A great place to go for shopping, cinema, coffee, lunch etc The walk around the lake is great but bring decent shoes as they have put stones near one of the entrances which will be uncomfortable in soft footwear. Five hours free parking but beware this may not be sufficient if you try to do everything on the day. Keep your receipts if this happens and you should get a refund on your parking penalty.

Parking is tight at the weekends. However, during the week, no problem. Great variety of stores, local, national, and international. Quite a few branded restaurants, Nice 20 min walk around one many lakes

This shopping center offers an excellent experience, especially when is Summer!The first five hours of parking are provided free of charge. What more could we ask for !Thank you ❣️ 🛍

Rushden Lakes is an excellent outdoor shopping centre that truly offers something for everyone. The range of shops is great, covering major brands like Superdry, Superdrug, and Card Factory. It's also a fantastic food destination—with Greggs and my favourite, Popeye's Chicken! What boosts this to a 4/5 is the fantastic leisure complex. With 360 Play, a Trampoline Park, and climbing walls, it’s a brilliant day out that keeps the kids fully entertained. Highly recommended for families.

So many shops to choose from . Plenty of restaurants restaurants Games places ball pits cinema. Beautiful coffee shops shops. Huge primark and Beautiful lakes to walk round . 5 hours free parking disabled parking lots of spaces .

Really nice place with plenty of shops and eating places, but it gets very busy and the parking is a nightmare

Clean and friendly staff. Was my first time there and staff member took me through the list patiently. Well lit and quick service. I got a takeaway but would definitely eat in. Love the choice of music as well. Not your typical mall music . Enjoyable experience.

Love Irchester country park it's got lots of different walks, great accessibility to most however an electric chair is a benefit as it can be hilly in places. The are surprises along the way for the children.There is a cafe, a counter outside for ice creams, teas, coffee, hot chocolate, sausage rolls, crisps, pasties and cakes. With picnic benches around to sit on. Beautiful play ground for the children. Tree top climb and great toilet facilities for all abilities

Irchester Country Park is a fantastic place for a family day out! It's a very big, beautiful, and family-friendly park with plenty of natural areas to explore. There are lovely walking trails, wooded areas, and open spaces that make it perfect for picnics or just enjoying nature. The large play area is great for kids, and there’s plenty of parking available, which makes things super convenient. It's definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a peaceful outdoor escape!

A really well-kept country park with plenty of parking space for a reasonable price. The huge playground for the children, dino path and (paid) climbing attraction can guarantee a day full of attractions for families. We visited on Saturday so we missed the narrow gauge train museum (open only on Sundays). However, we had a fantastic couple of hours in there!

A lovely park with a variety of paths. Well maintained and accessible. Plenty of parking at only £3.50 for the day.

What an amazing country park! Various trails available, large playground with lots of space for a picnic, cafe and toilets and plenty of parking. There are also treehouses for kids to play in the forest - thoroughly enjoyed the visit!

Great for dogs and children lots of different walks. Plenty of parking £3.50 for 12 hours. Toilets and cafe on site. Good play areas and lots of wild life. Well kept and maintained.

Beautiful country park, perfect for walking and cycling. The children’s play area is clean and well-equipped, making it ideal for families. Plenty of parking is available, with gates closing at 5 pm, but there’s additional parking outside. Highly recommended for a day out!

Really enjoyable visit to this stately home although it was built as a museum to house the possessions of the Rothschild family. Fantastic collection of art works, ceramics, tapestries and furniture and grounds. Entry needs to be pre-booked via their website there is a long walk 20 to 30 minutes from the car park to the house or you can book a shuttle bus for £2.50 return, free if you’re a blue badge holder.

Easy to find with large ticket office and excellent parking capacity inc disabled with a shuttle bus to the house and stables. Property has an interesting history and easy to walk through the various rooms. Large gardens for outdoor walking. Plenty of food and drink available. House has timed tickets available online or at the ticket office on arrival. Staff friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

A good wee place to explore and walk (in the garden), learn about history, architecture and art. Perfect for couples and families as they have a nice cafe(outdoor sitting) and wine shop. Some of the areas were closed when we visited(they were doing some renovation/maintenance work). They have spacious parking. Overall a very good experience.

Lovely day out, and very beautiful architecture. Lots of walking, if you like that sort of thing, which we do! The Manor's history is also fascinating. We enjoyed it here. The gardens are particularly beautiful.

We had a great family day out here, the house is beautiful and full of amazing artifacts, and all manner of priceless treasures. I enjoyed the Solomon's temple exhibit, interesting to see how it may have looked in it's original form. The grounds looked incredible with the autumn colours, and walking around a finding little hidden details was interesting. The outdoor cafe next to the gift shop had lovely, tasty food and drinks available. The gift shop was very pleasant aswell. Every interaction we had with the people working/volunteering there was very positive. Thankyou for a great time.

Beautifully kept manor. Lovely to walk around. Kids can run free and have a look at the birds. Kids also have a nice playground to go in. The whole place is pushchair friendly. There is a steep slope down to the play area and stables bit. The shuttle bus is great if you don’t like too much walking. Car park was spacious. Great day!

I think this was my most enjoyable National Trust visit. One of many Rothschild properties in the area but must be the jewel in the crown. A very good tour round the house King Louis writing desk and so much more it was just amazing. The grounds were also extensive and very beautiful

Great place for a family day out. Has a few picnic tables, coffee and ice-cream. Also a small gift shop. Free parking. Toilets.

This place is a well hidden gem. It is a bit hidden and remote but it is a well worthy day out. The ruins are beutiful. The gardens and the Roman sculptures truly take you back to the 17 century. Great English Heritage site to visit. There is free parking next to the site.

This is a lovely old building. Larger than most historic houses and although most of it is a ruin it is intact enough to give a really good impression of what it would have been like. There is a small shop but either bring a picnic (lots of outside tables) or eat at the nearby Lyvedon which has a very well run cafe with gluten free and vegan options.

Beautiful ruins. So peaceful and tranquil. Went there on a weekday and at 3:30, it was just me and my hubby in the whole property. Lovely and large grounds. A little shop where you can get tea, coffee, ice-creams but no proper tea rooms. Staff are really helpful and friendly. Lots of peacocks and peahens who are used to the visitors. One came and sat right next to me when I was having my hot chocolate. Overall a wonderful day. Definitely recommend.

Beautiful house, half in ruins now. I think they're installing a new exhibit sort of thing inside the building which will be good when finished. Overall it's an interesting house!

Very nice remains of a once glorious manor house, lots of classic architecture to see, one section of the house still stands with the roof and internals intact including a beautiful roof, there's also a nice laid out garden to look around.

Was closed due to the "windy" weather, unfortunately. However there is a public footpath next to it, so we saw the outside. It looks really big, and a nice looking building, with about a third possibly still intact. The grounds are nice and would be a good place to enjoy a picnic in the summer. Turns out the weather wasn't that bad and it was a shame no one was on site to tell us a bit about the area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visited with my Historic Houses card that thankfully helps me avoid a very overpriced £30 ticket. As I left, a family of four were handing over something like £87, which I would really advise against. There are limited grounds that you are welcome to roam in, which is something I’m used to at historic houses/gardens. The house itself is impressive of course, although I would have liked better interpretation boards around. Why not provide a list of the paintings? I had to ask a member of staff for their copy as I was curious about one in particular, but was asked to only take a photo of that specific listing. Unsure why there needs to be such secrecy around it. Personally I would like to see some information on the Black presence in some of the statues and paintings dotted around the house. You can’t take photos inside, presumably because it’s still the family house (and also to help sell the guide book), but I hope there might be a way in the future to remove that restriction. The walk around the lake is pleasant enough, although there’s not much to see other than the Diana memorial. There was nothing in the shop of interest to me, and I didn’t try out the cafe. But there are plenty of benches to have your own lunch, which was nice. I also had no issue with the car park being away from the house, but it would be great if there was somewhere to park a bike.

Beautiful place, the cafe is okay. It only offers cold sandwiches and cakes, very minimal hot food - etc soup. The family home is very pretty and the staff is well knowledgeable and proactively explained everything. The oval lake is peaceful, beautiful but also you can feel the sadness around it.

This is one of the most Beautiful and Enchanting places we have visited. The House was exquisite inside, the history was amazing. All the staff inside and out were extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Outside was immaculately maintained and the Oval Lake where Diana’s resting place is was Breathtaking. Overall one of the best days we’ve had 🥰 A Huge Thank you to All the Staff and most importantly to Lord Spencer (whom we had the pleasure of speaking with) who if it was not for him allowing the public to come into his home and grounds to have a look, we would never be able to see all of this. Such a privilege and honour 🤗🥰 Would highly recommend a visit. We will definitely be returning without a doubt!!

It was such a gorgeous day so we decided to revisit Althorp. The whole place is immaculate and the lake was stunning. Great having the benches to sit on and enjoy the view. Last time I came, there were more flowers in the beds at the rear of the house, which added some amazing colour, but I appreciate there would be a cost involved in that. The trees were stunning and sheer size of the property incredible. The sign into the property could be more obvious - went all the way round to the front gates, as that was the way on last time I visited - eventually found the correct sign but it was quite small and hidden in the hedge. I was able to get some great photographs thanks!

An impressive estate. Tributes to Diana start with a line of 36 oak trees and a plaque part way along. No photos allowed in the house, which has plentiful portraits and ornate furniture. Staff very friendly and informative. Interesting to see the bedrooms already made up ready for future guests. The house is only open during July and August. From the house it is a few minutes walk to the lake where Princess Diana is buried. It is very peaceful, a good place to sit awhile. A monument to Diana stands at the head of the lake, with Charles Spencer's touching words about her engraved into a plaque.

Really enjoyed our visit to Althorp. Grounds were beautifully kept & it emotional to see Princess Diana’s final resting place. The house was very interesting with all its history. The church is very spiritual, like it very much.

Had a wonderful visit to Althorp. The weather was beautiful, so it was lovely walking around the gardens and seeing the deer in the grounds. The house is spectacular with so much history and interesting artwork and furniture. This was our second visit and we learnt new things that we hadn’t found out on the previous visit.

Visited while staying in the area. The selection and choice is vast. Can recommend the classic sausages, really tasty, firm skin and little fat when cooking. Also picked up salad, fresh rolls and fruit from here, great quality and reasonable prices. Parking is easily accessible, sat nav took us to a caravan site just down the road - stay on the main road and you'll find it!

The postcode took me 300 yards down the road. Keep going, you won't miss it there are white signs on the road. Plenty of parking. Actually one of the best farm shops I've ever been too. The cafe / restaurant is very nice with plenty of tables. You can eat in the outside area with dogs. The food that's served is fresh food from the shop itself. I can recommend the vegetarian breakfast!! The farm shop is quite large, with plenty of food and fresh counters. To note, the homeware section is very small, this place is all about the food!! There's an outside plant area, although it's not very big. It can get busy so arrive early. Definitely worth a visit, I shall return !! Toilets available in the cafe.

Beautiful farm shop with lots of different foods, excellent selection of cheeses, meats, fruit and veg. If I could give the cafe 10 stars, I would! The staff were lovely and helpful and the food was delicious and plentiful. The beer battered haddock was superb and I'm difficult to please. Will definitely return.

Brilliant shopping experience in a local independent establishment. Most things farmed on the large grounds or locally. Quality is exceptional and very friendly staff. A cafe is out the back, plenty of parking, local beers and a deli counter. Whilst prices are higher then the major supermarkets, remember there is no bulk buying power and no undercutting farmers here, the profits are put back into a real local business with food quality being much higher. Highly recommended.

Thought I would give breakfast a go again, after being disappointed the last time I tried for lunch. Sausage sandwich - three chipolatas, cut in half, where the thickness of the bread was more than the sausage. Just put more sausages in the sandwich and charge more. Service was excellent I must say, but won’t be returning after the second bad food experience.

Went for a lunch on Sunday with the family and they weren’t busy. The children were asked if they wanted ketchup or mayo with their meals, both said yes. When their food arrived the sauces never did. My salad was swimming in dressing. We order two more cokes after trying to get the attention of 2 waiter’s, only 1 bottle was brought to us. These are simple things that staff should be getting right. Then we went to purchase a couple of items from the shop. There was only one person on the till with a queue already forming. Slowest service so I left the items. Very disappointed visit.

Stopped here for a snack after a day trip. Really nice place. Superb choice of fresh produce and some marvellous hidden gems (white asparagus to name one) . The home made chips were so good we ordered again! Nothing too mich trouble, hopefully see you again

Brilliant family day out, something for everyone here. Enough rides to suit all ages and queues were fairly short. Indoor areas are great with plenty to keep children entertained, perhaps aimed at more younger children but the dark themed slides and play area is great for all along with the rapids ride. Classics like the pirate ship and log flume for all the family to enjoy. Easy to navigate around the park. Free parking available and gift shop at the end. Purchased a family photo which can be taken upon entrance. Highly recommend for families. Great value with family pass which we purchased via offer code at half price. Bargain! 🌟

We are theme park connoisseurs and this park definitely is one of our top five parks in the uk. As we have kids under ten, this park has things to cater perfectly to them. It's a perfect size to be able to cram every ride in. The queues are small and the atmosphere is very nice. There's a large, soft play and separate aerial ropes. And drop slides. There's a farm on top to. Great visiting during halloween, as there is a pick your own.

Great park but definitely more suitable for small children. Our 9 year old wasn’t as enthused and entertained as our 6 year old. Quite a long queue for some of the rides which meant the kids were getting fizzy. Water wasn’t working either whilst we were there so had to use hand gel - provided by the park - this wasn’t the parks fault though. Good choice of food at decent prices and the place itself was kept nice and clean.

Every member of staff were a delight (apart from the woman in the paying booth.... They were kind and considerate and very child friendly! The rides were great as our two are ten and haven't really been on anything like that much. Excitement overload. The indoor slides and lazy river were a godsend as it was bitterly cold. There were some animals in the barn, and we enjoyed feeding them (50p for feed from a self-issue machine). Especially as the llama and goat were trying to eat the feed out of the machine! And the Shetland pony kicking the door to get more food. There were rabbits and meerkats too. The kids enjoyed picking a pumpkin too which was free with the ticket. Who knew choosing a pumpkin would bring so much delight. Thanks Twinlakes it was a blast!

It's a good value for money with ONE big but, as long as your child is over 90cm. Otherwise there's virtually no rides they can be allowed on. They would not let you hold them on your lap and go down the water slides in the splash zone either. Animal wise it's quite poor in terms of variety. Nice picnic areas. Decent cafe and indoor playground. Car park is decent size but on the rainy day it's a bit of disaster especially if you have to go through it with a buggy.

Went on a Sunday for pre-birthday fun with our daughter, well laid out park with plenty of things to do, small wait for some rides but nothing extreme. Longest wait for for the food as one poor guy was manning the BBQ shack by himself during the lunch rush, He did an amazing job tho! I saw at least 2 people litter picking, surly one would have been better supporting the cooking?

Nice little park suitable for smaller kids. I would say probably 6-10 year olds will have the most fun but might be a bit boring for older ones. You can see some (mostly) farm animals there as well. Most rides are looked after by teenage looking staff which wasn't the most comforting thing although they seemed to check everything properly. If you don't expect any thrills for yourself and just want to offer your young child some good times i would recommend.

The palace is very nice. If you're passing through Woodstock and have the time go in and visit the place. Beside visiting the inside of the palace you can have a nice walk around the place. For Harry Potter fans if you cross the Vanbrugh's Grand Bridge and turn left you'll come across The Harry Potter Tree from the 1st movie in the series. In the park you'll find The Column of Victory. The staff are nice and can answer your questions. Best is to buy tickets in advanced. In the summer be prepared for large groups. The parking lot is big, coaches can also park inside. The inside is very nicely decorated, you'll find many paintings, sculptures. Beside seeing how the upper folks lived, the palace is also very famous for beeing the birthplace of the 1st Duke's famous descendat, Winston Churchill. The back grounds offer a nice view over River Glyme. The cafeteria looks nice but the prices are too high.

We had an amazing day here. The staff were very friendly and were quick to let us know that the palace was not in its usual appearance due to the Christmas trails and Palace of Oz. There were amusement rides and also Christmas Markets. But it was still amazing. We almost didn't go however as the website didn't give us the option to purchase any tickets saying there were no spots available. We rang and the information line said show up and there may be tickets. There were, the Palace was not busy at all. So there maybe a website issue. We got here easily on the bus from Oxford. An easy walk from the bus stop. No need to bring a car if you can walk. We loved the special event and walking the grounds. A great day.

The place is stunning, surrounded by beautiful lakes and gardens. However, we arrived only two hours before closing and were not informed that this wouldn’t be enough time to explore the whole palace. We purchased the highest ticket category, but it would have been better if the staff had advised us to choose a lower one. The ticket prices are quite high, and I suggest providing golf carts inside the grounds due to the large area

Came 25th October 2025 for the Halloween event. First impressions weren’t great as the advertised fairground was just three attractions - one of which (the ghost house) was laughably bad. The food and drink vans were also poor - I was expecting better than something you’d see at your local Sunday market! The Halloween trail itself went some way to making up for that and was fantastic in places. The live actors were also great and weren’t too scary for the kids. The placing of a toasted marshmallow seller and bar at the half way point was also a great touch and broke up what otherwise would have been a 20 minute walkthrough. We ended up going round twice as we didn’t anticipate it being so sunny and wanted to see it in all its glory during twilight. There is significant room for improvement though e.g. the UFO scene was a great idea poorly executed with no attempt to dress the lighting rig up as a spaceship. A live actor dressed as an alien here would also have helped. Overall it felt sparse and needed more. In saying that, my niece and nephew both enjoyed themselves so maybe I’m being too critical. Still, I expected more for the money.

It is worth a visit. It is a beautiful palace, with beautiful history behind it. I enjoyed the visit. Also it has a small restaurant on the premises, the soup I had was delightful and matched the cold weather. The palace also contained a small shop, it contains beautiful things and since Christmas is coming the shop is full of Christmas decorations and ornaments. Since I am from a foreign country, we don't have such beautiful ornaments here. I had to buy a lot to bring home with me. Hopefully next time I visit the palace ( definitely will ) I will try to visit in summer so I can enjoy the beautiful gardens more.

Marvelous palace...each detail perfectly managed. The beauty....the art is magnificent. The gardens are breathtaking... The place get still more special with the kind people that work there. Everybody that I have meet. Already planning the next time..... Not just five stars, a constellation 😘😘😘

Christmas at Blenheim. The Palace theme was Wizard of Oz. Lots of beautiful decorations and animations. Very busy attraction, which made the journey round abit slow, but it didn't spoil the walk around. Christmas market had a nice selection of small stalls selling alsorts of trinkets, food and drink. The food trucks were varied but all very expensive. The light trail is different again this year. New additions throughout the trail which is great if your an annual visitor as I am. Great displays along the whole trail. We enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely return next year.

A very well thought through visitor centre , with very helpful, staff. Some of the exhibits are amazing, especially the 'interactive exhibits". It explained the 'science of the DNA testing' as well as the archaeology part. The history and circumstances of Richard III that led to him being at Bosworth Field, and the very sad outcome. The shop & cafe are excellent, and the outside courtyard- with beautifully planted flowers and trees are all excellent; with plenty of seating under shading trees. Altogether, the layout of the experience was very good, well thought out. The fact it had air con, all around the tour was also excellent. The tour is on two levels ground floor , and upper floor - which can be reached by a lift , so no problem for wheel chair users. It was a very moving moment to see where they actually found him in the car park; it has been preserved, for posterity, exactly where they found him, this is outside in a very beautiful 'sanctum' covered over with toughened glass. The visitor shop is also excellent, with many interesting gifts and books, on medieval topics, including the Yorks & Tudors.. The entrance "doubles" also as the exit. I am so glad I came, to see this exhibit - finally..!!

A really awesome and well executed piece of history. The museum is amazing and the display which shows the location of Richard’s burial is incredible. There was an amazing volunteer named Julie who explained the full story behind the discovery of Richard. The centre has done an excellent job. It is a must visit for any historian.

This is a fairly new exhibition with good information. It’s not extensive but there’s lots of information upstairs about the discovery of Richard III body. Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Very informative and enjoyable visit. Staff were knowledgeable and provided a real insight into the burial of Richard lll and how they found him. We also then walked across the road to visit the cathedral to see his new resting place which complemented the visit to the visitor centre. Had lunch in the cafe which was great. Highly recommend a visit to both.

Loved visiting here. Very well put together and great displays to tell the story of Richard and the project to find him. Special thanks to Jan for her wonderful talk at the grave location about the dig and about the two Princes. A fantastic addition to Leicester

The staff are friendly and helpful the story is interesting but I was kind of left with the feeling that some of the exhibitions were almost unnecessary and making a lot out of nothing really such as a pair of wellies worn but the lady who helped find King Richards grave and even a mask and coverall used to prevent DNA passing from the person who removed the bones to the skeleton of Richard ...hardly anything of note regards historical artifacts asides part of the greyfriars abbey walls and floor tiles under a glass floor ! Whilst informative in places not the best museum I've visited .

Brilliant, but not for kids. There is more to read than to see. However, it is certainly not boring for someone interested in history or for a person who is curious and keen to discover new things. And once done, you are right by the cathedral and the pedestrian streets full of interesting shops, restaurants, and major brands outlets.

Came here to watch Pink Floyd Dark side of the Moon in the planetarium. The show was one of the best I've ever seen. Amazing atmosphere in the planetarium. The visuals and sounds were perfect. We also had a good look around the space centre itself. Properly cool place with absolutely loads for kids and adults to do and see. Very educational and we will be bringing our kids to have a look. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely do it again

The NSC is an amazingly well curated museum with interactive elements and immersive shows in the Patrick Moore Planetarium inside, shows last 25mins. They even have a real rocket! and you can take a lift to see it from above. It's well suited to kids and adults (we never grow up really) and you can touch space objects and interact with some scientific tools and even play some games to test your astronaut potential! I spent 2ish hours there and there's still more that I didn't get a chance to experience. Tickets were £20 & that gets you an annual pass. The cafe they have is great too, they do hot food and good coffee and even an awesome giftshop! You gotta go :]

The National Space Centre is a fascinating place for both children and adults. It’s especially engaging for Generation Y and millennials, showcasing the Cold War era, the development of technology, and the first steps in space exploration in an immersive way. You can step inside a Mercury capsule, see how astronauts eat and live, and even sit in a period-style room to feel the thrill of watching a rocket launch to the Moon on a vintage glass screen. The planetarium, presented as an animated journey, is truly impressive – even for adults. It’s a wonderful centre for both learning and fun, and the best part is that with just one ticket you can return all year round. Highly recommended! 🚀✨

Where do I start. The place was amazing. The staff and the exhibits were exceptional. So much great information to digest and lots of things for little ones and bigger little ones to do. There were a lot of people in, but it never felt packed. The cinema show was brilliant and way more immersing than we thought it would be. The gift shop had a great collection of toys as well as interesting gifts specific to the Space center. A great day out and it would've recieved 5 stars if it wasn't for the poor cafe that was let down by a lack of choice and the cleaning of the eating/utensil areas which was really poor. The staff serving were great super friendly on all departments but the eating areas were disappointing. Still won't stop another visit to this wondrous place.

Located north of Leicester city centre, the National Space Centre is an amazing day out for kids and adults of all ages. Filled with interactive and educational activities, award winning shows on immersive 360 degree screen, and lots more to see and do. Super helpful and attentive staff, great gift shop, lots of space to sit. Buy ticket online for free annual pass upgrade without hassle. Kids could spend the whole day in here to learn and play. Bring your own lunch to avoid weekend and peak time queues.

This visit has been a long time coming, after trudging the M1 for three decades and seeing the brown sign for the National Space Centre I finally found time to visit, and it was no disappointment in the slightest. Many facts and exhibits tie into loads of classic films, articles and milestones from over the years and lots for the kids to learn about along the way. A great day out and at the moment (summer 2025) the artists elephants are all around Leicester. The planetarium is incredible! Please go and enjoy one of the midlands great attractions that you might have missed.

I been there for first time, lovely place with many different views. I can see there is a plenty space for car parking. Amazing location with foods, and gifts. I was so happy and excited to be there and to be part of this. I will share few videos and photos from this amazing place. Highly recommend.

I've been to plenty of breweries and their tours before. And they tend to get very samey. But not Hook Norton, while yes it covered the main talking points, this is an incredibly unique and interesting Brewery from an engineering and structural standpoint. Also never been to a brewery with so many drinks at the end (5 cask, 4 keg). Peter our guide was phenomenal and made the tour engaging and interesting.

What a lovely day out! Our tour guide Monty was very knowledgeable and welcoming. History, beer and food - brilliant experience across all fronts and came away feeling very enriched. The cafe’s version of a Ploughman’s was top notch and the beer went down a treat. Will be recommending to friends and family!

Great spot. Two of us had a couple of pints and sandwich and side of chips. Good simple pub menu. Gluten free menu. Friendly. Glorious to sit in sun having a beer, outside tables had parasols. Not easy to get to, we cycled from Kings Sutton, but worth it. The shop has the full range of beers and some nice gifts.

This is a must visit as i always pop in every few months and the restaurant is outstanding. We turned up and was leaving and meet with loads of steam powered vehicles which was awesome.

Very clean and tidy. Staff with very, very attentive. They checked that everything was ok three times! Food was fresh and good sized portions. Peri-peri sauce with the chicken has a good kick to it.

Great cafe and bar with well stocked shop. I recently returned to do the brewery tour. It was a very informative tour for the history of the Hook Norton Brewery and how it grew from 1849 and was then extended to the Victorian 3 stage gravity fed brewery of 1899. The tour is 90 minutes long and involves going up and down over 100 steps. It really has a fascinating history which was state of the art when it was built and largley unchanged except a few modern additions added in the 20th & 21st century for effeciency and electrification. Well worth the money and with a great host too called Sally who knew her history. After the tour you get sample the beers and discuss tasting notes. It would be great to do a more indepth day when they are brewing with the brewers to see it all in action and to have a lesson on brewing and the science behind it.

Such an authentic tour. Chris was an absolute pleasure as a tour guide and provided us with so many interesting facts and anecdotes. The cellar bar is a fitting end too 🍺

Bradgate Park is truly a gem, an incredible place to unwind, take a long walk, and just breathe. It's the kind of spot where nature does all the talking. The landscape is vast and beautiful, with open spaces, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps you disconnect from everyday life. It used to be quieter, and while it's more popular now and can get busy, there are still those rare, quieter days when you can enjoy the serenity and really take it all in. If you're lucky enough to visit on one of those days, the peacefulness is something special. Perfect for a picnic, a long stroll, or even just some time to sit and think. Just a tip bring everything you might need, because you might find yourself staying longer than planned. It’s that kind of place.

Bradgate Park itself is beautiful – really enjoyed walking around and especially loved seeing the deer roaming freely, which made the visit feel quite special. The scenery is lovely and it’s a great place to spend time outdoors. That said, the parking felt quite extortionate, which does take away from the experience a bit, and the men’s toilets could definitely be improved in terms of cleanliness. Overall, worth visiting for the park and wildlife, but a couple of practical things could be better managed.

Bradgate Road leads to the stunning Bradgate Park, a truly beautiful and expansive place that’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park is filled with wildlife — from grazing deer to a variety of birds — and its natural scenery makes it ideal for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re after a quiet stroll, a scenic jog, or a full day out with family, the area offers something for everyone. There are designated BBQ spots, picnic areas, and clean toilet facilities that make visiting convenient and enjoyable. The walking and running tracks are well-maintained, offering routes for all fitness levels and interests. Overall, Bradgate Road and its surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the city, combining nature, history, and recreation in one truly lovely destination.

The park is beautiful. What I didn't like was the amount of dogs off leads near the deers. This included a pit bull. Owners need to be wary at all times as deer are loose everywhere. Great for photographers. I parked in the south woods carpark as it is £2 all day.

A beautiful park and a great place for hiking, walking, and simply relaxing. It’s always thrilling to see wildlife up close here. Toilet facilities and cafés are available both at the entrance and in the middle of the park, which makes it very convenient. You can easily spend the whole day enjoying a picnic and connecting with nature and wildlife. There’s plenty of parking available — £5 on weekdays and £6 on weekends for the full day. It’s also good to see that bins are placed throughout the park, helping to keep it clean.

What and incredible place! Visit the ruins and the gardens. Take a walk alongside the stream. Or hike up the rocky hills to take in the panoramic views and pay your respects at the war memorial. Deer and Peacocks wonder freely around the grounds. This really is a stunning part of the midlands. When you need to rest your legs you can pop into the cafe to refresh, grab a bite to eat and take bathroom break. There's something for everyone to enjoy regardless of your physical abilities. I came via public transport from Nottingham. The number 9 Kinchbus took me from West Bridgford (Notts) to Loughborough (Auberry Gap stop), and then I got the 154 Centrebus from the Auberry Gap stop to the reservoir at the Bradgate Park. The stop which takes to back to Loughborough is also right next to the reservoir wall. I believe the last bus back to Loughborough is at around 18:30, and then there are multiple late buses back to Nottingham from there

Fantastic parkland with a large expanse of green space, some striking landmarks and remarkable prehistoric rock formations. Bradgate Park dates back around 800 years, when it began life as a deer park, a role it still fulfills today with a large herd of Fallow and Red deer. It's also home to the impressive ruins of Bradgate House, one of England's oldest brick built houses, and amazing ancient oak trees, many of which date back over 500 years. The park is maintained to a very high standard and has a number of entrances, each with their own parking area (charged daily at a reasonable rate) and public toilet facilities. Tearooms are located near the reservoir and the Newtown Linford entrance. The path is crossed by a network of well maintained and clearly signposted paths, ideal for dog walks and popular with families. The Newtown Linford entrance is best for short, easy walks past the stream to the house, while the Hunts Hill entrance in the upper part of the park is best for more challenging walks to Old John Tower and the Leicestershire Yeomanry War Memorial. These high points offer expansive views over the surrounding countryside and the Leicester skyline, with rugged rocks in the foreground. We stopped here on the way to the Peak District thinking the park would be a more interesting way to break the journey than a motorway service station, and were very happy to have done so. A real suprise that exceeded all expectations.

This park offers ample space for children and dogs, featuring designated walking paths and expansive fields with both on-leash and off-leash areas. Its extensive grounds provide numerous recreational opportunities, complemented by an adjacent skate/scooter park. Parking is affordable, and convenient refreshment options, including ice cream and beverages, are available.

We love this country park! Parking isn't easy at peak times, but you can park on the road surrounding for free. Just make sure if you park in the car park you get a ticket - I've seen tickets wardens, and it's cheap! Lovely little cafe when you enter. Then a great sensory tour in the forest, our kids always stop and play here first. Down at the main park, loads of areas to play football, sandpit and a skate park...also recently found an amazing pump track! It's unreal! If your kid likes bikes, parks it perfect

Fantastic place to take children & dogs. Lots of fields, play area, skate park, sensory area in woodland, lots of ducks on pond & dog agility course at the back of the park. Reasonable price for parking, however car park gets full at peak times.

First time I've visited this park. Was very impressed with how nice it was. Lots of play areas for kids and loads of waterfowl on the lake. Really beautiful area.

The park is one of the best parks in Leicestershire. There is plenty to do for children, such as a sensory garden, a big play area with sandpits, slides and swings, and a skate park. It's a perfect place for a family day out in the sunny weather! Car park is chargeable and a bit small, but you can park on the road in a walking distance just before you get to the park. There are Caffè shop, a couple of ice cream vans during warm days, and next to play area there are 2 food trucks. If you love to spend time outdoors, close to the nature, then this is a perfect spot! Highly recommended!

Beautiful park, walkways, lake with ducks & swans. Great for the whole family, children's sensory area, lovely coffee shop. Lots of seating around the lake for the elderly or just to take in the tranquility. Love our day there.

This park is a perfect family park, lots of paths trees and fields to explore as well as toilets and a small cafe. The kids love the play area and outdoor gym space too. There is a well attended parkrun held here and kids parkrun, as well as Ramblers Wellbeing Walks most weeks. There is a changing place here in the little building they have near the car park too which also has a room with a large screen which would hold around 30 people and a small kitchenette for groups to hire. The paths round the lake are really accessible hard paths for a shorter walk or there are many longer routes round. There's even a dogs play area with training equipment

Interesting to visit, national Trust have completed essential maintenance and left the house as it was occupied so a point in time house. Opportunity to see the way of life in times gone by. Nice gardens to visit and the church offers hot drinks and cake. Opens at 13.00 but check website. Parking available with a downhill walk through fields to the house and return is uphill through fields.

It’s beyond belief to note that both post codes shown in the book and Google throw you a distance away from the entrance car park that is also located an uncomfortable walking distance away from the main house. However, once you get to the house the staff are helpful and welcoming. The interior of the house is reminiscent to more like a chamber of horror with badly worn out furniture, uneven steps and creaking floor boards. There’s smell of old decaying wood and masonry and with no taste of decor who lived there in the past. It’s a great eye opener. It’s a bonus to be served tea and coffees by very helpful and polite staff in the well looked after church. The gardens are beautiful and very well maintained with tastefully trimmed hedges and plants. 👍

Amazing place. Untouched, still as it was when the last occupier left. Great nostalgic atmosphere here. Lovely gardens. Staff very knowledgeable and friendly. Lovely church next door that serve hot drinks and cake 😋 There is a bit of a walk from the car park through a farmers field down to the house but there is a disabled drop off spot nearby.

Beautiful place to visit. The history of a family who have lived in a house for generations has been left as is when the last generation moved out. It's poignant to see the different furnishings and uses through the ages. Only open in the afternoons. Accessible parking much nearer than main car park if you need it. We even had tea and cake served in the church by the local mothers' union, which was very welcome on such a hot day. Well worth a visit and really friendly and helpful guides.

Beautiful house in its original style with a garden full of vegetables and fruit trees. Cute cafe inside a church where you can sit on church benches to drink/eat. Parking is somewhat of a long walk from house although there is parking for disabled people closer.

Lovely national trust property with the interior left as it was and not polished up to look nice. Very interesting. Nice walk down to the property. Lovely gardens and walks around the setting, even a game of croquet on the lawn.

I would recommend doubling up on anti histamine before you arrive. I can appreciate authenticity but you can also dust the property. Also the male "guide" in the kitchen yelled at me for taking a video and embarrassed me in front of a room full of people. I feel there was a better way he could have communicated the no video policy with me. Still a beautiful house and lovely church next door.

Coventry Cathedral is absolutely stunning and full of history. The ruins of the old cathedral are a powerful reminder of the past, while the new cathedral stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The contrast between the two is breathtaking and makes the visit really special. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the architecture is impressive both inside and out. Staff and volunteers are welcoming and very knowledgeable, which adds to the experience. A must-visit landmark if you’re in Coventry – both moving and inspiring.

Lovely blend of old and new architecture, with lovely staff who were very helpful. Lovely exhibition and a good amount of information. The small museum is only open on weekends but it's a nice walk around anyday.

I had a truly uplifting day in the Coventry area, where everything felt nice and tidy. The food was delightful, and the city centre offered a fantastic shopping experience with all the major shops within reach. Coventry is brimming with attractions, showcasing its rich history alongside a vibrant present and promising future. I was pleasantly surprised by the talented live performers I encountered, enhancing the city's lively atmosphere. There were no beggars or aggressive solicitations—just a welcoming and serene environment, which is a breath of fresh air in any city. Restrooms were conveniently located, and I noticed that disabled access ♿ was nearly everywhere, ensuring everyone can enjoy themselves. The city also appears to embrace dogs warmly, further adding to its charm. Families will find plenty of activities and sights to explore; just take the time to browse. Parking was straightforward and reasonably priced, making it hassle-free. I wholeheartedly endorse this magnificent city, and I believe you, too, will discover joy here—whether alone, as a couple, or with the entire family. It's an adventure filled with fun for every budget!

Wonderful modern cathedral. I feel very moved being here. The artistic skill that went into the design, both of the building and the aspect of the windows as you walk through it. Magical light falls through the stained glass . A triumph over terrible suffering during the Coventry blitz. It is free to enter but do leave a donation for it's upkeep.

Well worth a visit, for a slice of history about Coventry. (When visiting I didn’t even know this existed, so it was a pleasant surprise!). It's beautiful and well maintained. Lots to read and see, very aesthetically pleasing. Located on a beautiful tudor looking street in the centre too. Highly recommend.

Coventry Cathedral is well known for its unique modern architecture alongside the ruins of the medieval building. This is what makes this cathedral unique. In simple terms you would witness New cathedral and the bombed cathedral stand side by side which also reflects transformation from destruction to new light. If you visit then it's worth starting your journey from ruin / old cathedral to new cathedral. New cathedral has a magnificent interior, stained glass, and tapestry. Stain glass in the side wall is very impressive. One of the interesting things to note here is the Tapestry on the back wall. The tapestry was woven by hand and the detailing is astonishing.

It's really all about the stained glass and etched glass. There was a brilliant exhibition about the diverse nature of the people of Coventry and those who built the new cathedral in the 50s. A timely reminder of real community unity in a time of division and flag shaggers.

It was great to see so many vehicles designed and built in Britain, but suddenly, to see the decline, even though it's been that way for a while, was a little depressing. Great experience though. The kids (2-7yo's) loved it too. Particularly the land speed cars at the end. Tickets are valid for a year so can go back again and again.

This experience is truly exceptional and perfect for the entire family. Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, a chance to bond over shared activities, or simply some quality time together, this destination has it all. I highly recommend you visit and see for yourself the delightful attractions and engaging experiences it offers. Don’t miss out on creating lasting memories together! Cars are fun for all ages.

There is a lot to take in here. If you have children (currently Children 5-16 £8-£9, Under 4 s free - but cheaper with GO CV 2025) then it is filled with activities for them to do. I think it is always like this - not just during school holidays when I visited. There is a good range of locally built cars, bikes and motor cycles. The Jaguar 'section' brings a modernity to the historical units here, as does the Land Speed Record Thrusts 1 and 2. I was hoping to see a Jaguar C or D type but sadly not here. There are a few tractors, light military vehicles, trucks and buses, but the vast majority of the displays are cars and (motor) bikes and cycles'. The Triumph / 1970's / 80s sections were good - the range is fairly narrow as they are Coventry or locally built models. I couldn't quite get why there were some examples from Birmingham and surrounding areas - there were a lot missing if that's the rationale. Still, better to see them than not. It isn't as big as I thought from the outside. I like to see inside the vehicles but there were a lot where I couldn't do this, partly because of the way they were displayed - maybe not enough room? I think it was the unpainted monocoque shell of a Jaguar XJ220 hanging vertically - but I couldn't see any info on that. Signage was generally OK. The basic floor plan map (attached) could do with a bit more detail I thought, as could some of the displays. The 4D simulator wasn't working on my visit (30th Oct 2025) However, apart from the small bits of nit-picking above, there were so many interesting things to see. There were several unexpected delights too. Cars using fabric instead of metal, cut-aways of cars and car parts, some really unique cars, the 85th anniversary Blitz section, a huge collection of model die-casts (e.g. Matchbox) and much more. Definitely worth the entrance price - which is cheaper if booked online. The ticket is valid for readmission for a year. So, maybe when I come back (and I will) I will get to try the 4D simulator. I had intended to adopt a vehicle(!), but for £100 a year, that didn't seem good value on inspection. I also had a coffee at Baxter Baristas (enclosed in the museum. It was pretty good. The home-made cakes looked tempting too. The toilet facilities only seemed accessible if you used the cafe? I parked very close-by at Bishop Street Car Park CV1 1JN. Cash - i.e. change, or app only. A reasonable price for a heavily pot-holed lot. Not sure if there are any security cameras here - certainly not visible. No directions to the museum from here though and about a 4 minute walk.

Easily a must see if visiting Coventry. I'm personally not a huge car fanatic, but there's no other place where you're gonna get to see the two fastest land vehicles ever made. That alone is worth the visit. Tickets are £15 if booked in advance and a around £16.50 if booked in-person on the day (for adults). However, while the ticket is valid for multiple entries for a span of 1 year either way, I'd recommend booking online in advance simply because it's cheaper.

Brilliant vehicle museum devoted to products made in Coventry or nearby. Huge collection very well presented. Interactive section for smaller children. Cars, bikes, motorbikes, lorries, armoured cars, buses, fire engines and the world's fastest cars.

Great museum, with lots of interesting cars and bikes from all times. Including the record-breaking Thrust 2 and similar vehicles. Takes around 2 hours to finish the whole museum, take that into consideration when parking your car. The one day tickets are only available for Coventry residents.

Unbelievable place. Absolute MUST VISIT for any motoring fan. It's got an unbelievable amount on display, from vintage to absolutely cutting edge motoring technology. Wheelchair accessible throughout, lots to keep kids/families engaged as well as anyone just looking to learn about the history of motoring or Motorsport or car design. Staff were outstanding, particularly Den who was a wealth of knowledge and, more importantly, passion for the museum and local area. This is a place not to be missed. Could send a half day here easily. Extremely highly recommended.

This was a late in the season visit. Not all the attractions and vendor stands were open. It did not spoil the visit. The best attraction was the falconry quest. The birds were amazing and the handlers ensured that everyone was buzzed by a bird. The barn owls was majestic and graceful. The peregrine falcon was fast and precise. When looking up at the condor as it flew over was awesome. At the end of the show I couldn't tell you what the birds were, but the sky was full. It was amazing, worth the 3 hour drive for this. The horrible histories maze was fun and informative. There are peacocks everywhere. Other wildlife in abundance squirrel's, Robin's and ducks. There are plenty of seating and concession stands. There are plenty of staff who are helpful. Yes there are a lot of areas accessible for wheelchair users but it is hilly in places.

The knights lodge was big enough for 3 of us nicely dressed with a modern bathroom- breakfast was good too - I'd recommend as a short stay. Castle speaks for itself don't miss the dungeon tour - absolutely brilliant my son is 8 and loved it best £6 pp I think iv ever spent

Had a fantastic day with my dad. Birds of prey are fantastic! Really loved seeing them! Lots to see and do. Lot's of choice of food and drink. It's well worth the money. The car park has plenty of space. It's a good day out for the family or just going your own. The castle was really good! Something for everyone. 😁👍. Plenty of toliets. Clean.

Amazing! I enjoyed spending half a day visiting this stunning castle. It’s so big and beautiful, I could stay there the whole day. I love to go again.

Absolutely amazing visit to the castle for Halloween!! The special touches everywhere for Halloween were super fun. It was a great day out with the family with lots of performances, some Karaoke, plenty of food options and lovely views from the top of the towers. Definitely a must visit!!

My friend and I had a wonderful day at Warwick Castle. Such beautiful grounds and such an interesting place to visit. We loved the guides tours, so engaging and informative. The bird of prey show was absolutely outstanding.

A Truly Magical Day at Warwick Castle! From the moment we arrived, Warwick Castle completely exceeded our expectations. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and every corner feels steeped in history. The live shows were absolutely fantastic — the Falconer’s Quest was a standout, and the actors really bring the medieval atmosphere to life. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making the experience memorable. We especially loved how interactive the exhibits were — perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. We left feeling like we’d stepped back in time for the day. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, educational, and truly magical day out. We can’t wait to return!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

my wife and i went on sunday 2nd may, The place was heaving, not much social distancing going on. The Website says "...We have restricted admission tickets per day with the priority being to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Our visitor capacity will be reviewed regularly.".. This is rubbish as the car park was so full we had to park on grass right near the very end, it took us ages to walk to the entrance. we saw 2 Giraffes, 1 Rhino, a few chimps , 2 Tigers, some Lemurs and Penguins, not much else as there were queues / crowds for anything that was open, including the shop. in my opinion vastly overpriced entrance fee for what is available. won't be going again.

Rip off car park charges.

Not impressed. A lot of the animals are locked away in their quarters. Also to cold for a lot of them to come out

Clean surroundings, well cared for animals, helpful and polite staff.

Good zoo and always looking at new areas for animals.

Amazing zoo. Great place to spend the day

All good.

Great day out for my daughters 10th birthday. Bonus as May was buy one get one free so really good value! As the girls were 10 I didn't have to go in the pool or on the snow play sliding with them (extra bonus 😂) but easy to watch and manage. Snow play staff were lovely. Life guards a bit moody to be honest.

I recently visited Tamworth Snowdome and have mixed feelings based on two very different lesson experiences. If, like me, you’re someone who learns best through clear instruction and explanation (and not just being told to “give it another go”), I really recommend thinking carefully about which lessons you book. My first session was a 9am Saturday Fast Track lesson, and honestly, it wasn’t great. There was very little actual teaching - we were mostly just sent down the slope repeatedly with minimal feedback. We were merged with another group and had to do more standing around and waiting rather than actual skiing. I was the slowest in the group and unfortunately the instructor didn’t handle that very kindly. When I asked genuine questions - like how to walk at the top of the slope without slipping - she (Rhea) just smiled and didn’t give an answer. It felt dismissive and unhelpful. I was also moved into a line with a longer wait time because I was struggling, which made me feel singled out. I do want to highlight Max, who was assisting that day - I learned more from his quick tips than from the main instructor. But overall, I left that lesson frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling like I’d wasted my money. That said, my Level 2 lesson the same afternoon was the complete opposite experience. Adam and Joe were brilliant - patient, clear, happy instead of grumpy, and genuinely helpful. They told me exactly what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. Within three more runs I was skiing with control, and by the end I was confidently linking turns. They turned a discouraging morning into a huge win, where my partner noted I was smiling constantly and more relaxed. I honestly can’t thank them enough. My advice: If you’re someone who needs proper explanation rather than just trial-and-error mixed with standing around, book Level 1, 2, and 3 separately instead of Fast Track. You’ll get more focused teaching and less pressure to keep up with the quickest learners. Also, go with an instructor who actually instructs. I also found (in my personal experience) that the male instructors were warmer and more helpful than the female instructors - as there was a older lady instructing a group we were later merged with, who wasn’t very warm, but that may vary and isn’t meant as a blanket statement. In the end, I’d still recommend Tamworth Snowdome - just be mindful of which lesson format you choose. With the right instructor, it’s absolutely worth it.

What a fantastic day. All 3 of my boys went to Clip and Clmb and had their first lessons snowboarding. Every member of staff were so polite and professional. The food in Aspen was great and pizzas delivered on a mini snowboard was great. A big shout out to Imogen and Ethan the boys instructors who were amazing from start to finish, their smiles and constant tips to push them on had them from wobbly newbies to being independent and in control. Thanks for such a memorable day!

We bought a group of 6 kids to SnowDome for a snowboard lesson! Special thanks to Coach Leo who was absolutely amazing and made the session so much fun for them . We did ski with lift pass the next day and the staffs there were all really lovely and helpful. Great experience all round! We will definitely book again.

I recently completed the beginners’ Ski course and it was absolutely fantastic! I can’t praise my instructor, Ben P, highly enough. He was incredibly attentive and patient with everyone in the group, giving each of us the confidence we needed to get out on the slopes. Ben spent plenty of one-on-one time with those who needed extra help and made everyone feel completely at ease. If all the instructors are anything like Ben, I’m certain anyone who joins this course will have an amazing experience and make great progress. Highly recommended!

I attended a Fast Track 1 lesson, but the group was far too large and the instructor was quite abrupt. Several children became upset during the session. With so many participants, there wasn’t enough time for proper attention to each learner, so class sizes should definitely be smaller. It also didn’t feel like a safe or suitable environment for beginners, as there is no dedicated training area. While waiting on the slope for my turn, I was knocked over by a free-skiing skier, and snowboarders from the top slope were repeatedly coming through the group as well. There is only one entrance and exit, meaning everyone — beginners included — is funnelled into the same crowded space. If I were a more confident skier coming from the top, I’d be concerned about finding a safe gap to get through with such large groups blocking the run. Given the venue’s limited space, they really need better crowd control — smaller groups and/or set training hours would make a huge difference. Clearly this isn’t a priority though, as it seems the focus is on maximising money rather than safety or learning experience. To highlight that point: the pass was £120 per person. So with around 10 in the group, that’s roughly £1,200 for a 3-hour session — yet the experience felt overcrowded and poorly managed. Finally, the instructor we had should reconsider their approach. Shouting at people that they are “not doing it right” only creates a stressful environment and doesn’t help anyone improve.

I recently took my first group ski lessons for beginners at Snowdome Tamworth, where three instructors were looking after our group. During the session, one of the instructors — Adam K. — really stood out. His passion, friendly attitude, and clear guidance helped me take my very first steps on the slope with confidence. I felt truly supported throughout the lesson. Because of this great experience, I decided to book a few private lessons with Adam K. as well. I never thought someone as clumsy as me could actually learn to ski, but thanks to his patience and excellent teaching, I did! I highly recommend Adam K. for ski lessons — he is an outstanding instructor!

Great morning exploring the castle with the wife and kids. Found parking nearby at Holloway car park. This is a short-stay car park (£3 for 4 hours) you can add extra time when needed. Adult- £11.95 Children- £9.50 (up to age 15) Found all staff whilst exploring the castle to be polite and friendly. The few we asked questions too, were able to answer everything. The gold horde was interesting to see. Incredible attention to detail was clearly used when creating these works of art. There is a small gift shop and café, again with friendly staff. The toilets were clean and clearly maintained to a high standard. Would recommend a visit, a great way to spend a few hours. 🙃

Fabulous little place to visit The castle and museum are a must The grounds are lovely to explore with the added bonus of a great bug kids park for the little ones to enjoy There's a little cafe/shop on site which is unbelievably cheap considering it's location All in all a nice little spot to spend the day

Lots more to do in here than we expected, thought it'd only take an hour but the kids found lots to do. The staff were all really friendly and the kids loved all the characters hidden around the castle

Personally feel like the people of Tamworth are lucky to have a castle as open as this one right in the centre of town to go to whenever they want. So much history in one place. Loads of interactive fun both digitally and physically. Staff are really friendly with some in character. What I'm surprised about is you can just roam around by yourself around the whole castle. Definitely worth a visit - £11.95 for a ticket isn't bad since it's for the whole day.

Absolutely lovely castle and grounds, plenty to see and do, especially for children, lovely big play area and a cracking little cafe where they serve everything, hot and cold food.

Tamworth Castle is a great place to be in, it has a big garden. It is a great place for kids and walking dogs in the garden. It has a playground for kids and it has a car park for free on Sunday. It has an inside castle with historical things and you can be at the top of the castle, but unfortunately it isn't suitable for wheelchair accessible due to the difficult staircase. Recommended place to go.

July 2025 There are many rooms to explore and and the castle has themed events specifically for children. You'll find dressing up clothes and a small cafe. The staff are friendly and kind. There is limited access for wheelchairs. The nearby and very well kept castle grounds have a large children's park for a run about afterwards. There's lenty of nearby parking. I learnt about... Turniptownshend who pioneered crop rotation. The Great Hall. The widest roof span of its time. The saying "above and below salt" ... upper or lower class. Yep. Tamworth Castle is well worth a visit.

I was really impressed and enjoyed our recent family visit. Lots of parking close to the Hall and grounds. We had a voucher and entered the hall/gounds for free. The hall itself is smaller than some other places such as Chatsworth but still felt big on the inside and lots of rooms to explore. A refreshing facility here were lockers for bags/possesions. This made a massive difference compared to some other places that demand no bags taken into the house, but nowhere to store them. We had our kids day bag and picnic bag and we locked them away without any worries. The staff were very polite and kind and even helped us with our possessions and didnt make us feel like naugthy children for daring to come to a place like this with bags ( take note Chatsworth ) The house has some dazzling rooms to explore and takes a good hour to take it all in. Behind the house is an amazing church which despite its small size is stunning inside with several amazing tombs and sculpures. The grounds are lovely with the addition of a childrens play area tucked away with lots of things to keep the little ones busy. There is the usual gift shop and refreshingly a book shop, which I grabbed a few items from. I cant comment on the cafe/resturant as we didnt use it but the food and decor looked very nice. There is a small coffee stand near the stables which does a very nice mocha and sells Bluebells icecream for what I thought was a very reasonable price. Overall I would definatley recommend.

The cows greet you on entry but once across the bridge, the house and setting looks like a landscape painting. In the house, it has a Rome pantheon oculus ceiling and amazing collumned room. A good bit that's easily missed is the curved corridor near the entrance with the big game heads from animals shot over 120 years ago, an insight into the days of the Raj. Could easily spend 4 hours here if you do the walks too.

Quite the contrast to Calke Abbey. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to tour the house as there is a LOT to see inside. The tour is self guided but volunteers are on hand to assist. Kedelston has holdings reminiscent of a Royal Palace. It is pristine on the interior. There is a cafe on the grounds that is open until 5:00 pm. So, plenty of time for a cuppa after a tour of the house. The gardens are limited, but the grounds in the back of the house are worth going out and enjoying. Flowers were still blooming in late September, but many of them were spent as well.

Extremely impressive house that was built for show and not actually lived in by the extremely wealthy owners who lived in a wing attached to the main house . The servants hall is the main visitor entrance and even this is grand in comparison to other large period houses. Huge rooms many with high ceilings and stunning features, decorations and furnishings etc this house just oozes money and wealth. The staff and volunteers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and add personality to the house. Large onsite NT cafe which has a good selection of food/drinks but odd ordering system

Great place to visit good information in the hall and good paths around the estate for wheelchairs and disabled people but very expensive food example £5 for a sausage roll seriously come on get the food prices down and £22 adults to enter you need to get it lower and you get more in I am a member of the National Trust and hear people say this

I recently attended the Diwali celebration at Kedleston Hall , courtesy of Simran Kaur Sandhu, Creative Producer — and it was one of the most enchanting cultural experiences I’ve had in the UK. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was warm, vibrant, and inclusive. The hall was beautifully transformed with hand-crafted marigold garlands and glowing diyas, casting a soft golden light across the grand interiors. The way traditional Indian design was woven into the neoclassical setting felt effortless — a perfect balance of heritage and celebration. Some of my favourite moments included the stunning light projections inspired by rangoli art, the interactive cultural displays, and the thoughtful details like restored lamps and traditional games that made the whole experience feel alive and personal. Felt genuinely welcoming and touched with this story. Everything felt authentic, well-researched, and deeply respectful of both cultures. It was more than an event — it was a heartfelt celebration of community, creativity, and light. I left feeling proud, inspired, and grateful to have experienced such a meaningful Diwali at such a historic venue. Truly a must-visit if you get the chance.

What a great place! The house was finished in 1765 which was intended for grand entertaining and used to display superb paintings, sculptures and furniture. Kedleston celebrates one 18th century landowners fascination with classical Rome and this can be seen and witnessed throughout the entire house

Went to see Moulin Rouge. Lovely venue. Great show. The lifts to the top floor were not working so this could limit accessibility for some guests.

Easy to find. Great city location. Staff all helpful and friendly. Reasonably priced bar. The theatre is lovely, but pretty much zero legroom so choose seats wisely. We saw Moulin Rouge here.... excellent performance 🎭

Great show venue in the heart of Birmingham. Helpful staff and lots of room to wait before the show and easy access to toilets. There are bars and facilities across all the floor and its easy to navigate. The only drawback at the moment is the lifts are on reduced use and there is no cloakroom. You get a lot of information once you book and they also let us know roads were busy so to set out with plenty of time. We went to see Moulin Rouge and sat in the front circle row A so had an amazing view of the stage. Seating was well organised and the staff helped people get to their seats promptly. The show started on time and was amazing. Local to the Hippodrome there are plenty of resturants, pubs and hotels. Lots of parking options and close to the centre of Birmingham

We went to watch Moulin Rouge! A great theatre with a super atmosphere and amazing panoramic views of the stage. Plenty of parking. Easy access via train! Staff were super helpful and friendly. Refreshments were as in every theatre over priced but its the cost od going to the theatre. All part of the experience! Super display in foyer for photo opportunities to create your own momento! The show was outstanding, a standing ovation!!

Went to see Moulin Rouge on Monday and the show was spectacular! The acting, the singing, the dancing, the costumes, the music, the set. Everything was amazing! One of the best shows I’ve been to. I want to go again. Such a nice theatre as well, the atmosphere was great and the whole look of the theatre.

Lovely venue. Friendly helpful staff. Restaurant very good. Great variety of shows to choose from. I saw Moulin Rouge- absolutely fabulous

Beautiful show theatre, we saw the latest musical. Stage sets are always amazing here. The main characters both performed great singing in Moulin Rouge. The dancers were excellent too. Well done.

The building is really mislabeled. There’s one room with Art which may have 20 canvases. One of them is quite a nice place but otherwise if you’re coming for Art, you’re not going to find anything that you want. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a museum with a great coverage of the history of Birmingham, the top floor of the building has a very excellent series of exhibits on this topic. That’s not why I came here, but I did enjoy it quite a lot. If you have kids, there’s a dinosaur exhibit on the lower floor. I think it’s 9 pounds for adults and free for kids. Otherwise, the museum is free. There’s a nice coffee shop.

The museum was outstanding. Very clean, staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, and very considerate when providing assistance, especially to those with additional support needs. There's portable chairs behind the doors, a great personal touch when you're spending a few hours in there. I visited from Manchester to see the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition, the Made In Birmingham exhibition, and paid in to see Giants whilst I was there. Highly recommend and will be returning in the future. Gift shop was great, with lots of different quirky items connected to the exhibitions.

really great place, went for the ozzy osbourne stuff but i was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the displays. I like how everything in the museum is relevant to Birmingham or England. I felt like i got to learn tge place’s history. Everything was really informative, interactiv, and the whole experience was beautiful.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a true gem in the city! The museum offers a wonderful mix of art, history, and culture, with something to interest everyone. The galleries are beautifully curated, featuring impressive fine art collections, fascinating local history exhibits, and world-class pieces like the Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The building itself is magnificent, with stunning architecture that adds to the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to share insights or help guide you through the exhibits. It’s a great place to spend a few hours learning, relaxing, and being inspired — a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Birmingham.

Lovely gallery! Lovely and huge and lots of things to see in there aswell as a lovely and spacious cafe, bigger than the cafe in my local gallery!!! I enjoyed my pumpkin spice latte that I had in the cafe it tasted just like the one at Starbucks, but better than Starbucks 👌🏻 and the Ozzy Osbourne exhibiton that's on at the moment is fab 🖼️! I will be back! We both loved the gallery with a passion 😊

Really interesting place to visit. Lots of variety in terms of exhibits and things to do. Plenty for people of all ages. The Staffordshire Hoard is a great section and displayed excellently.

I came here many years ago. Back in the days when they had a museum full of art. Now there's very little but there was a nice section on the history of Birmingham. As much as that was a nice touch and it being free, it felt like there was so little to see. There's the classic over prices gift shop and coffee shop inside. But you'll not spend long in here any more sadly. Hope you enjoy it more than I did. Enjoy.

Lovely experience. It was a wonderful time, spent around 2 hrs. The best part was the 4D movie which was just wow. And then the avenue was the good experince. If could show more about how chocolates are made nowadays then it would be more interesting. I have seen cadbury making process in a different country and that was more into the process making, so thats what a gap was I feel... rest everything was an amazing experience. It was my best birthday present.

Its not a very big place, but informative and there were things to do. We also got a taster cup of chocolate, it was nice. Saw a demo about how the chocolate was made. Unfortunately when we went the rides were not working and my child was so disappointed! The ticket was not cheap, so all the rides should work properly!

Terrible place to visit, definitely not worth £52 for 1 hour and 20 mins after traveling for over 2 and a half hours. Press and play features not working, other functions not working. Interactive machines not working and one that was working went into error mode when we tried to use it. Nothing for adults and it is more themed for children under the age of 8. The 4D attraction was not good at all unless your of a toddler age, motion seats just move a little and vibrate and the other motion seats in the other video tour slightly move from left to right and was over in 5 minutes. Staff at each station do not explain what to do and what you can do at the chocolate making feature which you don't actually make any chocolate or decorate anything, instead they just say the initial hello and tell you to start and then talk amongst each other in front of you about their personal life's. Booking online isn't any quicker as they have a zigzag queue line for any prepaid visitors. The price of a ticket for an adult ticket is the same price for a child under 15 and the whole experience is far from value for money, it is not something you want to plan as a day out. There is lots of places marked on the map as no visitor access also, and when it came to an abrupt finish ending up in the gift shop to spend more money, we where not told if there was anything else to go to or see and nobody creating us at the door or giving us wishes on our way. Parking is free and about good thing as the whole place appears run down, washed out and offers little to do for the whole family. It is more like walking around a mirco museum with a family playground and cafe.

Loved it, was a lot of fun, even as an oldie. Would loved to have seen more of the factory and some more of the history of cadburys. Also has a lovely afternoon tea while we were there. Please take your time to look and use all the activities or you will be out in less than 2 hrs but saying that I think the entry fee is reasonable.

I visited Cadbury world in Birmingham on a weekday as I predicted this to be a little quieter than a weekend which it was. I managed to get a few snaps of the factory as you take a trip an a good history lesson of the beginnings all the way to present day. I like the tour and I think it’s pretty cool, especially seeing the chocolate makers on the ground floor making the chocolate fresh and shaping these for souvenirs to buy or for special events coming up. The gift shop is also pretty cool and worth a visit, having some cool novelties you can buy and take home with you. HOWEVER, for being a chocolate tour, the ride was not working when I was there, which was disappointing. Also, you only get 2 free bars of chocolate included in your tour visit, which is a little ridiculous considering that you pay a decent price to go.

A place that offers information, fun filled activities and entertainment. Booking tickets in advance is must. It will save you a trip and money. Arrive by about your time of entry, they let people queue and enter in batches. The tour begins with a historic display of cocoa production and evolution of chocolate while it travelled across the world. Then the first chocolate shop and birth of Cadbury, some stories of the family and how they ventured into this business. Followed by the making of chocolate, staffs demonstrating the process and later you get to do it by yourself. Inside they also sell some crazy structures of chocolate. Then you get entertained by 4D movie, dwelling into the world of characters Cadbury has introduced. Followed by a nice exhibit narrating the story of Bournville village and a fun filled ride where you collect the ingredients (virtually) to make your own chocolate. If you may have forgotten to collect something, don't worry you can buy them from their store that has EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE!!! A one of its kind place to engage all age groups. You get some free chocolates on entry and can buy more at exit. There is a cafe inside this building. Parking available. Cloak room is only for large luggage bags. Enough numbers of toilets available in intervals throughout the tour.

It's not just about chocolate (although that's rather a key theme …) but also about how the workers were treated. Very well. A quite interesting self-paced tour. Three free (well, included in the admission price) bars of chocolate for each guest, plus a sample towards the end of the tour. Then there's the museum to see, too. Oh, and the shop, just in case you haven't already got enough chocolate.

The relatively new library is architecturally beautiful but I’m knocking off a point because the Library closed its cafe. When you send long spells in a library it’s helpful to be able to get a drink. In the British Library there are about four or five cafes on site which enables you to work, take a comfort break and return to researching or studying. Not sure why the second city’s main public library doesn’t have this important feature. I also think the business section could do with more resources and event to support businesses and business start up. That said, staff are helpful and professional. It’s easy to take out or renew memberships. I love the light and airy space on each floor and the statement elevators. The roof top garden is beautiful and a great amenity space on a warm day for us to catch up on phone calls. Again I may have remained there if I could have gotten a drink. Instead we leaf after two hours just to get refreshments.

I visited the Library of Birmingham today. Last year, there was a lovely water feature just outside the library — a great spot where kids could play and cool off. I checked several times this year, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been turned on at all, which was a bit disappointing. That said, I did discover a small children’s play area at the lower level of the library that I hadn’t seen before. It includes sand, water, wooden toys, and natural materials — a very fun and creative space for children to enjoy. Great to see the library offering more for little ones, but I really hope the water feature returns soon!

The largest public library in the UK, Birmingham library is a great place to study. They have a large selection of books- academic, fiction and non-fiction self help books. You can also listen to audio books if you have a membership of the library which is relatively easy to get. The staff is always helpful with information relating to books and other related topics. You can find and reserve a book online on their site. They will find the book in their and other libraries and keep the book aside for you for a period of time. Having a cafe would be good given that you’d want to take a break from studying. Nevertheless it’s a beautiful place and a must visit from those outside the city. The balcony gives an amazing view of the city. 💖

I recently visited the Library of Birmingham and had a brilliant experience from start to finish. The building itself is striking and modern, and inside it feels open, bright and welcoming. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the spaces are spotless and well organised, whether you’re looking to read, study, or simply explore. One of the absolute highlights is the outdoor terrace and viewing platform at the top. The view across Birmingham is incredible — you can see right over the city skyline, including Centenary Square, the canals, and some of the landmark buildings that make the city so unique. It’s a peaceful spot that really shows off how impressive Birmingham looks from above. Overall, the Library of Birmingham is a fantastic place to visit. Whether you’re a regular reader, a student, or just someone exploring the city, it’s well worth the trip — especially for the view from the top.

This library is a wonderful addition to central Birmingham. It has many rooms all of varying sizes with many spaces for study, reading or simply relaxing. It had a vibrant feel and it was good to see people using its facilties. There were also some wonderful views of the city from a number of vantage points located on the higher floors of the building, and I particularly liked the secret garden on the 7th floor. The only two gripes for me were the initial escalators on ground floor (very dangerous) and the lack of a restaurant or cafe.

Worth a visit just to ride the escalators and enjoy the sunshine out on the terrace (level 4) or the secret garden (level 7). Elevators are available but were not functioning today, but the 90 step climb to level 7 for the secret garden was worth it. Great views over the city and delightful spaces to sit. And of course they have an enormous collection of books, media, maps and more. Such a cool space with the escalators going back and forth across a large central open space.

The library is beautiful! As a tourist, it is a wonderful place for anyone coming to Birmingham. On the top 2 floors, there is a beautiful terrace with lots of flowers and benches to sit on. There is an exhibition that explains the history of the library. I recommend taking the elevator up and turn down by the escalators. As a student, it is a great place to study, do your homework, it has internet, very private spaces, you can get your membership card to request books. It is a great place for group study or even to read a book.

There is a helpful little tip for visiting - in the corner of the gift shop there is a lift back up to the toilets. These are back at the beginning of exhibition so you can head round again to pick up any bits you missed! It is a great half day out with the kids. The centre feels like it could do with some updating and refresh on some of the side activities but the exhibits are all great, and the feeding / talk times flow quite well through your visit. The staff are all super friendly and helpful, our daughters especially loved the roaming pirate!

It was am awesome experience! I'll be honest when I first went in, I thought it was quite small, however it is extended at the back so it was indeed quite spacious. Easily took us 2-3 hours to explore the entire place at a slow pace with a 5 month old. The penguins were adorable at the start, the amount of fish in each aquarium space was quite adequate. I did wish we could see the otters though, only managed to catch s tiny glimpse in the room at the far back. The area with the jellyfish was so mesmerising. There were different photography stations located at multiple areas. You could take photos at each station, and at the end you could choose which pictures you'd like to buy and what package. Overall there was a lot of cleanliness, tanks were clean, the walkways were clean too. We ended up going at a busy weekend, but still could easily manage to get around with a baby pram. There was however a pram parking area, if you will, to store the prams if you'd rather do that. Definitely worth a trip.

Visited on a Saturday with pre-booked tickets and went straight in. It was as busy as you would expect on a weekend. Theres a route to follow and as long as you are patient in certain places you can see everything (unless creatures are hiding) There are some additional options like photos taken and a VR experience included in the admission charge. There is quite a bit to see and different areas. There are toilets at the start and halfway through, there is a shop at the end but no cafe. It takes around 60-90 mins to go round but we didnt do any photos or VR. It does look a bit tired and dated in places and the enclosures look a bit on the smaller side especially for the Penquins and Sea Otters. We used Tescos Clubcard vouchers to pay but our tickets would have been £55.00 which is steep for what you get but, if you used all the things offered it might seem better value for money

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham: A Submerged City Escape ​The National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham offers an engaging and surprisingly intimate exploration of the underwater world, making it a perfect family outing in the city centre. While its footprint is smaller than some coastal aquariums, it packs a real punch, particularly with its signature attraction: the UK's only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel. ​Walking through this clear acrylic tunnel is genuinely jaw-dropping, providing an immersive experience as sharks, rays, and the beloved giant green sea turtle, Molokai, glide directly overhead and beneath your feet. This highlight alone justifies the visit, offering incredible photographic moments and a true sense of being submerged. ​Beyond the ocean tunnel, key exhibits include the playful Gentoo penguins in their icy habitat and the charming sea otters, Ozzy and Ola, who reside in the Mammal Rescue Facility. Interactive elements like the rock pool, where visitors can gently touch a starfish, keep younger guests highly engaged. Other sections, like the jellyfish displays and the Clownfish Kingdom, are vibrant and well-presented. ​While tickets can be pricey, seeking out available discounts or utilizing combination passes with nearby attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers better value. Allow about 90 minutes to two hours for a comfortable tour. Despite sometimes being busy, the SEA LIFE Centre remains a truly "splash hit" and a memorable journey into marine conservation and discovery.

We had a fantastic afternoon here with my daughter and grandson! It’s such a wonderful place, and we especially loved watching the feeding the sea otters, Ozzy and Ola. The gentleman narrating was so friendly and knowledgeable, answering all our questions with enthusiasm. He’s a real asset to the centre and made our visit extra special — we only wish we’d caught his name!

It's OK for young children, not a long experience for the price so would definitely plan other activities around this if you are travelling into Birmingham. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and the venue is clean and tidy. The immediate area, Brindley Place, is clean and well presented and has parking nearby.

Awesome experience,amazing staff!! They have designated talk and feed times for penguins and otters, so you could enjoy that. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Specially enjoyed the penguins. Would have given a 5 or even more if otters were close instead of on screen. However I understand and appreciate that they need to adapt first to this environment before exposing them to public. Overall, it was a very fun experience and Happy Weekend instead!!