him before starting his new school day, and for me it was a memorable moment to share with him, filled with learning and admiration.

So many fascinating things to see, from taxidermy to fossils to gems to live animals! I could've stayed the whole day. There is a big variety of things here, you'd never get bored! And it's free! I had such lovely time here.

We recently spent a truly spectacular day at the Manchester Museum. This isn't just a collection of old things; it's a vibrant journey through time, packed with amazing artifacts and compelling histories that capture the imagination of every visitor. The historical collections are beautifully curated, offering deep dives into everything from Ancient Egypt to natural sciences, presenting human history and the wonders of the natural world in an accessible and awe-inspiring way. The Star Attraction: Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat. While the entire museum is brilliant, the main event for us was undoubtedly the special exhibition, Triceratops: Eat, Roam, Repeat. I can't recommend this highly enough, especially for families with young children. The exhibition is designed to be incredibly interactive, turning learning into a hands-on adventure. It perfectly balances fascinating historical facts about the iconic dinosaur with opportunities to explore, move, and play. Seeing the sheer scale of the Triceratops skull is breathtaking, but the clever, child-friendly displays bring its ancient life into sharp focus. Our four-year-old had the best time exploring every corner. The exhibit encourages curiosity and active participation, keeping little hands and minds busy. To top off the dino-mite experience, the fun Dino dig was the perfect finale. Watching our little one, brush in hand, enthusiastically unearth 'fossils' felt like a real-life archaeological discovery. It’s details like this—making history tangible and fun—that set the Manchester Museum apart.

Very nice museum. Free admission. Nice local history and natural history exhibits. Easy access by public transport. Cafe on the premises, plenty of seating. Also suitable for families with children

This was a cool museum. I brought my four year old and he had a really interesting time. There were some nice interactive bits alongside stuff to look at. It had plenty in it but we also happily left after about an hour and a half / two hours. Dinosaurs was a fave as was the frog farm (probs not the real name). Wasn’t so busy. Might have been harder with kids aged 2-3.

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

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.

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.

Beautiful place with lovely views great place to go for a walk but quite steep need to be reasonably fit, there are some parking spaces that are free for two hours but any longer and you have to pay in the local council designated area but I can recommend a visit.

Weather walking a circular, linear or point to point route, this is a splendid area. Open mountain tops and easy ridge walking. The views on a clear day are fantastic. A large pay car park has several starting points, including circular walks. If you have dogs, a lead is essential as this is sheep country.

Fantastic walk did the 7 miler very steady going for the first couple of hours then slowly becomes a bit tougher towards the foot of the tower. Hike up to the tower is pretty strenuous but not far. The views are incredible. Car parking and toilets available.

Amazing hike up for sunsets. A little steep but quite easy. Takes about 45 minutes to get up/down each way. No toilets, can be very windy.

Moel Famau (CH7 5PH) is an absolutely stunning park with breathtaking natural scenery and expansive landscapes that make it a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is vast and filled with scenic trails, offering everything from gentle slopes to challenging climbs that reward you with incredible panoramic views. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from the bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature’s peace and beauty. That said, Moel Famau feels more like a hiker’s park than a typical family day-out spot. It’s ideal for long walks, trail running, or even a weekend camping adventure rather than for playground-style recreation. There are toilet facilities available, and the open spaces make it suitable for a relaxed picnic or BBQ if the weather’s good. Overall, it’s a must-visit for fitness lovers and anyone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

We set out for Moel Famau confidently aiming for the yellow route… and somehow ended up happily marching along the blue one. Clearly, our navigation skills peak at “just follow the sheep.” Despite the accidental detour, the climb was brilliant. Even on a foggy day, the views had a magical, mysterious feel—peaks drifting in and out like something from a fantasy film. The Jubilee Tower appeared out of the mist like a reward for our unintended adventure. Whether you take the right path or invent your own like we did, Moel Famau still delivers breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Great walk in nature. Amazing views when clear. 10km circular to and from Loggerheads with ~500m elevation gain.

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

Great place for family day out. Swimming pool is a bit outdated but still beats others with slightly better theming. Don't look at rusty metal works and enjoy the waves and slides which are any age friendly, steps climb isn't too excessive and one doesn't have heart attack at middle age while climbing them, so one can still have fun in any age. They are trying stay on top of cleaning mess of pool and changing rooms. Again it does the job and it isn't too bad compared to some other pools. Restaurant offered quiet decent fried food with meal deals and share pallets, which was actually ok for fast food, but not too many healthy options, there was vegetarian Nd vegan option and beer for beer lovers. £5 refundable locker deposit, nice. £24 single entry and deal on family ticket or on dine or mini golf. Well it does come to a hundred at least for family of three with food but again kids have lots of fun. Viewing area for non paying customers isn't very comfortable or one can't see much unfortunately. Area is warm and one can sit and rest on chair and table. Website is very descriptive. Car park is about £6 if you stay 3 hours or more

Came last year and really enjoyed it, went last weekend and my gosh the place has nose dived. Organised chaos. Came for my lads 11th birthday and there was a poo in the outdoor pool, which took some time to clean, the queue system for the rings makes no sense, one line at the right hand side all waiting for singles, then you see people just walk up the left hand side taking doubles, so I asked (as I was waiting for a double) oh is that what we do, when we need a double use the left lane. No you wait in a line, then if I see you are waiting for a double I’ll call you forward? Err… didn’t make much sense. As I waited another 2 - 3 mins and then said, yeah you can come forward now? Needs two seperate lines one for singles and one for doubles or a member of staff asking, you a two? Yep, cool. Come forward. Then there are the queues on the stairs, swapping over mid stairway for one slide then the other over the various floors. We worked out at the very top, the queue was around 33 mins, mainly due to having one member of staff not only watching the ring one (possibly the cyclone) and then watching the (almost vertical ) slide at the same time. Just needs some actual management and some signage. A lot of unhappy people complaining about the same things. No mention that the blast slide was closed either, the one that’s like a rollercoaster and we are still waiting for a refund on our locker wrist bands. So disappointed after such a great visit last year. Wayyyy too many people in, no time limits or didn’t appear to be. Didn’t stay the full 3 hours of our slot because we all got bored of queuing, it was like human soup in the wave pool part. Water was cold, some places were clean, but the changing rooms absolutely packed to the heavens and when you have cold kids, couldn’t find a changing room for ages. Also adults walking about the pool area with trainers on and even when we raised it on hygiene concerns, they didn’t challenge it. Don’t think we will be coming back again sadly. Only giving it a two because of the first time.

We went with the boys (8 and 11 yo) on a Sat during Oct half-term, it was fabulous! The boys loved it and we spent 5 hours inside. We arrived early in the morning like 10:30, changing room was dry and clean, locker is easy to use. We paid £6 for the car park as we plan to stay long inside. Temperature inside is ok, a bit chilli if you get wet and stay out of the water, but the water is warm enough to stay long inside. We managed to play all the rides with less than 10 min wait before more people started to come at around noon. So my advice will be arrive early and enjoy the time with less people. We did get food from the cafeteria inside, food is ok, standard quality as you would expect to get inside this type of facility, as least there are enough choices for my fussy eater. More people in the afternoon meant a slightly longer waiting time for each ride, but still very manageable, and the arrangement for queue is good, there are quite many attendants/ life guards inside the facility too. We are from south of England, if there’s any chance we will travel north again, the boys would love to come again.

We spent a day at Waterworld during a heat wave when we visited the area from Scotland. The girl on the desk was lovely and friendly. We had issues using the QR code to pay for parking, so you're best using the machines outside. Parking was £6 for the duration we were there. I was actually surprised I had to pay to park. That's not common in Scotland. Most places have free car parks 😬 We paid, I think £96 for 2 adults and 2 children. You pay £5 deposit for a locker wristband, which you get refunded when you leave. The changing area was very big, and very clean. There were also plenty of lockers. There were a lot of slides, which was great 👍 and the outdoor pool was open, which was amazing when it was 27C outside 😅 My husband can't actually swim, so he was quite happy chilling in the bubble pools or outside. My daughter, her friend, and I went on the slides, river rapids, the wave pool, outdoor pool, and outdoor bubble pool. Lots of staff, and they were all being very attentive, giving clear instructions. I can understand why people in other reviews seem concerned about cleanliness. I wouldn't say the place is "dirty", I saw them doing water checks several times when we were there. It's more that it's in need of quite a bit of maintenance. For example, the race slides paint is badly worn, there is obvious rust on the spiral stairs, all of the tops of the flumes are caked in dust, the fans above the python and blackhole are rusty and covered in dust. It's all quite easily sorted out. The only thing I was actually concerned about was the bottom of the wave pool felt "slimey." You would try to jump with the wave, lose your footing, and you're straight under the water. I've been in many a wave pool lol that's not normal. We got the supreme platter from the cafe, and that was enough for 4 people and pretty affordable. Drinks were very expensive, though. Overall, we enjoyed our day and would happily come back if the maintenance issues were addressed.

Brought my child to Waterworld for the first time she 9 years old and she had the absolute best time staff were friendly and supportive she had the best day ever her words and wants to keep coming back she loved the slides but also loved the tide pool Lots of fun had :)

The second visit was just as good as the first. The place was as clean and well maintained as before, and although it was busy the queues weren't too bad. The changing rooms did the job.

Great water park we had a fab day. I had read a lot of bad reviews but we found it pretty good. It was clean and yes some of the slides and steps are old. But it was brilliant fun and all the staff were amazing. It did get a bit too busy after 2pm. But if you get there early you can have a great few hours. The outside pool is lovely too and is heated. Will definitely be back. Thank you

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

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a truly breathtaking landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring North Wales. As the highest navigable aqueduct in the UK, it is an incredible feat of engineering and a sight that never fails to impress. Walking along the aqueduct, you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Dee Valley, with its rolling hills, winding river, and lush greenery creating a picture-perfect backdrop. One of the highlights of visiting this iconic site is taking a canal boat trip across the aqueduct. Gliding along the tranquil waterway is an unforgettable experience. The boats are charming, well-maintained, and provide a unique perspective of the structure from above the valley. As you travel slowly across, you can fully appreciate the scale and elegance of the aqueduct, while enjoying the calmness of the water and the gentle sounds of nature around you. The scenery along the canal is equally enchanting. Wildlife is abundant, and the peaceful waters reflect the sky and countryside beautifully, making it a photographer’s dream. The boat trips are relaxing yet engaging, offering commentary about the history of the aqueduct and the canal system, which adds depth to the experience. Whether you are walking across, taking a boat trip, or simply admiring the aqueduct from afar, Pontcysyllte is a remarkable place that combines history, engineering, and natural beauty. It is a perfect day out for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy one of Wales’ most iconic and scenic locations.

A masterpiece both an engineering wonder and a stunning scenic spot. Walking across it was such a thrilling experience, with incredible views over the Dee Valley. The height and the narrow canal path make it feel adventurous, yet peaceful at the same time. The surroundings are lovely for a quiet walk or a picnic, and there are a few nice cafés and pubs nearby for a stop afterwards. It’s amazing to think it’s been standing for over 200 years and still functions perfectly. Definitely worth a visit if you love nature, history, or just a bit of adventure

Fantastic to visit. We had a boat ride over the aqueduct for 45mins. The lady guide was exceptional in her knowledge of all the history and details. She was also a " Skipper" and also lived in her longboat moored there. Would recommend a tour if your in the area. Great photograph experience too. Will be back if on holiday in that area again.

Great place to visit, great views and beautiful scenery all around and a really nice stretch of the river dee too. There's a nice easy walk from the aqueduct to Ty Mawr Park which is great if you've got kids with its little animal park, playground and ice cream shop. At the aqueduct you can even hire a canal boat for the day too. Well recommend.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a breathtaking feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Welsh countryside. Completed in 1805, it carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee on 19 slender stone pillars, soaring 126 feet high. Walking across its narrow towpath offers stunning panoramic views and a thrilling sense of elevation. The aqueduct’s cast iron trough and elegant design showcase Thomas Telford’s ingenuity. Whether by foot or canal boat, the experience is unforgettable—serene, scenic, and steeped in history. It’s a must-visit for lovers of architecture, nature, and heritage, blending technical brilliance with tranquil beauty.

Latest of many visits to the area. Signed up for canoe trip across the Aqueduct with Ty Nant Adventure. Well organised experience with a great instructor. Scenery was great with the autumn colours to be seen all around. Fantastic breakfast in the Old Chapel tearoom.

This is over 200 years old viaduct over the River Dee. You can paddle or walk over it. For safety reasons paddle boarders have to push board with the paddle while walking instead is stand up paddling. View from the viaduct is breathtaking. In good conditions you can for many miles. There is a car park nearby in Trevor.

A proper castle right on the Welsh border with Shropshire. The castle dates from the C 13th but much of the told history dates from the time that the Middleton family moved into the castle in the C 16th. This was during a period of great upheaval of the UK monarchy and government. Most men at the time seemed to be at daily risk of losing g their heads (quite literally) for a misplaced loyalty. The gardens though are the crown jewels of this property, and we were fortunate to visit on a day of good weather.

Not too busy, which made it really enjoyable to explore. The staff were very nice and welcoming. The gardens are beautiful and it’s great that you can take pictures inside the castle too. There are lots of lovely walking paths around, a perfect place for a peaceful day out. It's also a dog friendly too.

Lovely 800 year old castle, with stately rooms, an (empty) dungeon, and stunning peaceful grounds. We spent about 25 minutes inside the castle’s 10-12 rooms, 15 minutes in Adam’s tower seeing the empty dungeon and upper rooms (note: uneven steps), and additional time on the grounds. The house has booklets with info in some rooms, along with great volunteers. Nice lunchtime cafe, with some veg options. There is indoor and outdoor seating, though would suggest following the signs to the additional indoor seating as it points you to the tower seating - which has lovely views from the windows and private nooks to eat. Very peaceful property. Used bookstore and shop at the front also worth a stop.

This place makes for a great day out. It’s a nice drive, a stunning castle and the views out over various counties from the bottom of the garden are amazing. The garden was slightly disappointing. Those borders could be amazing, and should be at this time of year. There is too much bare soil and some of the plants need replacing or rethinking but there are pockets of delight. I’ve felt this year, having visited a number of these historic gardens, that the NT is putting lots of effort into the properties but the gardens can appear a little neglected. Nevertheless, a thoroughly lovely place.

The castle changed hands many times in its centuries so any personal history has been glossed over, but certain parts such as Adam's Tower and the dungeon have been well preserved and are educational as well as a cool experience! The grounds are absolutely stunning in any season, which is intentional, and we had a fun day trip to explore the grounds and buildings.

I’m a support worker and support a young lady in a wheelchair who loves walks and being outside. The staff were super helpful, there’s a shuttle bus with wheelchair access upto the castle. All the gardens are accessible as well as the cafe. Just wanted to say thank you to all the staff who made our visit lovely and stress free!

Beautiful place with stunning views. Most areas of the garden are accessible, the forest area has uneven paths and a pushchair might struggle a bit, not impossible tho ☺️ Great place to run the kids, just be aware of the drop at the end of the garden, it might come as a surprise to some ☺️

It was truly a wonderful trip. Me and my family absolutely loved seeing the wonderful sculptures! They weren't just magnificent, they were amazing, innovative and I loved how symbolic the pieces were. There were so many to see and the facts they held too was fascinating to learn. Even though it was raining, we still had a brilliant time. We wish you the best and want to say thanks for having us.

Heard about this place from word of mouth and was not disappointed. Did a memory jar Xmas 24 for my dad so we have time together more than gifts. The sun came out and we had a fantastic day. So nice to simply stroll round at our pace, learn things along the way and of course, see the amazing statues. Lunch in the cafe was lovely and the shops were nice to explore. Were there around 3.5hrs in total and to see my dad enjoy it so much was precious! Well worth a visit! I will be back!

What an amazing, and not too expensive day out with the early bird tickets. We were truly taken back by the creativity of some of the sculptures. The time and effort that has gone in to each and every one, was honestly outstanding. It’s a really good day out, even if you “sculptures” aren’t really your thing! There is also a really lovely cafe and shop and as we came round to the end, there was also a man playing some music and singing, his voice was gorgeous! The only downside we found, was the walking between some of the sculptures with a little one. Towards the end, he got quite bored and the walking was tiring for him. This is something that can’t really be helped and I should think most 6 year olds would be the same after an hour or so of walking. Amazing day out otherwise, would definitely recommend!!!

Amazing day, a lot more than I realised. Loved the fact sheets especially regarding the endangered animals! Cafe was amazing and the portions were wonderful. You could tell the coronation chicken was homemade, it was delicious! Brilliant for all the family.

What an amazing place! This was our first visit and we had such a fantastic time. So many amazing sculptures, lots of info to read and get the kids talking about important social and environmental topics, friendly staff and delicious food. We loved it and will definitely be back!

We enjoyed our day here. It was Halloween so the staff were all dressed up and they had scare actors. The food looked amazing especially the afternoon tea but we found our scones a little dry but very nice. Was pleased to be there for the return of the Knife Angel. Not a full day out but well worth a good couple of hours.

Amazing day out! We got the early bird tickets which meant we had to be there for 9am. Was a great option it was quiet. We were able to have a lovely breakfast in the cafe and it wasn’t busy. Food was great we had 2 breakfast a sandwich and drinks and it came to £30. Well worth it for quality and portion size. This place is amazing we wondered round for hours so much to see. We did the kids activity sheet so that kept my 9 year interested and active running about getting the clues. Would 100% recommend a visit. In fact we are planning on going back at Xmas time

HMP Shrewsbury, nicknamed "The Dana" after the original Dana Gaol on the site, is a fantastic Tourist attraction and insight into how Prison Life and conditions were. All the staff are wonderful and helpful. I went on a Self Guided tour on this occasion, although ghost and guided varieties exist if you wish. There are detailed and plentiful boards giving information about the rooms and topics surrounding that area of the facility. The only negative is the new chapel and Visitation was closed around the time of my visit, which I would have loved to see.

Great tour today with the 10:30 tour guides. Lots of information and interesting facts and interactions with the group. Now watching Time on BBC iPlayer.

Brilliant day out with easy parking. You get the full run of the prison, it's a real eye opener and well worth it. Wing c is very spooky and sad, the execution room really is sobering.

A fascinating and yet a sad place. Our guides were Malcolm and Alex who told us about the prison's history in an incredibly engaging way. The personal stories of Malcolm, who worked there for many years, are particularly captivating and moving.

Had a great time looking around the Historical Prison. Lots to see and good signage. Just wish we had time to do the guided tour!

A fascinating place , lovely to visit but must have been horrible to be in, with electricity , toilets and water in the cells only added in 1995. This was also 1 of 17 prisons that was allowed to carry out executions. Infoboards are scattered around the site , and are interesting if sparse. There are tours (1 a day) which would be better if you want to understand more. I managed a quick chat with a guide and an ex officer in the jail which was fascinating. There is a resturaunt on site and they do ghost tours in the evening if that's your thing.

Fantastic guided tour by Alex, very informative and his enthusiasm really showed. Definitely recommend it.

I recently spent some time at The Quarry in Shrewsbury, and it’s one of those places that blends natural beauty with a relaxed, local atmosphere. As a vegetarian who enjoys peaceful green spaces and a bit of people-watching, it really hit the mark. The park is spacious—around 29 acres—but it’s laid out in a way that feels open and easy to explore rather than sprawling. The River Severn curves around it, adding a lovely waterside touch. I did a slow loop along the riverside path, and it was perfect for a gentle walk. The area had a nice community vibe with people out walking dogs, running, or just lounging on the grass. It never felt too busy, even on a nice day. I brought along a veggie wrap from a local café and found a great picnic spot by the river. There weren’t many food options directly in the park when I visited, but being close to town means you can easily grab something before heading in. The open spaces are ideal for just stretching out, relaxing, or even reading for a bit. The Quarry is also really accessible—flat, well-maintained paths make it easy for all mobility levels. It’s a great option whether you want a quiet afternoon, a scenic jog, or just a peaceful walk to unwind. I’d happily return any time I’m in Shrewsbury.

If the weather is good this is a fantastic place to come and relax after a rough day exploring this lovely town. There is plenty of room for the kids to burnnof some energy and the is also a good sized play park and a splash area.

Stepping into The Quarry feels like entering a dream woven from petals, fragrance, and sunlight. Nestled away like a secret whispered by nature, this garden is an exquisite tapestry of colors and textures, where time seems to slow and the soul feels lighter. What truly sets The Quarry apart is its breathtaking collection of flowers—most notably, the tulips. Rows upon rows of them bloom in vibrant harmony, their silky petals dancing in the breeze like brushstrokes on a living canvas. Every corner of the garden bursts with life: soft pastels, bold crimsons, and delicate whites—each tulip telling its own story. Their gentle sway under the sun is nothing short of magical. Pathways wind through curated beds and untamed patches alike, offering intimate moments with nature’s artistry. It’s easy to lose yourself here, among birdsong and the perfume of blossoms. The Quarry is more than a garden—it’s a sanctuary of beauty, a celebration of growth, and a reminder that enchantment still exists in the world. If you’re looking for a place to be inspired, calmed, or simply awed, The Quarry is a must-visit. You don’t just walk through it—you feel it in your heart.

Beautiful park next to the river Severn. Riverside walks, children's play & water parks. Great cafe next to the leisure centre. The Dingle Garden is full of interesting plants and a pond.

We visited Quarry Garden by chance on our way back from Snowdonia, and it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! The park has something for everyone—open spaces, a play area, peaceful gardens, and the beautiful Dingle, a former quarry transformed into a stunning sunken garden. The suspension bridge over the River Severn is a highlight, with lovely views (and a fun little sway when you cross!). There’s also The Boathouse pub nearby with outdoor seating overlooking the river. Full of history, nature, and a warm community feel—definitely worth a visit if you’re in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury is a great place to visit, ancient buildings, a lovely walk along the river Severn,the park,and the hidden gem,the dingle,a sunken tropical like scene,flowers,pool,we'll maintained gardens,beautiful.

It's our second time in The Quarry. It has always been stunning and peaceful. Huge playground for the kids. the play ground and wet play area were both clean. I just hope that they offer an all day parking. Can't wait to go back with family and friends.

Visited here today. Very interesting house and lovely gardens. All staff were lovely and friendly, especially a lady called Ann Heritage, I think she said her name was. She showed us around the painting room and we saw the painting in the conservation room. She was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and so easy to talk to. We enjoyed the talk about the painting upstairs. A lovely visit. We would recommend this place. Wear comfortable shoes.

A grand and impressive house, nestled amongst vast grounds. Choosing one of the walking routes is a must, as this is such a beautiful estate. We opted for the woodland & deer park routes & being enveloped by the autumn beauty was delightful. We were lucky enough to see the deer, when sat on a bench eating lunch, can't get better than that. The house is also a splendour, with gorgeous attention to detail in each room, which still houses original furnishings, etc. You can walk around at your leisure or join a guided tour. Should you be peckish, there is a lovely tea room in the old stables & as always, a shop & second-hand bookshop. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Attingham, hope you do too.

Awesome place. The house itself is stunning but the grounds are beautiful. Tall trees in lush forests with a deer park you walk through. I was able to see them in a large group not far from me. Well worth a visit.

Simply stunning. We’ve visited many NT houses and parks recently and inside the house was the most impressive and interesting. One got a real sense of the families wealth and the plethora of interesting ‘exhibits’ on show. All the staff were knowledgeable and the front gate volunteers very welcoming. I would heartily recommend a few hours here.

Fabulous National Trust property on a large Estate just 5 miles south of Shrewsbury. Interesting rooms, scenic walks, several cafës, second-hand bookshop, kids activities. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would! I’ve visited Attingham Park many times, but this time truly stood out thanks to Les (at the entrance near the car park) and Matty, the amazing Café Team Leader. These two are the absolute definition of outstanding customer service. Starting with Les – what an incredible first impression she gives! From the moment I arrived, her friendly smile, welcoming tone, and great sense of humour made me feel instantly at ease. She’s got that wonderful Scottish charm that makes every interaction memorable — warm, genuine, and full of personality. You can tell she absolutely loves what she does, and it shines through in the way she greets everyone with such enthusiasm and kindness. She doesn’t just do her job; she makes people’s days better. Then there’s Matty, who is nothing short of a superstar in the café. You can see right away that he’s a natural leader — calm under pressure, organised, and always looking out for both his team and the customers. Even when the café is busy, he takes the time to check in, make sure everything is perfect, and serve everyone with a smile. The drinks were spot on, the food was fresh, and the whole atmosphere just felt relaxed and friendly. It’s clear that Matty sets the tone for his team, everyone works hard, but there’s laughter, teamwork, and pride in what they do. Together, Les and Matty made this visit one of the best experiences I’ve had at a National Trust site. They represent everything great about Attingham Park — friendly faces, genuine care, and an attention to detail that makes you feel valued as a guest. 10/10 – Les and Matty are a credit to Attingham Park and to the National Trust. People like them are the reason visitors keep coming back. 👏

We had an amazing time with family and friends at National Trust’s Altrincham Park, it truly feels like a hidden gem tucked away from the busy world. The grounds are stunning, offering miles of peaceful trails where you can walk, talk, and unwind surrounded by nature. Each route has something different to enjoy, from the beautifully kept walled gardens to the magical sight of deer roaming freely across the park. It’s a place that feels calm yet full of life, making it ideal whether you’re after a quiet stroll or a fun day out with loved ones. After exploring, the café is the perfect stop. They serve a good choice of hot dishes, sandwiches, and cakes, and while the prices are on the higher side, it’s worth it for the setting and the quality. We finished off our walk with tea and cake, which was the perfect end to the day. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re kept on a lead, so it’s a spot the whole family can enjoy. What makes Altrincham Park so special is that every visit feels different, whether it’s a new trail, seasonal changes in the gardens, or simply spotting the wildlife. It’s somewhere you can return to time and time again and always come away with a fresh experience.