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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Maidenhead to Gloucester?
The direct drive from Maidenhead to Gloucester is 87.6 mi (141 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 30 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Maidenhead to Gloucester, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Oxford, Winchester, Swindon, Cheltenham, Reading, Salisbury, Aylesbury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Newbury, and Farnham, as well as top places to visit like Bekonscot Model Village & Railway and Odds Farm Park, or the ever-popular National Trust - Ashridge Estate.
The top cities between Maidenhead and Gloucester are Oxford, Winchester, Swindon, Cheltenham, Reading, Salisbury, Aylesbury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Newbury, and Farnham. Oxford is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Maidenhead and 1 hour from Gloucester.
The town of Reading, located in the south of England, is a bustling hub with a rich history. It hosts an annual rock music festival that draws large crowds. The town centre is dotted with shops and eateries overlooking the Thames and Kennet rivers. Visitors can explore the Reading Museum to learn more about the region's past, including a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry from Victorian times.
22% as popular as Oxford
7 minutes off the main route, 19% of way to Gloucester
Farnham, a charming market town and civil parish in Surrey, England, is nestled about 36 miles southwest of London. Situated in the Borough of Waverley near the Hampshire border, Farnham boasts picturesque streets lined with Georgian houses and a majestic medieval castle. The town's history dates back to the 12th century when Farnham Castle was built as a residence for the archbishops of Winchester.
11% as popular as Oxford
30 minutes off the main route, 28% of way to Gloucester
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Aylesbury, located in central England, is a charming town known for its well-preserved historic architecture. The old town area boasts an array of Georgian, Jacobean, and Tudor buildings, particularly around the 13th-century St. Mary’s Church. Visitors can delve into local history and culture at the Bucks County Museum, which also houses the engaging Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery featuring characters from the beloved author's books.
17% as popular as Oxford
26 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Gloucester
Situated in central southern England, Oxford is a city steeped in history and culture, with its renowned university established over 800 years ago. Known as the 'City of Dreaming Spires' due to the stunning architecture of its 38 colleges, Oxford attracts visitors from all over the world. The city's medieval center boasts several notable landmarks such as Carfax Tower and the Botanic Garden on River Cherwell.
Most popular city on this route
14 minutes off the main route, 37% of way to Gloucester
I'll never travel to Gloucester without this trip planner again
Situated on the periphery of England's South Downs National Park, Winchester is a Hampshire-based city renowned for its medieval heritage. The 17th-century Morley Library and the Norman crypt in Winchester Cathedral are some of its most iconic features. The ruins of Wolvesey Castle and the working 18th-century corn mill at Winchester City Mill are other notable attractions. Moreover, King Arthur's legendary medieval round table is housed inside the Great Hall of Winchester Castle.
41% as popular as Oxford
32 minutes off the main route, 37% of way to Gloucester
Salisbury, a city in Wiltshire County, England, is well-known for its medieval cathedral which boasts a 123m spire and houses an original copy of the Magna Carta. Located just 9 miles south of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, visitors can easily incorporate a visit to this iconic prehistoric stone circle into their itinerary.
18% as popular as Oxford
48 minutes off the main route, 44% of way to Gloucester
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.
26% as popular as Oxford
8 minutes off the main route, 55% of way to Gloucester
Bourton-on-the-Water is a picturesque village located in the Cotswolds region of south central England. It is characterized by its charming low bridges and traditional stone houses. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Cotswold Motoring Museum, which showcases vintage cars and a toy collection, and Birdland, home to various bird species and life-size model dinosaurs. Additionally, the Model Village offers a 1930s scale replica of the village for visitors to admire.
20% as popular as Oxford
11 minutes off the main route, 69% of way to Gloucester
Cheltenham is a Gloucestershire town that hosts the Cheltenham Festival, a four-day horse jump racing event held at the Cheltenham Racecourse every March. Regency architecture can be found throughout the town, such as at the Pittville Pump Room, which harkens back to its history as a spa destination. Visitors can explore fine art collections at The Wilson museum and take in shows at the Victorian Everyman Theatre's ornate auditorium.
25% as popular as Oxford
7 minutes off the main route, 86% of way to Gloucester
Best stops along Maidenhead to Gloucester drive
The top stops along the way from Maidenhead to Gloucester (with short detours) are Stonehenge, Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World, and Ashmolean Museum. Other popular stops include Winchester Cathedral, Highclere Castle, and Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
National Trust Ashridge Estate is a wonderful site in the Chiltern Hills with rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows. It is home to ancient trees, and plenty of wildlife can be seen there. The estate offers a great glimpse of some of the beauty that the hills have to offer.
Great site for a walk with ample free parking mostly on a field so might be difficult depending on time of year and weather. Many marked walks are available plus there are numerous paths within the woods to follow. The cafe is small but plenty of outdoor seating is available although it can get busy I would guess as we visited on Easter Sunday maybe there was more than a normal Sunday and while we had to q to get served it was pretty efficient. Great views between the trees and displays of blue bells carpeting the ground when we visited on early April.
Mark Isherwood — Google review
Beautiful place to visit, great walking routes. The bluebells are just starting to open up, giving a stunning display in some of the wooded areas. Did not get to cover all route , but a good excuse for a return visit. Some lovely spots to sit and have a picnic. Amazing views to be seen also. Plenty of parking areas, donations for parking unless you are a National trust member then parking is free. Cafe and gift shop on site, plus toilets. Highly recommend a visit.
maria coleman — Google review
Went from here to follow the windmill walk. Loads of free parking. There is a place to get food, ice cream and other facilities right next to the monument. Lots of open space and woodland to explore so this is a this is a very popular location.
Some of the pathways are solid with stone included so you can get away with sturdy trainers if it is relatively dry.
The circular wall to the windmill with a slight detour took just over 2 hours at a brisk pace. Well worth it for the views.
Gavin Williams — Google review
Brilliant 3 hrs just walking about and resting on felled trees,while daughter rode her bike, great fir kids, they can climb their hearts out. Very peaceful, taking a packed lunch and picnic blanket is recommended, you can BBQ on Monument drive,, plenty of free parking. Gift shop and cafe and clean toilets available. Beautiful place. Ohhhh and they have golf buggies for the less able-bodied to use so they can enjoy the forests and trails
leann smith — Google review
The perfect venue to enjoy a relaxing walk with friends and family.
True contact with nature through biking or cross-country training not to mention the perfect place to walk the dogs.
The café and the shop are an absolute plus, the staff is friendly and devoted to keep the entire place spotless.
Lorena FG — Google review
Lovely park, with footpaths that lead into the wooded areas to find treasures of flora and fauna. Mid April, there are wonderful patches of bluebells, very enchanting.
The park has a cafe and a little souvenir shop.
Has ample parking (which is free), but even then, it can take a little time to find space, as it can get very busy, especially on sunny weekends.
H Magix — Google review
A really beautiful place to visit. Car park busy but found space. A good walk through the bluebells.
Hint to self: go two weeks earlier next year as they were past their best. Despite this a fantastic walk with beautiful weather. Trees looking great and lots of birds about.
S Shiels — Google review
If you're looking for a great place to spend a day out in nature, National Trust - Ashridge Estate is definitely worth a visit! During my recent trip there, I had a fantastic time exploring the woods and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
One highlight of my visit was stopping by the cafe for a bite to eat. The food was absolutely delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices. It was the perfect way to refuel after a long walk!
Speaking of walks, the trails at Ashridge Estate are definitely worth checking out. Even though there was a bit of mud around due to the season, it didn't detract from the experience at all. In fact, it made it feel even more authentic and rustic.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at National Trust - Ashridge Estate. If you're looking for a fun and relaxing day out in nature, I highly recommend checking it out!
Forgot to mention, plenty of parking 👍🔥
Sunil R. Warrier — Google review
Nice park plenty of walking trail. Lots of grass for kids to run around. Caffe was very busy..queues in ladies toilet..the monument was very interesting to climb up to however I noticed that that guy at the entrance was charging some people who does not have a membership and allowing some who also had no membership for free. felt a bit cheated as it wasn't right. Lots of bluebells In the forest..nice ice cream 🍦 at reasonable price.
rishi dilchand — Google review
It's good place for hiking with lots of greenery around. Itz dog friendly and good place to hangout.
Noel Dsouza — Google review
A last minute plan to visit this place which didn’t disappoint me - sun was out and miles and miles of beautiful trails , flowers and scenery .free entrance to the grounds and also plenty of parking space. It was very busy and at one point the car park was full up. Cafe , shop selling local produce and bathrooms on site . The bluebells were lovely but be sure to go to Dockey Woods where they are truly at their best.
Kumari Desouza — Google review
Nice place for a walk in nature. There's a cafe where you can have food and drinks and they have mobility scooters that can be used if needed, with no charge, just a donation is advised. Also, the ice-cream van is usually there. Been here a few times and will keep it on my list of places to visit on sunny days.
Ionela Marinete — Google review
Beautiful countryside and some lovely marked trails.
Visitor Centre and café are very nice and there's lots of parking.
Found some of the markings for the trails confusing as the waypoint marker colours don't match that of the NT maps and there's lots of footpaths and other NT walks that aren't on the map.
Apart from that well worth a visit.
Matthew S — Google review
Easy forest walk just off from the monument structure. It is suitable for most people as it very barely slopes upwards. It’s lovely to walk below the trees but the scenery is not the most interesting and you’re almost forced to stick to the path.
The autumnal colours was lovely. The route is linear and personally I prefer routes that circle around to avoid back-tracking, otherwise the route takes around 45 minutes each way on a slow walk, total around 1.5 hours for the walk.
If the weather has rained, remember to bring appropriate footwear as some areas get muddy.
Quite a lot of people bring their dogs for a walk too.
The cafe and visitor centre/shop is simple and decent. Toilet facilities are available. Parking is free but they welcome a donation and it looks like spaces may be an issue if it is a popular day.
I suggest going to the nearby Ashridge House for lunch before coming to Ashridge Estate for a forest walk, rounding it off with a rest at the cafe and their sweet treats.
Jacob Lee — Google review
It is an amazing place. You can choose to have a short or very long walk. The walking paths are quite good. There is a cafe and a little National Trust shop. It is worth to visit.
EMINE INSALACO — Google review
Great place for a long walk to blow away the cobwebs. Lots of wide trails. Plenty of parking. A café serving drinks and sandwiches. A coffee van by one of the trails for coffee on the go. Disabled parking near to the café. Ice cream van. Lots of joggers and horse riders on the trails too. Some lovely views and beautiful trees.
Louise — Google review
Fantastic place for long walks, if you have dogs take them they'll love it, just be mindful if they're not good with other dogs keep them on their leads. Climbed up to the top of Bridgewater Monument 172 up & back down, not for vertigo suffers or people with bad knees as steps get narrower the further up you go.
Christina Stephenson — Google review
Serene environment. Very peaceful walk.
Lots of different routes to choose from.
Cafe till 4pm and free parking with an option £2 donation
Gopinath Radhakrishnan — Google review
Great place for a walk, picnic, climb up the tower, free for members or £2.50 non members, ice cream. Can walk to Ivinghoe beacon from here.
Robert Molesworth — Google review
Very nice place. Went to see the beautiful Autumn colours and loved the walk. Worth a visit. No issue with parking there are plenty of places where can park your car... Avoid going off the track on rainy days as it may get too muddy. Will plan to go there sometime during spring.. hope it would be equally beautiful.
Aatif Ansari — Google review
4.7
(4175)
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4.5
(717)
Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX, United Kingdom
Bekonscot Model Village & Railway is a unique and charming attraction located in Buckinghamshire. It holds the title of being the oldest model village in the world, having been built in the late 1920s. The village spans across 1.5 acres of gardens and consists of seven model towns and villages connected by a detailed model railway.
My boyfriend took me here as I've never gone, I loved the placed, the houses and people were tiny and cute. It's an interesting place to go, especially with your children, they have playgrounds for them too. A cafe too, serving food and drinks plus ice cream 🍨. I would recommend this place for families or couples.
Cetra Louise Loveridge — Google review
Considering the ticket price personally I felt it’s not value for money. Having said that, it’s well maintained the details are meticulously crafted on all the miniatures. It’s truly a model small village which typically any small town would look like. My favourite was the train running round the circuits every where, they were successful in creating magic around the trains and it even draws adults attracted to it. I would suggest if you have kids around 8-12 years they would enjoy this experience, otherwise you give a pass
Vishal Sonje — Google review
Charming Model Village with Some Considerations
During my visit to Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, I experienced a unique and charming attraction. While the place itself is lovely and draws a crowd, I have mixed feelings about recommending it due to a few considerations.
One aspect that gave me pause was the entry ticket price, which I found to be on the higher side. Considering the overall experience and the time spent exploring the village, I felt that the value for money was not as high as expected.
Another point to note is the limited food options available nearby, particularly on weekends. If you plan to visit, it's essential to be aware of this and consider bringing snacks or finding alternative dining options in advance.
Despite these considerations, I want to express appreciation for the historical and creative effort that went into bringing Bekonscot Model Village & Railway to life. The level of detail and craftsmanship in the miniature structures and railways is commendable. It's evident that a lot of care and dedication went into creating this unique attraction.
If you have a particular interest in history, model villages, or railways, you may find Bekonscot Model Village & Railway to be an enjoyable experience.
Rahul Suresh — Google review
Great day out. Every generation should visit at least twice in their lives. Once as a child, and again taking their own children to this magical world of times past. Nice cafe on site as well.
Keith H — Google review
Cute place to visit, especially with kids. The ride in the small train at the beginning of the park is fun. It has a soft play area conveniently close to where ice cream is sold towards the end of the park. Worth a visit.
K M — Google review
Awesome day out for babies/kids - we took our under 1 year old. Very educational and creative with a large variety of buildings/shops (hospital,bank,marks and Spencer, shoes shop, Mercedes Benz & many more!). Lots of colours and different sounds so a great sensory experience overall (bells from the church, mini trains running, boats, mini fairground ride, 1930s circus to name a few!). Highly recommend! It’s the type of place you can keep on visiting as you will always learn something new each time, and of course as your child grows you can ask them to share with you what they can see & hear.
Large space outdoors for eating. Cafe was great had plant-based milk so catered for vegans.
Dr Shuchita Dhwiren Patel — Google review
What a lovely day out. Took my 2 sons aged 2 & 5. Immaculately kept. Great for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Clean toilets and free parking. Nice gift shop too. The train ride was fantastic and we went on twice. The only negative was how very very expensive the cafe was and we decided to not eat there. This place exceeded my expectations. Would return again.
Scott Holland — Google review
We visited in early November 2023, my wife and I and our 7yr old son absolutely loved it! So much to see, and the train ride is always fun for kids and adults alike. Highly recommend visiting, we spent around 2hrs and saw everything, some things twice.
Brendan — Google review
It's a great place for families, with a playground cafe and plenty to see.
The entrance price is reasonable.
I found that some of the sections were a little tired with damaged figures and structures. This said, there is easy access around the village and places to sit and a viewing point.
Dudley Jooste — Google review
A worth to visit place for everyone. Not a big place so you can finish looking around and enjoy this place within half an hour to an hour . The best part is the railway which remains running throughout the day. Kids love it. All the models look real and alive. Very few staffs but all friendly and helpful. They have a little children play area and really good space to take rest and enjoy some food and icecream(during summer), you can take your own food too.
PD Rai — Google review
Fascinating model village and railway. The attention to detail is second round none. Loved the humorous shop names and signs - and also the little humorous things to find and see. Go round a couple of times as you'll see something new each time. Parking at the church across the road is free - but it will get full at busy times. The café was not that great - and priced high. £2.80 for a tea-bag, paper cup, sachet of UHT milk and some hot water!!
MartinR — Google review
You gotta love a model village!!... really nice little attraction tucked away in a little village of its own. Some of the models were a little run down, hence the 4 stars not 5, but absolutely worth a visit.
David Green — Google review
Well kept and interesting collection of model villages set in the 1930s. It has a lot of models of people inside and out of the buildings involved in many different activities, which is great fun to explore. There are activity sheets for children to encourage them (and the parents) to search for things. The train ride was fun too.
David Peck — Google review
Bekonscot Model Village & Railway isn't just a destination for kids—it's a haven for the young at heart, an oasis of charm and nostalgia that leaves a lasting impression. With every step I took, I felt as though I was walking through a dream, and even as I left, I carried a piece of that enchantment with me, eager to revisit the miniature world that had captured my imagination.
As I walked through the gates of Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement bubbling within me. The allure of stepping into a miniature world was irresistible, and little did I know that this visit would weave memories that would stay with me for a long time. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the intricate railway network that meandered through the village. As I stood by the tracks, I watched in amazement as the miniature trains chugged along, traversing bridges, tunnels, and scenic landscapes. It was as if I had shrunk down to their size, embarking on a journey through a world of enchantment.
The level of craftsmanship evident in every element was a testament to the dedication and passion of the creators. I found myself lost in the charm of it all, clicking pictures and discovering hidden gems around every bend. The meticulous detailing extended even to the smallest signs, shop fronts, and vehicles, which added authenticity to the experience. Highly recommended….!!!
Ticket: 14£ PP
Steam train: 1.5£PP
Refreshment: Light refreshment cafe is available at the sight
Parking: The nearest parking is Warwick road car park (Plesae, check my review on that)
Toilets: Yes available at the sight
Shipra Suman — Google review
Really worth a visit, we with our sons (2 and 9 yo) enjoyed walking in this beautiful place. It exceeded our expectations, we thought it was small but it was right how it should be, you can easily spend 2-2.5 hours with a short snack break (they have a small tea house inside).
Aliaksandr Labanouski — Google review
Wonderful place to visit with small children. All the children here were so happy and interested. I’d say up to age 9 would find lots to like. There are really special details, including moving trains, cable cars, a coal mine, and even some of the people move. There are scenes inside shops, houses and churches. We stayed for 2 hours. There is free parking in the church car park opposite. I would recommend bringing picnic or packed lunches as cafe food certainly over-priced. But traditional ice-creams available too for treats.
Emma Nugent — Google review
Feel like a giant amongst these exceptional models. A cafe is also onsite should you fancy something to eat. Carpark is located to the side of the entrance. Allow a maximum of 2 hours.
Daren Kenward — Google review
A superb model village with lots of intricate details and eccentricities! A great day out for children and adults alike. Located close to the railway station and car parks a short distance away. There’s ample facilities on site and it’s the sort of place you can visit ten times over and still probably spot something you hadn’t seen before!
Anthony Furnival — Google review
THIS place is OK could be abit more exciting .You only need around an hour and a half here and have to pay for a small train ride ,which I feel should be included in price.Please allow cash as well as children in gift shop want to spend their pocket money or penny's. A little girl had her money ready to pay and was all excited to pay with her own money and couldn't which is sad.Her mum paid on her card ,which takes the joy out of the child's visit.
Rosalind — Google review
This place is AMAZING for any age. Took 20 month old granddaughter yesterday we were there for 5 hours and she was never bored. Neither were we 🤣. Fantastic place to make memories. My husband 1st went over 50 years ago and still remembers it. A magical special place ❤️
Odds Farm Park is a child-friendly attraction that offers animal petting and feeding, as well as exciting activities such as karting and crazy golf. It has an excellent gift shop and play area with a remarkable wooden playground, including a boat that the kids love. The park also features a large sand pit complete with diggers, although visitors wish there were more animals to see such as alpacas, lizards, Meerkats or snakes.
Amazing gift shop and play area. The wooden playground is amazing. Especially the boat! My kids loved the huge sand pit with diggers in. I just wished there were a few more animals to see. None were outside, but maybe that was due to it being cold. It would be nice if they had a few others, maybe alpacas, lizards, Meerkats, snakes. Many other farms like this do we have visited lately.
It also lacked a tractor ride, which my 2-year-old was asking for. Friendly staff. It looked nice and clean.
Natalie Jezzard — Google review
Lovely place to spend time with children and family.
The farm has large territory. Lots to see and to do. Feeding the animals is great experience.
Area is very clean and well kept.
A lot of things in the program : feed the chickens, pet the rabbits, Collecting the potatoes , tractor ride and more. They have picnic areas. Sand pit with toys. Party rooms. Indoor playground.
We really enjoyed the day.
Staff is very polite, helpful and friendly ❤️
We enjoyed the food at the cantina. Coffee was 👍
Every time we visit the farm we spending all day .
Really recommend for a day out with family!
Stela Caraus — Google review
What a lovely place for the family, especially if you have small children. Saying that, all of the adults loved it too. Such a cool experience going in and being able to feed and pet so many different animals, who were eager to say hello to all of us. The grounds are very well kept, and the facilities all in good working order. 100% recommend this family farm to anyone looking for a great day out
Alex Campbell — Google review
Odds Farm Park is a peaceful and close-to-nature park. It is a farm settlement with some variety of farm animals. You can feed some of the animals as you walk around. There are sit-outs and a spot where you can buy small chops. Toilets are also available for use. Tickets are booked in advance. A lovely place to bring kids for them to learn about farm animals.
Samuel Nero — Google review
A wonderful place to spend the day with kids of all ages. There's a nice diner that serves good quality hot food, as well as a cafe for hot and cold drinks. There are several play areas as well as animals to play with. Highly recommended.
Fola — Google review
A great place to take you and your kids. Has a large amount of attractions from goat feeding to a tractor tour. Iss a bit pricy but worth it. It even has an indoor play area next to the cafe. Overall pretty good
Hasan Ajaz — Google review
We visited for my daughter’s 2nd birthday and she had a great time. Not all animals were there which was disappointing as we weren’t informed of this on the website before booking - we found out when there that the lambs weren’t there for the feeding experience which I was hoping to do with my daughter. Parking was easy to find as we went on a weekday therefore, I can’t comment on parking on the weekend yet. The cafe was a nice place to have a break and they had good food options. Staff were friendly. The play area was great, my daughter had an amazing time. She was running around the whole time until she tired herself out (bonus for us as she slept as soon as we got to the car). Overall we had a lovely time and I gave 4 stars simply for not being informed of things missing before we visited. Would recommend and would visit again.
Selina — Google review
Country farm with full of indoor and outdoor activities. A must go place to visit with your kids. There are plenty of picnic areas where you can sit, relax and eat while your kids can play in front of your eyes. Apart from this,kids can see how to milk a cow, touch a bunny ans much more. Overall a good place.
Monal Birds — Google review
I have been taking my children to Odds Farm Park for 21 years. The farm has and is family-friendly. Great place for youngsters to experience farm life and fun around the park with plenty of seasonal activities throughout the year.
Amir Ali — Google review
A bit pricey but has a lot of different activities for children of all ages, with animals feeding, softplay, playground, water park, tractor riding and so on, to keep your child entertained for the whole day
Maria Krisenko — Google review
Great place to take the children. Always enjoy feeding the animals inside and outside. Then adding in the adventure playground, soft play and tractor rides. Also on site cafe provides plenty of options.
Benjy T — Google review
The best. We absolutely love it. Love the set up, the animals, its clean, amazing cafe, staff are friendly. It is quite pricey, so we go once ever so often but it never fails to make our day. Amazing
Razia Ali — Google review
Had my daughters 6th birthday here today with around 35 guests in total. Staff were very helpful and friendly and service was second to none - in particular one of the staff, Molly helped us with explemlary courtesy and made a good day, great.
There is so much here for children of all ages to do that you can spend the entire day here letting them enjoy the fabulous soft play area, feeding the animals (although be warned, some of the pigs really stink!) and lots of other indoor and outdoor activities. Parking is free and the site is easy to access.
If I had to nit-pick for constructive criticism I would say that although the entrance fee more than justifies the amenities available, the food is a bit overpriced with a half litre bottle of Coke costing £3, chips at £4, tractor shaped cookie at £5 etc but other than the price of food it represents fantastic value for money and definitely worth a visit!
Reticent Romeo — Google review
Great place to take the kids on a lovely sunny day, lambs and piglets are out and about this time of year as well as an Easter 🐇🐣 hunt
Dan L — Google review
We love it here. There is so much safe space for the kids to run around, and an excellent selection of things to do. The softplay is brilliant fun, with thrilling slides and lots of climbing areas + a dedicated under 5s areas so they're not squashed by the older children. The animal barn is great fun. We love feeding the sheep and goats. And my little one loves all the outdoor play areas, especially the big tractors and sandpit playground. We've been 3 times now and only just scratched the surface, there's so much to do!
Sharon Spencer — Google review
I always judge the place by it's toilets - took only a couple of pics of toilets just outside the barn as it wasn't a pleasant experience anyway.
Apart from those not-so-appealing toilets, the place is good for toddlers and babies alike, perhaps up to 6-7 yo. My kids are closer to 10 yo mark and they were bored - mini rovers are slow and way too expensive for a lap /2 laps for what it is; go-karts were is appauling state, 2 were not working at all; mini gold costs £3.50 per ball 🫣 - a rip off.
Food is tasty but the kids portions are small so add £2 or so and get an adult version.
For family of 3 (1+2) I spent on tickets alone incl.mini rovers £64 - not worth it for us anymore.
Roma Wesolowska — Google review
We visited for the Halloween/pumpkin picking events. The venue, as always, was lovely. Lots of outdoor space, including play equipment suitable for a variety of ages. Be prepared to get dirty in the sand area when it's wetter weather. And of course, it'll be muddy. It's a farm. The piglets were popular with my son as was the "castle" play area and the ride on jeeps (he's 3 but wouldn't have been able to drive, an adult helped). Pumpkin picking was fun with lots of opportune photo moments, the pumpkins were a bit overpriced in my opinion, but we enjoyed the experience. We didn't have time to go in the barn on this visit but have enjoyed it previously. And we've never actually made it into the soft play as the kids have been happy outdoors.
Mel V — Google review
4.5
(2230)
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4.5
(1168)
Wooburn Common, Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Rd, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX, United Kingdom
Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. The leisure pool features five water slides, rapids, and a pirate ship, while the family pool caters to younger guests with toddler-friendly slides, fountains, and pop-up jets. Older kids can enjoy the Surfside Lane raft ride and Shark Attack slide. For adults seeking relaxation, the Coral Spa Pool provides three saunas, a hot tub, and a steam room.
Such a beautiful place to go with family. While the children enjoy the water ride and the fun swimming, adult can use the spa area. There are three Susanna and a steam with Jacuzzi. The whole facility kept clean with enough staff to supervise children safety. It is a great place to spend time with family, I recommend it to everyone. The staff are all very friendly and happy to serve, specially the receptions (Penny).
Tsehay Tola — Google review
Water park with good potential,however need a bit of tlc and proper cleaning. Floor dirty and ppl coming into the changing area in shoes where other are with bare foot. Hair dryers full of dust and not enough for all members also not all of them working. Not enough shower to rinse before and after coming into water park. Park itself have nice attractions and its not expensive (Sunday afternoon entry £15,80+£3,80 for an adult spa upgrade). Interesting water slides and steam room. Lockers with hand band and big metal key bit not practical, but £1 for it is refundable. General not bad at all but need a renovation
Monika Detka — Google review
Could be a really great family day out, but the 90 minute time limit and 20-30 minute queues for the flumes make it terrible value for money at £60 for a family of 4.
You have to book a time slot, which is an issue if there is unexpected traffic and puts you on the clock.
There is a lazy river and 5 flumes. They are cool, but unfortunately we only made it on 1 as we waited nearly 30 mins, which was tough for my 5 year old and ate into most of our time there.
It was very crowded in all parts of the pool. Knowing there were awesome flumes we couldn't go on, was so disappointing. All parts of the pool are fun, but it was nowhere near enough time. You are given a coloured wrist band based on your entry time slot and every 15 minutes they call out a colour and tell you your time is up!
We had a 2 hour journey there and back and it was pricey day out for the amount of time there. I wish they would give you at least 2 hours given the queue times or even better drop the time limit altogether. Then it would be awesome. Instead it's just disappointing and you feel ripped off.
Elinor McClarence — Google review
Amazing crazy slides ( for older kids), plenty of things for toddlers. Great staff. 2 things could be better - 1. few more changing room spaces ( visited during restrictions when capacity was limited and still was difficult to find free changing room). 2. Dinning room - needs more hot food options. Overall we will definitely come back. We actually have 2ice already. 😊
Piotr Mleczko — Google review
We were slightly late due to motorway accident and the guy who greeted us was so friendly and popped us on the next session without me even asking which was lovely of him. Changing village has plenty of space to change, ockers and it's clean! You need a £1 coin so be prepared! There's 5 different water flumes, a slow body one, a fast body one then 3 inflatable raft ones and the longest we queued was 20 minutes. There's a good variety for all ages with splash zone, lazy river and a hot tub bit. I'd say the only negative was there isn't a pool to swim normal lengths that I saw and the outside pool was closed unfortunately. Plenty of lifeguards on duty and vigilant which was nice to see. There is a "coral spa" but you need a separate wristband for that which I didn't know about and I didn't want to get dried and changed to go to reception to buy one so I'd look into that. I like that you can book evening slots as were less toddlers to worry about and a little quieter. Despite it being an hour away and costing nearly £40 for the 3 of us, I will be going back!
Kirsty Smith — Google review
We recently went to Coral Reef Waterworld and we’re so impressed with the variety of features. For very young children and babies, there’s sensory features in a large shallow area. For older children there’s the excitement of the volcano eruptions and an amazing choice of interactive slides; which we’ve never seen before. They were exiting for the grown ups, too! The pool was clean, it felt new despite keeping features I loved from the 1990s as a child. It has lovely clean showers and changing rooms and a welcoming, friendly staff team. My daughter loved the addition of a splash pad. We honestly had such a wonderful time and we can’t wait to come back. Constructive feedback would be some accessibility for people living with mobility issues, as the exit from the pool via steps means the exit needs to be from the shallow pool area and that’s a distance from the slide area :). I noticed a disabled changing room which is great. We were pleased that there was a recycling option for our rubbish. Thanks coral reef!
Nicole Corrine England — Google review
This is a very good water park there 5 slides to choose from when you pick up a inflatable you can keep it can go on as many rides as you want the out door pool and a indoor pool they have a spa there and in that there is a hot tub sauna and a mini pool that is big enough for a swim around. for the water slides the longest wait was 0-10 minutes to get on a slide there are high restrictions for the slide. 5/5 would recommend for a fun day out ( under 5s go for £1-£1:10) (adults go for 8:95- 9:95)
Ebbe Kitson — Google review
I'll perhaps get the important bit over first- my daughters love the place! The main pool with water jets, the figure of 8 channel where the current pushes you round, and of course the slides. All great fun. I don't know quite how many people are there at a time, but there are loads and it never feels all that crowded (it used to before they went to online tickets only!)
My gripes- some of the staff are wet blankets- some kids blatantly skip the queue and get away with it. But some staff are clearly on it. It's quite expensive for what you get, but then again anything with water slides always is. It takes a while to queue up for a slide, but again that tends to happen anyway with slides.
No public changing room in this type of venue will be spotless, and they're cleaner than lots of others I've been to, so on balance not bad in that respect.
I'm probably being harsh with 3/5 but I just can't bring myself to give it 4! Thing is, it is what it is, and I'm sure I'll continue going because as I say my girls love it there!
Mark Whitehead — Google review
GREAT staff!! We were late for our time slot today due to traffic and the lovely lady on reception moved our slot forward so we didn’t miss any time in the pools.
The changing rooms are organised, lots of spare lockers and changing rooms to choose from (and we were there at a busy time)
Pool, slides, shoots and other parts are all excellent. My children’s ages are 3,6 and 10 and they all found a section that they loved.
Will definitely be returning. 10/10.
Vicki Mcintyre — Google review
It was not at all cheap to have a session at Coral Reef. In my family, everyone did what they wanted according to their age. I even had the courage to use The Cannon (the slide). It is not allowed to take pictures, but there are staff who can immortalize the perfect moments.
May Alexe — Google review
Kids enjoy sliding very much. Sauna is something for adult. Plenty of parking slots, no need to wait too long even during summer holidays.
Tm Li — Google review
Place is well staffed, staff are polite and professional, explained everything on entry and answered all questions when approached in between (from staff, lifeguards and gentleman in black uniform). Toilets and changing rooms are clean and comfortable. There is plenty of hairdryers. Excellent parking. A lot of activities, slides. Our kids (10 and 11) enjoyed it very much and did say it’s 10 out of 10. We will definitely be coming back.
Inara Visocka — Google review
Not difficult to purchase online, as I know there are no tickets sold on the door. Free car parking which is great.
Queuing system on arrival was busy but we were quickly checked in by the friendliest lady called Penny.
She assisted me in purchasing the correct armbands and goggles for my children. They thought she was so funny and so lovely.
Changing area busy, but it was a weekend so this is expected.
Pool was huge fun and we enjoyed every minute.
Staff were all friendly and helpful.
On our way out Penny saw us and even asked the children how their swim had been. Which they loved; as I felt this made it so personal.
She really was lovely.
We will definitely be returning.
George Vincent — Google review
Little bit belated review, but kids are still talking about their great experience,so would like to say thank you to the staff.
We went in the evening session,which was much quiter than during the day.
It gave us opportunity to go a few times on the slides without queues.
Reception staff were extremely friendly and helpful and made our experience even better than we anticipated.
Thank you!
Team Greenaway — Google review
Not worth the price you pay …………. I had 2 adults and one 13 years , 11 years & 9months
The queues to enter go quick but the queues in the changing room are ridiculous, because they have let so many people in and not stuck to the book time slot . You will have to wait to get changed in to your swim outfit and when getting out the pool.
If you want to go on the waterslide, the queue are roundabout, a 30 minute wait for the whole 2 hours we was there . The pool is very overcrowded we was hit and kicked so many times and so unclean the things I could see floating on the top of the water made me feel sick .
Its a bit of a shame as it could be really fun if there was not as many people it become quite stressful, especially waiting with a baby who is now cold to get into a family changing room :( .
I think if they paid more attention to the bookings and how many people the pool could be a lovely place.
Carla Dunn — Google review
What an absolutely fantastic place!
It is definitely a place that should be experienced.
Finding the location is easy and straight forward, plenty of car parking space that is free.
We were met by lovely staff who instructed us on what to do and then it was straight onto the waterslides!
We booked our tickets in advance meaning we did not have to cue.
We had so much fun the entire session with plenty of goes on the waterslides.
There are cues, however they go really quickly which is brilliant.
The management of allocated times, means the pool and slides never feels too busy with plenty of space to enjoy yourself.
After our sessions we went to the cafe which has a range of hot & cold food options.
Great day out, highly recommended.
Events By Knight — Google review
We went and arrived as it opened. It was fantastic. Very short queues for the flumes of less than 5 minutes and the pool was very quiet maybe 50 people tops.
The changing rooms were quiet too and nice and clean. Lockers were empty and plentiful.
I had a look in the SPA and there were about 5 people in there.
We will be back my 4 and 7 year olds absolutely loved it.
Josh Smith — Google review
I had an excellent time there. There were no queues which means you get to go on all 5 of the watersides a lot of times and the rides were exciting, fun, but not too scary, so it's suitable for all ages. There's also a swimming pool for younger kids so toddlers can enjoy the fun as well, and the other side of the pool is deeper (1.35m) so adults and teenagers can swim too.
Eszti Chan — Google review
This place is fantastic, but it could be so much better! I've been to water parks all over the world and I can tell you that the flumes here are some of the very best you'll ever see! So, why only 4 stars? Well firstly it's the price, it's £63 for a peak time family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) which would be quite expensive for a whole day out, but you only get 1.5 hours in there. That, coupled with the long queue times (15-20 mins) meant that we literally only had enough time to ride 3 of the 5 flumes and a little swim around the pool before it was time to leave. It was also a bit chilly in the queue, there was a cool breeze coming up the stairs which made it a bit uncomfortable to stand there and queue (it wasn't a particularly cold day). If only they could bring the price down a bit or increase the amount of time you get in there (or both!) it would be an easy 5 stars. Definitely worth a visit nevertheless, although it's probably an occasional treat rather than a weekly or monthly visit.
Ian — Google review
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3.5
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Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7JQ, United Kingdom
Uppark House and Garden is an elegant 18th-century mansion nestled in the South Downs, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of wealthy Britons. The rich Georgian interiors, art, and servants' quarters showcase the grandeur of the era. The beautifully landscaped garden is said to have been inspired by renowned figures like Capability Brown and Humphry Repton. Additionally, it holds historical significance as H.G Wells' mother once served as a housekeeper here.
One of my favourite NT houses to visit. I like it as its size is manageable...it still feels like a home. It's also one of the few houses (that I know of) where one can visit the kitchens, which are fascinating here. The view is spectacular, although I found the gardens as nothing much. Despite those small drawbacks still a great experience!
Mat Dodol — Google review
One of my favourite NT houses to visit. I like it as its size is manageable...it still feels like a home. It's also one of the few houses (that I know of) where one can visit the kitchens, which are fascinating here. The view is spectacular, although I found the gardens as nothing much. Despite those small drawbacks still a great experience!
Mat Dodol — Google review
Lovely National Trust property. It doesn't look much from the outside, but inside was stunning; especially as it was all kitted out ready for Christmas with exquisitely decorated Christmas trees. Beautiful views out over the South Downs, and a cosy coffee shop and second hand book shop too. All in all, a perfect place to potter around!
Mark Collier — Google review
This is a great spot hidden from the main road and I urge people to visit. It's a great house to explore (although ground floor and downstairs only) and the parkland it sits in is beautiful.
Like any National Trust property, there is a fantastic cafe and a 2nd hand book shop too.
Chris Hughes — Google review
The gardens are beautiful and the view around the house is great. Volunteers in each room who are knowledgeable and you exit via the servants level and kitchen and tunnels. The view is amazing and the walks are great but be aware of the changes in elevation.
Sharon Lloyd — Google review
A lovely place to visit. The staff and volunteers are friendly and informative. The café is in a nice setting. Would recommend anyone of all age groups to visit and spend a couple of hours admiring the architecture, artwork, and history of the house. The only downfall at the moment is that the dairy is not open due to restoration.
Marcia S — Google review
Lovely setting and a beautiful house with a very interesting history. The view from the lawn is spectacular! Not much to do once you're in the grounds but the view does make up for that. Lovely secondhand bookshop and cafe on site.
R C — Google review
Volunteers were lovely but we would have liked more information available to read as we went round. Great story about the 70 year old heir and 20 year old milkmaid! Lots to see and great grounds are great to wander.
Nigel Gainford — Google review
Uppark is a lovely national trust setting with a beautiful house, nice outdoor space and a lovely cafe and bookshop. It has all the normal facilities national trust venues have and the staff are nice and friendly. We had a great Sunday afternoon outing here in the cold and look forward to coming back in the spring.
James Dunford — Google review
House is lovely to walk around. Someone in every room giving information. Gardens were slightly uninspiring, probably due to time of year. Only two sinks work and one drier, but clean.
Cafe had a good selection of cakes and some sandwiches. If you wanted hot food, only jacket potatoes are available.
Heather Plowman — Google review
Absolutely beautiful location with stunning views. The cafe offers some lovely cakes & pastries and we were lucky enough to enjoy some autumn sunshine and sit outside. We didn’t visit inside the house as we had our puppy with us, but he really enjoyed the grounds.
Brad Tyler — Google review
Great walks on a very blustery day. Lovely views across the downs. A stunning house and gardens
Benjamin Lee — Google review
Enjoyed a lovely day here, got in free on the Heritage open day mid September. Nice range of cakes, but light meals are limited to jacket potatoes or soup. Tasty potatoes though with yum coleslaw and leaves. Really spacious secondhand bookshop with comfy chairs to relax in! The house was interesting. Especially as much was restored since the fire in 1989. Informative guides in each room. Saw a little vole in one of the tunnels!
Sarah Ison — Google review
We stopped for lunch on our way to Winchester on a very wet day. The cafe was heaving, and it was too wet to look around the garden so we visited the house. It was nicely decorated for Xmas and was 'grander' than some of the NT houses I've visited but I.was disappointed so few of the main rooms were open. It also seemed a bit 'light' on information about the owners/builders.
Alison Morris — Google review
Lovely house and gardens, beautiful view from the coffee shop. The second hand book store inside the coffee shop is well stocked and has a lovely atmosphere for relaxing with a drink if the weather becomes inclement.
The house has a great array of rooms open, the upstairs/downstairs theme is wonderfully presented (one of the best I've seen) with a really interesting/unusual underground series of servant tunnels from the servants quarters (current coffee shop) to the main manor house.
Dogs allowed in the book shop/coffee shop, slightly disappointed that there was no national trust shop on site. Plenty of parking.
Benjamin PAULLEY — Google review
What made the visit so memorable was the member of staff/ volunteer. He was extremely well turned out and spoke with such knowledge that we wondered if he was a retired headmaster or school teacher.
He taught us about small pox and cow pox. This came about because I asked about some wooden items that had a lace material attached that were on display. He also told us the history of the family who lived at Uppark House and how the owner had married the diary maid. I love people history. Sadly, the servants' quarters were closed due to a lightning strike, and the famous dolls' house was not currently on show. We explored the tunnel where the servants use to transport the meals from the kitchen. This is now the cafe.
We were shown were the curtains and door frames had been repaired or replaced after the terrible fire. A very interesting property.
Kay Stobbart — Google review
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South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5QR, United Kingdom
Birdworld, located in Bucks Horn Oak near Farnham, is the largest bird park in the UK, covering over 26 acres of land. With more than 600 birds on display, visitors can enjoy daily events such as penguin feeding and animal encounters. A safari train also operates within the park. The venue is family-friendly and includes Jenny Wren Children's Farm. The staff are friendly and accommodating to disabled and autistic adults with wheelchair access available throughout the premises.
We'll definitely be going back.. went not knowing what to expect but my daughter and I had a great time! Plenty to do and look at. Cafe was a bit pricey, but when you feel like it's going to a good cause, you don't mind as much! Highly recommended for half a day of fun
Josh Eicke — Google review
A fantastic place to visit especially if you love birds, lots of species even endangered ones. Little ones will enjoy it too. Visited the place with a toddler and a baby and had a great experience. There is also a playground and snake and coffee stops with toilets in between with baby change as well( wanted it a bit cleaner though). A mini farm with lots of animals I'd there too to visit hens, gooses, rabbits, turkeys, guinea pigs, goats and a pig, wich you can pet and feed as well. Parking space in front for free and a souvenir shop. Would definitely go again once babies older so they can understand a bit more what they see.
Vasiliki Celia Tsirona — Google review
The Front desk was very unorganized when we walked in. Lots of people were just waiting to be checked in.
Nice collection of Birds and Farm animals. There are 2 play areas for kids to enjoy slides and swings. Nice coffee shop near the entrance.
There are 2 big Tractors in the green patch for the kids
Ice cream station at couple of points with Benches.
Taran Kaur — Google review
I support disabled and autistic adults. Brought two of our clients here and had a really lovely day. Staff was very friendly and helpful, the birds are stunning and we all enjoyed seeing them. The whole place was clean, tidy, well sign posted and informative also easy to move round with a wheelchair. Lots to see and do, I highly recommend.
Ben Bridger — Google review
Fantastic place to visit. Birds and animals well looked after. Laid back atmosphere. Friendly staff. Educational talks. Lots to do. Benches everywhere for rests. Large open space if you are worried about covid. Kids love seeing the animals.
L A — Google review
Amazing array of birds in a well laid out park. Many endangered and exotic birds in large enclosures. Nice entertaining educational talks throughout the day. We loved our day which ended with a visit to the farm park. There were many picnic areas and snack shacks.
Kathy H — Google review
Always a great place to visit and stroll around the park. The farm is great and you can interact with many of the animals. Good variety of bird species as you would expect. Ample parking and good disabled access. Toilets are clean and tidy. No smoking or vaping on site.
D C — Google review
Good day out with the kids. Lots to see and do, as it is kind of off-season, it was quieter but also meant some things were closed or didn't have certain species on display.
We took a picnic with us and ate this at the furthest point of the park. Most of the kiosks were also closed, just the main cafe was open.
Definitely will be going again
Daniel Schofield — Google review
Took my grandson here on a Friday during half term. It was busy but its such a big place it didnt matter. I booked tickets the day before. The birds all look very healthy and the aviaries were all very clean. Sometimes its a little sad to see the birds in captivity but they are doing very valuable conservation work here which you can get involved with by adopting a bird. It was a wonderful day out and leaves you astonished at the stunning varieties of our feathered friends. Well worth a visit.
Teresa Rizzi — Google review
Overall a pleasant experience. Kids loved it. Lots of lovely birds as well as farm animals. The little farm was very cute.
The reason I couldn't give 5 stars was due to the cafe. I was slightly disappointed that there was no where comfortable to breastfeed my baby as they had sectioned off the sofa seating area early to clean it/ around 4.30, which meant I had to awkwardly feed on a standard chair outside. I had asked if it was at all possible to feed there even though it was cordoned off but was told the floor was still wet. I totally understand people want to get off in time at the end of the day, but seeing those are the only comfortable seats could a different area be closed off and cleaned first (if it has to be done so early before closing?) I just found it was very early for cleaning generally.
Also the main toilets near the entrance need a proper cleaner, or more thorough attention to detail as there were thick cobwebs behind each toilet door and the corners, clearly just been missed but just an observation.
S Jay — Google review
Nice day out with the kids. Wasn't busy at all as we went on an inset day. We watched 2 talks, the parrot 🦜 talk and the penguin 🐧 talk. The speaker was absolutely amazing! She was really nice and great with the kids. It's quite a small park, so I'm glad I had a 20% discount code. However, the talker said most of the money goes on the upkeep of the birds.
Abby Morgan — Google review
Lots to do here and lots to see! Separate baby change to the gendered toilets so any gender can change baby’s nappies. Lots of play areas for older kids. The animals look well cared for and there were lots of talks throughout the day from really knowledgable staff who were engaging and friendly. It was a little difficult to see everything and also see all the talks/experiences but for us that just shows there’s a lot to see and do there and something for us to return and do next time! I would advise taking a picnic as the food is expensive for what it is (hence the lost star). The smaller cafes around the park are open ‘seasonally’ and some weren’t open when we went in May but the main cafe was open and had everything you may need. The gift shop also seemed to close before the park closed so our son was incredibly disappointed with that. There is free parking on site which was good, unlike many places these days.
All in all, a very good day out and we would go again but we would continue to take our own food and make sure we leave plenty of time to have a look around the gift shop next time!
Joanne Oxford — Google review
Amazing day out can easily spend 4-5 hours here! Lots of amazing animals! However, I felt food was overpriced (£4.95 for a sandwich that's the same as you can get in a meal deal from a supermarket), would definitely recommend brining a picnic and using the picnic areas provided.
Callum Allsop — Google review
Absolutely brilliant place. Loved the variety of different birds you can see and all the farm animals towards the end. There are talks by the staff all the time, just check the schedule. They also have a cafe where you can buy snacks and drinks.
Coralie Pattenden — Google review
Had a lovely trip here for my daughters birthday. There were hardly any other people there so quick to get in. There are a large range of bird to view, the cockatoo's in particilar are great and very entertaining. The talk and penguin feeding was also very interesting, there were also a few cheeky herons who snuck in to steal some of the fish.
There is also a small farm at the back of the park but unfortunately when we got there they were putting all the animals to bed.
The cafe at the entrance is okay, my pennine tasted a bit burnt as though the sandwich press hadn't been properly cleaned and there were old burnt crumbs suck to my lunch.
Overall it was a great day and we will go back, though maybe with a picnic to have in their picnic areas. I would also happily recommend it to others for a day out.
Sian — Google review
We visited Bird World in March 2024. A group of four of us - two adults, two children (20 months and 4 months).
Generally a good day out for us and would recommend it for younger children.
The entry fee for a day we found to be reasonable, but the annual pass at £120 for our family seemed high compared to places like Wisley Gardens and Marwell Zoo (which are both half that).
We found everything to be clean and the animals healthy and happy. The play areas for children were good and the availability of food & drink good too. Although £2.65 for a single can of soft drink seemed excessive.
The farm area was slightly disappointing as there seemed to be some obvious animals missing - cows, horses.
Some of the enclosures looked a bit tired and could use a refresh (the animals were not suffering because of this).
Chris Bullard — Google review
We really enjoyed our time here, even in the cold of January. Very informative talks from the friendly staff, happy to answer all questions you may have. Particularly enjoyed the open areas we could walk through.
Space — Google review
Really excellent day out with young children. Lots to see and do, with extra activities on for half term. Keepers were knowledgable and the feeding and talk sessions are well worth attending. I was genuinely impressed by the condition and maintenance of the site as it is an independent attraction. Will definitely visit again.
rebecca allen — Google review
My visit to BirdWorld was not only filled with feathered wonders but also thoughtful amenities. The presence of a cafe and a well-stocked gift shop added to the overall experience. The staff, always ready to assist, enhanced the visit with their helpfulness. The variety of species and the wealth of information provided on each one created an enriching experience. Additionally, the feeding sessions, occurring around five times a day, added an interactive touch to the visit. BirdWorld truly offers a complete and enjoyable package for nature enthusiasts.
Z H — Google review
We had a great time here with our toddler. Given how local it is we bought annual memberships (if you come twice, could be worth it, three times in a year and it saves you money)
The area is huge and we spent about 2 hours and that was at toddler running pace (with intermittent lying on the floor)
There is some mud at the farm end and the park there (be warned!) But our toddler loved all the animals he could see.
We will be back! There are also events through the summer holiday - I added a picture of 2024 events which will make him very happy...
Ben Strawbridge — Google review
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Holt Pound Ln, A325, Farnham GU10 4LD, United Kingdom
The Jane Austen House Museum is a well-maintained historic home where the renowned author spent her final eight years. Visitors can only view the interior on weekends from April onwards, but parking is readily available nearby. The house boasts a lovely exterior and features intricate details inside that offer an immersive glimpse into 19th-century English life. Its garden is replete with various flowers and plants, making it an excellent place to visit for those interested in history or horticulture.
Jane Austen stayed in the house for 8 years. We did manage to see inside the house as it only opens weekends from April. Lovely house looking from outside. Will try to visit again to see the inside. Free parking nearby street. There are a pub and a tea house opposite.
e tradecom (e-tradecom) — Google review
An absolute must to go for Jane Austen fans. Amazing museum showing how our favourite author lived the last 8 or so years of her life. Does have a lively little souvenir shop with some great books,teas and souvenirs to be acquired. Lived my visit there. The ticket is valid for a year so I am definitely going again.
Patrycja Burns — Google review
A must visit for any Jane Austen fan. The house is beautifully looked after and it was really interesting to find out more about Jane and her family.
There were dressing up clothes, which the kids loved and they were able to wear them while looking around. This made the experience more fun for them and it was a real treat. Had a lovely picnic in the garden and played some garden games. They even supplied blankets, deck chairs and cushions to sit on. The staff were very knowledgeable and very friendly. Plus the ticket is automatically an annual pass, which is a bonus and we will definitely be back. Really recommend.
Gemma Boggs — Google review
Lovely house that Jane Austen lived in at the end of her life. Very informative. Can get to see most of the house. Nice cafe over the road.
Gary Howorth — Google review
Didn’t disappoint. Beautifully presented with lots of Austen touches - the novels and her real life criss crossing each other. Wonderful to see where her inspiration came from. Informative. Lots of things to do too. We arrived in regency week so there were also many costumed visitors. A Quintessentially English village - what more could one want on a beautiful summer’s day.
Tamasine Smith — Google review
Came all the way from Australia to visit. Had an amazing time. If you're a Jane Austen fan, I couldn't recommend visiting her house anymore! It is not only fascinating, but you can immediately see and feel just how easily she felt so inspired. A stunning village and remarkable museum. Truly felt as though I had time travelled and expected Mr Darcy to come strolling through the door at any moment! 10 out of 10, do recommend!
Zenn Zora — Google review
I took my daughter for a day trip here. She is starting a degree in English Literature soon and thought it would be an excellent immersive experience as a precursor to her her studies.
We weren’t disappointed! It was a fascinating insight into Austin’s life. We learnt so much… I can highly recommend.
Jane Williams — Google review
We bought timed tickets in advance online for this house, but they were not too strict on the timing, and saw visitors buying tickets on the door. This is a real find for Jane Austen fans, and even for us who are not literary experts it was interesting. It is a pity there is no combined ticket with the Chawton House nearby which also has a connection to Jane Austen. There is a lot to read, so if you don't want to miss anything, you need a lot more time than the 20 minutes indicated on the timed tickets, but nobody tried to chase us out, even though we stayed for well over an hour.
T Hartberg — Google review
Very well maintained and quite interesting place to visit.
When we went in July, you had to pre book a time slot to get into the museum so you might want to check their website about that.
There’s several different rooms and parts of the houses to see, filled with explanations.
By far the most exciting part, especially for my child, was to be able to dress up with dresses, bonnets and umbrellas and then take a photo in the garden. Don’t miss that opportunity!
Wiebke C. — Google review
A must for Jane Austen’s lovers and readers.
A fascinating discovery for newcomers. Take your time to get to know the “soul” of this captivating illustrator of Women and Men Characters from her Life and Time.
Have fun trying on the Costumes from the times of “Mansfield Park” and “Pride and Prejudice” . Relax in the Garden at the end.
We loved it. And is such a beautiful corner of Hampshire 🌿. And Chawton House is just a stone throw away.
alcuoreramon12 — Google review
Jane Austine's house is a real wedding favor. Everything is well-kept, the garden is full of flowers and plants, the interior of the house with all kinds of details. An interesting dive into the nineteenth-century English world. Advised.
Gabriele Petronio — Google review
A lovely opportunity to explore the home of Jane Austen and her family. Friendly and welcoming staff as soon as we arrived, and the tickets were really good value. Would highly recommend!
Amy Jackson — Google review
Loved the house and garden - being able to stand in the rooms Austen wrote in, and see her handwritten manuscripts and writing table was so exciting. They have even reproduced the exact wallpaper that was there when she lived in the house. The cottage garden is small but beautifully kept with some nice places to sit. There is a lovely tearoom opposite called Cassandra's Cup, which did great tea, sandwiches and cakes too.
Catherine (Cat) — Google review
It was such an amazing experience. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We appreciated the authentic displays and writings that were presented. Parking was easy. If you're a JA fan, a must-see!
Robert Stephenson — Google review
This was a nice place and so interesting (at least for me). I do not give them five stars only because I believe that you can do better considering the price of the tickets.
In terms of the positive feedback, I loved the house, the little details like the clothes hanging, the tent to try on outfits, and the different sections of the house. It was nice to see the original outfits of "becoming jane", and there are some interesting pieces regarding Jane's life. I also liked that you can sit in certain spaces. The kitchen was great and the recording on it, very interesting.
However, as a suggestion I would have people characterized around the house, I would have someone in the section in which you have the clothes to try on, so they can help by taking pictures, and last but not least... Sadly, I would modify the design of the souvenirs. The white mugs with quotes are too boring! That can easily be done anywhere! I wanted to buy a souvenir from the house, a unique object to remind me of this visit, but the designs were disappointed.
You have a great place that could be AMAZING! I hope you consider some ideas, best wishes.
CONSTANZA ANDREA RÍOS ZURITA — Google review
Just a fine part of history that reaches out to even those with a passing interest in the literature of Jane Austen.
I was warmly welcomed by a guide, and I enjoyed the detailed explanations of what in effect is archaeology.
This is a must for those who are fans of the 18th century novelist.
MikeExpressTrain Condon — Google review
Excellent visit to the house on Friday. Very helpful staff and having not visited for a few years it was great to see the improvements made. The restored wallpaper in particular made it feel very much of its former residents. Highly recommended. Don’t forget to go on to Chawton House 5 minutes walk along the village street and Cassandra’s Tea Room is great.
Richard K — Google review
I really enjoyed visiting this museum. My favourite author. Parking is free but limited, positioned across the road.
Lots of period furniture and clothing. Interesting to see how people lived back in the day. Almost mimicking sense and sensibility where it was one of the family homes given to the girls.
Been meaning to visit for years, glad I finally got around to it. Will revisit at some point,
Dave Edge — Google review
A very beautiful and inspiring place . I didn't hear much about Jane Austen before. But now I will definitely read some of her books. The most Jane Austen' famous book is Pride and Prejudice
Alexander Milinets — Google review
Loved Jane's house and the presentation of first editions within. Very well presented information regarding her life. No cafe though so go down the road to her brothers house for refreshments or to the pub across the way.
Rachel Foster — Google review
Wonderful house to visit if you are a Jane Austen fan but otherwise nothing remarkable. The rooms are well laid out with the history of the Austen family and various letters, pieces of furniture and items that belonged to Jane or her family. You do well to buy your ticket(s) in advance as only a few are allowed in at a time due to it being small. Also difficult to get to by public transport, the closest train station at Alston is a good half hour walk.
Do take the time to go to nearby Chawton House, a beautifully restored estate that belonged to Jane's brother.
Julie M — Google review
Not to be missed. Real authentic possessions owned by Jane Austen and her family abound in her house- the tiny octagonal table she wrote at, her original topaz jewellery, muslin shawl she made herself, and bed quilt she made with her sister- it's all there. Fragments of the original wallpaper from 1800 , following their discovery recently, have allowed restorers to wallpaper 2 of the rooms EXACTLY as they would have been when the Austen family lived there. Hopes are that the museum will open up the second floor at some time, the servants quarters, currently not open to the public. January/February is a good time to go as during summer, apparently , it's heaving
Donna Borja-Edwards — Google review
Visiting Jane Austen house was a highlight of our trip. We loved seeing Jane’s writing table, bedroom, jewelry, writing papers and other memorabilia. For any Jane Austen fans, this is a must see!
Christin Harding — Google review
A lovely house with so much history and information about Jane Austen and her family. It is a wonderful idea that your ticket entrance then serves as an annual ticket-I will be back to see the house at its best in spring and summer!
Ali Rog — Google review
4.6
(1445)
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4.5
(952)
Winchester Rd, Chawton, Alton GU34 1SD, United Kingdom
Beale Wildlife Park is a spacious 350-acre nature reserve that features scenic nature trails, river cruises and a diverse range of wildlife including red deer and rare birds. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the premises. Visitors of all ages can enjoy well-maintained facilities such as clean toilets and fantastic play areas, with information provided on the animals in an easy-to-understand format along with pictures for kids.
Really impressed, so much to see and do, not just for children but adults too!
All well maintained, looked after and clean.
Animals all seemed happy and had lots of space (I am not an expert of course just the view of a normal person). Information on all the animals easy to understand and pictures too for the little people.
Play areas are fantastic, for all ages.
Toilets clean and easy to access.
Sophie Barclay — Google review
Absolutely stunning park. The floral and fauna were both spectacular. The staff on entry were really polite and friendly. My toddler loved the little train ride. The site has a few lovely eateries and picnic areas. I especially loved the Japanese Garden and the beautiful parrots. Wil definitely visit again soon.
Maha Urbanski — Google review
Great day out on a very warm sunny day in this laid back park. Staff were very friendly and helpful, it was a special promotion day and was very busy. Parking was free, entrance was quick despite the high attendance. The park is big with a giant bouncing pillow, large well maintained paddling pool, plenty of play parks, a great mini train ride at no extra cost and a variety of animals dotted around well maintained and interesting grounds.
Clean and well maintained toilet facilities, although the restaurant is closed for refurbishment, there was a fast food and coffee/ drinks facility near the paddling pool, with ample picnic tables and shady nooks all over the park.
Vance Willis — Google review
What an amazing place!! Would have been 5 stars of there was a few more "zoo" animals, but I can't fault the place!! Great selection of animals, lots for the little ones to do and explore. Would definitely recommend and would definitely go back!!
Chris Allum — Google review
A park like no other! Enjoyable for all ages and food prices in all ranges. The architecture and grounds are a thing of beauty to admire not to mention the animals and the roaming peacock! It's a day worthy experience and worth every penny of it's ticket price. Entirely wheelchair accessible with lovely staff and tidbits of information on hand.
Hope Mcguire — Google review
Simple to get to, took us 50mins. Lots off parking,
Lovely place to go, kids loved it. It might be small but there's lots to do.
Small pool, sandpit. Diff play area for kids at different ages. Toilets all around,
Kila Robinson — Google review
Loved this place wish I had found it when my child was younger.
Love the cappys and the gardens are beautiful! Pretty solid day out. My child was 12 so prob the only time we will go.
Briony Ford — Google review
We love it here. Such a great space for all ages. Lots to see and do. Bit pricey for food/ice cream/coffee but to be expected. My daughter and I had a great time for her last preschool outing before school.
emily jade — Google review
Great place to go with the kids. There is a train ride, a large bouncy dome, plenty of animals, nice food, large play area with swings and slide and a small soft play probably aimed for under 5's. My only gripe is the men's toilets weren't great. No lock on one and a huge gap in the other. Not great, especially when you have a medical condition. Old hand dryers as well. Needs improving!
4front Electrical Ltd — Google review
Fanatic day out for all the family.
The animal experiences are good and not excessively priced like at some other zoos I could mention (you do have to book online before visiting though).
There is a splash pool and play equipment which is great for breaking up the day. Don't forget a towel!
Robert Taylor — Google review
Fabulous wildlife park with a good variety of animals, most of which can be seen up close. Knowledgeable and helpful keepers happy to answer questions.
The animals are spread out across the park so it makes for a nice walk with the animals interspersed. Mature Japanese style garden is pleasant to sit in for lunch.
Some large playgrounds are a welcome distraction for children along with a large paddling pool area which is available over the summer.
Rachel Crompton — Google review
Lovely day out! I went with a group of friends, and we had a blast seeing the animals. Fair enough price with optional donation. The park is clean, and spacious enough that you don't end up bottlenecking or crowding too much. There's a variety of animals, and talks throughout the day. It seems they're doing their best as far as enrichment and welfare are concerned too which is nice to see. Seemed like good facilities for children, too!
The only downside was our experience with food, which we queued for in the cafe (at 2pm because we were hoping to miss the rush) for an hour. They were show, ran out of food, we're understaffed and seemed generally a bit panicked - it was a bank holiday so perhaps they hadn't expected so many people, somehow? Food was decent enough, pizza was far more worth the price than what else was on offer.
All in all a good day out for all ages!
Maisie Ball — Google review
Beale Wildlife Park is a true gem for nature enthusiasts, earning its well-deserved 5-star rating. The park boasts an impressive variety of birds and animals, providing visitors with a delightful and educational experience. From majestic birds of prey to adorable mammals, the diversity is truly captivating.
I confirmed the information on their website, and the opening times and dates ensure flexibility for visitors to plan their trips conveniently. The well-maintained grounds and thoughtfully designed habitats showcase a commitment to both conservation and visitor enjoyment.
The inclusion of a charming little train adds an extra layer of fun, making it easy for families to explore the park comfortably. Additionally, the children's play parks provide a perfect outlet for young ones to burn off some energy while still embracing the beauty of the outdoors.
Beale Wildlife Park excels in creating a harmonious environment where wildlife conservation meets recreational enjoyment, making it a must-visit destination for people of all ages.
PC 360 — Google review
Really nice attraction with plenty of animals. Pleasant large grounds with ponds and lakes. Nice cafe with friendly and helpful staff. Theirs also a railway that takes you along and around which is good and gives another opportunity to see the wildlife at the back of the park. We did the meerkat encounter which was good value. The young guy that did it was really good 👍 👍
Mark M — Google review
Great day out, reasonably priced. Top marks!!
Our second visit, which we enjoyed as much as the first. Staff were friendly and welcoming, a credit to the park.
They have a small train which does a short tour of the park. Excellent for children of all ages (and grown ups as well if I'm honest). It's included in the admission fee which is nice.
Lots of animals to see (otters, birds, reptiles, zebra etc etc). There are also lots of active things for kids in the way climbing frames, bouncy castle thing (there's no point me describing it you have to see it) and lots more.
There's a garden section which is nice to stroll through with lots of flowers and decorations.
Another thing to mention is the very competitively priced annual membership. £75 for adults and £60 for children is not too expensive. Honestly I'm considering signing myself my wife and my son for it.
Either way an excellent location with lots to see and do. Well done Beale park 👍
Glyn Rolmanis — Google review
Visited on a very wet and rainy midweek day☔️, but still had a great time. Not quite as many animals as we expected, but they all look in great condition, well looked after and we were impressed with the size of the enclosures. Had a burger for lunch in their on-site cafe, which was also great. Primarily visited for the Meet the Capybara and Tapir experience, which was awesome: Neville the Tapir loves a tummy tickle and we fell in love with Sharron and Gary the Capybara’s.
Fobby — Google review
100% recommend doing the tapir and capybara feeding experience. I had the best time! I could have stayed in the Tapir enclosure all day. The tapir absolutely loved a scratch. The Capybara were also a good experience but they definitely wanted the food more than a smooth, which is fine. Loved seeing them up close. Milo led us on the experience and was very knowledgeable. The rest of the park was fun. Lots of interesting animals to see. We also rode on the train which was interesting. Some animals - like the wallaby are better seen from the train as the train went right past their enclosure.
Gabriella Minshull — Google review
Beautiful wildlife park in Berkshire just off the M4. Plenty of parking available and wheelchair access is there too. The park is well maintained, plenty of animals and birds to see and learn of their species. A lot of play area for the kids, a lot of seating available too. Definitely a spot of wildlife photographers to spend a day (come with an extra battery). I’d highly recommend visiting.
Alfred Aquino — Google review
4.4
(3255)
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4.0
(1183)
Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 9NW, United Kingdom
A beautiful and well-maintained parkland with a stately home is a must-visit tourist attraction in Basildon. With multiple films and TV series having been filmed here, it's no wonder the house is so impressive. The grounds are perfect for picnics, and it's easy to see why this destination has been loved by locals and tourists for years.
Bit of a queue to get into car park due overflow field too wet to use. No problem though. Beautiful light draped trees leading to house. Stunning house with plenty of rooms open, many with great Christmas decorations. Busy but pleasant cafe, no problem getting a table. Many paths around the parkland. Well recommended.
AS — Google review
This is such a beautiful National Trust house. It's stunning inside and the views are also magnificent.
If you watch any of the films that filmed at the house, you will even enjoy it more.
And all volunteering staff was amazing, so patient and friendly. I highly recommend this venue!
Don't miss the shell room. It's breathtaking!
Parking can be tricky on nice day but worth the wait!
Laura F. — Google review
A beautiful, stately home with awesome grounds that provide ample grounds for spending an entire day, especially when the weather is nice. There are so many choices of picnic spots, each with a unique view. The cafeteria serves decent food at a modest price. Access to the main house may be a little difficult for those in wheelchairs although the trust may have made provisions that I didn't notice.
Children of all ages will have a great time here as it's perfect for a family day out.
Fola — Google review
Excellent day out. Unfortunately it was raining when we visited but did little to taint the overall experience of the day. The volunteer guides dotted around the house were knowledgeable and very friendly. The cafe was very good too. We will visit again soon - this time when the sun is out!
Ed Casson — Google review
So grateful for our National Trust memberships. Another lovely place to visit and once again fantastic volunteers on hand with founts of knowledge. The grounds are impeccably kept and there are 4 walks ranging from 20 mins to 2 hours through fields and woodland. Also don't be put off by the fairly plain exterior, inside the house is stunning. We loved it.
Wayne Arnold — Google review
It's a lovely country estate. Ideal for dog walkers, families or for anyone who just want to go for a nice woodland walk or look around in the house which appeared on many movies including Downtown Abbey.
The Christmas decoration in the house is also very lovely during the festive season. Weekends can be busy at the car park. The earlier you could go is the best. (AM)
Anita Czene — Google review
Stunning building and gardens. Several major movies have been filmed here and well deserved. Interior rooms are beautifully decorated and the enthusiastic staff are more than happy to help and answer questions.
David Hamilton — Google review
A beautiful park and palace with incredibly helpful guides in every room, where you can get a huge amount of knowledge about what happened in the palace and when. The beautifully preserved rooms and conservation of historical artifacts, along with Lady Charlotte's breathtaking shell collection, are simply stunning. It's amazing how easy it once was to acquire and transport such shells without any problem. Wonderful views and delightful green landscapes offer the opportunity for endless walks with your dog. On-site facilities include toilets, a café, and a souvenir shop. It's a welcoming place with lots of interesting information and beautiful decorations.
Inez Bodio — Google review
Recently visited this hidden gem with friends - honestly, we wanted to have a picnic somewhere nice, halfway between the two houses and Basildon Park popped up on the map 🗺
Realised, when we arrived at the house, that multiple films and TV series have been filmed here 🎥
The house is magnificent, the grounds are beautiful and if you are as lucky as we were; it’s the perfect spot for a picnic - would definitely visit again.
I’ve given a 4* rating, only because I felt £15.00 per person is quite steep - although I’m hoping we can visit the national parks regularly, so we may invest in a couple of memberships.
Savannah Blanks — Google review
Taking the exit from the M4, I followed a couple of signs to the car park entrance, as maps takes you to another entrance. Fortunately I found a spot in the overflow car park as the main car park was busy.
The ticket office, shop and toilets are located at the start. Before you take a brief uphill walk to the tea room and main house. Lots of space in the tea room with indoor and outdoor seating. There is also an interesting murial painted around the inside seating area.
Inside the house there is a room with extravagant wall paper depicting scenes from India.
There is a small garden at the rear of the house with a wide variety of plants.
I took the long boundary walk which lasted approximately 55minutes at a fairly moderate pace. You pass through a cow field at the start and some children's play areas towards the end. Lots of open space and places to walk/explore. Didn't feel particularly busy at any point.
Gavin Williams — Google review
Beautiful house and grounds with some nice walks. The house has been carefully and tastefully restored after falling into disrepair. Excellent staff and volunteers with great knowledge. Very nice cafe/restaurant area also with courtyard seating. Would recommend.
Malcolm Thomas — Google review
NT property that has been used in the filming of Downton Abbey. Beautiful extensive grounds many peaceful walks.stunning scenery. Lovely coffee shop next to a pretty rose garden
JanB — Google review
Well maintained grounds and very friendly staff. The staff in the house were VERY chatty, I don’t mind usually but it took much too long to actually get to look around because they were talking for so long. Lots to see and do, and the Tea Room is lovely, a nice value for an afternoon tea and scone. Overall a great day out.
Marissa Jasmine Carter (Marissa Carter) — Google review
Lovely place to visit especially during Spring!
Staff were very knowledgeable in all the rooms in the house and we enjoyed a cheese scone and cake in the tea room at the end.
We had a nice walk around the garden and will return at some point to do the full grounds as we are National Trust Members!
Abbie Trussler — Google review
Magnificent country Manor, with some great art.
Great place to walk in the gardens, around the estate, or have a picnic on the lawn. Lots of seats around where you can just sit and take in the amazing views. The tea rooms, with their tropical decor, are large with plenty of seating, and a separate dog friendly area. Staff are all friendly and helpful.
David Sherratt — Google review
Utterly charming. We visited at my wife’s insistence even though it was more than an hour away. We have a rescue Beagle with damaged paws who needs soft flat grassland to walk on. From the moment we arrived we were charmed with the lovely atmosphere. Wonderful car park lady attendant, very helpful young well spoken lady on ticketing and friendly staff at the coffee shop and gift shops. A short walk from the car park up to the house with excellent far reaching views across the Thames valley. Well worth going out of your way for. Recommended.
Will H — Google review
Wonderful day out. Great easy walks in the grounds. T room is a bit busy but the house is beautiful and the grounds are wonderful. Away from the main area on the long walk we had the place to ourselves.
John Russell-Smith (FamilyRussell-SmithTravel) — Google review
Another NT house , lots to see and discuss. Large parklands to explore and neat well prepared lawns side and rear. Large 2 roomed cafe , 1 of which interestingly decorated in Thai style. Think there's also a lake at bottom of hill but rain prevented exploration.
Warren Heath — Google review
Beautiful grounds and a lovely house. The room decorated with sea shells is especially worth having a look. The cafe is good.
Diane Severson Mori — Google review
Basildon Park is an incredible sight to see. As you enter the car park you are greeted by the friendly staff who explain the site and how to get to the house. There are sufficient amenities, toilets, a small shop prior to going to the house and some outside seating. You walk to the house through the quiet and tranquil woodlands, and as you walk round to the left you are greeted by the enormous house. The house is kept in excellent condition. You walk up some stairs for the entrance, where you're greeted by some knowledgeable staff. You are guided through the different rooms and each room has a guide to give you interesting little tid bits of information. The tea room has an array of sandwiches and hot food. We had jacket potatoes with cheese and beans, which were both really tasty and the coleslaw was incredible. We then went round back to enjoy the gardens and nature and it really does just make you feel calm and relaxed. The full experience for us took around 2 hours 30minutes. It could take longer or it could be shorter. Adult entry is £16 if you're not a National trust member. The Jacket potatoes were £7-9. A bottle of water was £3.30. The sausage roll was £4.70. There is a kids option of £5 for 5 items. So if you are a big family and eating there you may find a big bill. I highly recommend visiting especially when flowers are in full bloom.
Trish C — Google review
Good food, lots of history from the past. Elegant mansion and garden. Wide space for outdoor walk and dog-friendly
Fil-Italian Sa UK — Google review
We had a wonderful visit to Basildon Park. It’s a beautiful house with vast grounds to explore including short grass, easy access areas and trickier wooden terrain. There is a golf cart transport service if you find the slope up through the beautifully lit wooded path tricky to navigate beyond the free car park that has ample spaces. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. There is a cafe and shop on site and pleasant toilet facilities and lots of options for walks. Well worth a visit.
Beth Polak — Google review
Massive 400 acres estate with a beautifully restored house and well maintained garden. Lots of walking trail. They have tables and benches where you can enjoy a family picnic. There is also a children's playground. If the main car park is full, they have an overflow car park. They have a nice cafe with painted walls. Staff were all lovely and pleasant. When you have time, chat with them and listen to the amazing stories. The room with the silk wall is quite interesting. I initially thought it was wallpaper.
The Marwell Zoo is a zoo that houses a large variety of animals from all over the world. It has several habitats, including an African savannah, an Australian rainforest, and a Toy Train track. The zoo has been recently upgraded with new enclosures and additions, making it one of the best zoos in the United Kingdom. The staff are always polite and helpful, and take great care of the animals.
I recommend arriving early around 10 or 11 AM, that way you can enjoy watching many of the animals be fed. Catching meal times ensures that the animals are active and you see the interactions with their handlers. There’s a decent amount of parking, and make sure you bring your walking shoes as there’s a fair distance between some of the exhibits. There are even some enclosures that you can walk into any animals roam around you. There’s lots of space for families to spread out and enjoy!
Amanda Lee — Google review
Fantastic family day out. I took my 11 year old and 2 year old. We booked online,under 3s are free. Easy to get around and there is a lovely little train. We went and it started to rain so the train ride came in handy it cost 2 pound per person no charge for my 2 year old.
Plenty of toilets and places to eat. Gorgeous animals to see we were lucky enough to watch the red panda playing in the tree and say some gorgeous birds in the open aviary and there is some lovely garden areas and the manor is absolutely gorgeous.
Kathryn Mogan — Google review
Always a pleasure to go to Marwell although I feel there is too much wire fencing and some animals still don't have enough space.
I am not sure how I feel about some of the larger animals being held in such small areas. I understand however that they are well cared for.
Liz Williams — Google review
Wonderful zoo, the animals are well looked after, staff are all great and care for the animals and their jobs. Lots of walking paths and places to explore, stopping points and food outlets. Number of play parks en route. It’s about 3 miles total walking distance around the outer perimeter. Very clean and tidy.
As with any zoo, the big cats and primates can’t have as much space to roam and play as they would in an ideal world but they are safe.
We went on the weekend when it’s very busy and in the week as well, during the week is far better and less crowded. The zoo relies on donations, paying customers and ticket entry - it’s all going to a valuable cause.
P L — Google review
First time visiting, came here after recommended by friends.
Had a lovely day out, despite the rain, lots of animals to see including penguins 🐧, Monkeys 🐒, Red Pandas 🐼, snow leopard 🐆 and many more.
There was no queues to get into the park and loads is parking available.
Animals can be seen clearly, through glass and enclosures, so young children to adults can enjoy the experience.
This is an Ideal day out for anyone, babies, children, on your own, couples, elderly, wheelchair users, as there is slopes to make the park more accessible.
There is a lot of land and a fair bit of walking to do around the zoo, so bear that in mind, however, there are benches and seats all around.
Had lunch in cafe Graze, it's quite small, but plenty of choices of food, from cookies, cakes and muffins, to chip, jacket potatoes or lasagne.
There is probably only 10 tables inside the cafe, but there is a large outdoor dining area.
All the staff are very friendly from the man who sold me my ticket at the entrance, to the lady who served me in the cafe and wished me a happy new year, to the gentleman who answered my questions in the tropical enclosure.
Would definitely go again one day, but not for a while.
If your looking to go often, you can upgrade your day ticket to an annual membership.
The only thing, I felt let the zoo down, was the lack of toilets.
Em B — Google review
A little small zoo. Still a nice few hours with the kids. Get there on good time and walk around slowly.. when it's not to hot animals are always pm display and very visible to see. Unfortunately, this weekend it was so hot, think they all had enough. Always a good little place to go though. Nice gift shop. Toilets pretty clean. Nice picnic area but food is available.
Sharlene Thomas — Google review
Wonderful zoo. Spread over a lovely country estate. The owners have obviously given great thought to the enclosures and most are huge, bigger than many other zoos. I did some reviews that you don't get to see the animals. This is easily resolved here as most enclosures have more than one viewing point and we went back to some enclosures again on our way out and saw the ones who were asleep etc on our first try. Remember these are living creatures with a routine of their own not "performers" in our "play"
Rob Bowie — Google review
Fantastic day out for families. I had not been in 30 years and I have to say that some of the place looked a bit tired and some of the old enclosures have been left to rot but what they do have is a fantastic range of very healthy looking animals. The range of animals from Tigers to monkeys, birds and a big hit if a red panda, is just right and the ability to see the animals as you walk around is just right. It's a good few hours of walking with a land train that lets you see the whole thing of you want. There are lots of picnic spots, and play parks dotted around. Kids that normally moan after a few hours were well entertained.
Tom Lampard — Google review
We went on a Saturday. We bought our tickets online and saved waiting at the entrance.
The park is clean, there are plenty of areas for children to play and restaurants with a good price but with a very good quality.
We saw a lot of animals although there were some areas without animals.
The organisation is very good and you can do the tour in one day very comfortably.
There are no shows or at least we didn't see anything to see how they are fed or an explanation of their lives.
Highly recommended and very good to go with children.
Marc Vilalta — Google review
I have visited Marwell Zoo many times over the last 15+ years and have always enjoyed my time here. They have a large selection of animals and have upgraded enclosures and added new ones over the last few years. The Tropical House and the aviary are currently closed due to the avian flu so you won't be able to see the birds that fly here or the sloths. The restaurant serves lovely food with large portions, although on pricey as to be expected at these types of attractions. The staff are always polite and helpful and the zoo keepers take great care of the animals. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in wildlife.
Hannah Glenhill — Google review
Absolutely blown away with the place! Managed to get some beautiful photos of the animals there, abd we were pleased to see that they are so well cared for. You can really see that the keepers are trying their best to make each animals enclosure as close to their natural habitat as possible. Lots of open spaces and walking around which was nice, and lots of different variety of parks for the children. I would definitely recommend this as a place to visit if you are in the vicinity, or for a day out as we did from the Isle of Wight. Beautiful place and a great attraction. We liked that the price was so good also!
Alli Smith — Google review
Lovely day spent at Marwell Zoo, weekday and out of school holidays so other than a group of small school kids it was wonderfully quiet.
Great facilities with friendly staff and volunteers throughout the park.
Loads of animals to see all in spacious enclosures allowing them to roam as free as possible with excellent viewing opportunities.
Ticket prices are very reasonable and there is plenty of free parking. We took a picnic but the food places and food on offer looked pretty good. We did grab a latte, which despite being machine made, was great. There were plenty of picnic areas/tables dotted around the park for those who had brought their own food. Gift shop by the entrance/exit was full of the usual gifts and masses of cuddly toys…the prices weren’t crazy which is a bonus!
All in all a great day out, highly recommended…
Jo Jhanji — Google review
Always great fun for everyone.
Will disagree with previous reviews that there was no animals. We managed to see most of them.
We actually had a nice meal in the zoo canteen. To compare to another this to type of places ( mainly theme parks) food was very tasty and reasonably priced. Also, the ice cream by the playground was awesome.
Clean toilets all around the park. Free parking.
Piotr “P10trek83” — Google review
Incredible, sunny day at the zoo. Started the journey and got on the M3. Clear signage to go to the place. Lots of parking spaces. Prices as shown in pictures, paid on the day (so not sure if its more affordable online). Great open spaces for the animals. Fairly clean throughout. Many kiosks, a restaurant and cafes. We enjoyed the day so much and took amazing photos. A place that I highly recommend for an entire day to have time to see as much.
Dr. Al — Google review
4 wonderful hours spent here today, for what I believe was a very reasonable amount of money. All the animals looks happy & content in there large enclosures, never saw any pacing back & forth. Zoo was clean & tidy without litter lying around, toilet's plentiful & clean. Nice areas for children to play in. Will return. Highly recommend.
Haydn Morris — Google review
Marwell is my local wildlife park, I have been regularly going for most of my life because I support their breeding programs. I have given a lower rating this time because I was disappointed at how much the level of animal species has dropped in the time since my last visit in 2018 :-( I really hope that this is just a Covid impact and that they get back to their original standard soon.
Dawn Georgiadi — Google review
I don't want to slag this place off because of the fantastic work they do.
The staff were lovely. The animals were beautiful.
It was just a bit average. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it.......... It was just a bit meh.
I would not go again when it is cold.
Andy Tingay (Tings) — Google review
Had a great day out here and there was something for everyone. My 3 year old daughter loved seeing the Giraffes up close and was excited to get up close and personal with the monkeys and see them get fed too. The staff were very knowledgable and friendly and were really keen to chat to us casually and explain some of the funny behaviours that the monkeys where displaying too! It was a great day overall and it's so important that places like Marwell not only exist, but thrive. Conservation is so important and its great to see so many endangered animals roam around happily in large, clean, interesting enclosures. It would be tragic if these creatures went extinct before my three year old reaches my age and so places like Marwell that focus on protecting and breeding these endangered animals are so crucial. :)
What Masterpiece — Google review
Nice zoo lots space clean enclosures nice to see some of animals close up they seemed well looked after! Friendly staff an enjoyable day lots walking! Cafe graze needed more staff service very slow food went cold waiting in queue 2 pay nobody clearing tables etc! Some undercover picnic areas so take picnic!
T5868 — Google review
Season ticket holders for more years than I can count, it's a fantastic day out at all ages, my toddler loves it, my teenager loves it, we love it (40s) and the grandparents love it (70s). Beautiful site, ever evolving and always something new to see.
Caryl Purdy (JustaDay) — Google review
Went recently with the 30 day return ticket, had a wonderful time, been again and hoping to go again before our tickets expire. Friendly staff, clean facilities and areas to eat your own food or buy from the eateries. I hadn't been there since I was a Child so nice to share this with my Son.
Natural Beauty — Google review
I haven't been to somewhere like a zoo since I was a kid, we thought with our kids interest in animals, where would be a great place to go for their first birthday that would keep them interested, a Zoo of course. It was a bit of a treat for the family and it's somewhat surprising how you can wonder round and lose the best part of a day.
There's a gift/coffee shop near the entrance which means you can get yourself a little something before you start your adventure, you can download an app to your phone to know what to look for when going round and I genuinely enjoyed it. There is a main eatery about half way round, which we mainly stopped at as feeing time for the child - the warning here if you are not a parent (or maybe if you are too) it does get really busy here and you have to leave buggies outside, which got surprisingly chaotic, because kids all need feeding at the same time.
On the far side of the zoo there's like a little ice cream/coffee shop/loos which is OK to watch zebras from.
I think the big lesson here is to always look for nicer/warmer weather. One of the things we wanted to see and thought our child would love was the big cats, like small cats they tend to sleep in the warm indoors on cold days so aren't roaming about, which meant we didn't see any.
Overall a pretty reasonable day out, not too expensive either, next time we visit will definitely be in the warmer weather though!
Dale Buckland — Google review
4.4
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4.0
(3649)
Thompson's Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH, 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.
Located in the historic Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a must-visit for gin enthusiasts. The 300-year-old mill, once a producer of banknote paper, has been reimagined by designer Thomas Heatherwick with stunning glasshouses. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and even cocktail-making master classes. The distillery offers a unique experience in a picturesque and historically rich setting, making it an ideal destination for both gin aficionados and history buffs alike.
A lovely guided tour of the distillery. A very informative guide and the tour took in all the parts. Was family owned but now owned by Diego however they have kept the small nature despite all Bombay Sapphire being made here. The creative green house has examples of the plants used in the gin. The gin was very nice and the film about the distillery was good and had a choice of three gins to choose from. Would recommend a tour. The cafe was a nice surprise as the platter we had was so great value.
Angela Williams — Google review
Well what a amazing place and great history the buildings have. A must visit for any Bombay sapphire drinker! A great experience. The staff we’re help and informative. Our guild was very knowledgeable and gave an almost theatrical tour of the factory/site.
We traveled from South Yorkshire, but was well worth the travel.
Matthew Trcek — Google review
Great gin experience! The site is massively impressive and really well run. We booked the fancy Sunset cocktail making and tour experience. It's not cheap but you get to make 3 cocktails, have lunch, tour the site in a smaller group and enjoy a few extra cocktails on top. Plus you walk away with a bottle of the sunset gin. Everyone was very friendly, the food and drink are great. The bar and cafe are also worth a visit as is the shop. The only thing I would suggest is adding a bit of music in the cocktail making room, there's only ever going to be 10 people there and it would add to the ambience.
Well worth visiting and taking in a tour
Gareth Rees — Google review
Great experience, lovely atmosphere, wonderful kind, generous Interesting people who work there who made us feel very welcomed. The master cocktail making class was so worth it. The buildings themselves were beautiful!
lori-Ann clark — Google review
What a cool experience! Every detail is accounted for here. The place is tip top clean. History is preserved. The entire tour changed my whole perspective on Bombay. 10/10! AMAZING!
Also had a few recommendations at their bar, highly recommend! All staff were wonderful. Got some food as well, all delicious and locally sourced. And of course, visited their store and took home great souvenirs.
Karen Rodriguez — Google review
Can't recommend this place enough. We did a tour of the distillery which was brilliant. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and kept us interested for the whole tour. The tour starts off the best way possible with a Gin and tonic. The tour lasts for 90 minutes and went by in the flash of a hat. Plenty of history to the site. Along with the tour there is also a bar, shop and cafe. Will be back again.
Chris Watson — Google review
A wonderful experience in an idealic and historically fascinating setting. Booking online was extremely easy. We arrived an hour early so had a very decent cup of coffee in the cafe and resisted the temptation to add a large slice of #vegan chocolate cake. Then a relaxing professionally mixed G&T in the bar. THEN the tour which started with ANOTHER G&T in a Bombay Sapphire Glass with plenty of ice and Fever Tree tonic. THEN a short film in a comfortable setting with a nice little table to put your Drink on. THEN a tour and explanation of the distilling process and the history of the building. THEN a stop in the gift shop to overspend before driving home thoroughly satisfied.
Sean Durrant — Google review
From my recent last week visit.
Super to understand history, specially for Indian to know why it’s Bombay sapphire and not London Sapphire.
The great Thomas and Marry invention is interesting.
Ambience is really fascinating 👍. It’s worth to spend and understand within 2 Hrs from tour round.
Online booking is necessary before visit to book your slot.
Staff is knowledgeable
Karan Khairnar — Google review
Excellent tour by one of Bombay Sapphire's staff, really informative and the site has a vast amount of history which is amazing to hear about.
Lasts about 2 hours including complimentary cocktail.
The bar is situated over two floors whereby you can drink your cocktail and enjoy watching the cocktail makers in action.
Recommended.
Stuart Love — Google review
Really interesting place to visit. Loads of history and the guide was very knowledgeable. All the staff were really delightful, welcoming and great to chat to.
We went for the Discovery Visit, but I definitely want to go back for a cocktail master class. You can visit the cafe and shop anytime. It doesn't have to be part of a tour. Nice shop with good offers, despite what I've read from other reviews.
Natalie Elliott — Google review
Went on a tour which offered a complimentary drink. The cinema screen at the beginning had a nice surprise at the end. The grounds are lovely and can go for a drink there without purchasing a tour. The l shop was reasonably priced and had good gifts for birthdays etc
Oli — Google review
Had a fantastic time doing the tour and cocktail masterclass. Went with my wife on a beautifully sunny day. Everyone there was amazing and knowledgeable, with a special shout out to Chloe who did the masterclass. Her warmth and charm shone through and made the experience unforgettable. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and interesting activity to do with a partner or group.
alex bell — Google review
A wonderful experience and a must for any gin lover. At first we had a very informative tour about the history of the gin and the site itself. After learning about the process and the ingredients, we had a go at making some cocktails ourselves. As the designated driver I only had a few sips of my drinks, which were wonderful. Even though the weather wasn't that great the staff made it such a delightful time. Highly recommend and will be coming back again in the future 🍸🍹
Jordan Hutton — Google review
The Laverstoke Mill Gin Distillery is a fantastic destination to enjoy a gin... and to learn how one of the world's popular brands is made (the entire world's supply of Bombay Sapphire is produced here).
The distillery is near our place in Whitchurch, which makes it an ideal destination for a countryside ramble (ramble being the key word, especially on the return if you get my drift).
There is a great selection of cocktails on offer at their amazing bar - be sure to check out the view down on the bar from the balcony seating. If the weather's good, then the outside patio by the river Test is excellent, and you may see a swan or two!
Some light food is on offer. We had the grazing bowl, which had 3 different bowls: olives, vegetable crisps, and stuffed peppers. At £4.50 it was a great compliment to our Laverstoke cocktails, which were £10 each. A bit more if you ask for doubles. Why wouldn't you? Especially if you like us are walking home.
Regarding transport, there is a bus stop right at the distillery for the 76 bus that gets you back to Andover or Basingstoke. If you change in Whitchurch, then you can get the 86 down to Winchester. A taxi will get you up to the nearby stations at Overton or Whitchurch.
There is a wonderful gift shop for all your bartenders' needs. There is also a good gift package selection.
Our son and his girlfriend went on the tour (wife and I couldn't extract ourselves from the bar...). They said they really enjoyed the 90min tour which included a drink at the start, a short history film, the botanics greenhouse, a guided tour and watching the production of gin in the fermenting room, amongst other activities.
If you do wander back to Whitchurch through the countryside footpath, then that will bring you out at Bere Mill, which often has its garden open for visitors on bank holidays. The Bere Mill was once linked to Laverstoke Mill, generating electricity. If Mills are your thing, then there's 3 more in Whitchurch: Town Mill, Fulling Mill, and the Whitchurch Silk Mill (only the latter is open to the public).
Recommended.
Andrew Reeves-Hall — Google review
This is our second time here. The first time, we just did the tour. This time, however, we did the cocktail making master class. This was a really fun experience, and very boozy, you make three cocktails each, and they are strong! but oh, so good.
They young girl doing the class was great, informative, and happy.
All the staff we spoke to were happy and helpful and always with a smile on their faces. Especially all the young ones who I'm sure would much rather be drinking with friends the watch us getting drunk and talking rubbish, lol.
All in all, a great day out and highly recommend.
sally mckay — Google review
A must-do if you are a gin lover. A cheeky sample of the Sunset and Lemon Presse to begin before an excellent tour of the grounds provided lots of insight into the production - great historical background to the site and a look at the spectacular glasshouses. We then moved onto the gin masterclass; special shout-out to Marcus whose knowledge of all things gin was first rate. Each of the three cocktails you create were delicious, we will definitely be testing them out at home!
Jill Appleton — Google review
I would say this tour was OK.. would have been nice to maybe make some gin etc, rather than just walking around and listening to people talking.
Very pretty though but not sure it was worth the tour.
Lucy Wilks — Google review
If you're in the area or making a special 'pilgrimage', then booking a tour of The Bombay Sapphire Distillery will not disappoint!
The historical buildings, the glass fountain, and the River Test running through add a lovely atmosphere.
Bombay Saphire has been my favourite gin for many a year, so it was such a treat to learn all about it.
Definitely adds a whole new dimension to the drinking experience.
Obviously, I left with some treasures from their shop after the tour.
Dawn Williams — Google review
We had a gift of a tour and a cocktail making masterclass last Xmas, and we just got around to booking and visiting.
The tour was pretty much what you would expect if you have ever visited a distillery or brewery before, but with the addition of the quite long history of the site (from before Doomsday) and also the beautiful greenhouses and plants).
The masterclass is fun, and you end up with 3 fantastic cocktails to enjoy; or at least what's left of them! Time really flies by.
One word of caution, don't plan on driving yourself afterwards.
Peter Guberg — Google review
Fantastic tour, history and science all mixed into one! Glass of gin and tonic to start, loved the cinema experience
Simon Vincent — Google review
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4.5
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Laverstoke Mill, London Rd, Whitchurch RG28 7NR, United Kingdom
The Mayflower Theatre is a 2,300-capacity theater in Southampton that features a wide range of performing arts, including musicals and opera. The theatre is also home to the largest theatre on the south coast.
So far this year I've been 3 times but been going to this theatre since I was young.
It's a fantastic theatre offering a wide selection of different theatrical performances from plays to musicals to Panto and comedians.
The seats are reasonable for the quality of performance you see as well.
This is a large theatre with lots of seating but stage is medium size so pick you seats wisely.
Saying that, you'll still enjoy it sat wherever you are inside the Mayflower
Ashleigh Crouch — Google review
The Mayflower Theatre is a beautifully maintained building with loads of history, surviving WWII and will soon be celebrating it's 100th birthday. It has staged some of the greatest shows ranging from a smaller theatre group, bands to the biggest West End shows.
There is a bar on all 3 levels for visitors convenience and a lift for visitors mobility issues. You can hire binoculars to see the stage close up for just a pound.
I have not ever been disappointed and have seen quite a variety of shows. Long may it continue
Mark Mclaverty-Locke — Google review
This theatre is one of my favourite theatres.
There is always so much to come and see.
Very clean with great views of the stage.
Angie Claridge Horsley — Google review
Wonderful theatre, with friendly staff. Excellent local hub for high quality theatre without having to travel up to London.
Good access for wheelchair users, particularly given the age of the theatre and constraints of the listed building. Important to note, there is a plan of accessible seating available on the website- refer to this as there is not direct wheelchair access to the left side of the stalls area at the front of the stalls. Access as marked on the seating plan is excellent. A full "Changing Places" toilet is available and they have a secure location to leave a wheelchair/mobility scooter/other aid if you prefer to transfer to a seat rather than stay in your own chair. There are also wheelchair spaces at the rear of the upper circle if you prefer to watch from further back. The access scheme is fair and helpful although you need to apply in advance of booking.
Rosie Luxford — Google review
I really like this theatre, which regularly brings good shows down from London. The inside has classic theatre charm, and the acoustics are pretty good (saw Book of Mormon sitting in the stalls and it was a great audio/visual experience)
The toilets are teeny tiny though, so don’t leave it long in the intermission to queue up… or don’t get a drink before the show lol.
Dave Ernsberger — Google review
Came to see Titanic the musical on Friday 14th April 23. My daughter treated me for my birthday. The show was amazing enjoyed it very much. First time I have been to the mayflower Southampton. A lovely theatre staff were friendly and very helpful. Thank you for making in amazing Evening out for me and my daughter.
Donna Porter — Google review
SIX! Was absolutely incredible. The ladies put on a great show and did themselves proud. Was my daughters first ever show at a theatre and she was very impressed.
So lucky to have The Mayflower on our doorstep.
Gill P — Google review
Show was really good but The Theatre could do with a severe update. Haven't been for years, chairs are uncomfortable and the floor is very sticky, can pay for binoculars but half of them are missing.
Jem — Google review
What a beautiful theatre. I am in a wheelchair and used a dedicated entrance. In there was a bathroom that was amazing. The entrance to the theater was down the side and our seats just inside. The view was fairly good and I had no complaints. We had a great time.. the staff were very helpfull and made sure we were ok.
Stephen Robinson — Google review
Travelled from London to see Joseph at the Mayflower. Was such an amazing show, all cast were brilliant.
Staff inside the theatre were super friendly and helpful. Merchandise is fairly expensive but that's to be expected at a show unfortunately.
Beautiful theatre from 1928. Great views from pretty much every seat.
Amy Showell — Google review
Granddaughter , daughter and myself went to see dinosaur 🦕. Great show 👏 staff very polite and helpful lovely afternoon. Children very excited 😊
Graham Dominey — Google review
With a varied selection of performances good acoustics and a nice interior this is a great place to sit and relax watching a variety of shows. It gets a good atmosphere inside, seats are a typical size for this age/type of building. Intervals there is a bar, ice cream kiosk and snacks available in the foyer.
Roger Jones — Google review
A Beautiful theatre in Southampton, a few yards from the central train station and near some very good restaurants.
The Duty manager Millie is such a lovely, kind and helpful person.
Would definitely recommend this place.. Uh may zing!!
Mandi Cooper — Google review
Great venue in a convenient location. Our seats were in front of the stage and were comfortable. Lovely decor. Efficient staff.
Julie Kempen — Google review
I am so impressed. The theatre looks lovely and is well maintained, so many big properties look tired these days.
We were row z of the stalls, which was super handy for getting in and out of the theatre quickly.
Seats comfy and the view was good despite being close to the back.
We saw ‘And then there were none’. Some modern twists on a classic. Good sets, lighting and sound.
Clare Dorkins — Google review
Jesus Christ Superstar. Modern interpretation, the original songs with interpreted dance instead of narration. Great performances, but I prefer the original 1971 version!
Richard Wright — Google review
First time at the Mayflower to see Bonnie and Clyde. The theater itself was lovely. The view was great and i would think all of the seats would be the same. The staff team were super friendly and helpful. The musical was a pleasure to watch. We have already booked 3 more trips. Can't wait to go back
Garry Ryan — Google review
Visited the Mayflower to see Shrek with the grandchildren and we all thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Our tickets didn't scan properly but this was quickly sorted and reprinted. Would have been nice to have been offered booster seats for the children.
Lesley Huzzey — Google review
Such a beautiful theatre. Staff are amazing!
Clean, well kept and reasonable pricing for shows!!
Variety of shows to watch so there's something for everyone!!
Olivia — Google review
Centrally located, two car parks very very close and plenty of disabled parking. Polite friendly helpful staff, period decor, facilities good enough, very good view of the stage from the dress circle and no spurious pillars obscuring the view, brilliant. Welsh National Opera company were in fine form and we thoroughly enjoyed the visit. If you arrived by train then it is a very short walk, if you stayed at a central hotel, again a very short walk. Seats are a bit tight so if you're over 6 foot, seriously consider sitting in one of the many boxes otherwise it might be a bit cramped.
All things considered it was a very pleasant experience and we enjoyed our second visit to the Mayflower theatre
James Ross — Google review
Lovely old theatre, however the performance of cirque was utterly ruined for the first half by playing the speakers far too loudly— 3 of our group of 5 had to cover their ears for the first half and it ruined the singing as not only was it too loud the quality was tinny, awful and distorted. It seemed to have improved in the second half. Expect extremely long queues for use of the bathrooms. However 4* as it is a lovely theatre and I want it to do well, but after having such a bad experience I can't honestly give it 5.
Michael S — Google review
Great traditional theatre in the heart of Southampton.
Variation of shows from dramas to musicals with incredibly talented actors.
Seats are spacious and comfortable.
Facilities are ok (toilet cubicles are pretty tight) but well maintained.
Staff are fabulous and very helpful.
Easy to access via train and parking is close by.
Paula Bromfield — Google review
Absolutely fantastic show, enjoyed every minute. Staff were so helpful. I'm an access member and thet made me feel at ease and helpful showing where our seats were. It's great having a seperate entrance so you don't have to queue or get pushed by lots of people. Only downside, it is very painful on my back in those seats. I have quite a few disabilities but sitting so long in the seats becomes very painful on my back. The only thing to make my experience better, would be better seating.
Kelly Healey — Google review
4.7
(7670)
•
4.5
(2441)
22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton, SO15 1GE, United Kingdom
Christ Church is Oxford's largest and most prestigious college, with a proud history dating back to the 1525 founding of Cardinal Wolsey. The college is home to many famous alumni, including Lewis Carroll and Harry Potter. Christ Church's ornate main quadrangle and impressive dining hall are some of the main attractions for tourists visiting the college.
The most famous college in Oxford, inspiring works such as Harry Potter and Alica in Wonderland.
Booking ahead is required, as day tickets tend to be sold quickly. Prices are a bit steep (15£ for a student ticket) but its a very nice experience, and it also includes a visit to the cathedral on the same grounds.
Most of the times it is quite crowded, so would opt for earliest tickets, or evening. Especially if you want to get nice pics.
Dan-Mihai Dorobantu — Google review
A very nice experience to the scenes of Harry Potter the movie. The place is huge and impressive.
Bought a ticket and a headset is provided for self guided tour.
Not sure if the Hall got lunch time closure. Coz we were informed by the nice guard that the Hall was opened at about 13:30. It was amazing to see the cafeteria of Harry Potter.
Justina Lee — Google review
Probably the most visited college of Oxford. Christ Church certainly worth a visit. Remember to pre-book your ticket as it can get very crowded and you'll have to wait to get a ticket.
Very helpful free audio guide that helps you walk around the college.
This college is very popular being one of the filming location for Harry Potter.
The grounds are also very beautiful and you must take time to walk around the college.
Amelia Russo — Google review
Located in the heart of the city, Christ Church is conveniently close to museums, shops and restaurants. What a magical experience from the grandeur of the Harry Potter setting of the Grand Hall to the majestic stained glass windows , ceiling detail and font.
Even if you choose not to pay to go inside it is definitely worth a visit to take photos from the outside.
At the side of the main entrance you can walk through the meadow up to the river.
joshua khoo — Google review
I was on a self guided tour of Harry Potter locations in Oxford so knew Christ Church was a must. Beautiful building with a lot of history is the inspiration for the Great Hall. Incredible interiors of this stunning church did not disappoint!
Tran Hang — Google review
Christ Church College is definitely one of the must-visit landmarks in Oxford and not only for fans of Harry Potter.
The admission needs go be reserved online in advance and the availability is pretty limited. The dining hall is currently in use so it would be closed during lunch time.
It's famous for the movie scenes in Harry Potter series for its dining hall and center field. We were impressed by how brilliant & magnificent the church is and we enjoyed the view very much.
Hsin Yi Wei — Google review
Why do I have to buy tickets online?
We were there in person with cash and card and they wouldn't let us buy a ticket. Real jobs worth in the gift shop.
Have to go outside and mess around with their website to buy a ticket with our travel cards. Very annoying.
The buildings themselves were very nice to see but you won't be spending long there.
The cathedral was the highlight - good information about the stained glass etc.
Personally I found other smaller colleges better to visit. This felt more like a money grab impersonal tourist attraction.
Go to small but pretty college like Balliol instead if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg.
James Bryan — Google review
Beautiful experience. The college was nice, and the cathedral also. Although the price of it is high, I recommend buying the multimedia ticket, it contains a lot of useful and interesting information, and it is translated into many languages. Also, if you want to go there, do buy tickets online in advance, because they tend to sell out quickly.
Andrej Polansky — Google review
Beautiful, historic Oxford college. I have visited several times, but not since they added a new visitor’s center with self-guided audio tours. The audio/video tour is one of the best I have experienced while traveling. It contains a lot of excellent information both about the history of the college and its contemporary use. For people new to the UK/Oxford university system, this tour helps you to understand how things work while gaining an appreciation for the history of this particular college and its cathedral. The meadows are, of course, a lovely place to walk, picnic, or even take a nap!
Joel Childers — Google review
Expected more. Do not pay for a tour if you are a Harry Potter fan: just one hall and stairs. Church needed to visit.
Hanna Kucher — Google review
Be warned that the college is not very accessible. There are many steps throughout, and some pathways in the garden area are muddy/flooded, which I think will be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or limited mobility.
We had a pushchair which had to be carried up/down several flights of stairs (easy for us as we were in a group but I imagine impossible if you're on your own). We were warned of this at the visitor centre, and at the entrance; but I don't remember a clear warning on the website when buying tickets.
Tickets are £16 per person, or £12.80 if the cathedral is closed. You can buy online or at the visitors centre. If you buy online you'll still need to queue at the centre for your audio guide.
Check the timings for the great hall beforehand, as it closes during lunchtime and you don't want to miss it! It's the highlight of the visit.
Overall I think it's worth a visit even if it's pricey.
Alexandra Orlando — Google review
Can have an exciting tour around famous harry potter filming locations. Can explore with guided groups or multimedia guided self tours. Book tickets in advance might make sure your can enter.
Chandima Kumarihami — Google review
Very suggestive place to visit. If you are in Oxford you have to see the Church and the college inside. There are also the original location of Harry Potter first movie.
Feliciano Liso — Google review
A really beautiful place to visit. Quite large, but the audio walking tour is self-guided so you can move at your own pace. There’s a nice path to the river as well, providing lots to see both inside and outside. Visitors cannot go in the library, but it was fun hearing about the tree that can be seen from within that is the inspiration for the tree the Cheshire Cat sits in throughout the Alice in Wonderland stories.
Alicia Adams — Google review
A pleasant place to visit. Architecturely quite beautiful. We were lucky to have a crisp blue sky bringing out the yellow of the sandstone. Saw the Harry Potter staircase and the hall inspiration for Hogwarts Hall. Liked the coloured glass in cathedral, Burne Jones glass and lovely carved choir stalls.
Gill P — Google review
Christ Church college is one of the best visit of Oxford. I had this place on my list for years, I don’t know why I waited so long. The college is beautiful. You have a multimedia guide included in the ticket to show you around and explain the history of the place.
They shot a few scenes from Harry Potter here. No wonder why some area of the college have such an Hogwarts vibe.
Damien Vanhille — Google review
Beautiful building, very similar to the parliament in London, unfortunately we could not get inside. But it was very cool to see it even close by.
John — Google review
It was wonderful to revisit a place that has served my family for generations. A very historic building full of history and amazing architecture. The atmosphere is both imposing and inspiring. I would highly recommend a visit as great men and women of history have passed through these buildings.
Antony Davies — Google review
It's a beautiful place, the interiors are amazing. The college is absolutely stunning. I would recommend booking the tickets online. There's a ticket counter and a small shop nearby. Situated in the heart of the city.
Parking would be a bit difficult around this area, better explore by walk.
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a Victorian Gothic-style building located in Oxford, England. This museum is dedicated to the collection of artifacts from all over the world, most notably from archaeology and anthropology. Some of the most interesting items on display include shrunken heads, masks from all over the world, toys from different countries, and clothing worn by royalty. This museum is best for older children who are curious about history and appreciate quirky architecture.
4.5
(3949)
Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PW, UK
I'll never travel to Gloucester without this trip planner again
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History houses some of the most incredible natural specimens in the country, from dinosaurs to primates. It is a popular attraction for anyone interested in paleontology and anthropology.
Brilliant! Don't miss out!
The museum has a really wide range of exhibits. It's great if you have a dinosaur lover with you. We did and she had a fantastic time.
The museum is a great day out and well worth your time!
Brad Tipping — Google review
Being a museum worker myself I do enjoy visiting other museums. This one is particularly stunning with its high, green house style ceiling in the main hall. You could spend hours in just this room alone. There is a lovely cafe that overlooks the main hall from up high, a great location for a cafe. You can see a lot more detail in the ceiling from there so don't miss that opportunity to take some snaps. They have some truly stunning items in this museum, one of my fave places is a very small darkened room where they show off some gem stones under a black light. Their T-Rex takes pride of place in the main hall and does not disappoint. I think my favourite area though was the Pitt Rivers Museum, which is inside the museum of natural history. In there you will find some of the most interesting, weird, wacky and fascinating items. Do not miss that area! I would point out that due to building works we ended up walking around for some time, looking for the entrance which for some reason is not signed posted anywhere. If you go onto their website and look at a map they have provided, (my visit was planned by a friend who knew the area so I hadn't thought to go and look myself) you will find it much easier to get to the entrance.
Leanne Smith — Google review
Wonderful building with a well rounded collection. Think its one of the better Natural History museums out there! One thing that was a shame to see was that the taxidermy specimens had been exposed to quite a bit of sunlight and really should’ve been taken care of better! But a definite must see!!
Joshua Walter — Google review
What an incredible museum!! The Oxford University Museum is an absolute favourite. The layout is simple and boasts such wonderful specimens of nature including the only example of dodo soft tissue in the world. I especially liked that you are encouraged to touch the collection they have amassed.
RB Locks Auto Locksmith — Google review
WoW! What an incredible venue to take a class of children. The staff were exceptional and tailored everything to our needs, going above and beyond with prompt communication and ease of access to alternative provisions should we have required it. The museum was clean, facilities like toilets and lunch area were immaculate too. Belongings were secured to enable children to walk around freely without having to carry coats and lunches. The gentleman conducting the Rocks Session was simply incredible - so engaging and knowledgeable, my class had a blast! I could not fault this experience today! We really appreciate your support and service provided. I can't wait to take my own little family to experience this.
Cherry Axford — Google review
What a spectacular collection of history!
Lovely friendly staff, lots of interesting things to look at. To see it all you'll need a few hours.
It's free entry but if you can, take a fiver for the donation box to keep the place going!
Not much parking nearby so it's advisable to do park and ride.
The museum is with a few minutes walking distance of a lovely park so if the weather is nice, pop along to see that too! 😊
Anne Skelton — Google review
I recently celebrated my birthday in a rather unconventional way by visiting the Oxford Natural History Museum, and let me tell you, it turned out to be one of the most remarkable and enriching experiences of my life. Despite the skepticism from some friends and family who questioned my choice of a museum as a birthday destination, I followed my passion for history and natural wonders, and I couldn't have made a better decision.
One of the highlights of my visit was the meteorite exhibit. Seeing this extraterrestrial rock up close and learning about its origins left me in awe of the vastness of the universe. The museum did an excellent job of presenting the information in a way that was accessible to visitors of all ages, and the interactive elements made it even more engaging.
What truly made my visit unforgettable was the opportunity to touch and interact with rare minerals and objects. It's not every day that you get to feel the weight of history in your hands. The museum's dedication to allowing visitors to have a hands-on experience with these precious artifacts is commendable.
I wholeheartedly recommend this museum to anyone with an appreciation for natural history. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and a place where unforgettable memories are made.
Swati Punaini — Google review
A wonderful museum experience. It is much smaller than London's Natural History Museum, but this makes it, in a way, better, because it is more densely packed with interesting things. One of my favourite museums in the UK, and probably the highlight of my visit to Oxford. The only downside is that I don't believe there is enough here to ever warrant a second visit.
Presley Vasiliou — Google review
If your not from Oxford - Then u must add this to your bucket list. Enjoyed every bit of this place by gaining knowledge. Lovely place!! You don’t have to buy tickets, Free Entry.
Dini X — Google review
Fascinating place. Lots of history & artefacts as you'd expect! Cafe has a nice selection of cakes, sandwiches & drinks reasonably priced too. Although a free museum a small donation is definitely to be considered!
Dee A — Google review
Lovely building, interesting artifacts, great for a date and for kids. We had a great time, the coffee cart outside was definitely worth a visit as well, so make sure you stop there on your way in. Everyone was lovely inside as well. Can't really complain about anything. Great for an afternoon out.
Aishah Sheikh — Google review
It was an amazing place ,not only an extensive collection of various animal skeletons, they also had a stuffed dodo,one of its kinds. A fantastic artistic display of butterflies,ins3cts ,crabs,minerals etc. It was a Sunday and saw so many kids enjoying their exhibits and having painting and other sessions too.
asiya khan — Google review
It's a wonderful day. A huge museum, must go after a good breakfast. No tickets.
But parking is costly. I paid 13pond for 2hrs. So within 2hrs, how much we can see we did. But so many things I can't see.
It's too sad. Lift is also available. Toilets are very nice. You can move with your stroller if you have a baby. If you want to carry your baby you can park your stroller inside.
I like it. A tea stall was outside. A prayer room is also present near it. But it has code .
Only one thing I felt.
So many things in a single place so congested little bit.
2ndly I saw some in an order way. But some are not.
Anyhow it's an amazing time. Again I thought we are tiniest part of the universe. And how much we are unaware of the secret of the universe
Shaheera Batool — Google review
This place was absolutely amazing if I'm honest. It's free to enter unless you're in a large tour group. It's a great place to take the kids both young & older. There's some activity sheets you can pick up and you do whilst walking around. There's lots to see here from dinosaurs to an actual roman burial complete with a real skeleton. If you're looking for a a day out, definitely think of this place. Once you're done, you have Oxford to explore & that itself offers so much to see & do.
Myke Garraway — Google review
Very nice place. You can see beautiful exhibitions in this museum. You can touch on a lot of things. There is also back part museum and you can see masks, ships and another things at this place.
Petr Herder — Google review
Amazing. Literally I can spend days in this place and just get a small perspective of all the knowledge that it holds. The way the exposition is set up, how wonderful the building is by itself, the heterogeneity of scopes that the collection holds. Don't miss the back area of the museum. And be sure to check the columns on the second floor. Every single detail is inspiring. And it is free, which is mind blowing. One of the best museums I have ever visited.
Hector Arriba — Google review
Excellent trip for kids. The staff are very helpful they helped us take the pushchair up with the platform lift. Very busy full of people and lots to see best of all it's all free. There is a prayer room next to the museum very convenient for us to pray and be relaxed to have a great time. I enjoyed it 👍👍 it's a really good.
Mohammed — Google review
Amongst the swathes of things to see and do in Oxford, a visit to this museum is an absolute must. There are a plethora of things to see here and it's staggering how much has been encapsulated in such a modest amount of space. The museum isn't the size of the British Museum but in terms of the vast amount of artefacts, relics, documents, etc., there are things here you won't find even in the aforementioned museum, which makes it all the more intriguing. A day spent in Oxford is not complete if you don't come here and soak in the wonders of time gone by.
Sadek Miah — Google review
Amazing place! The kids enjoyed it, we spent 4 hours learning from every display, and wasn't enough to see everything. The collection is rich and well-maintained. Everything has its tag explaining what is it and what place it came from.
Thiago Nicino Menezes — Google review
Utterly amazed by the presentation and vast number of specimens out for the public to see. You can wander between huge, bulky skeletons of wilderbeast and rhinos and then look up at the dinosaur skeletons and down at Pliosaurs. They also have rocks and crystals to show and touch. Wonderful insect and arachnid displays upstairs which take you through the different orders. You can stop to have a cup of tea and a snack while gazing at the bird specimens in a large case. There is also a fun gift shop full of unique natural history inspired gifts.
Laura Hayward-Price — Google review
There are a few museums in which the building itself is another piece of art, and this is one of them. A huge hallowed hall surrounded by statues of the titans of scientific history.
On my first trip around the museum, I only took in the architecture and the statues, before moving to the exhibits and truly impressive fossils reconstructed into their former animal forms.
Matty B — Google review
Natural history museum
I haven't been here in decades. Although it has recently undergone a huge refurbishment it does seem smaller than I remember.
It's nice to see they've incorporated a cafe upstairs, it is so needed and would have been fantastic on school trips 😀
Exhibits are still quite interesting although I was quite disappointed to see the names of a lot of African regions and villages are spelt incorrectly.
Friends visiting Oxford absolutely loved the experience and look forward to coming back in the summer ☀️
Lorraine Jackson — Google review
The Natural History Museum in Oxford is a captivating destination that takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through the wonders of the natural world. With its stunning architecture, extensive collection of specimens, and educational exhibits, it is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the history of life on Earth. Also the entry is free!
Trishal Fernandes — Google review
The Oxford University Natural History Museum is an incredible place to visit. It is all about science and investigation and is a large collection of anatomical exhibits.
The bulk of the exhibits on show are in a large, central hall, with further exhibits and a cafe in a mezzanine.
A set of carved, stone pillars around the central hall feature statues of notable scientists and investigators. Other columns feature stone samples from around the UK.
Exhibits range from ancient fossils and skeletons, biological specimens, and preserved animals.
The cafe provided drinkable fresh coffee and surprisingly good sandwiches.
Make the visit.
Peter Meade — Google review
It was a nice place to visit, you will need at least 3 hrs to explore there. Its free entry and if you are a naturalist, this place is definitely for you. We enjoyed our visit and we admired the natural preserves there
Thambippillai Saran — Google review
Great venue, by far the best I've visited yet on my trip. I had lots of fun around it, and I must say I wish I had more time to explore because it is truly remarkable.
The Ashmolean Museum is a world-renowned museum in Oxford, England, which houses collections from all over the world. The museum has an extensive range of exhibits, including art from ancient Greece and Rome, paintings by famous British artists such as Turner and Canaletto, and archaeological objects from all over the world. The lunchtime set menu often features dishes themed with current exhibitions for a good value meal.
We travelled up to Oxford specifically for this museum. My Husband has an interest in Japan and it's history and my daughter is currently learning about Egyptians in school.
We booked online, entry is free, and added on the family adventure for 4 (as well as donating which I hope everyone does to help such a wonderful museum).
The adventure tablets and headphones where superb, I'm so glad we added it on. The games where extremely child friendly, we was able to play games together at certain spots and individually whilst learning about certain pieces. My only slight gripe with this was, there was a section of find the paintings, one of the paintings we was searching for had actually been removed from the room, so we spent 10 minutes wandering before a kind member of the team there helped us. The order of the games was a bit odd, first going up to floor 3, then 2 back to 3 then 2 then 1. It didn't suit us personally, so we just started at the top and worked our way down and then when we got to certain parts included in the adventure we clicked on them. This was we was seeing everything instead of just actively looking at the tablet parts.
We was here a good 3 hours and could of spent longer but my youngest was getting tired. We had a pushchair and found the lifts quite small as a family group. The blue lift goes to certain floors then a pink lift for another. Easy to get to grips of and find when you've got your bearings.
The shop was fab, bit small with a pushchair and when busy I imagine. My daughter had some books and I had the gin (which was beautiful tasting!).
We're looking forward to visiting again.
Lauren Tetsell — Google review
I absolutely love this museum. Spotlessly clean, spacious and so many interesting exhibits. Free admission but a donation is welcome. Shows arts and cultures from all over the world with some amazing pieces to admire. Clean well maintained toilets. Did not visit the cafe or gift shop so cannot comment.
Finding Balance — Google review
Fascinating place with many exciting displays. One could lose track of time viewing the countless exhibits. If a guided tour is an option then highly recommended.
Allow plenty of time to wander and discover and take a break in their cafe or enjoy a meal in the roof top restaurant.
Jacqui Phillips (Three Crosses) — Google review
Love this museum. Has the bits of history that I enjoy. This time, I spent time in the Anglo-Saxon exhibit and went to see the Messiah violin by Stradivari and 2 other of his violins. Will do it again.
Odlaw — Google review
To say there is something for everyone would be the understatement of the year.
However, if you want to know how to deal with a wicked rat-ghost, display your planetary deities, or create an incense holder with an ox sculpture then this is the place for you.
If you find the Baroque collection make time to stay awhile.
Veronica Hyde — Google review
I was so lucky to be able to photograph Sam and Ben's wedding at the Ashmolean in Oxford. The setting it absolute stunning with the wedding taking place in amongst the beautiful art work. The staff were absolutely amazing and were always on hand to help when needed. What a fantastic and quirky venue to get married at. I highly recommend it.
James Robertson (J S Robertson Photography) — Google review
This museum has a wonderful collection of historical artifacts, especially those from Egypt. The art gallery is impressive, with a wide variety of artwork to admire. You can easily spend 4-5 hours exploring the museum with your family. There's a convenient food court located underground, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and continuing your visit.
Kaushal Kishore — Google review
Brilliant! The Ashmolean has been on my visit list for years and it was amazing.
The museum has a fantastic range of exhibits. It's a beautiful building, lots of space to take your time and not be crowded. Honestly, one visit isn't enough!
Brad Tipping — Google review
I've been in April with my daughter, we spent there half of the day. The museum is impressive, a lot of interesting things to see from different eras of history and different countries. We really enjoyed everything, but the roman statues and the Egyptian hieroglyphs really caught my eye, and another things that I loved were the Stradivarius violins.
Andreea Denisa — Google review
A spot where you could have unintentionally spent hours browsing. Even though several of the galleries were closed for maintenance, there is so much to see and it takes time to thoroughly examine collections from different regions and time periods. I reserved a ticket for a specified time slot, yet it appears that it is not quite essential because I visited on a weekday. Furthermore, the highlights self-guided audio tour, which costs only £3.6 and can be listened to on one’s own digital devices, allows me to swiftly discover the most valuable objects in Ashmolean.
Riley Tang — Google review
It's free, lots and interesting things to see from Roman times, Egypt, India, China and many more. I love this place. Worth every second of your steps. Toilet are clean, equipped with soap and toilet paper. There is locker provided (GBP1), café and souvenir shop.
imaiqah honey Kamal — Google review
Beautiful, well organised and airy museum. Entry is free, recommend to donate £10 if you lien of course.
It has rooftop coffee shop too.
Bahareh — Google review
Been there quite a few times but it never gets boring! You always find some small detail you haven’t noticed before. Good collections, even my 7 year old brother kept on busy exploring. Great activity to do in Oxford especially considering it’s free. There are toilets, cafe and a restaurant on the top floor.
Demnlive — Google review
Completely free museum with exhibits spanning the globe. You’ll see mummy’s, cast replicas of Roman and Greek statues, Asian bronze work, and so much more.
One of the gems of Oxford on my day trip to the college town.
Matty B — Google review
Free to enter. It’s kinda half museum and half art gallery. Lots to see across 5 floors and a cafe and gift shop too. Some interesting local finds as well as the usual Egyptian, Ancient Greek and Roman swag. Good way to spend an hour with the kids. You have to carry rucksacks in your hand, not on your back, presumably so you don’t swing round and knock over the priceless ming vase!
Chris Gledhill — Google review
Hadn't planned to visit but discovered I did not need to pre-book. Staff were very informative and had excellent Covid protocols. Free to enter, but please find it within yourself to make a donation!
So much to see and you could spends days in here. I had time for the the European Art section and the English Ceramics today. Plenty of information boards explaining exhibits and all cases well labelled.
Spacious cafe, lifts, toilets and £1 lockers if you don't want to carry your bag around.
Whether you've got an hour or all day, the Ashmolean is a must when you visit Oxford.
Stephen Woodman — Google review
The best museum I have ever visited. Understand this museum in in Oxford centre so being a seat of learning caters for all points of history. Clean, spacious with helpful staff. Lifts to floors, gift shop and tea room, spotless throughout lockers for your bags open or lockable umbrella stands (yes lockable) and mobile lightweight seating if you wish to study by an exhibit or rest for a while. Truly a fine place to visit. My visit was to see the Alfred jewel and was not disappointed. A must to visit while in oxford. And to top it all off its FREE. to enter, so drop in and out anytime during the day. A light and airy place not a old traditional dark and dusty museum. Nice to see the young people of Oxford and others studying inside the museum around exhibits. Gave the place such a nice feel.
codywarkite — Google review
I had a family day out & I was greeting and looked after superbly by the staff. There are many very interesting facts to learn about the world around us, may it be fiction and non-fictional. There also was a lovely staff member I know personally called Asia, and she just adds her own amazing uniqueness to the place. She organises events for the museum such as top class weddings. She definitely does her job justice.
Jackson McCarthy — Google review
My visit was specifically to see the Labyrinth exhibition, which was exceptional. The whole enormous building is full of interest & treasure, beautifully displayed and labelled. It would be easy to spend whole days there.
gb99cat — Google review
Loved this place. Such beautiful exhibits and so much history. It is good that the Ashmolean recognises some of the problematic sides to their acquisitions through colonialism and actually has a display on this. We enjoyed the juxtaposition of modern art with historical content. Learned so much here and will come back to Oxford again just to revisit this museum. Definitely worth stepping inside if you are in the area. You can spend a whole day here. You can also get a quick shot of culture in a 20 minute whirl.
Rowan Puttergill — Google review
Great museum. Really varied exhibitions and some things I’ve never seen before. Their ancient Egypt wing really stood out with actual mummies and sarcophaguses!
Hannah Alexander — Google review
Great way to spend an afternoon at the museum. Also a really cool cafe on the rooftop with a modest selection of food and drink, including a really decent afternoon tea with a vegan option! I'm impressed.
Grace Looi — Google review
Our visit to the Ashmolean museum was splendid. The sculptures and historical presentations was great to watch. You need a day to visit the museum fully. A must visit in Oxford
Thambippillai Saran — Google review
A great visit if you’re in Oxford. It is free of charge to enter as well! They have spacious lockers, clean toilets, and a shop as well. Museum consists of multiple levels and mainly focuses on the history of the civilization. They have artifacts from around the world. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to visit this place. If you’re very keen, there’s enough things to spend your whole day in it!
Milan Tharaka — Google review
Fascinating modern museum explaining the history of civilisations across the globe. Spread across 5 floors, one of which is for exhibitions (paid). Allow extra time for the WC as there's only one!
Richard Porteous — Google review
The Ashmolean Museum is an incredible collection of artefacts from all around the world and different periods of history, as well as featuring some world-class art.
It really cannot be overstated, how comprehensive the collection is. It is like a combination of the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museums in Oxford.
And apart from the rotating exhibitions it is free to entry. We only spent an hour in the museum, but you could easily spend an entire day and then come back and see some more.
There is also a roof terrace with bar and cafe that is lovely in the summer.
A real gem and worth a visit if you are in Oxford.
Peter Hall — Google review
Completely free to enter but donations are recommended. Stunning museum with huge amounts to see over a few floors. It has a bit for every one of all ages and a must see in Oxford for a couple hours.
Robert Greenaway — Google review
Generally a nice place to have a wonder for a few hours, taking in some art and history and doing some sketching. Like most places of this ilk it closes too early and you have to pay £1 for the lockers, which you can get a token for from the shop. The Flemish section is my favourite as there are some hidden gems in there.
Caïna Verrin — Google review
Great place to visit, with a very large art collection. Definitely needs time to view everything. Planning a next visit for sure.
Ana Schaub Ćorić — Google review
A great museum that’s full of all sorts of artefacts from around the world. Free to enter most of the galleries. Lots of guides and activities going on. A good shop and cafe. It can get very busy and popular but there are always places you can find away from the crowds.
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
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Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, United Kingdom
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!
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a small yet impressive destination for families, offering feeding and flying exhibitions featuring 150 birds of prey in a vast 22-acre area filled with lush woodland and wildflower meadows. The friendly staff are knowledgeable and helpful, while the information placards provide excellent educational opportunities for children. Visitors can enjoy three different displays showcasing a variety of birds, and the on-site cafe offers delicious freshly prepared meals. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience.
A wonderful day out for the family. The trust is not a large place, but that only adds to the experience. All of the staff are friendly and helpful. There were 3 displays with a number of different birds on show. All of the information placards were informative and good for the children to read themselves. The cafe is good serving freshly cooked food. I’d highly recommend this to anyone, especially if you have a love of wildlife.
Neil Mainwaring — Google review
Visited from Devon for the first time yesterday after hearing many good things from friends. Wow… absolutely did not disappoint. You can tell the staff care so much about the birds. They were left to fly-freely during their flying slots and were encouraged to fly far and high to explore the local area. It is so healthy to see falconers having a trusting relationship with their birds. The flying displays were just incredible and some wild red kites and buzzards even got involved too (including Ian!). It was all natural as there were purpose build areas for flying, big aviaries and very close up performances (sometimes a little too close with the vultures…!!) the music made the atmosphere so special and even comical at times. The barn owls flying in the woodland was just so beautiful and I cannot wait to go back there. Food was amazing, staff were so knowledgeable and had much time for questions from the public. Such a wonderful place and you can tell the staff love what they do. Something for everyone there and incredible value. Thank you Hawk Conservancy, I will be back!
Louise Jarrett — Google review
We enjoyed a brilliant day today. After getting married here last year we decided to return today for a really lovely day out, the displays were as always super engaging and a one of a kind experience. We brought our own mini picnic but also enjoyed tea & cake at the restaurant before doing the Meet the Burrowers experience. I would 100% recommend this, it was wonderful and we both came away from it beaming ear to ear!
Plus you can find gorgeous gluten free home made cakes in Feathers Restaurant (and yes this is a big deal, they're delicious)
Christi — Google review
If you didn't visit the Winter Woodland lights event this year, then make it a must for 2025. The owl display took place in a magical setting with wonderful illuminations. The narration that accompanied the show was captivating, and seeing the owls fly at night in their natural habitat was beautiful. We want to say a big thank you to Denise for showing us so much compassion when for personal reasons we could not attend on the original date we booked. We will definitely visit again in the summer season.
S Cannell — Google review
This was by far the best Bird of Prey/raptor centre I have ever been too. A massive range of birds and the shows were absolutely phenomenal. Have recommended to many people already within the first week after going. I can't stress how brilliant the shows were, they gave me chills they were so good.
Alex Martin — Google review
Fantastic displays of different birds of prey. Close up as well as seeing them fly naturally enjoying the wind and the sky. Lots of information shared by the falconers in an educational yet humorous way. An incredible experience seeing groups of birds flying together as well as displays by the eagles and the incredibly intelligent caracara… and who can resist the owls… a great day out and you are also contributing to preserving birds who are an integral part of the world ecosystem. Lots to see in the aviaries of breeding birds. Simply a great day out and if you add on the burrowing owls experience then you get up close and personal with them - sitting on your palm - magical!
Jacqui White — Google review
My wife and I went to a sunset at the trust evening.
It was absolutely amazing from the start. The guides were so knowledgeable and passionate.
Both displays were fantastic to watch and the birds were so beautiful. My favourite was Charlie the Barn Owl.
The evening ended with vultures, and other birds gliding around as the sun set. Wow. Incredible.
Look out for the Secretary bird. Amazing
We can’t wait for our next visit.
Andrew Reeves — Google review
Had a fab day out at the Hawk conservatory. We started exploring the various bird and their personalities. There are some real characters who had fun photographing a few.
The displays were fab. Would suggest for woodland one to sit on the woodland side. We ended up on the mud side and felt a little out of it. Regardless, I loved hearing the stories from the passionate workers and seeing the owls fly around.
We then head straight to the cafe. Where we beat the crowd before watching the next display. All in all a great day out and so much to learn.
Debbie May — Google review
Had a truly wonderful day out, the grounds are picturesque, the staff incredibly friendly and willing to answer all the questions my 14 year old had, (and he always has loads!) We had lunch in feathers restaurant and it was lovely food, prices at about what you'd expect. My fresh salad was huge! I absolutely can't wait to come again
Angelik Arts — Google review
I went there as it was hired for a private party in the evening so we weren't there for any of the falconry displays, but we did have a opportunity to look at the majestic birds. They are impressive the enclosures were large and stimulating and the birds and owls were great looking, the sheen on their coats of feathers were shimmery. I would imagine that during the day they would be more impressive especially when the falconry arena is open for use by them. I would recommend going
Steve Biggs — Google review
An absolutely spectacular day out for all the family! Throughout the day there are events and shows - and for anyone who is visiting, we'd hugely recommend the two main displays, which both feature breathtaking birds of prey flying remarkably close and close with a huge menagerie of birds filling the skies.
Every aviary seems spacious and all the animals seem happy, lively and well cared for. The grounds are beautiful and have plenty of places to stop and rest. The restaurant is Bright and comfy - and the food is straightforward and easy, just right for bringing kids along.
Every member of staff we encountered was deeply knowledgeable about the birds and the organisation, and they were excited to tell us of the amazing work they're doing to aid conservation around the world.
If you haven't been before, definitely go - it's well and truly worth it!
Josh Knight — Google review
It was a great experience for us, looking at the fascinating shows they did with the birds. The staff are well trained and the birds are well trained too. For children this is really a good place to get some information about birds and how important are these in our ecology. One thing always comes to my mind is, what it takes a bird to become so domesticated and just follow few instructions.
This is a must visit trust for anyone who likes birds.
Hemanth Kumar — Google review
Never thought I'd say this as I didn't know what to expect but watching the bird displays felt magical! I actually had tears in my eyes at some point. They looked so serene and myself and my husband found the whole day so relaxing. So much so we will definitely be returning!!! Sadly we didn't have time to visit everywhere as we wanted to watch the displays that were put on. Highly recommend a visit....the staff are so friendly, approachable and so knowledgeable!! Great day out!
Alison — Google review
I went to see the owls at night demonstration and couldn't have wished for a better experience. (We were very lucky to have clear skies and a full moon)
The handlers and the people giving the commentary came across as passionate and knowledgeable about the birds we were seeing, they were fun too and it really came across what a great team they were together and how much they cared about the work they do at the hawk conservancy.
I highly recommend going to see the flying displays. The birds really are very close and very impressive to see in such nicely set out environments. The birds were literally flying cms above our heads and standing within just a few feet of us. Some people had an owl land on the bench next to them for a moment.
I'd definitely go back to see more of the other hawks in the future.
A great day or evening out for adults and young people.
Highly highly recommended.
(I didn't get any great pictures because it was dark and really tricky to capture a moving bird)
I was too busy watching the birds and wowing at them to take more than 2 pics. And one of them was just to show the pretty lighting.
Jayne Toyne — Google review
The displays were amazing - owls flying above your head, birds of prey, just incredible. The staff were very friendly and were great at providing knowledge. Highly recommended as a great day out.
Aaron Sleep — Google review
We visit once or twice a year. It doesn't take long to walk around but if you do the displays, which are always good, have lunch you can easily make a day of it. My son has done the owl experience which was excellent. We have also done The Burrowers experience, they are so very cute. The restaurant has always been good too. There are 3 ladies toilets at different ends of the cafe.
Lisa Ricketts — Google review
I love visiting the Hawk conservancy. They have a lovely selection of birds of prey. The location has ample parking, a gift shop, cafe, toilets and well marked paths easily accessible to prams or wheelchairs and a little park.
They do amazing shows in the day and also seasonal shows such as owloween at Halloween which is always wonderful! and Christmas with the barn owls. They do get booked up quick though! They also have staff members doing demos and talks throughout the day.
They also do experiences with the birds.
I would thoroughly recommend the Hawk conservancy to all. It is a fantastic day out and I would definitely recommend booking onto one of their seasonal evening experience.
samantha dore — Google review
One of the best places I have been to see bird shows and staff are supper friendly. If this place was an animal, it would be a wise owl that can fly like a falcon, as smart as a vulture, and is as majestic as a secretary bird.
Lee Billingham — Google review
Wow, what a brilliant day all round. The whole experience was just wonderful. We could see all the birds close up in their aviaries, and then when they were let out to do their flying displays, it really was spectacular. They literally flew just above our heads, so close that we had to duck, so that they didn't collide with us. Also what we loved, was that they were all flying at the same time, and it was to music. A really lovely experience, and one that I would recommend to anyone.
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.
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 Platform One Cafe is an excellent eatery located above the STEAM museum. It boasts a wide variety of drinks, snacks, and meals that are reasonably priced. The cafe is well-maintained and clean, with friendly staff providing quick service to customers. Visitors can enjoy their meal while relishing the reconstructed rooms and platforms of the railway's story brought to life through videos and costumed figures.
Second time we visited, great experience
Monika Kiss — Google review
It was a nice little cafe with big queues and not enough staff apart from that I can't complain.
David Wain — Google review
Could do a lot better, not a great choice of snacks available. We both had a coffee which was taken back as only luke warm. They were replaced.
It really lets the whole museum down as the exhibits inside were really enjoyable to see.
Could the cafe take on a GWR period feel to enhance the experience of what is to come inside?
Colin Cranness — Google review
Brilliant cafe attatched to a wonderful museum. Plenty of choice, with choice for any appetite l.
Victoria Bounds — Google review
Limited menu but okay for a family. Quiet the day we visited. It is next to the designer outlet which has a food vourt
Diana Morrison — Google review
What a lovely cafe above the STEAM museum. The choice of drinks snacks and meals is very good as well as being very reasonably priced. This was our first visit and we were impressed by the friendly warm welcome from the staff, the speed of service and the cleanliness of the cafe as a whole. We will be returning to enjoy it once again in the near future I'm sure. Thank you.
Jonathan Spink — Google review
Stopped off here after visiting the museum
Quick snack food
Had no tea left and only 1 member of staff doing everything
Rachael Johnson — Google review
Excellent family day out. Really lovely interactive museum. Great day with 1 and 2 year old toddlers but great for adults and all ages between. Staff were fantastic and awesome covid cleaning and setup
Jennifer McKay — Google review
Extremely busy, long queues with no communication and the service was dire. If you get around that the food is sub par and overpriced. The internals of the coffee machine were dirty enough to drastically affect the taste and they were really funny about using our own travel mugs despite the fact we weren't allowed proper cups as their dishwasher wasn't working.
Bam Gill — Google review
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4.5
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Steam Museum, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY, United Kingdom
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.
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.
St. John Baptist Church in Cirencester is an Anglican church that was established in 1117 as part of an Augustinian monastery. The walled precinct and the church are situated at the center of a charming Cotswold town. The building, constructed in 1480, is typical of 15th century architecture with elaborate details and stained glass windows. Inside, there are ornate features and colorful wall paintings to admire. A gift shop inside offers religious items for purchase.
Beautiful building, so well maintained, amazing wall paintings, an absolute treat to walk round.
Janet Duxbury — Google review
Beautiful parish church with some interesting tombs, lovely stained glass, the Boleyn Cup and little Cheesus. My wife lit a candle in memory of her mother. I'm going to have to come again when the tower is open.
Good to see lots of community use as well.
Leona Thorpe — Google review
The building reflects some great architectural styles from the 12th century. The chancel and attached chapel represent the oldest part with the nave having been rebuilt twice and the tower added in the 15th century. The south porch was built by Cirencester Abbey around 1480 and only connected to the church in the 18th century.
It contains various tombs and monuments with some fragments of medieval stained glass and some great wall paintings.
It is renowned for its perpendicular porch, fan vaults (which are amazing) and merchants' tombs.
Pete / Hel — Google review
This is a lovely Church situated in the centre of the pretty Cotswold Town of Cirencester...It is beautiful inside with plenty of ornate architecture plus lot's of colourful stained glass windows...There is also a little gift shop inside the Church selling some lovely religious bits and pieces...Well worth a look around also for a bit of peace or a prayer....🙏❤️
Ivor Humphries — Google review
Stunningly beautiful church, full open access. You can even climb the tower except in winter.
mark Nichols — Google review
Parish churches are rarely more grandiose than this exceptional yellow sandstone example.
Easy to find, with its tower dominating the town centre, and the extraordinary porch dominating Market Square.
There is a palimpsest of historic detail and decoration both inside and out.
Disabled access is via the north porch, with adjacent blue badge parking.
Simon Cooper — Google review
A beautiful church built in 1480 and typical of 15th century construction. There is a wooden sculpture of a Bishop and a Prior at the edge of the church grounds and the park.
Paul Ross — Google review
Beautiful church with some very interesting historical artefacts. Took Communion. The vicar is very friendly and welcoming.
Geoff Ansell — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place. The staff was not only warm and wonderful, but were also competent. We had a small issue which they solved for us immediately.
Will visit again on our next trip to England!
Alison House — Google review
Nice old church built on wool trade money.
Has an exception Lego miniture of the church on display inside.
Gordon Holley — Google review
We were greeted on arrival and given a fact sheet with a map of the church, which gave some interesting facts about the different areas of the church and its history. It's a very welcoming and warm space.
Tina Walker — Google review
Gloucestershire’s largest parish church, the imposing medieval Church of St. John the Baptist in Cirencester, dates from 12thC. The Nave dates from around 1115 but was rebuilt and raised in height by 20ft around 1520. The tower dates from 1400. The church still retains some medieval glass and wall paintings and holds the Boleyn Cup, a gilded silver cup made for Anne Boleyn in 1535. It's well worth a visit!
Chris Kinnersley — Google review
Beautiful and Historic Medieval Church that has been standing since 1180. Well maintained.
Easwar ARC — Google review
Visited here during a trip to cirencester and was amazed at the architecture and attention to detail outside and within this church.
As with most historic churches there is a great sense of awe and wonder with a peaceful atmosphere.
The church grounds are great for a nice peaceful walk with some history included in the grounds.
William McCreadie — Google review
Lovely to visit. Lots to see and read. Located centrally. Large yew tree just outside.
Anne G — Google review
We were on holiday in the Cotswolds and wanted to go to midnight Mass. We attend church In Chigwell every week,didn't want to miss an important service. Oh wow absolutely amazing service ! The church is amazing.
The Corinium Museum houses a nationally significant collection of Roman artifacts that were discovered locally, such as mosaics and sculpture. The museum focuses on Cirencester's Roman past, with reconstructed rooms and interactive displays bringing the era to life. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful floor mosaics, including one depicting Orpheus charming animals, and the Jupiter column featuring Bacchus and his drunken companions.
This museum is great for those interested in History associated with Romans and their life in England. Very well explained throughout the corridors. Organized by timelines with special instruments discovered through the time in Cirencester and Cotswolds areas. The admission price is reasonable for the amount of History items very well kept. Staff is welcoming and available for questions through the visit.
Fatima Correia — Google review
Amazing, clear, legible displays in plenty of spotlessly clean space. Booked 3 hours to see town and ran out of time, just in Museum, so will be back. Very pleasant on reception. So often descriptions of exhibits are too high or small for mature people but we could read them all and well lit. Driven round Ring Road hundreds of times, first to centre and so much to see of important historic town.
Tony A — Google review
Great Museum. Lots of fabulous displays and the mosaics are particularly stunning . Allow a good hour and a half to walk around it. For £6 entry its good value for money too
jedd strider — Google review
Tremendous museum of Roman history in the centre of the lovely Cotswold town of Cirencester. There is off-road surface level parking just round the corner from the museum. The cost of entry was a very reasonable £7.20 per person - I suggest you allow at least 2 hours. The museum has Roman artefacts from the time when the town was the capital of a Roman administrative district - including pottery, jewellery, & some world class mosaics found in nearby villas. The displays are good , including some that are interactive. There is a small shop, & an independent on-site cafe (nice but quite expensive), & a cloakroom but no lockers. Overall, highly recommended. 10/10.
Tim Clifford — Google review
Great experience! It was really bewildering seeing how old Cirencester actually is, and how during Roman times (2000 years ago) it was called Corinium. Very insightful historical comparisons on the maps situated throughout the museum - depicting the historical relevance of places like modern day Bath, Malmesbury and Swindon.
It would be better to have more insight into what to expect from the museum beforehand - what books/audio tapes to purchase/how big the facility is.
It was a little disappointing to have no observable dustbins for such a long museum walk.
Great place for children - with lots of interactive items and games. Though beware it is a very long museum walk.
Pano Pouroullis — Google review
Wow! A MUST visit if you’re a Roman enthusiast. An impeccable collection of mosaics and interesting artifacts from
Grave steles to columns and recreated triclinia, the best Roman museum I’ve visited in the UK.
James Robert Dylan — Google review
A lovely museum, well laid out (especially the newer building) with a surprising amount of quality exhibits for what is essentially a small town. We spent far longer in here than we had expected given the relatively modest entrance fee and left happier and better informed!
Andrew Bailey — Google review
Looks small from the outside but packed with exhibits.
The museum is tucked away a short walk from the main town centre.
It is packed with exhibits from small to huge, all laid out and labelled clearly. Descriptive text everywhere is concise and informative without being boring.
Most things on display are Roman but there’s plenty to see from the periods before and after.
The route around the museum is easy to follow and takes you through the history of the area chronologically.
The layout, lighting and quality of the displays is exceptional and easily rivals or surpasses some I’ve seen in far bigger museums. Likewise the quality of some items is so good that a few look like new particularly some of the Anglo Saxon jewellery. The mosaics and recreation of a Roman sitting room were also highlights for me.
I couldn’t take it all in on one visit so will be back.
We came on a Tuesday during school holidays. No school parties, but a lot of tourists. However, there was still enough room to move around and see & enjoy everything.
It wasn’t too busy when we arrived on spec. We paid and were in within minutes but later we saw a queue so book in advance on the web site.
I’d advise buying one of the handbooks @ £4.50. It helps focus younger visitor’s attention and isn’t bad value. Entry cost was just under £15 for one adult and one child inc. the Explorer’s Handbook (with stickers!).
Parking in Cirencester is *always* tricky. I’d advise avoiding markets days = Mondays, Fridays and the second and forth Saturdays of each month.
On other days, arrive as early as possible and head for the Forum car park (you can use the PayByPhone app here). Enter Cirencester Police Station into your satnav / maps app. The Forum car park is on the right, just before the station.
Glevum Owl — Google review
Lovely and serene space, with amazing local information spanning the centuries.
My daughter is doing a project on Romans, and so there was lots of information to be gathered and learnt, especially about how the city of Corinium (Roman Cirencester) was the 2nd largest city apart from London.
The mosaics found in Cirencester were amazing through, really beautiful, as you can see from the photos, as well as the artefacts of coins, jewellery and pottery.
The timelines depicting how Cirencester remained important throughout the years as you travelled through the museum was great too - I learnt a lot!
A very enjoyable visit.
Kay Potts — Google review
Visited cirencester for a few hours and my first stop was this museum.
The history and information in this museum is amazing!
History from all different time periods.
This is a must see for anyone with an interest in history or the town's heritage.
William McCreadie — Google review
Been a few years since we last visited, what a difference, the museum is superb. Lots to see over 2 floors. Amazing mosaics and lots of artifacts. If you love history this museum is a must
Steve Jarman — Google review
Easily found and multiple easy parking 🅿️ facilities close by. Not expensive to enter, great access and we took our 8 year old grandson who was absolutely enamoured with the many many relics, facts and games presented in a way to hold both adult and child attention curve. He had a clip board and was tasked with finding hidden clues within the relics. We loved this place and so informative, highly recommend, has plenty of facilities toilets cafe etc so take a look, great family adventure
Chris Evans — Google review
An excellent insight into the history of Roman life in Cirencester, also later times in the town. Ideally you need 3-4 hours to really take in the many artifacts displayed.
Mark Willis — Google review
An amazing museum displaying artifacts portraying the history of this era. There are numerous interactive exhibits to keep those young and old amused, helpful staff, and plenty of detailed information.
Come for the Roman mosaics, stay for the iron age dog.
The coffee shop next door (accessible through the museum) is also worth a visit.
Richard Shearn — Google review
Wanted to visit here to see the Roman artifacts found in the area and wasn't disappointed. The mosaics are wonderful to see up close.
Tina Walker — Google review
Visited with my family, two daughters 13 & 6 yrs old and had a great time. A picture search for my youngest and plenty of games & activities to keep her focused. My eldest was also challenged and brought about some good conversations about Anglo Saxons. You can easily loose yourself for a couple of hours.
Great fun and highly recommended.
The Lacock Abbey museum is a place where visitors can learn about the history of photography through exhibits featuring photographs taken by William Fox Talbot. The abbey itself is a beautiful, secular building that was once part of a major monastery. There are also facilities for tea and refreshments, and it's easy to walk around in the same area as Harry Potter was filmed. This is an excellent day out for anyone interested in history or photography.
Gorgeous place to visit. It’s beautiful all year round with different flowers for each season, often also an exhibition of photography or art on and the surrounding village is lovely to walk around. And you can see lots of places used in the Harry Potter film and Downton Abbey!
Emily Lillywhite — Google review
Fantastic place.
Lots of history to be shared.
Access to the house and surrounding gardens was great and many people within to advise on the history.
National trust was running an interactive photography session for the kids which was great.
Also had a history of photography in the entrance building which was interesting (it's actually where photography was invented).
There was also an interesting part on plastic waste.
Mark Barnes — Google review
Beautiful building on beautiful grounds.
The cloisters were a filming location for movies like Harry Potter, so if you're a fan you should definitely go see it!!
The Fox Talbot museum is a great lesson on the history of photography.
National trust members, I recommend a visit!!
The Abbey is located in a very cute village, so if you have time, I'd recommend taking a walk around the village to see the pretty cottages and buildings.
For Harry Potter fans, you can also find the Potters' cottage and Slughorn's hideout house. They're easy to find on Google maps.
April D — Google review
Loved this place, especially the immense spread of wild garlic blooming happily. It was very charming. The village was very pretty and unexpected. I bought a lovely plant and saw two I want to buy. There was a craft fair in the village hall with some fabulous home made items. I had a nice chat with a fellow knitter and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Judith Hope — Google review
Lovely National Trust property. Very interesting. Laycock village is also worth seeing and walking around. There are some short circular walks through the stunning countryside. The Red Lion pub is worth a visit too. Plenty of parking and a playground nearby. The National Trust cafe was shut when we visited but there are toilet facilities nearby. Good for all age groups.
Sandra wells — Google review
Lacock Abbey is a beautiful National Trust place set in the grounds of the picturesque village of Lacock. The rooms in the Abbey are all very interesting to see, especially at Christmas when the Abbey is beautifully decorated and the yearly Community Christmas Tree Festival takes place in the cloisters.
There is also a nice cafe in Lacock Abbey with seating inside and outside.
You can easily spend a whole day in Lacock looking around the Abbey, grounds and the village with the traditional old cottages, little shops and pubs.
Walking around the village and the outer grounds of the Abbey is free, tickets are needed for the Abbey and Fox Talbot museum, a must for any photographer lover.
Lacock is always worth a visit and there is something to see and do for the whole family and all ages.
Manuela T — Google review
This is such a marvellous and tranquil place, and with so much to see!
The museum quite small, but well worth the visit. I was not aware of the role Talbot played in the history of modern photography, so I certainly learnt something new there!
The area around the abbey is wonderful for a stroll, and the interior is wonderful indeed!
One should not visit the museum and the abbey without also walking to the village, though, which is beautiful. It's a pity about all the parked cars, though, but I assume they belong to residents, so not much that can be done about that. Without the cars, one could easily be mistaken for having time-lapsed into a bygone era. It's also obvious why the place has been chosen for the setting of so many films.
By the way, visitors can always leave the grounds of the abbey to go to the village and then come back with the same ticket.
We spent around 4 wonderful hours in Lacock (including tea in the village coffee shop), and I felt it was a great choice for a day out!
Rolf Wietlisbach-Kobayashi — Google review
Beautiful house, full of history, built in the 1200, and home of the invention of photography negatives and photography reproduction. The house is very nice to explore, and there are a few locations that were used when filming Harry Potter movies. There is a very nice village nearby, lovely country walks and places for picnics and a photography museum.
Juan Sebastián Moncayo — Google review
Really nice National Trust place. There is lots to see and something for most people. Whether you are interested in a historic town, building and lifestyles, the invention of photography and the rivalry surrounding it, or like having a walk around idyllic Gardens, this is a great day out. There are also nice little cafes and shops throughout. (Also, on a side note , some Harry Potter scenes were filmed here, making it a great stop for Potter fans - check out the cloisters!)
Robert Mc — Google review
An absolutely lovely afternoon. There was an Astronomy Photograph Exhibition when we went. It was a lovely sunny day so walking around the gardens and Abbey was really enjoyable. Great place for kids to run around plus they occasionally have activities for them. Tea rooms and refreshments available..... And you get to walk in the same area as Harry Potter as the scenes from the first film were filmed there. A truly wonderful day. 😊
Leah B — Google review
Worth a visit, photography museum is quite small but very interesting and the gardens are lovely. We didn't go as far as the village so can't comment on that but the abbey is very peaceful and well preserved. The volunteers and staff were really friendly to our children and the half term activities (making your own cyanotype) were fun.
Erin Hill — Google review
Beautiful place. The village was definitely worth a visit. Stable cafe a must. The Abbey is stunning. The museum, for a photography nerd like me - incredible
Sue Booth — Google review
Great to get there early before it gets too crowded. Enjoyed the grounds. We were there with dogs so could not go into any buildings.
Annabel Kaye — Google review
Lacock village is a lovely scenic place. The Abbey is National Trust and is paid entry if not a member. You can go into the house, the cloisters and visit the gardens. There is also a tea room and toilets in the Abbey grounds. There is a carpark just on the edge of the village which is also National Trust with plenty of parking and short 2 min walk to the Abbey and 3 mins into the village. Don't drive into the village itself as its not fair on the locals, ruins the village for visitors and is not necessary.
Lisa — Google review
Loved our trip here today. So lucky with the weather. Gardens and Abbey well worth a visit..
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.
Berkeley Castle, an ancient fortress built in the 11th century, has been home to the Berkeley family for almost 900 years. The castle walls are adorned with flowers that were planted over time and designed by Gertrude Jekyll in the early 1900s. The gardens feature rare plants, shrubs, and trees that specialize in scent, while the roses are a particular highlight during June. Inside the castle lies numerous rooms such as a medieval kitchen and gardens with a butterfly house.
I have been visiting her since I was a child. The castle is a fantastic place to explore lots of interesting artifacts into the historical relevance of this fascinating place. There are 2 cafes on the grounds both are very good. The grounds are very well kept. Lot's of interesting art works on display at the time of our walk around the grounds. Large free carpark. Toilets on site. We'll worth a visit here.
Lynne Brady — Google review
Lovely place to visit. Castle was quirky with lots of information and artefacts. Lovely gardens and right next door is St Mary's Church and the house of Dr Jenner, who invented the vaccination process on people. Berkeley Castle well worth a visit.
Vivien Baker — Google review
We had an absolutely stunning wedding here late last summer. A truly gorgeous castle and grounds, rich in fascinating history. Guests loved it. We can’t wait to visit again as tourists!
Full review on Berkeley Castle Weddings Google reviews ❤️
Allie — Google review
Location of one of the most interesting bits of Royal English history, being the murder place of Edward II. How he got binned off, whether with a red hot poker inserted down under or not, is all part of the rumours. Many castles got truncated/slighted, but this castle got to keep it's walls and towers (minus a hole in the keep). Furthermore, it has an excellent hall that has been used in multiple film sets. The castle is still lived in, so it has none standard opening times.
Thomas Berwick — Google review
we had a fab time.guide told us very interesting details about castle( for this you must pay extra £2.50 pp). There is park car near visitor centre, but if you put just Berkeley Castle you will go to main entry. which is private( still live there owner with family).
Anna Deren — Google review
A fascinating castle to visit as so well restored inside & out with lots to see and really interesting history. Very well organised and lots of information as you go round. A great credit to the same family that have lived there for over 900 years!
James Oakley — Google review
Most castles are quite expensive to visit nowadays and this was no exception...however, the efforts made to bring it to life with medieval music being played live, both with dancing and just to provide ambience, in combination with the 'fair' in the grounds showing off the various trades of the era and live shows, made for a really great experience.
Frog154 — Google review
Great day out at Berkeley Castle. Would recommend for sure. Recommend the guided tour (£2.50) which takes about 75min. I'd skip the tour if u have youngsters n let them charge around the massive grounds doing the dragon quest which is laid out all over the castle n grounds. 5/5
Rob Scourse — Google review
Lovely castle with a good amount open to the public and a cool historical story. Has a reasonable amount of grounds to walk around in and a good sized play area for the kids. Cafe is decent too. Note that Google maps tries to take you to the owner's entrance (off the high st), not to the visitor's entrance and carpark.
Paul Curran — Google review
Interesting castle with lots of history.
Though this felt more like a museum than a typical castle. Lots of information to read and rooms filled with paintings and other artifacts, plus guides on hand to help explain the history.
So children might be a little bored.
Entry felt quite expensive too (£36.50 for 2 adults and a child).
There is ample parking, toilets and somewhere to buy hot drinks.
Adam Sewell — Google review
Lovely little castle with lots of history. Educational and interesting for the children, and a great woodland play area
Emma Chambers — Google review
Beautiful House, great day out . However only cafe is outside the grounds at entrance.
Harry Perrett — Google review
A great little castle with plenty to offer. Good artefacts, and beautiful surroundings. Excellent events, such as jousting on occassions throughout the year. Helpful staff that are knowledgeable about the castle and its displays. A decent castle with good food and drink, though a little expensive. Dog friendly. Not especially accessible due to the amount of stairs, though efforts have been made to open up some areas with ramps.
Jonathan Conway — Google review
You really won't be disappointed if you visit here.
Such a beautiful place with lots of fantastic paintings and furniture .
So much to see, it just goes on and on.
Gary — Google review
Excellent castle to visit, worth paying that bit extra for the tour guide. Particularly enjoyed the beautiful gardens on a sunny day in May. Henry V111 & his wives, along with Oliver Cromwell made a visit, and did an amusing Blind Date sketch in the marquee in the gardens. Children (& adults!) loved it - it was particularly good for education on the royals, as the actors were very interactive and encouraged the audience to ask them lots of questions. They also posed for photos around the castle. Would recommend visiting Berkeley Castle.
Hayley Rathbone — Google review
Really enjoyed visiting with friends. Great to do the Halloween tour, it kept my 6yr old highly entertained.
The grounds were wonderful and a super outdoor play area for my boys.
Great day out.