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!

We had the best time ever at Aqua Park Rutland! From start to finish, the experience was smooth, exciting, and absolutely worth. The location itself is stunning set right on the edge of Rutland Water, surrounded by greenery and open sky. It’s such a beautiful spot for a summer day out, whether you’re participating or just watching.

Lovely and tranquil. One thing not enough sign post to guide people where to go on bikes. Spent 10 mins try to find our way round on our bikes, and which routes to take for safety. Better to walk and take your time and enjoy a pick nick.

Superb place to visit for all ages. The Aqua water park was brilliant fun! Well worth a visit and fabulous day of fun, picnics and ice cream. Great value for money for all the family.

Great place for a family day out. Brilliant for either a picnic or eating at the on site cafes. Children will have great fun at the Aqua park it's fully patroled with lifeguards changing rooms & toilets were clean. Kayaks, Canoes, Peddleos & reservoir cruises available from the Whitwell centre. A beach area & gift shop were about a fifteen minute walk further round the reservoir.

Well run, and a lot of fun. Obstacles were really fun and the hour went by really quickly. Facilities to get changed were fine and sheltered.

Beautiful day at the wonderful Rutland. Situated near Whitwell. A large car park allows for easy parking. Wet suits are optional depending on water temperature. The inflatables are good sizes, lots to do and at the biggest one (the elephant) its a approx 7m jump down which is good fun, I would recommend the 1 hour sessions instead of 2 hours as its very exhausting also its good not to get too tired in order to prevent injuries.

This place was good and cheap too. The parking is good as they have 5 car parks and the cost of parking is only 2 pounds a hour (first 15 minutes are free). Nice day out for the family to enjoy nature and have a chill day.

We visited Bletchley Park today and had an absolutely fantastic day exploring this incredible piece of history. From the moment we arrived, the experience was first class. We were greeted at the entrance barrier by Jake, who gave us a lovely warm welcome — full of good humour and friendly banter — the perfect start to the day. Inside, every member of staff and volunteer we met was just as friendly and engaging. Their enthusiasm for the site and its history really brought the stories of The Codebreakers to life. A particular highlight for me was the Radio Team, who were exceptional. They not only explained the radio technologies and the process behind them in fascinating detail but even offered me a chance to have a go myself! Their knowledge and passion were infectious and added so much to the visit. We took our time exploring the Mansion, the huts, and the surrounding grounds — everything was beautifully presented and full of atmosphere. The attention to historical authenticity and the care taken in preserving the story of Bletchley’s wartime legacy was evident everywhere. The Gift Shop was excellent too, well-stocked with books, souvenirs, and thoughtful keepsakes. I was thrilled to find a book I’d owned as a child (a long time ago now!) — something I never expected to see again. All in all, it was a day filled with learning, nostalgia, and wonderful interactions with passionate people. A truly memorable visit, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Five stars without hesitation.

An amazing place and well worth a visit. The guides are all volunteers who give their time and expertise completely free of charge. In my opinion this makes them even more valuable to the whole experience and definitely worth listening to if you can get on one of their guided tours. Your entry ticket will allow you to return as many times as you like with a year of your first visit, completely free of charge, and you’ll need it as there so much to see and learn.

This is an amazing Living Musuem of history. The splendid work both highly intellectual people accomplished, together with every day men and women during WW2 is shown here. Without this secret team WW2 may not have ended when it did and with the British victorious. There is so much so see we needed 3 day visits. When you purchase your ticket you get a year to return and Thank Goodness for that.

Interesting visit to learn more about the WW2 Codebreakers and see the technology they used. Informative and entertaining video presentations. Friendly staff and good interactive displays. Quite expensive at £28 pp (we won't be going back in the next year even though the ticket says you can) and disappointed that the museum of computing was another £10 each next door. The website says the cafes have gluten free options but they didn't have any gf cakes or sandwiches, only a main meal.

An amazing time in our countrys' history, remarkable work carried out by extraordinary people. We learnt a great deal more about the events that occurred there than we previously knew. Definitely worth visiting, as your entry tickets are valid for 12 months multiple visits.

We had a fantastic day out at Bletchley Park. There was so much to see. I particularly enjoyed the areas recreated to look as it did during the Second World War. Whilst I knew of the work done there and its importance, visiting left me with an even deeper sense of admiration for the people who worked there.

What ca. you say? Incredible place where some incredible people worked long hours to help shorten WW2. So very informative, plenty to see. Can easily spend a day here, and the great thing is that your ticket is valid for 12 months so you can return any time within that period. If you’re a member of English Heritage then you can get money off your ticket too.

Superb castle and grounds, set on a hilltop with magnificent views. It is the fourth castle to be built on the site since 1066 and has an illustrious history. It has over 350 rooms and is still the family home. That gives an added authenticity. The state rooms are stunning, a real visual treat. We are so glad we booked onto the 11 o'clock tour, it was excellent. It should have been for an hour and a half, but our guide spent just over 2 hours telling us all about the castle and family and taking us beyond the roped off areas. Big thanks to our guide. The gardens are just as varied as the castle rooms, and there are extensive parklands to explore as well.

The castle and grounds were beautiful. Parts of the castle were a bit 'tired' but lovely all the same. Our tour guide Sally was absolutely wonderful. She had so much love for the castle and it's history. She made the whole experience memorable. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Even her water bottle and Scarf matched with the family's emblem/coat of arms, which was a lovely touch. The other staff members we met were lovely too. The food options were disappointing. Very expensive and not any vegetarian or kid friendly options. The retail village was a great shame. It could be a lot better and the staff weren't as friendly as those in the castle. There wasn't any food options just overpriced crisps and raw meat. The grounds were lovely but the map didn't match with a lot of the signs , the further we went up the grounds the signs became non-existent and confusing. I would go back to have another tour with Sally as I believe she made the experience 'worth while'.

We booked afternoon tea for my mother’s 90th birthday. There were 20 adults and 8 children. All were catered for. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Nicola was our contact and incredibly helpful. The afternoon tea was delicious. The room is beautifully decorated and has a fantastic ambience. We can highly recommend a visit to Belvoir Castle and afternoon tea. I can’t wait to return.

This Castle has gone straight to the top of UK Castles to visit. So fortunate to have this "living castle" made available to the public. We booked a tour when we got there and lovely Susan showed us around. Well worth the £5 extra. About 2 hours and Susan knowledge of the family and local history was well worth the investment.

Belvoir Castle is really one of the best castle in England! I was so impressed by the interior which was absolutely outstanding. Some of the rooms are even inspired by Versailles so it tells you how luxurious it looks. Also it's huge inside and you can visit at your own pace which is a good thing. The gardens however are a bit left down. We visited in July but there wasn't much flowers or plants. I was expecting better of such a prestigious castle.

Really beautiful castle and great playground for the kids, but aspects of the accessibility is limiting for visitors, and beware the Initial Parking company, that despite purchasing a ticket for the car park, will still issued a fine, if your not careful, and that despite providing evidence of a payment being made in an appeal, was still rejected to line their pockets. Tea room in the castle was also extortionate and expensive so what could have been a five star trip out, turned into a 3 star experience that I won't be repeating thanks to the parking fine. 😞

must go this castle, surprisingly decorated traditional but fresh. it's a video taking scene for Crown . highly recommended. buy family tickets in a better price online. Main castle carpark ￡3 only for a whole day. Reception for Belvoir Castle located at carpark.

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.

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

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.

Bicester Village is a fantastic destination for luxury and premium brand shopping. The place offers a wide selection of high-end and well-known brands, all set in a beautiful and clean environment. Both the exterior and interior designs of each store are meticulously crafted, adding to the overall pleasant shopping experience. The only downside during my visit was the lack of particularly attractive discounts, which was a bit disappointing. Nonetheless, overall, it was a great place to shop and explore.

Bicester Village is a nice designer outlet that features most of the well-known luxury brands. However, I couldn’t find many good deals, most prices were almost the same as regular market prices, and many of the items seemed to be older collections that didn’t sell well. The design of the village is beautiful, though. It’s very clean and pleasant to walk around, with charming little streets and lovely store façades. The place isn’t very large, so you can explore it in a few hours. There are only a couple of restaurants, so dining options are limited, but the big parking area is definitely convenient. Overall, it’s a peaceful and stylish place to visit for a short walk and some window shopping, but not necessarily the best destination if you’re looking for real outlet bargains

Absolutely loved it, definitely worth a visit especially if you’re into shopping. Might not be as fun if you’re not into shopping. Lots of designer and high end brands at discounts prices, *discounted* not cheap. All the shops look really nice especially during the Christmas period. Nice and easy to walk around, shops are all next door to one another kind of like on a parade.

This is a polished and enjoyable shopping destination, especially if you’re looking for luxury brands at reduced prices. The village-style layout makes it feel more relaxed than a typical outlet mall, and the pathways are clean, well-kept, and easy to navigate. The selection of designer stores is strong, and the customer service is generally excellent. It can get extremely busy—especially on weekends and holidays—which sometimes means queues both for parking and for popular boutiques. Still, if you time your visit well, it’s a great place to find quality pieces at good value while enjoying a pleasant, upscale atmosphere.

I recently visited Bicester Village and had a fantastic shopping experience. It's a premier luxury outlet shopping destination with a wide range of designer brands offering excellent discounts. The village is beautifully laid out and perfect for a day trip. I recommend buying your shopping ticket in advance online for a smooth entry and special services. Also, if you travel by train, note that Bicester Village station not supports contactless travel cards, but importantly there is currently no tap-in or tap-out system for contactless payments on the train journey. This means it’s best to buy a ticket in advance or check carefully to avoid any issues. The combination of great shopping, easy access, and the convenience of modern payment options makes Bicester Village a must-visit. Don’t forget to book your tickets ahead and enjoy a seamless, luxurious shopping day out!

Visited recently for a shopping day out and had a very enjoyable time overall. Bicester Village offers lots of high-end brand outlets, making it a premium destination for luxury and designer shopping. You’ll find major names like Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and many more — definitely a paradise for fashion lovers! The atmosphere is great — beautifully designed, open-air, and feels classy yet welcoming. We were so busy shopping that we completely forgot to take any photos! One thing that really stood out was how well the parking situation was managed. As we were about to reach the Village, we noticed clear signage informing us that the main parking was full and directing us to an alternate parking location. There was also a free Park & Ride bus service available, which was super convenient and very well organized. The only downside was the long queues outside some of the popular stores, which took up quite a bit of time. It would be great if they could introduce an appointment or token system to help manage the crowd and make the experience smoother. Overall, a fantastic shopping destination with a wide range of luxury brands, good facilities, and a pleasant vibe — just be ready for some waiting during busy times. We’ll definitely be visiting again!

Very busy but really nice shops. We can find a lot of deals most of the time. Really enjoyed going there. Finding parking is always a challenge but with persistence we can find a spot. Good few spot to eat. Highly recommended for designer shopping

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.

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.

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

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.

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 🍺

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.

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.

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 visited today with our toddler son and had a nice day out. Despite the car park being nearly full, we didn’t have to queue to get in, which was a great start. The staff were friendly on arrival, gave us a map, and invited us to watch a short 15-minute film at the cinema — included in the entry price. We paid £24 for two adults, and our toddler got in for free. The highlight for our little one was definitely the train ride, which we used to get to the play park. The outdoor play area is spacious and well-equipped, though we felt it was more geared toward older children. There were a few bits for toddlers, but not a huge amount. We also explored the indoor play area, which again seemed better suited for slightly older kids. We enjoyed walking the nature trail, crossing the wobbly bridge, and strolling by the lake — all really lovely and peaceful. The sandpit was another fun stop for our toddler. Overall, it’s a large and reasonably priced place to visit. While we probably wouldn’t rush back with a toddler, it might be a better fit for families with children aged 5 and up. Still, it was a pleasant day out with lots of fresh air and space to explore.

We visited with 3 kids (2,11 & 12) and there was a variety of activities and attractions to keep the whole family busy. It was a nice refreshing change from rides and electronics and was great to see the whole family out in the sun enjoying the environment. The older kids used the high ropes which was £7 a go and we think that was fantastic and very cost effective compared to other places we have been recently. Plenty of places for a packed lunch, plenty of places for the kids to be busy and adults also. Highly recommend 🙌 Indoor play area is at the waterside part of the venue which you can walk or catch the small train to. Only reason it was a 4 star and not 5 star review was due to parts of the older side of the place (waterside centre) was looking quite outdated and warn out completed to the main area and building.

Went there on 7th Nov, most things were closed which (due to them preparing for fireworks) we weren't told about it just told they closed early today, I asked at the desk and the staff wasn't aware things were closed?! Equipment is very old and lots of broken things, could do with a complete overhaul safety nets had holes in etc. I can see this place used to be good but definitely needs money reinvestment now, lots todo there if it's all open unfortunately for us it was not.

Me & my 8 year old son had a great time at Conkers today! I thought it was reasonably priced for the activities that we did. Must do's when your there are: Barefoot Walk, Assault Course & The Bush Craft Session..... A massive shout out to Dave who was superb with his knowledge on survival techniques including making a fire & building a shelter! Awesome Dave!

My grandson loves Conkers, both inside & outside activities! The staff are lovely, the Halloween decorations were fab and, even on a cold October day, we spent 3 hours in the playgrounds, on the train & in the Enchanted Forest inside. Our annual ticket costs £63, as my grandson lives in the National Forest & that gave us a £7 discount - he lives 20 mins away, so we can dip in & out all year. Well worth it!

CONKERS is a fantastic family attraction with fun indoor and outdoor activities. From nature trails to a 4D cinema, it offers great value and a mix of adventure and education for all ages. A perfect day out in the heart of the National Forest! It is for kids

Was there for the fireworks, great display. Good food, drinks and service. Was very busy and had to queue but not too bad!

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

Visited here during a weekday break to the Cotswolds in October advised to book in advance which with gift aid was £12 a ticket per head which for easily nearly 4 hours spent here is very well worth it 👍 there's plenty to see if you do the full walk with the trees this time of the year in all their glory of a riot of colour's most of the paths are hardstanding with a few steep inclines of softer ground but we took our elderly dog round in his buggy ok & there were a few disabled buggies getting around ok as well I'd say also brilliant for kids for an outdoor excursion with plenty of "off path" area's for them to explore & let some energy off in the fresh air also a large garden centre & restaurant here the restaurant having a very extensive menu at all reasonable prices with the food very very good quality the restaurant is,also dog friendly with a lovely outside verandah seating area sadly didn't get time to visit the old fashioned tool shed but I'll definitely do that next time we're back in the Cotswolds I'd like to see the Arboretum in spring as well with the blossom so would definitely visit again also a shout out to all the lovely staff 👏👏👏

Beautiful place to visit carpark free, café and toilets on site. Beautiful gardens and grounds. The trees and their colours are absolutely beautiful. Im not a photographer but I took some lovely photos.

Loved our visit here. We have been last year so it was good to come back. A bit quieter in the autumn as well which I prefer. Relatively quiet and easy to get something from the cafe after a good walk around. Trees were beautiful and there was a red carpet of leaves. Have a great nursery here as well with plants, trees and bonsais.

Large area to explore. Good car parking. Restaurant was very busy but good choice of food, although not much for GF diets or low carb. Many very established trees and shrubs including some giant Redwoods. The church was small but interesting. Barefoot House is private but it’s where the Mitford family lived for some time. You’re provided with a good map that shows the steeper trails. Seating provided in certain areas so you can have a breather and take in the tranquility. You could spend a day here easily.

We had a wonderful trip to Batsford Arboretum. I had hurt my knee a few days before so we nearly cancelled but I found I was able to loan their tramper mobility scooter. This allowed me to keep up with family and see the whole venue which even without my injury I would never normally have been able to do even without my usual walking aids. The colours of autumn were exhilarating and the variety of trees and plants was surprising. Supportive caring staff in reception, shop and cafe.

Batsford Arboretum is such a beautiful and special place I visited midweek with my family and everyone felt very relaxed and calmed from being there, a great way to reset surrounded by nature - would highly recommend to anyone looking for a place for mindfulness and relaxing in nature

Beautiful. Easy to get to with a garden centre and craft workshops. Great cafe and fab day out in the lovely cotswolds.

This was my 7 yr old daughters first visit to a proper theme park she absolutely loved it. I am not so keen on rollercoasters as I have gotten a bit older, however the roller coasters here, although fast at twisty, did not feel like they were trying to fling you out of the atmosphere. Very enjoyable rides, and my daughter is already itching to go back, and also eager to try something bigger and faster. The whole family enjoyed the small zoo which is there also. The Red Panda, Gibbons and Meerkats were the favourites.

Our family had the most wonderful stay-and-play experience at Drayton Manor Resort, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! My wife, our 5-year-old son, and I visited recently during their Halloween special, and it was a magical experience from start to finish. Everything — from the themed décor to the warm hospitality — made it one of the best family getaways we’ve ever had. The highlight of our trip was, without a doubt, the Thomas Land theme park. Our little boy is a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, and seeing his face light up when we entered was priceless. He absolutely loved riding on the Thomas-themed trains, meeting his favourite characters, and exploring all the fun rides designed especially for younger children. The park was beautifully decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, friendly ghosts, and cheerful seasonal music, creating a festive yet family-friendly atmosphere. Every corner had something new to discover, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the experience enjoyable for both kids and parents. We also stayed overnight in one of the Thomas & Friends-themed rooms, and it was simply amazing. The attention to detail was outstanding — from the Thomas bedding and wall art to the little touches that made our son feel like he was sleeping in Sodor itself. He was so thrilled that he didn’t want to go to bed, and the next morning, he didn’t want to leave! In fact, he kept asking if we could stay “just one more night” so he could go back to Thomas Land again. The staff throughout the resort were friendly, helpful, and always smiling, which made the experience even better. The food options were great, and everything was clean, well-organized, and family-oriented. Overall, Drayton Manor Resort is a dream destination for families, especially those with young children. We created some truly special memories and can’t wait to visit again — maybe next time for Christmas or summer!

Wow, what a season, and it’s not over yet! Well done Drayton Manor for the friendliest welcome, be it customer services, ride staff, and catering staff. New entertainment, more atmosphere, and an incredible Halloween theming, and the light and firework show last night 😱. We have had a brilliant year and look forward to Christmas! Keep doing what you do - great value great family entertainment 🙏

We had a wonderful day at Drayton Manor! The rides were fantastic, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many of the thrill rides our children were able to go on. The Halloween entertainment was excellent — our children especially loved the trick-or-treating experience. There was great entertainment and a fun atmosphere all around the park, with lively music adding to the Halloween spirit. The park itself was really quiet, so we were able to walk straight onto most rides, which was a huge bonus. All the staff were super friendly and really embraced the Halloween theme, which made the day even more enjoyable. We had lunch at Safari Pizza, and the family deal was great value for money. Later, we treated ourselves to Halloween milkshakes and a Halloween waffle while watching the water show — both were delicious and again, very reasonably priced. The water show was a lovely extra touch that we all really enjoyed. The zoo was another nice addition to the day, and it was lovely to see how well cared-for the animals looked. A few rides, like the rapids and the pirate ship, were closed, but honestly, we wouldn’t have had time to fit them in anyway — there was so much else to do! It’s a shame we don’t live closer, as we would definitely buy an annual pass. However, we’re already planning to return soon for the Christmas celebrations 😀 thanks !

Loved the Halloween theme. The park was not very busy. We had fast passes but didn’t have to use them. It’s great that they allow you to use the fast passes at a later date.

Drayton Manor is perfect for children up to about 13, or for teens who prefer medium size coasters. My pre teen enjoyed all the rides, it was the perfect fear level for her. There are 5 big rides, plenty of medium size rides and loadsss of little rides for toddlers. The theme was Halloween and the whole place was decorated lovely! We didn't get chance to visit the zoo, but we will definitely be back to do it all over again and make sure we save time for the zoo.

I did the stay and play offer for myself and my son. We had a free room upgrade when we arrived which was lovely. Included in our stay were two days entry to the park, fast track passes for rides, free parking and breakfast. Friendly helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms. The park itself was tidy. Wait times for some rides were long, especially The Wave! Took ages for them to load the trains , giving half the train to fast track and half to regular waiting customers, just felt wrong considering how long we were waiting. Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time.

A truly breathtaking cathedral. The Gothic architecture is stunning, with its three spires creating a unique silhouette against the sky. The stone carvings and intricate details on the façade are remarkable, each statue and ornament telling its own story. Inside, the stained glass windows glow with vibrant colors, filling the space with a quiet, almost sacred light. The vaulted ceilings and fine woodwork show an incredible level of craftsmanship. It’s not just a place of worship, but also a masterpiece of art and history,worth taking time to explore slowly.

Today I finally did the tower and roof tour. It was amazing and the views from the tower are stunning. Got to see a lot of stuff you don't normally get to see too. The tour guides George and Alan were very knowledgeable and I learnt a lot of new stuff about the cathedral and Lichfield in general. Well worth the £18 as the tour was nearly 2 hours. Made my day and now when I look up on future visits I can say "I've been up there" 😁

One of the best Anglican churches in the region and in England. The church building has a great character don't forget to walk around the church to appreciate the lovely location and features of the church building. Going inside the church has no ticket, but donations are appreciated which goes towards the maintenance of the Cathedral. Volunteers were kind and helpful and can guide you around the premises. From the East side of the building you can go up yo St Chad's terrace and is quite and peaceful for a prayer and specially very positive vibes when hearing the choir. The giant table made with 5000 year Dark Oak wood! Worth visiting! Recommend checking the website, there is plenty of activities specially in the summer. For concerts recommend booking tickets in advance.

Lichfield Cathedral truly is a hidden gem. Although it’s only a short drive from the M6 motorway, it’s like stepping back in time. The cathedral itself has a grandeur to it which is unlike many other, smaller, more modern cathedrals. The outside of the cathedral is beautifully designed, in proportion, and well appointed with a variety of statues. The West door is huge and impressive with a variety of ornate Victorian carvings outside. Once you enter the cathedral, the visitors’ desk is staffed by polite and helpful members of staff who will guide you around the cathedral. The ceiling of the nave is particularly impressive and the grand arches are second to none in the UK. The stained glass throughout the cathedral is particularly impressive. However, when you get to the far east end of the cathedral, you will see the Herkenrode glass which is unlike anything you will see in any other cathedral in the UK. There were several treasures contained within the chapter house, such as the Saint Chad Gospel which make this cathedral a real pleasure to walk around and visit. There is parking nearby in Bird Street car park and the public toilets are easily accessed. The Minster Pool next door is also worth a visit to feed the ducks. Although Lichfield is not on the usual tourist trail, it is worth a detour. I can’t recommend this cathedral strongly enough.

A very good cathedral for visiting with family and friends. You will enjoy the outside area as well Inner sanctuary. Very well maintained. We visited during the time when there was a showcase of wild life photographers photo’s.

Such a beautiful peaceful place of worship. I am not a Christian but felt so welcome by all patrons I came across. I was astounded by the amount of colonial history from the empire, from flags, priests, infantry.

Large cathedral in centre of scenic Lichfield. Costs £5 voluntary donation admission. Extra to go into tower area. The cathedral has many beautiful stained glass windows. Lots of other interesting areas to visit within the building. A nice little shop selling a variety of souvenirs etc.

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!!

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.

We had such a brilliant time at Go Ape! The team were absolutely fantastic with my 6-year-old daughter — patient, encouraging, and full of energy. She was a little nervous to start, but their friendly approach really put her at ease and helped her feel confident navigating the course. It was great to see a setup that feels adventurous but safe, and the staff clearly knew how to engage children at the right level. The whole experience was fun, well-organized, and empowering — Maya walked away beaming with pride and already asking when she could go again!

Had a fabulous time at Go Ape Cannock chase, Esme was our instructor, she was very professional and encouraging with excellent guidance and support on the challenging sections. I highly recommend giving this adventure a go to test you physically and mentally.

Fantastic experience taking our 8 and 11 year old on the treetop adventure plus. Staff were welcoming and friendly, thorough briefing before using the equipment, and off we went. Excellent time has by all, our lads went flying off and loved it all. Now they're asking to go again 😂👌

Great experience. Different levels for different ages. I’ve done it before, but this time was an observer, I was able to follow my group around and take some photos. The reception staff were very useful when it came to choosing the best gloves and glove size.

Went here as a group of 16 (from young kids 5+ to adults 50+). Great day out. We did the Go Ape tree top challenge for the older ones and the kids did their challenge. Did this for my Son's 14th birthday. Honestly it was a great day, but I'm not going to like this was expensive (a little over £330) Staff here were amazing and very supportive and approachable. Millie you were amazing with us 🥰 Definitely do this again. Be warned the parking cost us £11.

Fabulous Outdoor activity! Good for thrill seekers. Meg is our instructor and her customers service went above and beyond.Kudos to your team. x

Had a fantastic experience with my son here. The instructors /staff were excellent. James was knowledgeable and friendly, which put my son at ease. I also loved the calm and thoughtful nature of INSERT NAME HERE (The curly haired guy). Does a great job and was super friendly. A fantastic experience all around. The wait was improved by having another go on the zip, which we loved too. A huge thank you to e staff and how hard they work. Sorry about all the sweeping up of the wood chippings - ha ha. You're awesome!

I booked a meal for my wife’s birthday. Not the railways fault, but roadside signage is poor, so satnav is a must. We got there in plenty of time for the afternoon train, not long after the morning train came in so parking was interesting, however it is free and it was was easy for my wife to get out prior to me parking up. At Froghall, it’s a new old style station with enough toilets for males but lacking a little for the ladies. The carriage was very comfortable and spacious. We sadly were on the wrong side for views of the river and canal in the first half of the journey, but on the right side for the engine sheds. The food was excellent, we did have to be pre order, no difficulty with the starter and mains, however the puddings were a case of ordering all 3 and then giving the ladies first choice. On the way back, as we went through Cheddleton tunnel the second time, the loco engineer made the steam engine chuff in an old fashioned style, it added to the ambiance and experience of the day. I’m going to be honest here, you could probably get a Sunday lunch at the nearby pub, then throw in a train journey for less, but the whole experience, with a feeling of going back to a more relaxed era was certainly worth the money. I will certainly look at rebooking in the new year

We attended one of the murder mystery nights which was set in the 1920s. We dressed up and I’m so glad we did as it enhanced our experience. The actors were amazing and so great at what they do. They brought the evening to life. We had a 3 course dinner with our experience and the food was fantastic with attentive staff. But I think the whole evening was made perfect by the train and the journey. The steam train was beautiful and full of character. I could not fault the evening and experience. Amazing, we will be back!!

What a great ex this was. Birthday treat for my wife and me. Greeted well on arrival. Real nice friendly staff. Great volunteers. Nice clean and friendly staff. Great food. Highly recommend,will definitely be doing this again.

Absolutely brilliant. Four of us went & we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Went on the standard £10 trip & were on the train for over 2 hours. What a bargain! The carriages, were clean, nicely restored, spacious, with really comfortable seats, (sprung we think.) We'll definitely be back again & probably try one of the food trips. They do a pie & mash one, a curry one, I believe they also do a bacon butty trip, plus fine dining trips, murder mystery, xmas specials etc. The genuine enthusiasm of the people running this railway, many of whom are volunteers, is obvious. Very pleasant, friendly people. The loco, carriages, building, track, etc, have all been carefully restored, it must have taken ages & is a credit to them. Proper blast from the past, chilling for a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. Job done!

Everyone was so friendly! We had the coffee and cake package. It was such a lovely day out for the family. The gift shop lady even had her dog asleep under her desk and all the controllers were happy to pose for photos with us.

We had such a lovely day, four of us booked the coffee and cake deal which includes a either tea or coffee, a choice of slice of cake and the 2 hour train ride for £15. The weather was beautiful, the experience was smooth from start to finish (including the booking process), the seats felt like they were spring loaded which made them very comfy, every member of staff had a smile on their face and the food and drink was great. Cannot fault a thing and have already said about coming again in the autumn 😊

Here’s a longer, friendly version of your Google review that “Had such a lovely day on the Churnet Valley train rides with my partner. From the moment we arrived, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, which made the whole experience feel really special. Even though it was a cold day, the carriages were cosy and the scenery along the valley was absolutely beautiful — so peaceful and relaxing to just sit back and enjoy the views. We had warm drinks and some nice food on board, which made it even better. It’s definitely worth the money — in fact, it’s really cheap for what you get! A wonderful trip that’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone who enjoys a bit of nostalgia. We’ll definitely be going back again!”

Almost 5 stars but this was our first visit & entering the carpark we had no idea or signs to say which way to the entrance or instructions to pay for the carpark. It wasn't very busy today but we thoroughly enjoyed our time spending over 4 hrs. The staff were delightful & oh so helpful. Fish & Chips were utterly delicious, best I've had in a long long time. The houses & shops were wonderful, bringing back so many memories. All in all a truly wonderful day, thank you.

Such an amazing experience. The museum and what it offers is phenomenal and the staff and volunteers are so engaging. The way they have set this up is exemplary and we learned so much from the people there and the exhibits. The forging and Army and Navy store were two of our favourites as well as the canal and chain shop area. A must see if you are here, a short train ride from Birmingham New Street to Tipton and it's about a 15 minute walk to the museum. Excellent day.

Well worth a visit. Great family day out. We have two boys 7 and 11. They engaged really well. The fun fair cost more but parents of little ones went on free and they were great. Staff were super 👌. The fish and chips were amazing much better than we get these days and cheaper. The demonstrations were informative and entertaining. Definitely go down the mine but watch your head! The gift shop was reasonably priced.

Really enjoyed it and here. Took my 8 year old. Lovely to walk around and really takes you back. Even I remember houses like these when I was alot younger. The boat rides do have an additional cost. There is alot to see and do. Although they do have some eateries we didn't bother. I think I'd have preferred a packed lunch regardless. Definitely recommend a visit here!

Open air museum, this is more like a small, Industrial Revolution, town with plenty to see and do. Very good parking facilities with plenty of disabled space as well as spaces for families, especially those with younger children giving easy access to site. A quick 2 minute walk from the car park to the main entrance where you are greeted into a large atrium in a modern building with a comprehensive gift shop to the right on entry. To the left there is an eatery serving up hot and cold food, and the usual coffees/teas and soft drinks etc. Exiting the main entrance the is a world of history in front of you starting with a tour of the mines. Sadly even early In the morning 10:30 (30 mins after opening) there was a long queue however this was accessible during the day. Old buildings galore, presented in various period decor all accessible to view both upstairs and down as well as black smiths, foundries, smelting, brick production, the list goes on. Heritage building with cars and bikes for viewing. The museum also runs a bus service with busses from 1940’s. They operate an early funfair with several period rides including ghost train, carousel and penny slot machines, well worth a ride. To the rear of the museum there is a modern building dedicated to the canal trust and preservation with the ability to take passenger on a boat ride through the caves where they mined line stone. Several found outlets in the various building, accessible toilet throughout the site, actors on site who interact with the public. All in all a fantastic day out FYI, I travelled from Essex the morning of the visit. Worth every penny.

What an amazing day we had at the Black Country living museum. We got there about 10am and stayed about 5 hours . So much to see and do. The staff was very friendly and helpful and willing to answer any questions. The fish and chips was amazing . Had one or a few beers in various locations. Then we went back for peaky blinders night . What a great time that was. Music and attractions all over the museum. Can’t wait to go back for a 40s or 60s night next year.

Absolutely incredible experience, we do come quite often due to being in the midlands but the new updates are fantastic and there is so so much to do. I actually don’t think the museum is open long enough to do everything they now have on offer. Not to worry you are able to return as many times as you like within a year with those tickets! Incredible! Such a good time had by all!

We visited this attraction for the first time and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was better than expected, with the whole family enjoying the beautiful animals and stunning gardens and castle. We were surprised how much it had to offer. Many varieties of animals, big to small, cute to scary and everything else in between! The gardens themselves were absolutely amazing, it was a pleasure to walk around all day, soaking it in. There were also a number of playgrounds for the kids a long the way and we all loved the chair lift. - We managed to get over 20,000 steps! The facilities were a little dated (restrooms and restaurant) but functional and offering what you would expect. Overall, good value for money for a family of 4, will likely visit again if we are in the area.

Good selection of animals, enjoyed photographing them all. The site is on quite a hill, and there are lots of hills and steps. Land train is useful for getting to the top. Some areas are rejuvenated and look great, other areas look tired. We had eaten before arriving, which I am glad we did, as food prices were very expensive. £5.50 for a sausage roll is too much.

I visited Dudley Zoo and Castle with my wife and two kids, and we had a great time. There’s plenty to see and do, and all the animals looked healthy and well cared for. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout the day, and the grounds were clean and well maintained. The castle grounds are particularly impressive, with lots of interesting information about the site’s history. It’s a long day out, but there’s enough variety to keep everyone entertained. A couple of small downsides – the signage could be clearer, as it was sometimes difficult to get your bearings even with the map. The food was also quite disappointing and expensive: a £6.50 burger was just a plain patty in a bun, with no salad, sauces or cheese, and the chips were cold. The main café building itself looks quite tired and could do with a refresh, though I can understand that much of the money rightly goes towards the care of the animals. Overall, I’d definitely recommend visiting, but I’d suggest bringing your own food or picnic to make the most of the day. It’s a great family outing with a lovely mix of wildlife, history, and scenic views.

Dudley Zoo is a great day out in any weather! The membership is amazing value, and the new playground is fantastic. We went most recently on a grey, rainy day and still saw the tiger, lions, lynx, giraffes, arctic foxes, owls, red pandas, flamingoes, giant tortoises, lemurs, penguins, meercats, all the reptiles, wolverines, geladas and much more. Great fun for children and adults alike. Also love the BSL signs up on some of the animal enclosures.

This zoo and castle combination is a nice place to visit. The enclosures for the animals are suitable and they seem well looked after. I got some great views and photos. You can see Lions, Tigers, Red Pandas, Giraffes, Tapir, Lemur, various monkeys so there's a lot to see. There is a fun chairlift and a few rides. The buildings are not in great condition, but it does have a certain kind of charm. My impression is that this zoo will not last forever, and no one will build a zoo in a castle grounds again, visit while you can.

A fantastic day spent here. Loads of animals to see. Went to the bird of prey talk/display. It's really interesting & well worth doing. History of the castle was great to discover. Would definitely recommend this place to visit.

Absolutely fantastic time at Dudley Zoo. We went on a Thursday afternoon and it was really quiet. The non-zoo animals were baking in the sun, it would have been nice to see bowls of water out for them (the birds and so on). Great selection of wild animals, absolutely beautiful.