The top cities between Coleford and Oxford are Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Gloucester, Swindon, Bourton-on-the-Water, Worcester, Newbury, Bicester, and Cheltenham. Bath is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from Coleford and 1 hour from Oxford.
Located in the western region of England, close to the rural Cotswolds area lies Gloucester, a city renowned for its striking 11th-century Gloucester Cathedral featuring both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Moreover, it houses King Edward II's tomb. Present nearby are the restored Victorian warehouses of Gloucester Docks including a dry dock and Mariners Chapel. The National Waterways Museum showcases interactive displays and canal boats highlighting the city's industrial past.
16% as popular as Bath
4 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Oxford
Bath is a notable city located in Somerset county, England. It is renowned for its Roman-built baths and is the largest city in the area with a population of around 101,106 as of 2019. The River Avon flows through the valley where Bath sits, situated about 97 miles west from London and approximately 11 miles southeast of Bristol.
Most popular city on this route
23 minutes off the main route, 39% of way to Oxford
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Worcester, a city in central England's West Midlands region, is home to the medieval Worcester Cathedral and The Commandery museum, which showcases its evolution from the Middle Ages through England's Civil War. The Tudor House Museum offers insights into life in Tudor and 17th-century Worcester, including traditional brewing and weaving.
10% as popular as Bath
23 minutes off the main route, 39% of way to Oxford
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.
13% as popular as Bath
3 minutes off the main route, 40% of way to Oxford
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.
11% as popular as Bath
7 minutes off the main route, 54% of way to Oxford
I'll never travel to Oxford without this trip planner again
Located in southwest England, Swindon is a vibrant town with a rich history and diverse attractions. The STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway offers a fascinating look into the world of locomotives and train carriages, including Queen Victoria’s Royal Saloon from 1897. For tech enthusiasts, the Museum of Computing traces the evolution of digital technology.
14% as popular as Bath
11 minutes off the main route, 56% of way to Oxford
Stratford-upon-Avon, a charming market town in the West Midlands of England, is renowned for its medieval architecture and as the birthplace of William Shakespeare - one of the most celebrated writers in English literature. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Avon or take in a performance by The Royal Shakespeare Company at either the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or Swan Theatre. The town boasts well-preserved Tudor buildings including Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage.
49% as popular as Bath
22 minutes off the main route, 56% of way to Oxford
Warwick is a locality situated along River Avon in the West Midlands of England. The town boasts of several tourist attractions, including Warwick Castle, which dates back to William the Conqueror's era. St. Mary's Collegiate Church has a tower offering panoramic views of the city and an ancient crypt. Lord Leycester Hospital consists of timber-framed 14th-century buildings clustered close to West Gate, while St. John's House Museum is housed in Jacobean architecture surrounded by gardens.
34% as popular as Bath
21 minutes off the main route, 61% of way to Oxford
Bicester, located in the Cherwell district of northeastern Oxfordshire in south-central England, is a charming market town with a rich historical heritage. It also includes an eco town development at North West Bicester and a self-build village at Graven Hill, making it an interesting mix of traditional and modern living.
6% as popular as Bath
14 minutes off the main route, 79% of way to Oxford
Best stops along Coleford to Oxford drive
The top stops along the way from Coleford to Oxford (with short detours) are Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace, and West Midlands Safari Park. Other popular stops include Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Gloucester Cathedral, and Highclere Castle.
Goodrich Castle, a medieval fortress situated across the Wye from Simond's Yat, is an enchanting ruin that boasts well-preserved domestic structures and a visitor center exhibition. Constructed in the 13th century with square architecture featuring sizable rounded towers at each corner, it became a prominent Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. Despite enduring heavy bombardment by "Roaring Meg," an immense cannon now exhibited at Hereford Cathedral, the castle ultimately succumbed to Parliamentary troops.
Really enjoyable day out.
We all used the audio guide and spent a good few hours exploring the castle.
The view from the keep is fantastic, but be aware it really is a lot of very steep spiral stairs so they aren't for the faint hearted.
It's only a short distance from the visitors center (where there are plenty of picnic tables) to the castle so I'd recommend leaving your picnic in the car rather than carry it with you.
Happily go again
Bex — Google review
Nice place to visit, staff were friendly and helpful on arrival. Clean facilities. There is a 5min walk to the ruins and the kids loved running around the place, exploring the tight spiral staircases and hiding in the dungeon. Lovely scenery looking out from the castle.
Carl Wild — Google review
Very impressive castle ruins on top of the hill. Lots of amenities and nice shop. The ruins are around 5 minute walk from the car park. Lots of towers and scenic points to explore.
Anthony Chan — Google review
Very pleasant and impressive to walk around. One person in our group had mobility issues but was still able to walk around the courtyard (just not the steps leading up to the walk ways). If you book online up to 8.45am on the day you get a discount. Lovely helpful staff.
Zee N — Google review
Lovely couple of hours. Free audio tour which was very informative and enjoyable. Loved the lady in the shop, she made the day with her humour and enthusiasm. Tea rooms fresh vegan and friendly. Reasonable price too.
Jane Hipkin — Google review
Great morning out at Goodrich. Lots of interpretation panels, an audio tour available and a guidebook.
Well stocked English Heritage run shop and a nice little cafe, only a few indoor tables but plenty of outdoor tables. Food was delicious and reasonably priced for an attraction.
Fantastic castle with lots of towers to climb, hidden rooms to explore and history to discover.
David Ranger — Google review
A brilliant place to visit. Pleasant and friendly staff, who were happy to share their knowledge and help you to get a better idea of how the castle functioned. Relatively easy to move around. I even managed to get to the top floor, after finding a second stairway to the ramparts. The guide book is well worth the extra £4.50 and the audio guide was really informative. As it was a school holiday, there were plenty of games and activities for the children and much older children to enjoy too.
Barry Jones — Google review
One of the most impressive castles I have ever seen. Amazing views and colours of the sky always delight me. A few hours walk around the ruins of the castle on the rock, steep stairs to the tower, and green grass around. Good audio guide service. Big carpark and coffee shop.
Barbara Kosi?ska — Google review
Beautiful majestic structure dominating its tranquil location overlooking swans on the river. Easy access, easy 🅿️ exceptional staff, so friendly and enthusiastic, knowledgeable, site is completely dog friendly, very nice cafe on entrance, gift shop, toilets. A short walk from this gives you the inspiring presentation of this awesome piece of history. We took our 8 year old grandson, it may not be the biggest or grandest in the land but for us, the best by far. Over the bridge through the arch and so many places, steps, bridges, walkways, dungeon, most, you can go to the look out at the top of the tower, stunning for exploration of all ages and steeped in rich history 😁audio available, this is without doubt our favourite castle ever and English heritage have done an outstanding job keeping it safe and accessible 5 ⭐️
Chris Evans — Google review
Great English Heritage site! Easy parking, accessible to most (small steps into the castle) and larger steps if you want to climb within the castle. Great view point from the top and the cafe has lots of options. Would bring friend and family if in the area
Shafer Stellema — Google review
A fascinating castle, built on a bedrock. I've been to many a castle in England and Wales, but this is certainly one of the more impressive ones. Plenty to see amongst the ruins, with some unique features. A small cafe, with facilities and a gift shop.
Thomas Berwick — Google review
I had a lovely morning having a look around Goodrich Castle. I was pleasantly surprised that it was open on a Sunday. The castle is quite unique in its history. I was surprised by the amount of exploring that I could do. There are lots of towers that you can go up. There are plaques explaining each one of the rooms and what it was used for. You can get some fantastic views from the castle towers all over the countryside. I was lucky with the weather. I also had a ginger beer and a cappuccino from the café. The service was good and I would definitely recommend the refreshments!
Nicholas Hatton — Google review
Very impressive, well-preserved Castle. Very helpful staff who allowed us close access for disabled very close to the Castle entrance.
You must bear in mind that this is a castle, however, and not at all suited for disabled access. There are steps literally everywhere as is to be expected. I managed to get round it fairly well on a pair of crutches, but wheelchair users or scooter users need not bother.
There's a great cafe near the car park and a good gift shop but this houses the only toilets, so parents with small children or others with a fear of being away from the loo for a couple of hours may need to be aware.
On the whole, well worth a visit with limitations
tony pugh — Google review
Great castle! Dog friendly. Lots of information points. Beautiful views around. Clean toilets nearby. Nice looking cafe but we haven't tried the food.
I highly recommend visiting. Reserve at least 1h but could easily spend much longer.
Anna Zielinska — Google review
Ive been to a lot of castles and ive got to say this is a good one, we spent a good 2 hours exploring here, the views from the top of the keep are fantastic, the kids loved it what more do you want.
High Miler — Google review
Such an impressive castle, even our dog loved exploring it. The staff were lovely, really helpful and the cafe was brilliant. Really enjoyed mooching around here, so much so we became English Heritage members. Definitely worth a visit.
Helen Long — Google review
Lovely piece of history that has a beautiful setting. The site is nicely set out and comes with a good audio guide that helps you understand what it looked like throughout the ages. The staff were really friendly and the gift shop has some incredible full size replicas of Anglo Saxon, Medieval and Renaissance Era helmets for sale!
All in all, well worth a visit for any history buff.
CinzasPT — Google review
Took the family there in half term. The kids loved it climbing up the steep stairways in the tower to the roof. And the view was amazing. You could see the river Wye on one side and woodland and open Fields for miles. They were staff dressed up and told stories and played a game. My children already want to go back for another visit.
Robert Francis — Google review
A lovely little castle with a lot of information.
You can get a walking audio tour or there are regular guided tours from volunteers at the castle. With tons of information boards and lots of boarded walkways to get around, it's a lovely place to stop on a day trip.
Alexander Waddington — Google review
Great place to visit! Lots of info and access to all parts of the castle.
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.
The Holburne Museum is a historical art museum in Bath, England. It was founded by Sir William Holburne and houses his personal collection of ornate silver and Old Masters. The museum has an extension that opens onto Sydney Gardens, providing more space for the museum's activities.
A glorious day to walk around this historic museum, extensive collection of items dating from the 1700s. The Tudors and ghosts very interesting. Good value for money. Would recommend, need a couple of hours to set aside. The museums is well thought out.
Rachel Margaret — Google review
Well worth a visit. Some brilliant paintings with details of the person in the picture and the painters history, . There were display cabinets with China which were unusual. Very interesting
Lindyloo52 — Google review
Worth a visit; even if the entry fee hasn't been £11, we probably would have donated £5 each anyway, so it didn't feel too steep. Staff all felt enthusiastic about the museum and its features too. 😊
Good collection for the building's size; staff at reception provide you with a map, on which one of the top rooms cycles through temporary exhibitions. We saw the Gwen John one, which was well laid out with the right amount of information.
Café incredibly expensive (as expected of any museum café); I'd advise going elsewhere or bringing bits along to sit in the surrounding gardens, if weather allows. Or, if you follow the nearby river along, there's a Tesco Express not far.
I'd visit again during their free Weds 3-5pm timeslots, probably only for the latest temporary exhibit.
Catherine — Google review
A great museum with a fascinating collection set in a beautiful house and park. Great cafe too - staff friendly and helpful, good range of snacks.
Ruth McMeekin — Google review
Loved the museum..went to see the David Hockney exhibition and stumbled upon another ... needlepoint and embroidery...this was exquisite and. One of the other visitors suggested we also checked another smaller exhibit on the 1st floor.. this had displays with details
of the stitches and activities for children hidden in drawers under the glass displays
Margaret Hook — Google review
Sir William Holburne was a man with defined-even refined-tastes and his collection, which is at the core of Bath's first public art gallery, finds a perfect home in this interesting building, which was originally a hotel.
I loved my visit here and commend it to all visitors to Bath.
Mark Hayward — Google review
A wonderful human-scale museum and gallery.
We spent a lovely few hours at the museum. Whilst compact, the space is well utilised and exhibitions well curated. The quality of exhibits was consistently high and level of detail accompanying the items struck a good balance. Don't miss the drawers in the museum sections (we nearly did), as they a full of extras that will delight curious minds of all ages.
The airy café space was a pleasant space to enjoy a drink and worthy of a visit in it's own right. Friendly and helpful staff completed a delightful visit.
Wynn Griffith — Google review
Went to see Mick Peter's installation, Old Ghosts. Good fun! Holborne always a posher venue with a very good cafe. Some pictures of the installation. #mickpeter #holbourn
Stephen Spicer — Google review
Formerly the Sydney Hotel, the Holburne House is a must-see. It is located in the Sydney Pleasure Gardens. It is also a Grade I listed building and houses the city’s public art gallery. This museum has a café and bookshop in the back and hosts a permanent collection of art as well as different temporary exhibits, workshops, events, and music performances.
The museum sits at the end of Great Pulteney Street and is a lovely walk from the Bridge.
The Bourques Abroad — Google review
Lovely place in Bath. Besides being a filming location (iykyk!), it is a beautiful building with a lovely cafe at the back. We enjoyed spending a bit of a break here in our long walking day. The staff in the cafe were very nice. Vegan options are available for drinks and food.
Lea B. — Google review
Fab museum to visit, with a good collection of paintings, ceramics displays and prints. Staff are really helpful and great with involving children, all.housed in a beautiful building. Would recommend.
Geraldine Burles — Google review
Lovely Museum a short walk from Pulteney Bridge. Fantastically grand building (which I believe was used in the filming of Bridgerton) with the very picturesque Sydney Gardens beside. Two floors of exhibition showcasing well preserved ceramics, oil paintings, and items alike. Has a tea room, gift shop, and toilets.
Jon Wright — Google review
Beautiful museum and grounds. The grounds and park behind boast lovely tree lined paths that run over the railway bridge and river. A playground on-site for kids and a garden cafe and ice cream seller. The architecture is beautiful and can be seen right down the road into central Bath.
Andrew “Andy” Davis — Google review
Excellent small gallery/museum - Mr Doodle installation in progress !
dave chamberlain — Google review
appreciated the garden and free wednesday 3-5pm’s :)
M — Google review
A wonderful Museum on the edge of Bath city centre. It has an excellent permanent collection which it supplements with interesting, complimentary temporary exhibitions.
The beautiful original building has been expanded with a striking modern extension which makes the whole building accessible and provides a lovely, spacious café.
The grounds around the museum are very attractive. They open out onto the public park next door.
Andy Reynolds — Google review
I'm a great fan of this museum and art gallery, because I've seen some fantastic exhibitions here over the years. I'd advise keeping an eye on their website to see what's on and being selective about what you go to see. Not everything will appeal to everyone. That said, I have never been disappointed when I've visted, always finding something of personal interest. The cafe is good too for snacks and refreshemnts, and the car park is very handy - right next to the museum. To sum up what drives this venture, I can do no better than quote from their website: "Our vision is to make the Holburne an open, welcoming, inspiring and empowering space for everyone. At the heart of this vision is the powerful relationship of art, creativity and social and personal wellbeing. Our Vision is encapsulated by our slogan Changing Lives Through Art. We seek to deliver our Mission with Ambition and Innovation, ensuring that we always do so in ways that are Inclusive, of the highest Quality, Relevant and Sustainable." I'd say they are fulfilling that vision 100%.
Rod B — Google review
I was lucky enough to be informed by the ladies at the Heritage Centre that currently on Wednesdays, from 3-5pm the museum is free to enter, so made a visit!
Very impressive collection of paintings with Gainsborough and Constable amongst them - really enjoyed reading about each one as well, giving us a taste of history along with the art. Brought home what an awful colonising nation Britain was and perhaps, in some ways, still is.
Staff were very helpful and pleasant and took a walk around the lovely gardens. Didn't try the cafe but looked very nice.
Thanks for a lovely visit!
Rachel Milne — Google review
Beautiful museum with many treasures (but very overpriced cafe with little on offer at lunchtime)
Maggie Mooney — Google review
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Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DB, United Kingdom
The National Trust is a UK-based charity that preserves and protects historic places of interest. Prior Park Landscape Garden, located in the rural Somerset town of Prior Park, is one of the Trust's most popular attractions, boasting beautiful gardens and stunning lake views.
Fantastic place! I was stunned by the beauty of it, will be definitely visiting again and again! I was anxious about getting there as there is no car park on site, but bus No 2 takes you straight there so is nice and easy. Cafe has gluten free options, which is a huge bonus. Amazing plantations (pretty much, as they are so big) with wild garlic. Fab day out!
Angie K — Google review
A scenic hidden gem in the heart of Bath, Prior Park has lots to offer for all ages.
Parking can be tricky. You can either park in the centre of Bath and walk up the hill towards the Nation Trust site, or you can park at the top on a side street and journey down to the entrance.
As per most National Trust locations, you'll be greeted by a friendly staff member that can guide you to the points of interest.
I would recommend visiting during the weekday to avoid masses of people should you wish to get the desired photos of the location.
The pathway down to the iconic bridge is steep and at times narrow. It can be tricky pushing a wheelchair or push chair down this slope so be advised.
Depending on when you are visiting, you'll be gazing upon the bridge with some construction work in the background. If you angle your camera right, you'll be able to avoid catching the machinery in your shot.
Climbing back up to the top of the park can either be done via the meadows, or back up the sloped trail, depending on the weather conditions and your footwear.
At the top, you can take a break at the café on site or continue on to the viewing point, showcasing breathtaking views of Bath City Centre and the surrounding cliffs.
Overall, this location has plenty to offer, once the renovation of the woodland surrounding had been completed it will truly be a thing of beauty.
AT.
Adam Turner — Google review
I visited this area today, it's Autumn and I have to say it was not as I expected. The buildings in the pictures stand grand over this park. They are impressive from a distance.
Staff from the national trust I met were very polite and helpful
The valley rolls down to the lakes with an ornate bridge. The bridge is beautiful against the landscape and lakes. The paths down wind through the trees and shrubs. The Pasteur down the valley is grassland, so it gives a clear view to the bridge, lakes and Bath.
It's beautiful in its own way. It's not breathtaking. The paths reaching across the skyline walk are more breathtaking as to seeing over Bath.
There accessibility is difficult as the paths are not very easy and some fairly steep. In some areas not suitable for prams.
Limited viewing/ access for people in wheelchairs and disabled/ medical conditions.
Playground was closed, even that was really lacking. No real play area for children. Just wooden shapes.
Other areas I have visited have wonderful play areas. Space maybe a problem and steepness of site. This can be overcome with careful consideration for the landscape.
Cafe, yes that was there and limited seating. Relaxing area with water cascading down to one side of this area.
Seating in varied areas across site.
I love the countryside, I believe it's great to have so many areas to visit.
This area needs more for the family in my opinion.
Parking is almost non existent.
Enjoy the photos and please enjoy are wonderful heritage.
Robert Bull — Google review
Amazing garden with spectacular views, I was impressed as I wasn’t expecting it to be so big and beautiful.
The staff at the front desk are extremely helpful and friendly.
Currently they are doing some restoration works but when is finished it will look tremendously good.
It is best to visit in the summer when everything is green and the flowers bloom.
Daniel Manole — Google review
Fabulous walk through the park with views over Bath the lake and bridge. Pretty woodland with snowdrops in bloom. We stopped for a coffee and cream tea at the cafe. Coffee was lovely scones bit hard £6.55 for a cream tea. There are a number of benches by cafe, plus lots of benches all around the park.
I would definitely like to visit again when there are leaves on the trees and summer flowers in bloom.
The park is dog friendly, there is a woodland play area for children. Some areas are steep and nt suitable for pushchairs or people with mobility issues. There are toilets if needed. However ; there is no parking here (except disabled spaces which are limited) so planning is needed as parking is quite a distance away.
Melly Kennedy — Google review
We had the best hiking day! The weather was super nice and the view was amazing, feels like going to swithzerland in a second. We feel super grateful to have such a lovely park in town. Kids friendly and it's the best place to learn about nature, we look close at the leaves, flowers, butterfly, mushroom and wild garlic. My heart always feels calm and peaceful when I came here, such a lovely place to relax and clear stressful mind, will continue to come regularly. National trust membership free entry, we have family membership and kids go free.
Annie Wu — Google review
Very friendly welcome and greeting on arrival. Lovely walk around the hillside garden. On the day of my visit it was extremely quiet which I loved as I wandered around. The gardens has various view points for photo opportunities which was helpful. There is a small ‘tea shed’ selling refreshments on the upper level of the garden. However, this NT property has no gift shop. I believe that visitors need to be physically able to negotiate the steep paths. The Palladian Bridge is fabulous but is missing the water reflecting its grand splendour as the middle lake has been drained to assist with essential repairs. Please be aware there is no visitor car park, access is on foot from up or down Ralph Allen Drive or by bus
Jim Broom — Google review
Not far from the centre of bath and for us a 15 min drive from Bristol.. we parked 1 road away and walked into a mini paradise. Lots of woody walks, a lovely hidden summerhouse, the view of the bridge across the lake is breathtaking... The wildlife was abundant there as well, we were swamped with dragonfly's near the lake, an absolute joy.
Matthew Pearce — Google review
Absolutely loved walking around this garden. It is well worth the visit. We walked there from central Bath and it only took about 25 minutes or so. We picked up breakfast on the way. The staff were very helpful and the views are incredible. Highly recommend. If walking, make sure to go through Widcombe either on the way there or when leaving. It is lovely.
Krista Plewes — Google review
Gorgeous views into the city. Wide expanse of greens. A tea house to grab a bite and sit and relax. Flowers of all kinds and lakes to sit and allow time to breath and reflect. Massive bridge that is beautiful and wonderful for photos.
Terri Lynn — Google review
Reading some of reviews the night before we were somehow hesitated about what we should expect, but thanks God, it was an awsome experience.
Getting there by bus 2 from bath spa station took only 6 min. The trail was absolutely easy to follow , with a gentle slope , with enchanting nature ,amazing sound of birds, beautiful landscape , especially bulbs of snowdrop flowers everywhere.
And at last getting down there,s old Palladian bridge waiting for you to capture unique photos.
Great experience. Don’t miss it.
Mahtab ghorbani — Google review
I loved my day out here. Suggest parking in the cul-de-sac opposite. A lovely route takes you on a walk around the circumference of the park (no need for walking boots, path is compacted gravel/tarmac). If you're quiet you might be as fortunate as us to spot a Kingfisher in the 'Serpentine Lake'. Stunning views of Prior Park and the foot bridge from all angles. Small outdoor cafe at the end of the route (closes at 1500 I believe). We then caught the bus by the park entrance to and from the centre of Bath for a pint.
Charlotte (Charlando93) — Google review
Stepping into the National Trust Park in Bath was like entering a dream. The ethereal beauty of this place is beyond words. The meticulously manicured gardens, the timeless architecture, and the serene atmosphere all combine to create an enchanting experience.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, a visit to the National Trust Park is an absolute must when in Bath. It's an experience that will linger in your memory long after you leave. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to anyone exploring this beautiful city.
Jumana Bayrhe — Google review
Prior Park is always a nice way to spend an hour or two. The necessary work they have been doing is now mostly finished and it’s nice to see the garden coming back to its former self.
Ollie Fitton-Cook — Google review
My main reason for giving this park a 3-star rating is due to the entry charges which is around 10 £ per person. It's quite small, and you can easily complete it with in 1 hour. There are many other parks that are much bigger and free of charge.
gaurav goel — Google review
Staff were difficult. We made it ten minutes late from last entry, but like most, we went on the Google opening times. We had to walk away after a 40minute uphill walk, to come back the next morning as they said you need an hour. The next morning we walked the park and took a gazillion photos, played some of the Easter games, all within 30mins, but the day before we were turned away because they were only open for another 50minutes... I’ve been late to things in the past, it happens, not a regular thing for us, and company’s usually are quite accurate on Google times, other company’s usually handle these moments better.
Lewis Allan — Google review
Staff were helpful and friendly and I used my Australian National Trust membership to get in for free! A really lovely walk on a nice day, I enjoyed myself. I kept thinking, imagine living in the mansion way back when and having to walk down to the garden in your big fancy dress! Would be great if it wasn't a school & you could wander through the house. When exiting the park area, if you want to go to the Bath Skyline, go a different way! The hill to climb is HUGE.
Lacey Ann — Google review
Very idyllic park with a gorgeous view of Bath. The staff is very friendly and they explain you the different routes you can take. It takes about 1 hour to walk around the whole park.
The safari park has a drive-through safari with animals including woolly mammoths and sabre-tooth tigers. There is also an area for ice age mammals, the UK's largest animatronic dinosaur attraction, and rides.
Fabulous day out here! We visited on a weekday in school time so, other than school trips, it was quite quiet! The safari was great, so many animals to see who were all happy to come close to the cars. It took us about an hour and a half to get around, I imagine it would take a lot longer on a busy day.
The park is great and has a lovely amount of things to see and do. We enjoyed the sea-lion show and the ice age exhibition! Dinosaur land was amazing, and the Jurassic Park toilet was an added bonus! We had lunch at the Dino diner, which was quick and pretty good...standard food, pizza and chips etc.
Also inside the park are Hippo's, reptiles, lemurs, meerkats etc
Everyone was lovely but make sure you get a hand stamp if you go into the park then exit and want to come back in, you're totally allowed to do this but once your tickets have been scanned that's it, it comes up as an error if you try to scan again...a strange system for something you're allowed to do! The theme park there is also great, it's an added cost but pretty reasonable, £12 for wrist bands or ride tickets for £2 each. A good range of rides for all ages, our 2 year old found a few he could go on!
All in all a fab day and we'll visit again!
Shelley F — Google review
Okay so firstly, we stayed in one of the Rhino lodges on a Friday night and then explored the Safari on the Saturday.
This might have been a mistake as the safari trail has bottlenecks where you feed the Giraffe. It took us 2.5 hours to drive around because of this and over an hour of that is sitting in traffic in the middle of an almost empty field. I would advise to go on a weekday if you can.
Regarding the lodge, lovely and modern, the build quality is brilliant. What you go there to see (the animals) are just amazing and being able to see the rhinos and even sometimes the Giraffe from our balcony’s is surreal.
We even heard the lions roaring throughout the evening and early morning.
However, I am giving four stars overall because the cleanliness was appalling, we found kids clothes stickers on the curtain, a rug was getting caught on a door so we pulled it back out of the way and found a surgical glove, hair clips, dust and dirt under the rug which obviously hasn’t been moved. There were stains on the bed sheets and to top it off, a bottle of champagne we ordered to be in the room for our celebration was not there when we arrived.
They just need a little more refinement and once that happens, this place will be worth the money. As it’s so expensive, you expect everything to be perfect and pick-up on anything not quite right.
Additionally, the drinks in the mini bar cost which I think something should be included for £700 a night for two people and the breakfast was a little simple and small.
I want to end on a high as even after the complaints above, we still had an amazing time which is why the four starts are there.
Alex Newsum — Google review
Oh my goodness!! What an amazing experience. Once we'd checked in and received our gold wrist bands, which gave us 'access all areas', we did the 4 mile park ride around, quite busy but a great way to see the animals, fed a few too!! Took about 2 hours to complete. We then went up to our lodge, which is a 10/15 minute walk through the theme park from the designated car park. We stayed in the Tiger Lodge 'Tesso', this one has a hot tub (not sure about the others). It was fabulous!! Dinner had already been delivered and was in the fridge with fresh milk for making tea/coffee, together with fruit and snacks. Dinner was lovely, as was the breakfast which was delivered to our lodge the following morning. All food is ordered on line when you're sent your 'check-in' information. All of the staff are so lovely and friendly. Our stay was made even more fabulous by our tiger encounters! One very happy lady right here!! 🙌🐅
Elaine Mellor — Google review
It was a great experience. Drive through is so much fun. It’s around 2 hours tour. So better go to toilet before starting. There are toilets before starting journey and toilets are in adventure area too. You can feed animals. For that you have to buy animal food there. Safari adventure is nice with kids. Kids had so much fun. There are so many rides. Every ride is worth it. You can pay in advance for rides and get band for multiple rides which includes all the rides or you can buy tickets for the rides you want to take. You can not take any bag or loose item on rides here but they have made areas to put your belongings at your own risk before starting each ride. There are 2 water rides if you want to have fun on them you should be prepared to get wet or take rain cover with you .
Music Connection — Google review
A very enjoyable journey, buying tickets online with a free return ticket is truly great value.
During the first visit, I was unaware that besides the drive-through, there was another area for sightseeing.
But this time, with the prior knowledge, I can fully enjoy it. It's a place where you can get up close to wild animals, with amusement facilities and rides. You can truly have a full day of fun.
My favorite part is the sea lion show. Sea lions are very intelligent and adorable, and the atmosphere of the show is fantastic. Both adults and children really enjoy it.
I highly recommend this place, just remember to purchase tickets and make reservations online in advance to enter.
Car K — Google review
Really great day out. We were there from start to finish and could still of stayed a couple of hours more.
Brilliant safari, all animals were active. All members of the family had a great day.
Very friendly staff, all jolly and welcoming.
Very good price for animal feed.
Emma — Google review
Make sure you book first drive slot of the day if you want a chill drive around. It looks so much busier after we had gotten out the drive round. We arrived 5 minutes before opening and there wasn’t too much of a queue. The animals you can feed are only in the first section of the drive. We didn’t know this and had a lot of left over food. When there you do get offered a second slot to drive around again later. The views of the animals were incredible. Really close up experiences. Great for a family day out but definitely a long day of driving if you already have to commute to this location. Loved the sea lion show. When walking through the main park all you can smell is the car fumes which is sad.
Becky Baker — Google review
This has to be the best safari I've ever been to. Started with feeding the giraffe experience, which was a personal wish of mine, followed by a brilliant safari in car with loads of fantastic animals, then headed over to the walk in. What a fantastic place, the bat caves beautiful, the animals are incredible and we went on the fayre too which one wristbands only cost £10!!! Just a perfect day ✨️
Bekki Hughes — Google review
The best! Many animals and lots to see and a very good play area. Our favourite was the sea lion show! Very entertaining and so much to learn. The safari park offers really good value for money unlike some others... we absolutely loved it ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ will definitely visit again!
MultiTobias Olabisi — Google review
Arrived 10am and went through the drive through straight away. Took around two hours and we purchased food for the animals. I would recommend you do, as we got to feed a giraffe, deer, antelopes and some birds. Such a good experience being up close to the animals. Be prepared as there aren't any toilets/places to stop going around. After the drive we went to the park and my daughter went on two rides. She was more interested in the park area and we spent some time there. Great day out with the family.
charlie Dool — Google review
Was such a great day out! We drove 3 hours there and 3 hours back but it was an amazing experience! There were so many animals we got to feed and see! I strongly advise this as an activity or day out for families, friends and everyone! Its an experience that we can enjoy at any age!
You pick online to pay an additional fee for animal food and you can feed them all the same food (in zones you are allowed to feed). You get to see the animals real close and feed them.
There are many experiences you can choose from, we drove through the safari park and really enjoyed it. I would 100% recommend this place! You get to move around in your own pace and enjoy the view and each animal from a very good distance as seen on some images/videos.
Bahar B — Google review
Brilliant day out, purchased the VIP experience for the Sea Lion and Penguins, the staff were fantastic despite having to spend the morning educating a stroppy teenager. They were patient, charismatic and insightful.
The park is always a good experience, some attractions were closed due to the development. It's easy to navigate, family friendly, toilets all over the place.
If your concerned money take your own lunch has lunch can be quite pricey for very little.
The safari was really good, well paced and some of the animals are majestic.
Free return tickets given with most visits.
Queue early for the shows on busy days.
Overnight stays are available in the Lodges
Richie Cooper — Google review
We stayed in the Giraffe Lodge, and it was amazing. The lodge was perfect, the food was delivered in glass jars and then microved at our own convenience. I was a dubious of that but it was great. There was a good choice of complementary tea, coffee and a couple of bottles of water.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
Overall, I'd say the experience is worth the price tag.
James Lawson — Google review
We had great day here with our 2 years old toddler, it was certainly the best day of our kiddo’s life as he explored many animals here first time. They offered everything here including rides, restaurants, cafes and shops. They have separate areas for penguins, aquarium, birds, reptiles and bugs which you can walk through. Anyway highly recommended place for family. They also got Safari lodges if you want to spend your days here with view of walking rhinos and elephants in front of your bedroom. ❤️
Hubashia Ali — Google review
Worse than a motorway traffic jam!
I’m writing this as we are sitting in a car in a line of traffic and I clearly have too much time on my hands to do this. Do not visit here unless you want to be stuck in traffic with young children. Both my kids have got so fed up of looking at green grass and the lack of animals unless it’s a deer of some sort! This was a birthday treat for my 2 year old and we’ve wasted his day completely. The staff are rude we finally seen a lion in the distance after waiting an hour and as I stopped to show my son the staff in the jeep shouted at me to keep moving!! This place is a money pit they have no consideration for paying customers and they are all about the money. We booked a paw patrol meet and greet but because we got stuck in the chaos we missed that too!! Absolutely ruined my sons birthday and left him bored and my elder soon upset that he didn’t see many animals. Close this place down and put the very few animals they have in a nicer place where they will be looked after. We’ve been coming here for many years and I can honestly say this will be the last time I will spend my hard earned money in a dump like this. Staff need to get some training. Thanks for completely spoiling out valuable time
Sareena Suman — Google review
One of the best experiences I've had with my family was visiting the Safari Park. It was an amazing opportunity to explore a variety of different animals. The highlight was driving through the safari in our car, getting up close to the animals and even feeding them, which was a truly unique experience. Luckily, we were able to get tickets on the same day and it wasn't too crowded. After spending almost two hours driving through the safari, we then enjoyed a walk among the animals and caught a sea lion show. I highly recommend visiting the safari when the weather is nice and warm.
Jain — Google review
Had a lodge in the cheetah enclosure and wow what an experience. The 2 cheetahs were outside our window all day until dark then reappeared first thing in the morning. It was an incredible feeling being so close to these amazing animals.... The lodge itself was gorgeous, if anything a little too high tech for us but that is certainly no criticism. There was absolutely nothing we wanted that wasn't provided. Food was much better than we thought and mini bar cheaper than expected..... All staff around the entire park so friendly. Big shout out in particular to Ben, Matt and Marie on the lodges side who were super good and so knowledgeable.
Highly recommend this experience to anyone and hope to return next year for a different encounter...
So well organised, well done 😁👍😁
angie cornall — Google review
We haven't been for the actual Safari yet but went for the evening lantern festival and it was amazing. The lantern display was impressive and it was not too busy in the evening. We loved the ice age area and dinosaurs. There are many places to buy food and drink for reasonable prices and toilets available across the place. It's quite a big place to walk around in, although at night not everything was open, such as the rides, it still took us a good two hours to see most. We will be back to do the Safari and see everything, particularly the penguins.
Cloud — Google review
Animals were excellent! Shame about the humans going round the safari park in their cars. Lots of holdups, took us 2hours to go through. Although there are 2 lanes of traffic people were feeding the animals on both sides. The park rangers try they're best to keep people moving. What is needed is to have the left hand lane for "feeder's" and the right hand lane for those who just wish to have a steady cruise around.
Adventure park was excellent. Haven't been since before Covid. Some new exciting rides. Lots of improvements and I do like the look of the new lodges that you can stay in.👍
David M — Google review
The drive through Safari was first rate loved every minute got some great pictures.
The walk around was also worth doing although I'm not sure about watching Hippos next to a fun fair was the best but Hippos didn't seem to be bothered by it. O ky reasons 4 stars was because some bits were shut, to be fair it looked as if there had been flooding as there were sand bags in some of these places. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a visit.
Andy Coombs — Google review
was a little sceptical after reading some of the recent reviews but we loved the day! visited with my 13 and 9 year old. safari seemed well managed, yes there was lots of waiting but to be expected, mainly due to others stopping in the no stopping lanes or rhinos/lions on the road! we were through in 2 hours and saw the amazing animals up close. Rides and walk through animal areas also great for the kids. A fantastic, value for money day! we will be recommending to others.
Puddle 412 — Google review
This is an excellent place to spend an entire day, or even several! Housing a drive through safari, with plenty of animals to see up close, a walk through zoo with many interesting exhibits and shows and a theme park, set among beautiful, tranquil scenery with plenty to entertain all ages.
There is plenty of dining opportunities and even some charming, safari themed holiday lodges. If you like nature, I highly recommend this place.
The only criticisms are that the safari, as enjoyable as it is, can get very busy and you may need to wait behind gates for some time. Patience is very much advised if looking to visit on busy days.
Also, I do feel the opening hours should be extended in the summer, as a visit in the evening would be a very enjoyable experience.
Otherwise, I would consider this among the best zoos in the UK. Definitely a place worth visiting.
The Northern Irish Explorer — Google review
Our first visit as a family to WMSP and by and large; we really enjoyed our time (all day!) in the park. Whilst the tickets were expensive, they do include a return within six months, so it's quite reasonable (provided you use it again!)
The safari section of the park was extensive and had a wide variety of wildlife to view up close (including numerous carnivorous cats and dogs!) The only bugbear we had, was that there wasn't enough monitoring of careless visitors blocking the road for long periods and not abiding by the two-lane system which was clearly signposted.
The safari took us several hours to get around, which seemed ideal, but bear it in mind before you go in!
The theme park side of the park was quite big and had some surprisingly good rides! Queues weren't an issue, but some rides didn't seem to last very long and it seemed like you waited longer for the rides to start than the time you spent on them!
Food offerings were fairly expensive, but that isn't to be unexpected in a place like this. What they really lacked is a place to fill up a bottle of water.
We will definitely be back!
Chris Green — Google review
Always a good family day out and worth the money, especially with a free return visit (there are terms but still great value). If on a budget, take your own picnic, there is plenty of parking on site. Best get reasonably early and take tour first. This gives you time for food and other attractions later. Dinosaur trek was great, and kids love it (some exhibits need small TLC, but they are still marvelous). Sea Lion show well worth visiting. All around, there is lots to see and do enjoying a full day out at good value. Go to the website and look at the park map (menu , plan, park map) you can then plan your day to get the best out of your visit. We didn't really use rides, but they are great for young children and those young at heart.
I have visited many times over the years and still enjoy it each time.
Brendan Neville — Google review
Stayed in Tiger lodge. Highly recommended. Very clean and luxury inside, the tigers were always up and about, there was a male and female and a small baby tiger Cub which didn't look old so think we were lucky. Food in the lodges was amazing, tasty and perfectly cooked, breakfast hamper was also faultless. Love the additional touches like the hamper full of little snacks and fruit. Overall amazing experience, beds were so comfy in the lodges and they have everything you need.
Katie Good — Google review
I visited with my 4 children aged between 5-12. I couldn't pre book due to wanting to use my club card vouchers to pay which I was slightly concerned about but when I arrived a few minutes before 10am I headed straight for the ticket office and had no more than a 5 minute wait to get our tickets. The man on the counter was very polite and helpful, he booked us in for the next drive through slot available which was between 10:30 & 11am which was perfect as just enough time to pop to the toilets which are situated in the car park and are really well maintained. You can buy animal food and feed some of the animals which my children loved. All the animals seem to be well cared for and The lemurs have an amazing enclosure. The ride wrist bands were £12 each which I think was a very reasonable price for the amount of rides available. We didn't have to cue for anymore than a couple of minutes to get on to any rides either. The shops were expensive but no more so than any other tourist attraction. We would definitely visit again and would recommend to others.
Emma Hargreaves — Google review
I love this zoo, second time I have been this time took a toddler with me. It’s very fun day out with the kids. Chose to do the bus tour with Dom. Very experienced and interactive we had such a laugh on the bus, I can’t wait to come back! Would recommend to anyone worth travelling a day there and you can stay with the giraffes and other animals overnight which is worth the price too!
Nay T. — Google review
Wow, what a great day out. The animals were really active, some great moments watching them play. Children loved the themed park and rides.
The lodges are amazing. We recommend a visit.
K — Google review
I drove me and my kids down from Newcastle on the weekend and it was so worth the 4 hour drive. My kids absolutely loved feeding the animals (especially the zebras) from the comfort of our van. We then parked up and went inside the park, the kids loved feeding the penguins and seeing all of the other animals too. Worth every penny, and I recommend it to everyone. We will definitely be back!
Charlotte Francis — Google review
I and my family enjoyed Safari Park. I recommend starting your safari adventure at Midland Park early in the day, aiming for a slot between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM. There's a restroom near the parking area; it's advisable to utilize it before embarking on your safari journey. Occasionally, due to crowds, the safari ride can take up to two hours, and opening doors during the ride is prohibited. Animal food is available for purchase at the entrance, offering a unique experience of feeding antelopes, zebras, and deer, which I found particularly enjoyable. Plan to spend about one to one and a half hours completing the safari. Afterward, you can explore other attractions such as feeding the parrots and penguins, as well as attending the sea lion show. It's a good idea to inquire about the sea lion show slot in advance. We purchased the £10 ride band, as it can save you money if you plan to experience more than three - four rides, each costing approximately £2-£4. Arriving early allows ample time to enjoy all the park's attractions until evening.
The Severn Valley Railway, situated in Kidderminster Town Station, is a top-notch heritage railway that maintains its stations, platforms and carriages to a high standard. Their staff members are dedicated and passionate about their work while providing exceptional service to visitors. The scenic views of the river along with the experience of riding on a steam train make it an unforgettable journey. In addition, there are special events held regularly which adds to the excitement.
I have never had a bad experience with the severn valley railway. The staff are passionate, devoted and so helpful. The stations, platforms and carriages are extremely clean and well maintained. As for the experience...well there is nothing quite like the phenomenal views combined with the smells and feel of being on the Steam Train. A normal journey is exciting enough but add to that the spectacular events held by Severn valley will have you blown away!!
Worth a visit anytime. Also check out the museum at Kidderminster station it's brilliant!
Charlotte — Google review
I am torn in writing this review. Firstly, I appreciate how much voluntary time and effort goes into running a heritage train experience. I love the beautifully decorated old buildings and the steam train ride that goes by the safari park. My husband has gone to other Santa Express days here with the kids and has said in the past it is magical but it was obvious there were cut backs today e.g. in previous years you get a take home mug with your hot chocolate which he used all year round and you get a mince pie as well as gingerbread with the hot chocolate but with the cost of living it is understandable these things have not happened this year. However, I am disappointed by how the unfortunate incident that happened today was handled and so are my children. At the end of the line a pantomine takes place in a marquee. Early on, a member of the pantomine cast (Jack Frost) had a siezure on stage and we're told by a cast member to stay in our seats and sing jingle bells. While we were awkwardly singing we heard the other cast member panic and say he's fitting. We were then told by some volunteers near the exit to evacuate the marquee and wait on the platform where Santa could be seen but the queue was horrendous so we went to look at the steam engine instead and the driver answered my son's questions about the train. Then we were told by volunteers to get back on the train where santa would visit the kids in their seats. But because this was only between the 2 small stations rather than the train ride back to the main station this was very fleeting - my son didn't even get a chance to say hello as he was in the middle of opening Santa's gift that had been left of his seat when we were in the panto. 2 very nice volunteers came around to see if everyone was enjoying themselves still. As there are disappointed kids involved you try and make the best of a bad situation so we couldn't give honest feedback in front of them. On return we saw another train was going back out - either the situation was resolved or they would also not get the santa experience they were hoping for. I understand that not everything goes to plan, and it is sad this has happened - I hope that the cast member is ok, but it was chaotic despite the volunteers trying their best on the spur of the moment. It didn't have to be this way. When there are kids involved you make sure you do a risk assessment, consider different scenarios for contingency planning and ensure that every volunteer is briefed on this. You also communicate to large crowds via a tanoy. For instance, if a cast member falls ill on stage (e.g. worst case Santa or his helper has a heart attack) have curtains ready to protect a very young audience or if you need to call off the panto and evacuate (e.g. because of electrical failure or leak) decide in advance to put everyone back on the train and have santa visit the seats. Also, have a standby santa so that he has got the time to visit all the children on the train by staying on for the whole ride. A little planning goes a long way and cost nothing more than an extra santa suit. But it made me think what else wasn't risk assessed and planned for. This was the kids' main santa experience that got ruined (my son is 7 so might not believe next year and with COVID there were some years where we couldn't do something like this), it wasn't cheap and there are other experiences to choose from of a similar price - so before losing customers think about the customer experience well in advance so that when easily foreseen risks happen the mitigation in place can kick in.
J BM — Google review
Great day out. Enjoyed going back in time, lovely old restored stations and steam trains. We visited on the bank holiday weekend when the model railway exhibition was on, felt busy but still enjoyable. Bridgenorth is a nice town to explore.
Jeannette Gibson — Google review
Top grade heritage railway. Real ale pub at both ends, museum and cafe in the middle. Plenty to see, great line side views of the river etc. NB Normally steam locos but this was a diesel gala day.
mike chant — Google review
A great day out. We visited on the weekend of the autumn Steam Gala, where there were a large number of steam locomotives hauling traffic (and diesel engines were suitably banished to the shadows!). Amazingly well run service, by a great team of volunteers, with complex traffic movements all along the line. We stayed late into the evening, experiencing the ambiance of steam trains running in darkness. It was particularly poignant to see the locomotive temporary renamed "Elizabeth II" and numbered "70" in honour of our late Queen's 70th Jubilee in 2022; we visited the day before her state funeral, and the evening train ride provided opportunity for quiet reflection.
Ian Beswick — Google review
Always a good day out, but very expensive for Gala special events. Last weekend was £40 ticket. No single fairs.
The station itself is clean, has toilets, a bar, a dining room and cafe. Ice cream shop expensive, but nice ice cream.
Lovely route along the railway past the Safari Park.
A good day out for the family, but id choose a non Gala day cos of the price. Unless of course your a "crank" (train enthusiast) then if you need the engine you'll pay the money.
Helen Daff — Google review
What an amazing day! Went from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway on one of the steam engines. Amazing atmosphere! Had a lot of fun. Highly recommended for a day out with the family, the significant other, or solo.
Stakaman — Google review
This is the 2nd time I've come. I really love the locos, beautifull coaches & preserved stations. Taking in the museum & engine is so inspiring. The staff & punters are so friendly too. I will definitely come again & again!
Ashley Halloween — Google review
What a lovely day out. We're boarded the Flyer stream train in Kidderminster and traveled to Bridge North with two stops on the way. It was a special classic day event where lots of fabulous people parked their classic vehicles at the stations to be seen: cars, trucks and stream engines galore. There was a stop at Arley engine house for 1.5 hours and another at our destination for 2.5 hours for a lunch stop or shop. Thoroughly recommend.
Ian Harris — Google review
A fantastic day out, great train ride welcoming staff, brilliant stations. Had afternoon tea very well done, food great. Vintage vehicle day all along the line added to our fun.
Steve Smith — Google review
Came to visit for the first time yesterday 15/04/23 for the steam gala. What a wonderful experience. Pleasant, helpful staff happy to answer any questions. The day ended with a beer of the platform at Bridgnorth in the sunshine. What more could you ask for? Will definitely visit again!
Liam Mitchell — Google review
Wonderful day out, takes you back years, sights, sounds and smells of days past. Plenty to see, and a train ride out is a must do! Great for kids and adults alike!
Jayne ODriscoll — Google review
Of all the heritage railways and there are quite a few, this has got to be one of the grandest. From the moment you walk into the magnificent HQ station at Kidderminster, you know that you're dealing with a leader in the field. It's got everything. Mainline connection, decent journey with a town worth visiting at the end in Bridgnorth, which has a funicular railway to delight in, between your journeys on the SVR. There's wonderful scenery and stunning engineering, beautifully restored and maintained intermediate stations and perhaps the most U as in USP. Rhinos!!!
FACTS then:
Ticket: Trad Card - tick - as preferred.
Magnetic Station Totems: yup!
Parking: Plenty at Kidderminster, but £4 to pay. At least though, the railway gets the cash! But you could always travel by train from Stourbridge Junction, having had a pootle on the shuttle for next to nothing money and time-wise. Park for nowt at Stourbridge. Waffled a bit there!
Toilets: Good. Go most places!
Book in Advance, save a stack of cash!
Dick McBill — Google review
A great railway to travel on. Two steam locomotives running and two diesels. My only moan is you cannot look around the main engine shed. You can visit the engine house , that is very good.
David Chambers — Google review
We had a wonderful couple of days out on the Severn Valley railway - Kidderminster Station was where we started, and to be fair looking at the timings all the later trains are coming back towards Kidderminster so probably a good place to start. Parking was in the adjacent car park (chargeable) and the station itself has toilets and a cafe etc. Quite a queue to pick up the physical tickets when we got there, so be prepared for that...! Our ticket also gave us a free return ticket for another operational day so we actually used it the day after to go to a station we didn't get time to visit on the day before. We all enjoyed are day, and the only small annoyance was not getting seated when we rejoined the train after a stop (usually a stop in middle as opposed to at the begin or far end...!)
Andrew Cartwright — Google review
A excellent day out even if you don't like trains. I paid £25 adult all day rover (2023 prices)
I started at Kidderminster and took the 10am straight to Bridgnorth, It takes over a hour and stops at different stations along the line, It was busy by the way..
You can get hot/cold drinks on board as well and there are toliets aboard.
At Bridgnorth in town there are plenty of places to eat and drink, There is a leaning Castle and the Funicular railway ,Which was closed when I went. I came back and stopped off at Highley where the engine house is, A brilliant place as you see more locos in situe, As well as a cafe and a Gift Shop.
I then got aboard and stopped off at Bewdley, Again plenty of places to eat and drink.
The service from all the staff were fantastic and its worth having a day out on this nostalgia train line.
David Kirby — Google review
Well worth the money. Really good day out if you want a step back in time and take it nice and slow. Helpful and friendly staff and a very easy and quick online booking system. The line is a great length, not too long but long enough to enjoy the ride. All the facilities are well kept - even the toilets. I honestly don't know how they can improve - recommend this place fully.
Daniel Robins — Google review
Unbelievable as I'm in my 40s but always fascinated by trains (not in a trainspotting way).
Its a piece of history well preserved.
I did buy a railway monopoly from the gift shop :).
I'm still smiling on an amazing day.
Amber Low — Google review
The weather wasn't too good. Really enjoyed the train journey to Highley so my Grandaughers could see the Gruffalo. The engine has a good display of steam engines and carriages and much more. The highlight was being allowed to access the steam engine and take photos. We will definitely be going again in the summer to do the whole journey.
Shell Brookes — Google review
Great fun and good value for money.
Gala weekend had plenty of trains to hop and hop off.
All the stations had decent facilities.
Highly engine shed is well worth a visit and has a decent cafe with good views of the running trains.
Paul Bobo — Google review
One of many great Heritage railways to visit, definately "premier league.
Visited for Winter Diesel day, obviously a big hit with the experts, standing room only on mid day trains.
Ian Potts — Google review
4.8
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4.5
(3478)
Station Dr, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
The Docks, also known as a harbor or port, is an area along the water's edge where ships and boats can dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. It is typically equipped with cranes, warehouses, storage facilities, and transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods from one place to another. The docks play a vital role in international trade by serving as gateways for imports and exports between countries. They are also important hubs for fishing activities, recreation, and tourism.
The stunning Gloucester Cathedral is a medieval gem that dates back to the 12th century. It is steeped in history, and features some of the finest Norman Romanesque and Gothic design in England. It is a favorite tourist destination, and features the largest window in Europe, overlooking the tomb of King Edward II.
What a beautiful cathedral! Went there for some short sightseeing after a full day of work meetings in Gloucester and was not disappointed! The cloisters are dreamy, as well as the main body of the cathedral. Stained glass is impressive, and the architectural details too! Fully recommended for a Harry Potter-themed visit!
Marcos Gallego Llorente — Google review
Absolutely beautiful!! I love the cathedral, both in and out. Even managed to get up to the top today to enjoy some magnificent views! The tour was very informative. The highlight was getting to be stood right next to the bells as they rang!
Craig Was — Google review
There is so much to see here if you are interested in old buildings.
There are loads of beautiful stained glass windows and the architecture is stunning.
Every where you look you see something that makes you truly appreciate the skills involved in making this building.
What I really like is that they have really committed to being accessible for disabled people with ramps or lifts to get wheelchairs and mobility spaces to most of the places on the lower levels. This is definitely the most accessible Cathedral we have been to.
Michael Stevens — Google review
This is by far one of my favourite cathedrals of all time! It is so beautiful and the architecture is amazing! It has the Harry Potter hall which is fun to take pictures in. Every time that I have been here, there haven't been too many people. If you get the chance to take the tours to the tower or the crypt, I would defiantly do that! The view from the top of the tower was amazing! I also loved the stops on the way up there. Seeing the bells and then getting to be in the room when the largest one rang. The crypt was really cool, a few movies were filmed down there! If you get the chance, I recommend going to the Gloucester Cathedral.
Jordyn Parry — Google review
We made a special trip to Gloucester on a Sunday specifically to visit the cathedral.
Ensure you know the visitation times.
We expected to wait after Sunday morning service but even later on the day we were being asked to visit after 4 pm.
I'm incredibly glad we did not give up!
Spending over an hour at Gloucester Cathedral was an awe-inspiring experience. The magnificent architecture, with its soaring ceilings, intricate marble work, and stunning stained glass windows, left me utterly captivated. The cathedral's beauty and historical significance make it an absolute must-see for any visitor to Gloucester (not just Harry Potter fans).
It is truly breathtaking interior with fascinating history, and peaceful atmosphere.
There are informative displays and few (clearly knowledgeable) guides who were happy to answer questions.
£5 voluntary donation per person is more than fair, as it helps maintain this architectural gem. The cathedral's inclusive approach, allowing visitors to explore without a mandatory fee, is commendable.
Gloucester Cathedral with awe-inspiring beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it a true gem in the heart of Gloucester.
Sam Aberman — Google review
Wow, what a stunning cathedral. Beautiful stain glass windows and details to the building. We found some areas where Harry Potter was filmed too. They had some fun activities on the upper level which would be fun for adults and children. Well worth a visit.
Laura C — Google review
Cathedral was beautiful and all staff we spoke to were friendly and informative. We were allowed to leave our pushchair with a staff member while accessing the Whispering Gallery and interactive pieces. Lots of things were clearly labelled with the history or back story. We didn't take a tour as we were short of time but they were frequent and seemed really good so will do that next time.
Clare Virassamy-Poulle — Google review
Impressive architecture and history.
The Tower tour is highly recommended if you like views from high places and don’t mind narrow spiral staircases and a few hundred steps :)
The cloisters were also used for Hogwarts in a number of the Harry Potter movies.
Neil Parris — Google review
Absolutely spectacular! It's free, donations are voluntary. So much to see inside, and I believe the passages around the cloister were in the Harry Potter film. Well worth the visit! The rest of the town was pretty modern and run of the mill, except for a couple of pretty streets.
Joker — Google review
Such an incredible cathedral with a calming aura. I visited during the day and paid the optional £5 fee and also at night for the light and sound show which was spectacular.
Definitely one of my favourite spots in the very charming city of Gloucester!
Amy Lees — Google review
We went to the Light Eternal last Sunday 22/10/23. Would recommend. Very quick queuing time. You are not rushed to walk around and take photos and videos. Very relaxing I found it. This would be great to take children with sensory needs too. Get there while you can. I also lit a candle with a donation in memory to my late mum who would have loved this ❤️
Chris — Google review
a very beautiful medieval cathedral, said to be the resting place of King Edward II. Also of harry potter fame. Very quiet for silent retreat. There is a small entrance to second floor to take in the sights.
rob w — Google review
Absolutely stunning place not to be missed if your in the area. 5.30pm every evening the choir sings even song its like attending a royal wedding the sound the small choir makes ....incredible!!!!!!!! The cathedral is the best I have ever been too. And of course the parts where Harry potter was filmed a nice little treat too.
Perfection x
DEBRA — Google review
Beautiful place. Love it here. The reason why we like to come to Gloucester. Great place to take photos. If you are lucky enough to come when choirs are rehearsing you will be in for a treat. Fab acoustics. Interesting whispering gallery worth exploring upstairs. Clever idea.
Sally King — Google review
Incredible feat of engineering. As soon as you walk in the grounds the scale of the building impresses. Inside the vaulted ceiling and stone work are a marvel. We went for the tower tour and were not disappointed.
The tour guides were knowledgeable, informative and interesting, the climb up the various stair cases as they got narrower was enhanced by hundreds of years of graffiti and views across gloucester. Each level gave an interesting history and informative layer to the history of the cathedral. Highly recommended just to visit but go for the tour if you can.
Don Stewart — Google review
A majestic architectural landmark in Gloucester. Absolutely amazing! Lots of information boards about the history and stories of Gloucester Cathedral that I found quite interesting. Architectural details, large stained glasses in different periods of time, lovely gardens and nice cafe. Definitely don’t want to miss it if you are in the area.
Jay Hsu — Google review
During my recent visit to Gloucester Cathedral, I was thoroughly delighted by the experience. I specifically chose to go on a Sunday afternoon, and to my pleasant surprise, the cathedral was open for visitors and not crowded at all. This allowed me to explore the cathedral at my own pace and fully immerse myself in its ambiance.
One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to take a leisurely walk around the magnificent hallways and great halls of the cathedral. The architecture was truly breathtaking, with intricate details and craftsmanship that showcased the rich history and cultural significance of the cathedral.
As I strolled through the various areas, I noticed several informative boards strategically placed, providing comprehensive historical information. These boards not only enhanced my understanding of the cathedral's architectural marvels but also gave me insights into the stories and events that shaped its past.
I was pleasantly surprised when the cathedral staff informed us about the optional voluntary donation. This gesture is particularly commendable as it allows large families, such as mine, to visit and appreciate the cathedral without feeling financially burdened. This inclusive approach made the visit even more enjoyable, and it further solidified my positive impression of Gloucester Cathedral.
In summary, my visit to Gloucester Cathedral was an absolute delight. From the stunning hallways to the informative displays and considerate voluntary donation policy, every aspect of my experience was truly memorable. I would highly recommend this cathedral to anyone seeking a captivating historical and architectural journey.
Ali Javed — Google review
Magnificent building! The architecture is beautiful. It's free to visit with an optional donation. There is also a small gift shop as well as cafe and a beautiful outside area. The hallways and great halls of the cathedral were actually film sets for the Harry Potter films so if you're a fan, definitely worth a visit!
Rosi Petkova — Google review
It's a stunning medieval cathedral located in Gloucester, England. It's known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area! 🏰✨
Eldhose Mathew — Google review
What a beautiful cathedral. The cloisters were quite stunning to walk around. Out seems about the same size as Canterbury but less crowded. Didn't have time to see the whole place. Would definition recommend if you are in the area.
Tony Nordhaug — Google review
A lovely place to visit, lots of history. With plenty of exploring to be had.Plenty around outside too. Entry by donation, £5 is a good start. Find the wall Harry Potter walked through. 👍
Stephen Stiles — Google review
A wonderfully beautiful place to visit.
I was drawn here in January 2023, as it was a Harry Potter and Doctor Who filming location, and because I heard it had a beautiful interior, but the visit surpassed my expectations.
You could go up to a higher floor inside the building and look down to see the intricate detail/stonework from above. Here you also learnt a lot about the masonry, restoration and structure of the building.
You find yourself looking upwards to see the exquisite sculptured ceiling, and downwards to the colourful tiled floors. The stained glass windows range from old to new. The interior and exterior of the building is stunning. People are quiet, respectful and at peace here. There are plenty of information boards around to tell you of the interesting history of the building, and the volunteer workers there are so kind and helpful.
It's free entry, but we gave a donation. The upkeep of the building must be huge, it would be sad to see it ever go into disrepair so I was happy to pay to visit this amazing place.
Tara Sanders — Google review
Beatiful Cathedral with lots of history. Amazing architecture up to the small details. Lovely to see one of Harry Potter's film locations.
Celso Dolendo IV — Google review
Can’t believe this place is free. I visited because this is where they filmed a lot of Harry Potter scenes. I am a huge fan and wanted to see it. I wasn’t disappointed! It’s like stepping into Hogwarts. The cathedral is absolutely gorgeous. You can wander around as you please. There are some toilets inside too which is practical. The best place to visit in Gloucester!
Melanie Mengüs — Google review
The staff are so welcoming and approachable. The Cathedral is stunning and well kept with amazing frequent events throughout the year - light shows, concerts, and all kinds.
Angelika Bargiel — Google review
The cathedral itself is magnificent! We arrived late in the afternoon. So the lighting was beautiful. It's a great place to check out the cloisters for the filming of Harry Potter.
The area around the church leaves a lot to be desired. So it's not some place I'd recommend to stay. But the church is definitely worth a stop if traveling through.
Dori H — Google review
Stepping into Gloucester Cathedral during the festive season is like entering a realm of enchantment and Harry Potter wonders. The cathedral's grandeur, coupled with the added touch of Christmas charm and magical delights, creates an experience that captivates both young and old.
The soaring arches and intricate stained glass windows are illuminated with warm, festive hues, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. The cathedral's architecture, reminiscent of Hogwarts, sets the stage for a truly magical experience.
During my visit, the cathedral cleverly incorporated Harry Potter-themed decorations that seamlessly blended with the existing charm. From magical Christmas trees, every corner held a delightful surprise.
The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of festive carols enhancing the overall magical ambiance. It's evident that the cathedral staff put thought and creativity into transforming this historical site into a winter wonderland with a touch of wizardry.
Gloucester Cathedral, with its Christmas charm and Harry Potter delights, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of tradition and fantasy. It's a magical journey that transports visitors into a world where the spirit religion meets the enchantment of Hogwarts.
Ahoy Hoy — Google review
What a truly amazing structure and absolutely worth a visit. With Santa due overhead in a few days it was festive, not over done but enough to remind us. King Edward laid here after being murdered at Berkeley castle, by his wife so this cathedral is unique, also the cloisters were the location of Harry Potter filming, something for everyone. Parking 🅿️ as with most cities, close and lots of choice but available like peak times depict. Toilets, cafe, shop, magnificent windows statues and a whispering gallery, low entrance fee but we donated additional, this is well worth the time and effort to visit and we will continue to go there regularly
Chris Evans — Google review
4.8
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4.5
(3688)
12 College Grn, Gloucester, GL1 2LX, United Kingdom
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.
Tewkesbury Abbey is a grand and impressive church with a Norman stone structure and ornate details on its roof. It offers Christian services regularly and is located in the vast landscape between Cotswolds and Malvern Hills. Built in the 11th century, it was formerly a Benedictine monastery, and now stands as the second-largest parish in England. Its magnificent arch, accompanied by turrets on either side, is an example of superb Norman architecture.
Beautiful place was lovely walking round and taking it all in, i lit a candle and thought of loved ones I felt really at peace being inside. There wasn't a service at the time but I should imagine that during hymns the sound would be amazing beautiful organ also, really enjoyed my visit and going into the visitors shop. I recommend anyone visiting Tewkesbury should visit the Abbey.
Stuart Scharcarnie — Google review
Beautiful Abbey love the stained glass windows make sure you look up. A very good collection of full size church organs are kept on view. Really beautiful golden pulpit. Don't forget to sample coffee and cake in the grounds cafe. Also have a look at the novel Gas boilers on the side of the Abbey.
Richard Burgess — Google review
Gorgeous Abbey well worth a visit.
Very quaint town with many Tudor buildings but High St, like so many now, are full of charity shops and cafes. Albeit some of the cafes look lovely.
Eirwen Hughes — Google review
A Beautiful ancient building. So peaceful to wander round and enjoy the beautiful stained glass, modern art and church yard. The shop is also a little Gem, with some brilliant little momento and gift ideas. There is the option to pay £10 by contactless payment when entering and access for disabled is excellent. There's even a little cafe, although I didn't go in.
Leanne Swift — Google review
Beautiful Abbey dating back to the early 12th century and an outstanding example of Norman architecture. The amazing interior is huge with numerous sections and has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, including impressive stone columns, amazing roof features and lovely stained glass windows, plus much more. Highly recommended to visit!
Michael and Julie Bowell — Google review
A magnificent masterpiece of Norman architecture, it is even more awe-inspiring inside than outside. The decoration detail and the level of upkeep are truly impressive. A feast for the rye and balm for the soul.
Floyd Cooper — Google review
The sheer size of the interior of Tewkesbury Cathedral was hugely impressive, both in the height of the roof and the towering pillars. It needed flying buttresses. The stained glass windows were exquisite as were the numerous carved decals. It was a quick visit so I will definitely go back for a more in-depth look. The grounds outside are beautifully manicured and the tall trees echo the giant pillars inside.
Heather Smolas — Google review
Great historical building that has a lot of character and was worth looking around. It’s certainly a magnificent building and the fact it has stood for nearly a 1000 years says it all. Will visit again when I’m in the area. Certainly worth a visit if you’re in the Tewkesbury area.
Pete Jackson — Google review
A stunningly impressive abbey. Well worth a visit as I did, just to remind myself of it's beauty. Otherwise, sit quietly and meditate or take in it's tranquility. Whatever your reasons for visiting, you won't be disappointed.
After looking around the abbey, take a break at the delightful café within the abbey grounds, where all profits go towards the upkeep of the abbey.
Robin Galloway — Google review
On the way back from S Wales we decided to stop off at Tewkesbury, where we visited the Abbey. We were so glad we did. The guides were so helpful and the pamphlet was very well put together and very informative. The building has so much history and appears to have seen some of the final winding up scenes of the battle of the Lancastrians and the Yorks.
Patrick Lappin — Google review
Free to visit. Car park nexr door £1 an hour, so reasonable. Cafe on site and lots of grass areas where yiu could sit.
Inside you were free to wonder around. Lots to see. Not quite as impressive as Gloucester Cathedral, but still well worth the visit, especially when combined with a wonder around Tewkesbury itself and the many lovely historical buildings or a stroll next to the canal.
Definitely a place you could enjoy for a few hours, or maybe just an hour if you just wanted to see the Abbey.
Nicky Hirst — Google review
A beautiful Abbey, a stunning example of 12th century Norman architecture. It’s deceptive in its exterior look. It’s far bigger inside than it looks with many enclaves and alcoves. All the history is marked and described. The stained glass windows are a form of art long understated and is a pleasure to study. The vaulted ceilings are a feast for the eyes, full of colour and richness of design. A nice cafe on site selling hot and cold food and drinks, with access to toilets. The surrounding land is lovely to walk. There is also a car park nearby that is a reasonable price to park.
Rosslyn Rose — Google review
Wow.. beautiful building, lots of history. We were lucky enough to speak to some lovely volunteers who were very helpful.
Well kept grounds with plenty of benches to sit on. We went to a Sunday service where we were made to feel very welcome
Louise Blackwell — Google review
Had to wait for the church service to be over to take inside pictures out of respect, but the abbey had lovely outside architecture to the building as well peaceful remembrance garden too. The details of the building is delightful and very welcoming to all. Lovely to visit.
Donna B — Google review
Really awesome architecture, we aren't religious in any way, but love going to places like this to see the architecture, and it wasn't disappointing, really glad we whent in, has some really great history as well, right back to Roman and Saxon times, definitely worth the visit.
Pete / Hel — Google review
We found parking at a small car park just behind the abbey.
At the time we visited the Gaia event was taking place at February half term (which we hadn't realised).
The Abbey was stunning. So much to take in. My photos really don't do it justice.
Highly recommend if in the Tewkesbury area.
Jo G — Google review
Lovely old abbey saved from Henry VIII by the good people of Tewkesbury.
There was an interesting display about the state of our planet on when we visited.
Tower tours are available some days, great views from the top!
The Great Nickardo — Google review
Went for a visit in the afternoon on Mothering Sunday, and the Abbey was filled with music played on the organ, beautiful sound, and structure. As we were leaving, they also started to ring the bells, which sounded so lovely. Will definitely visit again, cute little play area for kids with Easter themed colouring pages.
Rachel Shaw — Google review
Worth a visit if you stop over in this lovely town. Beautiful grounds and lots of historical information in the abbey itself. Definitely worth a visit.
Megan Simms — Google review
As I continue my long-term photography project to visit as many of the Abbeys in the UK I was delighted to find myself close to Tewksbury and be presented with the opportunity to go and visit the Abbey.
Once again I was just in awe of the architecture of the Abbey from the external stone masonry to the intricate carvings inside.
Unfortunately I didn’t have much time to explore or find out about the history of the Abbey due to late arrival so I intend to return.
It has one of the largest organs I have seen and also one of the most unusual. One item I definitely need to find out more about.
If you’re into historical architecture, whether you’re a religious person or not, I’m certain you will still be able to marvel at the architecture on display at the Abbey.
EmC Photography — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(1946)
Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ, United Kingdom
Caen Hill Locks is a remarkable rural canal attraction that comprises of 29 locks, built in 1810. The expansive waterside path and the delightful café at the top make it an excellent destination for tourists. This British engineering masterpiece is run by committed volunteers who do a fantastic job. The car park prices are reasonable at just three pounds per day, and the café offers inexpensive but delicious ice creams along with other refreshments.
Great place to visit and walk, I came here with family and it was just lovely way to spend an afternoon. The view is beautiful and the locks are very intriguing. There’s a nice cafe (with toilet- always useful) too for a welcome drink.
Alex Goodwill — Google review
We are so very lucky to have these wonderful examples of humankind's determination to better their environment in order to make money! Largely because when they found an easier way to make money humankind said s+d this, I'm off on the M4 in a dirty great wagon! And if it hadn't been for a certain bunch of great (not for profit) humans, who actually gave their time and pretty much everything else to painstakingly restore the abandoned lock flight at Caen Hill, we wouldn't have them today. So here's to them. This was a wonderful day out, wandering the towpath, up and down the flight then into Devizes for a not so hard-earned pint (just the one officer) and the cost? £3 to park all day. A bargain in anyone's brass. See it to believe it!
Dick McBill — Google review
Fantastic place, the volunteers are amazing and do a great job. They were only too happy to let our boys lend a hand at progressing a boat through the system. The little cafe is nice, priced well and has a good selection of ice creams. The car park is priced well at just £3 a day. A true feat of British engineering.
Legendary Adventures — Google review
Visited the lock today and had a great time. The children learned so much and were even able to help work the locks for a few barges passing through. There were plenty of volunteers about helping maintain the locks and assisting some of the waterway users who needed it.
The walk up isn't very steep at all so very manageable for all ages.
We will look to visit again.
James Marchant — Google review
Spectacular! Popular with the narrow boats, despite really being hard work. A scenic spot to visit, and the cafe near the top serves a welcome cup of your favourite hot beverage. Perfect when the weather isn't great.
Richard Sharp — Google review
What a lovely place to visit..
Been here quite a few times now and it's a very enjoyable day out for all of the family.
Lots of walking, wildlife and a great experience helping the families on the Barges to get through all of the 49 locks.
Sarah Pictor — Google review
Very cool place but muddy! So bring your Wellington boots. Lovely to see lots of dogs being walked around & I hear there is a nice pub at the top
Natalie Warriner — Google review
Absolutely brilliant place if huge engineering projects are your thing, very knowledgeable and helpful volunteer passing on years of experience so thanks for that. Great value coffee shop, excellent coffee and cakes ( also friendly staff). £3 all day car park, not sure why that's anything other than good value nowadays, so to sum up, really enjoyed the visit, highly recommend.
Leigh Cooney — Google review
Amazing and unique place!
We had a walk up and down the locks, help boaters to climb up the locks and had picnic. Really enjoyed our afternoon!
Volunteer was amazing! Very welcoming and answered all questions we had :)
Lina Cesnakaitiene — Google review
Great walk, gets busy after 10.30 am. Great cafe, very good menu, soups, cake, pasties, ice creams, cream teas, hot chocolate etc..toilets available, lots of inside and outside seating. Their bins obviously just for them, not dogs. Lack of dog poop bins a problem. None in car park (main one at top to pay for)few near bottom smaller are free. Did find one (bin)which someone kindly signposted, opposite cafe, off path. Saw swans and a heron. 2nd visit in 2 weeks, last visit saw 3 canal boats tackling the locks, looked tiring and took a long time for a few locks only. Great views. Youngish woods to walk in too, picnic benches. Worth a visit or two though. 👍
rebecca cullum — Google review
Interesting walk alongside the canal and this unusually long run of locks. There were a number of barges negotiating it when we visited. The path is shared by walkers and cyclists and can get rather puddly when it's just rained.
There is car parking nearby at Wharf car park (only a short walk away). There is a cafe at the start of the locks (Caen Hill Cafe).
Adam Sewell — Google review
Stunning engineering that still operates today.
Free to visit, just a nominal charge for the car park (one price for all day so do make the most of it).
There's a café for snacks and drinks.
But the main event is the series of locks. Fascinating to see a narrow boat go through the locks.
Quite remarkable 😎👍👍👍
Mark Poley — Google review
A lovely location for a walk or to do some fishing maybe.
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.
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 Tudor-era stately home of Sudeley Castle is a great place to explore for history buffs, with its formal gardens and art by some of the greatest painters in history. The castle's tea room is reasonably priced and has a wide selection of drinks and food, making it a great spot to stop for lunch or dinner. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to help out.
We loved Sudeley Castle. Beautiful place and views. Lots of history surrounding Katherine Parr and Henry VIII. The animal sculptures were fabulous. Lovely chapel. Interesting exhibitions. If you have young children, there is an amazing adventure playground, and all the animals to find, a willow maze and yew corridors to run in and out of. Cafe was reasonably priced and staff friendly. Highly recommended!
Julie Brotherhood — Google review
Really nice grounds with lots of well kept gardens to see. Interspersed with animal sculptures which was great to keep our daughter entertained. Having been inside the house I probably wouldn’t bother going back inside, but would definitely visit again for the grounds. You can spend around 3hours here quite easily
Eren Hasan — Google review
My little Yorkshire heart did a flutter at the price, but we all really loved it. 3 adult history buffs went. Feel that there was something for everyone (apart from the obligatory teen sat on his phone in the corner). The house tour was a exhibition first so you got Sudely through the ages, then into various social history exhibitions which were vast, varied and very interesting and finally round rooms in the house. The tour was interactive and tailored to those present. Very knowledgeable guide. The gardens were gorgeous. Of course it was a gorgeous day, so that helps! All in all thoroughly enjoyable visit. We were there 3 1/2 hours but easily could have spent a longer time there. Amazing visit, would heartily recommend.
Nicky G — Google review
Just walked around the gardens this time. The fragrance from the roses was amazing. The sculpture animals are well worth a visit. Had lunch in the new style cafe interior design was very well laid out and good quality food.
Pam Hawkes — Google review
Loved this place, hadn't realised how much history is associated to Sudeley Castle, so much to see. Grounds were beautiful, the Animal Ark sculptures were a delight for the kids to find. Exhibitions inside were immense, well presented and interesting. We paid extra for guided tour and I really felt it was worthwhile, very knowledgeable tour guide and delivered in an interesting manner. My only reservation was that the main restaurant is at entry, so half way through our visit we had to walk back to the start to enjoy lunch. The food was good, we enjoyed soup. Also kids play area looks fab, lots to play on. Kids got in free with Blue Peter badges too, great saving. Great day out, highly recommend. Don't forget to like my review 😀
susanna roberts — Google review
Stunning grounds and castle, with all so beautifully staged and preserved, you really take a step back in time. The exhibition of elephants and other animals was an unexpected surprise and very cleverly done. The disabled access was good made better through borrowing the manual wheelchair provided which was an all-terrain type. The cafe adjacent to the entrance is very nice, large inside space plus outdoor tables. The food choices were basic, a few rolls and all drinks in disposable cups. The staff were all friendly and very helpful, especially with the wheelchair.
Michaela Baker — Google review
If you're into your history and the Tudor era this is the place to go. The castle is situated in lovely grounds and plenty to see. The tea room is fairly priced and good for all types of drinks and food. The staff are really friendly and knowledgeable and always there to help. I would thoroughly recommend spending the day here.
Andrew Twinam — Google review
This is a beautiful castle with very well maintained gardens. It consist of a beautiful trail, playground, garden with different sort of flowers. The castle is full of beautiful history. We visited on a bank holiday and it wasn’t too busy.
F S (FS) — Google review
Visiting Sudeley Castle during the Winter Spectacle of Lights was truly amazing for our family. The lights surpassed our expectations, and the staff's helpfulness and politeness added to the experience. The actors on the light trail were fantastic, and the overall layout of the castle, along with its beautiful gardens and views, is truly spectacular. A must-visit destination for families.
T cata — Google review
Great day out with the kids, we did the kids trail and animal sculptures. The house/ castle not great for the little ones but there is more then enough for them to do, like the biggest wooden kids play castle I've ever seen, wish I was 6 again!
stuart bradley — Google review
Only visited the grounds (Plenty of Free parking), As me & my wife were attending the Fantasy Forest Festival.
Grounds are lovely & mostly level with plenty of huge, shady trees to picnic under.
There is a good quality Cafe & shop with clean toilets at the entrance, along with some plants for sale outside.
Not one piece of litter to be seen.
The Castle itself looks lovely & will return at some point to visit it as we live close by.
Terry Coleman — Google review
Lovely garden & well maintained. Great place for to bring kids for outing. The castle is a bonus but mind the stairs to different level of the castle. Friendly staff.
Michael Koh — Google review
Such a fascinating Castle to visit, which was steeped in significant history. It is so worth having the Guide (Laura?) tell you about the history of the Castle so that you can fully appreciate everything about it. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visited the Castle and Katherine Parr had lived there and her tomb is in the church. There are many unique artifacts there of great interest. I highly recommend a visit if you are interested in Tudor history.
Jane D — Google review
Fantastic place to visit, packed with history. Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I are only some of the historic figures who lived here. The castle is not particularly big but is very interesting to explore. The garden is very pretty, too, as well as the chapel.
Angie K — Google review
Definitely worth a visit if you're visiting the area. We booked in advance and saved 10% on the ticket price. Lots of free parking, staff so helpful and friendly. Great cafe and loads for kids to see and do. Gardens opened at 10am, Castle not until 11am so we arrived at 10am and had a wander around the Gardens. Visited the Church in the grounds where Katherine Parr is buried. The Castle had a large exhibition over a few floors then you get to explore some of the rooms of the Castle. It's all really interesting and a great way to spend a few hours.
Liz Cuddihee — Google review
Beautiful chateau with large grounds. A must if you love old stones! The vegetation sculptures are interesting to discover.
Vincent Tardy — Google review
Went for the Christmas lights, they were fantastic.
Even on axwet and windy December night, the feel of Sudeley was great.
All the staff were friendly and the actors interacted with everyone and even managed to keep a smile in the rain.
Highly recommended and we will return in summer
Alyn Aitken — Google review
A must do visit. This stunning place is a perfect day out. Go early to make the most of it, as there are SO MANY things to do.
The whole experience has been so well thought through, it really shows how much effort has been put into making this a wonderful place to visit.
There are accessible routes. Plenty of parking.
You can also go for a coffee or the gift shop alone, without paying the entrance ticket.
The gift shop is really nice and well priced.
Loads of things for kids, including fab playground areas.
The message of CoExistence (with nature) shines throughout.
The gardens are stunning, the beautiful church hosts the tomb of the only Queen buried in a private property.
The exhibition is a fantastic lesson in history and life from the Tudors onwards.
The private house rooms are very nice, photography is not allowed there.
I recommend this place 100%.
Tweed Tango — Google review
This was amazing! I went here with my family and I enjoyed the lights and how everything was set up. The theme for the lights was the wizard of oz and they even included characters which made this experience even more fun. Even if you don't want to see the lights everything is nicely set up. The gift shop is absolutely amazing they had baubles, books, magnets, scarfs and plenty of more that you can see yourself.
I 100% recommend this place if you are planning to go with family or just want to see the history behind it
Nikola Kliza — Google review
Fabulous Christmas light display. This year wizard of Oz themed. The carpark was well organised, the ushers placed all round the grounds were very helpful and friendly. The characters stopped for photos on the way round, we couldn't fault it. Well worth the money for a christmassy evening.
Akamba Heritage Centre is an African-themed tourist attraction in Birmingham, England that features a variety of exotic plants and animals. The center has a gift shop and Afro-Caribbean restaurant, which add to the lively atmosphere. Leah, one of the staff members, was pleasant and friendly throughout our visit.
First time here as a diner, and must say was pleasantly surprised. Never tried African food until my visit here and the food was faultless. Lovely vibes and reggae music playing in the background and nice selection of cocktails and beers . Shout out to a staff member called Leah was very pleasant and friendly throughout our visit . 10/10
Ricky Wallace — Google review
Lovely to sit in one of the 'huts' with reggae music playing. Had delicious lunch of Ackee, Callalloo, plantain and rice and peas. Surrounded by 'jungle' planting. Would have given 5 stars but my elderly mum struggled a little on uneven planks. Otherwise a brilliant experience
Lynn Brotherton — Google review
We visited on a weekday, to try out the restaurant. Hadn't tried any of it before, our daughter loved the chicken nuggets, my partner had a lovely paying and I can highly recommend the vegan dish that I can't remember the name of, but the flavours were so unique.
Amazing atmosphere (a bit cold inside, needs more heating).
We visited a few years back in the summer, lively garden shop and beach area. I was upset to see the aviary had closed, that was a fantastic experience, it needs to co.e back with some added iguanas and tortois wondering around or a butterfly farm. I love this place and the metal art, I worry that its hoing down hill when it has heaps of potential.
Rachael — Google review
We visited on Bank Holiday Monday. We walked to Akamba along the nearby canal to find ourselves transported to Africa! The metal sculptures of African wildlife in the gardens are very impressive and worth going to see in and of themselves. There was an event happening for the bank holiday so we decided to buy tickets and stay for the entertainment, food and had some rum cocktails. I felt like I was on holiday. We'll definitely come back for another event in future.
Adam Jowett — Google review
This restaurant serves excellent food, the service is fantastic and it has a nice ambience.
Michael Adams — Google review
Was such a wonderful experience visiting today with my friend who loves it. The staff are just so friendly. A beautiful place to visit and food was wonderful. If you've never been I highly recommend visiting.
Ashley Wakefield — Google review
Very nice and interesting place. Good collection of plants and crafts. Has a good bar and restaurant which serves good range of food and cocktails too. All in all a good experience for families looking to take a break out in the weekend.
Suhayil Safeer — Google review
Really nice couple of hours we spent . The sun was out . Food was top notch . Definitely an African feel . Will be coming back soon . Staff were polite .was free entry .
P Ekonkar — Google review
Great atmosphere with fine food and drink, wonderful metal animal sculptures, and tropical plants to.
Martin Walsh — Google review
A recreation of a jungle type of watering hole/bar friendly greeting on entering by the Security staff, friendly bar staff, music entertainment was fantastic, the food was excellent, I really enjoyed the Goat curry with rice, very authentic Caribbean cooking style 😋
Dazzer Deemos — Google review
Visited many times before and have always enjoyed the themed restaurant.
But this time, I really felt let down. My daughter paid a deposit a few weeks before arriving. But when we turned up at the time we'd booked - 12pm - the staff had no idea we were coming. It took almost 10 mins for them to get the table ready.
When we were sat, there was a short wait and a drinks order was taken - the drinks soon followed. But it was 12:40 when our food order was taken.
There were 9 of us and no other people in the restaurant!
The food came and was very nice, and the lady serving was nice and friendly and as ever, it's a really cool setting. But I was very disappointed that having paid for a booking, the venue had not prepared for us. Oh, and didn't account for the paid deposit when totaling the final bill. (This money was refunded immediately after raising the concern).
Mike Nicholas — Google review
Garden centre part not a lot to choose from, and as they are specialist plants, quite expensive, you can tell that a lot of the plants have been there for a long time, due to their size and price tag.
The restaurant area looked amazing, a wonderful setting with all the iron animals and decor. We didn't purchase any food so couldn't comment on the food or drink, but there were plenty of people in there.
The iron sculptures are wonderful! Such amazing detail, you can see all the hard work that goes into them.
Lisa McNaney — Google review
Excellent African style restaurant. The vibe is so special that you probably can't find it in other places in UK. Try traditional food and breakfast is the way to start the day.
Wendiddd — Google review
Imaginative garden centre. Had lovely chicken wings and a fresh coffee, which I think was with Kenyan beans.
Bruce MacKinnon — Google review
Really cool place for a quick look around. We had a drink and a tuna melt was lovely. The sculptures are impressive. We enjoyed it and will be back when that way on again.
David Vernon — Google review
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Tythe Barn Ln, Shirley, Solihull B90 1PH, United Kingdom
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.
At Cotswold Farm Park, visitors can explore a range of British rare breed animals including sheep, cows, pigs and chickens. There are also games and activities available for children to enjoy while they're there. The farm is open every Monday in February from 11am to 3pm.
Great day out with the little ones. Perfect for a sunny day out. Absolutely loads of stuff for kids to have fun with, everything was clean and well maintained. The Animals look really well looked after with everything really well maintained. It was really safe and a unique experience. The kids slept well after visiting here.
The lady on the front desk was super friendly.
As farm parks go, this one is top drawer! Really great job and it should be a model for how other farm parks can operate amazingly well.
Mat Averall — Google review
A wonderful day out! Our little boy loved getting up close to the animals, petting them and feeding them. The indoor and outdoor play areas are excellent. Our boy didn’t want to go home!
The food on offer in the restaurant was excellent and very reasonable in price.
We will definitely be back.
Simon Driver — Google review
Visited a couple of times in the last few months. Wonderful venue with lots to do and see. Big open spaces with lots of well looked after animals. It was lambing season, which was particularly interesting to watch the lambs being born live.
My child has additional needs, but had no problems on the day. Play parks for young and older children, plus plenty of places for picnics and food/drink can be bought on site.
Will definitely be back.
Garry Adams — Google review
Second time visiting the farm park and first time staying at one of the lodge houses. It was a super fun experience for our family. We stayed at one of the sunset lodges. Spacious house and kids friendly interior. Sturdy built furniture and no fragile decorative gimmicks. Luxurious choices of kitchen utensils and outdoor electric grill. The only downside is the amount of flies entering the house during summer. It would be nice if the windows had a some bug screen. The park is walking distance from the lodge and we got free passes for the duration of the stay. I suggest signing up for their email list because I got a discounted offer to stay here in June.
Edwin Su — Google review
Fab spot, staff so friendly and helpful, delicious food. The adventure playground was brilliant, especially “the pillows” and zip wire. Fabulous day out! Would recommend. We’ll be back!!
We loved the way the adventure park was interspersed with the farm and animals, rather than being segregated. Our 10 year old daughter especially loved handling the chicks, and “the pillows”. We couldn’t get her away from either!!
So interesting to read about the conservation work and rare breeds. Thank goodness Mr Joe Henson had the wisdom and foresight to save so many of those rare breeds, or they would have been lost forever. He was definitely a pioneer and before his time, before it became “trendy”! It’s amazing the farm has gone from strength to strength and carries on his legacy
All the staff were fantastic and the food delicious! We ate, drank and licked our way round all day!! 🙈
Adam Henson is an absolute gentleman and such a genuine, lovely man!! He was saying hello to everyone on the farm, and some people even got photos with him too.
caroline lee — Google review
A great day out for with the kids, and you could literally stay all day long. Lots of fun things to do. Depending on the time of year you can hold the new baby chicks or watch lambs being born, buy a bag of food to feed the very friendly goats etc. and bounce on one of the giant trampolines. This is a very happy place for making memories. 💖
T Littlewood — Google review
Had an amazing evening here last night. My twins have autism and they really enjoyed the whole experience as did my older daughter. The s'mores and toasted marshmallows and the fire pits was a lovely touch also the the lady singer singing Christmas songs was fab. My daughter loved the silent disco she really enjoyed that as it was a first for her. If you're a send parent looking to book please do it was lovely and we found it really enjoyable as mostly everything was outdoors and everything was wheelchair and pram/buggy friendly. We most definitely love to return here.
Charlene Thomas — Google review
Went for the day to the farm, it was cold and rainy, so we were greatful for the 2 big indoor animal petting barns! It was lovely and the indoor play area was awesome for my 6 year old. Definately going to visit in the summer and maybe even camp there.
Sunny Shade — Google review
I enjoyed a visit a few years ago, and came back today (May 1st 2024) with my baby.
Facilities are well managed and very clean.
All the animals are very friendly and well cared for - However, I did see two animals with quite alarming lumps on them.
Animal Petting area was wonderful. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, and perhaps the chillest rabbits I have ever seen. The little fluffy beige bunny deserves all the treats! The staff were also very good with the school trip children, who were present in the barn when we were.
High quality play equipment for the children also.
Nice to see Adam out and about on the farm, I've seen him both times I've visited. Good to see management being so involved.
Restaurant was of medium price range, but well worth it as the food was really really nice! The relatively cheap admission fee makes up for slightly pricy food though. I highly recommend the burgers.
We will definitely be back, and will recommend to anyone!
Emily F — Google review
By far the best farm we’ve been to. They have struck the perfect balance between authentic farm and local attraction. We loved that the play areas for the kids was interspersed with the animal areas so you could dip in and out easily. You could easily spend the day here feeding the animals, petting rabbits and Guinea pigs as well as electric tractor rides and the lambing talks. The food offering could be a bit broader because the kiosks in the park only do ham and cheese toasties (albeit very good ones)
Eren Hasan — Google review
Lovely farm. Better when the weather is good. Feel there are less animals at the moment!?
My 3 year old boy loved seeing the piglets, feeding the goats and playing on the sand area inside. Saw lambing and was interesting. Nice few hours out ☺️
Emzie Sutton — Google review
Myself and my partner visited today. It was a lovely visit in the sunshine. Thoroughly enjoyed feeding all the animals outside and even got to bottle feed some lambs! It's a great place for kids as lots of play equipment but was also nice for couples like us who enjoy the outdoors and interacting with lots of animals! I would highly recommend buying the animal feed, it's great fun to go around and feed the animals! Overall a lovely day out ☺️
Daisy Cox — Google review
Amazing for adults and kids of all ages. Our 3 year old played with the pretend tractor and the trampoline the whole time while my husband and I took turns seeing the beautiful and rare animal breeds and reading about their historical context. Interesting way to learn about the history of the UK. I’ve heard it’s busy on the weekends and during holidays. Wasn’t busy at all on a random Thursday morning
Shannon Soper — Google review
It's been a great day. I went with my 10-year-old daughter and she enjoyed it like never before. The place is spectacular, with all the necessary services to feel comfortable. Outdoor and covered bathrooms and picnic areas, areas to have a coffee and a soft drink while the little ones enjoy the animals. All the animals and their plots very clean. The staff pleasant and attentive. Without a doubt, this place is worth having as a reference.
Oscar Andres Oliveras — Google review
Stayed here in our caravan over half term as a base for looking after our grandson. The caravan site has pitches ranging from basic to fully serviced all with plenty of space. The toilet block is clean and warm.
The staff couldn’t be more friendly and helpful, especially Mel.
richard thompson — Google review
This is an amazing day out for all of the family. The layout of the farm park is well thought out. Farm animals dotted around waiting for a stroke or tasty treats. Excellent play facilities to keep the kids busy. Lots of rare breed animals being well cared for. Stunning views whilst having a picnic it a coffee. Food in the Ox Shed is lovely. We visited during October half term so went in the pumpkin patch, rode the go karts and took lots of cool pictures. Opportunities to meet the farm animals during the day with lots of chicks, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits and many more. We loved the 2 mummy pigs and their piglets and the beautiful cows so much. We loved it so much here we didn't want to leave!
Mairi R — Google review
Today we had the most wonderful experience at Cotswold Farm Park and simply had to leave a glowing review! Everything was top-notch from the moment we arrived, starting with the spotless and well-maintained facilities. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, radiating genuine passion for the animals and the park itself. Their enthusiasm added a truly special touch to our day.
The farm animals were the true stars of the show! We loved seeing so many amazing creatures in their spacious and well-appointed enclosures. What really stood out was their approachability. We got to see curious goats, watch playful piglets frolic, and even share a gentle moment with a curious cow. It was a privilege to get so close to these beautiful animals.
We highly recommend Cotswold Farm Park to anyone looking for a fantastic day out in the Cotswolds!
Joe Brennan — Google review
Excellent day out. First time here as a birthday treat. We were very impressed with the whole feel of the park, from the interactive enclosures and barns to the woodland trail. Lots of information and plenty of friendly staff around.
The toilets were very clean and there were hand-washing stations throughout the park.
We were spoilt for choice for tasty food and there was surely something for everyone from cakes or snacks to full meals.
Two highlights of the visit were being able to bottle feed the lambs and watching the very entertaining piglets. The animals all seemed happy and very well cared for. We will definitely be back and will recommend to others.
Denise Goodman — Google review
A cool, breezy day when we visited with our small family group. £20 ea was a bit steep, but hey ho it wasn't raining. Enjoyed feeding the goats (there's a lot of them!) and the kiddies liked their section too.
This was a cool, windy day and it was mega busy. Must be impossible here on a warm Bank Holiday with crowds.....
John Day — Google review
Delightful place to bring your kids while indulging your inner child. A farm which doesn't smell! And has clean and well kept animals. Lots to do for the young ones, from feeding the animals, bouncing in the playground and exploring the wooded areas. Bottle feeding the lambs is very popular and the queue is very long, so make sure you get there early. Very informative.
Te Shan Liang — Google review
Brilliant day out with the family. We were there for hours, lots to see and do, animals to get up close to and feed. Lots of play equipment for children to roam and burn off energy. Interactive areas and friendly staff.
Food was really nice and reasonably priced too which was nice as often at these attractions the food is poor.
To finish the day off, we met Adam on the way out who was very happy to chat!
Well worth a visit.
Adam Bright — Google review
Quaint. Cottages are nicely furnished, all the right appliances, dishes, mini fridge, coffee, tea, etc. Rooms are not cramped, clean.
When we visited it was super quiet, no city noises, just nature (birds, some sheep).
Activities:
* Trail: there's a trail around where the sheep graze with some fun facts. Kids had fun on it, not much to see except nature, allowing the kids to refocus on nature and find interesting things to see. Example: they tried to communicate with sheep for a few minutes.
* Farm park: lots of animals to feed, less to pet but still plenty. Lots of areas for kids to play indoors and outdoors. Milk feeding was great.
Random notes:
1. No AC in cottages.
2. Doors in the cottages: to lock pull up on handles then turn key.
3. BBQ set that we got was fantastic, two meals worth. One kid said that it was the best milk ever.
Pavel Puchkarev — Google review
Great day out with family and kids. Even adults will enjoy. Delicious ice creams. Everything looked great. Lovely animals. Staff are very friendly too. Definitely coming back.
H A — Google review
Entry is very expensive. It's fun for kids , but really not enough to justify the cost. Food was good, above average prices, but acceptable. First visit in about two decades, enjoyed it, maybe I'll go back if I live long enough to take great grandchildren next.
Martin Smith — Google review
Loved the light show experience. It was well thought out and set up, with lots to engage children and adults alike. Just very disappointed with the meal in the restaurant we had after our visit. The burgers were cremated, and tasted burnt. Given the cost of the food, we had expected better. Still worth it for the light show!
Kate Green — Google review
We booked to visit this park the day before, and for a family of four, for little over £50, I think it was a little pricey, especially as food for animals wasn't included.
We were, however, pleasantly surprised at how close one could get to various animals, and the delight my children experienced with the interaction. (My son got rather attached to a certain goat near the main entrance.)
There are lots of animals, that seem well cared for. There are benches at various points around the park, and there are viewing points to get a different perspective on things.
The indoor animals were gorgeous. I loved the baby chick handling experience, and so did my children. So cute!
We didn't eat here, so I cannot comment on those facilities. I do think the toilets needed upgrading, and employing someone to freshen them up a couple of times a day wouldn't hurt. They were dirty, smelly, and definitely not pleasant to use. Also, a personal preference here, but I don't agree with unisex toilets. Male and female are two different sexes, and I like to maintain that fact when using the facilities.
Jo — Google review
We headed here for a lazy Saturday morning brunch. It was easy to find and the car park was large, although very full.
When we arrived, there was a queue at one entrance and we panicked slightly thinking we wouldn’t get served breakfast.
However, we didn’t have worried as it was actually the queue for the kiddies animal farm. Now that our kids are grown adults, we didn’t need to visit there anymore!
The restaurant was through the shop entrance, and we were a little disappointed initially that there was only one person serving drinks and taking breakfast orders.
However, while we were in the queue, agency staff arrived and immediately set to work.
We ordered the full English breakfast - there were only a couple of of choices for breakfast anyway - and were pleased with the portion size and quality of the food.
The seating area was empty when we were eating. We thought that once the parents had tired out their kids around the animal farm, the restaurant would be very full.
Overall, this was a good experience, and if we are in the area again, we would definitely go back.
Andrew Lloyd Gordon — Google review
Brilliant day, my wife enjoyed the bottle feeding experience. We loved feeding the animals, all of which are clearly well looked after. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great facilities on site, from wet weather set up and hand wash stations. Pleanty of options for food from eat your own facilities, snacks and everything in between right up to full meals. We ate in the Ox House and the food and service was spot on value for money, there is an alcohol bar, soft and hot drinks, the hot chocolate looked amazing.
Definitely well worth a visit, very informative, you will learn things during your visit. All in all a great family day out and plenty of parking.
Stuart Goodman — Google review
Great day out with little people and we will be going back! We enjoyed the playgrounds, sandpits, air pillows and ride on tractors. We saw new born lambs and chicks, petted rabbits and chicks, and fed the sheep and highland cattle. Lots more to do next time with rare breed and woodland walks, and the mud kitchen/woodland play. Accessible with a buggy. Good hand washing stations.
Ju E — Google review
Only visited the Farm Park area plus we went for a lovely walk on one of the routes that you can do. The staff were all lovely, welcoming and helpful with any questions. We bought some animal feed bags for £1.50 ea which we thought was a very reasonable price especially as this place is very much aimed at younger ones. My biggest grip with this place us that I have tried contacting them via email and phone and not once have we received a response. That is not a very welcoming act!!
The farm shop itself was not as we expected with very little in the way of farm products (meat veg etc) but again lots of toys for children. There were local beers there but again if promoting local then some of this has travelled many miles.
The cafe was clean and tidy with everything at hand that you would expect. Very friendly and helpful staff at hand and all food was cooked fresh.
The toilets were clean and tidy with hot water and soap and of a good size.
Considering we travelled up from Bristol especially to visit we did leave a little underwhelmed
Trevor Hawkins — Google review
Kids really enjoyed it here and we've booked up for the camping in a few weeks time. It might be a good idea to have a separate counter for people wanting drinks, as we had to wait around 30 minutes to get the kids some pop and some a few teas near the park area. Great place though I'm happy to recommend it.
John Ford — Google review
Such a great day out! It’s a cliche but it really is fun for all the family. The chick barn, lamb shed, bouncy dome and Easter trail with chocolate prizes were highlights. The staff were all really lovely, and the walkway is really nicely designed and quite unique (compared to other farm attractions I’ve visited).
Gemma Exley — Google review
4.6
(3039)
•
4.5
(1937)
Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL, 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.
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
4.2
(457)
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4.5
(1617)
Steam Museum, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY, United Kingdom
This family-friendly park has a large area for getting up close with 260+ animal species, including lions, rhinos, zebra and giant anteaters. The park is open on weekends only until Thursday 10 February 2022, but regular opening hours resume afterwards.
Lovely park! It's well laid out and presented, with lots of interesting animals to see. It's a good size too - Easy to walk around, though there is also a little train that you can hop on if you prefer (which was quite a popular option).
The restaurant serves quite basic food, but equally, it's all you need really to replenish - I noticed a lot of people brought their own picnic kits with them, which I'd definitely consider for next time!
Really enjoyable day out. 😊
Kendall Bull — Google review
Love this place and have visited for many years. Getting in was a palaver as it took longer to get from Burford roundabout than it did to get the there from Oxford! Some information via social media would have helped. We had no idea why the queue was so long and as we had already purchased tickets we waited. Once in the park you weren't aware of how busy it was unless you wanted food/ drinks /toilet. If you wanted the train you'd be better off later in the day as the queue was insane. Everything was pretty much as I remembered. I didn't quite understand why they had closed off one end of the walk through bird/wallaby /tapir enclosure? It made it a bit of a trek to walk back out again instead of simply adding pads to the exit. Especially as the entry ones had dried out. That was the only disappointing part of the place. Many animals weren't there and the ground around the wallabies was dry and simply mud. Overall its a great value day out. Take a picnic and be prepared to wait a while to actually access the park. It's a great place to visit if you have limited mobility as it pretty flat with good pathways.
Lisa Dunn — Google review
A great day out for the whole family. Very well laid out with plenty of facilities around the site. Beautiful landscape and a wide variety of natural enclosures containing a wide variety of fascinating animals. Saw the penguins being fed with a free talk about them which was great. Large play park for kids and a decent restaurant with a good selection of hot and cold foods. Well worth a visit.
Sumpop — Google review
Visited during the school holidays and was expecting the place to be completely packed with families everywhere when I saw the huge amounts of people going in...but this was not the case once inside. The park has lots of open spaces and ample benches for those in need of a rest, which is always welcome when running around after kids!
The train is a great way of seeing the site and a number of the larger animals, but be prepared to queue!
Food and drinks were reasonably priced and of a good standard (the sausage rolls were especially tasty!)
Overall, we spent the majority of the day there but didn't get round to seeing everything, probably as a result of the large play park which kept the kids occupied for ages.
Chris Green — Google review
Honestly an amazing zoo/park. So much for kids to do also. Probably one of the best zoo’s in the UK. The train is well worth catching a ride on as it takes you round the entire park. The kids park is absolutely brilliant however as always with these places the food is terrible. Nothing changes here its horrid. We have been 6/7 times now and just take our own lunch with us. I have no issue spending money on food but it needs to be good food. Such a shame they dont cater for people who like something other than frozen beige food…. But its normal at these types of places. Would be 5* if you could get a nice lunch
Jason “Randall” Randall — Google review
Amazing place I will keep coming back to over and over again. The only downside for me is the restaurant options - very low quality food served, both cold and hot, I would recommend taking a picnic with you, and just get an ice cream there, excellent choice of Kelly's ice cream!
Slightly cheaper tickets if you book at least a day before, ample parking, good facilities, excellent staff, animals looks very happy and well cared for.
Julia Byul — Google review
Really great place to visit - highly recommend for all ages. Large enough to comfortably walk around and see everything. Small train as well which is perfect for the kids! All the enclosures are very well maintained and all their residents are more than happy to pose for pictures! A real gem of a place.
Karen Ballantine — Google review
Such a nice zoo.
Booked online, was straight forward. The lady asked for the code to retrieve tickets. It’s quiet busy but the queue is going quickly. Massive car park!
The itself is very clean, plenty of greens and dog friendly! Some places inside do not allow dogs.
Perfect for families.
Rhinos, giraffes, you name it.. the animals were in good health so I assume that they are taking good care of them!
Beautiful getaway. Fascinating creatures!
Zaid Hassan — Google review
Fantastic place to visit for the day and set in a beautiful location. I've never been somewhere where you can get so close to the animals! This place feels so much more natural than a zoo and is clearly looked after. The price is well worth it and actually on the cheap side in my opinion, I wouldn't mind paying more for entry and I'm sure it would help out so much! The main restaurant was a fair wait at lunch but there was a huge selection of homemade food and the staff were brilliant. Special mention to the lads clearing the tables as they were working so hard but going out their way to help others at the same time 😊
Sion Bartlett — Google review
Never been to a Wildlife Park like this one. Especially with allowing people to bring their own dogs. Different. The way it's laid out is so easy going & not herded in one direction. The gardens are gorgeous & well looked after. Bring a picnic!
Quinte Mohawk — Google review
Really great day out and loads of different animals to see. Best thing is you can take your dog. We go to see all the animals with her except for the reptile house but if your in pairs you can go in one at a time . Plenty of parking available and facilities.
Ste — Google review
What a lovely park. Extremely clean and tidy. Big car park with disabled parking right next to entrance. Right from get go from the ticket office to gift shop were Extremely friendly and helpful. We were by giraffes and daughter had her assistance dog with her and I asked a lady who worked there if assistance dogs were allowed into giraffes and she said sorry I don't know I'm just a gardener. I told her that's a great job and was doing a great job helping to keep the garden's immaculate and offered to check. All the gardens were great. There are still lots of flowers to see blooming. There is a massive play area for kids with a huge tree house and a smaller one for younger children. A big rope bridge . A big pyramid climbing frame and lots more to do. The cafe area was nice and clean and lots to choose from. Chicken chips and beans were great. Good portion and jacket potatoes were tasty. Lots of seating with a big glass enclosure with animals in there . Gift shop were stocked well also. It will be great to take the grandchildren there next summer in better weather.
patrick bartlam — Google review
Always a wonderful experience. All the animals are happy, well fed and cared for. The grounds are kept in immaculate condition. Just a great day out. We love it!
Jessica Ganderton — Google review
Truly wonderful place to visit and the best part you don't have to leave your pet dog home alone or tied up in a kennel as they are welcome here. The animals all look well looked after and many are in open enclosures not cooped up in tiny cages. Plenty of places to just stop and sit and let the world pass by while you soak in your surroundings. Easy toilet access as well as places to get refreshments if you choose. Plenty of picnic areas as well and ample parking.
Bee S — Google review
This was our first visit, and it was so lovely. We will definitely return. I love that everything is more or less outside. We took a picnic (strongly advise) as you can go back to your car as much as you like so you don't have to carry it around with you. There are plenty of grassy areas for you to have a picnic and also benches.
We visited Easter Saturday, and it was busy, but not uncomfortable. The children's park area was probably the busiest area we saw/briefly played in.
We would have liked to have a ride on the little train but the wait time was just too long for us (30 minute wait with 3 young children probably not the best 😅) so maybe next time that should be first on our list!
All in all the animals were great, got to touch/stroke a snake too. 🐍 And it was a wonderful day.
Char W — Google review
We went mid week during the school hols and it was packed, this is not a problem though as the park is huge.
I'd recommend taking a picnic as food queues are long during peak times.
Its a beautiful day out, the flowers and plants around the park are stunning.
The animals appear really well looked after and the little farm park area where children can touch the goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducklings, etc is really cute.
There is a little train with stations around the park that you can hop on and off of, it toots and the kids absolutely love it.
If you want to wear your kids out, this is the place to go.
Kim Large — Google review
It’s a great wild life park.
We visited on May Spring public Holiday- nice sunny day. It’s strongly recommended to book tickets in advance as the online tickets are £2 cheaper. The place has ample car parking place- shouldn’t be a concern.
It’s home for variety of animal friends all across the world.
There is a recreational train that circulates the park is a fun ride.
Lot of food options available. Would recommend to carry a Mat, as it’s a good picnic destination as well.
SaiKaT Saha — Google review
A fantastic day out, lots to see and the grounds and gardens are absolutely beautiful. The whole place is immaculately clean. Lots of picnic areas and benches to sit at to just sit back, look and enjoy.
A wide variety of animals to see...
A must is a visit to see the penguins at feeding time...most entertaining...and seeing the rhino's in front of the stately home was amazing...would definitely recommend. We spent around 4 hrs or so here and would definitely say is a full day out if you don't want to rush and sit and have a picnic
Gaenor Clarke — Google review
Very Beautiful and picturesque location for this lovely Wildlife Park. Lots of different animals, insects, reptiles and birds to see and a couple of enclosures where you can get up close to some also. Large picnic areas and cafe, plus snack kiosks situated around too. A small train also takes you across some of the park. The gardens are exotic and also feature lots of different flowers and plants. Not a big range of larger type animals but an admission price for under £20 for adults is a real bargain for what you do get to see.
Paul Wiley — Google review
Great day out, we really enjoyed it. Lots of animals to see, beautiful grounds. Areas to have a picnic. Ample parking too! We were excited to see the giraffes and rhinos. I was also looking forward to seeing the red pandas but unfortunately they were hiding in the trees when we visited.
Zaibs — Google review
What a wonderful place. The grounds and gardens are beautifully laid out and superbly stocked with plants of all sorts. The the animals are well cared for and have plenty of space. We were delighted to see baby rhinos. There's interesting information about each one. You can walk round or take the little train
The cafe and shop are well stocked and extremely clean and all the staff are hands on and extremely friendly and helpful. The cafe food was fresh and varied.
There are picnic places all round and we were able to take the dog. Incidentally the ice-cream kiosks around the grounds sell doggie ice cream. However I'll be going again without him so we can spend longer. Understandably there are areas dogs can't go so we had to alternate who went in. To sum up its an hour and a half journey from our home to this beautiful destination but so worth the trip. It was our first visit but we'll be frequent visitors from now on. Can't wait to return.
Ros Shepherd — Google review
Came here on an educational trip and BY far the best out of the zoos we visited that term. Enclosures are well thought out and animal welfare is definitely at the forefront of this zoo. Also DOG FRIENDLY. Which is a huge bonus!!
Lauren Coakley — Google review
Was pleasantly surprised by the size of this place. Ample parking, didn’t feel too crowded even during summer holidays, regular toilet stops, great selection of animals (better than London Zoo in my humble opinion), large enclosures for animals, lots of shade and picnic areas to eat, fun train for kids, play area and obstacle course for kids.
Overall an enjoyable place to spend a day for adults and children.
Only downside is the toilets were not in form. One baby chasing had no lock and smelt really bad (in the restaurant).
Restaurant food was tasty but portion size on the small side.
Artful Traveller — Google review
We absolutely love visiting here, especially with it being super dog friendly! My boys fed the giraffes on our last visit which was such an amazing experience! The lady in charge was fab with them both, full of knowledge and answered all their questions. The food is nice but very pricey. Lovely gift shop too.
Amy Henshall — Google review
There are so many things to like about this venue, even before talking about the animals. The venue sells out quickly due to restricted numbers as a result of grass car parking issues for the overflow, which gives the feeling that the Park is busy but you have ample room to move around without being on top of other visitors. I have never been to a Wildlife Park where you can get so close to the animals (see photos); this is very interesting for both adults & children alike. The Park is neither too big nor too small, nothing is really far from anything else & you don't get tired walking around. There is a good outdoor play area for the children & a good restaurant/cafe should you not have brought a picnic. Remember to take a ride on the train (extra £) to complete the day out. Although there are maps of the Park located at various point around the site, my one criticism is that there is a total lack of signposts anywhere to point you in the directions of the animals you want to see.
Nigel Hobday — Google review
Great place to visit for family and friends with kids. Conveniently located, however, unfortunately not accessible by public transport. Huge collection of animals with options to see some of them from very close proximity. It has a very nice collection of reptiles as well. There are a huge number of bird species as well. The details of all the animals/ reptiles/birds are given to have more information about them. They have a nice variety of restaurants for takeaway and dine in as well. I think there was a pub as well but unfortunately I was not able to visit it as I had to drive. Overall, it was a very nice place to have a day out.
Abhijeet Roy — Google review
It's one of the better wildlife parks/zoos we've been to. It's a great layout and easy to navigate around.
Great for the whole family!
The restaurant has a good selection of food and all tastes good.
Happily, go there again and again.
Lyndsay Bird — Google review
Amazing day out, its really rather incredible how close to the animals you can get. The staff were so kind and friendly really lovely atmosphere. Very clean and tidy park toilets clean. Ice-cream 10/10. Plenty to do here
natasha kilsby — Google review
Loved this park and gardens. Really good selection of animals and nice play area for kids. Wasn’t too big and was very clean and tidy.
Rachel Landsbury — Google review
Wonderful place! Took our toddler & was a perfect day out, so many animals to see and the farm park was great too. Lovely restaurant if overpriced but nice spacious environment with a small animal enclosure in the corner! Toilets were clean and great baby changing areas. Will definitely visit again!!
Sophie Cottam — Google review
Well, worth a visit, it's not huge so it can be negotiated easily on foot, and you get really close to the animals. The miniature train that runs around the site is a nice touch. There are plenty of toilets and refreshment areas
The impressive Warwick Castle is a showpiece of family fun, with attractions ranging from waxworks to jousting tournaments. Fine accommodation options are available on-site and the castle is easy to reach by public transport.
Amazing place to visit! All my family loved it! Beautiful walks and beautiful view!
Inside it's a lot of history to learn and enjoy, great for children! We had a great day! Enjoyed the ice skating as well and some delicious mulled wine outside in the Christmas Market!
I would definitely recommend for anyone to go! It is worth every moment!
Andreea Neculcia — Google review
We had a really good day at the castle the number of events were well thought out and their staging timed to allow you to walk to the next event by the shortest distance before the next event starts. All events were repeated at least twice a day. Great finale to the raptor event. Lots of places to sit and eat with spectacular views of the castle and countryside. An educational and fun day out in a well preserved piece of English heritage and history really worth a visit.
Robert harris — Google review
I love this place, have visited so many times. I did queue for my ticket as I wanted to use my English Heritage card ( gets you 25% off). There is so much to see and so, one day is just not long enough. The jousting is just amazing and great crowd interaction, trebuchet is impressive again a great show and the falconers quest. The birds of prey are stunning. All involved in the shows are great, really engage with the crowds.
So much to see inside the castle too, and a lot of ground to cover outside. Did not manage to do or see everything today. Will need a return visit soon. Fantastic experience every time I visit and never disappointed. Lots of gift shops, various toilets dotted around. Food vendors in various places, did not have food from any. I usually take a picnic.
Parking is easy to get to, a small trek to the castle. Pay for parking when you get to castle entrance which currently is £6 for the day.
Highly recommended a day out here.
maria coleman — Google review
This visit exceeded our expectations. The tour of the living quarters in the palace is very interesting with plenty of history and artefacts. The grounds are very well kept and plenty of refreshments available. The falconry display was exceptional and we had an interesting time talking to an archer. We missed the jousting event unfortunately as we were too busy looking around the castle
Paul Savage — Google review
A brilliant day out. Such a beautiful castle, but also made all the more fun for the kids by all big cast of actors in costume, who were hugely enthusiastic. Loved it - particularly the Wars of the Roses show in the showground!
Jonathan Mayes — Google review
Great place to visit if a little dear, birds of prey demonstration was excellent . Lots to see but think the dungeon should be in with the admission price not an extra, can easily spend the whole day there.
Steven Preece — Google review
I greatly enjoyed my trip to Warwick Castle, however I felt as though events and places to visit weren’t greatly advertised. Whilst the staff and Halloween actors were all lovely, I felt as though the event was more directed towards children and I felt like there was little to nothing for me to do there. The scenery was beautiful and I enjoyed my trip to the dungeons- just unfortunately I felt like it wasn’t suitable for younger adults.
C — Google review
Outstanding place ! So so much to do , birds of prey shows, peacocks , actually Castle, zogs playground, maze and a million more things. English heritage members get 50 % off on the gate or book online . Parking is 6.00 . As always take your own food . Excellent excellent day out
Candice Jones — Google review
Really liked it. Plenty of space inside and outside. There is definitely something to see. I highly recommend a visit. There are several places on the area of the castle where you can eat.
Gintare R. — Google review
Very cool castle with plenty for everyone. The activities set up around the site are perfect for children and adults. Great food carts, fascinating history. Recommended day out for sure!
Kyle MacDonald — Google review
A great day out for everyone everywhere is cleaned regularly and the toilets are good as well. Most things have to be paid for when inside like the archery, photos and the dungeon but there is a lot to see, the gardens and conservatory area is Good for a rest out of the sun . plenty of seating around the grounds there certainly is plenty to do for a full day out .
Beano — Google review
Excellent day out with kids. Well persevered and maintained castle. Lovely interior and lots of activities for children. Lovely grounds. I recommend of buying tickets online prior to coming. On the spot tickets are pricier
Um Ash — Google review
Always something new to discover!
We’ve been to Warwick Castle many times, decided on a weekday visit to catch the War of the Roses show and wasn’t disappointed.
The WotR has been updated once again this year, the background story is more in-depth and captures the attention of young and old.
The horsemanship is something to behold with additional surprises at the end of the show.
The Falconer’s Quest was superb as is always the case, the one notable difference is the improved audience engagement, the cast put a huge effort into bringing the birds right into the audience area with flying in close proximity to all.
The castle and attractions are in-depth and enough to keep you engaged all day long.
Beware though, if wanting to walk the top of the walls and the towers where the views are breathtaking, there are many difficult steps to negotiate.
The route is challenging for most.
Parking is something of a pain, the walk from the main field parking can be challenging with a large portion of the twenty minutes being uphill.
Easier parking can be found in the town centre for a similar price.
The food and drink offering are poor value as is the case at all Merlin sites, a regular coffee will set you back £4.30 minimum with very limited options.
Overall, a great day out and well recommended.
Darren M — Google review
Not my first visit here. It's a good day out. The castle and staff are great. The reason this doesn't get 5 stars is the cost of extras throughout the experience. Per person Dungeon £6 (over 10s only), Archery £6. Sword handling £6... if a family of 4 all have a go at each the cost of the day goes through the roof. All this on top of ticket cost and £10 for parking for the day. The best bit is probably the jousting show... at least that is free. Please also note there are a lot of step involved in experiencing the walls and towers, so if you have a mobility restriction you won't get the most out of the day.
Will BB — Google review
Fantastic but too expensive.
The castle is beautiful and very well preserved. There’s lots of things to do and the Falconer Quest spectacle is simply awesome.
However, paying £140 for 4 people is just excessive.
If at least they had the second day free option, it would be worth it because they only open 6 hours a day and visiting with kids, 6 hours is not enough.
Moisés Ruiz — Google review
brilliant had a nice walk around in the day and seen the shows The Falcons the best we have ever seen made our weekend. Also the Halloween event was very good 👍
Matt Huthwaite — Google review
Beautiful experience, I will admit it’s overpriced at £40pp (excluding the dungeons - an additional £10pp) but nevertheless an excellent experience. We went during the Halloween event and it was beautiful and a fun time.
SPARKELS7797 — Google review
This was amazing experience, lots of live scenes and they have seasonal events as well. It was a bit expensive almost 40 pounds for entry, but if you have english heritage membership, it costs 19.50 which I think was great value for money! Lots of climbing in the castle as well so be prepared to get sweating!
Erika P — Google review
Not cheap but you get what you pay for and it's quite good. We spent a little extra and visited the dungeons which was one of the best dungeon experiences we've had, very entertaining and making the audience part of the show. I recommend a visit here most definitely but don't expect it to be cheap.
Toby Richards — Google review
Our family stayed in the Tower Suite for a fun break, and can recommend it unreservedly. The Rose Suite is beautiful, and well appointed with a big comfy bed, a range of coffees and teas, a big TV built in to the end of the bed (it rises like magic from its cabinet), and an excellent walk-in shower room. The views from the top of the tower were amazing.
The concierge team - Emily, Jordan, and Ellie - were very attentive to our needs while maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Their dedication to our comfort and satisfaction only added to an already impressive experience.
With our stay we also had a private tour of the castle, and Imogen from the history team did not disappoint. She took us on an entertaining and informative walk around the grounds, and was extremely patient in dealing with the many questions and interjections from our children.
Even without an overnight stay, there is plenty to do at Warwick Castle, with a very impressive bird of prey show, and another show that climaxes with the firing of an enormous trebuchet. In addition there was a history-themed maze, and a playground for smaller children among other attractions.
Our kids have a number of food allergies, and the staff were exceptionally helpful when it came to meal planning for them. Chef Max went out of his way to make sure everything was safe and we could enjoy ourselves without worrying about the menus, and just enjoy the delicious food.
Carl A — Google review
Worth the money. Make sure you walk up to the keep. The spiral staircase is a bit tiring, but the views at the end are spectacular. This also seems like a family-friendly castle, if such a thing.
Michael Dobbins — Google review
An incredible castle with beautiful scenery around. It might be smaller than many castles but you will be surprised by the fact that there is so much to do. It's an excellent day trip. Good to visit both on weekdays and weekends.
Do not let the steep steps to the tower discourage you.Brave yourself to the top and you will be rewarded with amazing views.
For more fun ,pack a picnic along and enjoy it there. There is an eatery there but prices are a lil bit on the higher side. A picnic saves you the spend plus gives a romantic feel to your outing.
Su R c — Google review
Brilliant place to visit with or without kids. The staff are all friendly and the characters all play their roles excellently. The place is big and has plenty to see and do. From walking around the castle towers and gardens to watching the shows and meeting the characters. The bird show was amazing.
Kenneth Smyth — Google review
Came here as part of a coach trip and I was amazed with the history this castle contains!
There is plenty to do for everyone here, regardless of age.
shows, tours, shops, and plenty of information for those with an interest in history.
My only complaint was that I never had enough time to take everything in or enjoy any shows as I was limited for time.
To fully explore and see everything this castle has to offer would take a full day.
William McCreadie — Google review
Great experience for the entire family. All shows were fun and exciting! Spent an entire day there and still need to come back as so many things were left unexplored.
Stryker — Google review
The shows were great 👍 much better than l expected especially the wars of the roses. Half day is not enough for visiting all the spots, recommend whole day trip.
Hsun-Yen Wu — Google review
Went here for a day out with my gf. Was a wonderful day and we had plenty of things to see. Be sure to check out the scare dungeon. It is NOT the original castle dungeon, but it is worth the show, and there is an original castle dungeon under one of the towers. Do not hesitate to get up on the castle walls, sore legs are worth the magnificent views. To get up on the wall you need to take the stairs on the right as soon as you enter the castle gate. Tower stairs can be annoying, the steps are short and high, but again, it is worth the experience.
Book in advance to avoid it being sold out, but keep in mind that the tickets are non refundable. There is, however, a rainy day guarantee.
Most of the other attractions outside of the castle gates, such as mazes, are not really worth your time unless you have kids. There are many food stands with delicious food though.
Vova B — Google review
Good tour of this castle. Lots to see and explore. It was expensive, but that’s how they keep the castle and surroundings maintained. Well worth it for the experience. The birds of prey show was excellent.
Paul Stockwell — Google review
Despite being the first day of it's reopening all was good. Great knowledge of the guide George. Great Owl and Hawk display. Nicely presented rooms on display.
Treccie Online — Google review
A great day to spend then this is one of them.
Smaller than Windsor. But was very interesting and multiple options to do.
The entire day was spent and was impressive for the money spent.
Strong recommendation to visit
Janardhan Swahar — Google review
Great, very well kept castle and grounds, the exhibits are very good and the figures are very life-like.
There are a couple of cafes and a falconry display. There are lots of very grand rooms to look around, also the walls, towers and gardens to explore. Plenty of steps to keep you fit.
It is easy to spend four hours or more here.
More friendly and relaxed than Windsor Castle.
dave fenna — Google review
It's really good. The interiors are amazing and the characters look like real life. Kids will enjoy it as they will get their own playground which has swings. Other than castle visit, there is Maze which is another fun activity for kids. The river side arena view is also great. Would recommend at least 1 visit.
Himani Duggal — Google review
This was a last minute stop while we were close by and so glad we did visit. We absolutely loved it. The bird show was fantastic. The castle was lovely inside and out. Maze and play area for the children. Great day out.
Hannah — Google review
This is a great castle. I went here while visiting the UK and was satisfied with my experience. This castle was ordered to be built by William the Conqueror, but the castle here today was constructed later. This castle has a small dungeon, large staterooms you can walk through, a tower you can climb up, a shirt movie explaining the history of the castle, ramparts you can walk on, and a garden. I gave this castle five stars because it’s a beautiful historic place. This is definitely one of the best things I did in England.
Qwerty — Google review
My daughter purchased tickets in advance and got a good deal. Although it rained on the day, we have a 60day rainy day guarantee.
Good day out with the grandchildren, watched the falconry display and catapult.
Only disappointment was cafes shut early and attraction open until 6pm needed warm drink with the weather.
Climbed the castle but be advised if not fittest don't attempt. Spectacular views from the top!
Lynn — Google review
Our first visit to Warwick Castle was an absolute delight. We were thoroughly impressed by the sheer amount of activities available for the entire family. From the historical exhibitions to the interactive experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The castle is set against incredibly scenic surroundings, making every moment picture-perfect. It's a fantastic destination that combines education with entertainment, ensuring a memorable day out for visitors of all ages.
We can't recommend it enough for anyone looking to immerse themselves in history and have fun in the process.
David Chan — Google review
What a day, we really enjoyed it with two small kids, the playground was lots of fun, the horrible histories maze allowed us to explore and the shows we really good, definitely would come back again.
thomas badhams — Google review
This was such an incredible experience! The only downside to the Castle is the pricey food inside (so make sure you bring a few snacks if you don't want to spend much). But the whole place is totally worth the price of admission! There is so much to see and the history and legacy of the Castle is so well preserved. There is something for everybody there! The live events such as the Legend of the Trebuchet and the Falconer's Quest were also amazing and totally worth seeing!
Gabriela Luz — Google review
Amazing experience visiting the ancient Castle. All the areas were so beautiful and well kept. Fortunately the weather was very beautiful this day. The peacock’s garden was stunning and the birds were everywhere. A wonderful fun filled day for all the family. The dungeon was also great and we had a tour guide who explained everything to us! Definitely worth a visit.
Crocodiles of the World is a unique zoo located in Witney, Oxfordshire that houses over 15 species of crocodiles from around the world. It is the UK's only dedicated crocodile center and offers visitors numerous opportunities for hands-on encounters with these snapping reptiles. The zoo also boasts a cafe and shop. In addition to crocodiles, other animals can be found at the center as well.
Amazing place. Great value and we were able to see every crocodile and other creatures in all the tanks/pens etc. Many of them were lively and the lay out makes viewing easy. The teenage grandchildren loved it as did my daughter and I. Well laid out, clean and easy to get round. Definitely one of our favourite wildlife parks and certainly the best value. Watching the crocodiles being fed was a great experience for us all. Highly recommended.
Lindy Coombs — Google review
Always an absolute blast coming to this place. Love everything about it and love going back each time. Well worth the journey. Highly recommend buying your tickets online before you go.
Shaun Yandell — Google review
Such a great day out, so many incredible reptiles, and also it was so nice and warm inside which was great because I hate being cold! I absolutely loved the slender-snouted crocodile and the Yacare caiman, but really it's hard to pick a favourite from everything I saw. Can't wait to come again soon.
Emma Wright — Google review
We took the kids here on a rainy day. It's not the biggest place but you still need a few hours to really take it all in.
The kids enjoyed it and got a bit of an education to boot.
Not a bad day out to be fair.
junkybabes — Google review
Overall a great place with great amount of information on each species and lovely feeding sessions where we could learn a lot about the crocodiles and fisher cat! The entry was quite rammed so it was a bit difficult to see each enclosures in the beginning but as the day went on there were more chances to go back and see each sites.
The cafe had good amount of drinks and food options but having more staff could potentially help with long que. The site is a bit difficult to navigate if you are coming with a bus so having more signs or shuttles from stations could help more. Having more social media could also help to showcase the conservation efforts and to also educate the audience as well. It was a great experience and would be happy to come again in the future.
Dessi Veltcheva — Google review
I adore crocodiles, so this was heaven. A very, very humid, warm heaven, though, so bring lots of water! They have a collection of other reptiles and mammals in the outdoor enclosures, so there are opportunities to cool off. Helpful, welcoming staff and good amenities. I would go again any day.
Sarah McLaren — Google review
It's OK. To be fair crocodiles snakes reptiles don't really do a lot other than eye you up like they would like to eat you. The meercats on the other hand don't stop running fighting playing etc. Place is well presented, nice n clean ,staff really friendly. Worth a visit.
Ashley Croft — Google review
Such a lovely place. Small, so probably only need half a day to see everything. Loads of crocodiles from tiny to huge. Very interactive meerkat enclosure. And other animals too. Nice play and picnic area. Really friendly staff and family atmosphere.
Would definitely recommend
Nicola Miller — Google review
Really great place for families. A wide array of crocodiles and alligators along with diverse species including snakes, komodo dragons, monitor lizards, meerkats and more. The live feeding is fun for the kids!
Nick Brooks — Google review
Really a nice family place to visit. I visited crocodile world 11 times and always enjoy my visit. The crocodiles are very interesting and they are very big.They even have giant tortoises A big cat. Snakes meerkats and more.They have a small playground for the kids. A very small restaurant takeaway Cafe and a souvenir shop were you can buy crocodile Memorabilia.The staff are very nice and they are Autistic friendly as I have Autism. So if you need Assistance just ask one of the staff. You can bring your own picnic & drink if you like. Crocodile world has a amazing location. The only thing I would change four crocodile world is that the owners get a bigger restaurant and a bigger dining area for people to eat there food. Otherwise very very nice place. from Ben
It is hereby satisfied that the following (Crocodiles of the World) is Autistic friendly and has been approved and checked by Ben ✅ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Ben Ephraim Bellows — Google review
Really enjoyed the experience of seeing the crocks sooo close up, most rare to be able to do this. I look forward to taking my grandsons. The guides were very enthusiastic and I loved the information revealed. There were more animals than crocks & alligators which was a nice surprise. Easy to park there right on site.
Gateway Veterans — Google review
Still one the greatest places if you like your reptiles and crocodilians. Gets better every time I go. Keepers are terrific and show their enthusiasm. If you get the chance to book an animal experience, do it. I did the Komodo Dragon experience and it was terrific 👍
James Armstrong — Google review
We drove 3 1/2 hours to visit this place and weren't disappointed. Such a privilege to see these beautiful creatures up close. Feeding time is a must ! A special mention for the Keeper who was so knowledgeable and friendly. You could tell how much she cared.
Miriam Moore — Google review
Lovely little trip, won't take you more then a few hours, and I recommend bringing a pack up plenty of picknick areas. Lovey play park. They feed the crocks at certain times but make sure you arrive early to get a good spot and don't wear anything to heavy as its very warm indoors.
Toni up Tonihj 80 0 Eaton — Google review
Went on a weekday during term holiday with my son. He is 3 yrs and enjoyed watching crocodiles. Parking is free and was not packed. They got 2 disabled spaces. There are cafes and gift shop inside. Baby changing facility available on disabled toilet. Overall good place to hangout for 4 hours. There is a play are for kids and picnic areas as well. Worth a visit if you love crocs:-)
Ashraf Ali Khan — Google review
It's not very big but well maintained, the staff clearly know a lot about and care about the welfare of the animals. The zoo contributes to the worldwide conservation of these animals and has achieved some first time breeding successes. We did the tortoise experience on a Monday, just the two of us (adults) and enjoyed it. The keeper was knowledgeable and friendly and we got to scratch and feed the amazingly cool and weird Galapagos island tortoises. The keeper could answer all my questions (I often have a lot 😆) and it was very cool to have an up close and personal interaction. The crocodile enclosure was very good, lots of opportunities to safely see these big reptiles up close
TheGood DogLife — Google review
Great place to visit with kids. Lots of variety and interesting species.
We did the Komodo experience which was fantastic for our 8yr old (and dad!).
Note there are two Cafes (one over by the meerkat enclosure - had wed realised we'd have gone to the 2nd one as the cafe by the kids play area was very busy for obvious reasons
Reasonable prices and good food.
We'll be back.
The kids all had a blast (6, 8 and 12yrs).
Paul Collier — Google review
Absolutely brilliant. Visited with friends and their two young boys. We all had a great time, particularly enjoyed the feeding of the Nile crocodiles. Enjoyed it so much we went back again less than a year after our first visit. Nice cakes in the cafe, decent gift shop, plenty of parking.
Gavin Owen — Google review
Had a brilliant second visit here! The staff are very friendly and the animal's seem very well cared for in their habitats.
The entrances and buildings seem pretty accessible for wheelchairs, having an alternative entrance to be able to get to the top part of the crocodile area for a good view of the feeding, although I can't speak to whether the ramps are too steep or not. One idea we would raise is to change the seating arrangement for the crocodile feeding. We went with a disabled friend who needed to sit down, however the only bench was taken up by families and was facing away from the feeding. They made space when asked, but the area would definitely benefit from another bench or two as there were also elderly folk standing and no one should have to miss out on the talk because they are less able to stand or contort themselves on the bench.
Robot Socks — Google review
Really enjoyabke day out. Loved seeing so many different species in one place.
Well worth seeing the Nile crocodile feed - seeing them jump up for food was great. Enjoyed the other talks we attended too. Learnt about tomistomas whilst here which I had never heard of before so that was great.
I actually visited for the binturong experience and absolutely loved meeting Winnie and Willow. The keepers who ran it were really lovely (Callum and Elliot perhaps???) and really knowledgeable.
To be fair all the staff I spoke with were great, happy to chat and seemed genuinely into working with these animals.
The loaded chips from the cafe were also really good, excellent spread of cheese throughout the portion!
Essay access to get around, generally level. There is a step slope to the upper viewing area of the Nile and siamese crocs but I believe there is gentle access to the side of the building instead.
Great day, definitely want to come back! Thanks!
Siobhan Rourke — Google review
4.6
(4005)
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4.5
(1338)
Burford Rd, Brize Norton, Carterton OX18 3NX, United Kingdom
Jephson Gardens is a charming Victorian garden that boasts exotic tropical plants, sculptures and a serene lake. The park features a river that runs through it and is teeming with diverse wildlife including swans, ducks and geese. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful surroundings of the sensory garden, kids play area and boat hire during spring/summer.
Beautiful park. We arrived on a beautiful spring day as a recommendation from a shop keeper locally. The park has a river running through it and lots of wildlife from swans and ducks and geese. Its tranquil and I enjoyed the walk with my wife here very much.
The glass house holds a fabulous botanical garden and is well worth a visit.
The coffee shop has a wonderful selection of drinks and cakes as well as savoury items and in my opinion quite I expensive.
If your in the area I recommend a bit of time to sit...enjoy... and rax
Dave Page — Google review
My visit to Jephson Gardens in Royal Leamington Spa was nothing short of enchanting. Nestled in the heart of the town, this hidden gem boasts lush gardens, serene lakes, and a rich historical backdrop. As I strolled through the meticulously manicured pathways, I couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant array of flowers and foliage. The tranquil ambiance provided the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The centerpiece of the gardens, the lake, added an extra layer of tranquility, reflecting the surrounding beauty like a mirror. Whether I was leisurely walking around its perimeter or simply sitting on a bench, watching the ducks glide across the water, it was a truly serene experience.
Moreover, the gardens' rich history added depth to my visit. Learning about its origins and evolution over the years added an extra layer of appreciation for this beautiful oasis.
Overall, Jephson Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone in Royal Leamington Spa or passing through. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this place has something to offer for everyone. Highly recommended!
Guru — Google review
What a lovely place to visit with the family in the center of Leamington Spa. The location is so convenient, just 10 minutes walking distance from the train station. The park had a n exciting variability of plants, flowers and trees. There is also a nice glass-cafe place. Kids loved the outdoors play area. There is also the option for punting across the river that crosses the park. Highly recommend for families.
Ilias Kounatidis — Google review
Beautiful here!😍
Absolutely worth a trip to Leamington to walk round or spend some time in the gardens. It is a lovely place for a day out and equally is great to come to just to relax during the day.
Stunning gardens and very tranquil place.
Francesca — Google review
What a wonder kept gardens, nice to walk with history, lake and planted gardens.
Also a inside tropical garden, with fish pool.
The iron bridge and I'm sure much, much more
Would recommend a visit.
Peter Durkin — Google review
Clean and very tidy gardens.
Lots of places to sit and watch the world go by.
Nice to not see litter everywhere plenty of bins a very nice place to be.
Teresa Davies — Google review
Lovely park for a walk regardless of the season. Large numbers of geese, other birds, and squirrels. The bridge at the end furthest from the parade has a lovely view as well.
Update: In spring the flowers are just stunning!!
Helen Chambers — Google review
Great place for a stroll, rain or shine, the park is very clean with a very busy cafe, beautiful gardens, sensory garden, kids play area and boat hire during the spring/summer..
J W — Google review
This was a "passing through" coach stop for us, but definitely a place to revisit. The gardens are lovely, and we had time to go through the small but brilliant glasshouse/biodome. We also had time to get a drink at the Aviary Tea Room, which was also good.
David — Google review
I went to this park during one of the most beautiful sunny days in Leamington Spa. The garden was well maintained, very clean. It has a lake and fountains. Wonderful place to relax. It has a nice restaurant. One can see a lot of pigeons and ducks. It was crowded in the afternoon. A must park to visit in Leamington Spa.
Sunny Ghosh — Google review
Lovely park, great for walks and a picnic. Also there's a nice cafe in a nice Victorian building and a place to rent a kayak. Colorful events take place occasionally on weekends.
Karol Mileszko — Google review
These were beautiful gardens to visit, with majestic vintage gates at the entrance! The trees, hedges and land itself are so nice even in Winter with the different colours of leaves drawing attention. Other attractions include the pond with a fountain; there is a standalone fountain elsewhere and the buildings make a suitable addition!
K. Peake — Google review
Jephson Gardens is a wonderful park with lots to see and do. The sensory garden provides fun interactivity all year round and the wide variety of flora at the park gives you something interesting to discover at every turn. The ponds are lovely even in winter, I do feel a little sorry for the ducks though!!
Shreya Virdee — Google review
Such a nice garden. Fountain, lake, sculpture, plants, trees, cafe, riverside, playground and many more things around to make this garden very special. I really like to walk around lake or riverside or enjoy view from the bridge. It was such nice autumn and cherry on top sunset time 😍
win task — Google review
Beautiful green space in the middle of town. Lots of benches and picnic areas near the River Leam and by the Clock Tower. The Aviary cafe located centrally.
Iga Wos — Google review
Jephson Gardens is a great place to visit with kids! The playground is large and well-maintained, with a variety of equipment for all ages. There is also a boating service on the lake, which is a fun way to see the gardens from a different perspective. My kids had a great time playing and exploring, and I would definitely recommend Jephson Gardens to other families.
Chippy Jose — Google review
At the centre of Leamington Spa. Across the street is the Royal Pump Rooms with museum, cafe and library. A beautiful park for leisure walks. You will find a short tunnel that goes through under the park at Newbold Terrace and leads to Mill Passage that crosses River Leam.
Gordon Choi — Google review
I had fantastic time with my family. Very nice and quite big as well, the boat experience was awesome. It was £18 for 30mins. The ice cream was very yummy as well 🙂. Make sure you park on the side of the road where there is no ticket machine. Same road,just the gate divided the free and paying parking. I wouldn’t mind paying but it’s only for 2 hours and no return for 2 hours or something. 2 hours isn’t enough to enjoy and relax. Make sure you take all the equipment for picnic. Kids will enjoy for sure. There is a kids play area as well.
classfriend — Google review
4.7
(5522)
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4.5
(1506)
Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV32 4AA, United Kingdom
Hook Norton Brewery, a proudly independent family-owned brewery established in 1849 and currently run by the fifth generation of the family, is located in the Cotswold Hills. Its Victorian buildings have been used for brewing beer for over 150 years. The brewery offers guided tours that need to be booked in advance, during which visitors can learn about its history and brewing process while enjoying free beer samples.
Roz was an amazing tour guide! Two hours of being shown around the Victorian Brewery. Super friendly staff, gorgeous food, lovely bit or history! Not to mention the gorgeous horses 😍 Had the best time for my dad's birthday, even as a none Ale drinker I thoroughly enjoyed the history and process of making their products. Amazing!
P.s. be careful with the stairs they're super tiny and steep. Also the cobbles can be very slippery. The tour guide does warn you though before hand!
Sammy W — Google review
Excellent visit to the brewery restaurant, shop and museum. The food menu had an amazing choice of traditional pub dishes amongst other more "exotic" dishes. I had the Draymans Lunch with the local pork pie which was both great quality and great value for money. Having a great range of locally brewed beer was the icing on the cake. I will definitely be making a return visit in the near future.
Stephen — Google review
Went for a meander and stumbled apon this lovely place. Had to try a fee different craft beers.. They were yummy and then had a lunch there. Such good food, lovely warm atmosphere and the staff was really friendly and helpful. Loved this place 5 stars.
Beth Sedgbeer-Williams — Google review
Really Great Brewery Tour. Amazing building..lovely to see the working horses . Chris our Tour Guide was A Legend ! Really informative.. lovely, friendly gentleman.
And the tasting session in the bar at the end was fab. Would highly recommend
A T — Google review
Highly recommended - excellent museum, restaurant and of course beers. Great for lunch - we could have happily chosen anything from the menu. The Goats cheese fritter was delicious and the nachos fantastic, with plenty of cheese, pulled pork and jalapeños. Will definitely return.
John Cresser-Brown — Google review
A very old one of kind brewery, the brews are out this world. I went the on the tour absolutely fantastic loads historical information. Everyone so friendly and helpful, a must stop and visit for anyone 🙂
Pete Seymour — Google review
If breweries are your thing then Hook Norton should be on you list. The brewery tour was informative and set at a good pace. Great to see some of the original technology working alongside the new. A real bonus to see the steam engine running. The visitor centre contains a museum of the brewery and the local community and if you're hungry it's well worth staying for something to eat.
Paul Savage — Google review
We had a great day out at the Brewery, everything excellent (except the Arctic wind for a short time outside!!!) The tour leader, Leon, was outstanding, amusing, informative and obviously passionate about good old Hookie Brewery history and all the associated traditions. The tasting at the end of the tour also very enjoyable. Thank you, Leon! Lunch in the restaurant was high quality, well cooked food at reasonable prices. Hook Norton is situated in a lovely part of the country, so all in all, excellent day out.
Caroline Timmis — Google review
Well stocked Museum, excellent selection of beers for sale. Also local Gins.
Sue Sheard — Google review
A group of us went for lunch at the brewery restaurant. The menu is a mix of pub classics, sandwiches, salads and similar. We had a couple of the pies which are excellent, a sandwich with all the trimmings and a quiche. The food is good and the value great. Nice location and you can do the brewery tour or museum at the same time.
Rog Edwards — Google review
I can't rate this place highly enough. Over the last 30 or so years, we've done many brewery and distillery tours and this is by far the best of them all. Our guide Chris, was great - very friendly, knowledgeable and interesting and gave us all time to appreciate what we were being shown. The entire brewery is basically a working museum and a look back to how things were 120+ years ago. The stars of the show though were definitely the gorgeous shire horses - Nelson, Brigadier and Balmoral, seeing them in their stables and out being trained to pull the dray was fantastic. To top it off, the tour finishes with a half hour tasting session where you can sample whatever you want and are also given a free souvenir glass, the Hooky and Haymaker ales were absolutely fantastic. If you're in the area and appreciate real ale or working / living history then this place is a must visit!
Dave Brown — Google review
Did the brewery tour over the bank holiday weekend and thoroughly enjoyed. Tour guide was very informative and really clear to see the effort that has been made to preserve the history and as much of the old machinery as possible, lots of which is still in use. The beer tasting at the end in a mock pub was also a nice touch.
We also stayed for lunch which was nice enough and bought from the shop which had a nice selection of various items from across the Cotswolds as well as the house beer selection.
Kieran Cronin — Google review
We loved this tour. Leon is funny and informative. Lots of interesting Victorian machinery in good working condition. All the beer you want to drink at the end of the tour, with free souvenir glasses. Lovely to see the shire horses. Great shop and restaurant on site.
trissy Rowley — Google review
A beautiful building with a rich history, that was fully explained by our very knowledgeable guide, on our brewery tour.
The onsite facilities are high quality, with a large brewery shop, and cafe.
A small museum above the gift shop offers a glimpse of the history of the brewery, together with a display of the historical items from the village of Hook Norton as well.
Matt Reid — Google review
Wonderful tour by our guide Monty, highly recommend. Beautiful building, detailed description and access to all areas, fascinating and ridiculously cheap for the quality.
Leyla Folwell — Google review
Went for a tour round the brewery and were rewarded with an excellent guide who was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Monty spent time showing us how this traditional brewery, with many original features, works. This was followed by a tasting session. Well worth the time and money spent. Thanks Monty!
Richard Tanswell-Davis — Google review
Booked a table here for a relatives birthday, the food was very good,hot , well presented , tasteful and at a reasonable price.
The service was good and very pleasant and professional staff.
Would definitely recommend.
The shop was well stocked with a varied choice of goods, and the staff are very pleasant .
The car park was full,although we didn't know at the time there is extra parking on the otherside of the premises.
Been today 18/11/23
Had the full English Breakfast and a pint of Hooky Cider must say it was very tasty.The staff were very pleasant and cheerful.
Definitely recommend the Breakfast.
Paul Mcleod — Google review
Had a great trip around the brewery yesterday and our guide Terry was very knowledgeable about everything. To see the old Victorian machinery was a delight, hope it remains in production for many years to come. A real gem of history still working today. Fabulous museum, gift shop and restaurant (although we didn't eat there).
Nigel Scott — Google review
4.8
(525)
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5.0
(3017)
Brewery Ln, Hook Norton, Banbury OX15 5NY, United Kingdom
Blenheim Palace is a 17th century, lavishly decorated stately home that is situated in the grounds of Capability Brown-designed gardens. The palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and today visitors can explore its many grand stately rooms or take a walk around its sprawling estate. Blenheim is also renowned for its impressive art collection, including paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn and Vermeer.
It feels like a different experience every time you go! Beautiful architecture, amazing gardens, beautiful lake side walks, hugely enjoyable park and maze (easy to get lost in - our 3 and 7 yr old love it) - plus there are lots of amazing events - the light show and jousting are great. I also did the triathlon there and it was absolutely epic (will certainly never forget it).
Trevor Glue — Google review
Is amazing place! Huge park with so many different kind of birds! Very picturesque views! Nice to see the tree from Harry Potter movie. Place has its unique spirit. Is a nice jumping out for a half day! Definitely recommend it!
Olga Smulyanskaya — Google review
Fab day out. Bought a privilege pass so that I can visit the Palace again over the next 12 months. Went to the Flower Show (parking included). Then to the Palace, followed by parks and gardens. Definitely worth a visit as the Palace is stunning, lots of history, lots of exhibits. But 10am to 5pm still wasn't enough time for me!
Sharan Kaur — Google review
I had a fantastic time at the Halloween trail. The decorations were absolutely amazing, creating a spooky and immersive atmosphere. The kids had a blast, and the street food was delicious. We'll definitely be coming back next year for another fun-filled experience!
Mococa Mococa — Google review
We booked for the light display, a cold November evening which made the show even more magical. Excellent value for money. Coincided with the Christmas Market so we were able look at the stalls at the end of the light display. Very well organised, helpful staff. Lots of toilets. Nice shop and cafe.
Caroline Blair — Google review
My visit to Blenheim Palace was an unforgettable experience that left me with a profound admiration for this historic landmark. The palace's grandeur and magnificence immediately captivated me, with its majestic architecture and expansive gardens designed by Capability Brown. The panoramic view of the English heritage it offered was truly breathtaking.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of my visit was the enchanting display of Christmas lights and decorations. The palace grounds were elegantly transformed into a winter wonderland, radiating a festive atmosphere that was both opulent and welcoming. This spectacle provided a fascinating glimpse into how the Churchills, particularly Sir Winston Churchill, who was born in the palace, might have celebrated the holiday season. The meticulous attention to detail in the decorations was truly remarkable, creating a magical ambiance that appealed to visitors of all ages.
Besides the holiday festivities, Blenheim Palace offers a myriad of attractions to enhance the overall experience. The butterfly house, maze, and orangery are meticulously curated to engage and captivate visitors. The butterfly house, in particular, is a delightful showcase of diverse and vibrant species, set in a lush tropical environment.
Adding to the quintessential British experience, indulging in afternoon tea at the palace allows for a moment of relaxation and indulgence, soaking in the surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Blenheim Palace transcends its historical significance to become a destination that seamlessly combines history, culture, and entertainment. The mesmerizing Christmas lights and decorations create a truly spectacular sight, while the palace's numerous attractions provide both enjoyment and education. With something to offer for everyone, a visit to Blenheim Palace is a must for those exploring the UK.
Daniel Neuhaus — Google review
Good place for a day trip. I especially recommend the parks. The palace itself is good but the parks are simply amazing. You can spend an entire day in the parks. Pack yourself a picnic basket and you're all set for the day! Not a lot of options in terms of food. The cafes don't have much to offer. So I think it's a good idea to bring your own food.
At present, an exhibition is on- 'Icons of British fashion'. They have put up mannequins in every room of the palace, and I don't think the combination works well. It did not appeal to me personally because I had gone to see the palace and I couldn't even see the tapestry properly because of this. I am hoping to go back after 30 June when the exhibition ends, and hopefully I will have a better experience then.
An annual pass is a great idea. Also, they offer a discount if you travel by public transport.
Madhurima Sen — Google review
Had a lovely day out, the weather could have been a bit kinder . The staff were very friendly and helpful. I recommend you do the buggy tour of the Gardens; Alan was very informative and jovial, it was a fun experience. The Palace was impressive and the guide you downloaded to your phone was very informative although some things were out of sync as they moved things around. The girls playing the harp and the harpsichord gave the tour an appropriate atmosphere. The Churchill exhibition was very interesting with some unique artifacts.
William Foster — Google review
A fantastic place to visit. The house is magnificent and the grounds are spectacular. The staff and volunteers are friendly and informative and there are also plenty of car parks. Would recommend anyone of all ages to visit.
We went on the self-guided tour which took us through the magnificent state rooms. The rooms are extremely opulent and full of large tapestries and paintings. There’s grand fireplaces and currently displays of contemporary art.
The entrance hall itself is a sight to behold.
joshua khoo — Google review
What a fabulous day out. Could of spent a couple of days looking around its huge. Very interesting. Gardens lovely the palace enormous. Well worth the money. Definitely return.
Michael Baker — Google review
Visiting Blenheim Palace was a great experience despite the rain. The palace itself is a masterpiece of ornate and historical architecture, with its grand interior and stunning gardens and lakes that surround it.
One of the highlights of my visit was the dining room, which took my breath away. The opulent decor and attention to detail created a truly enchanting atmosphere. It was a delight to enjoy a meal in such a magnificent setting. Parking at Blenheim Palace was convenient, as there were ample parking spaces available on site. This made it easy to access the palace and explore its grounds without any hassle.
I also had the chance to visit the gift shop, which offered a range of upmarket items at good prices. It was a pleasure to browse through the selection and find unique souvenirs to take home.
Overall, my experience at Blenheim Palace was truly memorable. From the breathtaking interior and lovely gardens to the convenience of parking and the delightful dining options, it was a visit that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend a visit to Blenheim Palace for anyone looking to immerse themselves in history, beauty, and a truly unforgettable experience.
The Hungry Foodie — Google review
What a beautiful palace and lawns. Exquisite scenery with great landscape. Quality of the build is out of this world. Amazing place to visit and spend time. Friendly and helpful staff. Very well maintained. The Gentleman who drove us on the buggy was great as he explained us the history so elegantly. He loved his job. 🙏
Ammar Niazi — Google review
Beautiful place to visit. The palace and special exhibits are interesting to explore. There is a lot to see! The grounds are gorgeous! You could easily spend an entire day just walking the grounds and looking at the gardens, fountains, and statues. Nice cafe options to eat lunch or grab a snack & drink. Fairly large gift shop with lots of goodies to take home. Wear comfortable shoes!
Alicia Adams — Google review
Beautiful place, stunning scenery and the Churchill exhibition was fantastic. The staff were knowledgeable to the questions I asked whilst walking around the Palace. Lots of lovely walks with a map so you don't get lost. Will definitely return at a different time of year to see the change in the scenery outside.
Ann Wildman — Google review
Incredible day at Blenheim Palace. The walk around the lake was beautiful. Staff were welcoming and the lads on the parking duty were doing a fantastic job trying to get the public to park responsibly and promptly. The train ride was great and even a nice walk back from the walled garden. The Adventure Playground was a huge hit with the children, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Exceptional pizza too! Lovely little gift shop, reasonably priced. Definitely worth the annual pass. Only downside was people touching-grabbing the butterflies this maybe needs to be monitored a bit more as lots were injured or dead which isn't nice to see.
Cherry Axford — Google review
As first-time visitors to Blenheim Palace, we found the Palace and grounds amazing. As we went on Easter Saturday the crowd was on the heavier side..
There were various activities for kids and parents other than the usual play area around the maze..
It has toy train and old aged electric vehicle for mobility support. Last train from palace is at 6pm and first train starts at 11am.
The palace has waterfall at the end of the property. It's mesmerizing and amazing to see such a beautiful view.
Vineet Tiwari — Google review
Loved it! The grounds are beautiful and kept in immaculate condition. Lots of history and different areas to visit in the ground. The waterfall and Harry Potter Tree are a must. Bring a picnic and e joy the endless lawn. Great day out for the family!
Gareth Symons — Google review
What a amazing place to visit. Loved it. Building and grounds absolutely wonderful. Tickets are a bit expensive £35 but you get a pass for a whole year. All staff super friendly and helpful. Lots of activities for kids. There was a food festival when we visited the place which was a big bonus for us. Delicious food. Highly recommended to visit.
Piotr Kwiecien — Google review
It’s a wonderful place. The gardens alone are worth the trip. The main water features (man made lakes) are spectacular and peaceful. We went round the maze. It’s great fun. If you cross second bridge you have taken the long way. The top tip is take bus for 1/3 off and book online. The pass adds to your apple wallet and lasts a year. There are lots of good opportunities, expensive and there
are cheaper in town. The privilege card gives a discount but you don’t get public transport or cycle discount.
James Naismith — Google review
Absolutely humungous and gorgeous Baroque palace grounds being a feast for nature or architecture lovers. Definitely recommend a visit when you’re around, but be careful that parking is only for people who have purchased tickets for the palace grounds, otherwise you’ll have to pay on the spot.
Walter Liu — Google review
Beautiful 17th century palace with lavish grounds and gardens around. Great for a weekend retreat into the rich British history. Expensive tickets but definitely worth it. Beautiful view of the river from the garden and I would highly recommend the butterfly garden. Nice cafeteria with lovely staff and a wide range of cakes, pastries and drinks.
Tejal Paliya — Google review
A lovely place to visit with the family. Extensive and beautifully kept gardens to wonder around. The house is wonderful and kept in amazing condition. Lots of explanations around and guides for you to ask any questions. The Churchill rooms are very interesting and informative too. If you buy one day entry it lasts for the year as well.
Kate Sinscou — Google review
Loved the Sleeping Beauty themed Christmas display. So well done. Very enjoyable. Don't be put off by it being a Disney theme. Men, women, and children will love it.
Alexandra Stride — Google review
My daughter and I visited on 16/12/23, sleeping beauty in the palace was very good. The light trail was excellent however, there are two rather steep hills that have to be climbed, for someone who has mobility issues they would be extremely challenging, I think this needs to be highlighted when making a booking. The Christmas market was a bit poor but at least you could get a hot drink and something to eat
John Gilmore — Google review
Great day out. The palace and the park are great, lots of history with knowledgable and friendly staff.
They had the icons of British fashion event on while we were there so there was extra to look at while going through the house.
The grounds were great, lovely to have a wander in the gardens and take the little train to the walled garden.
You get a free annual pass with your ticket and the events calendar seems to be full of interesting things throughout the year so I will be back again.
R B — Google review
Amazing Easter experience. The kids had the best day, jam-packed with fun. The kids playground was worth the extra cost. I would recommend bringing a change of clothes/costume for kids who may want to splash in the mini river.
Harriet Rees — Google review
Amazing Palace, endless history, stunning grounds. There's lots to do for all. Sir Winston Churchill did it for me. What a man, unfortunately we don't make them like this anymore. Become a member and enjoy the benefits. Were in fashion design, so I loved the show today. Will be back soon
mark bridger — Google review
Beautiful place to come with family! Possible to come around with the dog as well. Helpful staff to help with everything in the park. Palace is enormous bigger than Buckingham palace in London and taking breath away! Lovely view's, Harry Potter tree below the palace was a great surprise. Garden in a sharp condition; all the plants and lawn trimmed perfect as hell. Possible to use the toilets, shop to buy souvenir's, nice coffee shop with lovely cakes and hot drinks, warm inside, good to relax for a bit. Lift's for disabled around and accessible toilets if needed.
Inez Bodio — Google review
Had a great time at the Easter Eggstravaganza event, we have annual passes and come the Palace a couple of times a year. Really easy parking, plenty of things to do, we even found a waterfall we've never seen before after years of visiting! Food and drinks can be pricey so we take a picnic, usually end up buying something though!
Nathan Doe — Google review
Loved our day at Blenheim Palace and felt it was great value for money. Really enjoyed the whole experience, especially the butterfly house in the walled garden area. Would recommend to anyone and can’t wait to return in the warmer months.
Tori — Google review
A great day out. A memorable place blending history and nature. There are activities for all ages. I particularly enjoyed the spectacular landscaping and walking by the formal gardens and its centenary trees. And there is a proper maze. It is an investment but it does create happy memories!
Rubens Filho — Google review
Blenheim Palace has been on my must-see list ever since we moved to England a few years ago. They had a fashion display throughout the downstairs the day we were there that I didn’t really care for. I’d prefer to admire the palace on its own. We spent 5 hours exploring the grounds and the house. Highly recommend the upstairs tour. It costs extra but it was worth it. We really enjoyed exploring. Very fun day out!
Mariana Miller — Google review
Visited Blenheim Palace on many occasions for different events. Such a majestic and magical place to visit. This time was no exception for the Iconic British fashion exhibition. The staff here are always helpful and friendly. Good cafe with good range of drinks, snacks and small lunches. The grounds to walk around are wheelchair accessible where you can get support from Blenhiem with an electric vehicle to take you to the front entrance as most area is gravel. Not sure about accessing the palace itself as a wheel chair user. You can access both restaurants using wheelchairs. There's indoor and outdoor dining but it can get very busy. Lovely extensive gift shop and plenty of toilets. Blenhiem Palace always does great quality events. Some are extremely popular so need to book well in advance. Plenty of play area for children including a quick fun train ride. Butterfly farm has an amazing collection and wonderful seeing them fly around you. Looking forward to returning to another event here
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 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.
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.
The Living Rainforest is a tourist attraction that provides visitors with the opportunity to observe rainforest fauna such as birds, lizards and monkeys in tropical plant-filled glasshouses. Children are particularly drawn to this place due to the animals, birds and fish they can see up close. The glasshouses are humid and warm which creates an ideal environment for the wildlife. A big black bird is one of the main attractions here.
A lovely experience. I took a group of year 7 students and they loved it. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the tour guide- Lucy- was knowledgeable and kind. The areas we used were well kept and the animals were clean and well looked after. The cafe had a nice selection of food and drink. We will return!
Lauren Frances — Google review
Lovely place to take kids. Wish there was a little more information on the plants whilst looking around, but the lady in the gift shop was very nice and helpful. Takes about an hour to wander around. It's very warm in there as it has to be humid. A big black bird walks around, and is gorgeous! A must see, and should be supported.
Fiona Worby — Google review
Fantastic place for young children to see a living forest. Plenty to amuse them with animals,birds and fish to look at close up. It takes around 1 hour to go around but do remember, it’s for youngsters
Carl Osborne — Google review
We started our annual membership today and visited for the first time! Absolutely stunning day out. There's such a brilliant variety of wildlife, from iguanas and mudskippers to marmosets and a sloth! We didn't see much of Cinnamon today, but she was napping in the canopy of a tree just out of full view (see pictures).
The staff here are very friendly and always happy to answer any questions on the animals. Had a lovely conversation with one staff member about sloths and she was so lovely and seemed truly passionate.
I was worried that The Living Rainforest would be disappointing because of how small and affordable it is, but I couldn't have been more wrong! We spent the best part of 4 hours there making sure we explored every corner of the three houses. I'm so excited to return to see how the animals behave over the seasons and hopefully see more of Cinnamon.
It's well worth your time! It's more targeted at families, but me and my boyfriend had a lovely day out and will surely have more down the line! It's a new favourite and well worth the hour long drive to get there!
Io Cutmore — Google review
Loved the mudskippers and, strangely, the assassin beetles. Lots of beautiful plants. Never did get to see the stingrays (think they buried themselves in the sand when they saw us coming. Lots of other animals to see though. The outside seating and play area could do with an upgrade though. Nice little shop. Enjoyed our time there.
Lynn Herzog — Google review
First visit as I attended with my child school for this visit, have to say ' plenty of beautiful plants around ' very interesting animals too look at, whats even better is having them walk around as your going around , such a calm & wonderful place to come to visit no matter on the side of the place which would be lovely to have it extended bigger and filled with more beautiful animals , its a good place to bring kids and get to learn about the rainforest.
Outdoor and the eating place could do with a bit of upgrading, lovely workers very friendly easy to ask for anything whenever needed, and you can tell they care alot about the safety of us as and the animals.
Good visit thank you !
M E — Google review
Lovely day out with lots to see and do for a smallish venue. A good variety of animals with viewing points at all levels; a number of new animals including a mud skipper and caiman. Wide variety of tropical plants as well. Activity packs available for older children as well.
Enjoy seeking put Cinnamon the Sloth!
Small, well priced cafe and outdoor play area and well.
Currently operating on a two session basis that you must book. I'd definitely not get there for the start of your session as it is very overcrowded (this is what influences my star rating although I appreciate that I did choose what time we entered; in hindsight I'd aim for 45 mins after the session start time).
All staff very helpful (a member of the public got stuck in the carpark and they didn't hesitate in coming to help).
Rachel Crompton — Google review
Really, really beautiful. I'm from Florida originally so seeing all of the beautiful tropical plants was incredible. The animals were beautiful as well, and well cared for. I can't speak for the cafe or the gift shop (which were both small), but the children's playground was lovely as well. Would absolutely recommend for both adults (as me and my partner are) and children/families. It is also relatively wheelchair accessible. It is very warm and humid inside (for obvious reasons), but not terrible. You MUST buy tickets in advance, they DO NOT let you pay at the door.
Kaitlyn Roberts — Google review
A wonderful day out for people of all ages! Enough to spend a good few hours there - although probably not a whole day. The first two greenhouses are filled with really beautiful plants and animals, but heading through to the third, the rainforest really comes alive with free roaming birds and animals, including a gorgeous sloth and incredibly tame tropical birds.
The exhibits are all wonderfully and very naturally maintained, and all the staff are very friendly and highly knowledgeable, especially with kids.
I'd hugely recommend getting a season ticket if you live nearish, as many plants and exhibits change with the seasons.
A lovely gift shop, clean loos, nice restaurant and an outdoor kids play area rounds out a visit nicely.
Josh Knight — Google review
Fun day out! The place is small but there is so much to see we spent easily nearly 2 hours looking around! The lizards are great and nice to see some frogs. Most of the birds and a couple lizards are allowed to roam around free from their cages so if your an animal lover these little guys do get a lot of free roaming space which is great! The staff are very friendly and even helped us spot some of the more difficult animals to find. The family deal is pretty reasonable for the times (2023 at £45). Definitely recommend visiting. So long as the price does not go up I would love to come back in future too!
kindness ARK — Google review
Brilliant place! It is great to see so many old and rarer plants. At times it truly feels like you are walking on a jungle path, even when it is well paved, which is great for those having more trouble getting around. Don't forget to look for the free range animals, you may not find/see them all but it is great fun trying to find them all the same. Great value for money and definetly worth a visit if you are near or even a bit further away!
Only thing I wish was that they pulled the sustainability topic through to the gift shop and offered leff plastic and maybe more seedlings plants or recycled or sustainable products!
robbin de kruijf — Google review
Very well maintained, little small for the price but guess with rising costs keeping animals does cost money.
Good morning out not an alll day trip though
James — Google review
We had a lovely time here on Thursday. My children (8 and 10) absolutely loved the animals, and enjoyed completing the activity pack on the way around. The Sloth was the highlight of the visit- they watched as he was fed his tea! The staff were knowledgable and helpful, happy to answer the children’s questions about the animals. Thank you to the Living Rainforest for a lovely afternoon out! We could have stayed here for longer than the 2 hours- the children didn’t want to leave! ❤️
Kathryn — Google review
3* for the animals but was quite underwhelming as for the price I would of thought there would be more to see, we were finished seeing everything within an hour. The play area was more directed at older children as my 5year old couldn't even reach the climb to the slide. There really isn't much here at all. Id love to see a butterfly section with free range butterflies.
M kettie — Google review
Our young kids love it here, with many paths to wander through the indoor rainforest and creatures to spot.
Whilst a fairly compact attraction, we spent nearly 3-hours here consisting first visit around, lunch at the cafe, time in the playground and a second visit through.
Wonderful in winter as the temperature inside is warm and humid!! Some new exhibits are being prepared when we visited.
There is a resident sloth who can be very hard to find (we failed on this visit) but you should see a toucan, agouti, armadillo, various birds, marmoset monkeys, tortoises, turtles, fish, caiman, frogs, sting rays, snakes and lizards.
You can pay a little more for an annual pass which does make this very budget friendly if you know you'll visit more than once in the year. There was also a hunt for the kids to do at 50p.
Jonathan Hoare — Google review
The general attraction wasn’t to my personal taste, I felt it was pretty run down, and spending £45.90 for a family ticket and travelling an hour, for me, felt a waste. My 3yo & 5yo had been all the way round in under a hour and I expected it to be a half day activity. This however wouldn’t have in itself been enough to prompt me to write a bad review. I’d just chalk that up to it not being for me. The park needs a lot of TLC. However what really frustrated me was the condition of the toilets and cafe. The cafe was filthy. You couldn’t walk up to a table without standing on food. I asked the young man who served me if he could clear/sweep the floor so we could sit at a free table as we literally couldn’t walk to it, there was so much food on the floor. He begrudgingly said he’d “try”. Someone else then left a different table that was slightly less messy, so we sat at that one instead, so he took that as a green light to not need to clear the mess up. Our new table still had food all over the floor, just a bit less. Didn’t wipe the table down. Didn’t apologise. I was also served a coffee I couldn’t drink. I’m not entirely sure why I tasted so bad but I couldn’t drink it. We then used the toilets. These were terrible. 2 separate strangers commented to me how awful they where whist in there. The toilet had a used sanitary product on the floor, and didn’t look like they had been properly cleaned in days. The floor again was awful. Please take this feedback and do better. The staff clearly need some training on how to sweep, mop and generally keep clean the toilets and cafe area. Also please clean of a customer points out to you it needs cleaning. I hope this improves for other visitors.
Bethan Rapson — Google review
Haven't visited since having my own children.
Booked online very easy to do and at a great price.
Children 14, 13 and 11 were rather excited and they definitely enjoyed it.
Map is easy to follow.
Plants are in very good condition. Lots of information boards about to learn facts.
Children enjoyed seeing the animals and learning a bit about them from the information boards. They were amazed by the mudskipper as you don't see them in normal park attractions.
Free roaming animals is a lovely sight to see and definitely not what the children expected which was a lovely surprise.
Definitely worth watching the animals being fed.
All route were clearly marked out and a easy to follow system.
I recommend not taking a coat, as it is very warm from remembering when I was a child myself.
Food is reasonably priced.
Gift shop did look rather empty of stock. However they did have every age covered .
I would recommend this attraction for a lovely afternoon out with the family.
Jessie House — Google review
Overall, a lovely visit and we would consider visiting again! There's lots to see including lots of plants and animals - monkeys, fish, tortoises and turtles, insects & scorpions (behind glass), tropical birds, ducks, etc. Some birds are flying freely and wandering about the paths which makes it feel much more immersive. We didn't manage to see the sloth sadly. The cafe is nice with decent choice including baby/toddler food.
Just 4 stars as the website information isn't thorough enough which caused some anxiety and confusion before arrival. It would be helpful to have clearer information about how long the route is (approx. 45 minutes total depending on how fast you walk/how often you stop), whether it's flat or steep (mostly flat with a few steeper hill parts), whether buggies are permitted or have to be left (they're allowed in but they encourage you to leave them in the buggy park in the hall), etc. There's also no information about temperature and surfacing -it's mostly concrete type paths but there are big muddy puddles in some places, water drips from above throughout, and it's quite warm (I would recommend wellies and waterproofs for children but wear layers as it's quite warm and humid inside). Some of this can be guessed as it's a rainforest experience but it would be helpful to have this explained clearly. Perhaps a site map on the website would be also helpful!
It would be useful to know which time slots are going to be full of school groups. We went for 12.30 and were met by 3 coaches of school kids. It does say on the website they're usually gone by 2pm, which they were, but we didn't realise there would be quite so many! I'd suggest that for safeguarding reasons (and enjoyment for all) that it could be worth preventing bookings from non-school groups for certain time slots. It would stop the general public from needing to wait for lines of kids to file past and also mean the school kids wouldn't be blocked by prams and families.
We were also disappointed that one of the rainforest tour guides for the school groups chose to be very rude to my sister who was stood to one side with a pram, telling her she was in the way of an "educational visit", as though we hadn't also paid to enter! We would have chosen a different time slot if we'd realised we were going to be arriving at the same time as 3 big school groups.
Cate Humphrey — Google review
The Living Rainforest in Thatcham, England, is a captivating and educational destination that offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a lush, tropical world filled with vibrant flora and fauna.
The first thing that strikes you is the sheer diversity of plant life. The rainforest environment is meticulously recreated, featuring a wide array of exotic plants, including towering trees, colorful orchids, and countless species of ferns. The attention to detail in maintaining these botanical wonders is truly commendable.
What sets The Living Rainforest apart is its commitment to conservation and education. Visitors have the opportunity to observe and learn about a fascinating array of animals, including rare reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of bird species. The informative signage and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer questions and provide insights into rainforest ecology and sustainability.
The immersive experience extends to the impressive glasshouse structure, which is a feat of engineering, designed to mimic the rainforest's climate and atmosphere. It's like stepping into another world where you can appreciate the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and their ecosystems.
Families will particularly appreciate the interactive displays and children's activities that make learning fun and engaging. There's also a well-maintained cafe serving delicious refreshments with a rainforest twist.
In summary, The Living Rainforest is a hidden gem in Thatcham, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the wonders of the rainforest without leaving England. It's a perfect blend of education, conservation, and awe-inspiring beauty, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in preserving our planet's most precious ecosystems.
PC 360 — Google review
4.3
(515)
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3.5
(752)
Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham, RG18 0TN, United Kingdom
Bicester Village is a luxury outlet mall located in the town of Bicester in Oxfordshire, England. It features leading fashion brands at discounted prices and can get extremely busy during peak times.
This place is literally a village of Brands in itself, a mini world of all the reputed brands. This is not a mall, not an outlet but a place of shopping where you will find houses converted into shops. The area covered is huge, it's kind of a posh area with high end brand shops, the prices charged here specifically are lower than the prices charged normally at malls. There are many options for bingeing, there is a huge car parking area, the station to this village is just besides this place. A must visit place for all the shopaholics out there, you will find something or the other at discounted price which will tempt you to buy.
avnika kuvadiya — Google review
Good variety products at cheap rates. This place is easily accessible via train and the shopping village is walkable from train station. The shopping street is pretty long with shops on either side. There are benches and food outlets available for resting between the exhaustive shopping. The discounts are amazing for the products. Most of the products are at least 20% lesser in price than what you would normally find in city stores. For ultimate shopping experience, arrive by 10 in the morning to cover majority of shops. All together a positive experience.
Mithun — Google review
This place offers a great shopping experience. The ambience is so good. Try to visit here on a weekday. It's easy to visit by train, the Bicester Village station is nearby. If you have a certain brand or product in your mind, I would definitely suggest giving it a try here. Most of the luxurious outlets are available, and they are at a discounted price.
Akash Surendran — Google review
It's a nice place for shopping where you can find a majority of designer clothes at good discounts. Additionally, there is free parking available, which is really convenient. However, there is a limited variety of food options, and the few available places are quite expensive!
Mo Dehnoo — Google review
The top of the top brands are here and determination is the key factor to buy! You must be early enough for limited edition products.
It was a lovely sunny day for treasure hunt while the children were enjoyed to play egg hunt in Easter! A big prize is there waiting!
Besides, there is a play area for kids and many food shops in the area. Staff in the village are polite and friendly.
Wendell Lam — Google review
Very big, very bright, many things to see, good selection of food to keep you topped up. This is definitely one to go to during your visit to Oxfordshire . Very close to the tube, but it'll take you longer on a warm day as the whole area has been done up to a very nice standard, you need to get out the camera for a few shots!
You'll be there for about a good half a day entertainment.
MellaT TravlleR — Google review
I’ve been delivering to this beautiful shopping centre for some time now and I testify to how nice this village is. However things aren’t cheap here, just to give you a heads up.
It’s a great place for family day out as well.
All you need is some cash and you will enjoy your Bicester Village visit.
Emmanuel Antwi — Google review
Large and well laid out outlet shopping center. Snacks available, Gelato Ice Cream particularly good. You are bound to find a discounted item that you would like to acquire here.
Paul Brown — Google review
An amazing shopping outlet with lot of high end luxury brand stores and all their stuff is at discounted prices. There are also eateries in case you get hungry during your shopping trip. Try to visit on a weekday as I have heard it is less busy. Definitely worth the experience! Easy to get to as the Bicester Village railway station is nearby.
Patrick Zhang — Google review
This premium outlet like concept nearby Oxford provides a fantastic discounted, value for money shopping at all of your favourite well known fashion brands that are out there. The facility is well oriented with all of the outlets laid out in a row for your convenience. There are some food outlets as well if you get peckish during your shopping. A must visit outlet if you're into shopping.
Ben M — Google review
The best designer outlet centre. Cannot beat the quality, discounts, and the variety of shops. A great morning/afternoon of shopping, combined with a stop for refreshments. Love this place
natalie bennett — Google review
Wow covid really killed this place. For the most sought after brands you have to join a digital queue. Restrictions for entry into most stores and crowds of people walking around just completely ruined the experience. There were wait times in excess of 45 minutes. We were very disappointed with our last visit. I won't be coming back here sadly. We decided to give up attempting to get into the busy stores.
Disappointing as the last time we visited we had a decent time. Another point to note is that it actually isn't that much cheaper than retail price. I suspect this might be due to some sort of covid recovery attempt by companies.
I highly recommend not going for now, and definitely do not take small children with you.
Waxsta — Google review
A beautiful shopping complex in Oxford. Some great brands and products at very reasonable outlet prices. Beautiful in the evening with all the fairy lights. Ample FREE parking. Bicester Village can get very busy as coaches arrive in packs. I’d probably advise to go early or late evening. Typically you could quite easily spend approx 2hours here. There’s not a huge option for food so I’d recommend eating before you arrive unless your not picky. A very popular place for celebrities. I managed to bump into my good friend Donae’O! 🥳
Trehan — Google review
I had a wonderful shopping experience at Bicester Village! The selection of luxury boutiques is impressive, and the discounts are fantastic. The village itself is lovely, with beautiful architecture and well-maintained gardens. The staff were friendly and attentive, making my visit even more enjoyable. I also appreciated the variety of food options available. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Bicester Village for anyone who loves shopping and a charming atmosphere.
Brijith k — Google review
Vast variety of brands! Good deals on bank holidays and Christmas season! Common areas are outdoors so make sure to wear sunscreen and keep an umbrella just to be safe from rain! Giving it 4 stars only because of fewer food options.
Foodcyclopedia Vlogs — Google review
Fist time visiting Bicester Village. The shopping village itself is very attractive with an old world type feel and plentiful floral displays. There are a lot of shops, most of which are the higher end designer brands, so you get to experience the high-end feel, including having to queue for entry at some. There is a good mix of shops, but it would benefit from some more eateries as even midweek it was very busy. Toilet cleanliness could be improved too. Patrolling staff were really helpful in guiding us. Parking is plentiful and free. Our two teenage daughters loved the shops. Our two juniors had a blast at the outdoor play area intil it rained!
Al Jones — Google review
A must visit shopping experience! 🛍️
First time visiting Bicester and it was more than worth it! The place is setup really well, from the free open parking to the digital queues.
We thought it might be like other outlets where most products are either rubbish or slightly discounted but found the products and savings outstanding.
We’re certain to return again soon! 🌟
Gary Tylee — Google review
Great little village! Almost all of the designer brands. Though the prices are on a par with the actual boutiques found in central London. Very quaint too! Did have a nice time walking round
Ilyas — Google review
Just a premium outlet. Be careful not everything in here cheap enough.
To be honest, premium outlet in the US is much cheaper. And this place accept card only, but you can buy their shopping card and top up your money there.
It's quite complete. Mostly fashion, then followed with beauty and fragrance, and they also have kitchenware and snack.
For food, not that much option. Suggest to have more options for food
Sendy Alfandy — Google review
We went there before Christmas 2023 it was great not long queue. Easy to go shopping. We parked at the outlet have a lot of space. Toilet clean and looking good 😊
Nuntika Potts — Google review
I like the vibe there, lots of different "fancy" shops in one place. Beautiful setting, feels very cute and welcoming. All the staff we had an interaction with were lovely and attentive.
On the other hand all these shops have such a poor choice of items to shop from. If you don't like 5 dresses they have in, nothing for you then. We had a few coffees during our visit from different places, but even the coffee tasted way worse than before.
Sharu Sharu — Google review
We visited for the first time and the energy and ambience were stunning. I appreciate the product that was on sale. this place needs more time to go shopping if u looking for new things to buy.
mandeep babbar — Google review
Highly recommend Bicester Village Concierge Services which are the best across the globe. A special mention to Bence who helped resolve my items that we misplaced. He ensured that they were couriered to my home country and ensured free delivery of the products along with clearing the product at customs. He was in continuous touch regarding the product and did more than one would have expected. If you have such a strong and dedicated team of service professionals I am sure this goes a long way. Cheers to you and your team
Prabhas Dutta — Google review
Really nice and a magical place especially in Dec. The prices are amazing especially at that time when you can get extra discounts on the outlet prices. Some other outlets prices are not attractive but most are. So be cautious and check the outlet price with the outlet price.
Hint: ask the stores for an extra 10% discount. Most of the will provide it easily but it can’t be combined with other offers. If they ask you to provide a vip card to get it, then simply go to the reception of the outlet let and ask them for one.
Happy Shopping 😊
Yami AlYami — Google review
Probably one of the best places in the country for designer shops plus a wide diverse selection of top class outlets from the high street that we know and love.
Long live shopping outlets,free parking, great places to eat,plus some great bargains.
Clive Wheat — Google review
Went there with the wife on a week day, the day i was off work to rest. Not too over crowded and good car park.
To me this is heaven to people expecially women who like designer clothing.
The staff in all the designer shops we went to were all friendly, I mean they have to with the amount of money one spend on these designer clothes.
In all it's a good place where all designers brands are parked together, but the painful part is I ended paying thousands on a designer coat for the wife just to keep her happy, will not be going there again with the wife. Good experience though