The top cities between Bideford and Portsmouth are Bath, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Torquay, Weymouth, Bristol, Dartmoor National Park, Southampton, Snowdonia National Park, and Swindon. Bath is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Bideford and 2 hours from Portsmouth.
The National Park of Dartmoor is a large area full of rugged landscape waiting to be explored. There are a number of villages throughout the park, as well as Dartmoor Prison and Castle Drogo. The national park also holds events and activities throughout the year for visitors of all ages.
Saw some waterfalls, some wild ponies, some brilliant scenery and a goat. The Dartmoor is a fabulous place. Will see more on this latest trip to Devon. Plenty to do and see for all ages. Do yourself a favour and visit here if you're in the area.
Mark Minehan — Google review
A beautiful place with great walks and fabulous views. Lots of Dartmoor ponies roam around, along with sheep. Please drive cautiously as the sheep do wander into the road. Fantastic sunsets, and if you're lucky, you may even see a simultaneous moon rise as we did during early August.
Liz Glen — Google review
Impossible not to like the exuberant beauty of Dartmoor park, very well signposted trails will take you to places where you can observe spectacular views in the midst of wildlife.
Wild ponies can be easily seen freely grazing which will give an even more special charm during your walk.
Rafael Angelucci — Google review
Love Dartmoor, great walks and the ability to get miles away from any civilisation is great! Challenging terrain, don’t go unprepared if you’re going to head deep into the moor! Weather can be horrendous and change quickly.
River crossings are not uncommon!
peter78 — Google review
So glad to have this just down the road from me! So many great walks to be had across the moors, and a lot of history to be learned. I love finding the old ruins and stone circles, seeing the ponies, and taking photos. Sunny weather is ideal but it's much better when the fog rolls in!
BecomeTheAtlas — Google review
Amazing amazing amazing. This is a must to go to visit. Such an idyllic place to go. Very dog friendly and kid friendly a massive expanse to go investigate. So much to do and experience I honestly can't say enough great things about it. The pubs, parks, walks, views all spectacular!!
Chris Allum — Google review
Love it here. Peaceful and a lovely place to walk. We saw sheep with their young, ponies, birds of prey, and heard cuckoo's calling as well as many wild flowers. Unfortunately, there were people allowing their dogs to run wild despite signs stating they should be on leads. There were lots of sheep with young lambs. These places are for all of us to enjoy. Your enjoyment shouldn't encroach on others or the creatures that live there
J B — Google review
Love it on Dartmoor, no better place to relax and just breathe fresh air. The wildlife and animals make it such a peaceful place
OMGJaydenTV — Google review
A beautiful, natural and historic area with great views, walks, wild animals and landmarks. It can get windy and cold up here, but the fresh air is lovely
Nathan Dore — Google review
This place is HUGE. Got the trains there to spend a few hours there in the beautiful, mesmerising, tranquil countryside. It's stunning scenery stretches for miles. Loved every minute. Thank goodness for Google maps and a very kind passerby to put me in the right direction. After seeing the 9 stone circle advertised on Google Maps had to go on an adventure to see it.
Maple Acer — Google review
Fantastic, hauntingly beautiful area with ancient rock outcroppings. You could see into the faded horizon. The children climbed the subtle grade and jumped on rocks. Wonder and wander and freedom to your own thoughts.
Deborah Waddington — Google review
Dartmoor is an incredibly beautiful location, and it is fat more diverse than many people realise. The main town, Prince Town, and the prison are well worth a visit, but better still, pull on a pair of boots and head out for the solitude of the tors spread across the Moor.
The weather can, and often does, change very rapidly on the Moor. Make sure you are well equipped for bad weather. Also, make sure you have plenty of water and snacks when out on hikes.
DMJ AM — Google review
Very scenic and interesting location, also good for children and dogs. Many Dartmoor ponies, sheep and Highland cattle can be seen. However, the weather has it´s own plans and you should always take a jacket or rain gear with you.
Sarina Cl A — Google review
Wow stunning even in the rain!! The ponies running wild made our visit.
Janet Marshall — Google review
This was the most peaceful I have found myself for a good time. With always being in a city you can forget that just some silence, fresh air and a good walk can do.
I don't know when but I'm defo gonna bring myself here again.
Also bring snacks and be prepared to have a big bladder because theres a lack on amenities around here.
Joshua Wilkinson-Gavin — Google review
Your experience and enjoyment of dartmoor really depends on the weather. On a good sunny day everything is clear, you can have enjoyable and easy walks. On the other hand, torrent rain and wind can really make it miserable. Be prepared for both conditions as weather here can change within a blink of an eye.
Anthony Chan — Google review
Love this place so much.
Please please don't just go to haytor!
There are much better places on either side.
And please get out of sight of your car even if just for a little stroll.
Cannot recommend more!
Jonathan Hill — Google review
We recently had a fantastic stay at ' the chapel ' at Lettaford. A landmark trust property, right on the edge of Dartmoor. A really peaceful and quite small hamlet, consisting of four previously working farms. Loads of history and lovely walks, as short or as long as you want. No mobile signal and no WiFi, just a small stream bubbling away next to the chapel.
andrew shaw — Google review
Love being here. The peace, the wildlife and the scenery. I just wish drivers would be a little more considerate of the roaming animals.
Barbara (Grace) — Google review
Love the moors, we go there every week. Toilets at haytor, dartmeet and Princetown.beautiful views, walks and wildlife. Pictures taken at burrator resovoir
frances bushell — Google review
26% as popular as Bath
33 minutes off the main route, 27% of way to Portsmouth
Torquay, a charming seaside resort town in Devon, southwest England, is renowned for its picturesque beaches like Babbacombe and Oddicombe. Its stunning coastline has earned it the moniker of the English Riviera. The town center boasts Torquay Harbour, offering a delightful mix of shops, cafes, and a marina. Visitors can explore Torre Abbey, an ancient monastery with art galleries and beautiful gardens featuring plants from Agatha Christie's novels.
38% as popular as Bath
30 minutes off the main route, 33% of way to Portsmouth
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The vast Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles and boasts a mountainous landscape with remote villages, lakes, and the famous Snowdon peak. This mystical area is steeped in Welsh folklore, with legends of King Arthur's Excalibur sword resting at the bottom of one of its lakes. At the center of it all sits Wales' highest mountain, which stands at 1085 meters tall with six paths leading to its summit.
Beautiful just beautiful, plenty of convenient park before you get to the site then just take a cab to the visitors centre to start the hike. You dont have to hike all the way up to the top to have a enjoyable day as there are plenty of other routes to do on ground level too
rafiqul chowdhury — Google review
The roads are wonderful and the views are amazing. I didn't climb the mountains but went there and enjoyed beauty of Mt. Snowdown from a distance. It was very windy but worth it seeing greenery, mountains and clouds along with fresh air.
Swati Malu — Google review
Such an amazing place. We can't wait to go back to Snowdonia. This time we will definitely stay longer and try to go all the way up. A wonderful area with a powerful energy. We are amazed by this place which has left a feeling of peace and tranquility in our hearts.
Ovidiu Radoni-Lisacenco — Google review
Absolutely stunning place and would hope to return in the future. The water up on the national park looks unreal like crystal clear as all natural water should be.
Jackiii — Google review
How can you add stars to such natural beauty! An absolutely stunning National Park which can be enjoyed during all seasons. One of my favourite National Parks. I have attached some images from my time there.
Rhys Griffiths — Google review
An extremely scenic place to visit. A huge national park with multiple hiking and walking trails. There are several beautiful lakes and mountain inside the national park. Hence, you need to plan your visit well.
Recommended for multiple visit to explore the National Park. One of the main attractions is the Snowdonia mountain itself, complete with the train line up to the mountain top
H R — Google review
It takes much patience and energy to climb Snowdon, but there are several routes up to the top, some more difficult than others. The views are beautiful and the landscapes are stunning. That said, make sure to take enough water and wear suitable clothing in the event of a change in the weather. Overall an excellent place for hiking and an amazing experience.
Sharmina — Google review
The day we climbed the Pyg Trail up and descended on the Miners Trail. Ensure you are prepared to go with adequate water as the cafe at the top may close. A lot of steps and will take approximately 6 hours at a steady pace. Both these walks need you to be of a reasonable fitness and able to climb over rocks. The views are breathtaking and a real sense of achievement on reaching the summit. The weather is very changeable and go prepared to get wet.
John Taylor — Google review
Great place to go hiking. Fantastic sights all around. It took about 2 hours to complete our walk. Around 45 minutes to go around a big lake too.
DEJI FAREMI — Google review
Great place for few hours or all day walk. Beautiful place which will surprice you with amazing views. It is a "must" for people visiting area.
P M — Google review
Couldn’t trek on the day I visited as it was windy, went up by train but train couldn’t go up to Sumit due to heavy wind, I will definitely visit again and prepare for trek. Amazing place to visit could able to get all the positive waves up the hill refreshing.
Prashant Eyyoli meethal — Google review
One of the most beautiful parks in the UK, truly breathtaking with mountain landscapes, sheep grazing and weather changing in instants. Hike to the summit is a tough one. Parking is available in plenty although it depends on the season. Path is easy to follow and you can’t get lost. A hike well worth it
Alfred Aquino — Google review
The Snowdon climb requires a lot of patience and takes a minimum of 3 hours to climb. When the weather is good the views are amazing. There are steep inclines at times so be well prepared. Plenty of fluids and take waterproof clothing in case of weather change towards the summit.
Maqsood Amenjee — Google review
what an amazing place to visit. As a family we come here most weekends, for the quiet thoughtful walks along the trails away from the busy city life. We absolutely love the national park here are a few snaps from today at Betws y Coed.
the traveller — Google review
You can't plan the most beautiful moments in your life. One will come the same. The art of life is that which is found in little security. Lives are not applied, but momentary, which take your breath away
robert marcin — Google review
One of the most outstanding places on earth. It's beautiful and hiking up to the peak is well worth the effort provided you wear suitable attire and give yourself enough time. I have reached the summit every conceivable way over the years - probably a dozen times - and it never gets old.
Horatio H — Google review
If you are nature lovers. This is a place you should go. Don't underestimate any trail. There are not the hardest I've been to but they are challenging, especially during winter. The landscape though worth every single step you make.
Christina Moysiadou — Google review
We loved it here. Nice walk and beautiful scenery. The drive there was spectacular too.
Jon B — Google review
Beautiful hike, even with the cold, windy weather. Luckily, it wasn’t raining the day we went although it was quite cloudy. Hiked up 2 hours before making our way down before it got dark but the total one would be approx 3 hours to the top.
Lots of people came just to the waterfalls (around 45-1hr from the Watkin Path) and sat there with family - was beautiful.
Marium Shahzaib — Google review
A beautiful range of mountains. Several places to hike, or just drive through. Each of those small towns you pass by are very beautiful. For those coming from America, the roads are narrow. Speed limits are atrociously slow with traffic cameras. So drive carefully.
Views are stunning
Rengesh K — Google review
What an absolute trek this was.
Do not underestimate this.
We took the Llanberis path - which is supposedly the 'easiest'.
I promise you, it was far from easy.
Unless your a regular hiker, athletic or just love every part of your body hurting - this is a mega trail.
Guides vary from 4-9 hours depending on fitness, took us 6 hours with a half an hour lunch and plenty of breaks.
The views on the way, phenomenal. The sense of accomplishment, is only tarnished by the remembrance - you trek down the same amount as you came up.
100% worthwhile doing, even if you only attempt and leave before the top.
When your walking the front section before the pub, and the incline is burning your calves/thighs - I can confirm, this is not the steepest / hardest part.
Medium Rare — Google review
Breathtakingly beautiful scenery, and one of the best places North Wales has to offer. Climbed this mountain & it is a big challenge. Have to be reasonably fit.
And you need to allow yourself at least 4 to 6 hours to ascend & descend the mountain. But getting to the top is well worth the effort.
Roshan White — Google review
34% as popular as Bath
46 minutes off the main route, 48% of way to Portsmouth
Cardiff is a vibrant capital city located in Wales, the eleventh-largest city in the United Kingdom. Once known for its coal industry, it has now transformed into a thriving cultural hub with an excellent arts scene, unique shops, and buzzing nightlife. Tourists can catch an opera performance at the Millennium Centre or shop at beautiful Edwardian arcades. The National Museum houses Impressionist paintings by Renoir, Monet and Pissarro while Cardiff Castle exemplifies the city's diverse cultures.
74% as popular as Bath
45 minutes off the main route, 49% of way to Portsmouth
Bristol, an English city positioned in the southwest along the River Avon, boasts a rich maritime history. Once a bustling port, it has transformed into a vibrant cultural center known as the Harbourside. The M Shed museum offers insights into local social and industrial heritage, while the 19th-century warehouses lining the harbor now house restaurants, shops, and cultural establishments such as The Arnolfini contemporary art gallery.
69% as popular as Bath
13 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Portsmouth
I'll never travel to Portsmouth without this trip planner again
Bath is a notable city located in Somerset county, England. It is renowned for its Roman-built baths and is the largest city in the area with a population of around 101,106 as of 2019. The River Avon flows through the valley where Bath sits, situated about 97 miles west from London and approximately 11 miles southeast of Bristol.
Most popular city on this route
18 minutes off the main route, 54% of way to Portsmouth
Weymouth is a coastal town situated in the southern region of Dorset, England. Its beachfront features an array of vibrant beach huts and elegant Georgian houses. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the revolving Jurassic Skyline tower or explore the historic Victorian Nothe Fort. The area also encompasses Chesil Beach which forms part of the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast and provides opportunities for bird watching on nearby Portland Island.
38% as popular as Bath
11 minutes off the main route, 60% of way to Portsmouth
Located in southwest England, Swindon is a vibrant town with a rich history and diverse attractions. The STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway offers a fascinating look into the world of locomotives and train carriages, including Queen Victoria’s Royal Saloon from 1897. For tech enthusiasts, the Museum of Computing traces the evolution of digital technology.
14% as popular as Bath
12 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to Portsmouth
Bournemouth is a seaside town located on the southern coast of England, with a population recorded as 183,491 in the 2011 census. It forms part of the South East Dorset conurbation, along with Poole and Christchurch, which has a total population of around 465,000 people. By taking a short ferry ride from Shell Bay to Studland's neighbouring towns Sandbanks and Bournemouth down the coast from Old Harrys Rock visitors can experience this beautiful area.
42% as popular as Bath
7 minutes off the main route, 75% of way to Portsmouth
Situated on the southern coast of England, Southampton is a bustling port city that boasts several noteworthy attractions. The SeaCity Museum showcases an interactive model of the Titanic, which famously departed from Southampton in 1912. Those interested in modern British art will enjoy visiting the nearby Southampton City Art Gallery. The Solent Sky Museum is also worth a visit and features vintage aircraft like the iconic Spitfire.
22% as popular as Bath
3 minutes off the main route, 90% of way to Portsmouth
Best stops along Bideford to Portsmouth drive
The top stops along the way from Bideford to Portsmouth (with short detours) are The Roman Baths, Stonehenge, and Bournemouth Pier Amusements. Other popular stops include Longleat, Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World, and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Paignton Zoo is a large zoological park in Devon, England. It has a wide range of animals, including many endangered or critically-endangered species. The zoo also features a variety of exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Booked tickets online so straight forward process on entry. Easy to follow map. Plenty of animals to see. Lots of work also being done around the zoo. Park area for children and plenty of picnic benches. Missed seeing the train that use to go around the large pond. It was just nice to be able to visit on such a nice day after so long.
Sharon Miles — Google review
My wife uses a mobility scooter, on this occasion we hadn't charged it sufficiently and it powered down. Luckily we were just inside the zoo. I spoke with a chap at reception who supplied us with a wheelchair and stored ours securely during our visit. Extremely helpful and pleasant, I think his name was Jamie.
Just for information, the zoo is particularly hilly and has several inclines, only the most robust of mobility scooter would cope with the terrain.
We enjoyed our day, ate in the restaurant and once again the chap that served us was very pleasant and helpful. The food was good too.
Clive Humphries — Google review
This trip was my first visit since Duchess the elephant passed away in 2019. Before that I used to visit almost weekly and take a stroll around the zoo.
4 years after my annual membership comes to an end, I visit again, however, this time I was more disappointed than happy.
A lot of sections were closed off for renovation -which is great for the animals - but i think the list of animals that we couldn't see would outweigh the list of animals that we could see.
We stopped in the restaurant for some lunch. Possibly a little over priced but it did taste good.
Overall I think Paignton Zoo is an expensive day out. If you plan on making a family trip, I'd recommend bringing your own picnic to save on costs and booking tickets in advance.
Positives: the car park is extremely big and free.
Walking around the zoo is great excersize.
The renovations shouldn't take too long to finish and the animals will have nicer enclosures :)
I wish Paignton Zoo all the best.
A Jenkins — Google review
Great zoo. Been to Paignton many times but this was a first visit to the zoo. Great offer of kids go free with paying adult meant we paid £40 for a family of five. We spent three hours there but could easily have done more. Be prepared for lots of walking and some steep slopes. Several enclosures were going through renovation but there were still plenty of animals to see. Would definitely visit again.
John Newman — Google review
It was a nice day out however we were slightly disappointed by the lack of animals. A few of the enclosures were empty with no sign of why, whilst others were empty with signs stating that work was being done. This was fine.
The fact that the park is so big and hard to navigate made the day slightly more frustrating. The guide (map) was £3.50 on the way in which is a clear money making scheme and there were no maps on the way around to see where we were or where we were going. We ended up walking up dead ends, away from all the animals and this was extremely frustrating as someone who is 8 months pregnant trying to make the most of the school holidays with her children. We missed a number of animals simply because we couldn't find our way to them. Yes we could have bought a guide, but £3.50 for something you throw away when you get home, on top of the price of food and tickets, was unreasonable to me. Other zoos I have attended provide these free on the way in and provide maps whilst navigating the area.
Ice cream was overpriced, but to be expected for an attraction area such as this.
Gift shop is located on the way in and way out, another clear money making scheme however the items in the gift shop are nice and have a good range.
There is a lot of walking included in the visit and a very small amount of it is flat, this is something people should be aware of if walking or in mobility scooters as the land is sometimes uneven.
I'm very unsure if I'll be attending this zoo again as I have found others that are more beneficial and animal focused.
Jasmine Miles — Google review
We visited during easter. The zoo has plenty of parking. Unfortunately it was a rainy day when we visited, however the staff had set up arts and crafts in sheltered places to occupy the children while everyone got out of the rain.
When we visited we converted to an annual pass, so although it is dear, if you were local you would get your money's worth back.
We were fortunate enough to see most of the animals so it was a successful visit in spite of the weather.
I think it's a lovely zoo with a layout which means you are not on top of each other with other visitors.
We went to the canteen when it was pouring at some point and though not gourmet, the portions are generous and reasonably priced.
What we didn't do well was plan our trip aligned to some of the feeding times and talks. I would advise finding out about these in advance as they are worth it.
Would definitely say it's a good day out for the family. I only wish you better weather.
Would not hesitate to return given the chance in the next 12 months.
Melinda Barthel (NotJustAMum) — Google review
We have a family pass so we can go as many times in 12 months which is amazing. The facilities for kids are great such as the soft play area that is broken down into areas for age groups. The animal enclosures are well maintained and it is clear they invest in the animals and the site as a whole.
Josh Walford — Google review
Surprisingly spacious zoo with so much to do and so nicely laid out!
The zoo itself was super clean too and we went on a busy weekend.
Make sure you bring your walking boots though as it is super hilly but well worth the trek!
Sian Atkins — Google review
What an amazing zoo, we had such a wonderful day! Really lovely enclosures and seemingly happy animals! Friendly staff, good choice at the Island restaurant and very nice gift shop. We visited on a Tuesday in winter so it was very quiet with no queues and no problems seeing all of the animals!
Shelley F — Google review
Really nice place it does have slopes. Friendly staff who are always happy to talk about the animals. Food is quite expensive and there are a lot a seagulls just ready to pounce. All in all a great day out for the family.
John Butler — Google review
It was such an amazing experience we had in here! I visited this place with my kids and spent the whole day here. Animals are well kept, and the stuff was helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. This zoo is definitely worth a visit 🥰
Krisztina Dozsai (Kyra.) — Google review
Lovely day out. But can't help but feel the zoo is lacking somewhat, lots of empty enclosures, and things being moved. Kids went free which is good, can't say I'd be overly impressed if all paid full price.
Staff were lovely, friendly and welcoming.
Will probably wait for news of new animals before returning.
Simon hill — Google review
Great Zoo! My disabled wife, teenage son , teenage daughter and I visited the zoo on 23rd October and discovered Paignton Zoo really cares about their animals and their customers.
We booked tickets online as requested and arrived at 12.30pm there was plenty of free parking but be advised the Zoo is on the side of a steep valley which if you have a self propelled wheelchair, like us, is going to be challenge.
When booking online and providing you supply proof, one carer can be submitted free of charge, which I thought very generous.
We entered the Zoo and discovered really helpful staff who offered us the opportunity to rent an off-road electric scooter for just £20 for the duration of our visit. We also had to pay a £20 deposit which would be refunded when we returned the scooter undamaged. We were in two minds whether to take this offer but this turned out to be a great investment as the hills were steep and the paths were long.
They also provided us with a map marking out the routes and attractions available via scooter or buggies. There was a real focus on making disabled customers and families with buggies/prams welcome in all areas of the zoo.
Toilets and refreshment stalls were dotted around the zoo keeping kids happy and the animals and attractions were accessible for all to see. Even though maintenance was taking place all animals were accessible, bar the giraffes. Apparently, they had a wild time the night previous and just couldn't face dealing with the public with hangovers.. we've all been there!
The zoo wasn't over crowded, there was no waiting in-line for anything even though it was quite busy. Food was lovely and we all had a really good time. We would definitely recommend a visit and don't forget to leave a donation as they get no financial support from the Government.
Mark Brace — Google review
Lovely open space to walk around and explore the animals. Indoor viewing areas help when the weather is not so dry. Great cafe with a good choice of food at reasonable prices. You can also bring your own food and picnic on the benches whilst watching the animals
Carole Mead — Google review
Lovely place with lots to see. Many animals stayed inside due to the cold which was a shame. Lots of walking which was great. A fabulous day out for little ones too with a couple if decent play parks. No hot food for customers from the cafe though, only hot pizzas for the workmen! Disappointing as they had run out of pasties which was the only thing available and nothing vegetarian either.
Annette Laurie — Google review
Lovely zoo with many interesting animals. Some good improvements being made to some enclosures with animal welfare being focused on. Good access for those needing, good to book a scooter beforehand, with good instruction on areas to avoid. Lunch options cater for most tastes with a number of cafes scattered around and the main restaurant well placed.
Brendan Wheeler — Google review
Took our (nearly) 3 year old here for the day and she had the time of her life. The zoo itself is more like a sprawling lush subtropical garden paradise with animal enclosures dotted throughout. The animals were all well cared for and healthy looking. The restaurant was nice too, offering a cool break from the heat outside. Make sure to take plenty of water in the warmer months! Highly recommended.
Lance Hambly — Google review
It has over 2,000 animals, however no elephants.
The giraffes are my all time favorite, wish we could get up close and personal with them.
Very clean, lovely walks on steady paths, great for disabled persons and also offer electric scooters for those that can't quite walk all the way around.
The crocodiles have been taken out of the zoo due to power shortage from the weather, but great zoo all in all.
Take a pack lunch or a picnic so you are saving on money.
kristy Smith — Google review
This is my first time to Paignton Zoo. It seems that a lot of the animals weren't there, or hiding lol. The zebra and giraffe areas looked like a building site but it does say that they're improving it at this time. I still have 5 stars because it's all about looking for the animals.
Stan Kempton — Google review
Getting to the Zoo was no problem at all after arriving at the booked time slot. It was fascinating to see the different types of animals in their almost natural enclosures. The information boards were packed with key facts and information to provide insight to what the animals eat and what are like out in the wild. We spent the whole day here which was good considering how much you are paying to gain entry. Would advise bringing a picnic but beware of the seagulls. All round good day out for two.
C R — Google review
Visited numerous times as a member. Great if you want to do something for a few hours or spend a whole day. Staff are always friendly and helpful and zoo keepers are very knowledgeable. Worth getting the membership if your are local.
Nina Goodwin — Google review
Very quiet on a Friday morning into early afternoon visit. With just young families and the odd members walking around it felt like we had the place to ourselves. All the animals were visible and we saw all the new arrivals since our last visit. We also had lunch in the restaurant which was quick and convenient.
Pete Lymn — Google review
A lovely zoo to visit on a nice day, there were four of us who went, myself and better half and two small ones (both under 3), parking was easy to find and get into with a short walk to the entrance where you’re able to view flamingos before entering, staff are warm and welcoming and seem genuinely helpful. There are a good deal of animals to see across different species along with different habitats such as an insect room and reptile house. There are opportunities to have an experience with talks and feeding sessions throughout the day for you to attend with times prominently displayed as you enter. The on site cafe and restaurant is a little expensive but not drastically pricey and the same goes for the gift shop on site as well, we came away with, I think 4, small souvenirs which totalled just above £20. The only drawbacks I experienced were some of the doors were a bit of a challenge to navigate with a double pushchair and some of the enclosures were quite far apart from each other so sensible footwear and clothing is a must. But overall a genuinely fun and engaging day out with the family
gareth puzey — Google review
Pretty good zoo, staff are really welcoming lots of parking, restaurant is fine and well priced. Spent 4 hours in the zoo so it was great value.
Jeremy Burand — Google review
Quite hilly to walk around and to/from the car park, son was excited to realise this is where the CBBC The Zoo is filmed after recognising different areas.
Pleasant day out, a few empty enclosures but signs explaining moves around but some just closed (Black Rhino) with no explanation. Some areas were a bit tatty needing a bit of tidying up, but given the poor weather recently this is understandable as not ideal conditions to be doing these sorts of repairs.
Would perhaps be worth considering a little shuttle up to the car park as it was a long walk at the end of the day!
Dave Drinks — Google review
Pity a lot of the animals were inside their huts as we only got to see about half of the animals. Some of the snack type facilities weren’t open & it was a case of going back to the restaurant for food. Thought the prices in the restaurant were very reasonable. Paths around the zoo were good but be warned that it’s not all on a level ground.
ian parker — Google review
We had a lovely time, despite being a chilly winter day, mid-February. It did mean most of the animals were staying tucked up inside in the warm. But we could view them in their quarters, apart from the Giraffes.
My 3 year old granddaughter loved it.
They are doing renovations for some of the enclosures and public park areas, which I'm sure will be fabulous by the summer.
They have some great birds and lots of cheeky apes.
I would say the Baboons need to be next on the list for a regeneration.
Fabulous, reasonably priced coffee.
Caution ⚠️(parents with little ones) The shop with delightful toys is on full view when you enter! Haha
Car parking is free.
Cindy White — Google review
A great day out! Lots to see, ample parking, friendly staff. The only bad mark was that some exhibits at the time of vist (I.e. Kangaroos) were empty and this wasn't informed, but plenty else to see
Christopher Warner — Google review
Fantastic Zoo with fantastic enclosures. We went midweek and the zoo was quiet enough to enjoy at a pace we liked. Having the mobility scooters for hire was absolutely fantastic, it meant I could ensure the experience with my children without worrying about the repercussions later. The food was lovely and had great portion sizes. Overall a fantastic day with very helpful and attentive staff.
Babbacombe Model Village is a model village with 4 acres of miniature buildings, vehicles and people. It has a castle and a fiery dragon.
Good day out, spread over 4 acres. Is a bit hilly but can be accessed by wheelchair if your feeling fit. Fascinating to see whether your adult or child. Restaurant area and gift shop. Not far from bygone years which is also worth a visit at the same time and within walking distance.
Loraine ?Unic71? Lear — Google review
What a place! We visited in the summer of 2032 and spent a most enjoyable few hours touring the village. So much to see and masses of detail in every scene. We loved it, and had great fun spotting all the details. The crazy golf was free and was great fun too. Highly recommended if you want to be surprised and amazed at the skill of the model makers.
Wendy Brown — Google review
What a wonderful place. It's so well thought out, and the humour is great. Added bonus of free crazy golf. The grounds are well maintained. Love the new indoor mythic section as well. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area, you will not be disappointed! They update the models regularly as well.
R D — Google review
Great place for all the family. Kids love this place. So much to see and explore. The continuous work by the gardeners makes this place really special and magical. The café is a little limited but has a good selection of drinks. The car park outside is a pay and display Council car park and always loads of spaces.
Phil E — Google review
Possibly the biggest Model Village I have ever visited (ironically!) - very steep hills at the start and end though!
Clever little details like a lot of Model Villages, challenging mini golf included in the price which was good along with a few other displays in addition to the main village.
Fairly limited choice of food in the cafe, but all staff we interacted with were pleasant and welcoming.
Quite expensive parking though, but that is the local council, not the Model Village that sets that - they should lobby for lower charges to increase footfall.
Nice place to visit for a couple of hours! (the kids enjoyed getting the dragon to breath fire too!)
Dave Drinks — Google review
Went in a family group of eight, spent the afternoon there, the crazy golf was fun (which is included in the entrance fee). Everywhere seems clean and well kept and if you take your time you'll see more than you first notice. The cream tea in a box was tasty. Really enjoyed our time here, I recommend a visit.
Kathy H — Google review
I love a model village and I’ve been coming here for over 40 years. I still think this is the best in the country and it’s updated and changed so there is always something to see. First time I’ve been since they added crazy golf which was great fun.
Well worth a visit.
Jo Frazer- Wise — Google review
Truly is detail ! It is worth a visit never mind the kids it’s for everyone! Who enjoys more me or my son ! My wife loved it ! Well sign posted to spend time looking at the models to take pictures! Something for everyone & comical to laugh at ! Toilets fantastic! Cafe area fantastic well priced ! A beautiful sit down area out side to enjoy your food ! This model village is like a massive garden hidden gem ! They say at night it looks beautiful! Try it for your self & be a kid again !
Massimino Malacrino — Google review
How I want to give this a 5 star! But I cannot just for price reasons. £17.95 on the door per person...its an amazing model village, the first one I've been to since I was a child. But it was nearly £20 or £40 for two people, mentally it felt too much. I would of preferred it closer to £15 than £20. Anyway, the village was incredible, loads of unique things to spot, celebrity models to find and plenty of photo opportunities. You'll enjoy it, and it's just about worth it's money! (Or buy tickets in advance like we should of and save those extra couple of £££s.
Jake Phillips — Google review
It was such an amazing experience. From my point of view, besides the fun of looking at the buildings and the people, it's a great place to contemplate our lives from above. It's so well done. I recommend this location to everyone. It's great fun for children and adults alike.
Roxana Arsenie — Google review
Not visited here since I was young and walking in just brought back so many memories. The layout of the village is great, taking you down a hill. The place is very picturesque. We visited for one of the Summer Night Illuminations and it was great to see it all lit up. Had to use our phone torches towards the end to read the signs and properly view the exhibits. Maybe be worth having torches available for those who may not have a phone?
GSX Jen — Google review
Recommend booking online for a discount.
We were an hour early and the gentleman still allowed us with no issues.
Beautiful scenery even in bad weather.
Models are clearly well crafted with a brilliant sense of humour in mind for adults while children can marvel at the creations.
There are indoor models and of course outdoor ones. (Indoor has heating)
Nice that they have mini golf to break up the routine.
Overall, an amazing experience!
Don — Google review
Such an interesting model village, definitely one of the best I've visited.
Amazing detail in the models, some interactions and a "find where wally" for the children.
Has got accessible paths but very hilly and probably difficult to push wheelchairs about.
Thought it was quite expensive, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Andrea McLean — Google review
I was very impressed with this model village, the detailing in the people was very good. Everything is well thought through. There’s arrows on the floor so you don’t miss anything. Very clean toilets. 4 acre plot with models all over. There’s crazy golf on site with a cafe and a gift shop. Overall a 5 star experience with reasonable pricing.
Dylan White — Google review
A brilliant day out which took us about 2-3 hours. Loved all of the displays and was great to see it's regularly updated with even small touches such as the recent FA Cup Final and King's coronation. You even get a game of mini golf!
Make sure you book in advance online for 10% off entry.
Mark Houlton — Google review
A lovely place with just a few issues. If disabled like myself the village is very steep in places so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and take someone with you and try to go on a dry day. Needs some extra rails in places otherwise an amazing place very family friendly and the staff was very helpful.
Jennifer Rowe — Google review
An enjoyable couple of hours looking around. There were nice plants to make it look pleasant. We played crazy golf for free, which was very unexpected. They had a cafe , that you could eat in or out. A little bit steep in places. We had a very pleasant day there.
Jan Langford — Google review
Simply amazing place.
Cost family of 4 £63 to enter, but don't let that put you off.
They clearly invest well back into the attraction which is beautifully clean throughout with ample clean toilets, a lovely cafe, good, fun crazy golf (included in admission fee), and of course a stunning and extensive model Village collection. Everything from old to future scenes with flowing water, trains, and literally hundreds of querky features and funny installations. Keep your eyes out for Where's Wally and friends, plus a fun Easter egg hunt (free with admission), which gives children a bracelet upon completion.
There is so much to see. You really mustn't rush, or you'll miss the detail.
Would highly recommend and definitely visit again when in the area.
Finally, the gardening is excellent throughout, and I love the use of alpines, confiers, and dwarf Acer trees throughout.
Order tickets day before to save around £1.50 per ticket. They don't take payment until you arrive.
:-)
Darren M (DMC) — Google review
We visited during the Easter break. We missed booking the tickets online so just turned up at the door as suggested on the website. I think during peak times this probably wouldn't work so plan ahead.
It was about £70 for a family of 4. We got a discount I think applied to larger groups.
We didn't struggle with parking but again it might be different during the summer.
The website recommends 2.5 hours which I say is about right. We played the mini golf before continuing with our tour so it could be less or more depending on whether you play and how long you take.
The children most enjoyed the interactive aspects including the fire breathing dragon but I enjoyed everything. The miniature train was a hit. They changed from freight train to passenger train in the duration of our visit so the excitement went up again 😂
Don't miss the indoor bits and do take a leisurely stroll.
The mythical kingdom is a matter of taste, we had divided opinions as you do with kids.
It's an attraction I would highly recommend even with its price tag.
The kids had fun finding the Easter eggs hidden in various displays.
If we lived closer it would be lovely to visit on some of their special events and themes
Melinda Barthel (NotJustAMum) — Google review
Very well presented. Could have saved a couple of quid if pre booked. Great history behind it. Spent about 2 hours here. Had a game of crazy golf too.
Stayed for coffee in the cafe.
Julie K — Google review
Wonderful little place....with council parking right in front of the venue....the miniatures are absolutely wonderful and kids loved it..... easily takes 1/2 day to stroll around the entire place
Bhanu Sriram — Google review
Lovely day out. Great for with the dogs and the staff were lovely ( even though my dog was a bit yappy 🤣) a lot of fun and so cute to take photos of the dogs next to the miniature scenes. If you go with a dog I'd go with a friend or someone else so that you can still look at the inside displays. I'd say it would be wonderful for all ages but if someone has mobility issues or is in a wheel chair they may struggle to get up the slope. Also as a future assistance dog handler it was wonderful to see signs saying no dogs except assistance dogs 🐕🦺 Vs the normal no dogs except guide dogs (for the indoor display areas where dogs can't go) I really appreciate it. If I come on holiday in the area again I will definitely be coming back. Thank you ☺️
Lucy Williams — Google review
Perfect for a sunny afternoon, our visit lasted around 2 hours. It’s a wee bit cheaper per ticket to book online in advance rather than just turn up. There’s a mini golf course of 9 holes and superb models on display. You can round it all off with a decent cup of coffee in the coffee shop too.
John Kentisbeer — Google review
Wow! So much to see here. The amount of detail in the houses and the sets is unbelievable.
You can spend a few hours walking around seeing everything, and your children will love it.
There's a burning house and a fire breathing dragon and so much more to see.
A great cafe ( the panini's are lovely) and handy toilets halfway round. There's also crazy golf if you fancy a game..
We went Halloween week and I think there were some items added for the occasion
Kevin Garland — Google review
This is one of the best model villages I've been to. The size and scale of some of the models and displays are wonderful and very skillfully done with a lot of humour included in the displays. Definitely a place not to miss.
Alan Amesbury — Google review
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4.5
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Hampton Ave, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LA, United Kingdom
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, a 414 meter long, Grade 1 listed structure across the Avon Gorge in Bristol, England, is one of the city's most iconic attractions. The bridge links Ashton Gate in North Somerset with Clifton Down and has stunning views on either side. It can be crossed by car, bike and foot with pathways on both sides.
It's not very often I get the chance to walk around the bridge but it's really enjoyable every time I do.
The engineering is impressive the views are amazing.
You really get to experience how big this bridge is when walking across.
The walkways are not very wide so if in a group could make it difficult to pass by if stopped on the bridge.
There is a visitor center a short walk from the bridge.
I really enjoyed visiting the bridge and hope to visit again soon.
Katie Thayer — Google review
Amazing views! A must visit if ever in Bristol, you can spend hours taking in the beautiful scenery. Many details around you. With the observatory close by, and a tunnel leading to suspended balcony in the middle of the cliff.
The bridge itself is more than a 100 years old. With daily walking tours.
You can put your camera down, many details you can find around you while crossing and beautiful scenery.
It takes around 5 minutes going from one side to the other.
Unfortunately the Avon gorge below was nearly dry when we visited August 2022 because of the heatwave, but still the views were beautiful.
The Clifton area close by with the Mall gardens and many authentic restaurants. A nice place to send part of your day and end with having a meal in on of those restaurants.
Note: the bridge has a £1 pound toll if crossing in a car.
Laila Hassaballa — Google review
Even I don’t know much about bridge construction, I also can tell from the height and width of the bridge that this was a highly complex project in the 19th century. A lot of difficulties were encountered from design to completion which I learned from the visitor centre. Just walk 5 minutes across the bridge to enjoy the beautiful view of the river. A must see place if visiting Bristol as the view is just magnificent.
pam kwai — Google review
Absolutely stunning! The suspension bridge's design is a masterpiece. The breathtaking view from atop leaves you in awe. It's the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts!
kalyani Patel — Google review
Fabulous views, interesting historical facts and stories. Free visitors centre. £1.00 toll to cross the bridge. All upkeep of the bridge is paid for from the tolls. The gorge is also home to many specific plants. The Bristol White beam being found no where else on earth.
Sandra Twaddell — Google review
Stunning suspension Bridge! The view is breathtaking either you look the bring from down or up. Cross the bridge walking is such and incredible experience. With car there is a toll to pay that's 1£, but totally worth it. Waiting the sunset there will give you the chance to take some very amazing pics.
Arianna Presenti — Google review
Absolutely beautiful suspension bridge. We definitely recommend you have a look if you’re in Bristol.
The bridge is easy accessible, we went via a bus which took about 20 minutes from the city centre. You can also drive (I did see some parking), and the bridge is next to a lovely park so you can walk around if you’re in the area.
Of course this area gets busy when it’s tourist season but it’s such an amazing view, I would definitely recommend you stopping by.
Best time to go would be just before sunset, because then you can see the bridge during the day and then watch as it turns its lights on at night.
There’s also a good selection of bars and pubs within a 10 minute walk, so you can make an evening of it.
Jon — Google review
Quite an impressive bridge, with plenty of viewing platforms for tourists, as well as significant amounts of greenery. Parking is in short supply, but you can find stops leading up to the bridge for 15-30 minutes to be quite sufficient. Note that you can get two different views for both sides of the bridge. Moreover, make sure to climb up the hill for better views, as well as cafe access.
Overall, an excellent visit
Yijie Xu — Google review
The visitor’s center is free and provides interesting facts about the building of the bridge.
I’m now keen to book an online tour of the bridge’s vaults although these are only available from April to October.
Visit on a sunny day if you can and walk across into the vibrant heart of Clifton.
Karin Sinniger — Google review
Free to cross as a pedestrian, £1 for cars. Amazing and expansive view, and fun to look down at all the tiny cars and people. Very narrow pathways so it would be a struggle for a wheelchair or a big buggy, but perhaps not impossible. You can definitely access the first part of the bridge pretty easily, which has the best views anyway!
Rae — Google review
Fascinating, looks like a diamond necklace, good for sight seeing, beautiful view of Bristol City at night. Over the hill you get to see the padlocks where lovers make a pact for their love.
A sad thing about the bridge is many people have committed suicide on this bridge because of divorce, loss of their home because of mortgages. Highly recommended.
Irene Njuguna — Google review
I mean... Really scary to look downward 😅 But the toll (for vehicles to cross the bridge) is keeping it well maintained I guess ? Not sure.
Historic and iconic place to visit in Bristol. There's nothing to review as such sorry 🥲
Vaishnudebi Dutta — Google review
Clifton Suspension Bridge is the most popular place in Bristol and the seventh most popular place for photos in the whole of the United Kingdom. The most popular photo spot is the base of the western tower on the Clifton side of the bridge. Make sure you get your photograph in front of the best view, whether that’s at sunrise or sunset. You can also visit the Giant Cave where you can get a spectacular view.
Bobby Khan — Google review
Nice scenic view. U need to pay a toll to cross over the bridge. If u wish to save some money finding parking before the bridge as it is quite convenient.
Benedict B — Google review
Great historical bridge to visit. Not much parking near the bridge, so there might be a bit of a walk to get to it. If you have a blue disability badge, drive over from the Bristol side, and you can park in the lay-by on the right hand side (you might have to drive up the road a short distance to turn around). There are great photo opportunities on the bridge. If you suffer from vertigo, stay away from the edges as the drop is quite high. There are unicorn statues with messages of hope on them and the number for the samaratins on the bridge. There are walkways on either side of the road crossing the bridge. There is a barrier with a toll to cross on either side. Walking is free.
Berglas71 — Google review
The iconic landmark of Bristol. Still standing strong after 150+ years. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the most famous Engineers of the Victorian era. Make sure to go to the Clifton Observatory to get great views of the bridge. Better yet, try to visit around the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which usually happens in August, to get views of colorful hot air balloons flying above the bridge. You can also go for Boating on river Avon under the bridge or if you feel adventurous, visit the Giant's Cave to get even better views. Highly recommended and must visit if you are in Bristol.
Arun Joy — Google review
Stunning bridge. Accessible, I drove my scooter across on both sides. Gorgeous views. We were lucky enough to see some rock climbers ,so watched them for a while too.
Jenny Green — Google review
Lovely old bridge that's not only a great piece of engineering, but looks beautiful spanning over the River Avon and suspended between the gorge at Clifton.
This iconic structure must be among one of the beautiful landmarks of the South West of England and well worthy of a visit
marc greaves — Google review
So impressive! Great to walk across, audio guide via QR (tho could’ve been longer), amazing views over the city and Clifton is a really nice area to explore after
Libby Wales — Google review
Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the oldest suspension Bridge of it's time. Built around 1860 AD. It's an engineering Marvel and good picturesque view from the Bridge. Bristol City looks quite beautiful from the Bridge. Must visit for Nature enthusiast. One can go Trekking as well on the hill near the bridge.
QUSAI DALAL — Google review
You can enjoy nice view over the Clifton Suspension Bridge and one coffee shop on top of the hill. It is possible to visit a cave from where you should enjoy even better view (I have not done it, so I leave that part to others to evaluate). It was very cold at the time when I was there and it might have impacted the overall impression.
Marko Jovic — Google review
Clifton Suspension Bridge is an absolute marvel that effortlessly blends engineering prowess with breathtaking natural beauty. Walking across this iconic structure is like stepping into a piece of history while being embraced by stunning panoramic views of Bristol. The sense of awe as you gaze upon the Avon Gorge below is simply unparalleled. A must-visit for anyone seeking both architectural wonder and awe-inspiring scenery. Don't miss the chance to experience this masterpiece firsthand! 🌉🏞️
Vincas Lucinskas — Google review
Amazing views up and down river from the bridge. The £1 to cross by car is worth it. The staff in the visitor centre are also extremely knowledgeable and friendly
Matt Johns — Google review
Nice view from the bridge,
I walked down across the bridge it was really experience with some old and new vibes.. It was dat time may be next time I will try to see in night.
Pharyanshu Kachhawa — Google review
One of the oldest and famous hanging bridge. It's known as the jewel of Bristol. A fabulous view. Train and river flowing below. What a beautiful scenery. Worth visiting.
The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is an ornate 13th-century palace with a moat and bell-ringing swans, plus 14 acres of gardens with well pools. The grounds are peaceful and welcoming, ideal for a relaxing day out.
A lovely relaxed stroll around pretty gardens.
You pay once for a year membership and that means you can keep going back. Which is nice to do as you will see how the plants change across the seasons.
Friendly staff. And a nice cafe
(Or you could eat your own food in the gardens)
I love spending an hour or two here.
Sally B — Google review
Amazing, well kept gardens. A little expensive at £16 per adult but ticket is valid for return visits over a year. We visited on a very hot day but plenty of shade. Lovely peaceful areas. Lots of areas of interest at every turn. Very helpful, friendly staff. Excellent cafe. I thoroughly recommend a visit and will certainly return.
Jane Hiscock — Google review
Really enjoyed looking round the gardens especially when the sun is shining. Made use of a free tour to find out more of the history. If we lived closer we would probably visit more often just to sit and enjoy gardens.
Sean Connelly — Google review
Wow. I really wasn't expecting the gardens to be so spectacular! I have been to Wells many times but have never paid to enter the Palace. It's well worth a visit! I attended as part of a group, but will definitely be back on my own with the children. It's absolutely breathtaking as you can see from my photographs. The Palace itself was interesting, lots to see and learn - you could spend all day here so the admission price is worth it, especially when you consider that this includes return visits for a whole year. Thoroughly recommend!
R F — Google review
Absolutely stunning!! We've been here before, but never to anything like this, it was a veritable feast for the eyes! And very atmospheric, with Festive music playing via loudspeakers in the background, topped off by some very competent singing by a local male voice choir!!
If you're struggling to get into the Festive Spirit, try this experience, it'll certainly help!
Nigel Mounter — Google review
Wells is a beautiful location for a day trip, but the Bishops Palace and Gardens is something else. I found the gardens far more impressive personally though, beautiful, peaceful with unbelievably crystal clear waters. Steeped in history it’s a wonderful day out. On-site there is a cafe and within the gardens a play area for children from about age 5 upwards. Once you have purchased a ticket it is valid for the entire year, and we will definitely visit again.
Katie Stanley — Google review
Location is awesome and worth a visit if it's your first trip to Wells. Make sure you find the door in the garden that leads you out to the most and outer gardens. This is where the "Wells" are - the springs that l rise and run down the sides of the streets. The inside is quite interesting but not a lot of artifacts etc
Mark Dunnell — Google review
A day trip out for my birthday with my elderly Mum and sister. A great easy walk which allows dogs. The plants are fabulous. Almost prehistoric as the size of some are huge ! Lovely day and made my birthday
Catherine Heather — Google review
One of my favourite places to visit both for the Palace buildings and the exquisite gardens. Allow yourself a good two or three hours as this experience is not to be rushed. They put on a lot of events so check online before you go to see what's happening. Lots of open spaces and a play area for the littlies., and the ducks and swans are always a favourite. There is a cafe on site, but also plenty of places to eat in the Market Square. Highly recommended
Maggie Whitlock — Google review
Great value for money. Tickets are valid for 1 year which is ideal as to take everything in you need more than one visit. The gardens are fantastic. Saw a swan family was amazing watching the male chase off ducks that got too near the cygnets for his liking. We visited twice this week and will definitely be returning later in the year to see the garden in different seasons. The place is OK with lots of interesting architecture.
Sandra Pilling — Google review
Wonderful Wells, and the Bishop's palace in full bloom was very pleasant. Charming nooks and crannies to explore, history to read, sculptures to see, even a play in production. Not only that but beautiful gardens and a play area our boys enjoyed. Only real reason not a 5* was the worry of little people and water, prevented it being an entirely relaxed visit. But that's not the venue's fault.
Dan Hawkins — Google review
An exquisite place of calm, beauty and tranquility. Unfortunately, due to filming we could only visit the Chapel and Gardens. This was lovely though.
Spring has sprung and the contemplative garden a beautiful idea. If I lived nearby, I would frequently visit.
L R — Google review
Wonderful illuminations, what a gem! Had such a lovely festive time in Wells yesterday. A lot of illuminated events elsewhere have horrendous crowds but this one was so peaceful, maybe just caught on a good night but would recommend to anyone. Great food, drink and facilities, friendly staff and the lights were fantastic with really beautiful music. The palace looked stunning and brilliant exhibition by local kids. Not only that can use our pass for a whole year, it's such a lovely place will definitely be back. Took us under an hour journey from Bristol, some might do it faster.
Catherine Bingham — Google review
I am not impressed with the gardens and palace. The entry tickets are overpriced. The only good part is the knowledgeable staff that work there. You don’t get to see a lot. The most interesting thing that you can see is natural water springs. The gardens are average. Only small part of bishops palace is accessible. Not worth the money you pay.
Ross Malickis — Google review
So glad we made the trek to Wells! A most charming town. The Bishop's Palace and Gardens are definitely worth the tour. The guides are so helpful (they suggested spots for pictures and took them of my husband and I), and were incredibly knowledgeable. Our guide was descended from one of the Bishops who brought over the beautiful French stained glass. While Cardinal Wolsey never really came there, it was cool to see his name on the wall and his portrait in the palace. The grounds and gardens are so beautiful. There is a nice store and cute coffee truck that offered a wonderful hot chocolate with whipped cream and what is called "chocolate flake" on top that was super tasty. The swans were very pretty, but if you came to see them ring the bell for food around one in the afternoon, good luck. So many people feed them now, they don't bother with the bell! Lol. And beware the pigeons. They aren't shy!
Laura Fries — Google review
The medieval Bishop's Palace in Wells, home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells, dates from 1210. The beautiful Chapel of the Holy Trinity and St. Mark dates from 1275 and the outer walls, moat and gatehouse were added in the 14thC.
In the palace you'll find the golden Coronation Cope used at the coronations of King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II and in the gardens the sculptures of the 'Pilgrim' by the Somerset artist David Backhouse and 'the Weight of Our Sins' by the sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos. The arboretum area is currently awash with snowdrops and croci!
Chris Kinnersley — Google review
Absolutely stunning, such a beautiful place to visit. The gardens have been lovingly cherished. They really are a joy to walk round. Lots of little areas to visit and the Abbey itself was a sight to see. Would have been a real joy to see it in its heyday. I d like to go back and see the gardens in early summer. But still a joy in September, as is seeing the cygnets. Also the cathedral is also worth an amble, so much history.
Karen Neale — Google review
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4.5
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The Bishop's Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD, United Kingdom
Bristol Zoo Gardens is a world-renowned zoo that houses a variety of exotic and endangered animals from across the globe. It's well-known for its fantastic gardens and unique animal experiences, which make it one of the UK's favorite zoos.
Big fan of penguins so this place is a favourite local spot. The Gorillas currently have young too! Most importantly the animals are well looked after and part of a conservation initiative.
Pelle van Smith — Google review
A lovely, medium sized zoo. Animals in good condition and seem contented. Lots of information dotted around for learning opportunities. Super helpful staff - all so cheerful and considerate! Food outlets are on the expensive side but you could just as easily take a picnic as there are outdoor and indoor seating areas.
Seeing the eggs in the reptile house was a winner with my son after he had watched some YouTube videos about hatcheries. Daughter was completely engaged with the underwater sea lion viewing that had loads of space. Good disabled access throughout. Very wheelchair friendly. Staff were extremely understanding of my son's additional needs and catered for him really well. Good day out for old and young. We spent a total of 4 hours there. Arrive early because 11am onwards may be difficult for parking at peak times.
Hollie Beth — Google review
Had a brilliant time, much bigger than we expected, really well laid out design. Animals were brilliant to see, all looked in great condition with immaculate enclosures. Loads of info about each species too. Cafe was nice, but a little pricey. Apart from that, highly recommended x
Alison Rennie — Google review
We love Bristol Zoo, our son had a great day. We went early on a week day so it was nice and quiet. The staff & keepers are really friendly and told us fun facts about the animals when we saw them. I'm sad it's closing later this year so would recommend a visit before this happens.
Melissa Seddon — Google review
Great selection of animals..very enjoyable experience. All the animals look happy and relaxed so I'm certain they're treated well. Great time to see the animals in their daily routine. I understand people's reservations on animals on captivity but a lot of the animals here are in danger of extinction so I'm glad to see their breeding program to help restore the population. Overall a wonderful experience
Tom Ross-Paterson — Google review
A very Small but quirky zoo, if you're a zoo lover it's worth a visit. Really enjoyed the Tree Kangeroos and Bats. The staff were friendly and welcoming and the gift shop prices were reasonable for a zoo. You can see it's age in places but I feel it really adds to its charm.
Jade Hart — Google review
Can't wait for the Zoo to move to a larger location (at Wildplace Project).
It's an amazing zoo, theres lots to see and the animals seem happy & well looked after.
It can be expensive for larger families, but the annual membership is a good investment if you are planning to go 5 or more times in a year.
Jim Anderson — Google review
The zoo itself was awesome, the exhibits were diverse and especially the aquarium and reptile house were really well scaped! Saw a lot of animals I haven't seen before and caught some great animal behaviours. Sad to see it closing but looking forward to my first visit to Wild Place later this year! Deducted one star for it taking 30 minutes to park, but that won't be a problem when they move out of the city 💜
Sarah Maynard — Google review
Many animals absent or not in viewing areas when visiting, which I guess can’t be helped to a certain degree. No comms regarding enclosure timings / closures info regarding feeding times / talks on a sandwich board at entry only.
Took over an hour to find a parking space after finding out when getting to the zoo the car park was full and the entrance barred. The limited on street parking around the zoo all has a 3 hr max stay which isn’t helpful. On trying to ring the zoo to find out if we are still allowed to attend outside of our half hour slot, nobody was answering the phones so wasn’t sure either way.
Heading towards the not well advertised overflow car park which was managed by luck it wasn’t apparent if it was full or not but there appeared to be no entrance. That is to say save for an area where 2 individuals in hi-vis sat away from the road, one rolling a joint the other playing on their phone.
Eventually finding a spot to park on street that wasn’t limited to a 3hr window, on walking past the zoo car park it became evident there wasn’t any active management of the car parks as despite still being closed there were numerous empty spaces available.
The penguins were a highlight though these days there are few and trying to see them at feeding time is awkward due to the crowd. The best for me was the seal feeding and talk as despite the crowd I was able to see due to the animals being clearly much larger than penguins. The fruit bats able to walk around overhead was also an enjoyable experience.
Witnessed and area of concern when I was exiting through the gift shop, where an employee was weaving a stack of boxes through the busy crowds above her head height balanced on a wheelchair of all things?! I doubt that was on the risk assessment.
Rich W — Google review
Amazing zoo! The exhibits were great and the animals were easy to see. There was a lot of things to do with kids. We spent about 4 hours here with our 3 kids and could have spent more time. We brought our buggy and it was easy to get around everywhere.
Makena Hall — Google review
Lots to see and great for children, especially if not wanting/expecting to see large animals as don't have rhino's, elephants, giraffes, tigers etc. The lions and gorillas are the largest they have so manage small children's expectations! They have a fantastic reptile house, butterfly garden and lots more.
Jessica Turner — Google review
Took my 2 yr old grandson yesterday, the first time for him. Car park was full but was lucky enough to find a space to park in the street around the corner. All the animals were so lovely and well cared for. The staff around the park, all very friendly and helpful. Didn't get to see any penguins, otters or gorilla. The aquarium section was excellent, the fish are huge, totally amazed us. Nice little play park for the children. A lovely day out. Gift shop very expensive tho.
Linda Preece — Google review
Highly recommended. My kids loved it. So much to watch. Restaurant facilities available onside. Few from many to watch as follows: Penguins, lion, gorillas, snakes, butterfly is must watch as it involves kids to spot rare blue morphos, flamingos, monkeys and .unhealthy much more. The only thing I was disappointed was parking charges which wasn't included in tickets fee and end up paying £5 for whole day.
Andy Singh — Google review
4.4
(9936)
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4.0
(3469)
College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA, United Kingdom
The Fleet Airarm Museum is a museum dedicated to naval aviation that is located in Somerset. The museum has an extensive collection of Royal Naval aircraft dating back to the early days of aviation.
Came here for a birthday visit and was thoroughly impressed, lots of interactive displays and family activities. Viewing stations located around and all staff are friendly, all with knowledge of planes and equipment and were happy to educate and share their knowledge. Everything followed previous covid and hygiene guidelines. The exhibits are amazing and so interesting. If you are interested in planes or just want to learn I highly recommend this place
Ellie Cairns — Google review
A really good place to visit the aircraft carrier experience is great, and all the displays are awesome. There is even a concorde to look around. Outside has a working airport and we got to see some helicopters taking off from the viewing gallery. Overall a brilliant place to visit.
Chris Arnott — Google review
Having the option to purchase tickets in advance not only speeds things up, but also gives you a little discount. Straight up the stairs and into the gift shop / entrance and showed the tickets on my phone and we were in.
There are a couple of pinch points when trying to navigate your way down. When trying to read some of the detail and you have people barging past was a bit frustrating.
So much to see and read, with the highlight being Concorde. Never would I have thought I would step aboard. Also enjoyed watching the helicopters take off from the airfield. That was a nice touch, although did get busy in there. Nice we can go on some of the aircraft. Really gives you an appreciation of how skilled everyone is to build, maintain and fly these craft from yesteryear to present day.
We were here for over 2 hours and probably will need to visit again as I'm sure we missed something. We didn't really see much in the way of signage, though that could've been us just absorbed in the museum exhibits.
Bit disappointed with the size of cafe, no tables free and there was still a queue to get food, so we had to go without and find somewhere else down the A303 to eat.
Other than that, we enjoyed the visit. Moderately busy for a weekday in September. Plenty of people about if there were any questions that needed answering, but we were happy just going at our own pace.
Mookii — Google review
Great place for all the family. The highlight is obviously being able to walk through Concorde. The hall she is in also holds the key planes that were instrumental in testing the shape, etc, of Concorde. So many historical planes there. Take your family. Keep your tickets as they are valid for 12 months.
Geoff Wakelam — Google review
Perfectly situated next to a Naval Air Base. Just amazing. Felt like a big child on Christmas morning knowing I was coming here purely because they had a Concorde. This place took me so far back through history and the staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I spent easily 2.5 hours here and still think I could have seen a little more. That's me now seen my top three favourite aircraft! 🙌 Bucket list item checked ✔️ I just wish I had my photo taken in between the landing gear of the Concorde, that would have been a good one! So many planes and helicopters to see! There is a cafe inside and a gift/souvenir shop also.
Andrew Glen - Maddison Productions — Google review
This is a fantastic museum for the price (at writing £15 online and it lasts a year). There are a lot of aircraft to see, plus the carrier experience is really good.
The Concorde there is 10 meters shorter than any other, due to needing more windows in the cockpit than that version had. It's also got a leading edge that rolls down, the only concorde to have this as well. Really useful for landing and taking off, but not so useful in flight.
It's changed a lot since I last went there in September 2020. I feel the carrier experience was better back then with take off on one side and a landing on the other side of the carrier deck. I also feel that walking around the island was better before. Though I know why they updated it as it was something you needed to follow around and go through doors when it told you rather than walking round. They have lost the interaction side of it though.
I have knocked a star off as I feel it was better previously. However I know why they did the change, in some respects. It really is not as good as it used to be.
Didn't try the cafe, but it's no longer in a separate building as it was before.
I will say it is one of the better museums I have been, but it was better than this before.
Matt Belcher — Google review
We had an amazing day here! My Sons enjoyed every second of it. There's dressing up stations throughout the museum, which added to their imagination and created some fun whilst taking photos. They loved exploring all the different aircraft! Their favourite part was the carrier experience! The employee's were wonderful! We look forward to returning within the year!
Kirsty Jones — Google review
What a fantastic place!!!!
This is a great museum with loads of aircraft displays and the most awesome replica aircraft carrier deck.
This is a great place to bring the family, especially on a rainy day.
Best of all the tickets last a year so you can come back as many times as you like.
There's lots of interactive stuff for the kids to enjoy.
Recommend!!!!!
Rachel Jones — Google review
Wow what a brilliant museum. Lots of displays and aircraft you can climb aboard on. Visit the runway viewing room and watch helicopters and planes taking off from the airfield. Kids and adults will love this place. Currently you need to book tickets online but check their website out first.
Crash Media UK — Google review
Dropped in on a Saturday afternoon after another visit and thoroughly enjoyed the attraction. There are four halls, all with a variety of airplanes and helicopters which you can get up close to. A few you can go inside which was fascinating.
The highlight for me was hall 3 which was the working carrier. Although it's from the 1070s there was lots to see and I loved the recordings of current serving personnel explaining the intricacies of each section.
There's a café which we didn't go into but looked good and a great gift shop with souvenirs for everyone.
Outside was a children's play area and picnic site which I thought was a nice touch.
jezabel13262 — Google review
Really enjoyed our visit, fascinating exhibits well presented. Learned a lot about the early days of Naval flying and can't fail to be impressed seeing historic aircraft up close. Entry is pretty good value at £40 for a family ticket but be advised that the cafe and gift shop are expensive. Would recommend and may even come back as I believe the tickets are valid for a year.
Family Account — Google review
Really lovely museum. They have a very good collection of naval aircraft. I particularly liked how the museum is set out in such a way that you quite literally walk through the history of British aviation from the beginning all the way to present day. The exhibits are really immersive in the way they are designed. The highlight of my visit was getting to walk through a prototype concord and get up close to the controls. Highly recommended to any aviation enthusiasts.
Shaun Struwig — Google review
Took my son as he's interested in fighter planes. It's very informative, has a wide range of planes and helicopters you can actually go inside and view unlike other museum we have been too. The battle ship deck area is good it gives you an insight into what life is like on them. If you are interested in the navy and planes, I would recommend here.
Erica Smith — Google review
I think this is an overlooked place if I'm honest, I assume most people don't understand what the Fleet Air Arm actually means, but don't let it put you off. There are some real unique aircraft and they are not roped off meaning you can get up really close ad touchy/feels with them. The mock up of aircraft carrier is really cool. Everything from the flight deck to the inside ops rooms etc. I must admit, I learnt a thing or two.
Everything aircraft including helicopters is 5 stars in my opinion, however.....
I think the admission price is a little bit expensive by about £5. Also, the food and drink options are not great and are expensive for what you get. I brought a latte at an over inflated price, the cup was small and you got more froff than coffee.
The site is child/pushchair and wheelchair friendly.
There's also an overpriced, but well stocked shop.
We went on an early spring Sunday and it wasn't to busy.
If it wasn't for the overpricing I would of given it 5 stars.
Handy Manny — Google review
As a family we have been meaning to visit the museum for some time, and I am glad we finally did! What an amazing place, the exhibits are beautifully presented, in a very clean and spacious environment. Lots of interactive bits for the children to get involved in. The cafe was very clean and great service. All staff members were very helpful and made us feel very welcomed. We ran out of time to see the whole museum in a day, but we look forward to coming back again soon! Highly recommend to family's off all ages.
jamie osborn — Google review
The museum opened at 1000, worth buying tickets online as you will save a few pounds, you can also gift aid your purchase.
The exhibits are split into four halls covering the history of the Fleet Air Arm.
The flight deck experience is good , but not all of the effects were working during my visit which was a bit disappointing.
The staff are friendly and helpful and will try to answer any questions you have.
The whole display gives you a great insight into the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Navy as a whole.
The museum is open until 1630 , it took me until 1530 to cover everything, taking time to read the information available and appreciate everything.
There is a cafe that offers a range of snacks at reasonable prices, and a gift shop sells plenty of gifts and souvenirs.
An enjoyable day out, my ticket allows me to return throughout the year so I will definitely return .
AL N — Google review
Fantastic visit easily spend a good 3 to 4 hours here if not longer. Extraordinary exhibits with plenty to see and interact with. Also a cafe located inside plus a gift shop.
Will Haycock — Google review
Came here couple years ago, amazing museum, full of different aircraft. Full day out, worth the visit. Especially liked the Concorde!
Benjamin Murtagh (Benjamin Murtagh) — Google review
The Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum is a fascinating and educational attraction that showcases the history and achievements of British naval aviation.
The museum has four exhibition halls, featuring over 90 aircraft, models, paintings, and artefacts from the past century. You can explore the first British Concorde, the Aircraft Carrier Experience, the Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild project, and more.
The museum also offers a stunning view of the active airfield of the Royal Navy Air Service Yeovilton, where you can see modern aircraft in action. The Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation, naval history, or technology.
Will Cranston — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(2151)
RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, BA22 8HT, United Kingdom
Weymouth Beach is a long, curved beach which is popular for sunbathing, swimming and playing in the sand. The beach is located in Weymouth, Dorset, England and was once frequented by King George III. There are plenty of attractions to take advantage of while at the beach including an arcade, donkey rides, swings and ice cream stalls.
Beautiful beach. I especially like it because is just next to the city. 1 side Is a relaxing fishing harbour and another side a busy beach with lots of arcade and fish and chips. Lot to do with kids. You can park all day if you follow the beach road until the end but you may need to wake-up early. 😉🏖☀️
Bernadett Arvai — Google review
Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities close by. Lifeguards are on duty in case of emergency, and rentals of loungers and deck chairs are available for the day.
Plenty of parking lots are close to the beach, but if you don't mind a little stroll, there are plenty of other (cheaper or free) parking lots farther away.
There are pebbles on half of the beach and a gorgeous golden sandy beach with lots of attractions on the other half.
Margrit Gunther — Google review
Such a beautiful beach, very sandy and long to walk along. There's a section on the beach for dogs which makes it great for dog owners to let dogs play in the sea and sand. There's a wide range of things to do along the sea front including punch and Judy stand near the clock tower end. Such a amazing beach well maintained by the Dorset Council.
Ray Bangerte-Spiers — Google review
Great place for families, lots of shops, restaurants and a little fair for children to enjoy 😄. The water is nice and clean, loads of people in the water doing all sorts of activities. The water was really shallow when we was there. There is always something to do in the area.
I would recommend this beach to anyone we enjoyed it and love it here.
Claire Louise m — Google review
Sandy beach with calm sea. Shallow water which is suitable for the children.
There is a dog beach near to Alexandra Garden - you will see a lot of dogs running around!
Your phone signal might be zero or very weak depending on your telephone provider.
Great fireworks display on a Monday evening at 9pm during August.
Hungry_Hippo London — Google review
5th November, firework night, the big wide sandy beach full to capacity, several thousands of people filling the promenade as well. A car parking nightmare tho, luckily we sorted that out the day before.
Fireworks display set off from a very safe distance out in the bay, and people seemed very happy as they left after the show.
pete aps — Google review
Weymouth is a seaside town in Dorset. It is situated in what can be described as a sheltered bay at the mouth of the River Wey. Having visited both Bournemouth and Poole over the years, I felt it was time to visit Weymouth and I was pleasantly surprised. Positioned halfway along the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site, it is a fascinating area. Transport around the area is regular and frequent and can highly recommend the Jurassic Coaster tour bus as a way of exploring the immediate area.
The beaches were clean and family friendly and the local shops cater for all needs and requirements.
A most enjoyable seven days.
John Cintas — Google review
Had amazing long walk at this lovely beach which is half pebbles and half golden sand. Very clean beach and good facilities around such as toilets, food places, cafes & drink places etc. Deck chairs available on rent for the day. Nice to see lifeguards standby for any emergencies.
Car parks near the beach and plenty of free parking further away. Good for all day fun as have plenty of entertainment and amusement around.
win task — Google review
Wow what a stunning beach and beautiful views.
Lots for the kids to do, rides on the beach, donkeys, Punch and Judy show, arcade and more rides, peddle boats.
Lots of lovely places to eat ( cafes on the beach front ) fish and chips, pubs and lots of seafood restaurants.
Nice shops to walk around as the beach is right near the town.
Lots of B&Bs and pubs with rooms if you want to make a weekend of it.
Best beach……….
Kelly Butler — Google review
Lovely sandy beach, very clean and good facilities nearby (toilets, food & drink etc). Loungers and deck chairs can be rented for the day and lifeguards are on hand for any emergencies.
Plenty of car parks near the beach but plenty of other (cheaper or free) parking further away if you don't mind a short walk.
Half the beach is pebbly and the other half is an amazing golden sandy beach with loads attraction.
Overall Weymouth is amazing and definitely come back with the family.
Jay Miah — Google review
Weymouth has a long beach and much of it is sandy. There is also a harbour with various boats. There is Lodmore Country Park and Radipole Lakes to walk around. There are a variety of shops. Walks along the coastline including Lulworth Cove and Durable Dor, Bowleaze Cove, Studland and Swanage, all nearby. It is a beautiful part of the world, and quite quiet this time of the year. It's a family friendly town, and dogs love it on the beach too
Ruth Greenaway — Google review
Brilliant beach, big, lovely soft golden sand. Not overcrowded, even on a hot sunny day. Plenty of reasonable price parking nearby. Close to the town centre and amenities. I actually think it's much better than Bournemouth.
Tim Husain — Google review
Lovely visit as always. Clean beach. Close to the shore there is a lot of black sand at the moment. But doesnt seem to bother anyon3. The little kiosks are a nice welcome break in between walks. Plenty of fish to see from the pier. Dog walking end if the beach is alao very clean. Great walk even on a rainy day
The Roman Baths are a complex of baths, a temple and a museum in the city of Bath, England. The baths were built around 75 BC by the Romans and remain one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. The hot springs that fed the baths still flow today and are said to have healing properties. There is also a restaurant called Pump Room on site.
What an amazing experience we had in this astonishing place! It is magnificent!!
I was totally impressed for the beauty of this complex and the truth is that I did not feel like leaving.
You may visit this amazing monument for only £17.50 including the self-guided dispositive in many languages to understand each area. At the end of the tour, you can also drink the springs hot water, and believe me, it is really worth it!
I highly recommend you to book your time online.
Maria E Fernandez — Google review
A historical wonder and testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Romans, the Roman Baths are an absolute must for anyone interested in history, architecture or simply looking for a unique and immersive experience. On my recent visit, I was mesmerized by the grandeur and timeless beauty of this remarkable structure.
When I entered the Roman Baths, I was immediately struck by their imposing presence. The massive stone columns and intricate carvings showcased the mastery of Roman craftsmanship and transported me to a bygone era. The attention to detail in every aspect of the architecture was truly astounding. From the imposing entrance hall to the intricate mosaic floors, it was clear that no expense had been spared in creating a truly opulent swimming pool.
Exploring the different parts of the Roman Baths was like stepping into a living history book. The highlight, the Great Baths, with its colossal pool of warm, mineral-rich water, was a sight not to be seen. The idea of Romans enjoying a quiet bath, engaging in discussions and social gatherings made me appreciate the importance of this common space in their culture.
?imon Dost?lek — Google review
The self guided tour was nice to follow along so be sure to purchase that option. Although you could figure things out by reading the placards, the info given in the audio is a much richer experience. But it is amazing to see the old bath ruins and the artifacts uncovered. The educational component is palatable for students and nonstudents. There were a lot of people so be sure to give yourself a few hours to leisurely move through the tour.
Jennifer Mary — Google review
Went with my 10yr old daughter.
Such a wealth of information and all delivered in a way that's accessible to all ages!
Love the different audio options for adults and kids.
Absolutely stunning displays and such a wonderful experience to imagine what the Romans would have seen when this was at its height!
Tasting the water direct from the spring was great and it's not a flavour you would expect!
Peter Brown — Google review
I had an amazing time exploring the Roman Baths in Bath city. This historic site is a true gem. The well-preserved ruins, stunning architecture, and informative exhibits took me back in time. The ambiance was captivating, and the audio guide provided fascinating insights. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique experience in Bath!
Anitha Keerthiraj — Google review
Great experience! It was a long tour but worth it! We really enjoyed learning about the history of the bath house. You get a hand held device to help guide you through. There are places to sit occasionally because it is a long tour. There is a gift shop at the end and lots of places to shop. A great tour through history! Thank you, Roman Baths!
PA Pursley — Google review
Amazing. At first, we were a bit put back at the cost of entry. However, the venue is well worth it. There are so many things to see. A labyrinth to explore. Hand-held device tour, so free to explore at your own pace. Areas had films of Roman citizens who brought each area to life. For example, Roman Gym. There were real life "Roman citizens" that you could talk to. I asked about the pipes "of the day" and was shocked at the answer. Colourful, historical, interesting, informative, well planned.....well worth a visit. Oh...and weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
Kay Hulcoop — Google review
AMAZING historical place to visit! I will say that the tickets are not cheap, £28 for one adult on a weekend, but I definitely found that it was worth it. we spent hours here looking at everything and learning about Roman history, and especially liked the different choices of voices for the audio guide (i recommend following along with character options even if you're not a child, it's just more fun haha).
Lirio Hardy — Google review
The history is great and it's a lovely set of ruins. The audio guides are very useful and available in many languages.
Unfortunately it's horrendously over crowded in some parts, to the degree that I would not feel safe if there was an emergency.
My review would be higher if not for this. We were there for maybe an hour and a half and found it fascinating.
It's easy to get to in the centre of Bath which itself is a lovely city for a visit.
Entrance price was over £20 per person so factor this in when you weigh up if it's worth it.
Chris Stretton — Google review
Firstly this is an amazing piece of history which was great to see. It’s got the Roman baths to see and a small museum of artifacts and things found. There’s part of a Roman road there which is so well preserved and remarkably lower then our street level today. All the things here were just incredible and I loved being around history of 2000 years in age. It was just too busy to enjoy it as much as you would had it been quieter. I think that the numbers need to be limited because you can’t see things because of people in the way or you’ve got to wait ages to get a turn. It’s also ridiculously priced at £25 a person! Whilst I appreciate the importance of this place, the price doesn’t need to be that high. Would i recommend this place, well if you like history yes but be prepared for masses of people and an empty wallet. I’d give the artifacts inside five stars but the two stars are for the rip off prices.
Caroline B — Google review
A good historical place with lots to see, learn, understand and explore. The audio commentary provided by the ear set was awesome. It's a bit pricy, but" yes" to maintain the standards of the museum it's required.
I have personally fallen in love with the city of Bath. Such a magnificent architectural marvel. A very well planned and designed city. One should spend at least 2 whole days exploring the city. Its so nice to see the buildings preserved in its original state. The eateries are just awesome.
If anyone is visiting UK as a tourist then I would definitely recommend they should spend some quality at Bath.
Siddhant Mathew — Google review
One of the best places to ancient bath and hot water procedure from old ages and they have their way to do the spa which is currently counted in one of the most relaxing things. Apart from that the bath town is very famous for circus building and the half moon shaped building called crescent. It was great day to visit the great spa of England.
Prithvi Rajput — Google review
This heritage represents the old history of Bath and connection with Roman Empire. There was not only a pool but also a lot of information about the building and related history. The pathway was excellently designed. We found everything exciting. The staff were friendly and supportive. We enjoyed there very much.
Teki Chan — Google review
Buy tickets online and then use your email on the entry. You have a book a time slot.
Use the free audio guide which is brilliant, on every part of the walk around you enter a number and someone tells you all about the subject.
Highly recommended to anyone visiting bath
Shane B — Google review
Great place to visit and it was a lot bigger than I expected. Audio guides were free to walk round with, and you could choose to listen to the adult or kids version of the tour! There's also info on the walls so you don't have to use the audio guides all the time. I only used them part of the time. It's interesting to walk around.
It's a bit pricy at £18 each but it's a lot better than summer prices!
Donna W — Google review
My second visit to the Baths and I would absolutely come back again and again.
Reasonably priced and so much history, the free audio tour is excellent, and you can listen to as much or as little as you want.
Not particularly crowded when we went at Half 10 on a Sunday and we spent about 2 and a half hours there.
The water tasted like drinking a mouthful of pennies but with 43 minerals, it's probably quite good for you 👍
Elizabeth Robertson — Google review
Very well laid out and very informative. A lot of work to maintain obviously. A bit warm and smelly underground but to be expected. Very busy even during winter. Good commentary on self- listening tour. I couldn't bring myself to taste the water but would have loved to experience a cleansing massage and a soak in the healing waters if it were at all possible, but I totally understand why you can't.
Liesl Knott — Google review
It's well worth a visit, although the entry tickets are a bit on the expensive side. The Roman Baths is a UNESCO World Heritage site that demonstrates rituals in Roman times, immersing them in the opulent bathing rituals of antiquity. The well-preserved remains, including the Great Bath, is well preserved while interactive exhibits and audio guides provide informative insights into Roman life. The museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, from sculptures to ancient coins, in the 3 levels accessible through the tour. It is a must-visit, although crowds can be a bit distracting especially since we visited on the bank holiday weekend.
Sanka Illangakoon — Google review
I spent just under three hours in this beautiful museum. I recommend you take the audio guide as it makes it more interesting and informative. There is a one way traffic system which is preferred and you must wear your masks. The Roman Baths are so beautiful and picture-worthy. You could see and feel the warmth from the water and while you walk through the museum, you will feel like you're taken back in time. I 100% recommend booking a visit. Be prepared to spend money in the amazing souvenir store!
Zoe Tammadge — Google review
This is in a great location in the centre and east to find. Reasonably priced, we spent about 2 hours here the morning after an overnight stop in Bath before catching the train home. Very interesting history and educational displays throughout in a well planned route through the baths. Definitely worth a visit.
Paul Cobb — Google review
What an amazing place. To think that all this history has been preserved so well. So much to see and there is even a children's activities area whilst you are going around. It is was a little crowded in some parts. Well worth the visit and the audio comentaty is very informative.
L L — Google review
Wonderfully restored Roman Bath house. This was left here for more than a few centuries until they restored, to the extent they could, it for today's visitors. The tour through the Bath is well organized and the self-guided feature was good. One really gets a sense of this Bath when Romans were here.
Christopher Nee — Google review
The price to the museum was around £20. You need to book in advance. Come 5 mins earlier than your slot opens. The museum is quite big and worth the money. They have audio guides with 5 or 6 different languages which is quite convenient. I went to the museum on a weekday, it was not really busy.
Definitely recommend it as one of the best historical places in Bath.
Anastasia Vavilova — Google review
Loved the experience! This is the oldest historic place I've been so far. Amazing architecture. We got an audio device for the explanation of each part of Romans bath. One should definitely experience this. We get to taste the hot spring water at the end, which is even more amazing.
Toilets are available (well maintained).
This place does not have a car park, we parked our car 10 mins away close to Jane Austin centre but cheaper options are available at car park spaces.
Gayathri Niharika — Google review
Had a great experience, visited the museum at twelve o’clock and finished the whole experience around two hours later.
At the entrance we were given these phones full of interesting stories about each section the museum which made the whole experience better.
Towards the end you get to have a cup of the bath spring water which tastes funny but has ten times the minerals of any water bottle sold in supermarkets.
Thomas Wood — Google review
Unbelievable piece of history in the centre of Bath.
It took me 3 hours to get around and I could have taken longer. An audio tour is included in the price, this tells one everything you need to know, also included are extras about the archeology & some observations by Bill Bryson.
Best fact of the day, the baths may be 2000 years old but the water fell as rain 10,000 years ago!
Rob Duhig — Google review
I wasn’t sure if I was going to do this as it was £21.50 entrance, but I am so glad I did! It’s super informative, there’s self controlled audio guides for every attraction, and overall beautiful! They’ve built sections up around the ruins, and you can taste the water at the end too.
It was so much more than I was expecting, 3 floors down of things to see! There’s an attached restaurant and gift shop too.
Karla van Rensburg — Google review
Absolutely fantastic experience. We'll worth the money! The audio tour was interesting and informative. The museum exhibit was far more extensive than expected, and of course the baths themselves! Absolutely beautiful, and the idea that you're walking in the footsteps of people thousands of years ago 😀 2 warnings... 1st, Google says to allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If you want to make the most of the audio tour and the exhibits I'd allow at least 2 1/2 Hours. ( you really get your money's worth! ) 2nd, as other reviews say..... the water really does taste nasty 🤣
David parry — Google review
What interesting history. There is so much information in here one could spend hours reading all the details of the artifacts the excavation has found. I found the inscribed lead tablets particularly interesting, both the prayers and the curses. The history of the place is so dense its easy to see how someone could spend a lifetime studying in even a small area like this. Definitely worth a visit. I also really liked the holographic presentations in the rooms that help visualize what life could have been like in the various rooms of the baths.
Nick Combs — Google review
We picked up the free audio guide and could listen to whatever we wanted by punching in the number. I don’t normally care for audio guides, but I did find some spiels engaging enough for my philistine brain. The layout of the museum was thoughtful and kept your interest. Overall, this is a must-do if you’re visiting Bath for the first time, or even if your last visit was some years ago.
Nicole Chu — Google review
The city of Bath is included in the UNESCO list. The Roman Baths (Bath) are a well-preserved bathhouse in Bath, Somerset, England.
Unique architectural monument, interactive museum, audio guide is included in the ticket price.
There are many archaeological finds from Roman times. What was most striking was the gilded head of Minerva. It’s incredible that the water is warm and you can see how it bubbles from the inside!
We were there on Monday and there were a lot of tourists!
It was educational!
I recommend! 🥰
Снежана Цветик — Google review
Really wish that I am a history lover so that I can enjoy this place more. Nevertheless, it's a good experience coming here. One of the must-visit place at least once if you're coming to Bath.
They provide an audio guide for the tour. The main attraction was the hot spring and spa. It was literally hot! You'll learn about some informative things and there's a lot to see. Took about 1.5 hours to finish the tour so take that into account if you're gonna visit here. You can buy the ticket in advance through their website. Overall, it was a lovely experience.
Nadzim Zamri — Google review
Excellent attraction and very informative with a lot to see. There is a lot more to see inside than you would imagine looking from the outside.
I booked a ticket for 10 am when it opened on a week day in January, so it was not busy, so it allowed plenty of time and space to look around. I think during the summer tourist season it gets very busy.
Staff are friendly and helpful.
Lovely attraction and very interesting 😊
Stuart Johnson — Google review
Must visit attraction for everyone, no matter if you’re a history buff or not. The state of conservation is astonishing, the place is gorgeous and the audio tour really interesting. I recommend visiting near the closing hours, because the natural light gives a different vibe — super immersive. Allocate about 1 hour, hour and a half for your visit. I can’t recommend this place enough
The Bath Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in this captivating city. With its breathtaking stained glass windows, grand entrance and intricate fan vaulting, it is almost impossible to take it all in in a single viewing. Services are ongoing throughout the week so please check opening times before you visit.
Bath Abby is situated near the train station so you can go by walking. Bath city is very beautiful. It will be very convenient if you take the hop on hop off buses. It can be covered in one day. Just note down the closing time of roman bath and Abby. I just love this city. So beautiful ❤️❤️
Rinki Prasad — Google review
Really nice abbey - size of a typical cathedral and easy to find in the centre of Bath.
Suggested £5 donation, but entry is officially free. You don't actually have to pay.
In the style of most of the cathedrals in this country, it's surprisingly light and airy inside. Lovely decorations and stained glass windows.
Outside in the public square, there's always some musician playing some nice music.
Overall, definitely worth visiting!
Ninh Ly — Google review
Amazing, beautiful in the inside. Spectacular history and great welcoming environment within. We did the tower tour, 100% worth it. The history of the bells and the clock is fascinating. The views from atop the tower is incredible, best view in bath.
Dominic Savage — Google review
A beautiful abbey. Steeped in so much history. Wheelchair friendly. There is a lift down to the exhibition so everyone can enjoy this lovely place.
Mark Purcell — Google review
I did the tower tour. Our guide Edd was very knowledgeable. Listening to the history was amazing. The climbed up wasn't to bad in different levels.
Well worth the climbed just to see the view.
Carl — Google review
We took the tower guide WOW well worth the extra money. Summer and Toby were our guides .. could not praise them enough. Summer should be on TV she is such an asset to the Abbey her knowledge and enthusiasm for the Abbey and its history shine through. They both helped my 8yr old daughter to the top all 212 steps. Would highly recommend if your in Bath
Val Rossi — Google review
Bath Abbey is located near the train station and the bus stop of Odd Dawn park & ride. There was few graduation ceremonies happening while we were there so the place was closed. But it’s still a magnificent architecture and a sight to behold.
Anita Rosaleh — Google review
A beautiful, mystical place. Bath Abbey looks impressive from the outside, but I highly recommend a tour of the interior and a trip to the tower. Very professional guides who tell you many interesting things about the history and workings of the Abbey. It all adds up to an unforgettable memory.
Mariusz Urba?ski — Google review
Absolutely stunning well worth a visit, easy to find a couple of minutes walk from the train station. Admission charge Adults £6.50 but well worth it. Staff are helpful polite and informative, it has a nice gift shop a little over priced. stunning well worth a visit, easy to find a couple of minutes walk from the train station. Admission charge Adults £6.50 but well worth it. Staff are helpful polite and informative, it has a nice gift shop a little over priced.
Christine Robinson — Google review
Beautiful place with big history. I like the fact that there is always something going on the place is alive there are some events and they make you feel welcomed.
005lenka — Google review
What a gorgeous site! Could’ve spent hours reading every single stone. Loved the information available in the museum section - was really fascinating to read up on its history and contextualise the changes over the years. Thought it was exceptionally incredible how the floors were removed to use thermal waters to assist with under floor heating. Making history sustainable!
Gillian Rumsey — Google review
Would highly recommend the Tower Tour, and if you are lucky enough Ed will be your tour guide. Highly knowledgeable and approachable! Amazing tour guide and didn't rush us around. Had time to take in the sights and history, and get pictures up the top of the tower. Definitely worth £10 per person!
Abigail Gillett — Google review
Amazing place to visit...essential if you are in Bath. The place is full of history from the incriptions in the floor up to the tales of unique curved the roof.
It is also an example of sutainable heating technologies were old and new is mixed. You will find also thr fun side with the monk and nun costums in the lower floor.
The volunteer guides are also very friendly, available and full of knoledge.
I firmly recomend to visit this place. We took only the standard tour..not the terrace...so maybe we loose some more interesting bits.
Roberto Ferraris — Google review
Bath Abbey stands as an awe-inspiring testament to remarkable artistry and exquisite architecture. Situated adjacent to the Roman Baths, this iconic structure beckons visitors with its grandeur. Access to the Abbey is granted during specific timings, accompanied by a nominal entry fee of 5 Pounds.
Inside the Abbey, one can delve into a profound and lucid explanation of the genesis of human existence through the Adam and Eve narrative. The vivid depiction offers a deeper understanding of the origins of humanity, capturing a pivotal moment in the history of belief and culture.
One particularly fascinating facet of Bath Abbey lies in its innovative approach to sustainability. The foundation of the Abbey has been meticulously reconstructed, incorporating ingenious coils beneath it. These coils harness the geothermal energy derived from the Roman Baths' Hot Spring, effectively warming the Abbey. Consequently, this groundbreaking initiative leads to a remarkable reduction of over 50% in carbon emissions, aligning the Abbey with modern environmental consciousness.
Undoubtedly, a visit to Bath would be incomplete without exploring the marvels of Bath Abbey. Its amalgamation of architectural grandeur, spiritual resonance, and environmental responsibility creates an enriching experience that transcends time and captivates the senses.
Nithin Katta — Google review
Very nice cathedral. Worth to visit.
Small fee to enter.
There is a tower that can be visited but tickets get sold quickly for the tower.
If you just want the abbey it's ok just to walk in any time.
The abbey itself is lovely, better to go when it is sunny so you can see all the windows displaying all the majestic scenes.
Javier Alvarez — Google review
We went to watch an Incredible performance of Viennese opera few days ago. The Cathedral is absolutely astonishing. Lots of history there. I highly recommend this place to be visited in summer time as well!
NORA SHOPOVA — Google review
Took the Tower Tour and had the lovely Eleanor as a guide. She was really friendly, gave us superb tour, and gave us great recommendations for things to do around Bath.
Sandra Miko — Google review
Really cool Abbey with neat architectural features. I'm guessing it's better with the tour as there is little to no information posted otherwise.
Carolina Margaria — Google review
£7.5 ticket price for adult and free for infant. I find it to be good, but not mind blowing. It’s quite small so you will spend maximum 30minutes unless you read every single thing.
Recommended if you have time but I don’t think it’s a must-do activity.
Diana R — Google review
A beautiful building with a rich history. Make sure to hold on to your ticket! After the main part of the church it’s a one way gate to the shop, but if you want to go downstairs to learn the history of the site you’ll need to present your ticket again.
Amanda Bankey — Google review
Beautiful building, well worth the small entrance fee.
Pretty big with a long history. Can easily spend over an hour here as so much to see.
Tim Husain — Google review
Great experience! Absolutely stunning! We signed up for the tour (including clock tower). Our guide was amazing & gave of lots of insights - it was very interesting (and trust me, I usually get bored easily). We climbed all the way up onto the roof - the view is FANTASTIC! Best view over Bath for sure! If you opt for the last slot in autumn, you get a sunset option! We were in love!
P.S. you can also see inside the baths!
Island Hopper — Google review
Did both the floor tour and the tower tour. Both very enjoyable. Tower has 212 steps that get tighter towards the top. Good workout getting up! You get to see the clock, bells and the Bath skyline. Well worth the effort!
Pete808 — Google review
Gorgeous!! 80% of the walls are windows! Beautiful stained glass, telling stories from the Bible. The floors and walls are detailed, and there are informative boards inside too.
Pulteney Bridge is a famous bridge in the city of Bath, Somerset, England. It spans the River Avon and is lined with shops on both sides. The bridge is significant because it was one of the first bridges on Earth to have this feature and it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bath today. The best time to take photos of the bridge is at sunset, when the surrounding buildings are brightly illuminated and the leaves fall gently into the river below.
I really like this bridge I like the design and having the shops on both sides across the bridge If you didn't know you wouldn't know you was crossing a bridge.
I like how you go in a shop and when you look out the window you see the river passing right below and during the summer the tour boats passing below.
A really nice place to visit when visiting bath.
Katie Thayer — Google review
Beautiful place. There is really nice cafe on the bridge where can you have a coffee and a delicious cake and enjoy the view to the river. Park around is great for a walk, so you can see the bridge from different angles.
Ma?gorzata Dr??kiewicz — Google review
Really nice bridge and architecture. Makes for a great photo. If you wish to get the best angle you can visit the small garden next to the bridge which is £2 per adult to enter.
Khenh Ichikawa Do — Google review
Lovely bridge and architecture. There's also a lovely garden situated next to bridge costing £2 for entry. You could spend some time relaxing here just people watching etc. Plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
Sayeeda — Google review
As I was delivering something to Bath I thought I'd have a walk to pulteney Bridge.
Yes there is alot of history with in the area and if I had more time I would of found out about all of it. Still a beautiful place to visit. All buildings in Bath are tall but there is probably a good reason why they were built so tall.
Just down from where I have taken this photo there is a park area so you can have a picnic or just chill out on a bench or the grass on a nice sunny day.
Chris Clarke — Google review
Beautiful walk and the views are stunning! There are some boats parked along the canal too. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the summer. There are benches so you can sit opposite the river!
Vivi — Google review
A sight to behold😊 it was so so beautiful and fascinating for me 😍
Myself and my girlfriend went on a sight seeing trip to bath, would recommend this trip for anyone. Bath is a very beautiful city, lots of amazing views.
It was very easy to navigate places/locations. Every view was worth it. 😍😍
Elmah Emmanuel .U. — Google review
Such a beautiful and wonderful place. Not only about the bridge but the buildings around it, the churches around it, all historical buildings are at its beauty. Loved the place and didn't wanted to leave. The place is like taking you to some other part of the world which is extremely diffrent from what we see every day. Its like watching a classic cult after we deal with the regulars. No words to explain. This place is worth the visit highly recommended. Admirable place and constructions. There are so many places and buildings you can see around walking distance. This place will never disappoint you.
Saneesh Stephen — Google review
A beautiful part of Bath, nice views over the weir, which was in full flow after the rains. Lovely to see how some bridges in cities looked with buildings on them.
Brian Cottrell — Google review
What a view!! If you walk over the bridge there is a foot path that leads down to the rivers edge, it’s not obvious but it’s on the right hand side leading to a few restaurants, definitely worth the visit.
Janice Furey — Google review
Pretty cool place to see in Bath. Unusual waterfalls in the river that looks cool lit up. Nice place to come and ponder and look at. Worth a visit to see it.
Tom Ford — Google review
Beautiful bridge in Bath. Fabulous water flows infront. So relaxing to spend some time. If you are visiting Bath do not miss this.
Gihan Gamage — Google review
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Bridge St, Bath, BA2 4AT, United Kingdom
I'll never travel to Portsmouth without this trip planner again
Sitting atop a 1,000 acre estate in the Cotswolds, Stourhead is a breathtaking mansion from the 1740s. With follies and water features spread throughout its gardens, it's always a good location for a walk. In addition to flowering plants in springtime, look out for ducklings and cygnets on the lake as they start to take to water life.
A National Trust property; an old house with extensive gardens.
The car park is free for members, but otherwise requires payment.
Access within the House is a bit limited; the upper floor is private. In addition, on the day that I visited, there was some conservation work underway, and the servants quarters are closed.
Unfortunately, this one might not be suitable for those with limited mobility. They do provide some mobility scooters, and there is a free shuttle service, but access to the house is up a flight of steps with no ramp.
The grounds can be accessed separately to the house, although NT membership covers both. I would highly recommend a walk around the lake to see the various garden rooms and places of interest. Dogs are welcome, and the paths are well made and clearly laid out.
There are numerous pieces of furniture, paintings and small items that were gifted along with the property. There are even some paintings by well known artists.
The entrance, shop and restaurant are modern and we had quite an enjoyable stop for tea and cake.
All in all, we had a splendid day, and enjoyed our time; I would have liked to have had a little more to explore the gardens in more depth.
Anthony Sutcliffe — Google review
Such an amazing place the house was full of character and showed a real insight into the families life and interests. After the house you visit the gardens and the lake.....wow. I wish I'd taken a book to read down by the water. It is truly beautiful , I will definitely be coming back. Stunning.
Aron Gibson — Google review
Simply stunning landscape. Interesting rooms and displays in the house. Substantial parking, visitor centre, cafe etc
A must if you're in the area and the weather is favourable
Chris Cowan — Google review
Amazing National Trust with plenty to do. The grounds are well kept and the summer of play area was great for the kids. A bonus for us was having medieval recreations which the whole family enjoyed.
Chris Workman — Google review
This is a beautiful National Trust area that includes a house, gardens, and lake. It's not a cheap place to visit (you also have to pay separately to park!), but you can get a whole day out here! There is a cafe and facilities as you enter, but also a kiosk selling drinks near the stables.
In the house the kids can have a sheet of things to spot / look for in each room which certainly kept our youngest busy - the room guides were also more than happy to try and answer some of our random questions.
A nice day out!
Andrew Cartwright — Google review
Lovely peaceful spot for a walk to spend an hour round the lake. Visited here 5 years ago, and wanted to come back again on my way up from Cornwall to visit a friend in Hampshire.
Early November is a great time to go with the changing of the season inyo Autumn 🍁🍁
Great photo opportunities too.
Ben Sullivan — Google review
It is a beautiful and very large place. You need a full day to explore. Very big lake, surrounded by various historical features. House is also very big and beautiful with immense history. Suitable for all age groups as having a facility of shuttle bus and golf cart to roam around. A day well spent. It is not linked directly with public transport, hence approx 40 minutes walk from Gillingham(Dorset) Station or book a taxi. Taxi rank is not available in Gillingham(Dorset) Station.
Sangita Sharma — Google review
Stourhead is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. Unfortunately at the moment although it says the house is open it really isn't. There is the entrance hall and another room but you can go no further. If you are disabled the main toilets at the entrance are closed. There are portable toilets but they are up steps. If you are in a wheelchair there is nowhere accessible for the toilet or at the house. I use a stick to walk so did manage a short walk near the lake. You can get help to go to the house or by the lake in a mini bus. A very nice man took me back to the car park. The restaurant is also very slow, enough staff and they are young just not moving very quickly. I'd hate to be there on a busy day. Also no offer of help for disabled people with taking trays to a table. Hopefully when I visit again later in the years, things will be a bit better run and organised.
Lynn Armstrong — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Stourhead today. It is a truly beautiful National Trust property with extensive grounds that amaze at every turn.. it has some beautiful features in the gardens and lots of fun caves and tunnels and bridges for all ages to enjoy. The house is stunning.. beautifully preserved with lots of history and great story telling from the kind and informative volunteers who clearly love the place. Entry and parking is free for National Trust members and there is an extensive carpark with step free access.. it’s a large site but mostly flat albeit with one or two slopes or optional stepped areas to negotiate. There is a lovely cafe and pub on site and outside seating areas for picnics and a lovely Gallery and second hand bookshop doing great business. It was busy but didn’t feel crowded apart from small queues at the two popular ice cream outlets! There are activities to complete for the kids and plenty of benches for less able. You can easily while away a good few hours there so set aside a day and bring the whole family. A truly lovely NT property.
Beth Polak — Google review
Something for everyone. An attractive house with interesting rooms and objects to look at and knowledgeable volunteers, a delightful walk around a folly-studded lake perimeter with spectacular views, a chocolate-box church and village with gallery and secondhand bookshop , and a restaurant for reviving refreshments. What's not to love?!
Teresa Shakespeare-Smith — Google review
Absolutely stunning place! The view when you first walk into the garden is breathtaking, and like looking at a magnificent painting.
Very peaceful atmosphere with lots of nature to be found.
Lots of walking is involved in order to get the most out of your visit.
Natasha J — Google review
Really great place, but very busy - which is understandable. We brought our own lunch, which was good as it avoided the cafe queues.
Plenty of things to see and lovely walks. Lots of areas to relax and connect with nature.
Steve Bristol — Google review
Absolutely stunning manor house and gardens. £19 for 1 adult is pretty expensive, and there is no concession price but you can spend all day there exploring the grounds.
Staff in the house were all incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.
If we had been smarter we would have brought a picnic and stayed for longer, as food there is very expensive too.
All in all, a beautiful day out 🌞
Teddy Carter — Google review
Beautiful place. A really enjoyable walk with my family. Pub at the end and a cafe for refreshments. Cafe at the beginning also. Just a stunning place.
Lucy Pearce — Google review
We have visited Stourhead on several occasions and did so again on 14032024.
Having arrived before the house was open, we took the opportunity to walk through the landscaped gardens leading to the lake. The gardens are so well cared for, and were beginning to flower, which made the walk in the drizzle very bearable.
Having got to the Lakeside, we walked around the perimeter for the first time, enjoying not only the natural environment but also visiting the grotto and the pantheon.
From the lake, we did a quick tour of the house - which was limited to the ground floor. The library, with its 6000+ books, was a particularly highlight.
Before leaving, we had lunch at the Spread Eagle Inn. The staff were friendly and very helpful and the food was excellent.
This site also boasts a restaurant, gift shop, gallery, and second-hand book shop, all of which are worth popping into.
Another enjoyable visit and we'll no doubt return in future.
(We are National Trust members and admission was free of charge on presentation of our membership cards.)
Mark M — Google review
We have been to Stourhead venue before, we have always liked visiting the lovely estate with it's well maintained gardens, lake, house and grotto.
At Christmas we decided to go to their Christmas lights, it was amazing 😃 we would definitely recommend going, it was well worth it, even though it was raining we enjoyed every minute.
We will definitely be going again.
Tina Walker — Google review
We had a fantastic stroll through the gardens late autumn. The colours were wonderful. Staff were setting up for Christmas, so lots of activity and prep going on which added to the atmosphere of anticipation for the festive season. We had coffee and cake and soaked up the beauty of the historic buildings. We even bought a few Christmas presents. A wonderful day.
Number 51 Interiors — Google review
Absolutely beautiful National Trust grounds. House was only to be seen on the ground floor and so dimly lit, you couldn't see much of the wonderful paintings in there. However, worth going just for the extensive garden. Breathtakingly beautiful.
lily Woolly — Google review
Beautiful National Trust property with impressive grounds and history to match. Highly recommend the property tour to truly understand the design details of the grounds and each building. There are so many 'wow' moments with hidden surprises that reveal themselves in the most unexpected places. The restaurant serves up a wide ranging menu and staff were lovely, areas were kept very clean. Great place for a dog walk too.
Danielle Morgan-Dodd — Google review
An amazing place to visit, the gardens are just simply beautiful. Great walks around the big lake, lots of things to explore. Gardens are dog friendly.
Adam Knauz — Google review
Beautiful place to visit, the gardens are vast and very historical. House had alot of history. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would go again. Be warned gardens are huge, lots of walking but well worth it. The lake is very picturesque, there is a pub at the one end, well worth a cheeky pint/ coke. Would visit again.
Karen Neale — Google review
House was closed for a couple of weeks (Nov 23) so we just walked around the lake and looked at the other small buildings on the estate. Autumnal colours were a little muted this year but still provided plenty of colour and glorious views over the lake. Well worth a visit but suggest going when the house is open as tickets aren’t cheap. Also you have to pay for parking on top if you’re not a member
Rog Edwards — Google review
It was the stories the guides told which made the visit so good. Stourhead is celebrating 300 years and has several rooms dedicated to the women who have lived there. The good times and the bad. Talk to the guides they have some great stories to tell. That's just the house. The gardens are fantastic, even on a very wet March Friday there was fabulous rhododendron and magnolia flowers. A 4km walk takes you around all the follies, lakes and beautiful flora.
Good tea rooms and of course a well stocked NT shop.
David Warner — Google review
Stourhead is a gem in the National Trust Crown. On this my first visit to Stourhead was for a walk around the grounds and lake at Stourhead. Although a mixed bag of weather sun, drizzle, heavy rain and thunder , hail and finish with glorious late afternoon/ evening sunshine , the walk highlighted the beauty and views of this old estate. The walk around the lake taking in the Grotto , the Gothic cottage , The Pantheon and Palladian Bridge is an absolute must as is the Temple of Apollo. Being National Trust unless a NT member it is £20 to enter the estate for the day but it is worth the money.
gav perry — Google review
Although a very busy day - Easter Sunday - it wasn't an issue as the grounds are so vast. No problems stopping for coffee and lunch breaks as plenty of choices, and we got seated easily. It was a lovely day out.
Amanda Kent-Stallwood — Google review
Beautiful at this time of the year. We took a slow walk around the lakes (1.5hrs) stopping to admire the scenery and take photos, then had lunch in the cafe where there was a good selection of hot & cold food and drinks. Accessible car parking on one level. It's always worth a visit to the shop too, but the historic house was closed as they were preparing for Christmas.
Diane Hargraves — Google review
If you enjoy parkland, views and lakes then you'll love Stourhead. It's a wonderful National Trust property that's beautiful in all seasons but especially so in the Autumn.
There are a number of different paths that you can follow in the valley and I suspect that one can never become bored by the vistas. Still the main path, which is relatively flat and easy, is magnificent.
In terms of logistics there's a good size car park at the top of the hill, where you have a visitor centre. A short walk takes you to the local pub, gift shops and a kiosk for food and drink.
If Stourhead doesn't convince you to become a National Trust member then nowhere will!
Damian Cannon — Google review
We went to Stourhead near Mere. Such a beautiful place with stunning views and woodland walks. The lake area was so tranquil and at this time of year nature's tapestry of colours really showed up the magnificent trees.
The house sits on top and has views across parkland one way and down towards the lake the other way.With kitchen gardens and various outbuildings to explore.
The National Trust manages this incredible site and everywhere is so beautifully kept. We will have to go back to explore even more there and go in the house. Even then we will have to go back to see every season!!
Wear good shoes for walking. Dogs are welcome to the outside areas but not actually in the house. There is a restaurant, café, shop and toilets by the car park. There are further toilets and by the pub where there is hot drinks and ice cream available in the court yard. A gallery and second hand book shop all in the courtyard. A playground for those youngsters who may not have used up all their energy exploring the grounds!!! Also a farm shop in the car park.
Stunning area of outstanding beauty 😁. Take your camera 😉.
The Longleat Wildlife Park is a safari park and drive through wildlife park in Wiltshire, England. The park has a number of different animal exhibits including an exhibit featuring African elephants, lions, gorillas, bears and more. There is also an Elizabethan house on site which can be toured.
Love, love, love this attraction!! Highly recommended!
This was amazing! It was so much better than I expected. Leave a good 2hrs for the safari alone. Loads of animals, we got some amazing pictures, we bought the guide book which I would recommend doing if you are driving around yourselves.
The park is huge and loads of shops and places to eat. We went before Christmas where they had the light shows and the light arches, cold but worth it! They even had snow for the kids. Leave a whole day to visit here, you will really need it.
Great for adults and kids alike! X
Alison Rennie — Google review
Great day out. The Safari can take a little time to get around with stopping at gates but it's understandable why. They've no longer got the Bat Cave which I was a major disappointment for myself as a lover of bats.
The staff on the boat, Lady Bath, were very friendly and entertaining.
Rhys Williams — Google review
Had a great day. The jungle cruise was great, loved the koalas and birds. Enjoyed the inflatables too. The safari was brilliant. We had a good show from the lion enclosure 😸
Claire Budd — Google review
My partner and I visit at least once a year and this year was our first time seeing the balloon festival in the summer which was absolutely surreal! Loved it. We also did the ant eater experience which was just amazing. There is also an opportunity to feed birds within the park (no booking needed) which is really cute and I became particularly attached to one with a broken beak. We did the festival of lights last year which was a really nice winter attraction that we'd love to do again this year!
Kirsty Dawson — Google review
Exceeded my expectations!! Excellent family say out. Loved interactive element eg boat trip to feed sea lions & feeding parakeets. We went for festival of lights which was impressive!! We will have to go again as so much to see & do. Great places to eat & grab snacks/lunch etc too. Highly recommend.
Lisa Murphy — Google review
The place is humongous and has really good arrangements for watching wildlife closely. They have tried giving a very good and open habitat to most of the animals.
Some of the animals looks very well trained as to how to behave with humans.
Longleat hose and amazement pack is also a very huge place to visit. Loved each and every part of the trip. Don't miss the boat and train ride it's a very good experience. Carry your own food if you don't prefer to eat team the cafe before your safari.
The washrooms are well maintained.
Start as early as possible as the queue is very long to enter the safari park.
Try the maze it's super fun 😊
Maya Pillai — Google review
Longleat, what can I say. This is a beautiful place and a fantastic day out for the family, there's lots today and may not do it all in one trip. I would recommend getting there when the park opens as you can walk the grounds and do the zoo plus rides ect.. then go to your time slot for the Safari. Plenty of places to eat with lots of picnic benches. Lots of fun to have here and if you are thinking about going do it, you won't regret it.
matthew west — Google review
Not many animals as expected. Still safari good. Peaceful place to drive through. Kids enjoyed. Maze is really good. We got lost in it for sometime 😃. There is a castle play area which is good. Splash pool is available. We went on hot air balloon event which is awesome. Some fireworks in the air. And music band is really good. My kid danced well for that music. A good place.
Hari Priya — Google review
Absolutely fabulous time. We started with the safari drive as our 4 year old insisted! Wasn't too busy although was on a school day. We stopped at the African Village to see the animals there. There was a big queue to feed the giraffes so we didn't stay for that and drove round. Monkeys are particularly playful and mischievous so if you are precious about your car then do not enter. We saw every animal on the drive and really recommend the app as we checked off all the animals but also got to hear lots of information. We paid an extra £1.50 for deer food and we enjoyed feeding them from the car. Plenty of parking and not too far to walk even for those with little legs. We walked around Jungle Kingdom and then onto the Jungle Cruise. Very lucky to see so many gorillas out - we also paid £1.50 to feed the sea lions some fish. Again, I don't think we missed any animals on the walks round either. We managed to get another drive round done at the end. We avoided the monkeys this time and whole drive took just 50 mins that time. A fantastic day out. Highly recommend it! We've had to watch Animal Park again since being home!
Nikki Bushell — Google review
The whole experience was amazing. We had a lovely time. Everything was well presented and very clean. We didn't manage to get around everything, so we will definitely return.
Natalie Brown — Google review
Great place to take the family! The kids loved feeding the giraffes & walking through the bird enclosure. Driving through the safari was great but be aware the monkeys will steal bits off your car if they can 🤣 you can skip the monkeys but they are great fun!
All in all longleat is a great day out
Neil hughes — Google review
Visited the last week of the summer school holidays and it was busier than our previous few visits. We are annual members and try to get there 4 or 5 times a year.
We plan our visit to take in as much as possible and ensure we get to see different areas each time. With the kids, it is important to do this due to queues in the safari/food/toilets!
We were treated to seeing far more of the animals this visit than previously (see a small selection of photos).
Our only suggestion is to increase the variety of food. There was a street food hut near the main picnic area that served vegetarian food. The service was fast and the food quality was good. Without the little cabins the pizza offering was very busy. A 20 minute wait is too long for young children and can eat into your day out.
Bring snacks, drinks and sweets to keep you going while walking around/queuing.
Definitely worth visiting for the entire day.
Kathryn Murray — Google review
One of the best safari parks in the UK, spent a couple of days here. Plenty to do and see with most things included in the entrance price. The house tour costs extra but well worth doing as the guides are knowledgeable and entertaining and the groups are small.
Tony Williams — Google review
A great place for young kids and animal lovers. Would recommend morning slots as the animals are much active then. Also try visiting the park during the feeding time for the big cats which we were told is on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The place is huge so it's better to reach early to cover all the things rather than rushing. It has everything to keep your whole day occupied and more. Overall it's a money well spent.
Vishwas Kubavat — Google review
What an amazing day! It was not busy and we got to see everything the park had to offer. The animals were active, and so entertaining. Lovely clean environment that they are staying in, plenty of space. The monkeys had babies hanging off them all over the place which didn't stop them climbing all over the vehicles - I even forgave them for stealing my windscreen washer off my car!
Emma Christian — Google review
A day that never disappoints, normally we visit for the Christmas lights, but this year we thought we would add an extra “warm” visit and we were not disappointed. Great for the whole family however I went with our parents in law, chose to use our car, thus no monkeys! I would recommend using someone else’s vehicle or the garage courtesy car to enjoy this part of the trail!
Ben Small — Google review
The best day out for all ages. I cannot express how amazing it is to visit Longleat Safari. I used to go often when I was little and this year decided I wanted to go back. Wow, it really didn’t disappoint. The animals are just incredible and so well looked after. I was really lucky and was able to feed the giraffes, it was an experience I will never forget. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and all the staff are so helpful and friendly! This is a perfect day out for kids or couples, even in large groups. 10/10 recommend this trip to anyone.
Della — Google review
Brilliant atmosphere today. Staff very committed and welcoming in safari. Finally after many years I was able to see air balloons festival. Amazing display and night glow steel the show. 🎈 display were awesome.
Ammar Niazi — Google review
But less at the actual zoo part of things than expected but still not a reason not to go. The Safari drive through was brilliant, we went through the monkey enclosure(which you can bypass if worried about vehicle damage) and we came out only losing a blind spot mirror and three aerial sheath lol. Easy recommendation to visit lived it all but thinking summer is probably a better time to go
Reverentwolf M — Google review
Apart from the overpriced cost of an entry ticket, we did have an amazing day! The safari drive was so good. We loved the monkeys jumping on our car. They behaved too and didn't pull anything off.
The lions were very impressive, and the Rhinos too.
You can drive around the safari area as many times as you like so you can get to see your favourites lots!
The food queues were insane. We were so thankful we took a packed lunch, and we only had to queue for an ice cream.
We went when the "sky safari" was on so the park closed at 8.30pm, we stayed till 8pm. It was fantastic!
Top tip.... Don't forget to fill up your car with petrol/diesel. We got caught short, but we were able to leave the park to fill up and return, showing our receipt.
Lisa Brown — Google review
Fun day out at Longleat. Little proxy but the light show was very good, and got to see a few animals also.
Some bits around park looking a bit tired.
Went for a tour of the house which was interesting, and the guide was very good.
Andy Lettis — Google review
Have watched the program over the last couple years and have been wanting to go since I stumbled across it. Had the BEST day! Through the safari park I was so excited and giddy like a little kid. Seeing all the animals across the park was such an enjoyment and I loved every minute. Going round the house was incredible and the tour guide was fantastic getting everyone involved making it fun. The tour guide had such a passion and respect for the history of the house and park. If I lived closer I would definitely go all the time. The ticket prices seemed quite steep but actually I personally think the safari is worth that alone. A big well done to the staff as well, especially the women behind the till in one of the gift shops who had to listen to a customer complaining saying it didn't live up to what they've seen on TV....I quite frankly disagree. I liked how I knew the animals names through the show so when I visited it felt more personal. I loved the opportunities of feeding the animals e.g. Sea lions and deer. If you visit the boat tour is a must as you get to see the gorillas and feed the sea lions. Everyone who went took part in the maze, even though it was a bit damp and muddy, we all had such a good time and raced to the middle (we're all adults by the way). The only thing I can think of to improve would be more immersive sounds instead of only reading information on the animals. 100% worth the money and I can't wait to visit again in the future.
Sophie Thompson — Google review
Fantastic family day out, we all thoroughly enjoyed this. The animals were fairly easy to see. They seemed to be kept well and looked healthy. Park was kept clean and tidy. Wasn't too busy when we went, so no big ques. Shops have a variety of gifts. Food was a reasonable price, and there was a variety of places to eat. Tickets to enter are on the higher side, but I would say it's definitely worth it. Will be coming back again in the future.
Sarah Bloyce — Google review
Our guide Nicky, gave us the most incredible VIP otter experience! She was so knowledgeable and open to questions. She really did make our day and i could not recommend her enough! We had pizza and donuts whilst there which were incredibly delicious and the hands on experience throughout the park was exceptional..
Abi Durban — Google review
Awesome experience, the safari is the real deal. I've always dreamt of an experience as this and they made it a reality. The boat ride was wonderful, just wished it was longer as well as the train ride need to be longer and have things to see or do whilst on it. Can you imagine driving pass lionsin the open? It's intriguing. Staff was wonderful, courteous, kind, respectful and pleasant. Hats off to management for choosing these workers. Great job to the owner for this experience.
Kerrian Adair — Google review
At the beginning of the year we’ve decided to visit longleat for the first time. They had their lights event on for Christmas and we were amazed. It’s a very memorable experience and we will definitely be back for the next one at the end of the year.
My daughter is a part time wheelchair user due to her conditions and was glad that there were plenty of disabled parking bays as the extra space helps getting the wheelchair in and out. They also offer free carers ticket, since I am my daughters carer too I got in for free. The zoo was very wheelchair and buggy friendly.
We will definitely visit again but next time we will bring our battery packs with us to charge our phones as both my partners and my phone died taking so many pictures we didn’t get pictures of everything.
Lei Hang — Google review
We went for the annual Christmas New Year Light show (4th time) which was well up to standard.
Despite the onset of torrential rain in the afternoon we did the safari drive earlier in the day and had some great up close and personal encounters as the animals were generally less sleepy than when the weather is sunny...or so it seemed 😉
Westonbirt Arboretum is a Victorian landscape covered with an internationally significant tree and shrub collection. It's a great place to spend a morning or afternoon walking through the trees, and it's especially beautiful in autumn when the colors of the maple trees change. Dogs are allowed on leashes, and the cafe has doggy ice cream for those who need a break after spending hours in the forest!
Really nice place for a walk with friends. Nice and quiet. Good for people with mobility issues. Went in spring so loads of bluebells around the trees. Even in the rain was very enjoyable and then to the smokehouse for lunch for a pork burger and chips. Delicious. Only downside was cost to enter was £11 each. But such a well maintained place so worth it. But I know many people will be turned off by that entry price.
Andrew Gleave — Google review
Amazing place with so many options of trails!
The autumn colors are incredible!!!! 🍂🍁
We spent 6 hours just walking around and exploring...
The trails are accessible and there is also a tree top bridge which was a great attraction for our son!
The food stands were great too!
Highly recommended!
iyyar schwartz — Google review
Fantastic place! I have been driving past many times but never been, so will definitely be back. The place is huge and excellently maintained. The trees are amazing, some of them must be centuries old. There are great facilities, too, and all of them are dog friendly. Admissions fee is not high either, so perfect place for a day out.
Angie K — Google review
Nature's art gallery ✨️; light, colour, texture, design and sculpture to name but a few attributes. We absolutely loved our day, unexpectedly enhanced by a brilliant guided tour which we were invited to join by volunteers Tim and Neil. Their knowledge of the trees and the history of the site added to our experience enormously and we heard stories and facts, and saw trees we would possibly have completely missed. The estate is truly beautiful and an amazing resource to protect our world's trees for future generations. A real credit to Forestry England, all their paid staff and particularly their volunteers. How we wish we lived closer.
rachel ridley — Google review
Even in February, hardly the best time to visit, there is still much to see in this national treasure. Its been hit by Ash die back but there is much work going on to protect the area. After your walk there is even a great cafe for some much needed refreshments.
David Cumberland — Google review
Beautiful walk, definitely recommend going in autumn, the colours were stunning 😍 lots of amazingly large trees. The paths were nice and flat so very relaxing stroll and accessible for all.
My only complaint was that there were only toilets at the entrance, it would have been helpful to have some toilets along the routes.
Beth H — Google review
An amazing place to walk the dog. We were here 4.5 hours. It was a rather hot day so make sure you have plenty of water for your dog. We had lunch there and a Scoop ice-cream for the dog.
Brian Tucker — Google review
A truly beautiful and unique place. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who keep this incredible piece of natural splendour in such amazing beauty. An absolutely stunning testament to people who have the vision to establish and preserve a place for generations to wander and enjoy. The membership is the best thing, as you will definitely want to visit often.
Tony Mockeridge — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place to go. Lovely walk and many magnolia and cherry blossoms. Photos was taken in last week.
Delicious food , the pizza made by wood in the forest .
Celia@Cooking Fever — Google review
Great place,you can lose a good five or six hours here wandering through the trees. Fantastic treetop walkway and the older part, where digs are not allowed, was full of deer, rabbits and squirrels the size of cats. Lived it...
Mr Lofty — Google review
I have visited Westonbirt 3 times now as I wanted to shoot the Autumn colours. The first visit was in the Acacia Avenue and then the second two the Maple Loop. Both are stunning, the colours are vibrant, the yellows reds and oranges have really been dramatic this year. This is a large site , you will need plenty of time to get round everything. There are plenty of stalls for coffee, and plenty of take away choices. The staff are absolutely lovely and always give me good tips for my photos, please thank them for me. This is a lovely visit easily deserving five stars, and deserves its reputation as one of the best arboretums in the country. I will let the images (hopefully) do the talking. A Photo Tip if I may. Shoot more Landscape as opposed to portrait. We see in landscape, our field of vision is Landscape 3X2 (width X height). While sensors vary in size, most sensors are Landscape 3X2 (both camera and phone), they mimic what our sub conscious is most comfortable with and expects to see. .
Alan Keevil — Google review
Such a wonderful place for a walk no matter what the season. The autumn colours are absolutely beautiful 🍁🍂, the flowers in the spring are gorgeous and it’s so nice to see all the little buds on the trees🌱🌷🌼. Even in the rain it’s a lovely place for a stroll. There are so many different trail options suitable for any one no matter their ability, you could go for a quick half an hour walk or spend hours there!
There are trails for kids and things to keep them entertained all the way round, information about all the different trees and little activities. There’s often trails on for them and always the gruffalo waiting to be found!
The cafe is really nice with great options and there’s also a little food trailer near the entrance to grab a coffee for your walk.
Emily L — Google review
We arrived late but the time we spent was lovely. Enjoyed coffee and cake after a walk over the fabulous Ariel walkway. Can't wait to go again for a full day. Dogs allowed on leads.
ANN Monica — Google review
Amazing place for walks, I recommend good walking boots or shoes whenever visiting as it can be muddy. There is a provided map and multiple sign posts around a paved route.
Chaz D — Google review
Absolutely loved it. Fantastic family festive event. Met up with a group of friends for a catch up during the festive season. Lovely village waiting area, complete with rides for the children, Santa Claus and plenty of refreshments. Hot Chocolate, Milkshakes, Mulled Wine and Cider, Hog Roast Bratwurst, Burgers, Falafel, Baguettes, Jacket Potatoes so much variety of choice.
Parking was easy and well guided by the attendants, big screen with info of time slots now being admitted. The walk itself took about 50mins/hour and there were beautifully lit areas with lots to see and experience. £21 for an adult ticket, absolute bargain for the experience and really nice time we all had, now a new annual tradition.
Thank you Westonbirt Team - Great work 👍
Christopher Baker — Google review
Lovely time as ever and the trees are stunning. Two downsides: food choices weren't great, 2, we managed to borrow a mobility scooter (of which, I don't feel they have enough for high season) but the battery ran down so fast we had to cut our walk short. This was to our advantage though, as we got to the car before the rain started!
Elizabeth Wilson Scott — Google review
Beautiful as always, no matter what season you come the trees will spoil you with beauty. Has multiple walks of different lengths to fit most people, a lot are wheelchair accessible or good for people with reduced mobility.
A must visit for each season.
Paul Edwards — Google review
Absolutely stunning display of Xmas lights but a bit disappointed with the lack of characters (elves, father Xmas, reindeer runway etc) and fun fair events during and after the walk. Previous years have definitely delivered more.
Anthony Fenton-Wells — Google review
Really beautiful and special place, I just wish dogs were allowed in all of it.
They are allowed in the new section, witch is huge, and they are allowed off lead in part of that side too, so there's a lovely relaxed atmosphere, and the colours are already amazing, with a lot still to come.
Ellen Cooper — Google review
£16 adult entry enjoyed a lovely 3 and half hour walk with a very nice coffee at the end of it. I will return again.
Heather Phipps — Google review
I visited Westonbirt a few times during Xmas holiday, but this was my first time there in the daytime. Lots of visitors were there on Sunday. The car parks were full. Plenty of places to eat or drink. It is a nice walk around the park on a sunny day. It is worth the visit, although a bit of more entertainment would be great for the adults.
T Sultis — Google review
We will keep coming back as long as we can. I’ve been coming since I was little with my family and look back fondly on our days beneath the trees. I now take my own family here at least once a month. It’s truly beautiful and one of our favourite places to go.
The Tank Museum boasts an impressive collection of tanks, including the world's first-ever tank. Visitors can enjoy interactive activities and exhibitions showcasing armoured warfare machines from World War I to the present day. The museum also features an outdoor area where tanks drive around and offers rides on them for a fee. Additionally, there is a pleasant cafe, clean restrooms, and a gift shop. It is considered by some as one of the best tank collections in the world.
Fascinating place. If you considering it, do go.
We went today as as two adults with our tank mad 14 year old.
It is the first time we have been and can't recommend it enough.
Very informative in relation to tanks and virtually every battle since 1914.
There were numerous tanks on display.
I found the description boards next to each tank particularly interesting.
We were there 5 hours and are going back later in the week to finish the last 30 per cent.
The layout was a little confusing, but it didn't matter.
The food was average price and average quality. Reasonable. Plenty of seating.
There were lots of interactive displays for younger children and a soft play area (that did look a bit manic).
The outside arena display was probably the highlight.
Louise Henry — Google review
Absolutely superb day. If you are into military vehicles then allow a full day. The layout of the exhibits is excellent and takes you through the development of the tank, the first world war as well as many other eras. We took our 8 month old in a pram and the facilities were great. Cafe provided good food for a fair price and everything was very accessible. I am sad that I live so far away or I would be back regularly. Buy tickets online for a small discount. Shop was fairly priced and had an excellent selection, particularly of clothes and model kits.
Benedict Stek — Google review
A brilliant museum for anyone interested in tanks and war history! Drove 3 hours to visit and I’m glad we did. All exhibits are interesting and the quantity, quality and variety of tanks and their information is amazing. Got to tick off some bucket list tanks to see. Cannot wait to return.
Thomas Howe — Google review
What an absolutely brilliant day out. So worth the visit. The live tank display is a must and thoroughly enjoyable. Tank rides are available at an extra cost to the entrance price but worth it. Lots of WW1 and WW2 exhibits with interesting and moving personal accounts. With recreations of what life was like in a wartime bunker which you can actually walk through. Large cafe and seating available but gets busy. You can bring your own picnic and sit on the grass overlooking the tank display arena. Very friendly and helpful staff ready to answer any questions. I highly recommend a visit.
Paula Turner-Howarth — Google review
We were so impressed with our visit. We visited with our 3 year old and stayed for over 4 hours. There are some really great kids activities throughout the museum like army figures, lego, top trumps, dressing up, puzzles etc. I’m not that into tanks myself, my husband is the one who wanted to go, but I still really enjoyed myself and found everything so interesting. So much to see and a very big museum. Highly recommend. They also have some bargain books!
A Knight — Google review
Fantastic day out. Book tickets online as they are cheaper than buying on the day. The food is below average but that's not why you come here.
I'd advise bringing a picnic and eating at the tables looking over the exhibits or outside on the grass if it's good weather.
The tickets get you an annual pass, making it great value for money. I was feeling unwell so I left early and ended up coming back the following day to finish the museum and am glad I did so.
There are talks throughout the day that are great for those who struggle reading the vast amount of information in the exhibits.
If you're not a fan of tanks (and have been dragged along) I'd suggest completing the story of the tank exhibition and going through the trenches. It will take most of the morning and I've been told it was interesting to a non enthusiast.
The staff were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A great day out.
Also you may see some tanks on the road on your way in, which is great to see they are still operational and brings home their power.
matthew foley — Google review
Just the most fantastic museum, so we'll laid out. Brilliant value as your ticket lasts for a year. 1000% better than 10 years ago. Very nice cafe with great views. You will need at least 5 hours.
Marki Allum — Google review
So much to see and learn even if you're not a tank enthusiast specifically! We went on a rainy day as two adult women but had an amazing time. The museum does a great job of taking you right from the start of their introduction to modern day so you really can understand the decisions made and their impacts.
My only note is that it gets really warm, so definitely consider a t shirt or even shorts!
Gift shop and book shop were great, and the little cafe is a good stop for a quick refreshment although probably not the best bet for a full lunch!
Flora S — Google review
Visited for Tankfest weekend and was amazed by the size of the place and the incredible number of tanks on display. And that's not giving credit to the vast number of "undisplayed" tanks in the storage hangar. Very well organized event overall, although I would like to see more undercover grandstand seating given that the glorious sunshine was beating down all weekend.
Mick Morley — Google review
Can't rave enough about this place. This was our first visit as a family of 5 with two boys on the spectrum. At the admissions desk, we saw there were Sensory Bags available, these were just what was needed, ear defenders, torch, fidget spinners, periscope and loads of other items to keep them occupied while adults explored. There were loads of activities that occupied the kids too. It was nice to stop and get a coffee while they ran around the softplay. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making the overall experience great. The outdoor display was great as well. We didn't get time to ride the tracked vehicle and there were some exhibits we couldn't appreciate while keeping an eye on the boys but thoroughly enjoyed the day. Highly recommend it.
Nick Marfleet — Google review
The tank museum was amazing! Even people in our group who weren't into tanks enjoyed it. There was plenty of space for the kids to look around and fun activities for them. Our autistic daughter had lots of fun too and was able to move around freely with no judgement.
We will 100% be returning, numerous times I hope!
Steven Aley — Google review
Wow wow wow. This place is absolutely brilliant! There are so many things to interact with and the actual engineering and all the different types of tank is mind blowing. This is an exceptional set up, brilliant cafe serving wholesome meals and snacks, separate cafe next to soft play all indoors. Also if you paid for a ticket online you got the next 365 days entrance for free. Such good value if you are staying in the area or plan to come back.
Lots for kids to do too, my son loved all the dressing up and the Lego builds a tank station. Plenty for military enthusiasts too, we will definitely be back!
Joanna Lothian — Google review
So many tanks to look at, far more than I expected. The displays are interesting and in a light and spacious area, not fenced off behind barriers, you can look up close. There is an outdoor area where you can see tanks driving around and for an extra fee you can take a ride on one. The cafe was nice, had a tasty Tuna panini and chips. Lovely clean loos, nice little gift shop. Glad we went.
Kim Wood — Google review
If you love tanks, then this place is for you. The attention to detail to the tank presentation is out of this world. Information on the tanks is very accurate and interesting. To be honest, I wasn't ready to leave and spent a good 4 hours there and still didn't see everything. 10/10
Best tank museum in the world.
Plus the kids loved it!
Richard — Google review
Wonderful experience. Fascinating. Lots of interactive exhibits for our children. Our teenage son, who is very interested in WWII and tanks, thought it was excellent. We all enjoyed our time here.
Kerri Christie — Google review
What a fantastic experience! Amazing collection, well displayed. Definitely worth traveling across the world to see it.
Fairly easy to get there by train from Bournemouth. Best to take a taxi from the train station, takes about 5min. Food at the museum is decent. Probably 2 days needed to have the full experience. We spent 6 hours and it wasn’t enough time. WW1 exhibits are amazing! Don’t miss it.
Roman Krzaczek Quadra Island Cortes Island and Campbell River Realtor — Google review
Absolutely brilliantly day out. I had very little expectations. Thought they’d have a few tanks on display and a few medals. Nothing like that. The place has so much going on. They’ve thought of everything. And parking is free, which is always a bonus. We visited in the 6 week term so really busy but when I booked my ticket for the day (£45 for 2 adults and 2 children) I noticed you can add the annual pass for free with the ticket so make sure you do that. We will definitely visit again. The kids loved it. Highly recommend a visit
Lorna Morton — Google review
Having last visited the Tank Museum in 2001, I was not sure how much could have changed in that time, and I was slightly apprehensive that my young child might be quickly bored, but this was absolutely NOT the case!
There are more than ample interactive activities for kids in almost every room, with each section being very well thought out to appeal to all age ranges. There is also reasonable cafe and soft play to keep young families occupied if the activity trails aren't enough, which is a bonus.
The museum also offers sensory backpacks for children, which was a very nice touch.
The tanks themselves are still very tastefully displayed and remain the real highlight.
Highly recommended!
Chris Green — Google review
Easy to find and significantly more professional and well presented than when I went as a kid. So, so many tanks and military vehicles with loads of info about the exhibits. One area was closed off due to a wedding, but we still ran out of time to see it all. Hopefully in a few years time they will cover the Ukrainian war and the impact drones have had on tank design and tactics.
C Tooth — Google review
I think I felt like a 6 year old with big toys for the whole 4 hours it took to take the place in... Loved it!
I arrived with a love for tanks and left with knowledge of the reason and history of the modern tank. It's an amazing collection expertly presented.
Dan — Google review
What a great day out. So many tanks to see but other interesting things to do like tank PC gaming and exhibitions. Caters to all ages and plenty of places to sit and read and interact with. My son's 15 and loved it. Great value for money as well. Great shop and restaurants there. And you get an annual pass with entry which is great we want to go back in the summer to see the tank shows. But your tickets online it's cheaper but very good price for everything you get to see and do.
Sarah Morris — Google review
WOW! this Museum blew my mind away such a huge collection, excellent displays and information, take plenty of time for your visit so much to take in. Staff make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in, tours are available at different times throughout the day with guides. There is a restaurant, parking is easy, plenty for kids to do all in all a fantastic day out. Having a Grandad that served in WW1 who won medals during the battle of the Somme who survived to return a broken man, and uncles that served in the Army during WW2 who also returned home made this visit even more important for me.
Ian Stewart — Google review
How amazing is this place.. I cannot wait to recommend this amazing experience. There is so much to see and learn here for young enthusiastic kids, and even the big kids like mums and dads will enjoy this place. I have to comment on the value for money. The tank show is a not to be missed either.
A brilliant day out.
Johnny Clingham — Google review
What a brilliant museum. So much to see and do. My son wanted to visit this place for his birthday treat. If you like military history or not it is very interesting, some of the machines are incredible. The staff are great and very friendly. The food is a bit pricey, but to help support the museum I don't mind. Admission is very reasonable, 1 adult and 2 kids under 15, £34 for a year ticket. We stayed in nearby Swanage to make a weekend of it. Some lovely places to stay.
Karl Irons — Google review
If you are into military vehicles this is a must place to visit (in Dorset), hundreds of vehicles with their history attached. Some you can go into others just to look into.
The price is £21.50 (adult) so not cheap BUT that is valid for a year so even if you visit twice in the year it's very good value for money as you can spend many hours there.
Lots of car parking spaces, a cafe and a restaurant on site.
I would highly recommend a visit.
Just a few photos attached.
John Boneham — Google review
Excellent day out. Very informative and interesting. Much bigger than I thought, and not at all boring. Brilliant displays and interactive exhibits. Thoroughly recommend a visit. Make sure you see the outdoor displays too - great to see some proper tanks in action!
Daniel Robins — Google review
I think this is the most excellent museum I have ever been in. Quite jaw dropping in its scale, with highly informative exhibits brought to life through many personal stories. We were there for over 4 hours and still did not see or read everything. We were quite overwhelmed by the experience. Luckily the tickets are valid for a year and we will definitely return. To help spend a whole day here there is a cafe with a kids play area and a less noisy restaurant. There is a ton of stuff for kids to do. Put simply, everyone should visit to be better informed about war, UK innovation in tank warfare, and how ordinary people were impacted at such a young age.
Kathryn Barrow — Google review
Had never thought about visiting a place like this before, but really glad I did as was a great day and an amazing insight into history. The perfect place to visit too when the weather ain't great as it's all indoors. A really great varied collection of tanks and other historical military equipment. Great history education throughout and a sizeable gift shop to choose souvenirs from.
Shaun Maloney — Google review
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R A C Tank Museum, Linsay Rd, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG, United Kingdom
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre is a 40-acre open-air animal park that offers visitors the opportunity to view over 100 rescued and endangered primates. The park also features a petting zoo, assault courses, an indoor play area, a gift shop, and a cafe that serves reasonably priced food. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, host events such as weddings or birthday parties, and even adopt their favorite animals. Monkey World is an excellent destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation efforts.
Enjoyable day out with the family, interesting to see the different species of monkey they have there. Information boards outside enclosures filled with backgrounds of the monkeys about their past. Very wide open green area to park cars. Really good for kids as there are two play grounds and lots of benches dotted around the park. Definitely worth bringing a picnic as not much selection from the on-site food vendors.
C R — Google review
Slightly eye watering price tag but we understand they are surviving on charity to be able to afford to do the amazing work they do with saving and caring for so many animals.
We had a fantastic family day out. The cafe food was expensive but all very tasty - much better than expected and better standard than any other zoo/farm/kids place we have been to in recent memory!!
There are lots of parks dotted around and the big one was huge and easily accommodated all the kids wanting to play. With tonnes of different climbing activities and loads of swings so no kids really queuing for any activity.
There were loads of animals to see and, as they are primates, they were mostly jumping or running about so my daughter enjoyed it more than a big standard zoo.
Gift shop prices were mostly quite reasonable although most the stuffed toys were extortionate in my opinion! However we bought a few other bits and liked the range of bits and bobs.
Would definitely go again. Highly recommend as a slightly different day out.
S C — Google review
Monkey World will be very familiar to anyone who has seen the TV series about the dedicated rescue work of Jim and Alison Cronin and their colleagues. It is, however, a fascinating place to visit for any animal lover, regardless of whether they've seen the shows. It's readily apparent how much care has been lavished on providing a safe home and an attractive, sympathetic environment for the many rescued animals, many of whom still bear the marks of their harsh former lives.
On site facilities are good. There are cafes, a fair sized gift shop and a reasonable number of toilets. The paths are fairly friendly for prams and wheelchairs.
Gillian Pearson — Google review
Amazing. The monkeys are so well looked after and have very large enclosures. The map was slightly confusing but that could have been how we interpreted it. It is very large and definitely needs a whole day to see everything. It is very well priced and not expensive. For one adult and one child it cost £27. The food, gift shop and drinks were a good price and good quality. It's a good place to take the family and enjoy a day out. Will definitely be visiting again.
Robyn — Google review
It’s a great place for adults kids alike. What this place provides for these maltreated animals is amazing. I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in animals.
You can see that they’re well cared for they’ve got a lot of space in their pens and they given a completely comfortable and safe life.
It’s a lot larger than you think it is, when you look on the map, it does look a bit small but trust me you can make a whole day out of this.
My advice is not to rush through like a lot of people do. Stop at each animals enclosure and read the story about what they went through before coming to the rescue centre. (Each section has a placard with what the animal went through, along with their name and general information)
It will absolutely shock you what they went through before they rescued, and I think it really adds to the experience to truly understand what these animals have been through, and what this place provides them now in terms of safety, comfort and happiness.
One other thing I really like is usually places in this genre hike the cost of food and the shop at the end. I have to say the tickets the food and the shop were all very well priced. It meant that you’re not breaking the bank just forget lunch out.
It’s worth stopping for food and getting something in the shop before you leave
I definitely will visit again, and I joined my time so much
Josh T — Google review
Really nice place to visit. We went as a family, kids 10 and 11. The park is very accessible with most paths being tarmac. The primates have a great environment to live in with loads of space. There are plenty of opportunities to see the animals and have a read about their backstory.
The park was great for the kids, there are plenty of kiosks, toilets and bins dotted around. I would definitely recommend a visit.
Darryl Ponting — Google review
A great day out for all ages!!! There are plenty of monkeys to see and lovely locations for picnic. Would recommend purchasing tickets online in advance as they are cheaper. We were very fortunate with the overcast weather, I probably wouldn't recommend going when it is raining as most of the enclosures are outside. A well spaced out attraction where you can take each element of the park at your own pace; various outdoor play areas available for children to play. It brought back many great memories for me from when I was a child. Even thought the gift shop was fairly priced for a park gift shop.
S31BY — Google review
Absolutely great day out. We went in around midday and left at around 4.15.
Toilets are clean and dotted around quite well. Snack and food places about, though a little pricey, but you expect it, and we had coffees and sausage rolls by a big area of picnic benches. Lots of benches and picnic tables to sit and take five where necessary. Park was bigger than I expected and would highly recommend.
KS — Google review
Great place for a day of family fun. Plenty of different monkeys to see; all in big open spaces. Huge site, with plenty of facilities including toilets, cafes, shop, play areas and more. You'll most definitely be there for the best part of a day. Order tickets online for quicker entry.
blackhearttek — Google review
Been before, an interesting place to visit, took the grandson, he loved the monkeys and apes, especially the play areas, but had a meltdown in the gift shop as he couldn’t have a toy car, instead of a furry ape toy. Just no pleasing some children. Overall worth a visit a really good day out. The cafes on site are reasonable, and the coffee is not to bad. One slight issue is the exit is not well marked till you get close to it.
paul mathias — Google review
It was very, very busy, which made the day slightly less enjoyable. We had hoped the watering hole would be open, but it never seems to be.
The animals, as always, are clearly very well cared for. You always see staff around cleaning. The toilets are cleaned hourly, which you can see on the checklist in each cubicle.
A lovely place to visit
Kiara Werran — Google review
It was very cold, but sunny and we had a lovely day. A lot of primates to see, with explanations of how each one comes to be at monkey world. They have lovely accommodation and huge outdoor play areas with lots of very big interesting climbing structures.
Christine Hobson — Google review
Fantastic day out for a wonderful cause. Huge enclosures for all primates which is great to see. Great to hear the staff doing talks throughout the day and lots of information on how the animals came to the sanctuary. Recommend booking in advance to save that little extra. Gift shop reasonably priced too. Can see new enclosures being built so will have to come back to see once finished!
Trish — Google review
It's a lovely place to visit. Plenty of primates to see and enjoy. A leisurely walk all around the park. The cafe was busy but it didn't take long to get our food. Very tasty burgers and reasonably priced. Everybody enjoyed the day out.
trevor luckett — Google review
Absolutely fantastic day! It was nice to see all the animals in big, clean enclosures with lots of enrichment and places to hang out either in sight or away from people. The animals seemed relaxed and often came to watch us as much as we watched them. The staff where helpful and seemed to enjoy there work and the gift shop was brilliant too.
Starly — Google review
Having watched a couple of the TV shows, found this place different. Much better!. Layout is very well done and as natural as possible with the foliage, trees and plants. Easy to identify as a rescue centre as opposed to a manicured garden zoo. Just please take with you any clean unwanted sheets and towels etc. Fab to watch the orangs in particular 'wearing' the towels. Such a lovely place, on fact so lovely spent 4 hrs on Sat and then another 4 hrs on the Monday. We'll worth a trip, and we'll worth sponsoring / adopting a primate. Also read on a notice that they need plants. Next time I go I will take bedding, towels and some plants. They do need donations of plants but only specific ones. Thoroughly recommend the Park. Staff are committed and that is evident from watching them. If you time it right you can see the chimps with their broccoli. The staff put it on top of their enclosure so they need their hands to get it through the bars! Had lots of happy hours there.
Karyn Fryer — Google review
This was a great day out, all the chimps, monkeys you know from the TV show, also a new baby woolley monkey sooo cute. It was a lot of walking but there was seating and rest points. Picnic & play area, outside seating + cafe. Nut free Oat Bars a selection of food drinks. Gift shop has a good selection. The main plus staff were helpful and friendly.
Shirley Bourke — Google review
It's really easy to find as it's well sign posted. I felt it was reasonably priced at £46 for a family of 4, including days parking. Usually, that means that they rip u to shreads on the price of food, this was not the case. 4 main meals with drinks was about £36. It tasted lovely and fresh with great portions. Staff were so polite and were happy to accommodate.
While walking around the park, it was clean and tidy with plenty of seating. The enclosures were beautiful, bigger than i thought they would be, and well kept. There were names and photos on every enclosure so that you knew who you were meeting when they came to the window. Some had detailed descriptions of their journey, which were sad to read. The level of cruelty they had experienced was unimaginable. Makes you ashamed to be human. Would visit again.
jaymie leatherdale — Google review
Visited here with my elderly disabled mother. The animals have nice enclosures and seem well cared for. Essential carers enter free, pathways are sound (there are a few inclines) and plenty of toilets. These are all important considerations when visiting with someone with a disability. Well done Monkey World for being very inclusive.
graham johnston — Google review
I recently visited Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre with my elderly mother during our holiday in Dorset. The experience was quite enjoyable overall. The enclosures were impressively spacious, and the monkeys appeared to be well cared for, providing us with great viewing opportunities. Their entertaining antics kept us engaged throughout our visit.
However, one minor letdown was the café's food variety. It could have offered a more diverse selection, especially for visitors with varying tastes and dietary preferences.
A word of caution to fellow caregivers: if you're accompanying someone in a wheelchair, be prepared for some steep inclines that can make navigation a bit challenging. It's worth keeping in mind for a smoother visit.
Despite these minor downsides, both my mother and I had a nice time at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, and the opportunity to witness the monkeys in their spacious enclosures was certainly a highlight of our trip to Dorset.
Anna Louise — Google review
It was great seeing all the monkeys & orangutans. It was a dry day we visited & quite a few of them we're out & also playing around. My only downer was that there is one way in & then retrace your steps out. Having it go in & out from different ways would have made our day perfect in my eyes.
Andy The Butcher — Google review
A nice place to see various apes. There are several kids play areas and seating for food. Probably better to go here nearer the summer period.
Stephen Saloway — Google review
Second visit to monkey world now and it was once again a great day out. Credit to all the staff who do such fantastic work helping conserve these amazing animals.
Alan Jones — Google review
This was a wonderful site seeing all the amazing work they are doing and have done.
Each monkey having been given support in some less than nice situations.
It was extremely educational when it comes to legislation and the lack of government support (of all political persuasions) to help more!
Highly recommended fun, educational and heart warming/wrenching
Mark Costello — Google review
Another brilliant experience at Monkey World. My boys & I loved seeing all the monkeys & what they were up to. Great experience for my youngsters and me alike.
Food in the cafe was really tasty & great value for money & the gift shop was loved by all.
Niki McCormick — Google review
A truly magical experience. I have been to a large number of zoos both in England and abroad. This is truly the best from an animal welfare point of view and also from seeing all the beautiful animals. They have descriptions about the animals and what has happened to them previously. The keepers are very knowledgeable about all their animals and very happy to talk about them. We were lucky enough to hear the gibbons singing to each other and also swinging across the tree tops. I would highly recommend it to anyone that loves animals.
Robin Turner — Google review
Returning from Devon popped in and spent 3hrs there. Great price £40 paid for family of four.
Fascinating place.
Buy tickets online saves 10% worth it show booking reference to cashier turnstile gates.
Plenty of parking.
Deep Distinct — Google review
4.7
(10863)
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4.5
(6228)
Tout Hill, Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH, United Kingdom
Swanage Railway is a heritage railway that operates diesel and steam locomotives, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy dining trains and driving experiences. The railway offers a variety of experiences for enthusiasts, from the bustling atmosphere of Swanage to the picturesque charm of Corfe Castle. Both stations are well-preserved gems showcasing transport heritage, complete with fascinating artefacts and friendly service.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Definitely a Mother’s Day I will not forget. Highly recommend!
Connie L — Google review
Brilliant team of volunteers and staff... Its like going back in time. Great trip
sully mayd — Google review
For me was the one attraction in the area I wanted to visit on our holiday and it didn't disappoint. A long time since I went on a steam/heritage railway but this was by far one of the best I've been to. The stations and carriages were all in noticeably great condition, with the stations decorated in the 'golden age of steam' fashion - they look great.
It's gets busy, we got the 1040hrs train out of Norden and we were lucky to get a seat so get there early - there is a luggage carriage for wheelchairs/buggies
Tickets can be bought online, on the platform or with the ticket inspector, kids under 5 go free (!) and adults were a very reasonable £18 open return. Journey to Swanage took about 20 mins and was very picturesque with a great view of Corfe Castle. The numerous return journies allows for ample time exploring Swanage. There are various museums at the different stations to explore and a shop at Swanage station. Staff were very helpful and a pleasure to see being so enthusiastic about working there - certainly added to the experience.
Richard Smart — Google review
From the rush hour type bustle of Swanage to the rural idyll of Corfe Castle, pulled by a majestic West Country Class locomotive. A steam dreamer's delight, with both stations gems of preservation. Great vantage points, fascinating artefacts, friendly service and more than a whiff of transport heritage. Swanage Railway is up there with the best of British steam railways, with a lovely diesel railcar for those of us who love such variety.
Bob White — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous. It's not a terribly long run but ideal if you love steam trains. Regular service and good prices.
Iain Hamilton — Google review
What a lovely experience!!! Everyone was so pleasant, and we enjoyed it so much.
Tim King — Google review
Always love a steam railway. A decent journey to Corfe Castle (lovely village), or Norton if you want decent parking and Steam into Swanage, the opposite way round.
Karen Elliott — Google review
Absolutely wonderful return trip to Swanage from Corfe Castle. Our little dog hadn’t travelled on any train before and they made a fuss of him which he loved.
Scenery is stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed it!
The staff have to be commended because they were so friendly and obviously enjoyed their work. I think many are volunteers? If so that’s amazing!
Tara McCarthy — Google review
Great staff to talk to. The diesel gale. Never disappointed over the wide variety of different locomotives to ride behind. In diesel gala if I mist 1 train, there will be soon another. It's fun to enjoy.
Daryl Tay — Google review
A beautiful heritage railway manned by friendly and well mannered volunteers. This has to be one of the best kept and most scenic heritage lines the UK has to offer. We have visited many time and have always has a great experience, even on poor weather days. But if the sun is shining, then it is absolutely magical. Great views of the local rural countryside. Get a seat on the observation car if you get the chance (it is not always hooked up). For £3.50 you get the best views whilst travelling in this panoramic glazed rail car. Awesome 🤩.
recogniseman — Google review
A beautiful traditional station with old steam and diesel engine train takes you back into time. We parked round the corner in Swanage car park costing £8 for the whole day parking and has a toilet on site and lots of parking space. We booked 2 x family tickets for up to 5 people per family for £45 each. Lots of space on train and lovely staff at the station and the station even had the old traditional feel and look about it. Once boarded on train the train visits 4 stations along the route. We got off at Corfe Castle and took a walk and lunch seeing the historic castle ruins and village. To visit the castle you have to purchase tickets but we opted to see the ruins from the path route and hill top views. The village has lots of shops to eat, drink and buy souvenirs. Was really great to hear the history and story from a volunteer who has been working on the train line for over 30 years. He was very funny and had a great sense of humour not just telling us about the train history but about the castle history also. Its a must visit, transports you back into time and worth the money. Thank you to everyone who is keeping this history alive!!
Anam Hoque — Google review
Each visit to the charming town of Swanage, nestled along the picturesque Purbeck coast, feels like stepping into a haven I never wish to leave. There's a timeless allure here, reminiscent of a 1970s seaside retreat, untouched and brimming with simple joys. The air is filled with the inviting aroma of freshly fried fish and chips, cozy cafes dot the landscape, and there's even a nostalgic "Wimpy" that adds to the town's quaint charm.
The heart of Swanage beats with the rhythm of its heritage railway, lovingly operated by passionate volunteers who breathe life into the romance of steam travel. The journey offers breathtaking views of Corfe Castle, creating a scenic backdrop that feels plucked from the pages of an Enid Blyton adventure. On a sun-drenched day, tracing the paths once imagined by Blyton herself, the essence of Swanage unfolds in all its beauty, offering moments of pure bliss that linger long after the visit.
Paul Hames — Google review
Lovely afternoon out, specially good if the weather isn’t beach worthy.
The staff are always friendly, the trains are clean and a joy to watch, and ride in.
I have taken to riding to Corfe, having a pub lunch and riding back again (not having to park in Corfe is always a plus).
UPDATE: If you're here at Christmas, go on the light spectacular trip. Great evening, whether with or without kids.
And finally, nothing to do with this train, but made me smile...... Did you know reading between the lines can be dangerous, specially if you’re at a train station.
Jon Baker — Google review
Lovely visit and good to see the staff operate with COVID measures in place.
Felt safe the whole time and people where respectful of social distancing.
We couldn’t stay in Swanage and not go on the train to Corfe Castle
Avebury Stone Circle is a rural monument consisting of standing stones and 17th-century stables that have been converted into a museum. It is located 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from central Avebury and is considered to be one of the area's iconic landmarks. Apart from the stone circle, there are several other attractions in its vicinity including gift shops, bookstores, pubs, Manor House and gardens, and a barn with outdoor seating for dining.
Lovely place to visit ,not just the stone circle to look at ,there is also, gifts shops, bookstore, pub, Manor House and gardens , barn with seating outside if you fancy a bite to eat..lots of things to see and do. Car parks are near and blue badge holders can park right near the High St..not far (4 miles ) away you have the burial grounds ,all in all fab place to visit if your on your own, couples, with children age doesn't matter..
Angela Westgate — Google review
A lovely walk around the stones, there's quaint cottages, a lovely pub & a cafe/restaurant, plus the house to see so lots to do.
Be aware in the car park you need coins or the app and the signal is a nightmare there.
Sarah Mills — Google review
Great to visit and see the Avebury Stones which are older than Stonehenge and older than the pyramids in Egypt apparently. Lovely place to visit and also a National Trust site and visitor centre
Dominic Ayara-Ekpe — Google review
Fascinating place, really powerful vibes from the stones. I spent over 3 hours walking around the site, dog friendly as well,but not inside the small restaurant. Plenty of information at the visitor centre and museum. Village itself is very small, a couple of shops selling the sort of thing you also find in Glastonbury (tarot,candles etc.) And a chain pub. Beautiful area.
alexander cruse — Google review
This is an absolute beautiful and powerful place. Owned and maintained by the National Trust, it is complemented by a beautiful, very old farm, lovely places to eat and shop for souvenirs, and a sweet little museum. Free parking, but also a few places to pay for parking. This area is well preserved, and as I said, has a powerful, peaceful feel to it. I loved being able to touch the stones. I enjoyed this even more than Stonehenge.
Deb Greer — Google review
I love Avebury. A fascinating stone circle (the largest stone circle in Europe) and a lovely little village! Unfortunately, the National Trust has had to rope off sections of the circle (particularly during school holidays) due to erosion from so many people walking around, but it's still very stunning to see.
They have a pub in the middle of the village which offers food and drinks. There's also a small corner shop (very friendly owners) and a few other shops (one being esoteric, another being an independent jeweller).
The church and its grounds are very well maintained, and there's a museum that details the history of Avebury.
It can get very muddy during rainy periods, and proper walking/hiking boots definitely help you keep traction with the ground!
It is a wonderful place to go to during pagan holidays. There's always really friendly people around, and the summer solstice and Samhain (Halloween) celebrations are always great fun! I've visited this site dozens of times, and I dare say I will continue to do so for as long as I'm able to!
There are several car parks dotted around, including one near the centre of the village.
The only negative to the village at the moment is that the public toilets are STILL not open. They've been closed for a very long time now.
Pan Poiman-Earle — Google review
Lots to see here, the stone circle, the Manor and museum and there is a nice national trust shop. Parking is a little outside the town and circle, but there is a direct footpath back away from the road and traffic that brings you to the circle and tourist bits. Toilets and food and drink available.
Karl Thomas — Google review
Great place with a beautiful National Trust property as well.
Loads of walks round here as well, the stones are easy to walk around as well, unlike Stonehenge.
The national trust property is definitely worth a visit.
Matt Belcher — Google review
I recently visited Avebury and it was an absolutely delightful experience. The weather was perfect, making the day even more enjoyable. The cleanliness of the area was impressive, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The well-located car park made it convenient to explore both the stone circle and Manor, all within a short walking distance. Avebury is a must-visit destination, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable day out.
Marisa Ferreira — Google review
It was a nice place for a stroll and lunch in the Red Lion which was good value for money. gift shops were very interesting lots to discover in them and you only pay for parking all day £7 for cars and £10 for campervans National trust members are free I believe.
Mary Phillips — Google review
One of those locations that makes you sit back and take stock of life...the reason why our ancient ancestors decided to create such a monument is mind boggling. The time and effort involved must have been off the scale.
It has a spiritual feel about it which i loved...
I arrived well early and had the site to myself and wandered around this amazing location.
A real gem...but it does get busy.
Dave Turney — Google review
Great day out to Avebury, being able to stand right next to the stones is really quite an amazing experiance, the little farm stead was a bonus. Make sure you go to all of the different sights the area. Easy to spend a full day
Riccardo Vallaro — Google review
Absolutely love going here. Having a nice little wonder around. Seeing the stones. Touching the stones. Photos are of Avebury Church. So lovely and peaceful. Parking. Lovely pub on corner, they do some good food with good prices. Second hand bookshop. Some crystal shops.
Tash Smith — Google review
Stunning walk around the henge and the beautiful stones. Gorgeous small church dating back over 1000 years. The garden of the mansion is exquisite. The mansion is run by some fabulous people who tell you great stories of the house. There is also a small museum. You can try on costumes and even sit on the furniture. A highly recommended day out.
Jon Flynn — Google review
A unique find with this amazing town that is surrounded in mystery ✨️ Avebury is a beautiful place surrounded in giant stones with a lovely village. It's so peaceful and beautiful. Parking can be a bit challenging as there is no phone signal there.
Kate Hickey — Google review
High energy, high vibration place. It's free, no tickets required. You can touch the stones and walk around, sit there and meditate. There's a Cafe just opposite, in case you want to park/ wat etc.
Akanksshaa — Google review
The largest stone circle is about 40 minutes from Stonehenge. It is very well the visit. The stones are really impressive and the energy is palatable. Take your time and enjoy the visit.
Roberto Buzzi — Google review
It's a beautiful little village with stone circles, how can it not get five stars. The town has a pub, Cafe, shops, free public toilets, lots of history, and is a beautiful day out. I didn't pay to see the Manor and gardens or to go in the museum at 6 GBP, but what I saw was very enjoyable.
Adventure Nomad for Nature — Google review
A wonderful afternoon, especially as our visit to Avebury today was totally unplanned. We were lucky with car park, and loved that we felt immediately the place was alive. A tremendous place to experience & imagine traditional village life. Actually a lot to do and see for free, but we felt so welcomed, having some great chats with wonderful National Trust volunteers and other visitors, that we joined the NT today. Looking forward to regularly returning even if just for a coffee or a stroll 😀 😎
Andy Boyns — Google review
An incredible archeology site, we loved walking around the stones..Follow signs for parking, it's only a short walk back past the cricket pitch to the village and stones.
Sean O'Neill — Google review
Actually more impressive than l imagined it's much bigger, the hint should have been the biggest Stone Circle in the world. A very level easy walk around and lots to see, of course they charge for the car park £7 but the rest is free unless you want to visit the museum. National Trust shop as always and l throughly recommend the Red Lion pub and the gift shop opposite is independent and very helpful.
The area is dog friendly as you know l wouldn't go otherwise.
Stephen M Goldsmith — Google review
Magical experiences to be had at Avebury Stone circle! There’s a stone laid down that vibrates gently if you sit on it. This is because under the soil there is a chalk layer and the rain seeps through creating a positive and negative electrical charge.
Alison Crocker — Google review
Spent a lovely couple of hours wondering through the stones. Also worth checking out the Unhenged coffee shop and cafe at the club house. For a bite to eat. Dog's welcome. X
STEVE SINGLETON — Google review
Skip overpriced and tumultuous Stonehenge and come to Avebury instead!!
Great archaeological site with a powerful energy, nestled in the quaint English countryside. The stone circle is free to visit, and there is a lovely cafe nearby to enjoy a cuppa and a scone.
We absolutely loved the leisurely stroll around the monoliths and picturesque village.
Devana — Google review
A much better experience than stone henge! Free to walk around and relax. Not too many people, nice shop.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is a conservation center that features rare-breed heavy horses, blacksmith displays, a petting zoo, and vintage trucks. The park offers various activities for kids of all ages including tractor rides and pony grooming. Visitors can also enjoy feeding and stroking the well-kept animals. The staff is friendly and engaging while the facilities such as clean toilets with hand washing are well-maintained. Additionally, the park has a cafe that serves nice coffee and cake.
Great place to spend the day. Plenty to do for kids of all ages, and an abundance of well-kept animals to feed and stroke. Several activities such as tractor rides and pony grooming all included in the very reasonable price.
The staff are all friendly and happy, and the main chap telling the stories engaging.
Clean toilets and hand washing at one end.
There is a cafe - nice coffee and cake, but didn't try the hot food.
All in all a lovely day out, and 3 out of 3 kids sad to leave which is the seal of approval.
Iain Macleod — Google review
This is a fantastic place to visit, whether you go alone or with the family and friends as i did. The horses are gorgeous and clearly very well looked after and loved. I enjoyed reading about each one's different personalities and their breed of heavy horse. They are cheeky but very friendly!
The gentleman who does the first show of the day talking about the horses is very funny and witty and did a solid job of having a laugh at my expense much to my partners amusement (and my own)
The rides and facilities for the children are fantastic, the staff are very friendly and engaging. Overall it was a lovely day out and gave them an appreciation for these incredible animals, it was great to be able to get so up close with them and interact.
petar gemovic — Google review
Absolutely loved the heavy horse farm. We felt it was a very authentic and personal experience with the owners themselves doing a lot of the activities. Our son, who is only 20 months old, loved the animals and the vintage rides. Well worth the money and would definitely visit again when next in Dorset.
lauren antcliffe — Google review
Fabulous 4 and a half hours here yesterday in Horsey Paradise! I was on my own but there's so much to see ,listen to and do even without bringing kids! You'd need a whole day here for that. I loved the talks especially when these big beauties were brought out of their stables so you could see them in all their glory.
Plenty of other animals to see and feed and pet.Great staff too.
Brilliant day out.
mazfb — Google review
Myself and the family went to Heavy Horse Farm today and was pleasantly surprised by all things to do and see. Lots of animals to feed and touch, a lovely little café/restaurant to visit and more play areas than you can shake a stick at. The kids loved every minute of the day...💪🇬🇧🐴
David Short — Google review
We thought it would be a pleasant afternoon out. So we spent three & half hours but we could of spent longer there. It's a great little place with lots of animal petting and activities to do the peddle go carts could do with a bit of maintenance but it was worth the money spent so £62 got us in then everything else was free. Enjoy your day out there.
Phill Robertson — Google review
Wow what an amazing place!! So much to do, so many lovely, enthusiastic staff. All well loved animals and whole site is clean and tidy. We will definitely be going again for sure. Cakes are tasty too. Didn't try the hot food but looked lovely from what we saw being served.
The Owner and all the family clearly love their job and enjoys every minute of it. Thank you for all your knowledge and displays.
Mala Lacey — Google review
Had an amazing time here with my family. I would highly recommend visiting here if you're looking for something to do, it's cheap to enter and has everything planned and ready for you and the kiddies to enjoy the day, learn about various horses and the history of the breeds before feeding the animals and getting rides on the tractors or playing on the bumper cars. Food here is amazing value for money too! Make sure to buy your tickets before you arrive as they run a tight schedule and cannot accept walk ins.
Tommy Little — Google review
This place is really good to be fair. The park itself is not huge but with the space they have they have done really well. The staff work really hard and are all so polite. The horses they have are all taken care of so well and all look strong and healthy. Real good play area for the kids and plenty for them to play on around the park. Worth a look if you are in the area.
James Down — Google review
Was an excellent day out! Small but very well packed out. Plenty to see & do, lots of rides & activities. Great for children & very dog friendly! Staff were friendly, food looked amazing, horses looked well cared for! Spent much longer than expected here, very much worth the money! Thoroughly enjoyed the day!
Cheryl Castle — Google review
Was a really nice the children really enjoyed it. Enough things to do likely wasn't too busy only thing is when get go to 15mins before closing one women coming round pretty much telling us to go because we'll "want to look round the gift shop". Considering paid £40 for me and 2 children I want to get the whole time
Karen Taylor — Google review
One of the last in the country and well worth the entrance fee to help these beautiful breeds.
You MUST book in advance as they can only allow a certain number in. These large breeds were amazing to see and also the other animals, like the small ponys and goats and of course the farm cat. Lovely staff running the small animal handling. Nice play area for my younger son while his horse obsessed teenage sister loved being with the horses. Also 2 indoor play areas,horse and cart rides and an informative talk on the horses and history and show of how the tack goes on was extremely interesting and entertaining. I would say the indoor play area for older children could do with some lighting as a few of the children were scared to go in as it was dark.
All in all a great day and would definitely go again.
kazzie Standing — Google review
What an incredible day out,so much to do and see.The hosts (staff) are really informative and helpful and happy.
What would be a great incentive for family to return....is offer a 50% voucher to returning customers.....asvther is too much to do in a day... loved It so did my grandkids🤣
Abboman — Google review
A nice place to enjoy a few hours. The animals are well looked after and some of the staff are friendly. My daughter enjoyed the activities on offer and the play areas. The tractors, trampoline and the park area are all very well maintained, great fun :)! The Smokey Joe’s Cafe is dark and dingy, plus it really smells of mould/foist. I didn’t eat. The toilets aren’t very clean and the space in the cubicles is tiny. I would visit again but will be bringing a picnic.
Connie L — Google review
What a fantastic day we had with the family and our mutt at this lovely Farm, it is like stepping back in time. Everything is there to be enjoyed by the grandchildren to Great Grandma . There is so much to do there, all the different types of horses , let’s not forget the goats, pigs, turkeys, llama’s, pole cats, birds, rabbits, chickens and ducks. The play areas are really good, as well as all the different types of rides.
Also very important is all the knowledge they have about the horses, what they were used for in the past and how they ended up at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm.
We as a family would recommend spending time here, we are certainly going to return, thanks for a lovely day.
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Deb Cummings — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(1191)
Edmondsham Road, Verwood, BH21 5RJ, United Kingdom
The Bournemouth Oceanarium is an aquarium on the seafront that recreates different marine and river environments from all around the world. It has been recently updated with Humboldt Penguins, which are a new addition. The kids favourite part is Penguin Beach, where you can watch them being fed or enjoying the weather.
Wonderful afternoon out and reasonably priced. Big variety of sea animals and some other animals too such as tortoises and otters (which were very shy when we visited!). The keepers were really happy to tell us more about the animals, especially at the penguin enclosure (which sadly we couldn't go in due to bird flu), but it was a lovely day out regardless.
Also has a lovely reasonably priced gift shop.
Would recommend for any age.
ggg hghg — Google review
Visited here on a rather wet Thursday! It was busy, which we expected due to the weather and how this is an indoor attraction. We found staff to be very helpful.
Tickets were reasonably priced, and we were served quickly. They accepted diagnosis letter for disability discount, carers, and a student card for me as I'm studying.
We opted to go for lunch first as it was just after 12. We had 2 lots of chips as well as fish and chips. The fish was rather well cooked, but the texture inside wasn't pleasant. Sane for all three chips. However, it was busy, and it was understandable.
Went on to see the attractions. Lots of varieties of fish as well as penguins, sharks, stingrays, and so much more. The signage was clear, and we could find our way around, ensuring we didn't miss any part. My daughter loved each part, especially the tunnel, and spoke lots about it when we got home. Another plus point is that you can reenter all day once you have your tickets, which we found helpful when we needed to step outside for some quiet time.
We will definitely visit again :)
Laura W — Google review
It's definitely worth a couple of hours of your time. Isn't the biggest Oceanarium, but definitely one that needs to be visited to be appreciated. The penguins were great, and it was lovely to see them having fun in their enclosure. The Otters were my personal favourite, though 😎
neil common — Google review
Already aware it was fairly small, but has an interesting variety of exhibits, including the otters and penguins, not just sea life,and plenty to see to make the visit worthwhile. Gift/souvenir area has some more interesting items, as well as the usual stuff expected in these places!
Kris R Henry — Google review
Absolutely amazing! This is the second aquarium we've visited and definitely the best so far! The live feedings are brilliant and the tunnel is incredible! I didn't want to leave. So much to look at, we went round 3 times and every time saw something new we didn't see the first time! So definitely take it slow and make the most of the time, go round multiple times as you may catch a new fish that was hiding the first time! Gift shop was reasonably priced too with lots of variety for different ages.
Marley Dalton — Google review
Bournemouth oceanarium was brilliant!!! There was a huge amount of fish and marine animals and every tank was well looked after. The tunnel was an absolute favourite and the sharks were super scary! We watched the penguin feeding time but watch out for the birds overhead, they poop a lot! This is our second time visiting and we had just as much fun as the first time! Would definitely go again and 100% recommend.
Tasha Miles — Google review
A great place, take it slow as you could be in and out within an hour, we looped back to see talks and got to see the huge turtle in the middle tanks! He was awesome! Penguins are super cute. Great gift shop. Small play area for a pit stop sit down. Can buy food and drinks on site too.
Louise Hooper — Google review
Its okay. A little cramped but a good selection to see and learn about. Kids always enjoy it. You can work out the best tickets on their website online if there's a large group - works out cheaper if you buy in advance. There's no parking for it but there's paid parking not far from it. You can leave you buggy upstairs and there is a lift and toilets. The gift shop like most is on the pricey side but good collection of gifts etc.
Rajendra Singh — Google review
Great for kids, both 1 year-old and 6 year-old loved it. Food shop inside wasn't busy and there is a little play area. Great animals to see. Signage for exit isn't very clear, couldn't easily find my way out.
Marinela — Google review
My baby loved the place. It has so many varieties of fishes , tortoise 🐢, 1 iguana, 2 otters and penguins. There is a small play area for kids. The Cafe and eating place are so clean. You can find toilets as well inside. It's better to buy tickets in advance. There are timings for feeding the animals so you can watch them. The staff explains the feeding methods and foods . It has 2 floors. You can either use steps or lift provided. Wheelchair accessible and kid friendly
vinisha vijay — Google review
Lovely place for kids to experience the sea life. You can spend about 2-3 hours here. Recommended to buy tickets in event to ease the air.
Sana Fathima — Google review
Lovely place to take the kids. Fantastic collection of sea creatures from all over the world. Even the adults enjoy it. Though the entrance fees can be a bit steep
Ibrahim Bassiouni — Google review
Lovely place to take the family all the kids loved it including the baby (great sensory interaction). We was able to turn our clubcard points into vouchers we could use to make the cost even cheaper 😁 .
If you get a stamp on your hand or have your ticket proof you can return and go round as long as you like for that day.
Amy Batch — Google review
Staff were friendly and informative. They happily took a few minutes out of their day to answer my questions and nothing was too silly to answer. The tanks are crazy huge! Two adult tickets are only £30 for all day entry!! Well worth the money for educational and entertainment values.
Jessi Range — Google review
I enjoyed my best afternoon out with my husband here. The tickets were reasonably priced. There were large variety of sea animals and some other animals too such as tortoises and otters (which were very shy when we visited!). The keepers were really happy to tell us more about the animals, especially at the penguin enclosure. It was a lovely day out regardless.Also has a lovely reasonably priced gift shop.I highly recommend for any age.There were places for babies and childrens for entertainment. There was a cafe from where you can enjoy snacks and meals.
Jarin Sanramoni — Google review
Decent variety of fish and animals to see but quite small and quite easy to get through within about 45 minutes. That said reasonably priced and well situated on the seafront, near the beach and pier. Worth a trip.
Umar Farooq — Google review
This seaside town is also friendly to people with disabilities. Being in an electric wheelchair, I visited the Oceanarium without any problems, a big plus. Unfortunately, the condition of the toilet is terrible. Overall nice safe and beautiful.
Tomasz ??czek — Google review
Great attraction to have right by the pier. It's not like the big sealife centres but still has plenty to offer. Doesn't take long to go around so don't plan a full day here. You can tell that a lot of care goes into looking after the animals. All the tanks are sparkling clean and the creatures are bright and active. The otters were a highlight for us. It was packed and very hot with lots of people struggling with baby buggies. There are places to park them but obviously it's not 100% secure. It's perfect for young kids and family tickets are good value.
Ingrid SouthCoast — Google review
My sister in law recommended me this place. And was the best decision to visit.
Of course the tickets 🎫 a pricey but is worth.
The place is clean and organised. Has a large variety of 🐠 👍
From outside the building appears small bunt inside of the aquarium is big.
🐬 dolphins were cherry from the top. They were friendly and playful.
The tunnel was amazing experience for my son.
We really enjoyed the visit.
Recommend for everyone, specially for families with children ❤️
Stela Caraus — Google review
I love penguins and it was a birthday present and I got to admit they are so relaxing to watch. Beautiful bird's.
Good place and if you have a young family then very educational and fun for the kid's
craig smith — Google review
Was blown away by how amazing this place was. A great variety of species and areas. The loggerhead turtle was the most breath taking for me. The cafe food was high quality and surprisingly cheap! The staff were friendly throughout and took the time to point out things to my son. The whole place was beautiful I will definitely be returning.
Koryl Callen — Google review
Oceanarium is a very interesting place . We got lucky to see sharks feeding, which I liked , and also a lot of different kinds of fish from tiny to giant ones. It was a lot of fun seeing the penguins as well. The staff is very welcome and we have had a very nice time.
karolina wawrzyniak — Google review
This place is amazing. What more needs to be said. The fish? Great. The location? Amazing. The food? Fantastic. If you live nearby then you can get a annual (or half a year?) Ticket so you can go at any time you want. If you haven't yet been here and you had the opportunity to then what are you wanting for, stop reading this review and go buy a ticket!
Jacek Blichowski — Google review
We took my 5year old nephew here as a birthday treat and he absolutely loved it. The otters, the sharks, the penguins, the “weird turtle thingy with the snouty nose” (his words) 😬 we managed to catch each feeding time and stayed for around 3 hours because he wanted to go round twice.
The staff were great, very informative and constantly cleaning.
Special shout out to Molly who managed to expertly answer every single one of his random questions without hesitation.
I am sure we will be back again soon!!!
My Bridal Dresser — Google review
The kids loved it. It's not as big as one in Birmingham, but it still has a good variety of fish and other ocean creatures.
And there is a gift shop at the end of the tour, full of things your kids are going to love.
Branislava Saunders — Google review
I hadn’t been to the oceanarium in a while so I thought I’d go there, it took us a while to even be served to get tickets because the girls were more interested in chatting. A man finished serving in the gift shop and came to serve us instead. Staff stood around either chatting or just stood there rather than educating or even just being helpful. I understand that staff obviously want to chat to each other catch up ect ect but when you’ve got customers waiting the customers are the priority. Overall not too much has changed since the last time I visited which was probably over 6 years ago, few new additions. Bournemouth oceanarium is definitely on the smaller side and understandably the price is steep for what it is but when you factor in wages,animal care, maintenance ect it makes sense. The only bad thing was the service other than that it was decent, doesn’t take up the whole day so if you’re in Bournemouth you might as well go to the oceanarium. Enclosures seemed well maintained, some glass was dirty and hard to see through but that’s to be expected and wasn’t a huge issue. Animals seemed well looked after. The turtle seemed a bit bored as he was doing the same lap to and from the ladder but I’d also be bored if I was a turtle
Shop is a bit on the pricy side but again to be expected as most zoos/aquariums are like that.
Overall a 3/5, would I go again within the next few years? Probably not but I can see how it appeals to some especially with children.
The Bournemouth Pier Amusements video arcade features classic arcade games, as well as various food stalls. It is situated on the waterfront and was extremely busy when we visited on Sunday 24th April. The atmosphere was festive, with Christmas lights strung overhead. We were very happy to find that there are now less plastic and paper bags used for change, as this is a major environmental issue being addressed by Covid and Transference.
Traditional arcade with loads of 2p machines and grabbers. Don't think I've ever been to the pier without popping in for a quick go on something. Staff are lovely and there's always people on hand to help with issues. Games for all ages. Popular and busy all year round. Good value. Clean.
Ingrid SouthCoast — Google review
It's bright and cheerful, right on the promenade, at the moment - walking down to it in The Lower Gardens from Bournemouth Square {as the night falls} - Christmas lights + - wonderful!
Ruth Maystar — Google review
I liked it here, deffo not that cheap, most games has really short rounds and to continue playing after you die you need to add more coins, but it is like any other arcade hall. I thought they had a good selection of games racing Sims and shooters. Even some cooler simulations, claw machines and other classics etc... make sure to bring cash as the card machine there charges you £1.99 to take out cash. But if you have any notes they trade them for coins for free. Most machines take contactless with a few exceptions.
Vanja Budsberg — Google review
Its nice enough and if you go at the right time of year not too busy, in the summer it's always so busy hard to find a machine. Gets very hot in there but that's to be expected the most annoying thing is so many of the machines are broken it becomes a pain because you spend more time finding a machine that works than you do actually playing.
Jasper Dallard — Google review
Popped in Sunday the 24th April with granddaughter really happy to see less plastic tu s and paper bags for your change due to covid and transference. Plenty of arcades, and was extremely busy but people really enjoying their spending
Our grand daughter was over the moon she won a teddy all by herself
Tracey Cloutman — Google review
Had fun on 2p machines not much to win on them but still had fun and had a lot of fun on the batman air hockey
Tan Smith — Google review
A lot of machines to choose from they have something for everyone
IAm Swartz — Google review
Only managed to find parking up quite a steep hill, I am disabled and it would have taken me about half hour to get down, and a lot longer to get back up taking a few steps at a time, then found out blue badge holders from other boroughs have to pay for parking £3.70 for one hour so it would have cost me at around £10 just to go and have a look, if there are more accessible parking closer to the pier they need to have clear directions, I was so upset, but also glad it was me and not my mum in a wheelchair because I would have told her it was fine and I can manage - this is why I am now disabled but I wouldn’t change a thing I loved my mum so wanted to make her life easier and happy
tracy me — Google review
I loveeee this arcade!! It’s great! Everything is really cheap- most of the games are £1 and there’s a mixture of coins and contactless so there’s something for everyone. Great variety of games as well! When I’m back in Bournemouth I’m going straight there 👾🕹️!!
ESTHER — Google review
The arcade is expensive, and the games are very slow and long.
Don't visit it.
The machine is The Walking Dead, which is very long and slow and costs £7 to complete the whole game, but it's so long I couldn't finish the last level.
Azmin — Google review
Claw machines are made to grab all of your money. Dont waste time and buy from amazon directly if you like something. The Bournemouth Council is in charge, apparently, as one of the employees told me.
Ruben Fox — Google review
Won first go on the soft toy crane. Tigger cost me 30p..... good times 😂
Kim Greenhalgh — Google review
Lovely pier with gorgeous views shame everything was shut other than the small amusement at the beginning of the pier. Entry is free is winter but charges in the summer times.
Saige Winter — Google review
My partner loves the 2 p machines 🤣
Celeste Smith — Google review
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W Undercliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA, United Kingdom
Stonehenge is an ancient stone circle in Wiltshire, England that is best seen as a bus day trip from London. It is possible to do it via public transit (train plus shuttle), by car, or via a private transfer.
The most iconic view in the middle of grasslands where the people made something very outstanding thing for the generations to believe in the stone-era. The Stonehenge was the perfect day trip where you can know how it was made that stones in well shaped without help any architecture instruments to move them. The must visit places in English land where you have to wear gloves if you want to take nice photos and one more jacket if you have not luck with wind.
Prithvi Rajput — Google review
Going to such an iconic landmark on a long weekend, in the middle of the school holidays isn’t for the faint-hearted. But we were determined to give it a shot, having been turned away from the Roman Baths in Bath because they were too busy!
Yes, there massive crowds, but still ample parking. The shuttle bus from visitors’ centre to the stones was efficient, and we didn’t have to wait long. I had heard a lot of complaints that you have to admire from a distance, but it’s a great idea!!! From a heritage point of view, people shouldn’t be allowed to climb over the stones. But from a tourist point of view it’s fantastic! If you want to take some photos it is so easy to do so without a heap of other tourists in the way. I loved it! As always, it asks more questions than it answers!
The gift shop was a pleasant surprise. There is a lot of the usual cheap and cheerful stuff, but also some more special mementos. None of which were ridiculous it expensive.
Kitty Kat — Google review
A take back to 5000 years. A must watch place in UK.. World heritage site. A pleasant view and travel back to history. If you are an English heritage or National trust member, access to this place is free. Start from the exhibition centre to know about the history and you can take the free bus from the exhibition centre to the stones. I personally loved the experience. If you are interested in the history, this is a fantastic experience for you.
Muthu Velayutham — Google review
What can you say other than this is an absolutely breathtaking site. Upon arrival there are nice facilities to grab lunch and use the restroom. That is a nice perk when you're traveling with small children like we were.
Kimberly Klinge — Google review
We booked a half day tour with Day Tours London that included a ride in an AC bus from London to Stonehenge and back. 100% recommend this UNESCO world heritage site. It's been on my bucket list for a decade and finally got to see it up close. Best to go reach early around 9am and be one of the first ones at the site if you want to take pictures. It starts getting crowded very quickly. There's a car and coach parking near the visitor's centre and then their own shuttle bus takes you to the Stonehenge site. About a 5 min ride from the visitor's centre to Stonehenge. You can check out the visitor's centre and exhibition later on your way back. There's also an a self guided audio tour through their app. It's quite informative. The stones themselves are a definite marvel to look at. The landscape is beautiful. Totally worth the ride and cost.
Some cool souvenirs in the tourist center, but the cost can be prohibitive. The exhibition is about Stonehenge and fills in some more historical details about the people that built the Stonehenge and what it may have looked like and how it evolved over the past five thousand years.
We were also lucky to catch a Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson enactment right outside the visitor's center by actors from Time Will Tell acting company. Brilliant performance about the mystery of the Stonehenge!
A M — Google review
Great bit of history to visit, the walk from the visitor centre is a nice easy saunter down a straight road for 20 minutes. No need to pay for tickets to see it, but if you buy the tickets you can get closer and take the bus there - I didn't buy the ticket.
Possibly needs better signposting for the fact you can actually walk straight through without buying anything.
Charles Brooke-Taylor — Google review
The visitor centre was lovely. All the staff were nice. And it was good that you could take a bus up to the stones. I’d definitely recommend buying tickets beforehand though. Cheaper if you buy online and you don’t have to wait in line that long. Also make sure you scroll down to the last bit of the email and download the app, it comes with a guided audio tour. Somehow we were the only people doing that however. It would be nice if they advertised that a little more on site. And I have to say some signs which direction you’re supposed to walk would have been helpful. About 80% of the people walked around the wrong way. Since a majority of the world is used to driving on the right side, you also get used to everything else being the right way around and not the left.
Coming early is also recommended, if you want pictures without other tourist on them.
We even saw Gertrude! She’s a great bustard that comes for a few weeks every year to hang around the stones and then goes back to France.
Maria-Claudia Hoppe — Google review
Most of the time Stonehenge is too crowded to fully enjoy the site, and it was the same last time I took my family there. I'm glad that this time my bf invited me for a ride around the facilities, in the evening, where the traffic is much calmer. We could admire this unique stone formation from a distance, while also enjoying some of the gravel byways nearby ☺️
Anita Walkowska — Google review
A tip in advance. Come after 2 p.m., then the rush of visitors decreases significantly. When we came back around 3 p.m., we didn't even have to queue for the shuttle, and the ticket counters were empty.
So, now to the topic. There is something mystical about it. It is without a doubt something special. I said many years ago that I had to see Stonehenge, and I have never regretted it.
Thank goodness we have Historical Heritage Membership. Firstly, the car park doesn't cost a fee, the entrance is free and you don't have to queue for hours at the ticket office. The single entrances are really expensive.
Nevertheless, you can't miss such an important site.
There are also many other things to discover around the visitor centre. Currently, in July 2022, there is a small excavation site for children.
Marcus Schuler — Google review
It's actually pretty cool. Yes, there are a lot of tourists and the entry fee seems very steep (26 GBP!) and apart from on the Summer Solstice, you can't get very close, but I still enjoyed the visit.
Brett Whiteside — Google review
Awe inspiring monument to visit, the stones are spectacular. You just have tons of other tourists to deal with, walking up there instead of the bus is a good way to go. The inevitable souvenir shop selling tacky 'Neolithic' things does cheapen the experience.
Karl Harris — Google review
Mesmerising place to visit. I was awestruck even though I’ve seen plenty of other stone circles around in UK. The stone sizes are massive. You are not allowed to go into the circle. There is a rope which keeps the visitors a good distance away from the stones and the circle for good reasons. Would definitely recommend and might visit again.
Rithvik Reddy — Google review
A must visit place in the UK. Most famous tourist attraction and the heritage site in England. Entry is free for the English heritage members. Others can buy their tickets at the entrance counters. The site is little far from the entrance counters. They are providing a bus service to go to the stones area. It is included in the entry fee. Parking is available and it is free for everyone. Toilets and the restaurant are at the entrance. No washrooms in the site. Even you can walk without using the buses. It’s like 10-15 minutes walk.
Due to the wind it’s bit cold at anytime, so make sure you have jackets on your hands. Nice environment. But since it is the most iconic place it is always crowded. You can buy tickets online and it will save your time as no need to wait in the queues to get tickets.
Natalia Krasnikova — Google review
We went there on a Sunday after seeing Bath. We got the tickets from their website on the same morning that included bus trip till the stones as well as some places in Salisbury as well. It was a pleasant journey and there was no wait time when we reached around 12 PM. It was very peaceful even though there were many tourists.
Shivangi Sharma — Google review
Great time spent. We went during February half term and there were activities for the children to try. My children really enjoyed these.
Good quality food served in the cafe.
My son really enjoyed the shuttle bus, these were very frequent.
Was not so busy we could not get an uninterrupted photo of the stones.
Emma — Google review
Experiencing Stonehenge at sunrise is truly enchanting, as the ancient stones bask in the gentle glow of dawn, casting a spell of mystery and wonder. Choosing the free path, rather than the paid one, offers a serene journey, away from the hustle and bustle, allowing for a deeper, more personal connection with this historic monument and its natural surroundings.
Ali Javed — Google review
A visit to Stonehenge is truly marvelous. Finally seeing it in person is a memorable experience. Despite the crowds on a long weekend, everything is impressively well managed. The clean toilets and the cafeteria offering tasty warm quick bites, soups, and hot drinks add to the comfort. With ample seating areas, it's a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
The shuttle ride to the stones is really amazing specially for those who can’t walk.
Else it’s a 30 mins walk one way to stones from the parking lot.
We booked a day tour from get your guide to avoid hassle, which has ticket included.
Recommend booking tickets in advance if visiting on your own due to long queues.
Overall, I highly recommend visiting; it's a fantastic experience.
Sneha S — Google review
We arrived at 7pm, and parked down a gravel track just off the main road and walked up to the stones on the public footpath. Lovely views at sunset, had a chat with the security guard on duty, family photos taken and a hasty retreat to the car from the bitterly cold wind.
Joanne Fenner — Google review
We arrived on a coach bus(coming from our cruise) as Stonehenge was opening. There was no traffic going there and barely anyone in the parking lots. The facilities were beautiful and blended well into the landscape. Arriving at opening on a weekday, the ticket line had no more than 10 groups waiting. The cafe was a wonderful surprise with great food and coffee options. The gift shop has a great selection of all things Stonehenge.
You can either walk to Stonehenge or take the bus from the ticket center. Super quick and easy ride. We arrived and there was a ton of opportunity to take a picture without a lot of people around.
We did see cars parked along a road and you can walk the dirt path, but you won’t be able to get as close or read any of the information provided as you walk around.
You can also see the Stonehenge from the road. There was a lot of traffic when we were leaving around 12pm.
Overall, it was a great experience. I recommend going at opening and leaving before the crowds start.
Phon Macy — Google review
This is definitely a tourist destination and they want to make sure they are capturing all the visitors they can. They create the parking lot and visitor center a bus ride away from the actual monument. You can walk, which is about 20 minutes and is recommended on a nice day. Enjoyed the videos in tourist center. Glad it was part of National Trust. Recommend getting the pass if you are in the UK for any length of time. Worth the investment.
Jim Baudino — Google review
This has been a lifetime in the waiting. This visit ranks up there amount the best. I went to the Great Pyramids two years ago and now Stonehenge. I was surprised how far you had to travel to get there. It was raining off and on but it did ruin the experience. Even if you don't like history please if you are in the United Kingdom travel to this amazing wonder. There is so much to see and do here. It is not just a pile of rocks. It is our past and our present and our future all rolled in to one experience. England is a beautiful country and should not be missed.
Timothy Wert — Google review
arrived at Stonehenge via a tour with Evan Evans tour service. we arrived about 10 am which is a great time. later the crowds are outrageous. your dropped of in the coach lot. then a few minute walk to the shuttle stop waiting time was about 15 minutes. the buses are cramed full, so if you are assistance required make the loader aware so you can get a seat. then a 20 minute ride to the site. upon arrival you'll be amazed at the history and mystical lore of the circle. although many theories are available here. I'm not convinced anyone really knows the true purpose of this site. awesome photo opportunity. had a limited time, so we made our way back. The shuttle waiting time was considerably longer so plan accordingly. we arrived back at the gift shop and canteen grabbed some knickknacks and a drink. then back to the coach. excellent site perfect place for the entire family.
Thomas Huston — Google review
Great history behind Stonehenge and is definitely worth the hype and popularity. You will need to buy a ticket or the membership which is the English Heritage yearly pass to get up and close to the monument.
There are 2 ways of getting to Stonehenge from the ticket building/carpark.
1. Take the bus which is included with the ticket.
2. You can walk there in about 20mins.
We took the 20min walk there and took the bus back. There are a couple of things to do after you have seen Stonehenge, back at the ticket area. Walk around and see the possible houses the worker lived in when they were constructing Stonehenge. You can also visit the Stonehenge exhibition, filled with it’s history.
Make sure to check the opening and closing times before heading out. Waterproof shoes would be good for a wet day and a thick coat. There are footpaths, so it doesn’t get too muddy at all.
Entry to Stonehenge closes at 3pm although the place closes at 5pm. We visited in December at around 2:30 and it was perfect for sunset photos!!
Raif & Vy — Google review
We had a majestic journey
My recent visit to Stonehenge was nothing short of awe-inspiring. As I approached the ancient monument, the sheer magnitude and mystery of the standing stones left me captivated. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of history, and the well-preserved site offered a glimpse into the ingenuity of our ancestors.
The visitor center provided a comprehensive introduction to Stonehenge's significance, combining informative exhibits with cutting-edge technology. The audio guide was a valuable companion, offering detailed insights into the history, construction, and possible purposes of this iconic landmark.
Walking around the stone circle, I marveled at the precision with which these massive stones were arranged, pondering the age-old questions that surround Stonehenge's origins. The preservation efforts and the ability to get up close to the stones added to the overall experience, allowing for a personal connection with this archaeological wonder.
The surrounding landscape, with its vast plains and distant horizons, enhanced the magical aura of Stonehenge. Visiting during different times of the day offered unique perspectives, each casting a different spell on the ancient site.
In conclusion, Stonehenge is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a profound journey through time in a setting that resonates with mystery and grandeur. My visit was an unforgettable exploration of a timeless masterpiece, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the marvels of human achievement. B
Thanks
D K — Google review
This was a unique experience, we had to walk up to the site or take a bus provided by the facilities there..endless land that was scenic. The stones are magnificent to behold. Persons were at a safe distance and it had a good influx of persons for the summer. The cafeteria had a variety of things to choose from and it's a great outing
cafian allen — Google review
Much better than I thought it would be. Had an aura about the site.
You can either take the bus to the stones, or walk. Walking takes about 30 mins and you have great views of the surrounding land or the bus which takes a couple of minutes.
Good cafe and facilities in the visitor centre. I went at 1400 on a Saturday and it was very busy.
Buy tickets in advance if you can, it saves you so much time in queues.
Ryan Hobbs — Google review
We loved visiting Stonehenge, first time for my child and he loved it. Especially the village and example stone to pull. We were also lucky enough to take part in the Lego activity, which was very fun and loved seeing the finished thing on social media after.
The shuttle bus was a great idea for people who can't walk that far. We will probably book again for the special time going in and up to the rocks.
Katherine Moloney — Google review
Visited this historical landmark recently, and what an experience it was. The ambiance takes you back in time, making you feel a part of its rich and intriguing history. The stone structures are impressive, with their size and how they are careful organized. The surrounding greenery adds a layer of peace to the whole place. Despite the crowd, the information provided was detailed and helpful. Perfect place for history buffs and nature lovers. The view at sunrise is especially breath-taking.
Md Soleyman — Google review
Love the view! Well at the end of the day yeah it’s a bunch of rocks but the history behind and around it is quite fascinating. They have a visitor center with a museum, cafe and a souvenir shop as well. It’s a whole experience! They have Shuttle buses from the visitor center to the location of the Stonehenge which is included in the entrance ticket.
If you’re like me, your experience will depend on the weather, so try your best to make sure to visit there on a sunny day!
Milan Tharaka — Google review
I visited 12/29/23:
A must place to visit! History before your eyes! It’s fascinating to see how people lived back then! And the engineering they did to place those stones is amazing! If you do plan on going, plan on driving about two hours- if you’re coming from London. Once there, you will see the ticket office. Then you will proceed to their museum. They have a replica of a village they lived in (Very Impressive). Please keep in mind, the stones are far from the visiting center but they do provide buses or if you like you can walk their trail, so please wear good shoes. You can’t touch the stones, it’s been roped off so don’t plan on it. I hear that you can do a private tour that will allow you to walk around the stones but I didn’t see it. They do have a cafeteria that serves good food and snacks and they also have restroom facilities. If you are still undecided— the stones are sinking so you may never get a second chance to see them— go and check them out!
Sabino -Sal- Chavez — Google review
Thanks to English Heritage we got in for free but felt the entrance fee to be great value as so much history to see with plenty of information We caught the courtesy bus to the site as a long walk. Buses were running non stop so no waiting time. Thoroughly enjoyed our time there
Sue Hunt — Google review
If you can walk to the stones instead of taking the bus, I recommend it. It's a nice walk, and on the way back you can go through the area nearby to see ancient burial mounds.
Andrea — Google review
Lovely place full of culture and history. Do not get disappointed is a long trip for a short stay at the grounds. This place only has Stonehenge and a side museum. Is very difficult to reach by local transport. Better if you drive or take a tour. They have a restaurant, coffee shop, souvenir shop, you can’t drive to the stones you must take the local bus however you can walk 30 mins approximately. Is better but tickets in advance
Ljubica Banic — Google review
Definitely worth the trip. There's something about visiting something so mysterious that has stood the test of time, yet we still don't know what it is or what it was used for. Great energy here.
brian The one and only — Google review
What a nice day exploring ancient England . The ticket is quite pricey but we enjoyed the visit and took lots of lovely pictures. The museum is certainly a must visit as it provides valuable information about the history of the magical place . Avoid the gifts shops is very expensive
The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon is an outlet mall located in the heart of the Cotswolds, just outside of Swindon. The outlet mall is home to over 90 stores, with international names like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Jeans, Boss, Levis and Vans.
Good outlet shops with lots of options. Reasonable prices. Little food options but not that bad. Huge parking which costs £1 for first 5 hours and £12 whole day.
Tausif Baber — Google review
Large variety of Designer shops, clean and very well maintained. March 2023 when I visited it, I was impressed by the plants that decorated the I sides and outsides of the building.
The only thing I would wanted is the option to pay by phone at the car park, which is missing at the moment.
Much preferred over the Oracle@Reading.
Fotis Mastakas — Google review
I found the best bit of Swindon! Top notch shopping mall, giant climbing-maze-wall-type playground for the kids (which makes it very easy to keep an eye on them from a distance!) Also with cafe overlooking!!!! Plus a smaller playground for little children. Good toilets. Food court with plenty of options. Plenty of (paid) parking. Industrial themed building with historic cranes, scales etc with interpretative signage, actual locomotive to view, and even a little miniature (paid) train for families to take a ride around the mall. Right next to STEAM the great western railway museum. If you want a spot of lunch or shopping after visiting the train museum, do not miss this shopping centre! When we visited at Easter 2024 they even had a little indoor hedge-labyrinth Easter trail set up, free, with lollies & colouring activity pack with crayons as the prize when they completed it. Staff were friendly and relaxed. Honestly finding this place has transformed my reluctance to happiness when I need to visit Swindon.
E s — Google review
This was our second visit to Swindon Deisgner Outlet and must say we were just as impressed this visit as on our first. A great variety of shops held within a converted train yard which makes for a very cool looking centre. Well kept and clean, the Christmas decorations looked beautiful as did the market stalls at the entrance. No doubt we will be back again soon!
Lauren Robinson — Google review
Very festive at the moment. We arrived just as they were opening on Saturday, 10 am, by lunch time it was very busy. You can pay to go on a land train that will take you all the way round so you can see where all the shops are 1st hand before venturing on foot. Some units are smaller than their main shops in towns so the choices will be less. We were very successful on our mission.
sharon noyes — Google review
Major brands at outlet prices, ample space for shoppers.
Scooters can be hired for people with special needs. Kids cars, train and play area are attractive.
Car parking first 30min are free, you must enter your car registration, entry time if not picked automatically.
SA (Safe Star) — Google review
Amazing outlet for shopping, lovely indoor decorations, a great variety of shops and prices. Good food court. There’s also a nice train ride that starts from in front of the play area that kids really enjoy. The ride is 3 pounds per person last time I have checked.
The kids play area is so well designed and certainly worth checking out.
Soha Ahmed (Soha) — Google review
The Swindon Designer Outlet offers a diverse shopping experience with a wide range of brands at discounted prices. With its convenient location and ample parking, it's a shopper's paradise. The layout is easy to navigate, and the food options provide a nice break from browsing. However, occasional overcrowding during peak times can detract from the overall experience. Nonetheless, it remains a great destination for bargain hunters and fashion enthusiasts alike.
pradeesh bv — Google review
We've been coming here for a few years but this time was the first with my dog she was amazing, and it was also my birthday too. All the shops were super friendly and accepted my dog too.
Starvsblack2 CP — Google review
Spent the day in Swindon and visited Designer outlet (Swindon) and highly recommend a visit if you love to shop til you drop. It's a well laid out shopping outlet with many designer brands and the outlet offers 10% off with participating retailers.
Great day out for all the family and even has a play area for younger children. Great selection of retailers.
Bree MacDonald — Google review
Excellent place for shopping. Lots of variety.
Customer services are at its best almost at every outlet.
Parking is also reasonable.
Needs to have a bit more option of food.
F S — Google review
Easy access, plenty of 🅿️ mid week, a nice atmosphere and west Somerset train theme. Usual coffee shops, limited food hall plus burger/breakfast joint, has a little train called hooter for kids, kids play area and you can see shops on the website but I regularly visit the Vans shop, great discount on the iconic skate shoes, worth a visit
Chris Evans — Google review
There is nothing not to love about the Outlet. It houses, perhaps, the most collections of designer stores under the same roof in the whole of the South West.
The Outlet is well planned and I particularly loved the fact that a little bit of railway history had been incorporated into the building. The West Somerset train stands out and so do the rather colourful rail carts and other railway parts that are suspended on the roof.
The Outlet is functional. There is a secluded colourful play area for children. The parking is massive and is free for the first 30 minutes and cost £2 thereafter. There is a car wash/valet service at the car park which offers free parking for its patron.
The designer outlets on the premises parade an eclectic collection which includes footwear, clothing, perfume, home decor etc. There is a food court as well with popular brands. There are also food stall for lovers of street food outside the Outlet
There is lots of natural lighting and some of the stores have made good use of it to improve their ambience. M&S stands out. The toilet facility is quite clean and overall the Outlet appeared clean and well managed.
Loved it and would be going back for more!
Ade — Google review
COOL PLACE TO SHOP
I think I’ve been to most of the MacArthur Glen Designer Outlets in the country, and the thing I like about this one is that most of it is covered with a roof, so you’re protected from the elements when shopping (unlike Cheshire Oaks, which is freezing!).
Has a nice Christmassy feel during December and the outside stalls selling German sausages and churros are cool. Plenty of shops to see and it’s in a logical order so you could do laps around the place.
Only downside: the parking at busy times is painful, so expect to park miles away from the entrance. And the ticket machine takes your money but then doesn’t let you out of the carpark – so always pay at the barrier for your parking with your contactless credit card.
Ninh Ly — Google review
Loved it here out of all the outlet places I have visited this is way better than the rest.
Parking 5 pounds for three hours blue badge holders free just scan your blue badge barcode at barrier on way out.
The whole place had a very nice vibe it's built in old engine sheds formally GWR they have retained much character and preserved so much.
Toilets very clean the while place was well looked after plenty of seating throughout.
Great play area for younger children you can also hire ride in cars for them.
Massive range of shops and plenty of places to eat and drink also.
Disabled acess is the best I've seen well done to the customer service desk they are great also.
David N — Google review
This is situated on the old Great Western Railway works and is impressive how they have mixed the old engineering buildings with the new shops. There are too many shops to mention but, if like me, you don't do shopping, then visit to see the steam engine and look up to see how many overhead cranes you can find👍
andrew woods — Google review
Never been here before, it was outstanding better than CV. Very clean all the shops were open, the staff from the shops we visited didn't jump at you, to see if you wanted anything, that was nice to see.
The train was a lovely thought for kids and the play area was brilliant very big too.
Tina Tilling — Google review
Good place to buy outlet designer clothes. However sale and clothes range not as good as it used to be. Parking is now £2, which is still relatively cheap. Great location if you live near swindon to shop for quality clothes be over you do nee to look harder.
Rahman Amin — Google review
A great outlet centre with mix of high street favourites such as M&S, Phase Eight and Next alongside Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein with a variety of cafés and restaurants to choose from including two Costas, Starbucks, Five Guys, Wagamamas and Pizza Express. Great play area for under 8's.
Beautifully decorated for Christmas with a wonderful winter wonderland area for children.
C KM — Google review
Second visit after some years. Much bigger than I remember. Lots of fine brands represented and bargains to be had. Parking: £2 for 5 hours, after which it gets very expensive! So beware, if you want to stay and eat, you might go over the 5 hours. And it's no-ticket parking so make a careful note of your arrival time.
Chris Watts — Google review
Brilliant spacious outlet with great range of shops and better than online outlet prices. Easy to park although charged. Good food options inside and outside street food options. Mixture of clothes, homewares, beauty, jewellery, cookery, shoe and accessories shops
Mo Mo — Google review
It is comfortable in all weathers. Varied stores for all tastes. Easy to spend 5 hours there. Beware after 5 hours of parking the cost rises dramatically. Good choices of restaurants and cafes. A good day out.
PammyS — Google review
Designer outlet Swindon have many outlets of various branded products of clothes and accessories. It's more than value for money. Sometimes even upto 60% discounts are offered for some items. Moreover there are plenty of other options to spend your time with family. There is kids play area, children's train, baby dress changing rooms, etc. When it comes to food and drink you have all sorts of eateries. The ample parking facility saves your time and unnecessary tension. A best place to visit for shopping branded items and quality products.
Located on a chalk hilltop, Old Sarum is the site of a royal castle from the Norman and Angevin periods, as well as Salisbury's first Romanesque cathedral. Today, it still provides a fascinating window into past civilizations and societies.
An astonishing find steeped in history going back thousands of years, with various people using the site for different things. The enthusiasm of the English Heritage lady there was infectious, and made it even more enjoyable. The views of the surrounding countryside and over Salisbury are incredible, and I'm glad we decided to drop in to see what was there. Thoroughly recommend a visit to see history and great views.
Frank McLeod (BigEffsAdventures) — Google review
The Old Sarum ground ground can be accessed freely on most days. There is a portion of the old castle ruin situated towards the back. Most of the remains of the old Castle ruin lays behind the moat and can be accessed via a wooden bridge currently undergoing some repairs.
English Heritage members have free access but reservation must be made ahead of visit. Non English Heritage members can book a visit or get a ticket via the website.
There is lot of grounds to cover and the view of the surrounding lowland is stunning. Overall, this is a good place to visit either alone or as part of a group. I have now lost count of the number of times I have visited.
Parking costs £3 for Non English Heritage members.
P:S good location to walk dogs, clear ones head and just enjoy a breath of fresh air.
Adewale Atanda — Google review
A nice little ruin to visit, with even better views from the top. It's an english heritage site who do a great job preserving what's left. Nice little souvenir shop with friendly staff and knowledgeable of the surrounding areas. Also has a decent sized car park small charge if your not a member.
Steven Moseley — Google review
Old Sarum is one of the oldest place that you can visit in England. Its been existed since the neolithic period and the history is fascinating. Others, they say that there's nothing to see in the site, just ruins, old rocks and grass. Its not that though, its the history. You have to live in their time. You have to imagine what it looks like back in the day. And its just surreal. Anyway, the site has a gift shop, a coffee machine, and toilets. Parking is £3 i think, and entrance is £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for kids. The fees i think is just fair because Old Sarum is an English Heritage and they have to maintain the place and its surrounding.
I reckon that this place it gonna be really nice in the summer as it has beautiful grounds for picnic, for dogs, and for family. I recommend Old Sarum for those who are into English history. I mean, even my 6 years old son enjoyed the place.
Aice Al — Google review
Great spot, can see for miles on a nice sunny day. Staff were very friendly and informative, went on a Friday afternoon and there were quite a few people there including groups and families but it didn’t feel busy as it’s a big open space with lots of points to explore and read about the history of the site.
Picnic tables available and it’s dog friendly from what I saw, which was nice.
Only slight downside was the driveway up to the car park - very narrow and luckily I didn’t encounter anyone trying to travel the opposite direction as there’s only one or two passing points and it’s a bit of a steep lane way though it isn’t too long, just go slow and be prepared to stop and back up if needed!
Also had a little coffee kiosk and a small shop which had a lot of nice souvenirs from magnets to booze and historically-themed kids toys.
Close to Stonehenge too so a great place to visit as part of a day out in the area.
Levi Miller — Google review
Nice peaceful place, friendly staff, no wait, not too busy.
Kind of place you can go to clear your head with amazing views of Salisbury.
Nice place for little evening walks and meditation.
Mostly open to the public at any time (the green area outside the castle ruins), if you will like to cross the wooden bridge to see the castle ruins, you will have to go during their opening times at a fee.
Free if you have English heritage pass as it an English heritage site. Noticed there was parking fee the last time I visited during opening hours, free outside opening hours.
Funmilola Atanda — Google review
I took the family for the knights tournament on the weekend, great fun lots to do shows , children taking turns jousting with noodles against workers who clearly love there job , archery, and so much more.
The castle was open as well we walked around the castle great to walk and the views of Salisbury are breathtaking highly recommended
nick stevenson — Google review
Went to old Sarum. What a lovely sunny day we had. Really enjoyed our visit. Great place to take the kids. Nice little gift shop too. I do recommend being a heritage member. It is well worth it.
graham masters — Google review
It was a great walk up to Old Saram. Enjoyed Victoria Gardens and a fabulous view from the top. Knowing it was built in 1092 with ruins beneath the ground thousands of years old is just breathtaking.
Terri Lynn — Google review
Great views across to the Cathedral. Very wind swept when we were there. English Heritage staff helpful. There is a car park from the main road just after the short layby by the sports ground. Only the central parts are English Heritage. Children's quiz available.
Roy Sirl — Google review
Worth a visit if only for the view, you can pay for parking and just walk around, additional fee is only to go up to the castle ruins. The staff in the shop/ticket office are lovely especisly the lady (who's name we did not get). She starts her day by litter picking from the main road up to and around the site before working on the Shop/ticket office all day and was so friendly and informative. We went back the day after and spent £230 in the shop!
Gareth Williams — Google review
Fascinating bit of history with amazing views all around. And if you come between April and October the fields of yellow buttercups are intense. The views are free, but the site costs money.
Tim P — Google review
Took 2 of the grandchildren to the knights tournament. They absolutely loved it . What a great day out for all ages . Fun and educational .
Well done to all the staff, knights & squires for putting on a great show.
Been here before and well worth a visit just for all the history and stunning views over Salisbury.
Peter Hough — Google review
This is a great ruin to visit with some fantastic views. The site is very well looked after, perfect if you are taking lunch or a picnic. Lots to get the children imagination going. There were plenty of gifts and treata in the shop and the staff were really friendly.
You will have to pay for parking if you aren't going into the ruin but this is covered/free if you pay to get in or have an English heritage membership, you just need to give your Reg to the people in the shop.
Toilets were decent.
James Marchant — Google review
Easy to take X4 from Salisbury center to here. I bought site tickets online. The gentleman at the gate was very nice to briefly tell us about the site history and warned us about the coming rain. We spent about 30 minutes there. Due to the rain, we did not walk around it from outside. We saw many local people walking their dogs. Ancient and Now, all join together. It is worth a stop here if you are in Salisbury.
Wenjun Du — Google review
Visited on a weekday, on a cold day so it was pretty empty. Beautiful views, but really strong winds when you step out over the edge. I was really fascinated by the stones it was built from. There is a small car park with toilets and a gift shop up in the castle. I would highly recommend visiting The Salisbury Cathedral afterwards.
Madara Vilks — Google review
Well preserved site spanning 5000 years of history. Well kept, informative, plenty of walking area, great views down to Salisbury and the cathedral. Great preservation and presentation job from English Heritage
Simon Wilcock — Google review
It was exciting to enter into a world I had previously experienced on the pages of books. It's a walk into history. The landscape is beautiful and one could create a plethora of images of a time past.
Namse Udosen — Google review
Fascinating place visited on a very windy rather grey day. Very wet under foot. I do recommend coming in better weather if you can. But still interesting. The scale of the prehistoric structure is amazing. Friendly English Heritage staff, toilets and carpark.
IM Holmes — Google review
Nice place for a walk while you go back in time & see what's left of the castle & learning about the history.
If you are planning to visit this place I would definitely say there are much better places as it does cost a fair amount when travelling to multiple historical sites.
If you have the English Heritage membership then do visit! Make sure you have your wellies as it can be quite muddy after the rain.
Raif & Vy — Google review
Very cold and windy in January. But worth a visit and a good walk.
Knowledgeable helpfull staff. Great views.
Then head down into Salisbury for lunch or dinner
Stuart Piper — Google review
A must see, never been to a castle with a moat. Although most of the castle fell, the original foundations are there. Powerful energies here
Christine Gold — Google review
History in the living! The fact that the foundation of this place still exists about 1000 years later is absolutely incredible. The Roman empire, King Alfred and the Vikings. This place just has incredible vibes. Up at the top of the hill and has amazing views of the surrounding area.
James Bigler-Damian — Google review
Ancient hill fort overlooking Salisbury plain with evidence of human habitation dating back over 5000 years. Site of the original Salisbury cathedral from 1082 to 1220 and the remains of a royal castle founded by William the conqueror.
The New Forest National Park is a protected area in Hampshire, southern England, covering 566 square kilometers. The park is home to many different animals and birds not often found in the UK. The national park has been enforced by officials known as verderers for well over 1,000 years, and is still in place today.
🐴please remember to drive slow around bends, there are horses everywhere, and some go on the road!🐴
I've always loved this place!
I went here to look for the famous blubelle fields, but unfortunately was quite unsuccessful. However, instead I found a lovely little hotel and restaurant called "the pig". I Highly recommend a visit there. A very wonderful place and a good stop for some lemonade and a rest.
Isabelle Valentine — Google review
Beautiful big National Park! Plenty of places to explore, beautiful paths to hike with quite a few car parks to allow you to explore different areas. There are quite a lot of wild horses roaming around the National Park, it won't be difficult to find them! They will come rather close to your car if you allow them to be in peace.
It's good that there aren't many places to stay and eat, which means that the area is quiet.
Jose Oliveira — Google review
This was booked as a birthday surprise. Absolutely amazing place, fabulous lodge everything top range and beautifully equiped. The shops, restaurant and pub all set in the ambience of the New Forest, tranquil and peaceful. Would recommend very highly.
Sheila Brown — Google review
Parked at Kingswood Oak to explore the forest. There were lovely wide tracks. We had our 3yr old with us who was happy to walk, but the terrain would have been suitable for a robust buggy. Beautiful scenery and it was quiet. When we got back the carpark had overflowed onto the road, so probably best to get there early.
Georgie M — Google review
Went round the outer part and ended up knee deep in mud. Was so much fun. Following day we went into the forest for a much dryer walk
Suzie Daniels — Google review
The New Forest National Park is a wonderful place. Many different types of trees and length/ location of walks. There are car parks dotted throughout the park (not all have public toilets, so check before you travel) and many of the larger car parks during the summer are visited by ice cream vans.
We must keep our New Forest clean and safe for generations for years to come, so please take your rubbish with you, don't pet the pony's and enjoy the space.
Hannah Young — Google review
Beautiful location, perfect scenery, plenty of wild horses, cute little towns, plenty of day camping sites, what more can I say? It’s just gorgeous! Absolutely love visiting New Forest.
Alfred Aquino — Google review
Wonderful wonderful wonderful. A beautiful destination with a great atmosphere. Miles of brilliant walking and tons of wildlife. Attractions galore. Numerous pubs and restaurants. A beautiful place one of Britain's finest national parks. Beautiful streams and rivers and picturesque towns and villages
Mark Mahoney — Google review
An incredibly diverse national park with lots of different car parks, some with toilets. Lots of walks or cycling routes. And of course, the New Forest ponies to observe in a natural habitat for them
Michaela Nobbs — Google review
I had an incredible visit to the New Forest National Park, and it's safe to say that we'd love to come back here again. The natural beauty of this place is simply enchanting. During our recent trip, we decided to explore some of the charming little towns that dot the landscape.
Beaulieu left us awe-struck with its picturesque setting and the delightful sight of donkeys leisurely strolling around the village. Milford on Sea offered us amazing sea walks, with the crashing waves creating a soothing ambiance. And Lyndhurst was an absolute gem; we embarked on a captivating town walk, discovering an old church that seemed to have a story around every corner. To top it off, we enjoyed a delectable cup of coffee at the New Forest Coffee Shop, making our visit even more memorable.
The New Forest National Park offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and quaint, historic towns, making it a destination that leaves you yearning for more. We're already looking forward to our next adventure in this enchanting place.
Ivan Bilic — Google review
As always a great place to reconnect with Nature. Popular areas can get busy at weekends/holiday times. Lots of different areas to walk.
Natalie Edwards — Google review
A wonderful place to visit at any time of year. The scenery will always be different according to the season and if you go at quiet times can be very peaceful. I'm normally there early in the morning sometimes just me it seems. As I live quite close I don't use it as a holiday destination, but there are lots of things to do and best start is the visitor centre at Lyndhurst for all the info.
Steve U — Google review
Easy motorway access and then smaller roads. Huge park for outdoor rising cycling. Walking, etc . Lots to see and do. Suggest to preplan a list and route and book accomodation centrally to make the most of the area. Food and drink easily available .
Anne G — Google review
Lovely place. Went down a lane restricted to 40mph and also equipped cattle grids. Amazing scenery and wild horses. Saw some goals also.
I wish the lane was restricted to a lower speed as when I was here, some drivers abused the speed and beeped their horns to shift the horses.
AJC 04 — Google review
This destination is perfect for families with its stunning natural scenery, free-roaming wildlife, and wonderful landscape. It's a true paradise for nature lovers, offering a glimpse into the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you're looking for adventure or just relaxation, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags and escape to this breathtaking destination where memories are made and experiences are never forgotten.
Kinga Gurba — Google review
It is a very beautiful area. Lots of birds and an SSSI and nature reserve, too. It's lovely for a walk along the shoreline, although beware that there are mud flats and you can walk suddenly be up to your knees in mud. My dog had a wonderful time there.
Zsuzsa Bella — Google review
The New Forest National Park is one of the most beautiful parts of England I have visited. The vast and varied trees and open plains make every visit unique. Amazing sunrise's and beautiful subsets. With places suitable all year round and for any fitness levels it really has something for everyone. Really looking forward to coming again soon, really puts my area of the country to shame.
Chris B — Google review
Such a lovely part of the UK. Always enjoy visiting the new forest due to the abundance of wildlife. We were lucky to see loads of ponies, donkeys, cows including Highland cattle and pigs during our recent visit. Loads of well maintained free car parks, many with public toilets. Variety of walks but the fact you can simply wander freely means you can explore without seeing another soul. Lovely villages scattered throughout the park. It is a fabulous place to visit and highly recommended.
Susanne Knowles — Google review
Lovely walk, make sure you wear suitable footwear as wet and muddy in place.
Cathy Richards — Google review
Great open areas for walking, there was also ponies grazing. The trees were wonderful spent a lot of time just looking up into the canopy.
Frank Edwards — Google review
This is my happy place. Beautiful place to visit. Please drive carefully. Can get very busy in school holidays though.
Lozza — Google review
Beautiful area of the country to visit. We spent 6 days in Holmsley and travelled around the area. Some really lovely walks and bike rides. It's definitely a place to re-connect with the family etc whilst out walking with nature. Loads of great bits to see and do and a lot of it is free.
Would definitely go again as the whole area is setup for walkers and cyclists.
The theme park home to Peppa Pig World offers plenty of fun for all the family with gentle rides, themed areas and 70 exciting attractions.
Fantastic experience for little one (and for us parents too). Booked in advance for no more than £100 - one day. No long waits for attractions (no more than 5 minutes). Very clean and nice rides. Just would recommend to bring your own food as restaurant offers are very basic. Very happy, we will come back again.
Ricardo Nieto — Google review
We went on a weekday for my little girls first birthday and I don't think I'd ever visit. Theme park again on a weekend or in the school holidays. There were no waiting times for the rides. It was an enjoyable experience. Pepper pig world is the main reason we travelled the two and a half hours and that didn't disappoint either. It was bigger than I expected and my one year old loved it.
The park was big and clean. I can't fault anything about the day to be honest.
Rebecca Ashmore — Google review
Took my daughter here for her fourth birthday. She loved it. Pepper pig world was amazing. Plenty to do and see. The other part of the park is aimed at older people, with some big rollercoasters and more extreme rides. Going during the week at term time, there were no ques for anything. If you have kids younger than school age, it's definitely a good time to go. Some animals to see including birds, foxes, penguins, rodents and tortoise's.
The Japanese gardens are amazing and superbly well looked after.
Lots of toilets and all seemed clean.
Plenty of parking too.
A great day out.
Greg Rogers — Google review
Best Theme Park In The UK!
This park has something for all ages from thrill rides to small kids rides that everyone can enjoy. Waiting times are always short or non existent which means you can manage plenty of rides and get your moneys worth!
The park is also always nice and clean and stays that way the entire day including bathrooms and the food outlets. Food is quite pricey now but it does taste good and is nicely themed into each of the areas.
There is so much here at Paultons Park and I am so excited for the future as it is such an amazing park. Only thing I would like to see improved is an indoor ride added!
ThemeParkJaden — Google review
A wonderful theme park and a nice world for kids to escape from the school and other stresses. Recommended two days to fully enjoy the rides without any hurry. The restaurants inside are over pricey, and that's the only negative point I see. The restrooms are very neat and clean, staffs are super polite.
This is a real competitor for Disneyland,IMHO. 5 ✨
Ashok Moorthy — Google review
Much better than I thought it would be.
No matter what your child's age is, there's something there for a range of ages.
Plenty of baby changing facilities around the park that are well maintained.
Various places to eat. We ate at the burrito place, and the portions were massive (£12.95 for a meal deal).
We went just before Halloween on a Sunday when the weather was a bit iffy. The queues weren't too bad, most were very short.
The 2 babies in our group loved the live entertainment, even though they were too young to understand it.
Buy tickets in advance because they are cheaper than on the day.
The only issue I found was the re-entry system. They stamp your hand with a UV stamp (that can only be seen under a UV light). But when trying to re-enter, there only seemed to be a couple of people with the torches on the entry turn styles. So I queued up in 2 different queues to be told they didn't have a torch and to queue again somewhere else! By that point, I asked them to bring the torch to me, instead of queuing up for a third time.
Chris McMillan — Google review
Great day at the park. everyone there was friendly and helpful. The rides were perfectly set for the height restrictions. There were plenty of places to stop and rest or for kids to just play. The kids playground and slash Park were just was needed in the heat of the day.
We all enjoyed it and will be back again. The parking is free and facilities are great and I highly recommend it for parents with toddlers.
Nirav Patel — Google review
Great place to visit with plenty to see and do. My grandchildren loved it. It isnt cheap to go but worth every penny. As a disabled person, my only request would be for some of the plentiful resting area benches to be higher as it was a real struggle to get up after sitting.......
Melody Knight — Google review
One of the best themed parks in UK. The experience started from the spacious parking area which you won’t spend more time to find a spot. I purchased my teeth tickets in advance and it was cheaper than buying them form the reception. The waiting times for the rides was reasonable during this visit as it was during the weekdays. Our last visit was over the weekend and waiting times was very disappointing.
The park is divided manily into three themed zones and each one has different rides for all ages. Peppa pig world is the most crowded one, so be prepared for the extra wait time. Shops and restaurants are found in each zone and the provide different selections of food.
You would definitely need more than one day to try most of the rides in the different zones. It was a great experience for the family day out and I would highly recommend it.
Attallah — Google review
One of the best Theme parks. Took boys 14 & 9.
Although it was a lovely day, queues were short, about 5 or 10 minutes. Everything was clean & tidy, saw NO litter & bins were never full. Lots of helpful staff around & absolutely loads to do. Plenty of places to picnic or just rest & came home with two exhausted children. Prices of food & drinks etc were a bit high but that's the same everywhere unfortunately. Will definitely be visiting again soon.
Lesley Bingham — Google review
The park is beautifully maintained, with so much for all ages to do! So many rides, parks etc. It is all so well organised!
Staff were great! Food is overpriced for what you get but it is a theme park! Kids loved everything! Will definitely be returning!
Elie Marshall — Google review
Booked for 2 days in the park with a hotel stay. Really impressed with Peppa pig world and there was so much to do and see in the other areas too including a splash pad and numerous play areas. Plenty of rides for my son who was 5 to go on.
The park was really well kept, clean and tidy with beautiful gardens.
Will be returning.
Ali — Google review
Me and my family had a wonderful time at the park yesterday 16.5.22 for my daughters 3rd birthday. It was our first trip and we can wait to come back. The park it’s self is amazing, we mainly spent the day in Peppa pig world which was so much fun, great rides, looks great with characters around the park and the gardens/hedges cut into characters. Queue times fantastic, straight on rides, ok we went school term which helps, but the park was still fairly busy but basically straight on every ride. The Peppa pig shop is amazing and very reasonably priced. George’s soft play the kiddies loved and it was so clean. The staff was one of the highlights for us, super friendly and engaging with us, all the staff noticed it was my daughters birthday and was engaging with her and gave her a Paultons birthday badge, and one nice lady even sang to her, the staff are a credit to the company so thank you. The park looks great and is well kept and very clean throughout. My son loved the splash zone and the log flume. Honestly the company should be proud of what they have from the park to all the staff, we can’t stop thinking about our day and like I’ve said can’t wait to return, THANK YOU.
Ashley Willis — Google review
Best Theme Park I have been too. attraction still looks new, the garden and landscaping is amazing " it’s botanical garden not theme park". F&B outlets are very good comparing to other theme parks.
Suitable for all ages.
I recommend visiting the park in week days, waiting time was from 0 to 5 minutes.
khalid Al shezawi — Google review
Lovely place for kids. The little ones had so much fun. The rides are really good and mostly small children can get on them.
The place is a fairy 🧚♂️ land, super clean environment.
Basil Ezenkwel — Google review
What an amazing experience, plenty of rides to all age groups, kids will enjoy a lot for sure, better to visit in weekdays so that waiting time is less and more rides could be enjoyed for the day.
There are plenty of restaurants and fast food outlets to crave our taste buds.
Exceptionally well service from working staff.
It is better to plan which rides you're interested in and would like to experience.
Parking is free and is near the entrance.
Kiran H — Google review
Wonderful place for young children. Been to Disney land and this is so much better for parents. Queues are minimal in November and kids get to enjoy themselves on the rides and indoor playground, rather than spending time in humongous queues.
Places is tidy and neat with good food choices. There are also rides for older kids in another section.
Highly recommended.
N Gnner — Google review
It was a dream come true for my Daughter. She had the BEST day visiting Peppa pig’s world with her friends. It was so beautiful and we as adults enjoyed it too! We visited during Halloween and the decorations were so gorgeous . It was so worth the 2 hours journey from London. We would definitely visit again hopefully next Spring-Summer.
SOHEILA TAKLIMI — Google review
Excellent experience. Staff are amazing, rides are great, park is clean and very well-maintained. The only criticism is the food and drink prices but you expect these to be expensive at a theme park.
Anthony Brazier — Google review
Good park for all ages. There are rides for kids and adults. Free parking and easy entry to the park. Food is reasonably priced. They just need to introduce fast track queue specially on busy days other than this there is no need to introduce that. Peppa pig is fun. There is mini zoo to keep little kids interested.
No discount option on tickets (like NHS, Armed forces) however kids under 1 meter go free.
Deven Gajjar — Google review
An impressive place indeed! Super clean, friendly and attentive staff who pay extra attention to food allergies and go the extra mile, a picturesque park with lots to explore, we plan to return when the weather improves as half a day was not enough! It’s the theme park of dreams!
Josephine Willers — Google review
My 4 year old daughter gave it a 4 star.
The costumes look good and the staff is very friendly. The music and scenary gives it a nice atmosphere.
Has a great playground for kids to spend the rest of day with nice slides and musical experiences.
On the negative side, the peppa pig world character houses felt very empty, a missed opportunity to place there interactive experiences and more stuff inspired by the show, like peppa’,s bed, peppa pig kitchen, the same for the bus or daddys car. It would be great if the people in costumes would also talk to children or have some speaker (with the original characters voice), my daughter was worried that peppa pig or momy pig was not talking to her.
Additionally to ask for the full price ticket when you only visit peppa pig world makes it a bit overpriced.
Well, overall, my daughter still had a very good time at this theme park.
A F — Google review
Great place for younger children. Ours absolutely loved the rides, seeing the characters and all the animals dotted around the park. The queue times were short as we went in November. The park is kept to a really high standard and was pleasantly pleased to see the effort in the aesthetics. Only thing letting it down is the food and drink prices. If you want a coffee then don't expect a lot of change from £5!
The Jammo — Google review
We had an absolutely brilliant time with our 3 year old daughter. Very well maintained and lots of variety of activities. Only suggestion is to add some more vegetarian options in the restaurant.
Will visit again!
This historical landmark is a popular attraction on the Isle of Wights western tip with rides, sweet-making demonstrations, glass blowing, the chance to make sand souvenirs, and crazy golf.
Amazing views and easy to get to!
We went in late February and so most of the attractions were closed, but that definitely didn’t stop us from walking to the Needles viewpoint.
There are some truly amazing views along the walk, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes each way, depending on how many times you stop to take photos! You can see the multicoloured cliff faces, lovely coastline, as well as amazing views to the Lighthouse on the Needles itself. You can also see a look out post from the Coast Guard near the end of the walk, plus a bit of history from where the British government tested rocket engines as well.
The best views are from the National trust old battery and new battery fort, and when we went we didn’t have to pay, although during high season you will.
I would definitely recommend. From Newport it only takes about 35 minutes to drive to, and I believe there is a bus service as well!
Jonny — Google review
I absolutely loved this place!! I'm a geography student so it was even more interesting learning about the history of the needles on the boat trip! We went on the really cool chair lift and the boat going around the needles, it was amazing! I would 100% recommend. Neither the chair lift nor the boat trip was expensive to go on. Such beautiful cliff edges, so many different colours. We also played some crazy golf, perfect for children in my opinion. I had a wonderful day! Thank you so much 😁
Lily Cole — Google review
this is a must do if you visit the isle of wight! there is so much to do / see here, there’s also plenty of walking / coastal routes to explore! the needles is a great place of history and is fun for everyone. it’s a very interesting place to visit especially if you’re already with the national trust as you can get into the viewpoint area for free! i would highly recommend the needles. it’s beauty and history is definitely worth it.
Grace — Google review
I had a great day out here. We arrived and there was plenty of room in the car park. The staff were really kind and friendly. We did the walk over to the old battlement where we got a very close look at the Needles. Overall, an excellent place and I would highly recommend going here on a day out.
Finley Jacobs — Google review
A lovely afternoon out. Limited activities, but more than made up for by the stair lifts!
The views on the stair lift are absolutely stunning! Truly worth the time to visit for those alone!
Food was good, the jacket potatoes were enormous. Was a little odd that the toppings came separately, but no big issue.
Staff were polite and helpful throughout the park.
John Stovold — Google review
We went on the ski lift down to the beach rather than do the hundreds of steps. My partner loved it but I was a bit scared going over the edge.
The beach is interesting with the variety of sands in the cliffs but small. However you can take a boat tour of the needles from the beach which is great.
Alison Ford — Google review
The chairlift was great fun and the beach below fantastic. The museums at the battery at the top are very interesting, but are more traditional than the fancy interactive ones people might be used to these days (which I prefer). The glass blowing is very fun to watch. Kids love making sand bottles too take home.
The downsides are the extremely early closing time 16.30, and that the cafe food is pretty basic.
Matthew Amos — Google review
Wonderful place to visit. Highly recommend to carry as less luggage as possible. Can't take anything on chairlift and steps to walk down and up are decent but due to gradient makes it more challenging if you have too much to carry.
Very challenging for old and disabled people to get down to beach. Only possibility is chairlift but may need to wait in queue for so long if during peak days, so pls be aware.
Fun place for sure for kids with some rides on top and pebbles to play with at the beach. Anyone fancy a boat ride can do so to and fro from the bay to needles light house for £8(normal) and £15(speed boat) as of today.
Plenty of parking, I think £6 as of today for all day car park.
Narin Nandivada — Google review
Great family day out at this national trust site.... The chair lift to the beach was good fun. We walked down because of the queues and took the chair lift back up. Took a boat ride around the needles which was good fun too. Great walk to the old battery, there is a brilliant viewing point of the Needles, even better than from the boat just next to the new battery area, near the rocket testing site. The walk is relatively flat so is easy to get to.
Gaurav Gautam — Google review
I do like it here even if it is winter and most of it is closed and the shops are mainly empty. But the view is super awesome and the gift shop was well stocked, and the sand place was open.
The sweet shop on the other hand seemed to be missing..... Sweets. I guess being winter they don't sell a lot but there is way better sweet shops in shanklin that sell a lot lot more.
Parking is free in the winter and loads of space, just remember that the amusements are closed and also the chair lift. The beach was also closed due to safety concerns.
The amusements are quite expensive £6 Rach for golf ⛳. Wow that's a lot, again places in the towns are much better value.
If you have the time and the weather is good you can walk to the old battery which is well worth the visit of open.
chris Evans — Google review
Must visit places. The chair lift experience & boat ride were really nice. There is also a mini golf, 4D cinema, Glass making workshop. Reasonably priced, highly recommended for all ages.
Vennie Appavoo — Google review
Beautiful place...
But mind you the pictures on websites are taken on a nice clear sunny day...which is a bit tough to find.. considering UK weather..
Nonetheless... beautiful view..
Monica Jain — Google review
Great fun for all ages lots to do. I recommend popping in to alumbay glass. It's great to see a traditional craft up close and personal. I also recommend the boat trip you get a fantastic view of the needles and the lighthouse the staff on the boat were knowledgeable and cheery. There are places to eat, drink (good coffee) and get ice cream. Oh and I can't leave out the filling the glass bottles of alum Bay sand. All the staff we met where friendly and happy to help. There are over 100 stairs down to the beach on quite a steep incline but the views are stunning and worth the effort.
Allie Gee's — Google review
A beautiful spectacular place to be and visit
Loads of things to do and a wonderful place to spend a full day
Lots of games for kids. Nothing much for adults other than golf and chairlift to the beach.
But the beach is the place to be. Amazingly clean, beautiful water, absolutely scenic
There were 2 great boat rides to the lighthouse. We took the blue ride which is a bit slow compared to the other.
Very nice ride and absolutely worth every penny.
Great time to spend with family and friends
Shakeel Ahmed — Google review
Great place to come kids and grown ups. So much to do here. Go down to the beach on the chair lifts, £9.00 for adults, or you can walk down via some steep steps. Rides for kids, amusement arcades, cafes, clothes shops. A shop where you can buy coloured sand. Fantastic sweet shop and gift shop. Fantastic day out
Louise Lawson — Google review
A bit of a queue for the chairlift, once down on the pebbly beach apart from boat rides which is worth it for the kids... slow boat £8 per adult and £5 per child - fast boat £15 per person or £55 family of 4 (2A/2C).
No refreshments available on beach.
If you don't want to take chair lift there is a walk way down. Everything is dog friendly.
Sarah Whaley — Google review
One of the main attractions in the Island. Have visited this place for the first time almost 13 years back and again in May 23; the place remains beautiful and the chairlift is a great experience in itself. The boat rides are kinda OK, but kids would enjoy it. If you want an adventurous ride, wait for the Faster boat, which is a tad dearer and a shorter one, but is more fun. Buying the bundles online would work out cheaper overall with free parking.
Deepak Srinivasan — Google review
A great experience. To get to the beach, you can walk down or take the chair lift , which was purchased second hand, 50 years prior to our visit from a ski resort. We were lucky to go on a beautiful day, making our boat ride out to the famous Needles. Made even better by learning the history of the place while on our boat trip. 🚢
Nikki Saville — Google review
Be prepared for a fairly long walk from the car park (free) to the old battery. The chairlift was closed due to weather conditions. The view of Alum Bay was stunning but the view from the Old Battery to the needles was nothing to write home about. Maybe the viewpoint high on the hill may have been better but after such a long walk my dog and I were too tired. We visited after the battery was closed on Sat early evening.
E Pritchard — Google review
A good place at the end of Isle of wight.
Having been there during non peak October time there were hardly anyone around.
Car park is free (wow nice in the UK)
There's a lot keep one engaged.
The cable car was good for the views.
Infact walk would be ideal.
RR — Google review
It was raining and the sea was quite rough. We could see the needles but there was a bit of missed coming in. Very big car park. Nice to walk. Nice to walk a dog. Lots of open space. There's a shop. What sells glassware just at the bottom. Quite expensive but well worth a look. If I really enjoyed it. Would go again if I come to the Isle of white. Highly recommend it
harry farrow — Google review
Don't get me wrong. The Needles are well worth visiting.
The nasty attractions they have built near to them are not.
It has become very tacky since I last saw them.
The ski lift is worth taking, but the rest I would avoid.
There I'd plenty of parking nearby.
Chris McLaren — Google review
Terrible quality, expensive tourist trap. An embarrassment to British hospitality that is obviously looking to fleece first timers and foreign tourists and don't care if they return.
Most of the cheapness you can see but for the aspects you can't (until too late): Avoid the "4D cinema" - it's just terrible - and the chair lift where the support stanchion is getting precariously close to the cliff edge that is seemingly prone to land slides.
JJ Camz — Google review
Beautiful place a hidden gem please go to the beach on the cable chairs £9 per adult carers free not sure price for children. We also did a slow boat ride also £9 no free places for carers on that though, you won't be disappointed
kara henman — Google review
It's the very western end of Isle of Wight. There are beautiful views of the sea and cliffs. There are beautiful walks on the hills around with a mild climb. There are chairlifts to go down to the beach. There are amusements like 4D cinema and dinosaur mini golf. Unfortunately everything was closed on 31st December. We still enjoyed our visit here thanks to the beautiful scenery.
ProGamer AZ — Google review
A good family day out on the islands most westerly point. Great views, nice coastal walks, a chair lift ride down to the beach below. Add in the fairground type kiddie rides and dood a drink, and a nice day can be had be all.
Tip- best avoided on very windy days
Lazarus — Google review
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3.5
(4786)
Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay PO39 0JD, United Kingdom
Highclere Castle is a historic country residence, renowned for being used as a key filming location in the popular British television series Downton Abbey. Located in a picturesque setting, Highclere Castle boasts grand interiors and sprawling grounds that are open to visitors during seasonal periods. Guided tours are available and include visits to the castle gardens and nearby locations that were also featured in the show such as Bampton. Visitors can easily access Highclere Castle via car or by joining a tour group.
Absolutely gorgeous castle, a must for Downtown Abbey fans. Stunning gardens, plenty to see with great tea rooms. Great value for money too. Perfect day out.
Frances Casey — Google review
I recently visited Highclere Castle and had a wonderful experience. The tour guide was excellent, providing a wealth of information about the history and architecture of the castle. The grounds were also beautiful, and I enjoyed exploring them during the tour. To top off the visit, I had a lovely afternoon tea at the castle. The tea and sandwiches were delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Highclere Castle. The tour is informative and enjoyable, and the afternoon tea is a delicious treat
Duncan Andrews — Google review
Beautiful gardens, especially the wild flower meadow. Very interesting house and Egyptian exhibition. House includes pictures of the filming of Downton Abbey in the actual positions in the rooms where they took place. Good catering facilities with lots of inside & outside seating areas. Well worth a visit.
Judy Bird — Google review
Who hasn't seen Downton Abbey?! Highclere Castle is a grand and beautiful place. The visit was very interesting. It would have been nice to see more rooms, may be the servants quarter too. The Egyptian exhibition was fascinating and so well set-up. We had a walk in the garden too, so peaceful. It was such a lovely day. I only gave 4 stars as in both cafes, no vegan food was offered. We were surprised and disappointed as you can now find vegan anywhere.
Nathalie M — Google review
Really good experience. We had a guided tour which was very informative. Loads of on site parking. Easy enough to find. The lunch provided was more than expected which we all really enjoyed.
Rich Davis — Google review
Wonderful trip to Highclere Castle. Enjoyed looking round the castle, although a long queue to go in the (about an hour wait) but of course August is peak holiday time so I would expect it to be busy. The Castle grounds are wonderful with views stretching way into the distance. Plenty of trees and seats in the shade to shelter from the sweltering hot day. Hot and cold drinks plus sandwiches and snacks available at several little cafes around the central area with more than enough seating and tables. Staff very polite and helpful. We will definitely make a return visit at some point.
Cathy Hodson — Google review
As a big fan of Downton Abbey, I’ve wanted to visit Highclere Castle for years. The chance finally came when my wife and I were given tickets (including the afternoon tea box and Egyptian exhibition) as a wedding gift. We were not disappointed! A breathtaking view of the castle greeted us on arrival to the car park. From the moment we exited our car, we were treated kindly by all the friendly staff - including the car park attendants who enthusiastically welcomed us. Long story short, we were very impressed by not only the tidiness of every inch of this property - both inside and out - but by it’s beauty as well. Fans of the show who want to literally stand where their favourite characters have stood will have their wish fulfilled. Unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed inside the castle, but that’s actually a good thing as it keeps the flow moving and allows you to focus on the home instead of your camera or phone.
Outside, the gardens and grounds are a must see, so wonderfully maintained. We were also pleasantly surprised by the quality and amount of food in our afternoon tea for two box. What a fantastic idea!
We would definitely visit again and highly recommend it to anyone who’s interested.
Brad E — Google review
Huge Downton Abbey fan, this tour was 100% worth the time. We hired a car and driver for the day so we could also make stops on the way home. The food was fantastic really liked everything they gave as apart of the tour it was a really nice touch.
Mike Lewis — Google review
A beautiful castle and Home
Stunning grounds too. The guides were very interesting and informative and particularly helpful with disabled clients, I was unable to negotiate stairs and they gave me a chair and photo book of upstairs whilst I waited for my relatives. Also showed me an easier way to see the Egyptian exhibition.
Frances Fagg — Google review
It was an absolutely wonderful experience. The castle is treasure to discover. The staff are knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. I told them that I am Canadian, and they took the time to explain the connection between Highclere and Canada. Then, we got to visit the staterooms, drawing rooms, libraries, dining room, and the great Egyptian exhibition. The grounds that are manicured to perfection with trees from all over the world and benches underneath so you can sit and just enjoy the moment. The beautiful gardens with all kinds of flowers and greenery look like something out of a book. The tea rooms that offer tantalizing goodies and, of course, nice souvenir shop with something to please everyone. I would go back any time. I recommend it to anyone to take the time to visit this place.
Doreen's Discoveries — Google review
As a big Downton fan this place is dreamlike! My husband doesn’t watch the show but he really loved it. It’s a wonderful castle as it’s furnished as the Earl & Duchess reside there. The guides are just so passionate and knowledgeable…we were lucky enough to spend time with Greg whose enthusiasm and real love for the castle is boundless. We found out so many details ..like the architect who designed West Minster also designed Highclere! We were not able to book timed tickets as they were sold out..but we went and lined up at 8:30am (ticket office opens @9am) on a Sunday morning (take a jacket) and we’re able to secure tickets. Make sure you buy the beautiful book at the entrance as you can’t take pics inside..all the gorgeous interiors are in the book. There are fantastic cafes on the grounds and don’t forget to visit the Secret Gardens. Amazing gift shop too. We were also lucky to see the Duchess with her beautiful Golden Labs on a walk..she is lovely. We didn’t want to leave.
Sheree Secrett — Google review
Wow! What a beautiful elegant place, well maintained and staff were very knowledgeable and informative. Even though it rained for us so didn't get to enjoy the stunning grounds surrounding the estate, it was a beautiful place. As with most places the gift shop was a little expensive but the cafe was reasonably priced, we even enjoyed a warm wild boar sausage in a baguette for lunch! Overall would definitely recommend this place whether your a 'downtown abbey' fan or not!
Rachel Adams — Google review
So much rich history beyond the charm of Downton. It's so wonderful that the family has opened their home to visitors to see. We loved every minute!
Benjamin Buckley — Google review
The location and building is fabulous. If you enjoyed Downton Abbey, then you will love the tour of the building. Just be aware access is limited to specific days of the year.
Michael Dickinson — Google review
Highly recommend. Absolutely smashing, worth the bit extra for the Egyptian exhibition as it tells a lot of the history. The house and grounds are just absolutely gorgeous. Food is a little limited. Gift shop has smashing assortment of bits. So delighted to have visited.
Han W — Google review
A really lovely experience and a must-see for any Downton Abbey fans. The house itself is gorgeous and very well-kept with lots of information about the behind the scenes of Downton Abbey. You can see into the rooms where various scenes were filmed and the furniture is exactly the same so you really feel like you’re stepping in there! The gardens are wonderful and well worth the time to walk around and see everything. The only thing for us, the castle doesn’t allow picnics on the grounds at all. A little bit disappointing in my opinion as you can purchase food on-site and eat it there, even if they had a designated area for picnics, I think it would be better. Just something to keep in mind if you are planning on taking food with you.
Beth J — Google review
Wonderful visit, superb house which is still partly
Lived in, with the added bonus of the Egyptology collection and display. No photos of either as photography is banned inside the house. ( ironic as a major film series has been filmed inside the house!) . The grounds are magnificent with extensive views, with the best wildflower meadow I have ever seen , contradicting the Dolly Parton hit ‘ wildflowers don’t care where they grow’ - theses ones do and they have chosen well. A lovely day out with the usual tea and coffee , very good, ( plus the obligatory gift shop ). Access and parking easy and a good idea to book ahead.
Brian Cohen — Google review
My wife and I enjoyed the Downton Abbey series very much. As a Christmas gift I arranged a visit to Highclere Castle in January as a way to beat back those winter blues. A two hour guided tour was expensive but well worth it. A hardcover book and a nice tea (below stairs) were all part of the deal - very nice. There was also an excellent Tutankhamen exhibition. The Highclere website is quite formal but don't be put off by that, staff are friendly and many are great fun! We re- watched the series as a result and enjoyed it even more to know the 'we were there!' 🤭
Derek Jones — Google review
A great home to explore - well maintained and a well managed one-way route through the ground and first floors.
Detailed history on the building is lacking but they do provide information cards in some rooms. There are helpful and knowledgable staff throughout the castle so do ask them any questions you may have.
Photos and signs also tie back the various rooms to their use in the filming of Downton Abbey.
There are a couple of cafe and food vans scattered through the property - nothing amazing but the food is reasonably priced.
If you are arriving at Newbury station it may be wise to pre book a taxi and also arrange your pickup. Do be prepared that the taxi journey is very steep - £50+, if others are around ask to share the taxi and split the fare.
NSLondon — Google review
I’ve been watching Downton Abbey basically on repeat for the last 7 years. I was ECSTATIC when our family found out we were getting stationed in England a few years ago and Highclere has been on my must-see list ever since. We finally got to visit over Easter weekend and it was a dream come true! Lady Carnarvon was directing pedestrians to the house from the car park which I thought was great, very down to Earth. I totally fangirled when we saw her. 😂 The house was a dream and I loved getting to see the rooms that I’ve become so familiar with these last several years via the show. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if we could take photos inside. I get that it’s their private home and they have family photos out, but no one is there to take photos of Carnarvon family photos. We’re there to see the most important character in a beloved show. We’ve visited a number of castles that are still family homes (Alnwick, Blenheim, Belvoir, etc.) and were permitted to take pictures inside. To each their own.
We ordered a picnic tea box when purchasing our tickets and thoroughly enjoyed everything inside it. The sandwiches, scones and sweet treats were all fantastic. It was £75 for a box for 2 people. A little more than we would normally pay for something like that, but it also came with two free hot drinks and a small bottle of champagne.
The grounds are also beautiful and there is a lot to explore beyond the house. Overall, highly recommend visiting if you’re a Downton Abbey fan.
Mariana Miller — Google review
As a Downtown Abbey fan this was great. The gardens are beautiful and you could spend hours walking around them. The house is very impressive but be prepared to lock the experience in your head because photography inside the house is not allowed unfortunately. But as the house is actually lived in and not a museum, this is understandable.
Greg C — Google review
We had a wonderful time in Highclere Castle recently. The whole building was magical. Lady Carnarvon welcomed us and did a very nice speech before we started our tour inside the castle. Unfortunately we weren't able to take any pictures inside. Our tour guide Greg, was very entertaining and informative. But all the other staff were very warm and friendly. The afternoon tea was very delicious and we were spoiled by the lovely waiters. The gift shop has plenty of choice and the free books were signed by Lady Carnarvon. The only one thing that was a bit disappointing, that is the ladies lavatory. They definitely need a little bit of improvement. Otherwise we did enjoy every minute of the tour and we will definitely come back. Highly recommended!
Charlotte Kovacs — Google review
Awsome experience!
The gardens are beautiful, a lovely walk around the grounds.
The house is a work of art, if you love Downton Abbey, then this is a must for your Bucket List 😊
You have to pre-book to enter the house.
Andrew Palmer — Google review
Such a beautiful place and great for fans of Downton Abbey. We were greeted by the Lady Carnarvon and had our photo taken in front of the grand Christmas tree. We were offered tea and coffee followed by a tour of the castle. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and clearly had a good relationship with the family. We got to visit the Egyptian collection and lastly had afternoon tea, which Lady Carnarvon came to join us for. All in all, an absolutely fantastic experience that I can't wait to do again!
No photos are allowed inside the castle.
Coralie Pattenden — Google review
Went for their Egyptian exhibition event to celebrate 100 years since the family discovered Tutankhamen's tomb.
The house is stunning and if you're a Downton abbey fan there is a lot to look at (no photos allowed in the house due to insurance).
The grounds and gardens are stunning and vast. Lots to walk around in a nice day. They offer a events during the year which are incredible and good fun to dress up.
There is a lot of history and interesting things to observe. Would definitely return and watch the show now
Izzy Creative247 — Google review
4.6
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4.5
(2769)
Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, United Kingdom
Beautiful cathedral with a long medieval nave and a fascinating array of features from all eras. Highlights include the intricately carved choir stalls, Jane Austen's grave, and one of the UK's finest illuminated manuscripts. The excellent Tower and Roof Tours get busy, so book well in advance.
An amazing experience and an absolute pleasure to be able to see such a vast history.
You really have to interact with this cathedral you can look at it from a great distance but until you have walked the long hallways and exhibition you have not experienced much. the staff were very friendly and I thoroughly felt welcome.
I have included some Aerial photography that I took on this day. really gives you a whole new experience!
Daniel — Google review
Lovely grounds and a huge cathedral. It's a £10 to enter to ensure maintenance is kept up Nice to see an early bible on display and it's well protected and showcased. Jane Austin tomb inside just after the entry on the left. Amazing how massive the cathedral is and how intricate the detailing is. Lots of tour guides on hand to answer any questions - They were super nice. If in Winchester suggest you visit.
Huge Ross — Google review
Went last minute and arrived around 4.30pm. Closed 6pm in the week. Used local car park, inexpensive only had to pay to 6pm. Circa 40 to 50 stalls I'd guess, friendly lovely atmosphere. Plenty of food and drink options in the centre and lots of toilet options. Lovely pre Christmas experience. Thoroughly enjoyed, even non shopper me 🤣
Paul G — Google review
Oh my goodness! Do yourself a favor and visit the Winchester cathedral! It cost £12.50 to visit but was so worth it! We had a wonderful tour guide (which is included in the cost of admission) and I highly recommend the tours! So informative and they can only scratch on the history of the cathedral. Very cool to see Jane Austen’s burial site. Definitely check out the crypt if it isn’t flooded (which it may be seasonally but we lucked out in January). Also worth visiting the complimentary Exhibit which houses the Winchester Bible and Bishop’s library. Very wonderful experience.
Jaime Killion — Google review
Such a brilliant place to visit.
When we reached service was going on and we had free entry inside the cathedral. The choir was fantabulous - enjoyed it.
The cathedral itself is a very historical building located close to the town and an architectural marvel. Worth visit.
Lots of parking available around the town.
CGe0 — Google review
Winchester Cathedral at the heart of Winchester City is a historical but also a very stunning building impossingly stunning the city visitors. The staffs and really amazing in here. They're very welcoming and there are plenty of very lovely volunteers providing guided tours. They also provide activities leaflets for children and their ticket last a whole year so you can go back there on the same ticket all year round. Cannot recommend it enough
Bimeny Ponsiano — Google review
My first impressions of Winchester cathedral are just how impressive and absolutely stunning it is. You don't need to know the history of the cathedral to appreciate the design and architecture of this cathedral.
I went there 3 days in a row and every day I noticed different parts that I had previously missed. The entrance fee of £10 also acts as a 12 month pass to visit as many times as you like, outstanding value for money.
There are also free tours of the cathedral at various times which is very informative. I will definitely be going back several more times over the next 12 months.
Eddie Rogers — Google review
We did the guided tower tour at an extra GBP3 and it was well worth it. So much information, a great view from the top and the chance to see behind the scenes. Lots of very narrow stairs though so not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. And take a small bag if at all.
Melanie — Google review
Wonderful, impressive cathedral! We wanted to have just a short glimps and finally stayed over 2 hours! The £ 12.50 entry fee where well worth it!
Roland Zeller — Google review
It's a great place to explore the great history of Winchester. It's really a big church with beautiful art and historic monuments. There is a small garden in front of it and you can spend quality time with your family and friends.
Ajay Bali — Google review
Didn't pay for entry
We felt £12.50 was quite a lot for entry and decided not to pay, but we did soon realise how big it was and could see potential justification for why entry was expensive. You can explore a garden and see lots of the architecture without going in. The gift shop is expensive and mostly about the area not just the Cathedral.
Lucy_ M — Google review
What a gorgeous historical place to have a graduation.
So we'll organised in a wonderful venue & City.
Lovely and Warm we were nice and comfortable during the 90 minutes ceremony.
Perfect memories made today in a gorgeous historic building.
Jon Cass #11 — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyable experience today. Entry fee is good value for money, you can get guided tours too included. Amazing, huge building with lots of history. Friendly staff and guides. Thanks for a lovely visit. Your ticket is also valid for a year but I still thought it was great value for one visit!
Kerry Ellerington — Google review
This is a must-see place if you are visiting Winchester, the cathedral is fantastic for those that love this type of building. We did the standard cathedral tour including the crypt, our guide was a lovely lady called Angela and she was so good with children and adults and so informative. Two of us then did the Tower Tour, this was amazing and well worth the fee.
Martin Dixey — Google review
Fascinating history and stories around the building. Would thoroughly recommend the guided tour. We also enjoyed the Tower tour, but not for the faint hearted, have a heart or lung problem or you don't like narrow steps or heights. You need at least three full days to get the most out of a visit here. One ticket lasts a full year so your return is feasible. Another exhibit we enjoyed was The Kings and Scribes. Extremely interesting history.
Mary Roberts — Google review
I was incredibly impressed by Winchester cathedral and it is 100% worth the £10 entry.
Upon entry we were told a free guided tour would start soon - you should definitely partake in this. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and witty. He took us around the whole cathedral and told us stories and facts about the cathedral, its history, the royals and of Winchester itself. Thank you for having these tours as it really sets the visit apart.
The cathedral is stunning architecturally and you can see the different styles as you move throughout the cathedral.
There was also an exhibit on which added even more value to the ticket. I would certainly visit again even though it's a 2 hour drive. This is by far the best thing to do in Winchester.
The only reason it got 4 stars is because of the toilets - water and mud all over the floor and it smelt like the sanitary bins needed changing.
Vicci Skinner — Google review
Wow, what a cathedral. Anyone who is in the vicinity must see it. We were also lucky enough to see the choir rehearsing and we were accompanied by church songs through the huge building. If you are interested in history, you should bring time, as there is a lot to read and learn.
Marcus Schuler — Google review
Magnificent bit of architecture, a wonderful cathedral set in the historical town of Winchester. £12.50 for an adult, kids are free. A bit of a museum, art gallery, and tower tours. Gift shop and cafe are in a separate building across the courtyard.
Steven Moseley — Google review
Remarkable building, with fantastic exhibitions and guides, well worth the price of entry and definitely worth checking out.
The building remains a functioning church, but in addition it acts as a museum and art gallery. Definitely worth getting the guided tour, and make sure you check out the actual museum section (off to the right hand side towards the back of the church).
Simon Hill — Google review
The cathedral has been on my bucket list for years. It was great. I did the tour, which made it so much more interesting. It's definitely a must.
Caryn Atkins — Google review
Subject: A Tranquil Journey Through Time at Winchester Cathedral
I had the pleasure of visiting Winchester Cathedral in August, and the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The cathedral, nestled in the heart of Winchester, captivates both history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Upon entering, the sheer grandeur of the cathedral is immediately apparent. The magnificent architecture, with its towering spires and intricate details, transports you to a bygone era. The breathtaking interior is a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and devotion.
One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the beautiful chapels within the cathedral. Each one tells a unique story, adorned with stunning stained glass windows and ornate tombs that carry the weight of history. The tranquil ambiance inside creates a sense of reverence, inviting visitors to reflect and appreciate the cultural and religious significance of the site.
Winchester Cathedral's famous nave is a marvel in itself. The soaring ceilings and the play of light filtering through the windows create a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for quiet contemplation. The architecture and the artistry on display truly make this cathedral a masterpiece.
The guided tour provided valuable insights into the cathedral's rich history. Learning about the notable events that took place within its walls and the prominent figures buried on its grounds added depth to my appreciation of the site.
Outside, the cathedral grounds are equally charming. The well-maintained gardens and the close proximity to the city center make it a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling town.
In conclusion, my visit to Winchester Cathedral was a journey through time and a feast for the senses. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge seamlessly. I left with a profound appreciation for the dedication and skill of those who contributed to the creation and preservation of this cultural gem. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone seeking a moment of tranquility, Winchester Cathedral is an absolute must-visit.
Anatori Sealife — Google review
Amazing place to visit, so much to see and learn about. The Moon was just incredible and seemed so real. Also wonderful to see the Bible dating back over a thousand years. Really helpful, kind staff. The crypt was brilliant. The architecture was just mingling. Your ticket lasts 12 months so you can visit as much as you want for the year.
Rhys Hills — Google review
An impressive place to visit. Lots of interesting historical facts and beautiful interior. Entry £12,50 per adult, but it is worth the price. You can easily spend minimum 2 hours inside if you like history and facts.
moramiko — Google review
I took the Tower Tour. 213 extremly narrow, steep, and uneven stairs to the top. A great view when you get there, especially if you get lucky with the weather. The decent to Ringing Floor (Britain's largest apparently) is probably slightly more challenging (down those same stairs). I have given this tour 5 stars because the guides are excellent and I enjoyed it very much but do be aware that this is not your ordinary climb (and the number of steps is not really the issue)
Richard Sharp — Google review
Incredible building with so much history. Your ticket allows you entry for a full year. Highly recommend the free guided tours from the volunteers, they are very knowledgeable and passionate. Always visit this cathedral whenever I'm in Winchester.
Lyndsay Barrett — Google review
A very interesting building, lots of history. £12.50 per adult, get a guided tour as you will miss most of the interesting stuff.
The tickets once purchased are valid for 12 months,so always good for a return visit.
I will return the next time i am in Winchester.
Stephen Stiles — Google review
Superb & impressive 1000+ year old Cathedral in the center of Winchester.
Known to be one of the earliest stone built buildings in the whole of England & Europe.
Also there is a museum inside over 3 floors.
You can get a free guided tour which is included in the entrance fee. (The entrance fee allows unlimited visits in the year)
See images for pricing and opening times.
Definitely worth a look. 👀
Cafe, shop and toilets.
Parking available in the town at various places
Simon Stepsys — Google review
Definitely the best place to visit in Winchester by a hell of a lot, and definitely one of the best cathedrals in the country. The history is incomparable and it's a perfect example of cathedral architecture through time, with everything from Romanesque to Perpendicular Gothic, and modern additions. When I visited it was school holidays, a little bit grey but with blue skies later, and not busy at all (I got pictures from one end to the other without any people in, very rare, even at around 11-12ish).
The nave roof is stunning, very similar to that at Norwich, and the west window is like a mosaic of old glass that although isn't perhaps as impressive as others gives off a beautifully clear light and reminds me of the Dean's Eye at Lincoln.
The transepts and the crypt are the oldest parts of the building, in their Norman big-bonedness. The crypt was flooded when I was there which I had been desperately hoping for (although it's probably not the best thing for the cathedral building) - it is amazing. I tried to take a (very cautious) step down from the top step of the main viewing platform and realised I couldn't because the water was only just lower than it - it was very high. But it's beautiful - the statue is reflected perfectly. I'd love to see it unflooded as well and take the crypt tour around to the other side.
The choir is lovely under the crossing, another beautiful ceiling with a helpful mirror to look up. I couldn't see any miserichords but I'm sure there were some - I did find a little finial with a funny looking guy on it who was pretty cool. The roof screen is one of the highlights - every little niche has it's own carved vault, many statues all life sized and with tiny details you can't even make out, and so many other little touches that make it an absolute masterpiece of Mediaeval and Victorian craftsmanship. The area behind is closed off but you can get around into the retrochoir with the tomb of St. Swithin which is lovely and some gorgeous chapels with lovely ceilings. There's a little section of ceiling between the end of the aisles and the retrochoir's first arch where it goes diagonal and the vault becomes really strange and wonky which I adore - a very inelegant solution to a problem that's created a beautiful little detail.
Another highlight was the Kings & Scribes exhibition - it's great to get up into the triforium without a tour. The bottom floor has the Winchester Bible which is very beautiful, the video explaining how they made it is probably not the best for some people (like vegans - it's written on calfskins) but is very interesting. There's a lot of effort put in there. Upstairs you can go inside the library where you can look, on a screen, inside some of the manuscripts, which have some graffiti and other cool little things. There's also a really interesting bit about the mortuary chests where they found the bones of ancient kings, and how they figured out who they are - they're unsure but they've put in a hell of a lot of effort - I watched most of the video on display which was interesting, and loved the interactive screens that went through the science of it. On the top floor there's windows through into the nave aisles' rooves, which are very dark but cool to see, a large balcony over the transept which offers stunning views of the crossing, an exhibition about the building of the cathedral, and another exhibition about the monks' lives which was also good. Loved the bit about the cathedral, and the views too.
The café and shop are also very good - had a lovely panini, good loos. here's also a statue outside the café of the diver who saved the cathedral - very much worth a read, and there's a pub named after him nearby. It's also worth going along the south side because you walk through the buttresses along the wall which makes for great pictures, especially in the golden hour.
So, I highly recommend a visit to Winchester Cathedral. It's simply wonderful. I'll have to come back to take a crypt tour, and the tower tour which I didn't take because I did one at Salisbury.
Osborne House, a former summer retreat for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, is a stunning estate with beautiful gardens that are open to the public. The house is filled with art objects and souvenirs from around the world, offering a glimpse into royal family life. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the famous chalk Needles and Trinity Lighthouse in the west. Additionally, sailing enthusiasts can experience the thrill of watching the annual Round the Island Race in September.
This is a great place to visit. It feels expensive when you buy the tickets, but it’s not!
Buy online before you go to save, or join English heritage.
So much to see and do, particularly if the weather is good.
Highly recommend a visit.
JAMES GRANGER — Google review
Ollie Rayner — Google review
Such a beautiful place to go. With lots of history and beautiful scenery. The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.
This is highly recommended if you visit the Isle of Wight.
Chris Porter — Google review
Lizzy Rayner — Google review
Wonderful summer holiday home for Victoria & Albert and their family. Gorgeous house filled with collected art objects, souvenirs and tributes from around the world. The grounds are beautiful and it's clear the royal family enjoyed Osborne House where they could relax and be themselves.
Kevin Logan — Google review
Worth a visit if you are in the area. Covid secure. Great staff very informative and amazing scenery. Gardens outside are really nice too.
Monkey Haven is a rescue centre for primates, including lemurs and gibbons, as well as birds of prey like eagles and snowy owls. It's situated just outside the city, and tickets can be pre-booked. There are activities for kids, such as puzzles and colouring, and you can see monkeys, lemurs, gibbons and owls in addition to other animals.
This place is a charity funded place. I have a 17 year old boy with mobility issues. I have a 14 year old typical teenage girl. Then there is me and a friend I tagged along. The price is reasonable and even get to return within 7 days if you are lucky enough to have found this place at the start of your holiday. The staff are very friendly, the cafe is lovely and the place is amazing. We all had a fantastic time. Was the best place we had been during our whole stay. Even when there was a group antagonising the monkeys and going over the barriers (always one group eh), the staff demonstrated how much they care. The lady that went over to them was fuming. They really care for these animals. Honestly is beautiful. I will add one or two photos but don't want to add too many as you really need to see this place for yourself to truly understand its beauty.
Cat Lover — Google review
Had a wonderful afternoon here on Sunday with my family, the venue was clean, food in the cafe was nice, my daughter enjoyed collecting stamps on her activity booklet, we managed to catch feed time at 3pm and the talk by the staff member was great very knowledgeable. The indoor part was good and the monkeys seemed very playful and happy to say hello at the glass,we also managed to catch a reptile talk and held a snake! Nice play areas for the children and nice little gift shop.
BX — Google review
Our visit to Monkey Heaven on the Isle of Wight was nothing short of enchanting!
From the moment we stepped foot into the sanctuary, we were greeted by a diverse array of playful monkeys. It was an absolute delight to witness these fascinating creatures up close and my family especially my kids were captivated by their antics. The sanctuary provided ample opportunities for observation and interaction, allowing us to learn more about these intelligent animals and their behaviors. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing our overall experience.
Monkey Heaven is undoubtedly a must visit destination for families seeking an unforgettable adventure with our primate friends.
Sandhanu S — Google review
Lovely place. Really reasonable entry fee, with free 7 day return.
Great talks from the keepers are informative. Given a map upon arrival with all information regarding enclosure locations and the times of the talks the keepers do.
Nice food, a little pricey. Indoor and outdoor seating. Has a play area for little children outside.
There is a larger play area for other children located elsewhere.
Small gift shop, reasonably priced, with some great gift ideas and keepsakes.
Most enclosures were labeled with information plaques which were interesting and well laid out. Gave information on the species as well as the individuals themselves (names, DOB, personalities etc). The information was tailored right for both adult and child reading, with pictures and fun comparisons for sizes (e.g. the size of a chicken, weight of a bowling ball) as well as the scientific information (actual measurements/spans, full name).
There is also an app you can download. Scan barcodes laid out around the park to watch and read interactive things related to the animals. This includes their sounds/calls etc.
Push chair and wheel chair friendly with accessible parking and paved paths around the park.
Elizabeth Barton — Google review
Lovely, well laid out, small animal sanctuary that has a lovely modern family atmosphere and has the animal's welfare at heart.
They have a brilliant cafe where the sandwiches are made on site by the serving staff.
Great day out !
Well worth the entrance fee.
Mike Darbyshire — Google review
Was a fantastic visit. The talks about the the species of monkeys they had and all their personalities. Also watching them being fed with their snacks. Beautiful and clean. Cafe had 2 lovely staff girls with big smiles, cakes were very yummy. We look forward to visiting again.
Katie Van Der Walt — Google review
I visited with my grandson and we absolutely loved it. Very clean and tidy. Not too big so I could keep up with him. The animals were interesting, cute and well looked after. Cafe was great. Two play parks and on a bus route.
Just needed someone to check the toilets bit more often and some cheaper gift items/toys in gift shop.
Great day out, would definitely recommend.
Florance River — Google review
Wow, staff were amazing, a young lady took the time to stop with a pair of turtles to let my children sit and meet them, the whole place was beautiful and so well kept, the animals all looked happy and healthy and there was so much information around and ways to interact. Also the tea room and gift shop were good prices! Highly recommend here for everyone.
Charlie Daniels — Google review
What a wonderful place. The animals are beautiful and very well looked after. You can tell how much the staff care about the residents and providing a great visitor experience.
Definitely try and visit when it opens, you might get to hear the gibbons sing, which is one of the most joyful experiences I've had!
Dan Woodward — Google review
A wonderful sanctuary for all the animals that they have here. The enclosures, surroundings, reception staff, and the keepers are all first class. If possible, it is well worth arriving early to hear the singing Lar Gibbons. The Keepers deliver informative and entertaining talks. Their commitment and enthusiasm for what they do really makes for a great day out. We spent a whole day here and as they say, time flies when you are having fun! The atmosphere is very relaxed and it is lovely to know that the welfare of the animals comes first.
Martìn Loveless — Google review
We really enjoyed our visit here! Small but lots to see and do!
We watched the Meerkat talk which was wonderful! The keepers were all very well informed and evidently cared a great deal for the animals.
We would be happy to return again! Keep up the wonderful work.
Cara West — Google review
Enjoyed our visit to Monkey Haven, the ticket was a decent price and offers free re entry up to 7 days, which we did not use but was nice to have that option since we was only staying next door.
Enjoyed looking at all the monkeys,Owls and meerkats and the talk given about the owls was well presented and informative.
Probably not a whole day out as most zoo’s would
Be but a morning or afternoon session easily filled the time.
Had a toasted sandwich from the cafe which was tasty and reasonably priced for todays prices,
Would recommend and visit again on my next visit to the isle
adam taylor — Google review
Lovely day out here seeing all the wonderful animals in their enclosures knowing that they are now safe and happy!
The atmosphere here is lovely and peaceful too and the views are lovely!
So glad places like this exist!
David Baker — Google review
It is a small, but packed site offering excellent care to their monkeys and other animals.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
Kevin Durant — Google review
Small and packed sanctuary for visitor. Nice experience with keepers talk while feeding food to animals. Informative. All place were clean and tidy.
Senthilkumar P — Google review
What a find, we took our children here whilst on holiday and what an awesome attraction. The site is not huge but there is plenty to see and the talks are very informative. The animals are well cared for and given where these poor monkeys have come from we are all doing our bit to help oh and by the way the entrance feels is more than reasonable. We visited the cafe for a pit stop, a wide selection of food at a fair price, the lady on the till was awesome, polite, helpful and service with a smile, credit to you all. A cracking day out, go see!
Ryan Brown — Google review
I Love Monkey Haven! It’s such an amazing place to visit, and the care given to the animals is phenomenal. Great keeper/ monkey talks, very informative and kind staff. Made me feel welcomed and explained things thoroughly throughout the day. The fact that they care so much about the animals in the sanctuary, and you can tell how much they are emotionally attached makes this so special. Can’t fault this place, truly amazing.
Caitlin Burt — Google review
We had a fabulous time. It's my son's birthday and we went around and watched all the animals. The monkeys were brilliant. The young lady who gave us a running tutorial about the monkeys and where they came from a really good job of explaining to us where they were and how they are and what they ate and how they lived, 10 at 10 for how well she done, inspiring young lady answered all the questions , well done , we had coffee and it was gorgeous. They do food there. They have a lovely shop , if you go on holiday to the Isle of white support the monkey haven is such a lovely charity and they do an exceptionally good job. All the best for the future x
harry farrow — Google review
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Five Acres Farm, Staplers Rd, Newport PO30 2NB, United Kingdom