The top cities between York and Birmingham are Leeds, Peak District National Park, Warwick, Leicester, Nottingham, Doncaster, Tamworth, Ripon, Bakewell, and Bradford. Leeds is the most popular city on the route. It's less than an hour from York and 2 hours from Birmingham.
Ripon, a charming cathedral city and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, is situated at the meeting point of the Laver and Skell rivers, both tributaries of the River Ure. The city boasts an impressive cathedral, intriguing museums, and a lively market square for visitors to explore. Additionally, just a short distance away lies the stunning Dales countryside with numerous top-notch attractions.
31% as popular as Leeds
21 minutes off the main route, 22% of way to Birmingham
Located in the northern English county of Yorkshire, Leeds is a city that boasts several noteworthy attractions. The Royal Armouries museum is situated on the south bank of River Aire and contains an immense collection of arms and artillery. On the other side of the river lies Call Lane, a redeveloped industrial area famous for its converted railway arches which house bars and live music venues. Visitors can also explore hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
Most popular city on this route
10 minutes off the main route, 25% of way to Birmingham
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Situated in West Yorkshire, Bradford is a city that boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries. The 19th-century Bradford Industrial Museum showcases a variety of exhibits on textile machinery, engineering and steam power. Meanwhile, the National Science and Media Museum is dedicated to photography, film and television with additional facilities including an IMAX cinema.
35% as popular as Leeds
19 minutes off the main route, 30% of way to Birmingham
Doncaster, a city in South Yorkshire, England, is named after the River Don and serves as the administrative center of the larger City of Doncaster. It is the second largest settlement in South Yorkshire after Sheffield. The area offers a variety of dining options with enthusiastic hospitality, catering to different preferences for food and drink. Whether you're looking for a romantic meal, family lunch, coffee break while shopping, or a pint in a beer garden, your taste buds are guaranteed to be delighted.
51% as popular as Leeds
5 minutes off the main route, 35% of way to Birmingham
The Peak District National Park is a beautiful and large national park encompassing villages, museums, hiking trails and camping. The area is surprisingly though known as the Peak District, there are no mountains to climb but do have lots of hills.
The Peak District National Park is absolutely stunning, I visited Water-cum-jolly recently for some climbing and it was a great place for experienced climbers. I wouldn't recommend it for absolute beginners as there's not too many easy routes.
There's on road parking close by, the short walk is pleasant and mostly flat which is rare when walking to a crag. All of the climbers and walkers we encountered on the day were polite and friendly. The climbing is a challenge as the footholds are so polished on most routes / problems but it was good practice for better footwork.
Matt Goodrum — Google review
What an amazing place, feels like a hundred miles of sky.
The peak district rangers did a superb guided walk and showed us lots of amazing places and point of real interest. I met a whole group of people from totally different walks of life, got super rained on twice and walked under an amazing sky
Cannot recommend it enough
Ustra k — Google review
The Peak District National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from rolling hills to dramatic peaks, offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Hiking trails, cycling routes, and picturesque villages make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's diverse wildlife and stunning vistas provide unforgettable experiences. With well-maintained facilities and visitor centers, it's easy to navigate and learn about the area's rich history and geology. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, the Peak District National Park is a captivating destination that showcases the beauty of nature at its finest.
Wojciech Przytulski — Google review
Serene & beautiful, ethereal & peaceful, just some of the few ways you could use to describe this gorgeous walk through Macclesfield Forest
Stretching over vast hills and picturesque vistas and delving deep into thick woodlands of ancient Firs to admiring the many reservoirs and the diverse array of creatures that call it home, there is truly something for everyone to make a connection with.
After 4 hours and a lengthy 8km walk, that following night I had perhaps the best night sleep I've had in months, truly at a complete peace of mind 🕊️✌️
Brad Lowe — Google review
Beautiful place to hike and for rock climbing. We will be back! Absolutely loved climbing the grit stone. It was a truly unique experience. The ancient oak trees covered with moss were absolutely beautiful. Whether you're looking to climb or hike or would recommend taking the time to visit this beautiful place.
Dana Hyde — Google review
The peak district national park is just incredible. Everywhere you look there is a view. Amazing for walking and cycling. Good for camping also but be wary of where exactly you are as the mist coming in quickly and can be boggy around here. Check weather. Also try to get here early and not at weekends as it can be a bit of a car park. However it is worth it, because it is just stunning.
Em's — Google review
I loved being for a week!
So peaceful, so beautiful and such an amazing place to relax!
Can’t wait for another week away up there, lovely places to stay and eat as well so that just adds to the whole atmosphere.
The dogs loved all the amazing walks they had, I’m sure they can’t wait to come back again!
luke — Google review
One of the UK’s most beautiful and quiet national parks. Personally, my favourite national park in England and Wales for cycling. Roads are relatively well maintained, little traffic, livestock well fenced and scenery is world class. Highly recommended.
Chris Fieldsend — Google review
Amazing scenery, one of England's most beautiful places. Miles of unspoilt scenery, you can walk for miles and enjoy the views or just do short walks, something for everyone. Just a few photos here which doesn't do the Peak District justice. There is so much more...! If you like quaint country pubs, shops, cafés then this is your place. The weather you can never guarantee so you can head to one of the local villages or check what's going on locally.
Tamsin — Google review
One of our favourite places! So many stunning views. Will always come back here and visit.
Our happy place!
You will not be disappointed when visiting the Peak District. So many beautiful little villages to visit too.
Parking can be a little tricky at peak (lol!) times due to its popularity.
Jasmine French — Google review
Breathtakingly beautiful! You need a decent pair of walking boots, an OS map and compass and with a backpack of snacks and water bladder & then this is a dream area for hikers. Stunning whatever the weather, well worth a visit! You can walk for miles without seeing another person. Great for dog walking too, as long as the dog is used to uneven terrain and day hikes! Plenty of gorgeous places where you'll want to just stop to take in the views.
Ne C-B — Google review
Love this place, the very definition of the great outdoors, visited at the weekend to go see the B-52 bomber wreckage and a part of history it was fantastic. Parking is not great but if you get there early you should find a space. Glossop town centre is about a 10 min drive from snake pass which is also worth a visit.
Steven Russell — Google review
Breath taking views! Done the Edale skyline. Nice walk when you eventually get up on the skyline though, safe to say I am feeling it today!
Michaela Parry — Google review
Oh I absolutely loved it. Being a mountain person its one of the best places I visited and the first time ever in my life i did tracking. 6 hrs to go up in one of the highest cliff and 6hrs to down. A great memory to cherish.
sadia shabnam — Google review
Beautiful place just a couple of hours north from London. We stayed in the towns of Leek and Buxton, which served as the starting point for our hikes. We were lucky with the weather; a bit risky and rocky to do after rainfall. Highly recommend, will visit again. Visited in Sep 2023.
Prashanta Guha — Google review
Great place to visit for hiking all year round. Even the drive from village to village is pleasant and relaxing.
Thor's Cave is one of the best places to visit. There are magnificent views from the top, same as from the cave itself. 👌🏻
Robert Birkholz — Google review
Always love a visit here to take photos of my new car. Lovely background no matter the weather .
MARK MATTHEWS — Google review
Great an amazing place to visit and spending some hours there!
Miguel Mico — Google review
Had a lovely time hiking here. We decided to do a hike here a day after a large storm, so we did encounter somewhat dangerous situations here and there so I do recommend preparing properly before attempting.
Harley Driver — Google review
A land of hills, valleys, streams, reservoirs, picturesque towns, villages, heaths, evergreen grass, forests, trails, and unforgettable car routes. A land that has been our escape for decades to feed the hunger of the soul, eyes and all senses. Every season and every part is an adventure and a memory, and I hope it stays that way.
Lukasz Taborski — Google review
What a lovely place to hike! Nice vegetation. Feel the real fresh hair! Another great place to visit
Yohana Swedi — Google review
Lovely day out, beautiful scenery and the surrounding area is clean and looked after. This isn't our first visit to the peak district and definitely won't be our last.
Leanne Devlin — Google review
73% as popular as Leeds
28 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Birmingham
I'll never travel to Birmingham without this trip planner again
Bakewell is a civil parish and market town situated in Derbyshire Dales, England. It's renowned for its signature dish, the Bakewell pudding. Located on the River Wye, it's approximately 13 miles away from Sheffield. According to the 2011 census report, the population of this town was around 3,949 people. In recent years, estimates suggest that the population has decreased slightly to roughly 3,695 individuals as of 2019.
40% as popular as Leeds
27 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Birmingham
Nottingham, located in central England's Midlands region, is famous for its association with the legendary Robin Hood and the historic Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery. The Lace Market area, once a hub for the global lace industry, now houses the Galleries of Justice Museum with crime-related exhibits. Wollaton Hall, an elaborate Elizabethan mansion surrounded by gardens and a deer park, is another notable attraction in Nottingham.
52% as popular as Leeds
10 minutes off the main route, 62% of way to Birmingham
Leicester is a city located in the East Midlands region of England. At its center stands Leicester Cathedral, which has been an integral part of the city for over nine centuries and is notable for being the final resting place of Richard III since 2015. Adjacent to the cathedral is the King Richard III Visitor Centre, where visitors can learn about the life and death of this monarch and view his original burial site.
53% as popular as Leeds
13 minutes off the main route, 71% of way to Birmingham
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.
66% as popular as Leeds
22 minutes off the main route, 79% of way to Birmingham
Tamworth, a charming market town and borough in Staffordshire, England, is situated just 14 miles north-east of Birmingham. Bordered by North Warwickshire to the east and north, as well as Lichfield to the north, south-west and west, Tamworth derives its name from the River Tame that flows through it. With a population of 78,838 people in the borough, this picturesque town offers a blend of history and modernity.
35% as popular as Leeds
7 minutes off the main route, 82% of way to Birmingham
Best stops along York to Birmingham drive
The top stops along the way from York to Birmingham (with short detours) are National Railway Museum York, Alton Towers, and Chatsworth House. Other popular stops include York Minster, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and Royal Armouries Museum.
Castle Howard is a beautiful and extravagant stately home with stunning landscaped grounds. It is one of the most popular attractions in Yorkshire, and it is easy to see why - its a great place to visit for anyone who loves history, scenery, and relaxation.
A stunning location with beautiful grounds and surrounding parklands. The landscaping makes for incredible views and stunning vistas. The Christmas at marina even is possibly my favorite Christmas event of all time, and certainly the most enjoyable stately home exhibition. The farm shop is superb and highly recommend the sausage rolls and pate
Christopher Kelly — Google review
What a great day out! A tour around the castle proved really interesting and included an exhibition of films and TV shows set at the castle. A delicious lunch in the café and then a walk around the wonderful park, by the lake and through the woodland. Some great follies to investigate. The walled garden is stunning and peaceful. All in all, a great destination.
Kevin Newton — Google review
Stunning estate! Being from the U.S., we don’t have anything so grand—so you can safely ignore reviews that say it’s not as fancy or fabulous as another castle in England. If you’re a foreigner, you’ll find it amazing nonetheless!
The rooms available to tour are beautiful. There were friendly guides in each area to share a little bit more detail—helpful if you’re not using the audio guide. In addition to touring a portion of the home, you can also walk around the gardens and grounds. To get the most out your visit, I’d definitely recommend staying for the day.
If you’re coming from York like us, you can take the Transdev Castle Line bus. We caught it at York Station Avenue (stop RM), which is across the way from The Grand York hotel. It goes directly to the Castle car park (parking lot) and will return there a couple times throughout the day (check the current schedule though). So easy!
Erika Madden — Google review
We went to the Christmas Neverland experience, and was brilliant, the place was adorned with Peter Pan Christmas decorations , loved it, although we gave a 5* rating, there was one small disadvantage, we wanted to book afternoon tea on their website at the time of booking tickets, but there was nowhere where you could book, well disappointed, we were told when we arrived in the day that afternoon tea was sold out, so why wasn't it shown as sold out on the website even though it was advertised that you could book? Bad point...but apart from that the whole experience was brilliant, even real fires were burning.
John Huckle — Google review
Purely magical at Christmas. I have been in all seasons and love it here. Book early on line and you won’t be disappointed. The Christmas afternoon teas are always fantastic. The walks around the grounds can be enjoyed by all with lovely views. The kids play area is great and lovely to have a picnic here in summer.
Wendy Dando — Google review
We couldn't get the tickets for the house. But the walks around were amazing. Wellies preferable for a wet day. The play area is amazing. Definitely warrants a visit in better weather.
Amrita Bindukalpa — Google review
At £25 a head it is not a cheap day out although the gardens were very interesting and colourful. The house was good but would have been nicer to have seen more behind the scenes. Lunch in the cafe was tasty and not too expensive and the rest of the grounds meant you could easily pass a few hours.
Mark Hedley — Google review
Great day out. We stayed at the castle Howard lakeside holiday park & got 2 for 1 entry which was brilliant. Had lunch at one of the many cafes which was lovely. Had ice-cream at the boat house - banoffee was amazing! The kids play area was brilliant and there was so much to explore and see. It wasn't very busy which was nice. The walled gardens were amazing & I would come to visit again.
Amy Ashton — Google review
A good half-day excursion from York, just a 20’ drive.
It loses its fifth star because it’s pricey (£27), but both the house and the gardens are top attractions.
Don’t forget to visit the farm shop, it’s a bonus!
Rom? Jim?nez — Google review
Lovely historic house with an interactive online guide that you scan the QR code to get access to. It talks you round each room and is easy to use. There was also guides in a lot of the rooms sharing knowledge and information. The grounds are large and beautiful. Ranging from grassland to forest to lakeside. A children's play area and places to get refreshments while away from the main house. We had a lovely ice cream sat by the lake. Not the cheapest of places to visit but well worth the money.
Dawn Kirkwood — Google review
Spent a couple of hours exploring the grounds and gardens. On a sunny day would recommend taking a picnic as lots of nice areas to sit. We didn't get to explore the house as we had our dog with us so instead just bought the tickets for the garden, a bit pricey but you could spend a good few hours here on a nice day.
Sam Jones — Google review
We visited Castle Howard in the summer and it was very impressive. The house itself is utterly stunning especially the interior dome. You will not be disappointed when you venture around the grounds. Look out for the magnificent fountain.
Grantly Lynch — Google review
The house and gardens were beautiful. The history of the castle was engaging and the guides were all knowledgeable and willing to answer additional questions. Being only a short drive from York, it is well worth the trip!
Steve Wallace — Google review
A stunning stately home with wonderful grounds and surrounding parkland. The excellent landscaping makes for stunning vistas and guided viewpoints.
The Christmas at Narnia event is possibly my favourite Christmas event of all time, and certainly my favourite stately home exhibition. I cannot congratulate or thank those who designed and installed it enough.
The farmshop is also excellent, especially the pate and scotch eggs!
Sam Yeates — Google review
Well worth a visit. Didn't know much about it so the house condition was a bit of a surprise, but interesting nonetheless. Gardens good for wandering. Had wanted to visit last year but was closed, turns out some godawful-looking American reality show was being filmed.
Chris Bing — Google review
Absolutely lovely day out, beautiful gardens,a huge play-area for big and little kids,really nice coffee shops if a bit pricey for me.
Paid for a private tour of the house wow it was outstanding and I was overwhelmed by the beauty,furniture and stories our guide told us about.
💯% worth a visit and would visit again in a heartbeat
Beverly Naylor — Google review
Very cool and under-the-radar place to go and see if you're in the area, very down-home with mostly volunteers working the grounds and tour information. Great for photo opportunities and hanging about. Multiple gardens about and other things to see.
Leif Satermo — Google review
Stunning interiors with a rich history of the building. Don't hesitate to ask for more information from the employees in the many rooms. Take your time walking around the Castle grounds and (depending the season) enjoy the beautifully designed gardens.
Lotte Dekker — Google review
Delightful half day. The house is amazing with very helpful staff & interesting history to tell. The grounds are lovely too. Staff are so good especially Paul on the Kelly car ride & Linda in the house,you made our visit special. Thank you.
Kim Adams — Google review
House is beautiful,especially at Christmas. A bit disappointed with the outdoor areas however, no where to sit outside if its raining (which it was). I compared it to Chatsworth that had under cover gazebos in the courtyards. Also no christmas lights in the gardens. They could do so much more with it. But overall happy with the house
Miss Google — Google review
The long drive approach is impressive. Plenty of parking with adequate disabled spaces. The house is very disabled friendly with wheelchairs available and a stairlift to overcome the only flight of stairs. Staff were friendly, welcoming and informative. The cafe was popular with a decent range of food and drinks available. The extensive grounds could be wandered for hours but soft grounds and a lack of stoned paths limits those dependant on wheelchairs.
Arthur Jones — Google review
A rainy day visit, lovely day out with family despite the weather. We got garden tickets only and there was plenty to keep us occupied.
Skelf island is perfect for kids to burn some energy and have fun.
The courtyard cafe, offered a decent amount of food all of which was tasty. I recommend the buddah bowl tasted fresh and light.
The grounds are dog friendly and a decent walk, which you can make as long or short as you wish.
krystle — Google review
Excellent English country manor and surrounding gardens/land. Definitely worth a visit if staying nearby or coming from York (1 hour bus ride). The house is stunning from the outside, and the inside rooms equally as ornate and interesting to wander around. Large grounds and gardens to explore too, with a few options dotted around to eat and drink at.
Matt Ward — Google review
A beautiful house and garden with a terrific adventure playground too. Though I am a bit of a Brideshead fan, you don't have to have seen the film/TV series to enjoy Castle Howard.
Highlights include lots of Greek and Romany statuary, the incredible ceiling frescoes in the great hall and dome, the richly decorated rooms, the temples in the garden. Our children (4, 8 &9) all enjoyed the adventure playground too. There are a couple of rooms that are waiting to be restored (after the fire of '41, which reveal the stone walls behind the finery. Good tea rooms too.
Jonathan Pritchard-Barrett — Google review
Title: A Majestic Experience at Castle Howard
As I stepped into the grand entrance of Castle Howard, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale and majesty of this stunning estate. The moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in for a treat. The exhibition was impeccable, with each room meticulously curated to showcase the beauty and history of the castle.
The first thing that struck me was the incredible collection of artwork on display. The walls were adorned with masterpieces by some of the world's most renowned artists, including the impressive collection of paintings by Paninni. The vibrant colors and masterful brushstrokes transported me to a world of elegance and refinement, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the talent on display.
But what truly made my visit unforgettable was the Tony Cragg sculpture exhibition that was on display during my visit. The intricate and thought-provoking pieces were a feast for the eyes, and I found myself lingering in front of each one, taking in the intricate details and marveling at the artist's skill. The way the light danced across the sculptures, highlighting the textures and shapes, was truly breathtaking.
As I made my way through the castle, I was struck by the impeccable condition of the estate. Every aspect of the castle, from the lavish furnishings to the meticulously manicured gardens, was clearly lovingly maintained and cared for. It was clear that the team at Castle Howard is dedicated to preserving this piece of history for future generations to enjoy.
One of the highlights of my visit was the stunning architecture of the castle itself. The grand halls and sweeping staircases were a sight to behold, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the history that had unfolded within these walls. From the intricate stone carvings to the ornate ceilings, every detail was a testament to the craftsmanship and skill of the castle's creators.
Throughout my visit, I was struck by the sense of history that permeates every aspect of Castle Howard. From the artifacts on display to the very walls themselves, every element of the castle tells a story of the people and events that have shaped this incredible estate over the centuries. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Castle Howard is a must-visit destination.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Price: Moderate (£28 per person)
Recommended for: Art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Michael G (MG) — Google review
Lovely gardens. Lots of places to walk. Some stunning views. Good playground for the kids.
Only let down is the cafe with average food and high prices.
Fov — Google review
A great morning at Neverland. Highly recommended. We have never been before and our adult group.of 3 all.enjoyed it.
We had off peak tickets which were good value but peak prices are think would be a bit expensive. It's also a bit cheeky to ask for £6 to park the car I think, this should be part of the ticket price.
Lovely mulled wine from the van outside.
Beautifully decorated inside and not too busy because of the timed entry.
Pretty shop and an extra marquee for food and drink. Lovely day
Dawn Abbey — Google review
A beautiful historical building and surrounding landscape. There’s a farm shop and several food options available. Lovely walks around the grounds, perfect place to bring the family and dogs are very welcome.
The York City Walls are a historical landmark in England that date back to 71 CE. The walls, which stretch for around two miles, are still intact and offer an easy stroll with kids along their ramparts in Spring.
Not every city has ancient walls you can walk around!! Great scenery away from the bustling crowds. Be a little mindful though, some places have a drop at the side without any fencing so keep an eye on any children you have with you. A great way to get into the city centre, easy enough to do a full lap as well, some steep stairs along the way.
Claire Cronin (All Things Dark & Dirty) — Google review
York has retained so much of its medieval structure that walking into its centre or around its 3 mile long ( 4.8 km ) Ancient city walls is like entering a living museum. Amazing experience! Be aware of no security fences in place in some parts along the pathway. The wall's gates close at dusk. Must be seen. Such a free of charge wonder!
Irina Andreeva — Google review
Great place to take a walk , with good weather ! Can't imagine it was built do ling time ago, it was so well maintained ! There are a lot to see on the wall , we could look over the city area from the wall. They have numerous sitting area that visitors could enjoy bathing under the sun.
rachel tam — Google review
It is a lovely walk around the York city walls nice little path around it, a great thing to see if you are going to York it doesn't take that long only a few minutes but the one thing that makes it four stars not five stars is that when there is someone walking in the other direction it is quite hard to make room for them to walk past you but besides that is is a great place to go I would recommend if you are going to York as it is near the centre so easy place to get to.
Luke. — Google review
Really enjoyed being able to see and walk around the old city walls. Not something you’re still able to do in most towns/cities these days. Throughly pleasant for a stroll and gives some nice view points too.
Mike C — Google review
this took us a few hours as we stopped frequently to look at the views. Was a lot of fun. Its around 4km distance to walk. Its not continuous- but easy to pick up when the wall runs out. Highly recommend
Ian Lomax — Google review
I love York!!
Historic small little town
Beautiful architecture all around!!
Lovely walk along the walls of York with some amazing views. York looks different and majestic from every angle !
The wall is surprisingly well kept for its age, really impressive and well worth visiting. great attraction :)
Studio R by ratnakar — Google review
Amazing history. Love walking the walls. Every time I come back to York, it's on top of the list of things to do. And as an added bonus you get around the city nice and quick.
Olly Gronau — Google review
One of the main places we wanted to visit in York was the City Walls. I had initially thought it was one complete wall, but it's not; it's split into separate sections, so you'd walk a little bit, then climb down the stairs and then cross the road before climbing back up again; most of the walls I did safe, but some sections had no barrier so it felt a little unsafe, especially in wet conditions. Still, otherwise, I'm happy I went to because i got a taste of the history, and there are many facts to educate on what happened in Yorks past. All are free, and you do not need to pay, but I know there are guided tours available, too, but I don't think you'd need that because it's self-explanatory. I wouldn't say this is suitable for people with mobility issues because there are no ramps, only medieval stairs, and some parts do not have a barrier, so there is a high risk of falling.
Jake Murray — Google review
Really cool and interesting addition to the city. Not something you get to do everywhere and it was fab to see the city from a different perspective.
Would be middle of taking young children up there as the side is open to a sheer drop.
Emily Kapllani — Google review
Our hotel thankfully collected our bags for us upon arrival so we entered the wall straight from the rail station and followed it to the other side of town. It was a pleasant walk, some parts fairly narrow, especially if there was a passing by group or family. Most dangerous parts did have a railing for safety.
You do need to climb some steep stairs in some parts, particularly near the gates. I'd recommend a dry day over a wet one for this activity.
Definitely do include at least some part of the wall on your visit to York
Acacia — Google review
A great way to see the city.
It's a very peaceful walk and so much to see along the way.
The walls are so well preserved and well kept.
lianne kent — Google review
I had an amazing experience walking around the York city walls. You get a good idea of the the layout of the city. I would suggest you take a walk on the wall first.
There are 4 sections of the wall. Each section is known as some gate.
Nebu Mathews — Google review
You MUST walk the ancient walls of York City!
Great history, lots of tower stop offs with convenient pubs nearby. Lots of historic views and photo opportunities.
A beautiful way to see York.
About 2 miles all around.
All in the open - adverse weather beware and dress appropriately.
Beware of rude people who take pushchairs up there, DESPITE some parts being barely single-file who think everyone (sometimes bottle-necks of 20+ people) should walk backwards or jump onto railings hangibg over edges to accommodate their selfishness! But that's some people for you.
Some parts are narrow and barely single file, others have no railings with 8ft open drop sides. Children MUST be supervised!
No pushchairs on some parts as it's just too narrow.
No dogs.
It's not good for people with a fear of heights and drop edges.
Not good for elderly and infirm as lots lots of steps.
Not disabled accessible.
Alcyone Dreams Spiritual Artwork by Tracy (#AlcyoneDreamsArt) — Google review
These are kind of defense walls around York downtown, were constructed in the Roman period.
We walked through the trails on the walls seeing views of York downtown.
It was nice and bright day, we were so delighted that whispered a korean song.
I really recommend you to visit here if you go to York in England.
YOUNGHO GO (DANDDI) — Google review
Lovely walk , lots to see and we'll maintain. I probably wouldn't take small children along the wall. Absolutely Heaps of photo opportunities and some benches to take in the view
Lauren Nelson — Google review
Walk the Walls of York (Like a Medieval Defender, Without the Black Death)
5 out of 5 stars
York's city walls are basically a giant time machine. You can walk the battlements like a grumpy old knight, pretend to defend the city from invaders ( squirrels mostly), and get some pretty epic views of York. Just watch out for rogue pigeons and tourists wielding selfie sticks like swords. All in all, a fun way to spend an afternoon and feel a bit historical (without the inconvenience of actual plague).
Luke Sessions — Google review
Beautiful city with historical buildings that truly take your breathe away. It was so nice to walk across the wall and just enjoy nature. Highly recommend
olaide oshodi — Google review
Only 2 miles in total distance, not too steep other than occasional climb up and down stairs as the wall breaks from time to time (which is a bit tricky to find the next continuous point). There are several nice views along the relax walk.
Wei Wu — Google review
Amazing walk today on these walls will definitely recommend to do as you get to feel history of city trough times
Dada ZD — Google review
Enjoyable walk free to access at any point. Be mindful if you have small children with you. Otherwise enjoy the views.
martyn hurst — Google review
Medieval walls and it's free to walk this pathway, a great way to feel the history and enjoy the overall view of the city. Just be aware, some of the path had no barrier and narrow without handrail. With ancient steps on the windy day it can be hazardous.
M M — Google review
Beautiful old city wall at York. It is a very walkable wall with many gates and key attractions.
York Minster is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in England and is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Yorks medieval past. The cathedral, which was first built in the 7th century, was destroyed in a fire in 1069 but has been rebuilt many times since then. The building is vast, decorated with intricate stained glass windows and features interactive exhibits beneath its Undercroft exhibition.
Absolutely exquisite 😍😍 The workmanship! The craft! The detail. The light. The atmosphere. A must visit if anywhere near York! Don't forget to walk up along the boundary wall for a different view. Of the city and the Church. And an absolute MUST, at least for the experience, (bonus/reward is the view) is climbing up the winding stairway of the towers. Not for the faint-hearted or claustrophobic sufferers tho. Stairway and stairs extremely narrow and steep. All 275 steps!! But it's so worth the effort!
nyree jameson — Google review
An absolutely amazing experience. Incredible staff. Area is kept incredibly well. Walking throughout the structure feels surreal. Regardless of your religious background, you will find this visit to be incredibly rewarding. One can easily spend an entire day here. But even 90 minutes will provide a wealth of views. Ornate architecture and some of the best stained glass in the world. The size of the interior is overwhelming.
John Kadavil — Google review
From the moment you step inside and for many hours after, this cathedral is truly spectacular. The acoustics, the stained glass windows, the intricate carvings in the masonry and the massively high roof line just take your breath away.
If you're in York, even for a short break, York Minster is an absolute must see.
Richard Gardner — Google review
One of the main things to see and visit whilst visiting York. Absolutely awesome and stunning building! Takes your breath away. The history of the building is incredible and has an underground museum, showing how its changed throughout the years and how they've saved and reconstructed it throughout the years. Give yourself plenty of time to see everything as it's a big building and you can easily get lost in it's history for 3-4 hours. Didn't climb up the tower, (275 steps) although would of liked to for the amazing views as there was a bit of a queue and its time allocated. But it was a fantastic and amazing experience and highly recommended.
Amrit Dubb — Google review
Beautiful imposing building on a mammoth scale. Well worth a stroll around and through the grounds. Undergoing renovation works so some areas are scaffolded but you can watch the stone masons at work preparing and carving stone for replacement. We didn't enter the building on this visit but it's top of the list for next visit!
Alan Bell — Google review
Initially I did not want to go inside due to the cost of £16pp entry.
Tickets last a 12 months so you can visit multiple times and offer you lots to do inside, museum, gallery, free tours inside, etc turned out to be well worth the cost as internally it's magnificent and would now highly recommend this if you're in York.
Beautiful cathedral with lots to see and do once Inside.
Che86 — Google review
What a breathtaking building....inside and out!
I love York and its abundance of History and shops.
All the years we've been going to York and never actually went to have a look at York Minster....until today. We're so glad we did and wondered why we'd left it so long, the exhibits and sights are really amazing, the Roman exhibit and the Crypt were exceptional. So much more than what we thought.
Well worth the money.
Dterra 0x — Google review
Stunning to see. We were lucky that our group was permitted to tour York Minster alone, while the choir was warming up for a BBC special. They sounded heavenly and it really set the scene for our group as our guide gave us a wonderful tour.
York is very walkable, with plenty of stores and cafes. Take time to walk the city walls near the Minster, as there are some awesome views of the Minster. Clifford's Tower is also within walking distance and worth a visit.
B Schmidt — Google review
The building's architecture and history was fascinating. The Tower Challenge (275 steps up two narrow spirals staircases) was well worth it for those who can do it.
The underground museum was old and musty. My allergies prevented me from being there too long.
Buff Maniscalco — Google review
Huge queue to entry, buy ticket online, ignore time slot allocated, just go and gain access with the ticket. Beautiful church with high sealing and ornaments. Gladly wasn't destroyer in the WWII
Krzysztof Zakowicz — Google review
The exterior was superb! The interior as well. We went on a Saturday, and you can buy tickets on the day. When we entered, there was an ongoing mass (wish we had known sooner; we could’ve attended it as well -not sure if it’s free to enter if you’re going to attend the mass). The cathedral was huge, and every detail inside was lovely, from the portrait glass windows and many more. Make sure to roam every corner of the monster to immerse yourself in history fully.
Jamie Marie — Google review
Visited October 2023: breathtaking, even though I didn’t go inside the outside is beautiful. There’s an area where you can observe the stone masons repairing parts of the building too
Sophy Norman — Google review
No visit to York is complete without seeing the Minster. It's a beautiful cathedral, but what I was most excited to see (and hear) was its recently restored Grand Organ. I attended an organ recital here and it was incredible. This mighty instrument has over five thousand pipes and dates back to the 1830s. I was chuffed I finally got to experience it at its best!
Small Gordy — Google review
Such a beautiful place! Worth the money! My friends and I went right after it opened and there was no wait time. We bought tickets there and got a student discount. It has such a beautiful history and so many rooms to go into. Worth stopping in for sure.
Emma Moore — Google review
Of course if you are visiting York then you must visit the York Minster. It is truly magnificent from the outside and in! As you are paying, id 100% recommend joining the talking tour where you get a 1hr 45min detailed and informative tour of the cathedral and get to learn so much about the history of the cathedral and details you'd miss if not joining!
Despina — Google review
Had a great time at the York Minster. The staff are friendly and helpful. They give you information about the church if you ask them. The crypt of St Williams is beautiful and serene. The whole church is just stunning. 😍 Do check out their astronomical clock, their eastern window. The stained glass art is gorgeous. 😍 Definitely recommend and will go again.
Jaison Joseph — Google review
A very nice and beautiful Place of worship. Very pretty glass windows and lots of things for the eyes to gaze upon. Didn't manage to make it up to the top of the tower but as the tickets last 12 months I will visit again sometime and explore again. There is a very fine Astronomical Clock which I found particularly fascinating
Jonathan webmonkeyuk — Google review
Great tour of the Minster (not a cathedral...more!). If you are reasonably fit, take the tower climb...TOTALLY worth it. I think the stained glass tour would be incredible too. York was awesome as was the Minster.
Dr. DarkSky Marty — Google review
Absolutely awesome building. The history of the building is incredible. Well worth the visit. Give yourself plenty of time to see everything as it's a big building. I didn't climb up the tower as 275 steps up a spiral staircase gives my vertigo the wobbles! But it was a fantastic experience even without the climb.
Louise Thompson — Google review
First time visiting York Minster, so I chose the guided tour, I found this really informative and well worth the money. The Minster was great to see in all its glory. There was refurbishment work being carried out mostly outside, so it didn't interrupt the visit. I had a great time here if you go to York and have the time it's a great few hours we'll spent.
Anthony Beddis — Google review
We were lucky as a choir was rehearsing, and we had a beautiful impromptu concert. Our guide was a delightful lady. We really enjoyed our tour with her.
C.E. D. — Google review
The Minster is stunning. We also did the 'Crypts of the Early Minster' tour (additional £6 per person when we visited) which was fascinating, and limited to a very small number, ours was 6 people. This meant we had a great opportunity to learn from the experienced guide and see some sections of the (even older!) churches that lie beneath the current building.
Rosie Walton — Google review
Really beautiful architecture and glass windows, we even get a souvenir in the shop next door. There are even guides available at the front desk when they scan your tickets. It's better to get tickets in prior and students can even get discounts!
Anusha Bhat — Google review
Extraordinary. Feels as if I'm thrown into the past as I'm exploring the buildings.
I heard that at a certain time you can go to the rooftop and see the church bell along with the view of the whole city. Too bad I cannot go there when I visited since the wind is blowing wildly and they don't allow anyone to go up there.
But definitely worth to visit. Also, don't forget to take some pictures.
Evita Cindy — Google review
One of the most stunning buildings I’ve ever visited. You can pay extra for tickets to go up to the rooftop. Beautiful views of York & the cathedral when looking down.
The G Force — Google review
Stunning stunning stunning. The most beautiful building I’ve visited in the UK. Fairly expensive to get in (£18 + £6 for the tower) but worth it to see everything. A true work of art, above and below.
Robert Greenaway — Google review
Amazingly intricate cathedral, especially on the outside. The inside is also fantastic but nothing that much more special than other major UK cathedrals and abbeys, which makes the entrance price slightly expensive for what it is. Still a must see site if visiting York! Queue to get in on weekends and holidays, but worth ‘pre-booking’ a slot as this makes it slightly quicker to get in.
Matt Ward — Google review
Weather made this weekend fabulous. Lovely city, friendly people. There is something for everyone. It is very busy. York races was great and not too expensive.
Moira Culling — Google review
York Minster is a wonderful place to visit. £18 for adults. Students at university in York get in free, as do children. Tickets last a year so you are free to return which is great as there is so much to take in. I highly recommend a tour as they are full of knowledge and take you to all the hidden spots of history that you may well miss. Try and go on a Wednesday as they have a coffee morning with delicious cakes and hot drinks and proceeds go to charity. Prayers are on the hour which are a reminder to take time to reflect and services are on throughout the day for you to join if you so wish. Don't miss the Undercroft Museum, it's been wonderfully done and seeing the base of both the Roman and Anglo-Saxon churches and buildings before the current Minster was in place is fabulous.
The Shambles is a famous street in York, England that is home to many butcher shops. It was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, and is one of the busiest places in the city for tourists.
Great place to explore especially for the Harry Potter fans. You can get everything here. Lot of choices for food , drinks and shopping as well
nikhil joshi — Google review
Really cute street! There are many little fun shops. It’s a shame they don’t have more lights in the evening as it would be nice to see it lit up.
Jennifer Sierra Pendergrast — Google review
How, just how?
These buildings all butted up against one another, and the slopes.
Building significance - incredible
Shops — interesting
Tracy Wills — Google review
I absolutely loved seeing the old style shops it was very busy long ques for the ghost shop. I would suggest being careful if you have difficulty walking as it's very uneven but a must-see while visiting york!
zoe lucas — Google review
The Shambles is a very popular but narrow road preserved medieval cobbled shopping street.
If you just want to see/photograph it rather than shop, it may be easier if you can get there early/late when most of the shops are closed.
Karen B — Google review
Interesting architecture but very ‘twee’ shops.
jane evans — Google review
Special place with a lot of tourists.
Pearl Xia — Google review
A great experience - that's all we can say when visiting this place. Surely you will also agree with us, if you have the opportunity to walk on the old streets that can be said to be the most beautiful in England. How wonderful.
Lee — Google review
A charming street with a lot of interesting shops. The architecture makes you feel like you are back in the medieval times.
Drowning In Tea — Google review
Beautiful old buildings looking picturesque in the winter season. Extremely busy during the day, excellent shops to browse and buy in! Better later at night when the crowds have dispersed and you can enjoy the street and its magical beauty without the hustle and bustle.
Rachel Yarrington — Google review
Way too busy but so stunning it's worth facing the people.
Marjory Jager — Google review
Fantastic experience if you are a Potter Head. The street was very full of people.
Yunilson — Google review
This is a "must see" street if you are visiting York. A beautiful medieval street, cute small old times shops , pebbled tiny roads , and historic Vibes!!
Best to come on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Studio R by ratnakar — Google review
The street was beautiful coupled with the amazing weather - it made the day more exciting and adventurous. I loved exploring all the little stalls.
olaide oshodi — Google review
A must if you visit YORK,beautiful old buildings and loads of great little shops along the way
Aron Macgregor — Google review
A lovely place to visit, but unfortunately it’s so busy at times and difficult to get in and out of shops / view anything. With so many people, we encountered some rudeness and ignorance, but was nice to walk through nonetheless. And goodness me, don’t wait for hours for that ghost shop!! There are so many other things you could do.
Lauren Hughes — Google review
Lovely street, but extremely crowded during the day. Would recommend going at night or with a tour
larissa naccarato — Google review
Love the shambles. Pick the right time and it's an enjoyable experience. Tuesday afternoon on a cold snowy January day and there was plenty of space to peruse and wander, soak up the atmosphere of such a historic place. Great independent shops, beautiful buildings, fabulous ale houses and eateries. Marvellous.
Julie Reece — Google review
Beautiful little street with lots of history and character, was very busy today so didn't enjoy skipping people. Will definitely come back again to explore properly in hopefully quiter time.
Dada ZD — Google review
Great old street in the middle of York, full of wonders and bespoke items you never knew you wanted. There was a shop who made ghost figures, a ton of Harry Potter shops, a few sweet shops, an alchemist shop and various others
Gareth Quinn — Google review
Great street with great history behind it 👍 it's actually quite crowded so watch your pockets.
The National Railway Museum in York is a great place for kids to explore train-related artifacts from all over the world. There are huge locomotives, royal carriages, and miniature railways to enjoy, as well as play areas and exhibits on the history of rail transport. Pre-booking is required for some activities, but this is a great museum for families to visit.
I would say this is the best museum I visited in my entire life.
The museum is Free to enter, but before you go you have to book tickets online. (Donations welcomed)
There is a car park on the ground, you have to buy tickets from the museum, if you have a blue badge the parking is free.
The museum is huge. You probably going to spend around 2 hours in the museum. The collection of trains and carriages are remarkable.
If you you are visiting York, this is the place you should not miss, especially if it’s raining outside, you will be covered.
Ross Malickis — Google review
A must visit for any train enthusiast, but also interesting for anyone who has an interest in social history or 'days gone by.' The trains really are the centre piece, but there are also lots of items from railway stations displayed around the trains: trolleys with luggage, posters advertising destinations for holidays and many enamelled advertising and information signs. These items create a context for the trains and this helps to bring them to life, it's easy to imagine who would be travelling and what their experience would have been when you see earthenware ginger beer bottles left on a seat or a sack barrow with suitcases and tennis rackets on the platform. The turntable in the second hall is a good reminder that the site of the museum was a working maintenance shed. The archive hall is full of items associated the all aspects of trains, railways and stations. Some are quirky - the packaging from the last microwave cheese burger served - and other show how railway staff were trained or equipped. Everything you could possibly imagine associated with railways can probably be found here. There is almost too much to take in in one visit.
The site is wheel chair accessible although one life was out of use when we visited. There is one lot of toilets located near to the entrance, these are modern, clean and well maintained.
As a non-train enthusiast engineer, I found plenty to look at and found the hall housing the railway associated items really fascinating. We spent four hours here, but I can imagine those who are truly interested in trains could easily spend a whole day taking it all in. Small children and teenagers may not find much to engage them as the displays are factual with little to interact with or try out.
There are cafes in both of the train display halls and they offer a nice choice of snacks and more substantial meals and the prices are not overly expensive. Book ahead as the number of people that can enter is limited by time slots and just turning up may result in a wait before you can enter.
Jnib — Google review
Always a great place to visit when in York. Free entry(donations welcomed) and a great place for any train or history enthusiast! We last visited in 2014 and although not much has changed, a new display of locomotives and a revamp in a few of the halls are a welcome change.
A side note, the station hall and gallery are currently shut due to extensive new development so our visit was slightly cut short but the main engine shed is still impressive.
Luke Murray — Google review
Every boy's dream - and their dad's too! Great selection of locomotives, mainly steam, and lots of other railway-related items too. Good information displays and helpful staff. I particularly enjoyed the 20 minute talk on how a steam engine works, which was free, as was the entry. You just have to book ahead of time, although I think you can just turn up and wait if it's busy.
Dave Ashford — Google review
I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting the National Railway Museum in York, and it was an experience that completely exceeded my expectations. As a history enthusiast, I was already captivated by the incredible charm of the city of York itself, but the museum took my appreciation of this historical gem to a whole new level!
From the moment I walked through the doors, I was struck by the grandeur of the museum. The vast collection of old trains and its rich history effortlessly transported me back in time, igniting a deep fascination for the world of railways. The museum's ability to connect visitors with the past is truly remarkable.
The displays were meticulously curated, and I was in awe of the range and variety of locomotives showcased. The attention to detail and the preservation of these beautifully restored trains made it evident that the museum's staff and curators are passionate about their work. It was truly a visual feast!
One of the highlights of my visit was the chance to explore the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive. The awe-inspiring size and elegance of this iconic train left me standing in awe. Being able to marvel at its craftsmanship up close was an extraordinary experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Moreover, the museum did an exceptional job of incorporating interactive exhibits that engaged visitors of all ages. From simulators that allowed me to experience the thrill of being in the driver's seat to informative and entertaining presentations, there was never a dull moment during my visit. It was educational and enthralling, catering to both enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
The National Railway Museum not only serves as a hub for train aficionados but also as a comprehensive educational resource. The museum's commitment to preserving the rail heritage and sharing knowledge with visitors is truly commendable.
Beyond the museum's impressive content, its location in the historically rich city of York adds an extra layer of charm and allure. Exploring the vibrant city before or after the museum visit enriches the overall experience and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the fascinating history that permeates every cobblestone and building.
I highly recommend the National Railway Museum in York to anyone seeking a captivating, educational, and memorable experience. Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone looking for a unique and adventurous outing, this is an absolute must-visit destination. Trust me; you won't be disappointed!
Thank you, National Railway Museum York, for the outstanding journey through time. My visit was truly unforgettable, and I can't wait to return for another incredible adventure!
Abdulrabi Alawi Abdulla — Google review
Really loved this musuem, I'm not particularly interested in trains but this was just great! So much to see and do, you could spend hours in there. Loved the cafe, coffee was tasty and loved the merchandise you can buy. Each train was really well signed and its completely free to enter as they rely on donations! It is advised to get tickets in advance on the website but you definitely don't need to!
Rhian Jones — Google review
I like that the entrance was free, but parking all day was £10 also they asked you for donations. Nice place to walk around and educate yourself. Have toilets. Need to wait in line to enter if inside are too many people. Have coffee and food inside.
Ernesta St. — Google review
A great experience for adults with so many amazing trains to look at and read about.
Could be better for younger children with more for them to do. Perhaps the museum could ask youngsters what they'd like to see / do - here's our son's suggestions 🤣
- Upside down model railway
- Mini railway (or individual robot trains) inside which tours around the trains
- Mallard experience (simulator) where you can push a button and choose which virtual train you'd like to ride
- A big picture of the railways showing where trains are, tunnels etc.
- Learn how to drive a train
- Big blocks puzzle where you can make the shape of Mallard
- Have models of each train going around that train
The cafes are pricey, but well stocked ... and you don't pay to get in so we're more than happy to pay a surplus for food to help museums like this keep running their fantastic services.
O Ozmeister — Google review
Overall a good museum, plenty to see here if you've an interest in trains or just need ti keep the family entertained for a couple of hours. In June 22, it was still advisable to book online so as to regulate how crowded it gets.
Whilst you can get free tickets on the website, it seems to ask for a donation ticket price of £5/adult.
It is a big space and split into three main halls. One an old station layout with a cafe & plenty of seating. Interesting to see the old royal carriages and some eclectic rolling stock.
In another hall (short walk), there are a range of nationally important & impressive engines including a Bullet train, The Evening Star and Mallard.
There is also a steam engine here with massive sections cut away & painted so you can see how it works. Sadly there is no real meaningful explanation. Indeed explanation sheets/boards are minimal throughout the museum, which kind of lets down the whole experience somewhat.
A 3rd hall has a really impressive load of old junk (memorabilia) all catalogued and stacked onto shelves. Again this could have more explanation of what has been collected/displayed. This is after all a National railway museum.
David Rees — Google review
The National Railway Museum provides a really fascinating day out, even if you are not a train fanatic. It contains not only locomotives and carriages showcasing the 200 years of railway history, from the Rocket to the bullet train, but also station signs and equipment (far more interesting than it sounds) model trains, insignia, personal stories and general memorabilia.
The section showing royal trains from the Victorian era onwards I found particularly engrossing. It shows what was regarded as essential for travelling royalty but also encapsulates the development of railway carriages from their horse-drawn equivalent to the rather less ornate version we are familiar with.
Refreshments are available and there is also a gift shop.
Gillian Pearson — Google review
Great for family’s. Old trains or modelling fans would be delighted here. Can touch a lot of old decent trains models here. Food, souvenirs, books. Can stay half of a day. Free entry. Must go if you re in Yorkshire.
Jack Kwong — Google review
First time visiting the museum. It is free entry and there is parking opposite the museum at £10. A good collection of trains inside but mainly for viewing. Probably 1 hour experience. You can get a car/train to the centre of York which is around £3 per person.
EI Loonat — Google review
The museum has real engine pieces, maintained at the highest standards. If you are a train nerd, it's got a lot of history and information and can even take up a whole day if you go into the nuances. Nevertheless, the visual imagery of the engine parts are nothing alike in the photos that you see. Perfect place to go with your family, as they've got a kids' play section.
Toilets well maintained, cafe ✅
It's free and can be booked online.
Karthikesh Baskaran — Google review
Excellent 3hrs well spent, have not been for years...enjoyed every minute.
Good for all the family especially if you like trains and their history.
Plenty of memorabilia to see, goes from the start of the railway to today.
A good display of Flying Scotsman's history.
Possibly 3hrs is not enough to take it all in.
Martin Fenn — Google review
Loved this museum. Flying Scotsman, Mallard and many more famous trains displayed in their glory. Amazingly it's free entry. Great for all ages. Good food courts too. Only gripe is that in the main hall it is too dark to see inside the drivers cab footplates and passenger carriages, despite stairs up to them.
M Hurst — Google review
A wonderful muesum, with really history, which you can up close and see. The staff were lovely and the exhibitions stunning. My wife and I booked on line, very easy, and we hadn’t been since we were children (a few years ago!) so it was great to go back after a number of years (quite a few!) and revisit both our past and the muesum. Sadly we missed the Flying Scotsman…. But that’s life.
If you are in York and have time don’t miss out on a wonderful place.
CSB — Google review
Great place for a visit young or old. Amazing history and engines! Welcoming and attentive event staff. Cafe food made us feel a bit ill, would eat elsewhere or bring your own. Otherwise looking forward to seeing this wonderful monument to history again soon!!
J. CyberSenate — Google review
Super fun and interesting museum, lots of neat things to see and information available. Definitely plan to spend about half a day here and book ahead. When you get there, book tickets for the mini railway, they sell out quick! Food options were mediocre but the cafe in the main station and the Countess of York were awesomely set up. Unfortunately, the steam rides and the hands-on exhibits were closed when we went, but we'll look forward to visiting them in the future. Shockingly good for a free museum and a must-visit for anyone who likes trains!
Abigail Carey — Google review
Enjoyed our visit. Good selection of locomotives and rolling stock on display.
Entrance is currently free with boxes for any donations.
You are advised to book your entrance ticket online, prior to actually arriving at the museum.
Car parking onsite with a disabled parking area closer to the main entrance. At the time of our visit, parking was £10 for all day.
A lot of areas currently undergoing refurbishment/redevelopment, but this did not distract too much from the overall experience.
Paul Wright — Google review
What a wonderful museum! We gladly gave a donation and couldn't believe admission was free for such a large place to visit. There is the Royal trains, steam trains, Euro train and even a carriage over one hundred and seventy years old. You don't have to be an train enthusiast to enjoy this museum. A must see! You can pay £10 to park all day until 18.30, which allows you plenty of time to visit other attractions within walking distance.
Beverley Grant — Google review
It's one of the best Railway Museum I have ever seen. I visited the same museum last year November month and last week this year and to my surprise the whole museum is totally changed. Before it was direct entry but now free entry via a time slot which can be Pre booked on the website. Now the Museum is divided in to multiple parts. It is having very good collection of so many types of Railway engines. Now it is having multiple washrooms, multiple cafes with variety of food items. Good place for kids to spend time in so many toys & mini railway models. It is now have multiple souvenir coin machines also installed. It will take couple of hours to complete the museum now. A very good place to know the full history of Railways.
Rohit Patange — Google review
Free to visit but book tickets online beforehand. We used their car park opposite which was £10 all day. You have to pay in the museum, you get given a ticket with a code on it so you can get out. We spent a couple of hours in the museum then walked into York Centre which was about a 15 minute walk depending on how fast you walk. Get in the car park as early as you can as there are very limited spaces.
Gary Read — Google review
This was our first visit to the National Railway Museum in 20 years. We found the display of locomotives and carriages strikingly impressive, and there was a charming toy railway, a railway turntable and signal box with a video on operating signals.
On the other hand we missed some of the highlights of earlier visits: Queen Victoria's carriage; social history montages explaining how railway travel opened up the possibilities of market gardening and holiday making; illustrated histories of the gradual development of a) steam and b) travel by rail; a children's section allowing visitors to experiment with the physics of rail travel (involving gradients, stopping times etc).
Whereas the 'old' Museum offered enough to captivate a whole family, of varied interests and ages, for an entire day, the present Museum would primarily be aborbing to an avid railway enthusiast.
Katy vdB — Google review
Great place to visit especially if you love transport or trains, Such a variety of historical steam engines diesel and electric locomotives, some amazing royal carriages lovely cafe on the platform. The great hall is impressive and facts can be found everywhere, The Ellerman lines cutaway give a great understanding of how steam engines work. If you're in the area definitely worth a visit, I have been many times
Ed Rocksteady — Google review
An awesome railway museum to visit.
The Flying Scotsman is in presently (past few times I've visited, she has been out on tour).
The VR experience is worthwhile. Pretty popular, so may be useful to book the VR in advance. Overall museum arrival was easy - free entry.
The lab section was very well put together, teaching some excellent railway based scientific concepts.
Robbie Cannings — Google review
One of the best museums in the UK. Very popular. Much for children to do.
Has a decent safe also.
There is a library and archive - appointments are needed.
Worth getting tickets in advance so that you can get in quicker.
Great place for children.
Worth the trip there.
Hywel Maslen — Google review
This is a really interesting place whether you really like trains or not. There are some amazing trains to see including one of the worlds biggest plus Mallard, a world record holder still to this day. The exhibition of train memorabilia is fascinating, so much history. You can go inside a Japanese train and get up close to others too.
It can get busy at times so get your tickets online before you go. We went on a weekday morning and it was reasonably quiet. Tickets are free but you can add a donation if you like.
Lesley Elding — Google review
Absolutely amazing value, entry is free when you book in advance but there are options to donate.
I have never been particularly interested in trains but I found the experience fascinating, there were loads of different trains to look at from the very earliest trains all the way up to the most modern high-tech ones. The trains are very nicely presented with well-written descriptions. I particularly enjoyed being able to sit on the Japanese Shinkansen and watching a short film about its history.
The cafe is very nice and the seats take up some of the museum space rather than being separate. I thought this was nice as you are able to have a coffee whilst sat next to some of the trains.
It was by far the best value activity that I did on my visit to York!
George Marshall — Google review
A real gem in the North of England.
The National Railway Museum is a brilliant place to experience and learn about Britain's railways, and some international railway history as well.
The main exhibition hall has numerous locomotives, including a few famous ones.
The other halls and sheds have other marvellous sights as well.
Very handicapped accessible, and also a great place for children.
Multiple cafes and areas to play on site.
Conservation hall is excellent.
Renovations happening throughout 2024 so check the website before visiting.
Samuel Liddicott — Google review
This is a great free museum to visit with an approximately 20 minute walk from the city centre. There's loads to see here and you could easily spend several hours walking and looking at the various exhibits. There's also a cafe and a great gift shop with some really nice items to buy. I'm not a 'train enthusiast' but still found this a extremely interesting place to go and visit and, don't forget it's free.
David Atkins — Google review
It's the first time we have been here, an excellent afternoon out looking at all the old trains and learning a bit about them. It's free to get in but the car park itself is £10 for the whole day so keep that in mind. My 7 year old really enjoyed finding the oldest train and getting to see inside of some of them. It's a good day out.
Ben Richardson — Google review
An amazing collection of national treasures located in the heart of York, one of Europes most beautiful cities. Good facilities for accessible needs and a decent cafe to rest whilst exploring the excellent exhibits. Home of the iconic Mallard, the museum is a must see destination when visiting York.
Fountains Abbey is an english national trust estate located in the dales of yorkshire, consisting of ruins from a medieval abbey and a landscaped garden with fountains. The estate is popular with visitors for its beauty, history and adventure playground.
Lovely place. Abbey ruins are very impressive. Lots of trails for walking. A little bit steep in places but lots of temples in the woods to explore. The water gardens are beautiful. The visitor centre is a very impressive building with restaurant, shop and toilet facilities. You can even borrow a lock or puncture outfit for your bike.
Steve Gascoyne — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place. Bit pricey, but if you visit on a nice day and stay for a picnic it's worth the money. There is so much more to see than the Abbey. The park is huge and the further you get into it the prettier it seems to get. There is wild deer at the far end. Dog friendly too, which is always a bonus for us.
Becki Hill — Google review
This is a beautiful place to visit. The ruins are amazing, beautiful and haunting. The gift shop is very good amd the coffee shop does a lovely range of cakes. Take your own picnic if it's a nice day.
beth watson — Google review
Great place for a family visit. Facilities near the entrance are spot on, with a good size restaurant, toilets and shop. Then there is a lot to explore, with a play park for the children, just after the entrance, then on to the abbey itself (very impressive) and walks through the grounds and formal gardens. There’s a lot of walking involved, but accessible with buggies. Lots of space for the little ones to run around.
Allan Stelmach — Google review
A truly magical place in Yorkshire. It was wonderful being able to wander the grounds. Was a bit surprised at the entry ticket price but it's definitely worth it for everything you get to see. Really great trip for families or anyone that wants a good hike.
Maya S — Google review
The scale of the place will surprise you; expansive park, grand lakes and huge ruined abbey. Plenty of toilets and cafes or bring your own refreshments. The triple decker chocolate sponge was great!
Gordon — Google review
First visit back here for quite a while and is as beautiful as I remember. The Abbey is amazing and evokes thoughts of what it must have been like in its day... very spectacular. The water garden too is a lovely walk. The lakes were a little clouded over with algae and weed probably due to all the hot weather this year but nevertheless it still looks great. Lots of walks with lots to see and do... a must National Trust place to visit.
David Taylor — Google review
A fabulous visit, easy parking, short walk to visitor centre. Excellent facilities; the cafe was superb with lots of food choices, the gift shop was well stocked. The abbey itself was an easy walk from the entrance and was amazing, much more impressive than photos can do justice. A great day out for all ages.
Isabelle Stuart — Google review
Not been here for years. All beautiful kept gardens. Plenty of walking to be done around the estate. Lots of seats about for people to sit on & if you're not very mobile you can hire a motor scooter. There's some gorgeous views from the tops through the woodland walks. The abbeys ruins are very well in tact. Continue on through to Studley Royal Deer Park. We managed to see some. St Mary's Church is worth visiting too. It opens at 1pm.The water gardens are lovely too. There's plenty of picnic areas & toilets. By the visitor centre there is a restaurant. There's a cafe too in the grounds. We were lucky enough to visit with a free National Trust Pass😉👍
Cobbydale Sue — Google review
We visited this place in the afternoon after leaving Brimham Rocks. This was probably unwise given the size of place. The park and gardens were absolutely amazing 👏. There is ample parking in any of the 3 car parks available, even on a busy day. I recommend using the main one by the visitors centre to start. There are toilet facilities at three locations around the park, but none at the Mill Cafe. There is an amazing playground at the visitors centre for kids, the best I've seen anywhere. The Abbey, even in ruins, is a magnificent place to see. No photograph can capture its true beauty.
Barbara Cooke — Google review
Super National Trust property. Grounds and ruins are a great place to spend the day. Restaurants and visitor centre are good. They had a small but good selection of healthy plants for sale.
Philip Runacres — Google review
We went in First week of September and weather was perfect. It has nice long walk if you park near information centre. Try to park near Abbey car park then it will be easy and short cut. If you are national trust member then you can save £42 for family of 4. Otherwise £17 for adult and £12 for children for entry. There are children play area. 2 cafes. Many places to explore
Travel Zone — Google review
Initially thought to be a bit pricey for entry. However, you can easily spend several hours at the Abbey and the surrounding area. The size is immense. The ruins are spectacular. Staff are welcoming. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the Dales.
Conan Cowley — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place. So historic, in fabulous grounds. Ideal for a wonderful day out. Theres the hall, then the ruins of the Abbey. Great sweeps of grassy landscape disected by the bubbling river that falls into the landscaped lakes. Plenty of car parking outside, courtious friendly staff, a great cafe overlooking the lakes and if you have one you can take your dog. Fantastic! 10/10.
bill clifford — Google review
It was absolutely beautiful!! It was misting a bit when we arrived but, it just made everything look a bit spooky we weren’t too bothered.
As it cost £18 per person we decided to just join The National Trust for £120 for the year for both of us with no issues. It was an effortless process that allows us access to many site and parking areas for 365 days.
We enjoyed the trails, nature, and all the pheasants around the grounds. The abbey is truly magnificent and worth visiting. We will have to come back in the summer when the weather is nicer.
The abbey looked beautiful with the autumn leaves and the misty rain so, we feel like it was worth the visit!!
Tesha B — Google review
Great place for a day out if its sunny. Only fault I found was the lack of benches to sit and rest especially if you are disabled and can't walk for any great distance
J.J. P. — Google review
Great place with lots to see and many different walks to choose from. The Abbey is spectacular and has an amazing vibe thanks to the jackdaws and pigeons nesting there in nooks and corners. Well worth the money, as you'll spend at least half a day exploring!
0MissJackal0 — Google review
Great little heritage site just outside Ripon even if it is a little on the pricey side (£19 for an adult ticket).
You need a whole day here even though we went for an afternoon.
The Abbey ruins are well worth a visit and I'll be back to check out the rest of the park at some point .
Hamid — Google review
The Whole Abbey is well preserved. Before entering the Abbey ruins, kind staff will suggest which route to take to see more. The Abbey is well distributed, every point is very close, and it is easy to find restaurant and toilets. Walking along the map, the scenery is always beautiful. I went to take photos at places with lake views, and the photos I took seemed to be connected to the sky and the earth. The Abbey ruins are very large, you need to reserve 2-3 hours, and it is very suitable for a family. It’s an amazing place.
Maize Kwan — Google review
Great location to lose the day. Very nice walks around the grounds with many interesting attractions to see. The cathedral and immediate surroundings were most impressive, great to explore, and access the ruins whilst learning the history of the area from the time it was built through to its dismise. The estate is much larger, with numerous pathways to choose from. There are also a few cafes scattered around, serving hot drinks and some light bites.
Nick Johnson — Google review
A huge, beautiful area to explore. Entry is quite expensive if you don't have NT membership, but you can easily fill a full day here and still want to return. The children enjoyed the craft session that was on in which they made little lavender pouches. The Abbey itself is magnificent and so much bigger than we expected. There is a lovely walk over to the water park too. There's also a deer park, but we didn't walk through there as it had already been quite a long walk for small children.
There are 3 cafés on site and we enjoyed a nice lunch at one, and drinks and ice lollies at another. There were vegan and gluten free options at them.
A wonderful site which we'll definitely be visiting again.
Illona Kell — Google review
This was our second visit to fountains abbey, both times with children under one. I enjoyed visiting again, the place is huge, there is tons to see and you can easily spend all day looking around the beautiful grounds. The abbey itself although much a ruin, it's great to explore and wonder what it must have been like as a complete building
The RHS Garden Harlow Carr is one of the only 4 gardens managed and graded by the Royal Horticulture Society. It's a 30 acre site in Harrogate that is open to the public for a stroll through and has a range of different gardens reflecting the Yorkshire landscape. There are also tea rooms, boutique shops, and tours on offer.
Visiting here for the first time, I enjoyed walking around the gardens and arboretum and taking in some much needed fresh air.
There is ample car parking here but it does get busy at some times of year and the queue for the main tearooms was very large.
It will be good to go back as the seasons progress to see how the garden blooms. There are also a number of works being udnertaken which will enhance the experience.
Dermot Tuohey — Google review
Beautiful garden. Majority of the grounds are wheelchair/mobility scooter accessible. Lots of benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Ample parking, and a Betty’s on site- made the day a really special treat. The plant shop and gift shop were well stocked, and came away with a lemon tree! Just wish it was a bit closer- had a glorious day.
h baxter — Google review
Back again. Membership is truly worth it. Nothing beats this place in my eyes. The beds are to die for and your head is on a constant swivel. As soon as you walk into the gardens you feel at peace and its so good for the mind. The garden centre and shop have everything, although quite pricey and a fat rascal from the Betty's on site tops the day off perfectly.
Damian Glover — Google review
A beautiful pleasure garden within easy reach of Harrogate. Take public transport to get a significant discount on your ticket. I went in early spring and maybe didn’t see it at its best, but still enjoyed the heather display and the early bulbs. The library is also worth a visit! Avoid the main Betty’s tea room; too crowded and overpriced. I had a lovely tea plus scone at the stand in the gardens.
Will Beharrell — Google review
We had a lovely visit to this garden. Even though it was early Spring there was a lot to see. Betty's cafe is well worth a visit but be aware there are queues to get in sometimes. There is a lovely outdoor cafe though. Children are well catered for too with a nice play area & a trail to follow.
Eunice Spence — Google review
We had a fabulous day out today. The gardens were huge and had a good mix of woodland area and gardens. Our children enjoyed the Easter egg hunt and tried hard to find all 30 eggs! There's fabulous food with Betty's on site as a cafe and kiosks. There were areas to see wildlife and there were a few play areas for the children to go on as they walk round. Definitely worth a visit!
Laurence Bragard — Google review
Would have been happier if they charged less for off-season tickets. Only some parts of the garden were beautiful (like in my photo) but not the whole park. I expected to see colorful flowers everywhere but it wasn’t the case. We walked quite some distance with nothing much to see. Don’t expect too much or come later in the year. Maybe it would be more worth it if we had visited this place in Summer.
Yuki Tachaya — Google review
Visited for the glow event and it was a fun festive evening for the whole family. The gardens looked amazing, the light trail is really well done and the spiced rum hot chocolate towards the end was spot on. From four year old to grandparents everyone had a lovely time. The bubble man was particularly enjoyed and great that the shop was kept open late for the event.
Kate hughes — Google review
Very helpful staff. Used the tramper, but I think it would be good for the staff to try them out. Some of the inclines were steep, with adverse cambers. You have to experience it to understand how frightening some of it was.
That said the gardens were lovely, still undergoing work. Excellent embroidery display in the library and Japanese Gallery.
Sharon Holden — Google review
What a fantastic day. Never been before and well worth the visit. Fantastic gardens lots to see, nice stroll around all the areas with all in bloom, so many ideas for home. Cafe was busy, but Betty's had stalls in the garden, food was great and enjoyable.
Paul Garland — Google review
Absolutely beautiful gardens! Been visiting for many years now and it never stands still. Always new borders and different sitings for plants. You could never get bored. Changes made every time you visit. Lots of seating for a picnic or just a rest overlooking the amazing trees and flowers and ponds. Streams running through too. Definitely worth visiting.
maxine storr — Google review
A lovely place and very pleasant for a few hours out. At the moment (August 2023) there seemed to be quite a bit being redeveloped/dug up so although that’s good in the long term there are a few bits which aren’t as nice as they could be. Highlights are the tropical garden (on the right after the entrance) and walking by the stream. Good for prams and excellent baby changing facilities. Plenty of places to sit and eat a packed lunch or food/coffee from the cafes. There’s a good size playground for children.
Elizabeth Elliot — Google review
We were really impressed when we visited. The grounds are beautiful and well looked after. There are several places on site for eating and drinking and a well stocked shop with lots of books for children in particular. We had great fun exploring the grounds, there was so much to see. The kids loved the playgrounds. Definitely worth a visit!
Adam B — Google review
Beautiful walk. I was working there so not sure of entry fee. Lovely gardens, gorgeous buildings and a wide range if plants. If it was closer to me where I live I would definitely take the Mrs there!
Dan — Google review
Such a wonderful tranquil, beautiful garden with a variety of plants, trees, shrubbery. I visited when the succulent and cactus exhibition was on by the British cactus and succulent society, it was so great to see all the various different plants including some award-winning cactuses. I would definitely recommend visiting as it's a memorable experience for outdoor lovers and UK explorers.
S B — Google review
I was lucky enough to be invited to visit the beautiful gardens today. Absolutely gorgeous with lots of flowers already blooming.
Donna Bailey — Google review
Really well looked after, have joined for the year as it looks different in every season and relaxing place to go, all staff really nice looking forward to their cafe opening soon.
Maggie Young — Google review
Beautiful gardens, offering Betty's cafe, well maintained and deserving repeat visits as the seasons change
Ken Sherwood — Google review
Wonderful place to wander round. Kids areas were busy but not too bad. Free parking appreciated. Nice to see they had taxi drop off spots too. Betty's only to eat at on site at the moment, both with a queue but good service - suggest the one inside the grounds as there are many benches to eat alfresco. Arboretum was glorious and quiet. Enjoyed the succulent and cacti show.
George Lovely — Google review
Great day out with beautiful flowers and surroundings. Walked the whole park. Great vibe. Well set out. Great for young and old. Will be back in the summer!
Talal Mansy — Google review
April / Easter was a beautiful time of year to visit RHS Harlow Carr as the vast majority of the azalea and rhoddendrons were in full bloom. We took away this beautiful plant (£10) which was like a snowdrop but from a different family, hoping it multiplies.
Dougie Stirling — Google review
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Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB, United Kingdom
Royal Armouries Museum is a museum in Leeds, England that showcases historic arms and armor from across the globe. The museum is home to more than 8,500 objects on display in six impressive galleries, and it's one of the city's most interesting attractions. Among the collections are weapons and armor from the Tower of London, as well as Indian elephant armor and fencing displays.
Such a good place to go and spend hours, either alone or with friends or families! The staff are very welcoming and friendly. A variety of interesting stories and stuff, from the west to the east, from ancient time to modern time. Some of the displays are just breath-taking - take your time to explore! The shopping area and food area are also good. The food and drink served are pretty decent. I really had a wonderful time here. It is a fantastic place that I would recommend to all of my friends!
Sheryl Yu — Google review
Outstanding. Free entry, great amenities, easy lift access onto each floor. Incredibly well set out and something for all ages. Staff were helpful. Each floor has a different theme and the displays are exceptional. The amount of time and effort put in to set out each area must be immense. Really really great time and have already recommended to many others who haven't yet been. 5*
Ashley Roberts — Google review
It's one of the greatest museum with a great collection of arms and armours of all times where I was lucky to have been! Most of the artifacts are in a good state, and you can trace the development of arms, armours, and guns too. In addition, this museum has a great collection from all over the world, and not only England.
And it's free to visit, so I recommend!
Natalja Ganzik — Google review
We had a very enjoyable visit to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. It's housed in a lovely building. Staff were all very helpful. We spent a few hours walking round. Lots to see there. We went just before the school holidays so it wasn't too busy.
Only criticism I would have was that there were few areas that were closed when we went. Bad timing on our part i think.
Overall, it is an excellent museum. Great for young and old.
Richard Kirkwood — Google review
A fantastic museum and a great spot to visit when exploring Leeds. There is so much on display and the layout really works well. You can spend anywhere between an hour and all day in this museum and still find new things.
Matthew Harwood — Google review
Absolutely amazing place to visit, so many artifacts and information to take on board. There was a little presentation on whilst we were there (Yankee Doodle story) and it was awesome! Great for all ages, and interest levels. Would recommend if you're in the area.
Nadine Martinez — Google review
It’s an very impressive world war history themed museum. They display armors , weapons, tools etc. What I love the most is their orientalist gallery. Expected the Japanese part. The items they have collected are quite authentic. You can even see the floral patterns in details. Make sure go check out what time they have shows. The swordsman fighting is definitely worth to see. There aren’t many museums in Leeds and this one is a bit far from city center, but it is worth going. Plus their gift shop fully of toys. Perfect for taking your kids there.
Etheria H — Google review
Fascinating, and sometimes harrowing, journey through the history of weapons and conflict. Amazing displays and regular demonstrations where history is brought to life. A few more interactive displays would make it perfect, but still thoroughly worth a visit.
Nice cafe and gift shop, but also next to Leeds Docks with other places to eat.
Parking at a reasonable price in the nearby multi-storey car park, just a couple of minutes walk away.
O Ozmeister — Google review
This is a really well presented venue that is very child friendly but is equally good for adults if they are interested in the military history.
There are plenty of clear sign posts, parking is in an adjacent multi story car park for the Leeds Dock Complex.
The museum itself is packed with interesting exhibits with lots of information, it is on a number of floors but there are great lifts that whisk you between the floors, the lifts give good disabled access to all the floors and display areas.
There is lots to see and a number of places that you can sit and rest plus some very nice cafes.
Toilets as you would expect in a modern building like this are really well designed, clean and fresh with good facilities and plenty of disabled facilities.
If we are passing this way again we will probably make a return visit.
Alan Holt — Google review
For a free experience the royal armouries is absolutely fantastic. Huge and filled with exciting areas and lots of amazing shows that are also free to watch. The cafe is nice and the shop is great too. I definitely recommend a visit here. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming.
Shannon Baxendale — Google review
The museum was good, a few exhibits missing from the last time I went (20+ years ago). There was much less about how the items were made this time, but an abundance of arms and armour etc.
The only downside was the cafe, very basic food nowhere near good enough for the prices charged.
The gift shop was well stocked and well worth a visit.
It's also worth going to see any shows that are on.
All in all a good day.
Peter Wrightson — Google review
Loved the visit and a vast range of armoury and arms displays from ancient to modern times.
Shows a new view of history and culture across the world
Loved the medieval and huge knights and elephant displays
Definitely worth half a day here and experience different side of world history
Ullas kishore — Google review
Always a great place to visit for families, plenty of information to guide you through, fantastic gift shop. Cafe looked delicious but was busy so didn't indulge. Been quite a few times took us 2 hours to look around, if it's your first time & you visit cafe give yourself half a day, big storey car park available 5 mins away.
Gaynor Weaver — Google review
It's massive and informative! My kid loves this place, spent about 2 hours here. Show tickets run out fast, make sure you arrive a bit earlier if you want to enjoy the live show there
Zoe Chan — Google review
Amazingly well presented display that will take you on a trip through time and across continents . I could get lost in here for days and never take in all the information available , ten out of ten for the staff and the presentation . One thing made me laugh you will see a Knuckle duster Knife and Gun all in one piece of kit . That truly gives a new meaning to if at first you don't succeed , try , try and try again for me . There was a very interesting helmet with metal moustache built in vanity it would seem knows no bounds . In the hunting section I loved the hunter on his Elephant attacking a Tiger . Not nice I know but very lifelike and impressive . The Longbow Man was a bit intimidating these battles must have been terrifying . The Dragon like piece of Horse armour from Asia was cool I thought quite friendly looking in a strange kind of way and his side kick was quite handsome too . There was a live sword fighting display but unfortunately I missed this . Again 10 out of 10 another great attraction in Leeds what a great City . If you are not local I wouldn't advise trying to drive in the Park and Ride is easy and much less stress . I would highly recommend a visit .
heimdal odinson — Google review
Absolutely amazing experience, the staff were so friendly, helpful and kind and even got involved in the all around building entertainment. The cafe and toilet facilities were clean on point and all round spotless and hygienic no fault, credit to them.
This place is a have to see to believe, the history it holds is phenomenal, around every corner over every step is something unreal and different, there isn't a corner where this stunning piece of history isn't covered. They really have kept an era of life and existence truly alive, highly recommended for a full fun packed day.
Although it is free entry, donations are greatly needed and thanked to keep this part if history alive, so please leave a few pound if you can it truly helps. Thanks again 👍
Discover With Bailee (DiscoverWithBailee) — Google review
Outstanding. Totally worth every minute.
Some of the highlight of our many visit:
- A wide selection of everything you would wanna see from the past and present.
- Education rooms with audio and video.
- Staff are very knowledgeable and performers.
- Informative brochures and flyers.
- Kids friendly and wheelchair accessible.
- Gift and coffee shop
- Great set up, sound, video and light system.
- Highly recommending visit their website and social media to attend their educational events.
We have visited during the weekdays, weekend and public holidays. It never failed to amaze us.
Mo Bellamy — Google review
What an absolute stunning and free museum this is. It has got to be up there with one of the best and most interested I have ever visited. It is vast in size and has got lots of interesting collections of anything to do with war and weaponry. I would take a trip back here at some point.
Barag Dawazbag — Google review
Wow..
What can i say, I have been to quite a few museums.. Must say the collection here is unparalleled, great helpful staff , stunning and a must see if you are in Leeds, you Will need a some time to get through all the floors, great Cafe and shop on ground floor, lifts for Mobility affected, would recommend taking a water taxi (£2) from Leeds train station.
Wheelchair friendly and Free admission.
rudey valentino — Google review
Absolutely fantastic museum. I came when I was a kid and it has changed so much. I brought my 3 kids aged 18/13/12 and each of them loved it. The summer holiday program was really fun. The sword fighting demonstration was really fun the actors were great and made a huge effort for the audience. We watched the outdoor horse show in the arena. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Also went to the stables to meet the horses. No entrance fee which makes it a great day out for anyone. Would recommend to everybody. Fun for any age.
Tara Aydemir — Google review
Great exhibition with lots of interesting pieces of armour and weaponry from across many centuries. Good range of shows provided through the day and some interactive exhibits. Thoroughly enjoyed our day there (2 adults and a 6 year old).
Just be aware that the cafes a rather expensive. Although the food is ‘homemade,’ it is quite pricey for what you get. Having said that, entry to the museum is free.
Will Davies — Google review
Very good museum, whether you like military history or not you will be entertained. I specifically enjoyed the temporary gold gun exhibition on the top floor, some gorgeous exhibits there and my personal highlight. Spent about 3 hours and didn't see everything so I'll return soon.
Daniel Volak — Google review
I have been visiting the armories for many years with my children, since it first opened.
We have always loved it .
The presentations, performances and jousting closely followed by the kids activity room and cross bow range were always there favorites.
Today we went as an adult family of 6 adults and 2 teens.
For nostalgia sake lots of displays and cabinets were still the same.
Some areas such as self defense desperately need an overhaul.
It was disappointing to discover the cross bow range is now closed, but they do have plans to reopen this next month. This has always had a charge.
Another disappointment even though my kids are too big the childrens activities room with dressing up and craft activities is no longer there , it looks like a classroom now, probably for school visits.
Jousting is a warmer month only activity and only in school holidays I believe.
We watched a presentation by two people which was informative but a little dull, could do with a little audience participation maybe.
For people visiting for the first time they would have a great free day out
For those who have visited before you will realize it's a little dated and needs refreshing .
There was a new exhibition which we all enjoyed.
We didn't eat or drink but there is a cafe on site.
The shop is well stocked and reasonably priced pencils and pens from £2/£3.
There are good public transport links.
There is a multi story car park which has a charge.
It's very accessible with lifts to all floors.
D B — Google review
A fantastic collection of weapons and armour, and put on different shoes and displays. you could easily spend hours in here, they also have cafe and toilet facilities. Entry is free, although most people give a donation. Perfect for a rainy day
El Monteith — Google review
A wonderful day out, definitely worth the visit. You can easily spend all day looking at the artifacts.
We were lucky to go on the superhero event so there were plenty of shows to watch too.
Lisa Moseley — Google review
My wife and I visited the Royal Armouries for the first time last Saturday. The museum is enormous and houses some amazing exhibitions and montages..
We particularly enjoyed the Asia gallery. It was interesting to compare how things like body armour and implements of war developed in other cultures over the centuries.
There was a live demonstration of two-handed sword fighting by two witty and knowledgeable presenters.
Even for peace-loving people like us, the armouries is a special place.
Robert Wolz — Google review
Wow, what a place! It's massive, and entry is free until June 2024. There's a lot to see. We spent around 2 hours there and didn't get to read or see everything! Very instructive and engaging. I have a lot more images, too numerous to upload. Make sure you leave enough time to see everything.
K V Meher Hruthik — Google review
It's so impressive to see thousands of rich, incredible and well organized guns, swords, armours... from ancient times to the present day. Most importantly, the talks and tours are educational and inspirational. There were many local students and foreign trainees visiting the museum. They were very attentive in the talks and I believed they had a fruitful learning experience there.
Daniel Chan — Google review
Really Good place to visit, enjoyed the displays, sword demo and Talk on Flodden battle. Would recommend to everybody. Don't delay go today. Plenty of attendants to help and advise. Could not get round it in one visit, will certainly go again.
The wildlife park in Yorkshire offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with over 70 different species of animals. The park also promotes conservation and welfare, meaning your ticket money goes towards protecting the animals.
First time visiting, we were very impressed. The park was clean and well laid out. The animal enclosures were a lot bigger than other zoos we have been to as a result the animals seemed a lot happier and more playful. We ate at the safari cafe the price is what you expect to pay but the food was lovely. Be prepared for a lot of walking due to the size of the site. We will definitely be returning.
Nicola Moorhouse — Google review
Absolutely recommended. Lovely walk round seeing all the varying animals including polar bears. They have an abundance of wildlife. Lots to do as you walk round from lots of food courts and play areas doted around as you go. Staff friendly and always helpful with informative talks. Food and coffee is good. Toilets doted all around as well. Plenty of parking.
Craig Stocken — Google review
Absolutely superb. Brilliant range of animalsz great attractions and reasonably priced.
Huge!!! Make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes as you'll be non stop walking. If you want to do the shows you could easily spend the full day there and not manage to do everything.
The Hive is also a brilliant addition next to it.
Get there when it opens!!!!!!
Ryan Whelan — Google review
Great place. We come every other year and this was our best visit yet! We got there for 10am and saw many of the animals coming out of their shelters for breakfast! We had a great time. We took our own picnics and there was plenty of seating available. We only boughr coffees at a stand and they were lovely. The kids really enjoyed themselves too l.
Sam Jeffrey — Google review
The winter illuminations were fabulous, really good value for money. Good food available from the cafes, restaurants and stalls on the way around. So much to see and the hyenas even put in a night time appearance! We will definitely be back next year.
Kalandria De Mein — Google review
Great place for children and adults. Lots of animals to see, dinosaur walk, parks and restaurants. Lots of walking involved so wear comfy shoes. Would recommend and we had a great day out. Loved the cute Red Pandas, seeing the magnificent Polar Bears and the California Seals have a beautiful pool. Gift shop, toilets, proper paths to walk on.
funkidiva — Google review
Very nice day out. Clean / tidy.
Lots of animals. Nice feeding time slots, you can use the app to find the times and where they are going on and how to get to them, the app is very useful.
Easy to get around. Lots of play areas. Plenty of Seating. Lots of places to eat and drink. A couple more little shows like Bug show experiences could be nice, as only 2 a day and both different.
Couldn’t fault the day. Will be visiting again. And planning an experience tip to get up close with some animals.
stuart jackson — Google review
One of the best wildlife parks in the UK by far!
Everything is clean and tidy. Lots of staff around, very organised when guiding cars to parking spaces.
Lots of options for food, plenty of picnic tables. Toilets are clean and they don't smell! Also plenty of loo roll!
Great for children with different sizes of play areas and climbing frames.
Walking around we saw everything, we never felt lost or that we had missed any animals, plus... plenty of viewing areas.
Animal enclosures are brilliant, so much space for them and well designed.
The polar bears are the reason to go for sure!
Lots of space for them to expand too (elephants please! 😁)
Will definitely be returning!
Lisa C — Google review
First time visiting will definitely be back. Kids and ourselves loved it. Initially animals hiding but as we walked around the vast areas we spotted them. Loved the tigers and feeding time.
Took picnic therefore can’t comment on food but lots of eating places and great coffee.
Lisa Wood — Google review
It's a beautiful place but if you have kids that love dinosaurs it will probably be better. In my opinion it is too expensive for what it offers. There aren't that many animals and we didn't even see some of them.
1. It was quite fast to get in
2. The bathrooms weren't too bad for this type of place but it could be majorities. There was a huge queue.
3. There are several cafes around which can be nice but it also gives the impression that it's just a huge park full of places selling coffee and ice cream and it happens to have some animals.
Note: Of course it is more expensive than usual.. but I didn't find it that much more expensive than expected. (you're gonna pay around £3 for a popsicle)
4. The store outside is great. A lot of nice stuff and the price is reasonable.
I found it a little disappointing, especially compared to other zoos but it must be great for kids since there are many playgrounds around and the part with dinosaurs is a great plus for the little ones.
Vyrna Abu — Google review
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with family and friends. The park is home to over 400 animals, including majestic lions, tigers, giraffes, and the largest collection of polar bears in England. The enclosures are excellent and well-maintained, providing ample space for the animals to roam around. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. The park also offers various talks and experiences that are both educational and entertaining. Overall, it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for an exciting day out in nature.
Phil — Google review
The illuminations were great! I was expecting just a small part of the park to be open but we walked round almost the whole park looking at all the amazing illuminations. It took us around 2 and a half hours to see everything ( we stopped for a hot drink half way round) The illuminations were great, the staff were really helpful and spread out throughout the park so always available if we needed help. We had a really enjoyable evening and would definitely recommend.
Nici Hancock — Google review
This is a really good moderate size zoo. There’s lots to see for the kids without it being too big to walk around. So a great choice especially for the younger animal enthusiast! There have more polar bears than I have seen anywhere else, which are worth the visit alone. Lots of big cats, lions and tigers. Giraffes, rhino, and lots of others. O and dinosaurs, yep dinosaurs!
Chris Brierley — Google review
A great day out. Friendly staff who were knowledgeable of the animals. The park was clean with lots of areas to dispose of rubbish and plastic bottles. Plenty of shelters, seating areas and toilets around the park. It was wheelchair accessible - muddy in parts but it was mostly gentle inclines and flat. Spent all day there and there was plenty to see and do. If you’re doing the whole park we walked around 7 miles in total going back and forth from different areas.
Brianna Merridale — Google review
When you are visiting the park with a school group, the staff was definitely nice and supportive in accommodating us all. We saw polar bears, red panda, lions, lioness, tigers, camels,giraffe, monkeys, gelada(a rare specie) and there was a nice park for kids to play on the swings or build sandcastles.
The walk, however, was very long to see all the animals and the weather, freezing while we were doing a tour. I wish there were more Guides, to tell us better about different animals/species or a safari to carry us long distances!!
Shweta_3D DIVA — Google review
Great Park. Can almost be described as a waking safari. Have a good range of animals. Amazing to see polar bears! Couldn’t see any leopards when we visited. Tip: Book tickets online in advance as ticket lines can be big. Fair bit of waking so wear comfy shoes. Allow at least 2-3hrs. Food and drink is very expensive inside. Slush drinks are rubbish. Machines didn’t work on the scorching day we visited.
Hamza Patel — Google review
I absolutely adore this place. The layout and space they have means the animals have loads of space, but you also get to see them so clearly. No staring through little glass windows or queuing up to get a great view.
The way the snack stations, picnic tables, play areas, and places to buy food are spread out means you can really pace your day however you like.
We've been loads and feel you can have an amazing time whatever the weather. Staff are friendly, helpful, and really knowledgeable. We'll be back!
Tasha Childs — Google review
Brilliant for kids. The mini playgrounds dotted around were amazing for keeping my little brother entertained when we were looking at the animals for to long 😂 . I love that every time I visit there is a new animal or place to look at. It is a little bit pricey but that doesn't matter when I have a brilliant day out. I was definitely expecting it to be packed because of the summer holidays but luckily it wasn't. Keep up the brilliant work 👍
Isabelle Bardell — Google review
This is a great place to come and have a nice day out alone or with family or friends.
The park has many animals and even some you can interact with in there designated space and is safe.
Children would love this place and there is a lot of educational values.
There are plenty of restaurants and gift shops available but it is not cheap.
Parking is more than ample.
Toilets are available all around the the park:
Disabled toilets and disabled access is good but could be made better.
All in all this is a fun day out and you will have a great time I am sure.
I fully endorse this wildlife park
john el-jeizawi — Google review
Visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park was truly an extraordinary experience that I can't recommend enough. The £39 admission fee felt like an incredible value for the amazing day we had. My son had an absolute blast exploring the park's diverse and captivating wildlife. From the moment we stepped through the entrance, we were immersed in a world of natural wonder and beauty.
The park's layout was well thought out, and we appreciated how close we could get to the animals in their spacious enclosures. The habitats were beautifully designed to mimic the animals' natural environments, making it an educational and eye-opening experience for both children and adults.
We were particularly impressed by the wide variety of species housed at the park. From majestic big cats to playful primates, the array of animals was simply astounding.
Overall, Yorkshire Wildlife Park offers an unforgettable day out for families. It's a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and an opportunity to connect with the natural world. We left with a deep sense of gratitude for the experience and memories that will last a lifetime. It's more than just a day at the park; it's a journey into the heart of the wild, and it's worth every penny.
My advice is for you travel by car to this place because it might be stressful with public transport .
Bolanle Badmus — Google review
Probably one of the best wildlife parks in the UK! I love it here. I'm so impressed by the size of the exhibits, the animals are actually happy they're out and about playing. It's so nice to see, especially the polar bears, the animals don't seem stressed at all.
I highly recommend this park, it's brilliant!
Helen745 — Google review
Absolutely amazing day out... we go often has its that big it's difficult to see it all in 1 day and each visit is always different too! Their events are always high grade and first class entertainment team.
Caroline Rogers — Google review
Massive and much improved from last visit 7 years ago. Loads to see and do, plenty of places to eat and refresh and one of the better aminal experiences as their environment is much larger than other places. A thoroughly good day and a great walk, for those less mobile you can hire scooters and pushchairs for little ones which I would look at if needed as it is a trek to see it all
Neil Guy — Google review
Really great day out for all ages, but especially great for families. I'd recommend going when the weather is dry so that you get to see as many of the animals as possible, but we went on a wet day and it was still enjoyable. I'd recommend bringing snacks/packed lunch as the food here is quite expensive for what you get.
Jordan H — Google review
Great place! Very clean well presented, all the enclosures were massive which after visiting other zoos around country is great to see. Staff very friendly no question left unawnsered. Well done will visit again when in the area! It's a 10 from us had a great day... Keep it up! Thank you👍
Bubbletube Cushion — Google review
Came here with my 1 year old for a day out and we both loved it!
At first I wasn't sure how big the Park was but it's huge! I loved everything about it. The cafes dotted along the way, the animals, the enclosures, even the main entrance which had a load of things and shops to go into.
The parking also had EV slots which were great for me as I just drove 60 miles to get there and knew I would have to charge coming back so charging on site was a weight off my shoulders.
There weren't many tours there when we came but it was quite quiet which may be why.
My personal favourite was the Rhino.
Daniel Judge — Google review
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the Hex Hotel and the Yorkshire Hive are amazing; I could not recommend them highly enough. My wife and I stayed for one night with our two boys and enjoyed every second of our time, visiting the Uproar soft play, the Evolution restaurant, the Wild Bistro, several of the shops and - of course - the Wildlife Park over one afternoon and a significant chunk of the next day. Every single member of staff we met was beyond helpful, approachable and courteous, and the facilities were excellent. A particular mention should be made about the number of cafes and play areas inside the park itself, meaning there were loads of places to stop and grab a bite or a drink, or to let the boys play. The play areas are varied but all superb, and there's even an indoor soft play (included in the price) that is easily better than the average. Finally, no review of an animal park would be complete without some mention of the animals - and there are tonnes. The park is really well designed around the wildlife and, whilst it is big, it's all on the flat and there is loads to see. Too much to mention here (see photos) but, when you do visit (and you will), make sure you make a point of going to see Rocco - their brand new baby rhino! So cute.
Matt Heley — Google review
I’m going to give this wildlife park 5 stars because it has a wide variety of animals to see and learn about. The layout of the park is very nice however it could do with much better signage both at the front of the park and for some of the enclosure’s within, (for example it was tricky to find the camels due to poor signage) also the leaflet maps and the park maps on the boards do not match up, so it can get a bit confusing. It’s never great to see the animals in captivity (they pace around the same paths that they’ve made in their enclosures and are very bored/some are stressed).. there are educational/informative signs about the different species around the park, so you can learn quite a lot about the animals on your visit. It’s a nice enough park and is good for a visit to learn about the different animals.
A Vri — Google review
Amazing family day out! Very accessible too! I hired the scooter for the day and it was fab. All paths were great to move around and the toilets were all easy to access too. It is a bit of a trek to the reception area to get your scooter, it would be helpful if we could have had the scooter brought to the car park. The animals are all well looked after and the place was just amazing. Kids and adults all enjoyed it.
Yorkshire Roamers — Google review
Great place, lots of animals we haven't seen elsewhere. Lots to see and worth the money. Only downside was it's a bit of a trek from the new car park through the shops to get to the zoo, felt a bit like going to an airport when you have to walk through duty free shops before getting over the bridge to the main event! It feels as though it's the start of a new space that they'll expand over time. But for now, keep going because it is worth the walk and we would go again.
Maria Mullarkey — Google review
A lovely day... lots to see, lots of loos, several places to eat and different picnic areas. Lots of animals with what looked like quality enrichment activities. My personal favourite was the polar bears playing. They would get one of their toys from the water, stand on a rock, throw it back in the water and then belly flop after it repeatedly. Highly entertaining for the bears, and me. I'll be revisiting in the not too distant future.
A family-friendly theme park with attractions including a soft play area, Angry Birds activity area and a cafe. The park is popular in the height of summer but can be extremely busy.
Great place for kids aged 8 and under I'd say, the rides and majority of play areas didn't maintain my 9yr olds attention unfortunately. I really appreciated the half price Mothers Day offer and the gift shop stocks an amazing amount of products for all budgets. Riding on a train around a Christmas wonderland was strange in March but highly recommended...it was beautiful and smelt amazing. The pet shop is SO cute. Amazing weather helped make our experience really memorable. Only downside was there wasn't any eateries open, thankfully we took pack up. Worth checking before your visit if you plan to eat at Sundown. Overall a great place for young kids.
Keeley Cassinello — Google review
One of the best places to take kids in England. Both adults and kids had great fun. Every single thing, site, ride was full of adventures and fun. Kids were completely amused. Even at the end when they already had no power, they wanted to stay and have some more fun. Unbelievably good 👍
????? ??????????? — Google review
Best day out in the midlands by far! Lots to see & do, lots of fun for kids but also adults. Value for the money & well worth the drive! Will definitely visit again
Bethany Howman — Google review
Awesome time off with family! 🥳
Great day out, luckily we came early in the morning, so we had plenty time for all activities. Few new places, that wasn't there 5-7 years ago plus old ones equals amazing day out! 👌
Definitely impressive for the first time visitors and indelible memories for everyone every time! Thank you 😃✌️
Nedas Garuckas — Google review
This is my daughters’ all time favourite place. We’ve visited countless times and never had a bad experience. We both enjoy it so much that we are now the proud owners of an annual pass! Perfect for the age range of children up to 10 and lots to do even on rainy days. Some nice nostalgia for grown up’s who can remember it as ‘Pets Corner’ too! Well worth a visit.
Ben Linacre — Google review
Staff very nice. Santas sleigh ride was great with a brilliant queue. Park has a very nice atmosphere. Good few rides for the little ones. Food was okay for what we had. Lots of parks for kids to enjoy, great day out all round
XStark1ll3rX — Google review
First time I have been here before. Was great my kids enjoyed it especially the tractor ride and Giddy Pig ride. The park was clean and tidy with plenty of places to sit. Free parking too which is rare nowadays. My only criticism is some of the character figures are looking dated now and either need replacing or in need of some TLC. We'll be back though
Chris Collins — Google review
Fab little place!
My children thought it was magical we’ve had a great week here staying at wild acre village! The soft play in crash landings is one of the best we’ve been too! The park is clean and really well maintained.
A little bit of advice: We’ve come out of season/ midweek so watch out for ride opening times and food places being closed.
amanda elliott — Google review
Absolutely the best place for little ones! Rain or shine! I have had an annual fun pass for a few years now and visit once a month and i still always spot something i haven't seen before. Staff are always friendly and food is reasonably priced too
Alice Child — Google review
Such a lovely place my children 3, 11 and 15 didn't stop exploring all day. Felt so festive and all the staff were smiling and very friendly. Some lovely memories and our pictures with Santa were great. What a lovely day, thankyou 😊
Vicky Buckley — Google review
Perfect for young children, has tons of interactive play and activity for all the family. Perfect for nice days with all of the outdoor play areas and themed zones; equally perfect for when it rained as there are two indoor play areas!
Three occasions we’ve been and the kids loved the Xmas special they had on!
High recommend to all families with kids
Andrew Bevan — Google review
I went with my 9 and 1 (nearly 2) year old girls. It was a wet, cold day but they had so much fun regardless. It was the week before Christmas and we did all of the extra festive activities. A really enjoyable day for everyone! Both girls enjoyed every ride and attraction. The staff were welcoming and friendly and the site was clean. I will definitely but returning again in the summer and already looking forward to a Christmas 2022 visit!
The only downside was the huge queue and lack of available tables in the indoor play area/Cafe. Probably because of the weather. Trying to balance a tray of food, a buggy and a wriggly toddler was difficult. In summer I would take a pack up.
Natalie Swain — Google review
I took my 2 year old granddaughter for the first time. Christmas ride, decorations were all set up and was lovely. Paid the extra 4 pound to see Santa, lovely sleigh ride first before you see him. Nice present as well. Lovely Indoor play area with plenty of space to eat. Would definately take her again when it's not so cold and dry.
Petra Versteeg (Dutchess) — Google review
So much to do there. There's a couple of rides. Many outdoor play areas as well as an indoor play areas too. Hot and cold food served in the indoor areas. Brought the tickets online. But I think you can do either online or whilst there.
Zeneth Hussain — Google review
This is a lovely place for a family day out with the young ones. So much to do and see. The themed areas range from the enchanting to the exciting, the hilarious and the very slightly scary (halloween feature). We spent the whole day there with never a dull moment and our 7 year old loved it.
We didn't use the indoor play areas as the weather was good, but I can see them being useful on a less favourable day. However, when we popped in for ice creams the main one was crowded even though the sun was shining so......
The only improvement I would suggest would be online booking to reduce the long queue for entry.
Machaela Heavens — Google review
What an excellent family day out 😀
For the price we were pleasantly surprised and managed to keep our 18 month old daughter entertained the whole day.
She absolutely loved it. Particularily the Robin hood ride and the tractor ride.
The staff were nice and friendly, the place itself looked clean and tidy, there was plenty of parking and it wasn't too busy which made it easy to get around. If you want food then go just before 12 otherwise it gets quite busy.
Loved the Royal mint which did smell minty and of sweets further in to add to the experience. Loved all the displays they have, great for photos. Recommended as an easy fun day out for the little ones.
Alex — Google review
First visit and it was the Xmas Celebration being delivered! What a fantastic destination with little surprises and remarkable things around every corner!
We had pre-booked an early slot with Santa, to find a Sleigh Ride journey to get there was brilliant. Other rides included a water barrel ride and then a tractor too.
Soft play with loads of seating, one of several refreshments kiosks too was welcome for the Adults.
Theme of Xmas was there throughout with some beautiful scenes created. We will be back but perhaps when it's warm and sunny 🙂.
David Hornsey — Google review
Great theme park for young children , slightly bizarre but that adds to the charm ! The staff were lovely and the facilities were very clean , Fab day out with my 1 & 5 year old.
Alix Hunter — Google review
is it worth paying over 20 pounds (for an adult) ?
I think not! WAY overpriced for what ot is and how badly it's looked after!
Paint had been chipping away for years on end, nothing apart from the angry birds playground is new!
You can see things have cracks in them, ect, it does not look nice at all!
Map, not really that well planned out, no direction to it at all. No organisation. you're just left to find everything by yourself tbh!
The food places were OK, quiet, and expensive for what you get tbh to say it's a kids' place. they are definitely making a lot of the food!
The gift shop is EXTREMELY expensive, maybe grab a loan before you head here with your kid!
Roo R — Google review
What a gem of a place we hadn't heard of it before. We went over the Easter Bank holiday with three kids aged 4,8,10 and spent pretty much all day there. Loads of parking and blue badge and parent and child places right in front of the entrance. The staff were amazing, and we found they all were so helpful credit to themselves and the park. The park itself was so much fun for my three kids loads for them to go on and interact with. Two rides I think it was have a max height to ride limit one being the driving safari where your child can get a driving licence.So much to do with the kids loads of picnic areas outside and covered. We took a picnic with us, but the price of food is pretty much like every other theme park or anywhere these days.. ICECREAM was so TASTY found in the western section. Definitely, we will be back soon. We noticed they also have logdes next to the site with hottubs, so I think maybe be back some weekend soon. 100% recommend visiting was worth the drive for us..
Richard Marsh — Google review
What a lovely experience with my daughter and grandchildren. Perfect for the 3 year old. Sweet ride in the sleigh on our way to see Father Christmas, who I have to say was very good.
Only criticisms would be that the sleigh could go slightly slower on its way to see Father Christmas, in order to allow the children to take in everything they are seeing. It was a long queue once off the sleigh, which, given the children were all very young in a confined space, wasn't great.
All in all a super visit, but I have to say we were very lucky with the weather.
I must mention the Carol singing reindeer, they were brilliant 👏 😀
Sarah N — Google review
It might seem a bit pricey for many families but you get a full day of adventure for all of the children. Parents have plenty of seats which come in handy. Take a pack up and save money to buy an ice cream.
We were impressed that staff were friendly and were active cleaning around the site. They displays looked recently painted/refreshed. Plenty of parking which is free.
Would have given 5 stars but for the cost of £78 for 3 adults and a 5 year old. It would have been £88 if we paid on the day so make sure you book online the night before.
Patrick Lappin — Google review
4.6
(4785)
•
4.5
(1975)
Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford DN22 0HX, United Kingdom
The National Science and Media Museum is a fascinating museum full of interesting exhibits about the history and technology of screens. There are three large IMAX screens where you can watch films, and there are also exhibitions about photography, film and television. The museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, so it's a great place to visit any time of year.
This is a gigantic museum with a healthy variety of exhibits, most notably the ones about scientific principles. Examples of these are mirrors with different lighting, images that change when looked at from different angles and a screen that displays your body based on temperature. The moving images section is very interesting too, breaking down how pictures were used to create visual art with some nice showcases. On a similar note, there is an area dedicated to television, providing key information and also showing some classic characters! The bottom floor has content about computing and is appropriately made of glass; the displays deliver info such as the origins of keyboards and social media.
K. Peake — Google review
An amazing place to visit for either couples, families or friends wanting to know the history about Bradford and media from around the world. It’s free and easy to book online. Parking will need to be found a few minutes away near the uni but you should be able to get something for free. There is paid parking nearby. We went on the weekend and it was fairly quiet and plenty of staff presence The premises are immaculate, all items are displayed perfectly and there is lots of different options for everyone. Highly recommend to visit. A great place and really pleased it is in Bradford. There are people who travel miles for this museum and it is on our doorstep! Theres a great 80s gaming facility and it has street fighter pac man etc and it is £2 a session. Staff are friendly, donations are recommended but not mandatory. A fun, informative activity to do! Very nostalgic for those born before 2000’s!
M S — Google review
Awesome! Fun for all ages. The history of photography, media, the Internet... so much to learn.
The kids had fun doing th3 ciphers.
The space exhibition was cool. It was interesting to see and feel the materials used for space pants. The interactive section was a nice touch.
6 (5) floors of fun.
The science show was fun. It was about coding. Jerry brought Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing and Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Katherine Johnson (The Hidden Figures) to life. Everyone was engaged. The rocket test was the perfect ending.
Fun day out. All indoors so the bad weather didn't spoil the fun.
Definitely worth a visit.
Don't forget to book tickets in advance online.
Dimples S (부-인) — Google review
Amazing place for a family day out! 6 floors of interesting galleries end exhibitions. To top it off an IMAX 3D experience. We watched "walking with dinosaurs" and it was awesome! Entrance to the museum is free but you need to book a time slots. And IMAX you have to book tickets for before hand as well and pay for them. There's a car park just behind the museum building and we paid £3 for 3 hours.
Agnes Belle — Google review
Superb day out. Parked nearby for a reasonable cost (Sharpe Street Car Park). Free entry. Really loved the exhibitions all though some were closed and the museum will be closed soon for 13 months! The cafe was nice and staff showed care in all they did. Staff were all pleasant and friendly. The Light Show was also enjoyed by the all the children. This was in the Wonderlab which was my favourite space. The game area is worth it for £2 each but don't expect anything less than 15 years old (minimum) which is fair. There's also an indoor picnic space if you are on a budget and want to bring your own food. We spent 5 or so hours there without seeing an Imax show but did have 2 young children in tow.
J France — Google review
What a great day out for the family + many more local attractions.
The best food from anywhere in the world, cheapest in uk.
Helpful and friendly locals 😄👍🏼
Free Kashmir — Google review
Pleasantly surprised! Loads of interactive activities for the kids, although a number were broken when we visited. Interesting for all ages with everything from old computers, to 1980's arcade games, to fascinating histories of spying, to old kids TV programmes, to an IMAX (3D) cinema. Also a lovely cafe to recharge your batteries!
O Ozmeister — Google review
We came on a Saturday afternoon after booking tickets online that morning. You are asked to make a voluntary donation and it is £2 per person for the games room which I cannot recommend highly enough. The museum is on 5 floors and we spent 4 hours in total exploring it. I think we spent about an hour in the games room which is full of old arcade games such as space invaders and pacman plus some old console games. There is a whole floor dedicated to photography with cameras going back 130 years. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and as a free museum it is great.
Derek — Google review
It's Free, and to be honest I'd quite happily pay to visit. Well presented and great content.
The exhibits really take you down memory lane and there is some good "hand on" exhibits. Both me and the kid could easily spend pretty much all day here.
Yes you have to pay for parking but to be fair it's not that much and it's just behind the museum.
Really is well worth the visit.
Mike Naylor — Google review
I love this place, I could spend days there. What was disappointing this time was, there were no new exhibits and the person signing people in was very insistent on visiting the Kodak exhibit. The wonderlab is always fun for those interested in basic science. The video game exhibit was closed.
ぶ千恵子 — Google review
Was extremely over crowded on our last visit. Its quite silly now how it is because although its free u need to make a donation which is fine however u need tickets for different sections. The old style computer games area tickets had all gone and that's £2 per person to enter in there. Not as fun as it used to be. Better for older children rather than under 10s. Some of the sections were closed off.
Jade R — Google review
A nice day out for the family, lots to see. The dinosaur 3D experience is great for children. There is an interactive floor for children to learn too including a small mirror maze.
Georgia Link — Google review
Not a bad museum at all. There are quite a few floors to look around but doesn't take long to get around at all. The museum could do with maybe having a few more exhibitions but that may be just my opinion. When we went, the museum was over crowded and extremely noisy due to a school trip. There was only 1 teacher and a very large group of children that weren't supervised and you couldn't hear yourself think and you couldn't go on most of the interactive stuff as they wouldn't let you have a go and I didn't want to be rude and tell them. When you did get to look at things, you felt rushed because the children were constantly near you watching you. We even had the teacher interfere when we couldn't work something out! Quite rude in my opinion. But the place was nice and had very interesting pieces of history about the Internet, cameras, animation, and science. Would recommend but doesn't take long to look around so it's good for about a 2 hour trip.
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an impressive art gallery that showcases the work of many legendary sculptors. The park is located in a beautiful setting and is perfect for days out.
We spent a lovely morning in the sunshine today walking around the park, galleries and the shops. Finished off with a nice coffee at the Weston where our car was parked. Excellent value for money. Spent £6.00 each which was well worth it for a morning. You could easily spend all day here and bring a picnic. We'll be back soon.
Rob Orwin — Google review
Fantastic day out for the whole family and dogs. Spacious, beautiful fields, hills, pathways, woodlands, meadows. Sculptures very interesting and it's so exciting to walk and almost Hunt to discover another one. Cafes, shops, galleries, toilets on side. Staff extremely helpful. Entrance £6 parking included.
Stunning views. Highly recommended attraction, very close from M1.
Katie — Google review
Wonderful place. I heard that they had some new sculptures for people who have visited it long time ago.
Nice place for a pictures with sculpture and a woodland walk. Actually some good and some funny sculptures, very modern and some of them are mixed style, reminds very known sculptures but has a drop of modern in it.
It is an enormous place I actually didn't expect it to be so big, if you need a walk and don't want to travel far away in the hills it's perfect. Map is bit confusing with all entrances in the footpaths. Not all paths are allowed for dogs.
Can enjoy some drinks and ice-cream in a cafe and ice-cream and snacks for dogs!
The price of the tickets was a surprise for my friend as he said it didn't show you have to pay for it online. But it was definitely worth it!
Nice walk there are some bird peeking stations and sheep around on free land. I wouldn't put white shoes if I would know but that was surprise for me 😁😁
Julya Dovgialo — Google review
What a wonderful place on a lovely day. Didn't manage to get round it all as I was shattered after a 5k walk. (I have the cardiac capacity of an overweight cat !). Tea rooms were well stocked and the balcony was a lovely spot for a well deserved cuppa afterwards.
Lynsey Yeardley — Google review
Great place to spend a sunny day. Good for families, with lots of sculptures nearer to the entrance or not too far to walk but then there's also lots of land and a good circular path to walk if you want to go a bit further. It's easy to spend all day here. Bring some drinks and food with you though, the cafe prices are quite inflated.
Tom — Google review
Brilliant, best experienced on a nice sunny day like we had today. If you want to experience the whole park you will need to spend the whole day and walk some considerable distance. I was there for over 3 hours and felt like I had only scratched the surface. Be aware that you have to buy your tickets beforehand but having said that we bought ours 1.5 miles from the park.
Brian Muir — Google review
Fantastic place, lovely walks in the grounds. Sculptures have changed since we last visited, 2 years ago, so nice to find lots of new ones.
Great if you take your own sandwiches or picnic, you can stop anywhere. There are two cafes but very overpriced, a small pork pie was £4.25 🙄 which I think is a lot. Large coffee ( more like a regular) £4.
We've been lucky the weather has been great on days we've visited. Last week we walked about 9 miles in total around the grounds. Two lakes and scenery very picturesque.
You have to buy tickets online before entry, £9 adult, £6 concession, includes your car parking.
Would highly recommend a visit. 🥰😘 xxx
Joanne Pedley — Google review
Fantastic day out, got here after around lunchtime but could easily have spent the whole day as we did not have enough time to explore site. Fantastic sculptures and beautiful gardens to explore, We loved it and our young son and niece had a ball too.
James Lee — Google review
This is a Stunning place. I was there at lest 2 hours and still didn't get around it all It's a full day kind of visit in my eyes. Defiantly worth it. The beauty of the Sculptures are Gorgeous! Lovely walk around with a Coffee.
Mem — Google review
A great place to visit or meet up with family & friends. Lots to go round and see, with enough sculptures & park design features interesting enough to engage the kids. Dog friendly with a cafe & gift shop to boot.
Matt Isherwood — Google review
This park is just amazing... it's a huge park with more than 80 pieces of all kinds of unique sculptures/statues. A lot of beautifully crafted, and created pieces of art! Each piece depicting their own unique visual designs, and a small portion of history about it. Total time needed to fully expore whole park is about 3hours straight. I could easily, and highly recommend this beautiful and unique park. Ticket prices is not that big only 6 pounds for one adult, but for sure worth it. It's good for families, and friends alike. So yeah my verdict is - 9/10.
Mantvydas ?. — Google review
It was a good day out and so many funky sculptures scattered around the park. You need to spend a whole day to explore all their sculptures and I think we only discovered 80% of them. Cafe has very nice food. The only complaint is their maps layout of the sculptures just a dot so we could only guess the names. If they number them it will helps.
Wai Shek — Google review
Our experience was lovely. We went there with a few family and friends for dry picnic.
Place: I think the place is awesome. A lot of Greenery and beautiful sculpture . It is better to visit in summer as you can stay outside. I would recommend allocating spending 5-6 hours. There is a lake too. There is a entry fee so please check the website before you go. You would need to show your ticket at the entrance so have it handy.
Parking: There is enough parking space. There are 3 car parks and are quite nearby.
Restroom and cafe: there are restrooms and cafe for coffee and food.
Overall: It is a good place to visit especially in summer. Would recommend going here.
Bharat Pokhrel — Google review
We’re impressed with the size of the park and the amount of incredible sculptures dotted around. Every corner had something to spot and this kept everyone with their eyes peeled. Amazing for picnics or simply a walk outside. Highly recommend
Rafa Morley — Google review
Gorgeous landscape, majestic sculptures, decent cafe & restaurant, excellent shop. All in all a good day out! Take wellies or walking boots and have a good romp around the grounds. It’s brilliant here. Food for your soul!
BallyBlighter — Google review
An excellent day out for all the family,you can walk and wander as much as you feel like over the extensive ground with art and installations around every corner. My personal favourite has always been the underground gallery as no matter what the weather or light conditions it's always like an indoor gallery outside 😁
Definitely would a visit if you like art or not as it's just lovely countryside either way
Paul Roslin — Google review
Love this park, and worth revisiting to see guest artists and changes to permanent ones. One of my wife's favourite locations and we especially appreciated the rentable scooters that can be booked in advance. I am disabled and my wife was very sick with cancer by that point, but the scooters let us visit the whole park.
Adam Dyson — Google review
The wife and I loved it. Great place to walk around and get fresh air....
We went with our children..... The 6 year old loved it, running around in the sun. The 12 yr old, walked and talked and the 14yr old walked around, telling me he was bored and kicking stones and throwing sticks...
It's a great place to wall around, turns out that a 14yr boy is bored as it's not mountain biking or his computer.
Would recommend for a family and for couples....
Martin Towers — Google review
A great place for easy walks around the park with some amazing sculptures. They have a few cafes around the park for refreshments plus lots of places for picnics. The main visitors centre has lots of very nice jewellery, all handmade and quirky, not cheap but makes a nice present.
malcolm watson — Google review
Was a lovely day out! Definitely would recommend, particularly for younger people as it’s free depending on your age. It was a great way to spend a day out (for free!). It is definitely long enough to take up several hours. Some parts were shut off due to the weather but that can’t be avoided! The sculptures themselves were alright (nothing all that special in my opinion but for the sculpture enthusiasts I’m sure it’s lovely). Overall, a great visit.
Sasha Felton — Google review
By far my best art experience. I'll definitely visit again. Very serene field experience beautiful sculpture works.
Cannon Hall Farm is a family-run farm with a playground, tube maze and farm shop. The farm has animals, a great atmosphere and some delicious food. You can book tickets online for good value.
Absolutely fantastic, our first visit and will definitely return, excellent value for money so much to see and do. Baby donkeys and miniature foal just melted my heart.
Farm shop superb, we even saw Farmer Rob driving the tractor 🚜
Well worth the long drive for us
Diane Raven — Google review
Called on a Sunday afternoon after 3pm. The farm was just emptying and wasn't very busy. We made our way to the rare breeds she'd as our daughter loves the Highland cow and didn't know they've a calf there. We passed our way through the pigs and there was some young piglets that were only born yesterday. Further down the pigs got older and we arrived at the goats, alpacas sheep and Highland cows. They were amazing and our daughter loved them. We visited the insects and the other animals. The Mammals display up by the roundhouse was partially filled with new exhibits and will be great when filled.
The roundhouse was full of sheep lambing and we arrived just after one had just had 2 lambs. The toilets were clean and there were plenty of places for drinks and food. The play areas for kids are great. They do sheep and ferret racing.
Overall it was a great place to visit and worth it.
Andrew Sykes — Google review
A beautiful gem in Barnsley, parking was simple and easy . Paying only £1 for two hours parking ( Great value for money).
Beautiful walks, follies , 2 cafes , and an amazing Walled Garden where you can enjoy tranquility , amazing shrubs and flowers . Along with a fantastic collection of fruiting pears trees , vine and exhibition space .
Hidden areas with picnic tables , ideal for a family gathering in a peaceful setting.
Dog friendly , with lots of open space to let your fur babies run and enjoy a good sniff . Along with places to give your dog a drink of water .
Well worth a visit for all ages , with wheelchair accessible pathways , grassy walks , 2 toilets facilities, the main house , benches to sit and take in the views and peace .
Also numerous bins for your waste .
John Charles — Google review
We haven’t visited Cannon Hall since our children were kids Possibly nursery age.
We visited with our grandson and I barely recognise the place.
Heavily invested in updating modernising and just generally making the farm accessible for all.
Really good how are you can get so close to the animals without bothering them, definitely value for money experience with kids of all ages.
My only slight grumble was being charged extra for the car park, I appreciate a substantial amount of money has been spent on the car park, just stick a pound or two on the admission price and it gives people less chance to have a moan?
Back to the good points, the ants were fascinating to watch, incredible strength.
The piglets reeked but were great. The patience of the Mother pigs was commendable.
The goats, what can I say they were just mischievous and entertaining, as you will probably hear if you watch my video of them, proper stars.
Highly recommend a visit, if you have never been, or if you haven’t been for a while
#Impressive
Dave Booth — Google review
Cannon Hall Farm is such a gem for families! The tractor ride is awesome, although I do wish it was a bit longer to soak in the views. Feeding the animals is an absolute joy, especially for the little ones – their faces light up with excitement! And let's not forget about the reptile area – it's very interesting and cool to see. The parks are massive and cater to everyone, with loads of spots to relax and grab a snack. If you're looking for a fun day out, Cannon Hall Farm is where it's at!
Dillon Pattison — Google review
A beautiful setting surrounding the farm. The animals are clearly well looked after!
There’s an amazing kid’s play area both inside and outside.
The cafe with the indoor play area is so lovely. The food portions are huge, so, well worth what you pay for!
I didn’t like that there were multiple school groups there (which sounds daft I know), as nearly all of the kids were rude, obnoxiously loud, and the teachers etc weren’t doing anything to stop them either. There was a huge group of about 40 that where easily 6+ and they were ALL in the under 4 section, with the teachers just stood watching them. I pulled my 1 year old out incase they didn’t care about where they were stepping as there were way too many of them for the size of the play area… that they shouldn’t have been in any way.
The staff were faultless and very friendly. The shop on your way in/out was amazing! Loved it so much as they had everything: a butchers, a fresh milk dispenser, baked goods, kitchen utensils, homeware, gifts, clothing, alcohol n etc.
We came on a wet weekday and I felt like our visit was quite short, and we’d travelled an hour and a half to get there. Maybe it would’ve been longer in nicer weather, but as of yet I can’t comment on that as we’ve only visited once.
Alicia Tharme — Google review
Can not recommend Cannon Hall Farm highly enough. It's a brilliant day out, with a perfect mix of things to do for adults and children alike. The staff are so professional and helpful and the Farm has a wonderful atmosphere. The food in the White Bull is absolutely gorgeous too.The Posh Fish Finger Sandwich is a must! The Farm shop stocks an impressive range of foods and gifts for every budget. The Farm sell individual or bulk tickets via online booking which is convenient and provides excellent value for money. A right good day out!!
Karen Brace — Google review
Cannon Hall Farm is a lovely place to bring young children, there is some great playgrounds and a tube maze for them to play in. My kids also really enjoyed the sheep racing.
The park itself will keep you busy for a few hours, especially if kids enjoy soft play. Prices can be a tad expensive if getting food / drink in the soft play. Would suggest that if your having something to eat you nip back out to the white buffalo and eat there! (Prices are similar, but it feels a bit nicer for eating!)
On way out we visited the farm shop, was very impressed with this, loads of different things including lots of beer!
Andrew Cartwright — Google review
Absolutely fantastic, not too much to see that you miss anything or everything is miles away from each other. The children's play area is amazing, there's so much to do there. The food places were decent, as expensive as you would expect. Shame the ice cream shop wasn't open though. Sheep and ferret racing were brilliant.
Will absolutely be visiting again, wonderful family day out.
Jacqueline Cook — Google review
Cannon hall farm has certainly grown over the years and has had a lot of money spent on it. There is plenty to do indoors and outdoors and is worth the entrance fee. The farm has a good variety of animals to see but none of these can be touched. Whilst I understand why from a health and safety perspective it just seems to be the main thing children want to do and can lead them to have a good understanding of being mindful around the animals.
Some of the animals did appear a little bored and had no stimulation in the form of balls/ animal type toys. The mongoose’s were pacing which was upsetting to see.
We had a go on the tractor and trailer ride which children seemed to enjoy. Everywhere was tidy and as clean as a farm could be. Plenty of bins around, plus different areas to sit and have picnics or stalls to buy hot drinks, food and ice creams. There’s also a cafe inside the indoor play area and 2 cafes/ restaurant just outside the entrance to the farm. On exiting the farm there is a nice gift shop with reasonable priced Childrens toys and books. Toilets available in the farm as well as plenty of benches in the many outdoors parks and play areas.
We hardly saw any staff around the farm though to converse with or gain any knowledge. We also wanted to mention to someone about the lack of water in some of the holding pens, but the only staff we saw was the driver of the tractor rides and people serving in the eateries.
On arrival you are given a list of times that events take place, such as ferret racing and sheep racing.
Overall I would return as the children enjoyed themselves, but there’s definitely some things that could be improved.
Joanne Macallister — Google review
It was a really great day out. We started with a sausage cob and coffee - 5*
We went with the flow of the farm and saw lots of young farm animals.
All of the animals were quite far away and all in the barns - so it did get quite cramped with viewing areas. The animals seemed to be all in very close proximity also.
The children loved the feeding stations and collecting stamps.
The play area is really exciting for the children, they really enjoyed this part.
We took a packed lunch, which I'm happy that we did as it became quite busy around the food points.
They sell nice coffee.
No bad points.
Ruby — Google review
This is a fantastic place to visit. Everyone is so friendly. The food is great and reasonably priced. There is lots to do and see for adults and children alike.
The farmers are happy to chat about the animals and nothing is too much. It is a working farm so what you see is what you get.
Donna Thornley — Google review
Great space, and walk for everyone, Family friendly place, worth to be your most usual picnic spot for sure! As Myself I will take there my family many more times to celebrate good weather. You will enjoy as well if you decide to choose it.
Hestis1989 — Google review
Would highly recommend this for a day out with kid's. Plenty of play area's for all age's. Great soft play area and food is excellent a little expensive but worth it. Great farm shop. Plenty of clean toilets. Parking is good but you have to pay. £3 all day is not to bad. But its is a full day out.
Gary P — Google review
Absolutely love this farm, went for my daughters 1st birthday, her and my 6 year old daughter both had so much fun, with plenty of animals to feed and look at, and the play area for the kids is brilliant they had lots of fun on them. 100% going back. The only issue I had with the day was it was a very sunny and warm day and while having dinner at the picnic tables there was very very little shad, could do with some umbrellas at the picnic tables.
Reece Hendley — Google review
It's a lovely place with lots of things to do and great for families. It's also a really good price and only a bit extra for a big bag of animal feed.
I will say that it was a shame the tractor ride was not on and that we didn't actually get to interact with the animals as I had hoped as we didn't hand feed them. There was also one very unhappy pig, which I didn't enjoy listening too and it caused some concerns. The goats were mega cute, but there were way too many in one pen. The goats all looked happy anyway, and a person I went with said the staff let them out, it's just so people can see them that they are all there.
I would 100% recommend the gardens as they were beautiful and free to explore. And to also try the milkshake while you are there!
Lucy — Google review
We enjoyed a wonderful day ,at cannon hall absolutely amazing, We meet Farmer Dave ,and Farmer Ruth ,it was lovely to have meet them both ,We had a fantastic meal in the white bull I would highly recommend it food is amazing. The next day we visited the farm shop and bought a few items to take back to Bristol with us ,Well what can I say We bought a lovely piece of beef it melted in your mouth, the best piece of beef that we've had ,just wish we lived closer !! .
Kay Jones — Google review
We had a wonderful visit to Cannon Hall Farm. Lots of parking spaces, paid £3 for all day,this can be paid for when booking your tickets. We also paid for the shire horse experience.
Food wise there is The Lucky Pup cafe which is dog friendly, The White Bull bar and restaurant, they have 2 menus breakfast and lunch to 2.30pm then afternoon menu from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. You can also buy food to takeout from the extensive Farm Shop. Lots of play areas for the children and picnic tables too.
Tractor trailer rides can take you on a tour of the farm. See animals in the Mammal House, rare breeds barn,out in the fields and the round house.
Our shire horse experience was more than an hour with one of the Farm staff .Danny was very informative about all the horses and foals, we got to feed them and be up close to a few. Then the miniature Shetland ponies,so cute. Donkeys and goats too.
The food we had in The White Bull was very good value and the bacon,beef,ham cheese etc was delicious.
The staff all across the farm were really friendly and helpful.
We will definitely be back.
You can follow the farm on Facebook and they do live broadcasts throughout the week. Lots of events arranged through the year.
Well worth a visit.
Denise C — Google review
What an amazing day out! Easy to find and park (you can pay for parking at the time of booking online or at the meters). Excellent value, friendly knowledgeable staff, spotlessly clean (as far as farms go!) with good paths all around (no muddy areas etc). A very wide range of farm animals, rare breeds, small mammals, reptiles and also a new red squirrel enclosure (only one group are allowed to walk through the enclosure each day due to conservation laws, if I remember correctly, which is fair enough!). There's indoor and outdoor play areas which are really very good and well maintained including zip lines etc. As for food, you can either take your own and use one of the many picnic benches, or eat at one of their restaurants (I think there's 3 in total, with outdoor food stalls too). We ate at the White Bull - the prices were very fair, especially considering the high quality of food. We were served very promptly after ordering, probably within 10 minutes, and the food was exceptional with generous portions. Much better than we expected for a visitor attraction! You can tell that the owners really care for providing a great experience. It is not bog standard food, and if we lived closer we would visit more regularly for the food alone (you don't need farm access/tickets to use some of the dining areas). They also serve a selection of beer/cider. There's a well stocked gift shop and farm shop also. We will certainly be returning, maybe even a second time this summer!
Curtis Lodge — Google review
Really lovely visit here on Sunday.
Managed to time it perfectly and saw a Piglet be born too.
Such a great experience and would love to go back again soon!
Caitlin Woods — Google review
Great place for a walk with the dog or wife , good cafe one is pet friendly , nice grounds, excellent museum. Quality food in the farm shop, can be a bit pricey, but most places like this are. Garden center also has a nice cafe and shop. Parking is reasonable.
chris thompson (tommo) — Google review
Recently expanded, refurbed and all sorts of wooden play area items added. We spent the entire day there and still had to drag the kids home. They were having such fun. Worth every penny, with a great selection of eateries to choose from. The gourmet pies are genuinely special.
Rick TheMelon — Google review
It was a really good day out, we got there around half 10 and didn't leave it half 5. Loads to do throughout the day, the food there is really nice I will be going back just for the food for an excuse to visit!! 😀 I recommend Farmer Roberts burger if you are hungry!! Both kids loved it
Dean Bramley — Google review
Beautiful scenery welcomes you in and the place is well worth the money. The animals are varied and healthy looking which is very nice
Upsides: clean, great play areas, lovely livestock, fantastic food and well stocked shop
Downsides: views of the penned animals are all overlooking so it's hard to see them and not just their backs
Animal experiences are expensive which is disappointing
Joanne Tharme — Google review
We visited here for Mother's Day and had a blast. The car park area was swarming with staff. Some were directing cars on where to park, others were taking the £3 parking charge to avoid queues at the booths. Once we had paid, we were handed a ticket to display in our window. Dogs are allowed into the park but not around the animals. There is a dog friendly cafe (I honestly think I've found my favourite cafe in the entire country - with all ages and breeds of dogs) with a great range of food and drinks. There's also a 2nd cafe if you prefer to eat without the watchful glare of hungry fur babies. This, too, has a fantastic range of food and drinks.
The farm itself is spaced out well and is very accessible for wheelchairs and prams. The children's play area is under construction at the moment but it looks like it's going to be a great area for ankle biters to let off steam, in the not so distant future.
There are areas outside (with overhead canopies) for viewing the larger farm animals, cows, sheep, horses, pigs etc. Then there are a few indoor areas where you can see the smaller creatures too. Keep an eye out for the ants that walk along overhead ropes, taking leaves etc from one section to another. They are very busy.
There is a lovely gift shop on the way in/ out where you can find a great range of toys and keepsakes.
This is definitely one of my favourite places to visit. One that you can spend all day walking round or just a few hours. We will definitely be there again soon.
Jacqui Buckley (Sleepy) — Google review
This is a beautiful park to visit for all and everyone.
There is a Hall which holds events and weddings.
There is a museum within the main building 🏫
The park has numerous cafes and a restaurant that are all good in their own unique way.
A farm shop is also on site and has a lot of different products that are made on the farm and the produce is good and authentic.
Car parks are available but you do have to pay for a space.
Disabled friendly including disabled toilets.
Toilet access is situated around the park and there are mother and baby stations available.
The park 🏞️ is vast but the paving is good for old young and disabled.
This is a dog friendly park and there are many bins for scooping.
The plants and trees are set out in such a beautiful way.
I fully recommend this beautiful location for all and everyone.
john el-jeizawi — Google review
All round fantastic day out for all the family. Feed the animals, watch the playful meerkats, dig for fossils, place your bets on the sheep race, in Springtime watch the little lambs been born and much more to keep you busy. There is plenty of parking and a cafe to get refreshments.
LM H — Google review
Had a great day. Everything was easily accessible. Ɓit of a slopes to the top after visiting all the barns. Disabled people may struggle with the slope. Food was really nice. Nice variety to choose from. Farm shop had a good variety. Not just meat. Well worth the visit.
Robert Norris — Google review
Love this place , always visit on my bday in spring to see the baby animals. Busy in school holidays , much better on a week day. Great cafe too amazing home made food
Jessica Wilson (sheaf_foodies) — Google review
Booked entry tickets on-line. Great disabled parking virtually at the entrance, thankfully a dry day. Very smooth pathways, suitable for wheeled motability aids. Some of the paths are quite steep, but plenty or areas just to have a rest. Plenty of places to eat and drink in comfortable surroundings, even one that you can take your dogs in , as well. Well stocked gift shops, and a fabulous Farm Shop serving all manner of fresh and frozen food - well stocked with gluten-free as well.
Very well laid out regarding locations of all the different animal areas - all really lovingly kept, and the animals are exceptionally well cared for.
Definitely recommend this for a day's visit. Definitely go back for more visits as there is always something new to see.
mark howarth — Google review
Excellent day out, great value for money. Good range of animals and a very clean farm. Excellent outdoor playground with something for all primary aged children. Soft play is excellent, really big baby/toddler area and massive soft play for older ones. All new looking and very clean. Nice cafe too. Everything is included so really good value for money! We had a great day out and will be back again soon!
sarah berry — Google review
Absolutely fabulous place for everyone of all ages. Loads for adults to enjoy and loads for the kids to enjoy. All the staff are super friendly and can not do enough for you. They are all very knowledgeable about their areas of expertise and happy to help in any way. The White Bull has always been amazing for its yummy food and now with the addition of the Lucky Pup Cafe you can take your pooch in as well. Always clean and plenty of seating areas inside and out. The farm shop is gorgeous with loads of their own produce to enjoy and other produce on offer. The bakery and ready meal sections are my favourite … and then there’s loads of booze and chocolates!! Always book in advance or on quieter times on the day you get there as you need to pay on line.
Wendy Dando — Google review
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4.5
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Bark House Ln, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT, United Kingdom
Meadowhall Shopping Centre is a large shopping mall in Sheffield, England. It features hundreds of high street and luxury stores, as well as a food court and cinema. Meadowhall is easily accessible by both train and car, making it one of the area's most popular attractions.
Conveniently located next to M1 junction.
Really big shopping mall with lots of premium brands shops. Be prepared that you will easily spend there at least half a day browsing in shops.
Also there is a decent choice of food outlets for all tastes.
It has a good tram link connection to the city center. Also buses are available.
Tomek Ikea — Google review
Free parking!!!
The free parking was exciting for me because it seems that in the UK, paid parking is the norm. Meadowhall is a great shopping mall and entertainment venue. My daughter had a great time shopping here. The mall layout and store options were thorough and well considered. Bright, clean mall. It was also clear that the mall was designed to allow for less mobile persons to have an inviting and accessible experience there. Lots of family and kid friendly options and facilities as well.
Megan Elizabeth — Google review
A shopping center which offers every shop experience. From Poundland to Rolex. Also as a bonus there the shopping area called the Lane.
There there is the shop under the stairs.
Any Harry Potter fan it's a must .
Photo opportunity pushing a trolley into a platform wall. . A prison wanted poster.
Then there's the food court.
I hate walking around shopping centers usually however kind of enjoyed this shopping center.
Alan Peters — Google review
Excellent food and clothes at good prices. Including having Primark huge advantage. Free parking. Easy to find.
Yuval Gruber — Google review
Got something for most people. Clean and dry and some decent shops. Can get busy at a weekend but a mid week visit is just right if you like it a bit quieter.
Patrick Lappin — Google review
What a gem of a shopping centre, we came here for a bite to eat. before heading elsewhere and were nicely surprised as to how lovely Meadowhall was. A large mall conveniently located next to M1 junction with lots of parking. Loads of premium branded and hughstreet stores and a great choice of food outlets for all tastes.
Blue Bean Photography — Google review
4/5 Lots of (somewhat expensive! 😅) shops to indulge in. Loved the free parking, always useful! A little tricky getting up & down a floor with a pram + non-lift goer since the stairs & lift are not next to each other. Quite specific to our situation, I am aware, but still had to keep playing where's Wanda with my fianceé.
P.S. Prepare for it to be BUSY if going @ a weekend.
Henry Tacey — Google review
Every unit was full unlike the Metro Centre at Newcastle. The staff in all the shops,restaurants and Prosecco bar had friendly and cheerful outlooks. A great mix of designer and everyday run of the mill stores. Excellent.
Margaret Blair — Google review
You have all shops you ask for. Massive Shopping centre and big choice of food from Food hall. If you have family and kids you have to get parking permit for family parking. If not you'll get ticket. So don't forget to get one from customer service on entrance. Then stick it on your dash. Thanks me later 👍😅
Ejdy DMJ — Google review
A great shopping place with varied collection of stores ranging from affordable to premium brands. Hence, you can find everything that you need under one roof and you will not have to worry about parking as free parking is available.
Fadel Alnoud — Google review
Love it for shopping, nowhere compares as has shops you don't see in other places so go specifically for these. Good parking, clear signs inside, generally clean, some decent restaurants (pity more and more are becoming just big chains you can get anywhere though but there's still some that you don't see elsewhere but would be good to see them do more to support small businesses like an affordable rent section for street food vendors).
Best thing is the opening hours so being able to go when it's not as busy.
Anna B — Google review
Amazing experience huge shopping 🛍 centre all big brands available..cinema screens food court..very beautiful sitting Area..
SEEMA AJMAL — Google review
Had a lovely day here,not been for many years. Everywhere was clean, tidy & the shops were varied. Had a great lunch at TGIF's too!
Kim Adams — Google review
Love meadowhall plenty of excellent shops and great places to eat or just people watch with a lovely coffee ☕️ can easily spend a day there I just popped into joe browns but go often excellent free parking lots of it too it seems huge when you first visit but not when you go often and now oh my a couple of excellent chocolate shops Shopping is so easy all in one place fab they do have a cinema but it's not as nice as it used to be but it's there if you want to go excellent eating centre oasis every taste catered for love meadowhall good place to spend a winters day
Veda Hardy — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Meadowhall in Sheffield with my family, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Often compared to the likes of Bluewater, Meadowhall certainly holds its ground as one of the largest shopping centres in England, if not outshining it by size and offering.
From the moment we arrived, kids and wife loved, the sheer scale of Meadowhall was evident. The centre boasts over 290 stores, catering to every imaginable need and desire. Whether ww was browsing the latest fashion trends in stores like Zara and H&M, exploring high-end brands such as Hugo Boss and AllSaints, or simply searching for the perfect gift in one of the many unique, independent shops, Meadowhall had it all.
In my opinion, what truly sets Meadowhall apart, though, is not just its vast array of retail options but also its dining and entertainment facilities. Based on my kids' opinion, the Oasis Dining Quarter offers an impressive selection of eateries, ranging from fast food favourites to sit-down restaurants, ensuring that there's something to satisfy every palate. After a delicious meal, the Vue Cinema provided the perfect escape with its latest screenings, rounding off a day of shopping with a touch of relaxation and entertainment.
There are no issues regarding the accessibility and convenience, which is also where Meadowhall shines. Located just off the M1, it's incredibly easy to get to, and with ample parking, the usual stresses of shopping were noticeably absent. Public transport options were plentiful, making my journey smooth and hassle-free.
In a nutshell, my day with family at Meadowhall was a delightful experience from start to finish. It's not just the scale of the shopping centre that impresses but the quality of its stores, the diversity of its food offerings, and the overall atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination. It easily rivals, if not surpasses, other shopping centres like Bluewater in many aspects. Meadowhall is more than just a place to shop; it's a place to explore, dine, and enjoy. I can't wait for my next visit!
Andy Singh — Google review
Has Boots and Super drug which is good as you compare prices easily.
Meadowhall is good when it's not overcrowded. It has good parking compared to city centre. They need to increase child parking spaces though.
You also not worried about 'rough sleepers' like you are at City Centre.
Its a refined place to shop and meets expectations.
A good place to visit during winter especially.
Normadic N — Google review
Great for every day shopping you have literally everything. Plenty of car parking space
romanidzeee — Google review
You could spend the day there browsing around all the top shops. There are plenty of places to eat. I had sausage and chips with peas it was a very good Adult portion and only £7.80. The taste was brilliant just like the chip shop at home. So keep an eye out for the Tasty Plaice.
Ps The Car Parking is free.
Thomas Love — Google review
Travelled 2 hours from Durham to visit just for a look out.
Bored with the hustle and bustle of our local MetroCentre as some of the shops we love have closed but still have stores within Meadowhall.
Really enjoyed the experience seemed far better and relaxed than the Metrocentre
Easy drive in and easy access back out on the motorway
Mondo Daftasabrush — Google review
The centre itself is lovely, great shops. However. We stopped here as the website advertised baby feeding facilities, we did eventually find the mums feeding room and my partner said it was so hot in the room. We have to top up her feeding and there wasn’t anywhere inside that room to heat milk. So I had to go looking.
My biggest concern was getting into the center. Someone got a bit happy putting in posts. Random thing to moan about but we parked in a empty car park at the back of what looked like Debenhams. And walked but there were posts everywhere blocking our route with the buggy. We walked past a disabled drop off area and I don’t know if someone in a wheel chair could of got to the centre via this route. See the photos.
So not really buggy friendly.
Michael Cawley — Google review
4.3
(32992)
•
4.0
(2130)
Suite 1, Meadowhall Centre The Management, The Oasis, Meadowhall, Sheffield S9 1EP, United Kingdom
The National Trust - The Workhouse in Southwell is a Victorian building that serves as a museum to showcase the workhouse program. It offers an educational and interesting experience to all visitors, who can explore the infirmary and roam around freely on the grounds and inside the house. The tour provides more information about the place, which is well-organized, with friendly staff making everyone feel welcome. Additionally, free parking is available for guests, while members of the National Trust can enter for free.
Excellent day out. Really interesting place. Well organized, everyone helpful and friendly, they make you very welcome. Very educational. Well worth a visit.
Carol Walker — Google review
Fantastic Place to visit. A lot more to see than I expected. Gives a great insight to life in the workhouse with individual peoples stories. The National Trust have done a great job of recreating the workhouse and infirmary.
When you arrive you get handed a handset that explains things and stories as you go from room to room and then tells stories of objects within the room. The national trust appear to have made a great effort in making the place accessible for all abilities.
Brian Roberts — Google review
What an amazing historical experience. The curators and volunteers at the museum were excellent. Really made history come alive. You are able to "interact" with the exhibits. Listening devices allowed you to listen in to interviews with people who had actually lived there. Every room held a different story. So many books and crannies, doors and 'hidden' spaces. My imagination had no bounds.
Heather Smolas — Google review
Fascinating history of how the Poor Laws were reformed and developed into the Workhouse, which, in itself, was the forerunner of the Welfare State. We were able to catch the tour delivered by Ken - hugely knowledgeable about the history of the site. If you can get on a tour - do so. It doesn't cost extra and you will learn a lot.
We visited during the Easter holidays and they had laid out multiple games/challenges/items for visiting children - many of them knitted (see photos).
A really good day out and Southwell Minster is just the road; also well worth a visit.
Richard King — Google review
Having visited here few times previously I knew this place was steeped in history and very fascinating to learn about how people lived in years gone by. The infirmary is an interesting addition to the workhouse and was not open last time I came. It takes a few hours to walk round and read all the information, great to step back in time and well worth a visit to support the national trust.
Paul Bowden — Google review
Lovely afternoon exploring the workhouse and infirmary. Went on the tour of the outside which gave some more information and used one of the electronic labels. Definitely worth a visit.
Hannah Hawkins — Google review
I found this place really interesting and educational. To see how these people used to be treated and how they lived was fascinating. All the staff were really friendly and helpful and me and the children had a really good time.
My girls both got an activity sheet to find the items, could dress as characters and were able to touch many of the items.
The restaurant here is fantastic. I had the biggest, tastiest Jacket potato meal I have ever had at a National Trust site. It was amazing and extremely filling. I'd happily go back for the food alone although I do highly recommend a look around the workhouse.
Sarah Kemp — Google review
Loved it. So much history, walking through you can imagine yourself there, see and feel the people you shared the place with, and learn much about what conditions were like for those down on their luck. Informational plaques were outstanding in the information they provided. Staff were great and provided a lot of great information.
Michael Henderson — Google review
A fantastic trip back in time to the workhorse. Tours are available to join or you can buy a guide book or use the free hand held devices that you can scan at certain points to learn more about the building. Some nice displays and an art exhibition on the top floor. The volunteers are knowledgeable and those playing people from the time are fantastic and happy to chat, even matron. Cafe and toilets and the second hand book shop. Lots of stairs inside and you can visit all levels. All sign posted so you don't get lost
Ashley Lightfoot — Google review
National Trust saves and presents to the public important part of Britain's history. I was surprised that workhouses were part of the local community's form early XIX th century. I recommend going for a guided tour to find out more details
Greg N — Google review
Free parking and also free admission if you are a member of the national trust. Free roaming of the grounds and house. Very relaxed walk around.
Wayne Batty — Google review
Interesting historical tour of the changes to the poor laws. Good guides in the form of small pads to view info on. Does not really get how grim the place must have been as the building is so well looked after. But interesting social history. Also have a go a the stick and hoop with your kids. It’s surprising how hard it is. Cafe is good.
M S (Sunders ont road) — Google review
Fantastic visitor experience, definitely get on one of the free outside tours first, really proves invaluable once inside. Really changed my understanding of workhouses.
Great cafe with excellent cakes and nice spaces with tables for picnics.
No gift shop which was a real bummer, always like to have a souvenir. Would be 5 stars if there had been a half decent one.
Richard Peel — Google review
Unusual National Trust property. Very thought provoking about workhouse and social services up to 1980s. Enjoyed textile exhibits as well. Womens quilt for domestic violence was very poignant.
Debbie Hendriksen — Google review
Genuinely enjoyed this and the kids (8 and 6) took a real interest in everything. Give yourself a good amount of time, we were there 4 hours, including a picnic lunch (maybe 20 minutes). Each room had good information in it, telling the story of some of the real people who lived or worked there. The hand held devices for information were good and helped to keep the kids interested as they had to find the circles around the workhouse to place them on for the next bit of information. The only downside to these was that the information sometimes went a little too quickly to read, but we're short enough to watch a couple of times to get all of the information. Be prepared to read quickly though!!
All of the staff were very friendly. Toilets were clean - I did struggle to find them but I think this was more my failing than the centre!!
Drew Simpson — Google review
Amazing atmospheric place with a deep history. Cafe staff are superb. Excellent for photography too. A real hidden gem in the National Trust’s portfolio, it’s a shame it’s not celebrated more - there’s more meaningful history there than most stately homes.
Jamie Lord — Google review
When we arrived we were taken by the satnav into the wrong car park. We were met by a lovely lady who was very patient, and let us park there as my wife is a blue badge holder.
On entry the lady explained the layout of the building and gave us an ipad like device that allows you to see information by scanning orange spots around the facility.
The walk around the workhouse was very interesting, well laid out with lots of information.
Staff was fantastic throughout and we finished in the cafe with a toasted sandwich and the best cheese scone I have ever tasted!
A wonderful visit and would highly recommend this thank you
Ben Wigley — Google review
This is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the workhouse and those unfortunate souls who had no choice but to enter these places in years gone by.
The National Trust has renovated the workhouse and infirmary very sympathetically, and in a way which shows what it would have been like for inmates back in the day. Interesting that it was still used to house families in the 1970s.
The volunteers are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and I'd like to say a special thank you to Penny who helped bring the history of the place to life for us.
The café serves delicious coffees, scones and cakes, plus a range of other produce. Overall, a very enjoyable few hours were spent in this fabulous place.
Mrs Squirrel — Google review
Really interesting day out, to see how the inmates lived and worked in this huge place is fascinating. Their individual stories are very poignant.
The staff were lovely and very knowledgeable and there's a great cafe with teas, coffee's and soft drinks plus lite bites, cakes and pastries etc.
We had a guided tour at the start with a period dressed staff member around the outside of the building which was a great introduction to our most interesting day out.. Well done to everyone involved in keeping this historic place alive.. 👍
Garry Goodge — Google review
Such an amazing place to visit and experience!!
Lots of rooms to explore and you really got the feeling of what it was like for people who had to go there. Very humbling experience and the National Trust have done an amazing job of renovating it but keeping it as it should be!! Really good how they kept some of the rooms as it would have been in 1970's as well .
The infirmary was fascinating too and the knitted hospital was fantastic!!
Very well worth a visit to experience everything.
Now not open though till Feb 24.❤️❤️.
Hilary Bradbury — Google review
Great day out highly recommend the outdoor tour brings history to life. Great staff, nice cafe. Even the children liked to learn about the history and how privileged we are now.
Kevin Farley — Google review
Definitely one of the best national trust locations I have been to. Explains so much about the way of life in the Workhouse and there's actors doing all sorts of activities as well. The only thing that could make this better is if there were an easier way to get there without a car.
Yogen Mudgal — Google review
A break from the NT stately homes, the Workhouse is a wonderful museum, bringing to life the conditions of an old Victorian Workshop.
Incredibly stark inside, there is a lot of information as you wander around to set the scene. (There are quite a few steps)
Parking on in site, a small (national trust scale) space outside.
We visited in March.
Hardwick Hall is an awe-inspiring 16th century country house with a notable needlework and tapestry collection. It is located close to the Peak District National Park, making it a must-see attraction for any visitor to the area. The New Hall has been restored to its original glory, while the Old Hall is now ruined but still enjoyable to explore. The extensive formal gardens and parkland are also worth checking out.
A beautiful place for a lovely day out. From the second you drive onto property its a great experience. There were cows roaming along the long drive up to the house which was a nice unexpected suprise. The person on the ticket booth was very friendly and welcoming, as was the person on reception. The grounds are immaculately kept and there's plenty of room to sit and relax, have a picnic etc.
We had a look around the house, there are volunteers all around, in almost every room to tell you more about the history - they were so knowledgeable and really elevated the experience.
The gardens are beautiful. There's chairs and benches available to enjoy the surroundings.
I don't think there's a need to buy tickets in advance, we didn't and there was no problem getting then at reception.
Plenty of parking available, really close to where you need to be.
Holly T — Google review
What a fascinating place,pulled in to take a look on my way back from York, they are doing massive restoration work on the hall at moment, but there is still loads to see, but I will definitely go in a few months time to see how works progressing.
Judging by how many people were there today,it must be a very popular place to visit,it was stacked out,there was some great furniture and tapestry's to look at,as well as the superb grounds.
Clive Wheat — Google review
It is a very interesting place historically. Great guides and an informative talk before entering the house. Lots of seating in the house for those less able, but there's a lot of stairs to negotiate!
The gardens are beautiful again with plenty of places to sit and take in the views.
The cafe was good, and my friend and I had a delicious sausage bap... We are sampling them at each National Trust property we visit...so far, so good and very consistent.
There are also a few walks that you can do if you have the time.
Barbara Sessford — Google review
First time we have visited £17 each which included going in the house, the gardens and the parking and the old hall which has recently been reopened, absolutely beautiful and the gardens were well kept with an abundance of beautiful flowers, the butterfly's and Bee grab a bite van, eat indoors or outdoors on the lawn or the court yard. Mainly on the flat so wheelchair access is good for grounds and ground floor of house, we walked down to the lake but this wouldn't be accessable for wheelchairs or buggies.
The coffee shop offered a good selection of all kinds of food and drink and ice cream, so if you haven't been get yourself over there as you won't be disappointed.
Tracey Johnson — Google review
Lots of space and walks to enjoy. The walled gardens are breathtaking, with open spaces, wild areas, a knot garden and an allotment, all with seating dotted about.
We visited during the summer holidays so there was a field at the back of the hall for the "summer of play" with lots of activities for children of all ages. Tennis and badminton, an obstacle course, a mini football field, archery, a bamboo marble run, and even a safe toddler space with giant bean bags and slide were all available at no additional cost.
Didn't get to see much more as our children loved the activities, but the map shows lots more to see. Can't wait for our next visit.
L Thompson — Google review
A great place to visit for lots of interesting history. Self-guided tours, but there are lots of knowledgeable and friendly volunteers throughout. Visitors can ask them questions and find out more about the house, its contents, and the people who lived there. There are also information cards for each room. Plenty of parking available.
Hazel — Google review
We visited on a behind the scenes tour ot the attic and it was worth every penny. We were taken into the attic by a volunteer guide who was extremely knowledgeable about the house and some of the items we were shown. The attic is a place that you would not normally see in this Elizabethan house as a visitor. Some items that we were shown never go on display due to been very fragile. On part of the tour we were shown the current exhibition which is part of the National Trust's 125 year anniversary celebrations. We also got an in depth talk about the main entrance hall in to the house. We are National Trust members so only paid for the tour.
Darren Barton — Google review
Hardwick Hall is on our doorstep, and we love to visit at different times of the year. Today was fabulous, the new Hall lovely as ever. The old Hall, is being preserved through English Heritage funding, so inaccessible. But still viewable from the path. The gardens as always are beautiful, even though they are in mid transition and planting at this time in May. We had good luck with the weather for the garden 😀 and had another great day 😀
Veronica Morris — Google review
Stunning house with an impressive story about its amazing lady owner. Car park looked pretty full but it wasn’t busy at all! Entrance to the house could be a little better signposted but we made it and walking past old Hardwick Hall was really interesting too! Deckchairs set out around the gardens so we sat and had a picnic and soaked up the peace and quiet.
Rachael Millette — Google review
A wonderful place steeped in history, I don't normally do guided tours due to my poor hearing however the tour guide on this occasion was brilliant, very clearly spoken and extremely knowledgeable. The house and grounds are very well kept and there is ample parking as well as the normal NT shop and cafe. A very worthwhile visit if you are in the area or passing through on the M1 and need a rest from driving or make a day of it like we did, excellent.
Alan Amesbury — Google review
This is one of my absolute favourite National Trust treasures! Both the Hall and the old Hall are fantastic places to visit. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and acres of grounds to explore. The history of both halls and 'Bess of Hardwick' is really interesting, a formidable woman for her time. The Halls are only open between 11am and 3pm usually, so be sure to time your visit so you can visit both (the grounds, shop etc are open much longer). You'll be transported back in time as you follow the footsteps of nobility up the old stone staircases!
Josi Parker — Google review
Lovely place and grounds! House is massive and great to have a look around! Grounds lovely and well maintained. Little bits for the kids to play due to it being half term, scavenger hunt trail for the kids to spot. Gutted the Old Hall was closed (doesnt say clearly enough on the website only in small print at the bottom) ... it is missing a little play area or obstacle course made out of logs for the kids to play on.
Victoria Blane — Google review
We enjoyed this building particularly as ' Bess of Hardwick ' is one of my heroines. A tenacious, extremely clever woman who survived and prospered in such a difficult climate.
The cattle on the way in blocked our path for a short while. The calves seem to enjoy licking our vehicle, curious creatures..
Don't expect rooms stuffed with furniture, lots of tapestries, some great applique work and amazing bed canopies for those who like textiles. Not all the rooms are open the South Wing was closed at the time
The restaurant was a nightmare, 40 mins in the queue. The serving area is far too small for the crowds the sandwiches were dry and unimaginative. Apart from that we had a great time.
Judith Lock — Google review
Lovely day out, interesting house but upstairs might be difficult for disabled as no lifts/elevator. They do have a virtual tour facility though as an option for those not able to get to the higher level and a tramper vehicle, electric scooter for getting around the grounds and garden. Nice little cafe too with disabled access to an outside seating area.
Ray Smith (MrMond) — Google review
What a beautiful Elizabethan house, great architecture, big rooms.
Lovely tapestries adorning the walls.
The guides and helpers here are lovely people and have a wealth of knowledge. Well worth doing the tour.
We only spent a couple of hours here but we will be back to take in more of the splendour and the grounds.
Simon Teft — Google review
Huge country estate, with two manor houses (one in ruins), telling the story of one of the wealthiest and most influential people in Elizabethan England.
If you like Tudor bling, you'll really appreciate the interior of the "new" manor house, with its dozens of priceless tapestries. If you find ostentatious wealth a bit tacky you will, like me, see it as more proof that great wealth is no guarantor of good taste.
There two rooms that I did like, first the huge kitchen, with its collection of beautiful copper pans. Second the restaurant, located in an ancient barn with a magnificent beamed roof.
Rich B — Google review
We are members of the National Trust and visited the Hall when my relatives came over from NZ to stay with us for a few days. There is plenty of parking available and not a long walk from there to the main entrance and facilities. All the staff are helpful and willing to talk and very informative on all accepts of the Properties history. The grounds are well managed, and the interior is amazing and highlights how impressive Bess of Hardwark and her descendants were. Walking from room to room, there is some amazing visually impressive scenes of grandeur, from room layout, such as thr long gallery, amazing tapestries throughout the building , and great artwork and period furniture showing how they would and did live right up to the modern times of the 1950's. Even the Old Hall, which was open on this visit, showed the impressive living they had at the time. The facilities also have well maintained cafe, gift shop and toilets. Would highly recommend a visit.
Jamie “Jamdoodle” C — Google review
Lovely day out for all ages including dog friendly with lots to do and see. Beautiful gardens to walk round and plenty of open area with picnic benches. For those who struggle to walk you can hire scooters and for those who want to be more adventurous there are plenty walks to do around the surrounding area. Both old and new Halls are fascinating and full of history.
Lisa Falkowski — Google review
Really beautiful Elizabethian house . They say about it " more windows than walls " . Its history connects with chatsworth estate and bolsover castle . You can see some amazing examples wall tapestry . It is a fabulous trip to tudorian times .
Outside there are beautiful gardens and orchards around the hall . There is a cafe , toilets , book shop and souvenir shop next to the house , you can use the car park ( pay as you go ) ans walk the grounds , woods and hills for free. There are ruins of another sister hall next door . That is owned by english heritage and there is a fee to get in , its worth to see both in one day
ewa drewiecka — Google review
Great place to visit with a variety of things to do.
Even in the winter it was great to explore the estate and the various historical gems dotted around.
Unfortunately we were a little late from our walk (and afternoon treats in the cafe) to visit the hall, but it gives even more incentive to revisit.
Matt Gallagher — Google review
Lovely place to visit. At the moment (November 2023), they keep the curtains/ blinds closed partly for the Christmas light trail and also to give you an idea of what it would have been like with only candle light. It was lovely for families with children, but for me and my wife we would have preferred to see it in its full grandeur of daylight in the rooms, so will have to revisit. Thank you though to the knowledgeable guides who were able to give us great detail on the history and the antiquities. Parking is good. Cafe was nice although a little on the smaller side so queuing outside when busy.
Andrew Harpin — Google review
Loved it at Hardwick Hall. What an extraordinary legacy ,what and extraordinary lady, we were overcome by the story and history of Bess. All the volunteers were so passionate and knowledgeable. There's a tapestry project underway until June I think. Pop into the school room and have a chat with Layla. She is working on constructing a new 5th virtuous lady and is inviting all visitors to contribute by doing some needlework that will be incorporated in the final piece. It was pretty busy all week with lots of easter activities for the kiddies. The cafe can get pretty busy so time it for mid morning or mid-afternoon for a bit to eat to avoid the crush. Deffo worth visiting.
GillyBee — Google review
Hardwick Hall, a truly amazing place bursting with the history of one of the strongest women history has even known - Bess of Hardwick may not have been a monarch but she certainly deserves a very significant place in Tudor history for her strengths and achievements in a time where women were of little or no importance. Hardwick Hall, its magnificence and sheer scale of wealth are a testament to this formidable lady's achievements.
On the same grounds, are the ruins of the former Hall (called Old Hardwick Hall) that you can also visit. Despite being in ruins, this too is pretty impressive and not to be missed and the views from the top are quite stunning.
We didn't get to cover much of the grounds as we ran out of time (the Hall is extensive so you will need lots of time to look around it properly!) but we will certainly explore further on return visits. However, what we did manage to see was certainly beautiful and impressive with plenty of flowers and well kept lawns.
There is a very lovely gift shop with very friendly staff and a secondhand bookshop too. There is an onsite cafe but you can take a picnic if you so wish, there are plenty of picnic tables if needed. There is onsite parking which is free for National Trust members, I'm not sure if it's pay and display for non-members but check the National Trust website for further information.
All in all, a truly wonderful day out for all ages and if you love Tudor history, this is one place not to be missed!
Nelly C — Google review
Often have a great selection of outside games for kids, the two properties make an interesting contrast to each other. Stainby Mill nearby is worth a stop off for a 30-40 mins tour
Chris Davis — Google review
Lovely Elizabethan House, temp below freezing today, frost on trees and gardens, beautiful. Decorated for Christmas and view the house with lanterns. As always thanks to knowledgeable volunteers for their info, house has interesting history. Lots of stairs, rooms mainly on 2nd floor.
Sandy McDougall — Google review
4.6
(7380)
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4.5
(2677)
Hardwick Old Hall, Hardwick Gardens, Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ, United Kingdom
The stately home of Chatsworth is a magnificent example of Tudor and Jacobean architecture, with a beautiful art collection including works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. The house and gardens are surrounded by lush parkland and there is also a playground for children, as well as cafes and gift shops.
Fabulous day out, beautiful gardens and the maze was so much fun. We thought it was going to be easy but…nope :-) we had a duck come sit with us by the river while we had coffee which was lovely. The sculptures are amazing. The coal tunnel in the rockery is an interesting walk, makes you feel like a child in an adventure.
Vicki Jackson — Google review
Beautiful place to visit only walked in the grounds and went into the farm shop which is jammed with so many fresh and locally made produce its amazing, bit more expensive, but worth it. Massive range to choose from. The Cafe's are lovely food smelled and look delicious and luxurious. The toilets alone are very different, they are all mirrored in and out of the cubicles in gold. They are very clean and neat. The grounds are vast and beautiful, there are picnic areas, we took a picnic, plenty of Sheep wandering around, you need to take care where you walk and drive. They also have Deer and Cows. There are private gardens that you can pay to look round and also the house which will cost you a fee. They had a Man on Fire exhibition in the grounds, these were from America. They had a small good fair there where you could sample food which is sold in the Farm Shop. Good place to go to take your dog, but must be kept on their lead. Plenty of security staff around to keep eye on things. Wonderful place to take kids and wear them out, there's a lovely little river to watch the ducks. It's a lovely day out especially if the sun is out, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Linda Gee — Google review
Really nice walk around the garden with the dog. Lots to see and do to explore and so very well maintained.
We entered the gardens from the entrance by the stables where there was no queue - tip tip from one of the volunteers...
F London — Google review
Visited whilst the Christmas market was on and the place was amazing. House staff were really attentive and the rooms were fantastic. The tour accommodates wheelchair access via a lift hidden away but the staff were always on hand to direct and help with this.
In the market area ramps were hidden down the side of some of the cabins allowing access up the kerbs, we didn't find these until later in the day.
The light show on the South face of the hall needs to be more widely publicized as people were walking past in their droves minutes before it began blissfully unaware of what was about to start.
Overall, a fantastic day out and waiting to see what they plan for next year.
Paul Bird — Google review
Absolutely magnificent experience, with endless things to explore. We spent hours in the gardens because they were so huge and pretty with loads of hidden areas to see. The house was beautiful and the overall trip was well worth the money. This place is a must visit 🙌
Jude Bennett — Google review
Great place to visit & explore. The sculptures on display were great. Radical Horizons exhibition.
Parking was reasonable and plenty to do just paying for parking. Unless you have a full day to explore I wouldn't pay to go in the house/gardens.
We will be back for a full visit.
Matthew Simpson — Google review
Such a grand stately home with tons of arts displays complimenting the historical pieces. Love the vast garden, with different sites of scenery, not enough to see them all in a day. Kids love the farm yard and adventure playground. I would love to go there again with the 50% off voucher. Can easily spend a lovely day out with family here.
Eugenia Chu — Google review
A lot of 🐑 on the park, they are very cute. You can interact with them directly. Garden was amazing, you must buy the ticket for garden. Recommend Cascade, Maze, and the fountain. The house inside was luxurious. It's hard to believe a family can have so many valuable collections.
Hsun-Yen Wu — Google review
Great day out with the kids. They particularly loved being allowed to play the piano in the house and the violin in the cupboard room. Staff were really friendly and knowledgeable, gave the kids just the right level of info to engage them and not go over their heads. They enjoyed the farm and play area too. There is so much to see and do, we didn't manage it all. Look forward to going back another time.
Emma — Google review
This was my first visit here. We went into the house first, then the grounds. We had dinner there too. Went in the 3rd week or September on a lucky sunny day.
It was amazing, lots of staff on hand to help and chat, information card in every room and a very well presented and preserved part of English heritage.
My pics don't do it justice at all. Most of them were done on my camera
Ustra k — Google review
Initially seemed expensive when we booked but after spending nearly 7 hours there it was well worth the money. Instantly impressive when you drive towards Chatsworth. The grounds are vast and beautiful. The guides at the start of the house tour are welcoming and knowledgeable. The house is incredible. Plenty of places to get refreshments. Take time to enjoy the different areas of the gardens. Loved it.
Corina Wheeler — Google review
Arrived too late to see the house but was able to walk around the gardens. The lights and music were amazing and there are small stalls as you walk around to get a mulled wine / hot chocolate and toast marshmallows.
Would definitely recommend visiting over Christmas!
Amy Grimsley — Google review
We were in the area and decided to visit as it was somewhere we'd always wanted to go to. It was mid November and the Christmas theme was in place. The Christmas Market with lots of stalls was set up outside the house. The stable shops all had a festive element too. After the market we took a long walk around the grounds. Even in November there was plenty to see, cascades, sculptures, maze, lakes, fountains, rock features, etc. In order to enter the house we had to pre-book a time slot. Our trip around the house was more focused on the festive themed rooms, rather than the house itself. Maybe we need to visit again in the summer. Once the house tour was over it was back into the gardens to follow the Christmas lights trail, some of it accompanied by music. The light display on the house at the end of the walk was stunning. Absolutely fantastic end to the day. The whole experience was fantastic. Staff (some in period costume) very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend.
Stephen Foster — Google review
The place certainly is grandiose and the large estate grounds offer plenty of walking potential for those who wish to explore.
The interior of the house is eye opening, with a lot of the rooms kept as intact as possible, with guides around to answer any questions you may have of the former occupants or the decor.
The grounds are very well kept, with a rockery, maze, greenhouses and gardens available to you to explore. Visiting in the springtime provided a lot of greenery and spring flowers amongst the grounds, providing some breathtaking views.
Would highly recommend a visit, a few negatives what with the ticket price being on the pricier side, and on-site food being quite pricey (e.g. £7.99 pickle and cheese sandwiches, £3.50 bottles of Coca Cola, £4.99 slice of flapjack!)
Danny W — Google review
Spent the entire day within the gardens and estate park. The gardens are beautiful, as you would expect from Capability Brown, with amazing landscaping and wonderful specimen trees and planting. Had lunch in the Stables, and then enjoyed the sculptures and installations currently exhibited in the park. Well worth the entry fee, and would certainly visit again. Very highly recommended.
Simon Harding — Google review
This was a near perfect day out. We got stuck in traffic and missed our entry slot. I phoned the house and they were aware of the problem. Told us not to worry and promised to get us in as soon as they could. This set the tone for the day. Everyone was so helpful, and pleasant to deal with. The Christmas decorations were just stunning and each room came up with different ideas. The stewards were very knowledgeable and freely gave us info about the decorating process. There was a short queue to get into the restaurant. The staff were not fazed by my onion allergy and assisted me to choose my food. The turkey cobs were really delicious. We ended our day at the farm shop with a great cup of coffee and goodies to take home.
Lesley Belton — Google review
Absolutely amazing place. It’s worth the drive from anywhere! The house is like the ones you hear or see in Disney fairy tales. The staff is super friendly and if you discuss history with them, you will spend quite the time around the corridors. Plenty of parking spaces, toilets and a lovely gift shop. Been three times and can’t get enough of it.
Bogdan Marasescu — Google review
Loved the gardens the most, especially the rock garden with its tunnel and nearby hedge maze, but also enjoyed the house and animals at the farmyard. Do not bother with the audio guide if you go to the house - the cards in each room are actually much more informative yet concise.
Sacha Place — Google review
Absolutely wonderful. The farm shop is a little pricey, but the produce is good. The grounds are excellent. (The roads are busy, & people do speed a little, if you let your doggie off lead, beware!)
Lovely afternoon there.
andrew stanworth — Google review
Fantastic place to visit. Lots of history and culture, beautiful gardens to explore with hidden gems for the kids like the rock garden to climb on and the maze to explore. Would recommend to visit the house early as it can become busy. The staff are very knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions or give you background information. Most of the house and ground is wheelchair accessible. Parking is £5.
Matt — Google review
The extensive Christmas market is on now and the house is decorated with an advent calendar theme during the next few weeks. There are also music and light displays through the garden, we really enjoyed this from dusk onwards. Easily a full day of adventure with food and drink available in restaurants and market stalls. I was wet when we went, they have provided a walkway which helps, we would recommend walking boots or Wellies!
Anna Bradshaw — Google review
It was fantastic. Very well organised despite being extremely busy. Even with the wet weather we have experienced of late, they kept us out of the wet.
The house was beautiful, garden light display exceptional. The market was a nice visit. If doing the lights, the darker the better.
Enjoy!
Helen Taylor (Oak House Stays) — Google review
Chatsworth House is a beautiful, picturesque and grand stately home that is worthy of a day out with family.
We went to visit the Christmas decorations at the house and illuminated trail around the garden. It is highly recommend to do both in the winter months.
There is also a farm on the estate, which children will enjoy. Also, there is a cafe that serves a good selection of food.
Simon Jones — Google review
Always a lovely visit. The Christmas decor was stunning. Lovely lights in the garden . Carriage house cafe always nice. Only downside in the cafe is paying for the hot food whilst waiting for everyone ordering hot drinks . Can be a while. Food nice but much nicer hot.
Theresa Owen — Google review
I have no words to describe the grandeur of this place. Not only the architecture of this stately home is spellbinding but the gardens are a thing of beauty too. To top it off all the staff are warm, welcoming and happy to share countless stories. I am already planning on visiting Chatsworth House again in the summer.
Umais Shafqat — Google review
Fabulous place to visit. Highly recommend just coming for a whole day to explore the gardens, you'd need the time to do so properly. Beautiful!
Kasia Pisarska Hopkins — Google review
Having been to many stately places over the years this one is probably the exemplar. The gardens and house were tremendous. The staff were really knowledgeable and friendly. I'm so pleased to have visited and recommend it to anyone who hasn't been and is in the area.
Chris Dadswell — Google review
What an amazing place, it was my wife that really wanted to go but in the end we both really enjoyed this stunning stately home. Well worth visiting, the land around it is also amazing to walk around, and although the food is ridiculously priced it is amazing, take a little trip up the road from the house to the Chatsworth farm shop where the shop and cafe are also amazing, amazing guides at the house and lovely staff at the farm shop, all on all an amazing day out.
gary — Google review
We visited when the house was close but was able to walk around the grounds. Parking was free due to the time of year. Staff friendly in the gift shop. Toilets open. Plenty of walking area. Beautiful building and very scenic!
Rebecca Louise — Google review
Well worth a visit and lots to do and see. We walked the large grounds, visited the house which is a testament to wealth, and checked out the gardens. We did not have time for the farm or the farm shop, maybe next time.
Paul Wilson — Google review
What an outstanding place to visit. Buildings and grounds are extremely well kept. A big shout out to the staff all are kind ,caring and knowledgeable. Having visited with my elderly in-laws, we hired 2 mobility scooters and after a walk around the house the staff bought the scooters up to the exit to the building for my in-laws to explore the grounds. Many thanks and highly recommend
Neil Venables — Google review
I've never been to a more incredibly opulent British stately home. It has an impressive presence as you catch sight of it from the drive, and even the stables could be a fine aristocratic home. I have visited palaces and not seen so much beautiful splendour. I highly recommend a visit inside the house, and a wander around the gardens. The house sits down amongst the hills with panoramic views on all sides of classic English countryside. There are plenty of places to eat at the property. My tip is to gift aid your ticket as we received a voucher back for over £15 to spend in the cafes or shops. It meant our lunch was only £11. There is a small farmyard and adventure playground for children, plenty of parking and I'm sure it would be a great family day out. There is a warm building in the farmyard to eat a picnic if it's raining. This place was on my 'bucket list' of places to visit, and it lived up to expectations.
Nottingham Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nottinghamshire, England and one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions. The castle and its grounds are home to world-class art collections, as well as historical exhibits on local history. Tourists can enjoy walks through the gardens or take a guided tour of the castle itself.
It was great.
The exhibitions are amazing.
The staff are the best.
When they saw we are in a big grand we needed a place to pray they emptied a room for us as we were a big group of women and children.
Highly recommend visiting and looking forward to go there again.
Robin hood adventure was great. We all loved the games.
Marwa Soliman — Google review
Great place, we took my mum in law out for her birthday, and it was a lovely and interesting visit. £12 per adult, and you then have 12 months free admission, and because kids go free, we will be able to take our grandchildren as many times as we want, win-win, I say 😀. The art galleries and other displays were so interesting, and in my book, every day is a school day. Don't miss out on this experience.
Geraldine holmes — Google review
The castle has been closed for so long I was looking forward to visiting finally but it has been renovated poorly. It's nice to look at from the outside but it's sad that there's hardly any original features left after the restorations. Nice views from the top. It doesn't feel like a Castle/palace at all, it's just a gallery now with a cafe and some bits of Nottingham history.
This should be so much better.
The grounds could be put to better use.
Not somewhere you'd visit multiple times.
Lucy Auckland (Lucytakesphotos) — Google review
5 Star Attraction. More than well worth a visit. Activities for young and old alike. Cafe and restaurant great to visit. Food very good. At the moment there is a Paul Smith Exhibition which is out of this world and should be in the castle permanently it is that good. There is thing's to do both indoors and outdoors. There is also a nice gift shop. There is great adventure play ground based on Nottingham Castle
Andrew Marriott — Google review
Great castle with a 1 year lasting ticket.
Medium cost.
Has 2 coffee shops with lunch menu also.
The castle has 4 floor dedicated to robin hood, rebellion, modern gallery and art gallery. Children may love the robin hood floor as it has interactive videogames.
There is a lovely children park outside the castle.
You can also pay an extra for a guided cave tour, 25 min long, it is worth, but if you have the choose the city cave tour joined with justice museum is better.
Javier Alvarez — Google review
Very nice visit here on bank holiday. Very modern castle due to restoration. Some parts were really nice whilst some were bit empty. However really good visit and nice experience. Everything is kept neat and tidy.
Marija G — Google review
Very interesting experience. Past mixed with new technologies. The place is huge, 3 floors, a lot of history, amazing views, interesting interactions like shouting from a bow and dressing up as peasants :)))) worth visiting. It took us 45 Minutes, but we were in a hurry. I think it may be a 2 hrs attraction. They have a little coffee inside and a souvenir shop. History lessons are done by interactive people on the screen. You can also watch cartoons about certain events around the castle.
Aleksandra Berezina — Google review
My wife and I had a lovely 4 hour trip here on Saturday. It really was a great experience. My only criticism would be that the robin hood adventures was only about 25 minutes long and meant that we couldn't do all the games and watch the film that was showing too. Aside from that it was a great day and really interesting. Thank you
Adam Russell — Google review
Great attraction for both children and adults. Lovely exhibitions on display, with plenty to see and keep you occupied for at least a couple of hours.
We also ate in the café; prices were reasonable, and service was very good.
The cave tour was also really interesting. Our guide James was very informative, and really brought the stories/history of the caves to life. Groups are small, and there’s plenty of time for photo opportunities.
If you’re a Nottingham resident you get a slight reduction on the price of your ticket with proof of address. And don’t forget at the time of booking to ask for the free annual pass; meaning you can revisit the castle as often as you like for an entire year for free!
Excellent value for money, and definitely worth a visit.
Caroline Findlay — Google review
Went before it closed for second time very expensive and not impressed. But went again with grandson and his girlfriend on Sunday 30 July thought give it another go and miles better really had great day and ended our trip on cave tour with excellent tour guide and pint of Guinness in trip to Jerusalem and now can go again with same tickets so will be going again also café very nice
Raymondo Bradshaw — Google review
The castle is nice, however, the ticket price is high compared to what is inside and what you are going to do. Some galleries are alright, but it is not a museum and a full tour can be done in an hour. Also, the ticket does not include the cave tour, so you need to pay more for this and it has time slots.
Bilal Mubdir — Google review
So much to do! Cafe, museum, art, history, and children's craft activities. Plus a wonderful outdoor park. Plus a single day's admission costs the same as an annual pass, 12£ and children are free.
Wendy Nešić — Google review
Easy day activity.
We went for Christmas market which was busy and had a lot of good food and things to buy. I was disappointed by how expensive everything was I would have been more inclined to buy something if the price was more fair.
£1 entry was good which included free entry to the castle/ gallery & markets with live entertainment. Would definitely recommend for the experience.
Bailey Irving — Google review
Excellent museum and castle to visit. Well priced at £12 per adult and free for children. Take a picnic - there are lots of grounds to sit in with lots of benches and seats.
Laura Bindley — Google review
I really enjoy wandering around the castle grounds on a sunny day, and taking a look at the art gallery and museum when the weather is not so good. 2 nice cafes and a lovely atmosphere. Tours available but not got around to it yet.
Jane Simone Prall — Google review
Great place to visit. Beautiful castle with great expositions. Friendly staff with great knowledge relating the history of the place and expositions. Are games to play or dress in mediavel accessories witch you have to return before you live the castle . It is a lovely tea room on site. Beautiful view dow from the castle. They have a souvenir shop .If you want to do the tour for the tunnels under te castle make sure you pre book your tri online. This trip is not included in the entrance price. It is a bit difficult to found a parking space near by.
Andrea Twell — Google review
Awesome interactive and family friendly art gallery and museum with fun activities for kids and adults! Lots of games and local Nottingham history including some lace exhibitions. Kids under 15 go free and we only paid £12 per adult for unlimited access for a year. Will definitely come back again!
Josephine Kenyon-Blair — Google review
This is a great experience overall, particularly for kids. There are many interactive displays, with the archery and quarter staff being very popular. Lots of interesting historical stories presented in very engaging ways (the noose display is bold). The outdoor play area is really well done and if you’re lucky the views from there are stunning. Kids go free and the ticket can be used for a year.
James Warfield — Google review
Plenty to do but it's not really a castle in the true sense. It was a castle and there are remnants of it and the building that is now there was a stately home I think. The ticket you purchase gives you access to the grounds for a year and we visited over two days. I would recommend you do the Robin Hood experience first which is the first entrance you can see when leaving the shop and ticket office. Some good interactive boards, virtual archery and virtual combat, all good fun. Some fun easy games in the medieval area and the rebellion gallery certainly kept my attention with portrayals of Nottingham castle's history. There's a more formal art gallery and currently an exhibition about people moving to Nottingham from the Caribbean and their heritage. Another thing recommended is a tour of the man made caves that wind their way throughout the hillside. The tour guide had superb knowledge and presented in a really interesting manner, Alrighty! I forgot to mention the views from the balcony are interesting and you can see many of the iconic landmarks of Nottingham. The coffee was good from the cafe in the castle that sells a selection of light meals and cakes etc. Presumably the one attached to the shop is similar. Finally the adventure play ground looks interesting and is suitable for children up to the age of 12. All in all a worthwhile trip.
Malcolm Fowler — Google review
Really nice place for a walk around the grounds- the museum inside the castle is great too, loads to do and see! Reception staff are friendly and helpful. £12 for a year is also a great deal!
Skye Thain — Google review
Where did the castle go? Costs £5 to find out, but, a good day, great sights and great value. They certainly haven't robbed from the poor and gave to the rich here.
Twinlakes Park is a family-friendly amusement park located in Leicestershire offering rides, games, and attractions. It has a water park and rollercoasters for children to enjoy.
Great evening out for their special light display. At £9 a head you can’t complain. Would have been nice to have some festive stalls dotted around. Perhaps next year.
Debbie Doo — Google review
We took the grandchildren here aged 3 and 11. The 3 year old had an amazing time, and the 11 year old enjoyed it because of her little brother but I think she would have been too old if he wasn't with us. I think its more for 3-10 years max. Park Is good for a day out, maybe a little tired in places but the kids had a great day! The water park we got a 1hr time slot included in the ticket price, was a great water facility and we had a lovely day's weather for the kids to enjoy it. This waterpark was the only thing we have a big negative on and it's the fact they have to have mats to use the slides. They let in about 100 kids in our hour and there was only about 50 mats, with adults holding and hiding them for there own kids to use as and when they wanted, leaving other kids without! This was very frustrating for the kids. Why do they need mats half the time they came down the slide off the mat! And I've never known the need for mats on slides elsewhere.
Overall a great day out and glad the kids loved it.
Karly Grana — Google review
Absolutely brilliant place to go my kids looked every minute of it. Plenty of things to do.. we didn't manage to get everything in, so will be returning to complete part of the park we didn't manage to fit in.
Jade jellytot Rowe (bambiii) — Google review
Went here today, booked through the stay play explore website.
My daughter enjoyed the rides and play areas.
A lot to do and plenty of space.
The splash area was fun.
Compared to other theme parks, it could maybe do with a few more bigger rides to appeal to older children.
I had read reviews last night about wasp concerns and was expecting a swarm!! There were the normal amount of wasps you would find in any outdoor space, parks and theme parks. Nothing to worry about!! An enjoyable day out. Would recommend.
Yasmin Patel — Google review
Lovely day out with the kids, easy to get to and lots of parking available.
The ticket prices were ok for a full day out, we spent the best part of 5 hours exploring the park, rides, animals and cafes.
There was plenty to do with all the rides open and enough staff to manage them.
The indoor parts of the theme park didn't have enough space, tables or chairs to accommodate guests, particularly at the indoor play areas but turnover of spaces wasn't long.
All in all a pretty decent day out.
Joe Roughton — Google review
It's just ok. The park is more enjoyable for kids over a 1 meter tall. Not much for babies to enjoy. The staff seem less interested in working. The ride operations are strictly a one person operating the ride. Highlight would be the mirror maze. Not much food options available best bring pack lunch. Plenty of ice cream vendors.
Aj V — Google review
It's really worth of money. We missed some rides,Hope can get more time. If you wish to go then go early it's nice big play eria with fantastic rides, and really lovely water park. Just one things not like is the water of the water splash is too cold and I feel bad for my kids because they was so exited for the waterpark but couldn't enjoyed it because they ware shaking of cold water still weather was 21°C.
Sumaiya Patel — Google review
Great place for kids & adults I would
say rides are aimed at younger ages but adults can go on many of the rides.
Various areas - map makes it look massive but there is only short walks between. Each themed area has a number of attractions, a couple of big rides some smaller rides and normally some form of food outlet, sweets or ice creams.
The indoor area is great, soft play, couple of rides and with seating- upstairs there is a picnic area.
Plenty of toilets around and benches to sit down.
Water park looks good - we did not use this visit but plan to next time.
Lots of dinosaurs around, and farm animals near the entrance.
It was fairly busy (midweek school holidays) but longest wait we had was only about 15 mins for the horses / joust ride- this would have been cut down if staff managed the getting on and off better, needs a time an motion !
Plenty of food which for a park like this was not to bad prices.
Plenty of car parking.
All round great family fun with lots to do - was our first visit but am sure it won’t be last.
Simon Windle — Google review
The place is very beautiful, suitable for children of all ages and also for adults. The place is beautiful. We really enjoyed it. Even in bad weather conditions, there are closed play areas. Really wonderful. Many places are available for comfortable and free parking. Suitable for all seasons of the year. I highly recommend it. It is safe for children and the service in all areas is very good.
Mar Erian Nabil — Google review
A family of five had a lovely day out at Twinlakes Park. Perfect for kids. Mine are aged 9, 6 and almost 4. We went on Good Friday and expected it to be rammed, but it was only pleasantly busy. In fact, it was quite dead for a Bank Holiday. We arrived at 10am to get the most out of the day. We took a picnic to keep the cost down too. There were plenty of spaces to sit and have a picnic. The park isn't that massive that it took ages to walk back and grab it from the car either, to save lugging it around all day. We waited no longer than around 20 minutes for a couple of the more grown up rides such as the Log Flume and Rum Runner. Hardly any queues on the other rides though.
The only two things that I would ask the park to focus on would be to supply a lot more hand sanitising stations, as there were hardly any at ride exits (Flamingo Land in Yorkshire - there were stations in abundance). And also the toilets were not in a great state. Maybe a more frequent cleaning rota could be adopted? I think my nearly 4 year old would rather have peed herself than have to go in the loos due to the smell and amount of wee on and around the loo seat.
Overall though, we had a brilliant day and would highly recommend it for family's of young children. 😀
Martin Perry — Google review
Great day out with kids. Lots of rides for the kids to go on. My youngest has just turned 100cm and there was plenty for him to go on. Softplay is great and massive - be warned, if they are under a certain height, you have to go in with them - which absolutely will exhaust you!
A little farm here too. A water park which you can book into. Kids loved it anyway, which is the point. Lots of outdoor play areas for the kids too.
Alice McKenna — Google review
Went with my Son and Grandchildren, we all had a great time as usual. We have all been before. There is so much to do for the children, who are 9 and 6 they love it. The food is good, and reasonably priced. We all enjoyed it. 😉 We'll go back again when the splash park is open.
Enid Morris — Google review
Great family day out. Not Alton Towers but doesn't try to be. Friendly staff, minimal queuing even on bank holiday Friday. Water Park is freezing but fun.
Kate Cooke — Google review
I recently visited for my daughters 5th birthday with my daughter, two of her friends, and my wife.
I am sorry to say that I was very unimpressed and underwhelmed by Twinlakes Park in Melton Mowbray.
The park is celebrating its 20th birthday next week and it feels as though nobody has cared for it for the past 18 years of them. The whole park is looking a bit rough and run down, there is paint flaking off most of the buildings and attraction, and a lot of the rides need maintenance.
I found it difficult to push a roundabout on one of the parks and impossible to spin one of the tea cup type rides.
I also found trip hazards on some of the park attractions.
The toilet facilities were dirty, and my wife told me the women's toilets were flooded.
The entire park also seems to be infested with wasps. The children had to eat their lunch standing up so they could run away from them when they buzzed around them.
This wasn't helped by the amount of litter scattered around the place and the overflowing bins.
I found many of the staff unsatisfactory as well, most of them are very young and incapable of interacing with other people properly and had a blank or grumby looking face. They seemed to be lacking any type of training.
That said, the 3 girls we took with us thoughily enjoyed the day and did not seem to notice the bad points I have written in this review. And we did not need to wait to get on any of the rides.
Personally, we won't be returning. We would much rather visit twinlakes Sister Park Wheelgate in Nottinghamshire instead.
Danny Iwan — Google review
Overall good for kids under 8-10 years old. Lots of rides with indoor activities as well. Lots of grass and picnic areas. The farm, was not all that impressive and could do with more sit-in food places. Splash pool was awesome, kids really enjoyed it, however you must book a time slot when booking online.
Aqdas Zulfiqar — Google review
Great place for the kids to enjoy a full day. Price is affordable and value for money with lot of ride options unlimited.
MohanaKrishnan S — Google review
Really lovely park for young children. Ours are 3 and 12 and both had a really fun day despite the lack of traditional thrill rides. The mix of indoor and outdoor attractions is a massive bonus too. Props to the staff on the rides as they were particularly good. Friendly, engaging and great with the kids. Park was clean and really well kept. We were there from 10am to 4.30 and our kids were still wanting to go on more rides as we left. Recommended.
Ed — Google review
A lovely mini theme park for ages 3-10 years.
A range of rides, soft play, a farm area and a water attraction (swim suits needed). Smaller areas so it is not so overwhelming. Queues keep moving so the wait time is short.
Indoor areas are great too for a rest in between. Loads of picnic areas and open space.
Lots to do.
I wouldn’t say it was physical disability friendly as most the rides have platforms and no ramp access.
Toilets are dotted around the place.
Mrs A — Google review
Took the Grandchildren in the summer holidays for the day, the kids loved it plenty of open space to run around.
The rides for the kids have different age ranges so plenty for the very young as well as the "big" kids.
Lots of picnic tables available around the park also.
The farm animals are a bonus too to have a walk around.
All in all a lovely day out.
Lesley Buss — Google review
A few weeks ago, we came to Twin Lakes on a whim and ended up only spending £40 between the three of us for tickets. There are so many things to do for children here - there is a farm yard for animals, plenty of rides and amusements, a water park, a boating lake and more.
My niece had the time of her life. She kept saying “can we come tomorrow?”.
I will definitely be coming back next year/ when weather permits - with my best friend and her children plus my niece.
An added bonus is that a lot of people bring their own food in, so it’s not necessary for you to spend excessive amounts to ensure your child has a good time.
Liona Williams — Google review
It wasn’t very expensive to enter. 14 quid an adult. Our 2 year old was free. The rides are too strict with the height. 90 cm for things that shouldn’t be. Good selection of rides though. The toilets as you enter were filthy and smelly yet the park had only been open 1 hour. The staff were very very miserable and the oldest one looked about 17. We had some food from the play cafe place. Filthy toilets, food was all cold and wrong. Could do with a revamp all over really. It’s a shame as it’s got great potential.
Dylan White — Google review
The park is quite big and has plenty of rides and attractions for kids. Our nephew was under 1 meter height, so that restricted us going on most of the rides.
Some of the rides are suitable for adults, but not all.
Overall it's a perfect day out with kids.
But the park in many places is run down and needs a face lift. Toilets by the entrance definitely are in need of refurbishment.
There are few places where you can get some food, but prices are different in all of them even for the same items, so do your research in advance.
Sharu Sharu — Google review
The park was quite rundown. Park was more suitable for young kids.
A few rides outside, but mostly inside. The soft play was disgusting, sticky carpet floors, dust everywhere.
It’s a good price for a day out, but I definitely wouldn’t come back
Aly L — Google review
Great place for young kids and teens. Rides are small but the place was tidy and the staff friendly. My kids had a great time!
Jamie Daniels — Google review
4.4
(3609)
•
4.0
(1976)
Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, LE14 4FF, United Kingdom
Haddon Hall, a notable historical landmark, showcases a magnificent Tudor hall and gardens from the Elizabethan era. Unlike other nearby houses, Haddon Hall doesn't heavily advertise itself but offers visitors a more intimate experience. Stepping into its grounds reveals its stunning beauty, which is truly awe-inspiring. The house itself is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture, dating back to the 12th century when it was initially constructed as a Norman fort.
We used our gardeners world 2 for 1 offer (In Mays magazine) for lots of houses n gardens.
Would of cost £47. approx for 2 adults children free which is really good. Loved the house n gardens. Loved the history of the house. Not sure i would have paid the £47 to visit but guess it preserves our history.
There is also doing talks about the history you can join for free.
Cafe with outdoor seating area has nice views.
Diane Ainsworth — Google review
Today is the last day of Haddon Hall Artisan Market.
There is already a Christmas atmosphere, and the weather is very good today. It snowed heavily at noon. ❄️
We enjoyed to visit the house which is over 900 years old. Also saw a lot of artists Christmas or art works, very good, the price is not very expensive. It's £7.50 per people and it's free for children.
We feel good today, and it's worth going to see.👨👩👧👦
Winny W — Google review
Very interesting and different ‘stately home’ visit being medieval rather than Elizabethan on. Many of the original medieval features remain without being updated, and the free guided tour was very informative. Stone floors are very uneven and very few handrails as original so worth bearing in mind. Gave a real informative insight into this period of history. Nice restaurant too, 2-3 hours is adequate time.
Simon Smith — Google review
Hadden Hall has a lovely warm feeling about it. I believe it's the only stately house to not have been damaged in the war. You can tell it was a loving family home with no nasty skeletons in the closet. Definitely worth a visit though very pricey for what you get. No real gardens or land to explore just a section of the house. The restaurant is lovely with home cooked food and obviously popular as many tables reserved on a Thursday.
Linda Kirk — Google review
Haddon Hall is a beautiful manor house, where you can see about a dozen rooms, chapel, a tiny museum, and gardens. It is well presented, with about two pages of information in each room that tells of its history and notable items, like tapestries.
However, the entry fee feels quite expensive at about £25 per adult plus another £3.80 per car to park. We spent a pretty leisurely hour in reading/seeing most things, so felt a bit steep in price compared to other comparable homes in England.
The restaurant had pretty good food like jacket potatoes, sandwiches, soup, a few other mains, in addition to cakes and hot beverages. It's also slightly expensive and seating was a bit tight around 12:30/12:45, but the food came out quickly and was tasty so a nice stop if visiting Haddon Hall.
Becky T — Google review
The Hall is very historic, quite lovely and well cared for. An excellent free 30 minutes guided tour is available, on the hour and half past. After that you're left to wander those rooms open to the public, and some of the garden. We found this took another hour or two, the majority of the hall is private.
It was £75 for the three of us, including parking (£3.80), which we might have felt better value were we permitted to walk the paths by the river, or the battlements on the public side.
Steve Kirkham — Google review
Haddon Hall has been on my list for a while, I was glad to catch the roses before they faded! A little bit of a pricey affair £23.90 entrance plus £3.80 parking, the staff in the cafe were a little rude if you ask me. Guided tours were going but I enjoy to take myself around quietly and avoid the crowds. Beautiful place, gorgeous grounds, lovely views. Would be nice if there was a bit more access to walk the wider estate. But all in all I lovely day out.
LiziiBear — Google review
What a fantastic medieval hall, a true untouched gem. It has some truly interesting history and beautiful gardens. The guides in each room were great and answered any questions. The great hall and chapel are spectacular. There is n cafe, small gift shop, and a large car park across the road with a charge of £3.80. A good 3 to 4 hours are needed.
Steven Moseley — Google review
Just stunning place, steeped in history with one of the best tour guide opening talks I have ever heard. Friendly staff and incredibly atmospheric history.
Garden is stunning, and cafe serves great food.
It IS expensive: £23.50 for an adult, so with 5 of us going, that is an expensive day out. I understand that it is still a home, but feel a little more could have been open (one of the towers?) for that level of spend.
I would say it is definitely one for sure-footed adults, as there are no obvious things for children to do (but they would be free entry). Both inside and outside it is very uneven with lots of steps, which contributes a lot to the incredible character but makes it inaccessible for anyone with mobility issues. There is no obvious way of making it accessible ... not on the building agenda hundreds of years ago!
Externally, it is one of the most stunning places in England; romantic, historic and truly spectacular. Internally, it is fascinating, but just not that many roo.s on display.
Well worth a visit if you prepared to spend the money.
Hannah Rogers — Google review
I just wanted to say what a beautiful home,you can see the love everyone has for this stunning Hall.The ladies giving information about Haddon Hall were so interesting.A absolute must to see & learn the history.Thank you for a wonderful time.
Restaurant food was 5 Star too 💞
The carrot cake…Wow !
Dawn Wood — Google review
Visited the Christmas market at the hall and it was beautiful. There was a great variety of stalls inside and out, so that you got a real sense of the whole building and grounds
Would definitely recommend a visit
Jane Chadwick — Google review
Amazing interesting place, we really enjoyed our visit. There are friendly informative guides around the house and gardens to answer any questions you may have and also plenty of information to read in each room. Particularly loved the chapel. The whole place has a nice atmosphere although there were a few people there it doesn't feel crowded and you feel free to move around at your own pace. We sat for a while in the gardens overlooking the river it was so peaceful.
Some people in the reviews have commented that it's expensive, we did have a 2 for 1 gardeners world card and under 16s are free so as a family of 3 it costs just under £24 and £3.50 parking so was pretty good value for us. However if we did have to pay full price I still think it's worth a visit. Also Derbyshire residents are getting a 30% discount at the moment.
We were saying its a shame you can't just go to the cafe for lunch without having to pay the entrance fee for the house as the grounds are so nice, we would definitely take a ride out for lunch occasionally 😁.
Loo Gb — Google review
It's a full day here to get the most from your visit & the guided tours are well worth it. The house is well kept though very uneven in places due to the centuries of footfall. The gardens too are beautiful & not over-manicured.
We stopped off at the café for lunch which was beautifully served, tasty & not over priced.
My only gripe is at the extra car parking fee on top of the cost of admission.
Mark & Janice Bright — Google review
Fascinating place with a wealth of history (it's so old). So points to note.. parking is across the road. It's an automatic barrier system payable on leaving by credit or debit card at the barrier (couldn't see coin facility). Oncd over the road, Tickets for the house purchased at the little hut . They don't give you a map, they don't do them. Walk up the drive & over the little bridge. The stables block has been converted into a restaurant- its upstairs, they will bring the food down for you to eat outside, but don't provide a waiter service to take orders outside. This is the only place to eat or drink, no picnic is allowed in the gardens. The walk up to the house is steep, so not for anyone with mobility problems. Once through the main gate, up on the left are toilets next to the museum (the only ones on site except by the stables). There are tours which are worth doing as the individual rooms have very limited written info, so buy a guide book (£9 June 2023). There wasn't always a guide in each room to ask questions. One guide told me they don't label items on purpose, shame as most places have a little note about what stuff is..this is my main criticism, hence the 4 stars. Overall, it's worth a visit, tho.
Dee A — Google review
I'm not overly into stately homes etc, but really enjoyed Haddon Hall. It was reasonably priced, nice little gift shop and theirs a cafe & facilities.
The hall itself is an impressive building with a rich history. There are guided talks, but not compulsory. It's not stuffy but public friendly with plenty to see. The gardens are as magnificent as the hall and was perfect on a warm sunny summers day.
Parking is across the road from the main entrance, so be careful crossing the main road on foot. Well worth a visit if you have the chance.
Mr B — Google review
Not cheap at £24 for adults over 16. Kids are free but with extra to be paid for parking and inflated prices in the cafe it’s a difficult sell (I’d recommend getting anyone under 20 in as a child as they cant check and taking your own food). However, once in the building and grounds are very impressive and with 900 years of history you can see why it’s regarded as the best example of a medieval building in the UK. It’s also been featured in many films including The Princess Bride.
Del213 — Google review
Beautiful Haddon Hall was a delight to visit on Good Friday 29/03/24. The weather was kind. The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. The hall is quite amazing, so many rooms and a stroll in the gardens too.
Sandra Stonehill — Google review
Really enjoyed the candlelight evening tour. W were given mulled wine and mice pies, which were delicious. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. While I wish we could have seen more of the Gomez the 5 rooms we did see were beautiful with interesting bits of history in each one.
Kathryn Mullins — Google review
Christmas Artisan market.
Very good home crafted market , in fabulous surroundings, beautiful house and gardens ,beautifully decorated for christmas. It was a crisp winters morning.
My only criticism would be ,for more notification ,regarding access ♿ it's a grade 1 listed building ,with certain restrictions .
There is a flight of stairs to the house and to the restaurant outside. Be very aware of uneven floors , and steps with no railings . Otherwise beautiful.
Glenda Seymour — Google review
Visited for the Christmas Market on Saturday. Very enjoyable experience. Parking is just a short walk from the house. Lots of stalls for food, drinks and Xmas things everywhere. It was busy but that was expected. The ticket price for the market was only £9.50 and can walk around the hall so it's value for money.
Jack Morgan — Google review
It's been one place we've had on our to do list for a while and just managed to get ourselves there for one of the final days before it closes over the Winter months. We visit a lot of places with our English Heritage and National Trust memberships, so we have a good feel for historical places and buildings. There is plenty of dedicated parking associated to the Hall that's not too far away 5-10mins walk, but that is the only place really to park. The visit, although in winter was lovely, the sun was shining, so we were able to wander around the gardens, which are well maintained. The Long Gallery, Chapel, and the Great Hall are all beautiful examples of the Tudor period and are very well refurbished and presented. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the lady giving the guided tour of the Chapel was excellent. I did feel that at some points it was a little bit lacking in maybe descriptive literature to engage you in the environment of each room (kitchen area mainly), and maybe due to the season and time of year the staff seemed busy on managerial work rather than being around to answer questions in particular rooms. However, when they were, the information they provided was good. For the size of the place, you felt you are only seeing half of the Hall, which makes you feel like you are missing out on something. However, I suppose you have to understand it's a working, livable space as well. The cafe/restaurant was in a separate outbuilding up a flight of stairs before your entered the main gates of the Hall. It is well presented and great for hot food with some nice choices and variation on the menu. However, we just had Tea and Cake, again lovely selection to choose from. Staff friendly and helpful. The little museum showing found artefacts during the refurbishment was a very interesting section on the look around. Overall would recommend a visit
Jamie “Jamdoodle” C — Google review
This was my first experience of visiting Haddon Hall Mercatum Market and I was impressed with the stalls and decorations. I was disappointed with the parking experience as it was very muddy and one lady was slipping so badly that she returned home. The traffic delayed us due to so many Christmas events at the same time.I think more could have been done to hasten the parking. I did object to the queue once I arrived at the admission point, as there was only one person scanning tickets and there were about twenty people waiting and we had already lost an hour of our time.The rooms were very crowded and I did wonder on the top floor how people would evacuate if there was a fire alarm. Ideally a one way circuit would have helped but difficult to implement. Times tickets? All in all it was lovely and well worth the ticket money.
Jenny Hastings — Google review
4.6
(1993)
•
4.5
(1954)
The Estate Office, Haddon Hall, Bakewell, DE45 1LA, United Kingdom
The park that houses the magnificent Elizabethan home of Wollaton Hall is a beautiful and tranquil space perfect for visitors interested in discovering the spectacular natural beauty of Nottingham. With its vast array of flora and fauna, as well as its many walking trails, it's a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon or evening. The deer park at Wollaton Hall is also a popular attraction, with visitors able to watch these graceful creatures roam free in their natural environment.
An absolutely amazing deer park. Not a big fan of Batman myself but still came because of the lovely deers! A decent park for a walk during anytime of the day. Great place for families and picnics too. Highly recommended.
???Ark Rice Eat — Google review
Lovely place to come for a walk, got a lovely cafe, toilets, places to sit and eat. Definitely recommend it. Went to the botanical gardens (Only open Sunday 2pm - 4pm) but very nice walk around there.
Wheel chair and dog friendly. There's loads of shady areas for the hot days and couple of ice cream vans around the park.
Andrew Fisher — Google review
I have run here many times, and I had never once known that there was a museum inside the hall. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was very surprised at how interesting and informative it was. The park surrounding the hall is also very lovely. Definitely would recommend it.
Big Communism Stanley — Google review
This is a lovely, large park great for running or just strolling about casually. It wasn't too crowded in the morning and probably offered the most deer at that time too. Go during July and you might be lucky enough to see the fawns. Although you can't get too close to them, you can see them crystal clear from a reasonable distance. Even without the animal tour guides the park is well worth a visit for a bit of green space and a peaceful walk :)
The only warning I have is to beware the copious amounts of deer poop!
Bavesh Jawahar — Google review
Lovely park and grounds set within an historic estate. I've now been to the park on several occasions when visiting family who live locally. There are plenty of walking routes to choose from and multiple entrances in and out of the park. The hall is the centre piece of area and provides views across the park and the surrounding area. This location has been used as a filming location for several films and period dramas and it's unusual for a hall like this to still be readily available to access in a public space.
The facilities on site are very well used and of a high standard. The main playground includes lots of equipment and can appeal to children of all ages. Every time we've visited it has been extremely busy so if your children need less stimulation you may wish to take this into consideration.
Within the estate there is also a golf course that is frequented by deer roaming.
Down by the lake you can take a circular route, which is a lovely walking treat in its own right and it feels a little less busy if you want to have some space to yourself.
All in all this is a 5 star park and a local Nottingham gem that is truly worth discovering.
Greg “Wigan Wanderers” Knight — Google review
A beautiful park to visit in summer. Its a lovely park 10- 20 min from city, lots of ground to walk. Good for day out with family and children . There is game area for kids.The Wollaton Hall is amazing with its architecture.Check their website for ongoing exhibitions and timings.
jubz Creations — Google review
Wollaton Hall also known as Wayne Manor. A Beautiful Historic Building surrounded by well kept, Beautiful surroundings. Parking is £3.20 for 2 hours. Ample parking with a children’s park right next to the parking and also an ice cream van. An easy route round the lake and through the orangery gardens. Well maintained. A safe place for families, couples and friends. You’ll also be lucky to see swans, birds, Herons and even deer out in the open. Wollaton hall also does a movie night outside, so look out for the tickets. They fly out and go very very quick.💨
A great place, perfect location, lots of space plenty of walks.
Would definitely recommend. 💯
Trehan — Google review
Great place to visit. Fantastic play area for the kids right near the cafe and toilets. We arrived quite late in the day so didn't have time to visit the museum and only managed to view the gardens. The Deer are an added bonus. We paid £5 for all day parking and took a picnic along so it was a really cheap day out.
Martina Lee — Google review
Absolutely lovely walk around the lake. It doesn’t take long and there are ducks and geese to feed. Keep an eye open for the deer roaming freely on the grounds.
Parking isn’t free, it’s £5 flat fee for the whole day even if you arrive late afternoon.
There is a cafe and a museum which is great but check the website because it can close on random days.
Janice HOOLEY — Google review
Fantastic place for a day out. I find it incredible that this place is nestled away between some of Nottingham's busiest roads. Feels like you've stepped into another world. Very lucky to have this on our doorstep
80s_film_fan — Google review
We visited here for the festive light trail which was very enjoyable, however one of the attractions was closed off due to a fallen tree. I appreciate this is no fault of the staff members, but it was disappointing not being able to walk through the light tunnel and we would've completely missed one of the other attractions had we not asked how to access it, as it wasn't obvious. Despite this, we still had a lovely evening.
Daisy Mesias — Google review
Been coming here since i was a child. When they had donkeys roaming free as well as deer. Have brought my children her too. They are adults now. Its a beautiful place full of happy times ans happy memories. Well wirth visiting
Lidia Mcphee — Google review
Had a lovely day there. The building style is pretty unique, not something you can see all the time. It was the place in the film of the Batman Dark Knight.
The garden and the deer park are free to enter but you will need to pay to go into the main building as there are exhibitions in it.
It's very easy to see the male deer and the deer seems used to seeing humans.
Lizzie Lin — Google review
Been coming here since I was a kid and it's just as good now!! The hall itself is magnificent from the outside and the grounds are kept immaculately. Security staff are very friendly and there's so much to do including the inside tours of the Nottingham History Museum within the Hall, play areas for the kids, and a ton of space for ball games, picnics, and the like. The gardens out back are expansive and beautiful as well and if you're lucky you can be pretty close to the local deer herd as well which was amazing. It was closed when I went last but I hear there is a smaller museum inside the stables too.
Coffee shops and gift shops are on site as well with varying degrees of quality but the coffee we had was pretty good. Staff in those shops could be a little more helpful however.
All in all its a varied and wonderful place that could probably do with a few adjustments in some areas. Eg the museum needs to bring back more of the taxidermy as its historic and very unique and educational. Also the parking is diabolical, expensive for one but also requires an app to use which is Ill thought out considering there's literally no signal there. So it loses a star for that but otherwise a fantastic day out.
Infernal Symphony TV — Google review
Lovely place to go for a walk! Includes: a lake, chance to see deer, gardens, kids playground, cafe, gift shop, toilets, and a grand hall with a museum inside.
Bethany Moore — Google review
I'd never heard of this place before visiting Nottingham and googling what there is to do - i was so pleasantly surprised to find this place is vast and beautiful, with its own (free) natural history museum that actually has created and interactive exhibits, full of actually interesting information and activities. You must see their microscopic sculptures, they're mind-blowing! There is also endless green grass to walk along and explore, and wild deer roam the grounds. You'll also see friendly ducks by the lake. Overall an incredible way to pass a few hours and a great place for families.
Andrei Riley — Google review
Place is lovely to dog walk, plenty of seats. Lovely to see the deer. Only point is parking, you cannot use good old cash anymore. Used the app and got charged 0.20p more than displayed. Hence the four stars.
Samantha Taylor — Google review
Wonderful place to take anybody to,especially grandchildren to. I saw two stags rutting-must be quite early in the season. The exhibition "through the eye of a needle is well worth a look. Must go earlier so we can get into the botanical garden
Richard Wynne — Google review
We attended the Christmas light display, at Wollaton park, the parking is really well organised and good signage to show you where to go thereafter.
Lighting display is very good, with lots of different types of displays.
Only criticism would be that the footpaths are poorly lit, in places, with ground level lights shining in your face rather than illuminating the paths.
Paul — Google review
Such a great place to visit if you’re interested in history and fossils. Lots of information and the art display from Willard Wigan was amazing!! How he creates the tiny sculptures is also unbelievable- it’s worth the trip for those alone
Nat Wood — Google review
Beautiful park. Loads of routes to choose from, animals are quite friendly. Amazing scenery.
The only downside is the price of parking, unless you come before 9AM you pay £2 for 2 hours for parking otherwise is 5 pounds for the whole day. Should have other options such as 2 hours or 3 hours after 9AM.
Despite that lovely park, clean, quiet and very relaxing.
Nay T. — Google review
Excellent place to see deer roaming freely and a nice place to enjoy the outdoors. Plenty to of nature to see as well as buildings, a large pond with ducks, many horse chestnut, beech and oak trees, green open spaces, an absolutely beautiful garden area as well as numerous benches, picnic tables and the essential facilities like toilets and somewhere for a cup of tea! Great value for just the cost of parking which is £5 for the full day.
Nic Barber — Google review
Beautiful walk for families, exercise enthusiasts 🏃♀️, photographers, and dog lovers 🐕. Great place for a day out, rain or shine. Wonderful attractions, too.
There are often vans for ice cream and snacks.
Marilyn Crow — Google review
This is a must see if you are staying in Nottingham or the surrounding area. It was a quick bus trip and sooo worth it. The size of the hall is astounding and surrounded by these wide green acres with deer roaming around, a nice lake which hosted many different kinds of birds, and the Hall has many different exhibits of wildlife and plantlife to enjoy. There was also an exhibit of the artist who made microscopic sculptures on a needle head. Jaw dropping to saw the least. The park itself is HUGE! There are just so many different areas you can walk around. An amazing place for sure with nice people.
District Yatta — Google review
Nice place to walk around in nature, huge car parks with plenty of space. The hall itself is a lovely museum and it's free. There's an industrial museum as well, please check the website for opening times, as it not open every day of the week
Gaby F — Google review
Wollaton Hall is one of the country’s finest Grade I listed Elizabethan buildings with the largest dedicated Natural History Museum in Nottinghamshire. Herds of deer and a range of wildlife roam 500 acres of parkland at Wollaton, which is home to all kinds of habitats, including grassland, wetland and woodland
Alongside the Hall's Natural History Museum, Wollaton Hall & Deer Park includes Formal Gardens, play areas , cafés, retail shops & toilet facilities, so you can enjoy the park & its many facilities safely.
Rohit Kumar — Google review
What a great place, free museum in the house, deer park, cafe, ice cream, feed the ducks on the pond. They also hold events, including music festivals. Prices in the cafe are as you would expect, its a little chaotic in there and seats are crammed together but there is an outside seating area too. Lots of parking, 5.00 for the day. Well worth a visit.
Angie Edwards — Google review
Wonderful park for a walk and good to see these lovely deers.
Please keep some space and distance for them. 🦌🦌🦌
Rio Fan — Google review
There are a large area with grass and also a lake. Besides, we can see deers especially. Really a nice place to rest, picnic, and have fun with friends.
If forget preparing foods or drinks, a coffee shop and ice cream vendors are there.
Miao — Google review
Didn't stay too long, but Wollaton Park is an expansive piece of greenery not too far from Nottingham City Centre and easily and quickly accessible from across the midlands.
The Hall has a Natural History Museum within and during our visit and Exhibition of Willard Wiggan's microscopic sculptures. His story and his amazing ability is outstanding and very impactful. A must see if you are anywhere nearby.
Kedleston Hall is a 17th century country house, which was later renovated by Robert Adam and used in the production of Hollywood blockbuster "The Duchess" starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes. It is also used for filming of Ken Russell's adaptation of DH Lawrence's novel "Women in Love".
It was busy as expected on a Bank Holiday but the Staff managed the car park to ensure everyone had a space. We arrived in the afternoon and several were leaving allowing a car parking space on the car park rather than grass.
There are several enjoyable walks with beautiful bluebells and nature to observe. It was nice seeing so many families enjoying a Bank Holiday walk.
Fascinating Hall with a number of beautiful portraits/works of art. Friendly staff throughout the visit.
Thank You
Victoria Gilbert — Google review
One of the national trusts finest properties. Set in beautiful landscaped gardens the approach is nothing short of breathtaking. The only issues currently are they are resurfacing the car park which should be done within about a month as will the refurbished toilets. . The hall itself was designed by Robert Adam and is simply stunning. It will take your breath away. The volunteers were informative and very friendly. There is a restaurant on site and was good on previous visits. Its also well worth looking inside the church which is adjacent to the hall. There are some wonderfully carved tombs inside.
All in all, we'll worth a visit.
kevin mills — Google review
Much better day than our previous visit. Walks around the grounds are easy on the feet, I recommend the long walk for the views! House is glorious! Will be going again when time allows
Darren Kirby — Google review
National trust place with large house, gardens & woodland walks.
There is a scenic bridge over the river in front of the main building.
The grounds are accessible between 9am to 5.30pm while the house is from 11am to 4pm. Bear in mind that the house is closed on Wednesdays, due to renovations.
Deckchairs are scattered around the house garden & picnic benches by the car parking area.
Bella — Google review
Loved visiting Kedleston Hall, all the volunteers were so welcoming and very informative. I think it one of the grandest buildings I've ever been in. Loved the history of the hall and lots of information sheets in each room to read.
The restaurant is inkeeping with the hall and the food was OK. There is a huge problem with wasps both inside and outside the restaurant...must be a nest somewhere that needs sorting.
Overall, a fantastic day out for all.
Heather Willetts — Google review
This has to be the most elegant of national trust mansions we’ve ever visited. I was not fully prepared for how beautiful this place is. With plenty of grounds to walk around this is certainly worth a visit. Usual National Trust cafe with hot and cold food.
Kate Munns — Google review
We only visited the house on this occasion. The restaurant, known previously as the kitchen, served a delicious cappuccino and breakfast roll (gluten free available). The staff were all friendly, some very knowledgeable with loads of interesting stories about the house and way of living back then. The art and decor are beautiful! Parking available onsite. Definitely worth a visit when you in the area.
Belinda Ferrando — Google review
What a lovely way to see in the New Year. We visited the gardens and grounds on New Year's Day. It was quite busy but with acres of space was very safe. The grounds were immaculate, the house looked majestic on misty winter's day. We enjoyed a lovely walk and a warning drink in the restaurant. The staff were all warm friendly and efficient and the drinks very good value. I highly recommend the luxury hot chocolate for a bit of indulgence. The house was closed but having visited it before I can tell you it's magnificent . So either join the National Trust to include this stunning place or visit anyway.
Sam Burbidge — Google review
Always enjoy doing the walk through the grounds, most of which is shaded by trees - perfect in hot weather! There are few different walks to do, none of which are very strenuous so perfect for all the family. Gardens are lovely to relax in at the end and the house is well worth a visit.
A Green — Google review
A massive NT house with grounds that are extensive, covering gardens and parkland.
Car parking is easy. Although care is needed on arriving at the site as the entry is narrow and there are significant gatehouse protection bollards you need to line up correctly- clearly not everyone manages this! Expensive damage I expect.
Long drive through the parkland and some good views on large water features as part of the lake. The area is shared with the hers of sheep and cattle.
Staff are very good friendly and Knowledgeable.
The catering is first rate, probably the best we have experienced at NT the fritatta (spring pea and ham) was excellent.
Easy walking around the grounds although further out in the parkland there are some challenging areas. Tye site has invested in some all terrain mobility buggies to allow the less mobile guests to enjoy the full experience
Barry Benton — Google review
Beautiful interiors and extensive grounds to explore. Car parking is very close to the house and the drive upto it gives you a sense of why you would build a house where it is. Once in the house speak to the room guides (volunteers) they have so much knowledge, look up the ceilings are stunning. Visiting the church is worth it to, the tombs % memorials are worth seeing.
Darren Barton — Google review
Wow I just loved it! Incredible. Can spend a good few hours if not more wandering around. A lot of wow factor in one place. Excellent work by the National Trust. The old church behind the main building is basically one huge graveyard dating back about 900yrs or so. Great restaurant although the wasps stole my cake once outside. Definitely worth a visit and great for families too.
Nick — Google review
Beautiful house - you will feel like you're in a Jane Austen novel! We visited in February so saw lots of snowdrops, but it was very muddy. Lovely walks regardless and we really enjoyed looking around the rooms that were open - excited to visit again in summer!
The cafe is pretty and recommend that you visit the secondhand book shop as well!
Hannah Rotton — Google review
We enjoyed our first visit to Kedleston Hall and will return once the weather improves to discover the grounds. The parts of the house open to the public are impressive and give a real sense of how the occupants would have lived.
We would have preferred for more of the house to be open and be able to explore on more of the upper levels. The tour at the moment is quite short.
After a walk round the house, the onsite restaurant/cafe is worthy of a visit and has a good menu. The food was very nice, nice cakes too.
Paul Wright — Google review
One of the greatest places in National Trust portfolio. 1750's entertainment House full of architectural wonders. Roman and Greek interiors fulfilled with French extravaganza. Exceptional sofa design. Vast surrounding land to enjoy great walking. Perhaps not enough kids entertainment but a lot of room to play😉
Unusually informative volunteers. Approach them-you might be surprised what you'll learn.
Highly recommended
TiC — Google review
National trust place with large house,, gardens & woodland walks. Scenic bridge over the river in front of the main building. Nice tea & sandwich plus snacks room with jacket potatoes etc , lots of outdoor seating for warm days.
Deckchairs scattered around the house garden & picnic benches by the car parking area. NB : Church on site open & walks & tearoom , but house closed Wednesdays for renovation .
STEVE FROST — Google review
A huge national trust property, beautiful gardens and I love that you can walk amongst sheep and cattle. The hall is also quite amazing to see with its huge roman like interior architecture. A great family day out...definately worth being a member of the national trust.
Elaine Lee — Google review
Very beautiful and well kept place. Lovely for a small visit. We spend 1 hour 30 here. But we didn't go to the cafe. I recommend bring a picnic and maybe a Frisbee if you are visiting with kids to make the day last longer.
Ellanor — Google review
Had a great first time visit to Kedleston Hall today. The Hall itself is one of the most beautiful NT properties we have visited with guides in every room to provide information about its history. There is also a first class restaurant providing everything from snacks to main meals. Finally there are a range of walks throughout the estate showing it at its best.
Robert Craven — Google review
Beautiful grounds.Staff/volunteers so friendly and knowledgeable a fantastic welcome to the house. The house is immaculately presented with information about each room. Lots of artifacts from around the world, particularly India. The church is worth a visit and there are walks too. Spacious restaurant with speedy service. Lovely day out.
Corina Wheeler — Google review
Perfect for a day! First, an extended walk around the perimeter. About an hour. Then pop in for a tea and cake. Then take in the house - but that's almost a day in itself.
Bring wellies or boots if recently wet, and change into shoes at your car for the second half of the day.
Andrew Jansen — Google review
Very, very nice, only a short walk from parking to the house and church.
Beautifully kept and clean to a dust free atmosphere.
Guides are well informed and are very friendly and eager to share.
The church is steeped in history as is the house.
Wonderful gardens to walk about and dog friendly, not the house, of course.
Restaurant has vegan options, and with having baked potatoes available, you can get a gluten-free meal.
The museum is beautiful and well worth the stop. Also, the shop is well stocked with dog treats and gluten-free biscuits along with other cool things.
Overall, it was a great pleasure to visit.
Randall Hutter — Google review
We enjoyed our visit. Not all rooms were available to view due to essential conservation work still underway. The grounds were saturated by heavy rain. No one's fault but meant our visit was cut short. Volunteers were on top form and interacting with visitors which is always nice to see.
Elaine Rawson — Google review
Very impressive place. The house was was kitted out to impress. The original entrance would have brought you in from the outside with a view of wealth as soon as you walked in. With acres of land and interesting walks. As you walk from the car park you can see the estate stretching for miles around the house. My wife added another stamp to her ever growing National Trust Stamp Book.
paul adams — Google review
Unfortunately, there is no accessible access to the first floor where most of the living quarters exist. Buggy from car park to house and restaurant. Loose gravel near house makes for difficulties with walker or wheelchair. Lower floor of house is accessible as is the restaurant. Exhibition of artefacts off main hall. Extensive gardens and grounds for the more able. Nat Trust, so food is good.
Peter Gallant — Google review
A really beautiful National Trust and now up there as a favourite.
The parklands are massive with the lake running to the left of the hall and the restaurant and shop to the right.
You can choose which trail you want to walk (short or long) and you will end back up at the Hall and pass the Lake on both walks. The trail is one big loop and I did the long one which took just under 90 minutes/3.5 miles and went through some beautiful woodlands and lots of roaming sheep. Highly recommend.
Plus, The hot chocolate was also stunning!
Chloe — Google review
A great day out at kedleston hall in Derbyshire. Fab place to visit on a sunny day. The hall is impressive and the grounds are superb and expansive. Thankfully we had a "free pass". I fully understand that upkeep of properties like this must be expensive, but £38 for 2 people to visit is pricey, especially if you're on state pension or low income, and sadly it makes visiting these national treasures very restrictive.
The National Space Centre is a museum located in Leicester that offers visitors a tour of the surfaces of Venus, an exploration into the origins of the universe, inhabitation of a module on the International Space Station, and gazing at Thor Able rocket in the Rocket Tower. The exhibits are geared towards the needs of youngsters and many are interactive, including trying on space suits.
It was a fantastic place for the family to visit. Very informative and lots of interactive stuff to keep the kids attention too. The Auditorium was really cool and a great experience , a must do while your here. You can bring your own food if you choose too but they do have a decent selection of food here too to choose from and drinks. Decent gift shop also. Would recommend anyone to go that enjoys anything about space.
Nigel Clark — Google review
A great day out with family, a lot of information inside and different activities for kids.. planetarium one of the best 👍🏻.. good area for eating too.
Car parking available just outside the space center
Muath Gouda — Google review
Much more to see here than we expected! The different levels and how everything was displayed made the experience more cohesive. We were a couple visiting, but could see there is plenty to keep little ones occupied - even dressing up costumes. We went to one of the shows in the auditorium, about the night sky, which was beautifully presented. The cafe offered a range of food, and at surprisingly low prices. The entrance price, though, is quite high (in my opinion), but you can revisit during the year.
Maria Gavin — Google review
Visited today and honestly had the best time! So much to see and do and really interactive for kids and adults! We visited as a family of 3, 2 adults,1 child and the price is really good, especially as you can visit again for a year for free!
The food at the cafe was a really reasonable price and the small charge for a well maintained car park was gladly paid.
The many different sections were brilliant and the planetarium is amazing! The areas are quite big so you don’t feel squashed in and can move around without having to dodge round people which was good!
The staff were all lovely but a special thank you to David, who took time out to speak to my son about a particular star he was interested in that he couldn’t find information about in the museum. Everywhere is really clean (including the toilets) and well maintained, everything worked as it should.
My son is 5 and wants to be an astronaut and has honestly had the best day out!
Would highly recommend to anyone of any age and we can’t wait to visit again!
Tamsin Taylor — Google review
Fantastic day out, that good we upgraded to get an annual pass. I don't know who was more excited me or the kids. Plenty to see, lots of interactive stuff available for the kids. Gift shop & restaurant reasonably priced & the staff were approachable & friendly. Even though it was half term it was not as crowded as I dreaded beforehand.
Mick ?Moocowmick? Green — Google review
Came in the afternoon time to avoid being busy. Straight in on arrival. Given a map and staff briefly explain for you. Spacious downstairs, lots of different interactive buttons to press for kids. Pictures and costumes with signs explaining everything. Information facts across the walls. When going upstairs it got quite busy and really hot, especially when waiting for the lifts. Didn't stay up there long as it was quite a small space so wasn't as interesting as the main stuff downstairs. It is good to visit on a rainy day for something to do inside. Was also given a free pass to come back as we booked online. Would probably come back. Long ques to come inside the shows, so didn't bother with that. There is also a cafe for food and drinks and a little shop for gifts.
Chloe harvey — Google review
Excellent day out. We had a fab time exploring all of the space center and doing some of their activities. The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We will definitely be back for another visit!
Katie — Google review
Fabulous place with a ton of knowledge.
I think it is too much space to cover in one day.
Because it was a Bank Day weekend, it seemed a little bit overcrowded at one point.
I think next time we visit the place we will do it during the week so it will give us the whole spectrum of emotions.
Highly recommend visiting the Planetarium. This was the cherry on the top of the cake for, as we left it for the end of our visit. It was totally worth it.
I highly recommend visiting National Space Center
Mihai Erhan — Google review
I took my 3.5 year old child and he loved it. There was almost to much to take in for him. Although he can’t read most of the displays yet he still had a fantastic time interacting with the different areas around the space centre. There is a large ground floor area with a cafe and some different sections to explore, this ground floor has the Patrick Moore planetarium which is well worth a visit, sit in the middle seats for the best experience. There are 4 floors that can be accessed via stairs or lifts, all with excellent displays for all ages. £18.95 for a adult ticket, under 5s free and that ticket allows you to re visit for upto 12 months for free again. Car park is £4 for the full day. Great value for money.
Gav “Gav” C — Google review
Amazing value for money. Great day out with my 3 year old daughter. Very interactive but not entirely kid focussed, which means adults can enjoy a day here, too. Lots of well put together talks and live experiments from knowledgeable staff. The planetarium show we saw was "We Are Astronomers" and it was incredible - i honestly couldn't believe it was included in our ticket price!This place is cearly all about education and keeping the interest of science alive. They really do honour their motto of "science for everyone." Tickets get automatically upgraded to a season pass when pre-booking online. Parking is a set rate of £4 for the day (card and coins accepted). The gift shop is well stocked, with lots of interesting and fun bits and bobs, however it is all very expensive. Personally, i don't think there are enough bathrooms dotted around which made toilet trips with my toddler a bit challenging, however they are the only toilets i have been in that have both toddler and adult seats, which we found very useful. I didn't try the food at the small eatery, but it did smell amazing and would love to try it next time we go. There is a large hall with tables, highchairs etc and even a microwave for public use to eat home brought food/warm up baby food and it is kept constantly clean by the wonderful cleaners. Ultimately, this place is very cool and well worth the visit. I'd highly recommend anyone and everyone go check it out. The few staff i spoke to were kind, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and seemed genuinely excited to work there. Great atmosphere, not too over crowded (even on a Saturday). Great artefacts and lots of information on past, present and future space endeavours. Very interesting place to visit. Lots of various things going on at The Space Centre, so be sure to check out their website for info on upcoming events.
Jodie Brasher — Google review
We had a great family day out at the National Space Museum. There’s plenty to do and we spent the whole day exploring the history of space travel. The atmosphere was amazing!! The facility was clean and tidy, the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was not over priced and the portions were good.
Toby Parker — Google review
An amazing place for kids and adults alike. I've been wanting to come here for ages. There's loads to see, you can spend many hours here learning about the history of rockets, space travel, the planets and universe. Parking is £3 for the day and there is a canteen for snacks and stuff. There's lots of walking involved and the lift to the top where the tips of the rockets are is impressive! Don't miss the weather recording booth. It's a must and so much fun! You can put your email address in and have the video sent to you. Also one of the best things to see and experience is the largest planetarium in Britain. Be sure to not miss this and tilt your seat back for the show - mind-blowing! There is lots to interact with so beware of queues but the experiences are well worth it.
Usman Khan — Google review
Really like this place with the kids, we got a family ticket in Jan and you get to upgrade free to an annual pass so we’ve been loads, it’s good for all ages, my 3 year old and I go the most. It’s good for a hour or you can stretch it the day with the kids. None of us get tired of going up the rocket stages. There are loads of fascinating things to look at interact with and read, we go a lot and always find something new.
You can take your own sandwiches and eat at their tables, when it’s busy they open up multiple lunch halls and seem very accommodating.
The coffees and hot drinks are very nice and reasonably priced, the food is limited.
The toddler days are very good with activities and sing songs and the like, be warned some of the days are premium and you won’t get in with an annual pass.
The shop has some good bits for under a fiver for the kids with the pens, pencils, badges and things like that, there are some expensive things as well.
A good trip out with the kids.
Chad Tolley — Google review
We've absolutely loved spending our Sunday afternoon here! So many captivating things to do and to see! Will definitely come back soon, as we've blitzed through a couple of areas close to closing time.
Parking was more than sufficient, but during more popular times it could get busier. It's a pay and display, I think we paid £4 for the day.
Larisa Rosca — Google review
A great place for learning so much about space travel, missions, equipment and so much more! Highly recommend visiting to anyone who is interested in space.
It might seem costly but definitely worth it! So many interactive things to do as well from watching the shows in the planetarium for a completely immersed 3d experience, to the interactive water area, to landing a luna module there is so much to do while you learn!
Mitchel Cokien — Google review
Wouldn't advise to go during the school holidays as it was a little maniac but that was my error for not thinking. Very educational experience which also was very interactive. Will definitely be back within the year. Very family friendly, cafe was busy but plenty of seating for you to bring your own food too for a cheaper day out.
Megan Ashley — Google review
Really enjoyed our visit here and we are already planning our next trip!
The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. There's so much to read about and a lot of interactive bits for the kids (and also for us as two 30 year olds!)
Easy to find, cafe on site for a quick cuppa and snack.
Great for all ages!
Rachel Holmes — Google review
The entry fee of £18.95 for adults and £16.95 for children felt a bit steep. Unfortunately, the overall experience didn’t quite justify the price. The exhibitions leaned heavily on reading, which didn’t engage my child effectively. The absence of interactive elements made it less appealing for my son, potentially leading to boredom due to the extensive reading required.
On a positive note, the Globe cinema stood out, providing a fantastic experience that somewhat compensated for the
shortcomings.
Chitra Shinde — Google review
Great day out. We spent roughly 4 hours looking at everything in the museum as there is lots to see and do. Particularly enjoyed the planetarium film.
Coralie W — Google review
Visted Easter weekend , this place has so much to offer
We spent hours here ,although I read everything 🙃, plenty of things for the children to do and explore with .The planetarium was amazing and well worth the extra .
Tracey Hill — Google review
Some other reviews suggest that the Space Centre needs 3-4 hours to go round. We were there over 5 hours if you include lunch and watching a film at the planetarium. A great day out!! Definitely buy tickets in advance, and beware that the cost of parking is additional.
Duane Saunders — Google review
The only way to appropriately sum up our visit to the National Space Centre is to say we had a BLAST! Wow! What a wonderful place!
We’re a space loving, nerdy family who generally love this kind of thing - but we’ve yet to find anywhere in the UK that scratched our space shaped itch… until now! The space centre is a fully immersive, family friendly and surprisingly accessible experience that goes to infinity and beyond with its fantastic range of displays, activities, exhibits and more!
The planetarium was breathtaking! We saw the show that was so beautifully done that I had tears rolling down my cheeks.
What was the real unexpected star of the show, was the Mission To Mars experience. It is so immersive that our 5 year old (who is usually the first to spot things that aren’t real) fully believes we went to Mars! It was amazing! She was chosen to hold Ada and still talks about it now, over a month later!
The cafe, while serving simple dishes, offers a cheap and delicious way to eat while sitting under a real spacecraft!
I would also like to mention, that as a hearing-impaired adult, the accessibility of this venue was wonderful. Staff went above and beyond to make sure I was able to get the full experience without feeling odd.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the National Space Centre! Now that we have a year’s return pass (included in online bookings for the price of a single visit) we will be sure to go again this summer!
Hannah Paling — Google review
Had a lovely day here. Very impressed with the SEN provision and understanding both at ticket desk and throughout the day. Nice coffee in cafe and not too expensive. Excellent value as you can return as much as you want for a year under the one ticket. Plantatrium show was also great but my chair wouldn't recline, my only minor criticism.
Car Lilly — Google review
The Space Centre in Leicester was not my choice for a day out but I felt compelled to go and explore as it's on my doorstep.
There is plenty to see there and although not my cup of tea I could see thousands of people would disagree and loved it, the car park was large but it was rammed.
Children of all ages I could see were captivated by this place which has got to be a good thing , broadening their imagination, plenty of interactive stuff to mess around with.
Well done to all the helpful and well informed staff you're doing a great job 👋
Clive Wheat — Google review
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4.0
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Exploration Dr, Leicester, LE4 5NS, United Kingdom
Bradgate Park is a beautiful, large country park located about 20 minutes north west of Leicester. It is home to many deer and contains interesting prehistoric rocks dating back over 500 million years. There are many walking routes to choose from, as well as a playground and stream.
Wonderful park, we had a great day out pretty much walking for hours, climbing on rocks, picking up sticks, crossing streams, watching animals - a whole day of adventure. It was quite busy, but when in the park you couldn’t really tell.
We had a spot of lunch at the cafe next to the car park. It had a good choice of food and wasn’t expensive. I enjoyed a Cornish pasty that was really nice. We tried to get back to garb an ice cream, but didn’t realize it shut at 4pm on Thursday.
The staff/volunteers at the tower were super informative and it was well worth the climb to the top.
Beautiful views from the summit. Totally advise going here.
Car park was £3.50 for the day, pay by card at the exit. Plenty of spaces available.
Paul Foulkes — Google review
We visited Bradgate Park for the first time on April 9 2022 and have to say we were pleasantly surprised. I had been worried that its close proximity to Leicester might spoil the atmosphere somehow. As it turns out, Bradgate is a huge expanse of parkland with large areas of (enclosed) woodland. Parts were steep and rugged, like Dartmoor, and there's a folly on one hill and a war memorial on a nearby hill. It has an open, airy feel and the hills offer beautiful views across the countryside. Even the city doesn't look too bad from up there! As we walked we kept discovering new areas, it seemed never ending. Some of the ancient trees are amazing, and it was good to see deer still roaming as they would have done hundreds of years ago. Our main purpose, however, was to see the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, which was obviously a grand and beautiful place in its day. We were slightly disappointed that we couldn't go in the ruins (there was a sign saying something about deadly nightshade?) but it was time to be heading off anyway. For that reason, and the fact that the toilets at the car park (Newton Linford) were not clean or in good working condition, I'm only giving 4stars. Still, we'll definitely be returning to explore some more, as we haven't seen it all and want to try the tea room.
Jon Clynch — Google review
Summer's here, and Bradgate Park is the go-to spot for us Leicester folks. It's like, one big park, but there's so much to do. It's super chill and relaxing. The kids love watching the deer and peacocks, and they go wild climbing up and down the slopes.
I totally recommend it to all families when the weather's nice. Local parks are cool, but Bradgate Park is on another level!
Kasim Khilia — Google review
Beautiful place, caught on the off chance of looking for places to go. Its a 20 mile drive from us yet we've travelled further for less of a view or walk. Absolutely stunning place. Definitely going again with a all day ticket. The deers were a added plus I loved seeing them that close very human friendly but didn't want to get to close to them as of course it is there land not ours
Charlie Fowler — Google review
Visited for the first time. Absolutely gorgeous park, I was in complete awe of all the deer. It’s a relatively flat walk around the lake and to the cafe however, does get rockier and steeper as you go up to Old John. Options to paddle in the stream and lots of open space to play some games. Suitable for families.
Adele Bowman — Google review
Bradgate park has plenty of walks to go on. Stunning scenery and amazing views.
Ruins open some times. Fre of charge
Stay on the path for wheelchair and pushchair accessibility.
Deer around so take caution they are nice to see but it is there own environment.
Parking is pay on exit now
Annie Charles — Google review
Lovely park. Paths for all abilities.
Multiple car parks, the two we have tried both had toilet facilities and parking wasn’t too expensive.
All the staff that we met were very friendly. Facilities are great, lovely and clean serving superb coffee and cake.
dev tug — Google review
Bradgate Park in Leicester is typically known as a serene family escape, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, recent events saw a significant shift in its tranquil atmosphere as crowds, adorned with Palestinian flags, gathered. This unexpected presence altered the park's usual ambiance, prompting park rangers to take decisive action by involving the police as the crowd size grew. Despite this disruption, Bradgate Park remains a cherished destination for families seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature's beauty.
Andy Singh — Google review
I love this place. I discovered it the day I visited and it was a really enjoyable visit. Seeing the beautiful wildlife roaming free was great. I took my DSLR camera with me, and I'm so glad I did. I'd recommend this place to anyone who loves the outdoors and wildlife. Even those who enjoy photography!
Carly Clarke — Google review
It's such a beautiful park, and it's a really lovely walk through Bradgate Park. Went to the ruins of Bradgate House also. This was actually my first time at Bradgate Park - it's definitely a national treasure. There is a visitors centre offering ice creams, bagels, waffles and hot drinks. I'm not sure about dairy free versions of anything, so it's probably best to take your own so as not to be disappointed. Reasonable prices and lots of parking.
R M (Robbi) — Google review
I've been coming here since I was a baby (a very long time!!), it's one of the most beautiful places. There is a stream running through that is clear and very shallow in places, Ideal for children and dogs to cool off. There is a large herd of deer which roam around. There are walks for people of all abilities, from the fairly flat tarmacked road that runs all the way through, to the more challenging hill paths for those that feel more adventurous. The perfect place for families, walkers, sightseers and those that want to escape and enjoy some peace and tranquility. There is also history to explore in the ruins of the house where Lady Jane Grey lived. It's MAGNIFICENT!!!
Ben Allen — Google review
Lovely trip to a wonderful park. Great open spaces and great for the dogs to run free in certain areas. Good parking but not very good phone service when trying to pay via app. Plenty of services around. Well managed
Anthony Barrass — Google review
Love this place.
Excellent place to go with the kids and dog and get some energy off while exploring the the wildlife with fields of deer, brook with swans/ ducks and learning the history of lady grey and exploring the ruins.
Love the little shop with ice creams and various hot and cold snacks.
There's also a cool little museum with educational aspects.
Overall very good
christine thomas — Google review
Visited on Sunday it was beautiful walk trough the park with amazing views and nature. Absolute gem to spend day and explore with friends or family, dog friendly and have paths for horse riding . If in the area I’ll definitely recommend to visit. Parking is on site and is £5 per day.
Dada ZD — Google review
What a gem of a place 💎
Came up to Leicester to visit a friend from uni and she suggested going on a walk around here and it was so much fun! The area is gorgeous and well looked after. Investigating the ruins of the old house was an unexpected adventure but was really fun and interesting. Couldn't believe how close we could get to the deer 😲
As a warning, it's a good idea to turn up early as the car parks were full/closed when we arrived, so we had to park further away in a no return within 2 hours zone which added a bit more walking to our trip 😊
Eleanor Jones — Google review
The moat wonderful day out for any age spectacular scenery delightful little cafe to stop at I could go on but you really must take a visit and see for yourself how truly wonderful this place is 🫶 next time I'm bringing a picnic and staying all day because it's thay big you need a whole day to explore it properly ♥️
Claire Cooksley — Google review
Very nice park to go to with anyone or even yourself just for a walk and to enjoy nature. It feels amazing to see the deer's so free and just chilling in the park.
Just be careful with the poop that'll be all over the place 😂😂
Abraar Majid — Google review
A great way to combine exercise with nature.
A beautiful and very scenic destination not far from Leicester.
We always end up with some great pictures of the deers.
Aamer Mahmood — Google review
Absolutely beautiful setting.
The wild deers and birds are abundant. There are miles of walks for all. The river is lovely. Plenty of open space for play and picnics. Lots of parking at a reasonable cost.
Cafes are quite pricey but offer a good range of refreshments.
A great day out in beautiful countryside
gary young — Google review
Lovely park. Car park wasn’t too busy. Nice to walk up the hill and see the view. Spent a while figuring out where everything is! Perfect for dog walks!
Paige Cunningham — Google review
Great place for walks. Well maintained roads and signs. Loved the fact dogs are on leash and Deers can roam freely.
Nidhi Chavan — Google review
This is a beautiful place but parking is a nightmare.So many people out walking with/ without dogs, running, children riding bikes. Love the cafe at the main entrance. Staff were friendly and helpful as was the assistant in the Barn, where a variety of venison is available at a reasonable price.
Liz Clark (Purpletwiglet) — Google review
Easily the best outdoor place you can visit in Leicestershire for free (if you don't count paying for parking , but it does go to the upkeep). Miles and miles of tracks and trails through some quintessentially English countryside with free range deer mooching about and the odd peacock. For those who prefer a solid path there is a nice wide path that runs through , buggy and wheelchair suitable. Cafe does decent coffee and cake.
In summary . It's beautiful you should visit
Barcode Zombies — Google review
A beautiful park, with many hiking options. So much history! And the deer are fun too! Very accessible with a wide, paved walkway through the park.
Laura Bowley — Google review
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4.5
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Newtown Linford, Leicester, LE6 0HE, United Kingdom
This is an indoor waterpark with a lot of interactive features. It is open all year round and is a separate attraction in its own right.
One of the best stays ever! Although we went into Alton towers on both days you could easily stay at the hotel all day! Fantastic place to visit with the kids!
The water pool was amazing! Great for all ages!
The outside area for the spar was very good.
I would genuinely recommend this place for all. The hotel room isn't the biggest or the most flamboyant but it's the water park your playing for.
Definitely worth the experience.
Amo Singh — Google review
Very good waterpark with original and nice staff. Unfortunately I found 3 minuses:
1. 55 minutes waiting on queue to the longest slider is really to long (We passed away this attraction)
2. Stairs under the water could be covered by something softer. My wife almost broke her toe.
3. Wasps outside. I'll recommend to take anti wasps spray.
However, it's really wonderful place for all families.
REMIK hercuń — Google review
Good weekend . Some arias looks tired . 2 rides not working , and 2 rids stopped while we in the queue after 40 min 🤨 . People smoking even weed in the queue. Much better value for your money abroad !
Hussam Bakar — Google review
Absolutely Amazing! We are coming here since kids where tiny and from then until now they are 11-8-6 years old. Great slides and you have a real sunny holiday feeling even I February when outside is cold and rain! Can’t recommend enough!
Bernadett Arvai — Google review
Best water park we've been in! There are so many slides, interactive bits, places to relax..
Plenty of life guards too so you don't need to worry and the baby section is well away from where big kids would play.
Jupiter Hadley — Google review
Great place to visit.. lots to do but really more suitable for older kids/ teenagers... not much to do for primary school kids.
Staff are friendly and helpful 🙂👍
Dino R — Google review
Fabulous stay with my two boys aged 5 and 7. Lovely and warm, not too busy despite half term, and food not too badly priced. Lots to do to make this a full day and would definitely return.
Samantha — Google review
Lots of walking. Rides are really scary 🥹.
1 day is not enough to explore everything.
Need 2/3 days to stay to explore the whole park.
Anyway had a good day for short visit. CBeebies section is good for children.
Recommend 😃
FUTURE EDUCATION CONSULTANCY SERVICES — Google review
Great day out, family of 2 adults and 2 kids £62 for 6 hours in the sub tropical paradise.
Great value staff really helpful and children didn't want to leave. Would recommend going when most schools are off like we did. Food we purchased was great as well
Christopher Brown — Google review
Brilliant place to visit with friends, family, and especially children.
Both the design and the facilities are state of the art: good quality and safe materials, fun games, slides, water guns, buckets, water currents/streams to travel on, pools of various depths, plenty of seats and tables, drinks, food, snacks and desserts (ice cream), etc.
Anyone over 1.1 metres can try the large slide, however, there's quite a long queue for that most of the time so it requires some patience to wait for your turn.
The water looked and felt clean from morning until the closing.
The changing rooms and toilets are also clean, easily accessible and conveniently located.
It's very fun, therefore kids often play here until they get totally exhausted.
It is worth every penny of the admission price. I can only recommend it.
Richárd Vámossy — Google review
Great for young children. Our son is 4 and a half and it was perfect for him. He loved the lazy river and most of the flumes he could go on with an adult. They are gentle flumes, some you use a rubber ring (with an adult) and others he can go on alone. Plenty to do for him. Outdoors was closed today, not sure why but looked nice.
Tracey Bonnell — Google review
This adorable little park is absolutely delightful, offering just the right amount of amenities. It's the perfect place to relax and have some fun with a pool and a couple of water rides. Everyone, from infants to the elderly, can enjoy themselves here. The water quality is excellent, the staff is friendly, and there's plenty of parking available. We had an amazing time with the kids!
anish abraham — Google review
We came during Easter and as expected the place was packed, however we still managed to have a great time, there was plenty of space in the changing rooms and even a table to eat. Lifeguards were on duty looking after everyone without telling people off all the time. We will definitely call again
Eduardo Conde — Google review
I have always loved Alton Towers going on all the big rides. This time took the kids for Cbeebies land and the water park, the water park was brilliant but be prepared for long ques for the slides if you go in the morning, also the monorail was not working so it was a good 30 minute walk from the hotel to the main entrance, only managed 3 rides as even Cbeebies land has que times of 60 minutes. We stayed in the splash landings hotel, the rooms we were very tidy and clean and kids loved the arcades, entertainment and all the other features.
Craig Gluning — Google review
First time here and we enjoyed it. There about a 20 min wait for some of the bigger rides. Would definitely return
John Gavin — Google review
Lovely place all together.
The staff is so amazing and so polite.
Waterpark is amazing
Definitely we will be back
Anca Elena Temea — Google review
Loved this place! All the family enjoyed from
Nearly two to nine. A small incident with a child pushing one of ours down the slide… anyway after checking he was ok management resolved it, all you can ask for.
Sarah Walker — Google review
Great day out for all ages, my 4 year old loved all the pools and the slides that he could go on. The massive bucket of water that tips is great fun to stand below. Both indoor and outdoor pools are a nice temperature.
If you want to eat or have an ice cream/lolly or a drink then bring a few Pound as it's not the cheapest but that's the norm with these kinda places.
Staff were friendly and helpful. Definitely would have no problem going back again.
Raymond Jackson — Google review
It was a great experience but I was expecting bigger rides. The indoor place is way too hot. I was happy to find the outdoor system jacuzzi and bit of fresh air. The blue ring rides were a bit waiting. Good place for group and family day out.
MAI HUXXAIN — Google review
Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the waterpark today. Staff friendly and all water slides easily sign posted with rules and weight etc. Some of the area is looking abit tired and needs painting. Would visit again.
Rachael Holt — Google review
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Alton Towers, Alton, Waterpark ST10 4DB, United Kingdom
Located in Staffordshire, England, Alton Towers is a popular theme park with rides and attractions for all ages. It has a bold mission to make Britain happy and remains popular with young and old alike.
Never had a disappointing day over the many years of visiting...
Alton Towers has a variety of rides, set out across various themed 'Sections'. There's a good variety of rides whether you want speed, psycho coaster, a classic loop or something a little more subdued - so no one will be disappointed. Even kids can come and enjoy the smaller children's rides and amusements.
A lesser advertised gem is the grounds - there are some beautiful grounds and scenery to walk around, have a picnic in or just take an adrenaline break around.
Various choices of restaurants and food vendors available - all of course on the higher price range - but that what you would expect.
For less queue times, you can buy various graded fast tracks but the best way is to use your timings wisely. Mid week and during term time are always quieter times.
My Personal favourites:
Nemesis - Everything about this is a feel good classic coaster and could ride it all day.
Thirteen - whilst not particularly long or extremely, the psychocoaster element never ceases to amuse.
Smiler - Ultimate 'what day is it, what just happened' ride, you'll not know your top end from your bottom end but feel greatly refreshed for it.
Adam Jackson — Google review
Shame about the prices. Way too expensive when you actually think about it. Queues are horrendous unless you pay a fortune for fast pass. And if you are only taking your children and not really going on many rides even worst. But there are good things too. The castle is beautiful ( shame it hasn't been restored yet, if they ever will, it would be an amazing achievement) and the gardens are an incredible refuge from all the chaos around you. Fun paths, quiet ones and almost secret ones. Up and down there's paths everywhere. When you reach the Chinese temple in the lower lake the noise is almost gone. I walked around there for hours while my kids were on the rides. It was so peaceful. Beautiful. The only other downside was that even though there were some security guards walking around once in a while there were still people smoking stuff they shouldn't around there. The smell really ruined it.
Sara Guimaraes — Google review
Brilliant theme park with tonnes of different rides to suit different ages and thrill seekers. This was my first time visiting and will hopefully not be my last. We did the Halloween fright night and it was fabulous. I have been to the Thorpe Park one as well and would definitely say Alton towers was much better and scarier. The rides exceeded expectation, ones I would definitely recommend are Smiler, Oblivion, wicker man and Rita and Thirteen. The Halloween mazes were brilliant if very scary. You have to pay extra and book in advance for the mazes, but they are totally worth the price.
A 2-day pass for fright night starts at £56 pp. There is also lots of themed accommodation near the park. It is fairly pricey but a great little fun getaway. Fast track is good obviously but does come at an extra cost. The ride wait times can vary and during fright night can be fairly long (check the app as you go around to see the times). Also have a look at the offers as you can get some fast-track tickets which allow fast track on specific rides so might be a better option. Overall great theme park with lots of fun to be had!!
Cara — Google review
Loads to do for the kids waiting time was reasonable for all the rides The prices were what you would expect from a theme park and for us old people the house is well worth a look if you can get in which unfortunately on this visit I couldn't but on my last trip I was able to have a good look around.can also recommend a stay in one of there woodland lodges they are not big but adequate.They are clean and have plenty of towels etc.Also the location is fantastic my only complaint would be the prices in the little shop but with a Tesco only 15 minutes down the road this wasn't a problem. All the staff are extremely polite and helpful which makes for a pleasant change in this day and age.The buffet breakfast in the morning was lovely with plenty of choice and all the food was fresh and there was no wait to be seated.The mini golf that was in with the price was a good laugh and the waiting time was minimal. All in all a fantastic way to spend two days.
Paul Owens — Google review
Great day, very expensive because you need the fast passes to actually get to go on the good rides without having to queue for an hour and a half for each ride. The fast passes enabled us to go on everything we wanted. Beautiful park though, I enjoyed the flowers and scenery as I don't go on the rides. Would go again.
Carly Bedford — Google review
Alton Towers is definitely best with bigger kids, who can appreciate its thrill rides. But there’s plenty for younger kids too – my youngest loved the Farmyard with its gentle rides and attractions, the Ice Age 4D cinema, and the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory dark ride, culminating in a magical trip in the Great Glass Elevator. For kids still not sure or not yet big enough for the major coasters, there are other rides such as the Runaway Mine Train and the Flume.
Wasim Akram — Google review
I visited with my family yesterday and we all had an awesome day. My youngest wasn't really wanting to go on the big thrill rides where as my eldest son did. My wife took my youngest to all the family rides and activities while I took my eldest to all the big hit rides. The light on everyone's faces towards the end of the day when we regrouped was fantastic. Everyone had the best day.
Going during school term time is the key. Don't go during peak weekends. I've also been before during their Halloween event and that was so good!
Rick TheMelon — Google review
Wasn't too busy as out of season and we got a brilliant deal. Lots of entertainment and staff were great. The gangster granny ride had my kids shocked at the end it was brilliant. Their sea life was brilliant too, kids loved it and was free. Bring masks
Alex Sloan — Google review
First time going here. Will most definitely not be the last time. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The rides are fantastic and comparing them to universal or Disney, they come out just as exciting! Oblivion was jaw dropping, thirteen was unexpectedly amazing, wicker man being a wooden coaster thrashes you around.
Tickets were £38 for each adult when booking in advance, and so was well worth it. The turnstiles were a bit awkward as if you didn't get through in one rotation or it locks, you can't use your ticket again. A friendly member of staff will sort this out for you though.
All in all, a thrilling and brilliant day, book in advance, don't bring bags with you if you can help it (I brought a coat with plenty of pockets), as they are not allowed on rides. Fast track would have helped as the queues on an off peak weekday were still upwards of 30 minutes, so essential on a holiday or weekend.
Mark Brereton — Google review
Love this place. Come every year. Beautiful grounds, kept clean, plenty of space to wander or sit and have a picnic (unlike Thorpe Park). Wear comfortable shoes and if you're not great with hills use the cable cars to move from sector to sector. Rides are rarely closed (unlike Thorpe Park). You can walk through part of the old Castle, you can walk the gardens and find ponds and lakes and wildlife. Oh and the rides are 👌🏻.
Sam Platten (Splat25) — Google review
A great couple of days, great rides, great location. Love roller coasters and these are some of the best.
Frustrating how often rides close. We wasted about 3 hours over the 2 days waiting in queues only to be turned away to come back later when they ride closed. I understand safety is paramount and I wouldn't expect anything less, but communication was extremely poor and announcements could not be heard in the queues. Also they need escape routes from queues. Getting to the front to be told to return the way you came through the queuing lanes just added to time wasted in the park.
Leaving the car park was a nightmare. Why not just add £1 per entry ticket instead of charging car parking and scanning tickets at the car park exit - it would reduce queues I'm sure! 🙂
Robert Houghton — Google review
Best theme park in the UK for sure. Brilliant 2 days (I would suggest going for 2 days if you want to do all the main rides, unless it's a particularly quiet day.)
Highlights are Wicker Man and The Smiler, fantastic rides.
Queues can be long, but it's to be expected. The only downsides are the prices for food and drink, but take a packed lunch and you're all good. Plenty of picnic benches etc all over the park.
Stephanie Ritchie — Google review
Alton Towers is a very creative and expansive place to visit, a place which will make your day brighter and bring you to some unseen adventures. The rides are impressive as well as scary, though entertaining for everybody. The only reason I personally rated this place with 4 stars is because the queue times can often be very long at peak hours.
jamose — Google review
Alton towers is a really nice place for children at the moment. Lots of Christmas trees and rides. And the Shark Bait Reef by Sea Life is great for all the family. How ever I went for the castle and gardens. The castle is closed. And a little of the gardens are open. And most walkways are shut off. So you don't get to see the hole of the park. Pinball Wizard was the only ride available for adults. But the staff were great. Food is expensive there and very limited. I love a full English breakfast but there was none of that.
#Scorpio “#Scorpio” — Google review
Great day even though the weather wasn't a blessing hot day. Haven't been here in 10 years so coming back with children and some new rides was a refreshing change. For a weekend it wasn't bad and there was some queuing but again, not too bad. The app being used around the park was good and helpful with all the information available
Mitesh Parmar — Google review
I have been to every theme park in the UK multiple times and Alton Towers is by far the best one of all. All of the roller coasters are fantastic but for their own individual reasons. The park grounds are absolutely stunning, with the abandoned castle being the centerpiece. I cannot recommend this place highly enough and I cannot wait to go back with or without my kids.
Paul Kerr — Google review
Great day out, cheap deal on Merlin pass, otherwise very overpriced. Nice walks and attractions. Pays best off weekdays and out of holidays to avoid big queues. Visit of castle should be a must and lovely walks in gardens. Good food options.
Ebs Mo — Google review
We had a great day here, some great rides, and some of the old rides still delivering great thrills.
However, surprising amount of rides breaking down through the day, food an absolute rip off, some of the rides need some TLC, Nemesis needs a lick of paint and a tidy up in general, some love for an older but still awesome ride!
Finally parking should be included with these ticket prices, and we were nearly blocked in because the car beside us was not in their slot properly, and one at the end of the row for exit completely blocked the row so we had to reverse all the way up the row !!
Mark Reynolds — Google review
What an awesome place! First time here and it’s just amazing. One day is just not enough. Definitely get the fast track for the more popular rides and download the app to strategize the day. I liked the rollercoaster restaurant. The food was just ok but I recommend the wraps. Without a doubt a great place to go for some family fun!
Marion NYC — Google review
We had a great day out yesterday. We bought a silver fast track pass so managed to get on 6 big rides quickly. It was quite expensive to do that but worth it as a one off.
The only thing that let the park down was the lack of signage to direct you to the correct areas for each ride. We actually had to ask a few members of staff where we were going.
Over all a good day had by all and enjoyed lots of rides as well as the stunning gardens.
Hazel Turner — Google review
Great rides, storytelling & friendly staff! Only downside is long queues (ride waiting times up to 90 mins at peak) and this is further impacted by lots of fast trackers (paying queue jumpers). Hotels and Stargazing Pods are comfortable and fun accommodation for families
Lynsey Nuttall-Heywood — Google review
Our first visit for over 13 years and loved it. We took our 10 year old and his 15 year old cousin. Both thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
If your child is close (just over) to 1.4m it’s worth going to guest services first thing to get them properly measured and get a wrist band so each ride doesn’t have to check them.
Food was ok, and the park was very clean and tidy.
They put a lot of effort into the atmosphere as well as the rides.
Anthony Aimiee — Google review
We stayed at Alton towers hotel for 2 nights as we couldn't go abroad this year due to recently taking a foster child who didn't have a passport and I'm so glad we did. It was magical, the staff were always lovely, the hotel was the highlight for us and the kids (included breakfast was awesome). The park itself was spectacular, the wait times on some of the rides were kind of crazy but we ended up buying the fast track passes for ones we really wanted to go on. Overall I can't wait to come back
james kelley — Google review
Really enjoyed our time here even with the high volume of guests. Really great roller coasters. Unfortunately I couldn't try them all as the majority of wait times didn't go below 60 minutes. We had lunch at the Rollercoaster Restaurant. We've been to one before at Europa Park. This was a let down. The food took ages (I think this was a fluke for us unfortunately). And the taste didn't justify the water. The gardens are peaceful and a great walk around. Tickets are significantly cheaper online. Highly recommend buying in advance.
Lauren Griffith — Google review
We drove up on the Friday and spent the afternoon at the water park. We stayed at a premier inn not far from alton towers, worked out a lot cheaper then staying on site as we was up there for 2 nights. Spent all day Saturday and Sunday in the park, kids loved it, rides for all ages ( except young babies). As in most theme parks the ques can be long (60+minutes) for the big rides. Be prepared for lots of walking as this place is massive, it didn't help that the cable carts that take you from one end of the park to the other were not working, been down for a while apparently. Would highly recommend doing more then one day to get the full experience. Great place, we will be going back
Ricky B — Google review
Kids had an amazing time there from opening to closing, I never saw them all day. I spent alot of time in the gardens and I enjoyed the piece and quiet away from the main park. I can highly recommend the doughnut from the kiosk by Alton Manor, not cheap, but well worth it.
Wear comfortable shoes as a lot of walking which I was fine with, but some may struggle.
My only grip and it is a small one is the price of parking.
Final comment the toilets were as clean at the end of the day as they were at the start.
Kevin Young — Google review
Visited here (23/05/24) and half a great time. Got on most of the rides. Shame wicker man wasn't working or Rita, but still enjoyed it.
Had a nice walk around the gardens for the first time in years. It didn't disappoint.
T Gartshore — Google review
I went here in Easter brake and fully prepped for all rides. But I wasn't prepared for the amount of times the rides broke down most of these where the roller coasters. With even the first ride breaking down just as I started to queue. But then the all new Nemesis Reborn had a 80 minute queue and I queued for about 70 minutes to brake down for 2 hours. The queues are long for the coasters so be prepared. But except the breaking down every 5 minutes I would strongly recommend going here it is very well themed, there is a lot of facilities and various different choices of merchandise. And most of all very good rides.
Noa Bennett — Google review
Some of the rides are great. It's a shame some aren't working at the moment and a few stopped working during the day but they got them open again fairly quickly. The place seriously needs some more consistent tlc it looks like they've started that with the recent redo of Nemesis and the surrounding area.
James Andrews — Google review
I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time at Alton Towers Resort with your family! From thrilling rides to captivating attractions, the resort offers something for everyone. The adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, mesmerizing shows, and beautiful surroundings create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or prefer more leisurely activities, Alton Towers has it all. The friendly staff and well-maintained facilities add to the enjoyment, making it a top destination for families seeking adventure and fun, end of the day we all have a lovely day my children went to all rides and after we took a watersplash hotel and 2 day ticket.
Omar Mohammed — Google review
We had a great day out. Queues were pretty long even though it was early in the season. Lots of rides only had reduced carriages that didn't help. First time riding wickerman, which was much faster than expected and a great experience in the ride.
Neil Griffiths — Google review
Incredible day out, literally zero queues with either walking straight on to the rides or waiting a maximum 20 minutes.
Gold Merlin Pass and Adult General Admission, booked the night before 🙌🏽🎢
Parked in Carpark C, walked in through the none busy Resort entrance. Grateful for not having to queue for the monorail or walk the great distance to the main entrance. Happy security, helpful and informative. Thanks guys ☺️
We managed to ride all the big rides apart from Rita which was closed all day. Smiler closed whilst we were in the 20 minute queue, but we left and came back to it later.
Leaving was no bother, through the Resort exit near Galactica. Epic entire day out. Thanks Alton Towers and the team.
Darren Mooruth — Google review
Day 2 at the resort for us, and it was full of visitors, being bank holiday weekend was to be expected. Monorail not working on our arrival so walked to the entrance. Got through security swiftly with friendly staff. Ride times were an average of 90 mins but thankfully we had rode alot the day before. An absolutely stunning resort to walk around, so comfy footwear highly recommended. Shops nice and stocked, friendly attentive staff, and being gold merlin passholders got further discounts on merch, food and drinks. Various parts of the resort had actors making the experience even more thrilling! We will be back! The monorail was working thankfully for the end of our day! Oh and I have a fav coaster now, Thirteen 😍!!
Clare — Google review
Nice park with a lot of really good rides.
I went during a very busy times so 60 min queues were expected.
The rides seem very unreliable tho .
We went to 4 attractions where we had to wait 15 min longer because of malfunctions and the rides were always open from 11.
Food was expensive but I brought my own.
The rides were fantastic as always and worth the wait.
The gardens were also a really nice breather from the busy theme park.
I would go back someday and I hope the rides could be more reliable.
ochyt — Google review
I went to Alton Towers on Saturday, it's definitely the busiest day of them all, but other than that I had an amazing day. The thing that ruined it was the queues,I waited 1 hr and 45 mins to get on the ride 'The Smiler' don't recommend to go on the weekends. All the other rides gave me lots of adrenaline, I loved them very much.
Sarah Maties — Google review
It was opening day so it was very busy with Nemesis reopening. They have done such a great job with it, it looks to be a turning point for that park. If they keep this up, Towers will once again become the UK's best place to visit.
Callan Barclay — Google review
It's getting there, things are looking up for the resort. It's tidier, cleaner, and more welcoming than it's been in years. Ride wise it has a great mix, Nemesis Reborn and Wickerman are true highlights.
But there is something that really lets the place down - food. It's awful, everywhere. And not normal theme park/cinema/stadium bad, a new type of bad I can't explain. The prices are absurd, fine, it's a captive audience. But at least provide something edible.
It totally brings the entire guest experience down, and is making me think twice about staying over next time. I can't bring my own food for the entire stay, but I can't get figuratively smacked in both the face AND stomach by overpriced, terrible quality meals for two or more days again.
Sort it out, it's your biggest flaw in a park that is on it's way to being the best day out/short break experience in the UK.
Also, the gardens look so unloved it's upsetting. They've been a part of mine and my families visits for over 50 years, but within the last 5 years they've fallen apart. Look after them, they're unique and special and make your park stand out.
Ryan Brain — Google review
4.4
(49470)
•
4.0
(22312)
Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, United Kingdom
Fantastic place we all loved being here with the family. Cool place to spend a fun day
James Hamilton — Google review
my wife and i went on sunday 2nd may, The place was heaving, not much social distancing going on. The Website says "...We have restricted admission tickets per day with the priority being to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Our visitor capacity will be reviewed regularly.".. This is rubbish as the car park was so full we had to park on grass right near the very end, it took us ages to walk to the entrance. we saw 2 Giraffes, 1 Rhino, a few chimps , 2 Tigers, some Lemurs and Penguins, not much else as there were queues / crowds for anything that was open, including the shop. in my opinion vastly overpriced entrance fee for what is available. won't be going again.
George Hylands — Google review
help me they have me trapped
LiLCottreau — Google review
Not impressed. A lot of the animals are locked away in their quarters.
Also to cold for a lot of them to come out
Suzanne newton — Google review
Good zoo and always looking at new areas for animals.
kevin Hutchinson — Google review
Clean surroundings, well cared for animals, helpful and polite staff.
Rod Woliter — Google review
Amazing zoo. Great place to spend the day
Zuzanna — Google review
All good.
Mark Beer — Google review
3.6
(11)
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3.5
(4575)
Little Orton, Leicester, CV9 3PX, United Kingdom
28
National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire)
The National Memorial Arboretum, situated in Alrewas, Staffordshire is a vast woodland area that houses memorials and thousands of trees in remembrance of those who died while serving their country. The arboretum provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere where visitors can spend hours with their own thoughts. Covering 150-acres of the National Forest, it serves as a tribute to all those servicemen and women who lost their lives during World War 2.
The National Memorial Arboretum is one of the most important memorials to service personnel and others as there is a garden for children who have died before their time and a memorial for war horses. There are several other memorials, some quite spectacular, others quite moving. It is a beautiful place for reflection. Parking is good and there is a cafeteria, rest rooms and a shop. It is easy for people with a disability as well.
Trevor Downing — Google review
Fantastic day out for us two. We found it quite emotional as well as being very interesting and thought provoking. Beautiful setting surrounded by trees from all over the world. Lots of helpful staff around to let you know what was going on and where to go. Some visitors took their dogs in on leads. Also, the children have not been left out as there are a couple of play areas for kids as well as a ‘Stick Man’ adventure trail. Good large and well staffed cafe (recommend soup + roll) and gift shop. We were extremely lucky with the weather today, it was sunny and warm and we eat our lunch outside on the patio.
Denise Faulkner — Google review
Absolutely stunning place, words or photos can't describe the way this place makes you feel! Its hard to explain the overwhelming emotions this place brings out! Beautiful kept and maintained! Such an amazing place!
For the size of the place maybe more toilets?
xena-marie Jarmey — Google review
Took a care home and we went on the train as it was too big to walk around for them.
It was very informative and stopped at certain points throughout.
Well worth the visit and will return on my own for a more leisurely walk around the gardens
Barry Smith — Google review
Visited yesterday for the first time - what a beautiful place. Visited mainly for the Stick Man trail for our 3-year old, but would definitely visit again to spend more time looking at the memorials and the gardens, wildlife aplenty too. Volunteers all over the park who are extremely helpful.
A dog-friendly venue, but must be (rightly) kept on leads.
Peter Davis — Google review
This place is amazing! Absolutely brilliant.
There is so much to see. The sculptures are so interesting and poignant. The landscaping is beautiful.
I walked 6 miles here and still didn't see it all. There is a slow train people can use if they don't want to walk so much.
It's free entry but they take donations. The car parking is £4 if you pay in advance or £6 on the day. Such good value.
The cafe was a bit of a let down, pricey and the good mediocre. When I visited I had a hot turkey sandwich, which was like warm served on cheap bread with cold chips. When I go again I'll take a picnic. There are loads of nice place with picnic benches.
There's a ghost ship with lots of nice items for sale.
Definitely worth a visit or 3!
Helen Richmond — Google review
Fascinating place to visit on a good day. Expert landscapers have reclaimed a former quarry and landfill to create a permanent memorial to the many branches of our armed services. Beautiful and peaceful walks alongside the River Teme and a well appointed visitor centre with a cafe and restaurant. A land train is available if preferred and there is a small children's play area. We were told it is advisable to book that did not seem necessary midweek in March.
Stephen Ward — Google review
We recently visited and had a lovely walk around the vast site. Some great sculptures &
Memorials in a lovely grounds. You can walk around for hours.
It was nice that they allow dogs in the grounds and the restaurant.
The restaurant was quite busy but the choice of food was great, especially the cakes.
There is a separate cafe across the courtyard that serves decent coffee (compared to the machines in the restaurant) so I nipped over there to get some coffees to go with the cake.
A tasteful memorial area.
Jen — Google review
What an amazing place to visit! There is an air of peace and serenity as you make your way around the many memorials, not all of which are military....The trees and flowers are spectacular, as are the diverse memorials.
There are plenty of staff on hand to give you information, direction, or just to have a quick chat, all professional, courteous, and very friendly. There are a couple of places available for refreshments, both lovely. There are plenty of conveniences at the centre which are clean and tidy, also a few portaloos around the grounds themselves. If you want a momento, there are lovely trinkets in the shops.
Well worth a visit!!! And doggies are welcome too👍
Denise Gillbrown — Google review
What an amazing place! So many times I've seen pictures and articles of the Arboretum but this was the first time I'd visited. From the first step inside the main doors, my husband and Myself were welcomed. The guides/assistants were extremely helpful and so friendly. The grounds are a delight, easy to access for my disabled husband. There is a Land Train that carries visitors around complete with commentary. The restaurant serves great food. Again, the staff were so friendly and helpful. The final delight was the gift shop, stocked with so many beautiful things as well as the obligatory mementos. Definitely worth the visit, we're going to go again.
Liz Dixon — Google review
I was surprised at the sheer scale of this place. It’s well worth a visit. Bring your pet or loved ones and pay your respects. Enjoy the cafeteria which serves a tasty carvery and pudding. Then visit the souvenir shop. All proceeds go back to the upkeep of the Arboretum
Heidi Lomax — Google review
Beautiful, peaceful place to reminisce, think of those who fought/fight for us and to pay respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Lovely place to visit, educational for children. Lovely shop, exhibitions on, and a land train to book tickets on to be taken round the gardens.
It is over 150 acres so a good pair of walking shoes is advisable.
They have a beautiful Chapel that does a 2min silence 11am, 364 days a year. Only day they close is Xmas Day.
Definately worth a trip!
Emma Wicks — Google review
Poignant and peaceful place. With ample parking and excellent clean facilities. There is a nice cafeteria with hot and cold beverages and plenty of seating. There are outdoor tables for those better days. You can easily spend hour's here wandering amongst the trees and memorials learning and reflecting as you go. There are lot's of hard surface paths, but to really get able you have to walk on grass, in the summer no problem. But in the winter appropriate footware is a must. It's right next to the river, so come prepared. A great day out that can be repeat numerous times before you have seen it all.
Parking is pay, but entry is free.
Ian Hadridge — Google review
Without a doubt the most breathtaking experience, peaceful, respectful and emotional. I would recommend that all go as it is amazing.
I learnt alot about different regiments, ones I hadn't heard of and the centre monument is one that no words can describe.
Car park is only £4 all day, dogs are welcome and there is a lovely restaurant with teas, coffees and food all proceeds go to the NA .
Entry is free but a donation can be made.
Christina Horton — Google review
Amazing humbling and emotional. staff are helpful, polite and knowledgeable. The land train tour is well worth it. Had 2 course Sunday lunch at onsite restaurant which was delicious and good value. Would recommend a visit. A worthy tribute and memorial to all those who have served and sacrificed.
Paul Birchall — Google review
Beautiful, peaceful and at times emotional. The whole area is so well maintained,spent about 3 hours walking around and still don't think we saw everything. Cafe on site, we chose to take a picnic, there are benches everywhere to stop and eat or just take a break. Toilets near the entrance and also very handy portaloos scattered around. Parking is plentiful, £4 if you book online. Any staff we spoke to were extremely friendly and helpful. Will definitely visit again!
Anthony Keeling — Google review
First time visiting and was really impressed. Huge site with loads to explore. Thought the kids might be bored but actually this is a great child and dog friendly place to visit. Plenty of wheelchair / buggy / walker friendly paths. We didn't have anything to eat or drink at the café but it looked clean and tidy. Staff were friendly too. Would recommend 👍🏻
Sharlene Smith — Google review
Always nice to come visit, such a brilliant way to remember all those who have their lives and in such a lovely setting.
We have been many times and finally managed to do the Illuminated Arboretum experience which was magical. We were very lucky with the weather too.
Highly recommended for anyone especially if you have friends or relatives in the armed forces.
Diccon du Pré — Google review
The National Memorial Arboretum is an extraordinary tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served their country. Nestled in the heart of England, this sprawling 150-acre site is not just a place; it's an emotional journey through history.
From the moment you step foot in the arboretum, you are enveloped in a serene atmosphere, where the rustling leaves and distant bird calls provide a peaceful backdrop to the powerful stories etched in stone. The meticulous layout of over 300 memorials, each representing a different aspect of military service, is a testament to the thoughtful planning that went into creating this living tribute.
Walking through the arboretum, you can't help but be moved by the diverse range of memorials, honouring everyone from World War heroes to modern-day peacekeepers. The attention to detail in each monument is awe-inspiring, telling tales of bravery, camaraderie, and resilience. The variety of flora adds a touch of natural beauty, making it a tranquil place for reflection and remembrance.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the National Memorial Arboretum is its commitment to education. Engaging guided tours and informative exhibits provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the historical events and personal narratives behind the memorials. It's a place where you not only pay your respects but also gain invaluable insights into the sacrifices made by countless individuals.
Moreover, the friendly and knowledgeable staff members enhance the overall experience. Their passion for preserving the legacy of the fallen is evident, and they are always ready to answer questions, making your visit both educational and engaging.
Whether you come to honour a loved one, learn about history, or simply find solace in nature, the National Memorial Arboretum offers a profound and unforgettable experience. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper connection with the past.
Bronislaw Pilis — Google review
What lovely experience it is to look around this wonderful place, it is very humbling and makes your heart swell with pride when you read and realise how people have sacrificed their lives and still do to keep us all safe.
The place is quite big and there is a lot of walking, and in my opinion not really possible to see in one day.
There is a mini train to take people around who have difficulty getting around, or people who just may enjoy the ride. There are also small 'golf carts', too, for this reason.
The cafe and inside amenities are very good, food/drinks are not expensive, and everywhere is exceptionally clean.
There are lots of friendly volunteers around to help. They are very knowledgeable.
It is also pet friendly.
Nice gift shop and play area for children.
There are also picnic areas and lots of benches to sit and take five.
Marianne — Google review
A beautiful and serene place to visit, with free entry. Well maintained and all staff were helpful and informative. Coffee shop was reasonably priced and well stocked.
Parts of the site were closed due to flooding, however, the parking fee was reduced to reflect this, which was great.
Scott Sapey — Google review
A very interesting and moving land train journey to gain some measure of this wonderful tribute. The volunteer staff are very friendly and helpful. A very nice café and restaurant. Very good gift shop.
Andrea Burns-beech — Google review
Fantastic place to commemorate reflect and respect in beautiful peaceful surroundings. Not just armed forces memorials. The volunteer staff are incredible and couldn't do enough to help us either on guided tour, looking after the dog or finding historical records. The restaurant is great too. Its a must .
Steve Lazarus — Google review
A really poignant place to visit. I took my son to the stick man trail, a lovely addition which takes you near some beautiful memorials which are a great way to spark conversations and create learning moments which are age appropriate
The Amazing Adventures of Me — Google review
4.9
(12090)
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5.0
(3835)
Croxall Rd, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7AR, United Kingdom
The medieval Lichfield Cathedral is famous for its three spires, and for the stained glass windows made from Herkenrode glass. It's also home to paintings from the Middle Ages, as well as gardens and buildings in The Close.
Lichfield Cathedral is one of the most iconic cathedrals in the UK. The structure, the design, the interior layout, and other historical figures are extraordinary and amazing. It was my first time to visit this city so I decided to go around the town. The maintenance of the grass is greener and well kept healthy.
Mabs Gadd — Google review
Definitely a beautiful quaint cathedral. Lots of interesting features to look at, even the medieval book display in the chapel. Also a nice walk around the grounds too.
Kyle Fox — Google review
Beautiful building. Is a must to visit if you are in the area. Colourful stained glass windows. Nice a quiet during mid week if you want to walk around and contemplate.
Claire Pilkington — Google review
Lovely cathedral. A lot to see and interactive information points are dotted around. Some interesting wall painting fragments and do sit in St Chads Head chapel. It is a beautiful place of tranquility. The entry desk is just as you walk in, so if you don't want to contribute then swerve that when you go in. There is a small gift shop and opportunities to donate something around the cathedral. The buildings around the area are also very interesting with a lovely place for lunch nearby
Julie Hemmings — Google review
A gem of a find in Lichfield, with the most amazing architecture I have seen in UK cathedrals. One would be mistaken they are indeed in the UK! Such beauty both externally with epic detail, and inside such grand design with high ceilings, stain glass windows, art, sculptures and more. Overall, a very peaceful place to visit and a highly recommended experience and visit to such a beautiful cathedral.
Harps Sohal — Google review
Wonderful history you can touch and enjoy close up. The moon was a draw for our grandchildren, but once inside they enjoyed a walk round and asked lots of questions, we'll worth a visit fir the architecture alone !
Graham Kindon — Google review
Went on the 11.00 am guided tour which was supposed to last 50 minutes. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and obviously totally in love with the building. Fully recommended.
Lorraine Mitchell — Google review
Visited Lichfield Cathedral first time and so much impressed.
Definitely a remarkably beautiful cathedral. There are lots of interesting features to look at.
Lichfield Cathedral is open daily from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 7.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
Admission is free, just voluntary donation. Tower tours are also available.
Aom Aomm — Google review
Beautiful building with so much history. So worth a visit. It always amazes me how these buildings were created way back when the only way to build was with man power, no machinery. How much work was put into them. Lichfield Cathedral is stunning.
Georgina Homer — Google review
We visited 19th February 2024.
It's the most beautiful building full of tranquillity, stunning architecture and fabulous stained glass windows. It's well worth a visit. Parking is reasonably close.
Dave Hurr — Google review
This is place is beautiful and medieval English cathedral, beautiful architecture.
Must visit place in UK. The town is serene and just walk down to the garden where there is artificial lake to site and enjoy the sunset
Shikha Singh — Google review
I was only in Lichfield a few hours and came across the cathedral by chance. What a gem to behold! Religion aside (not for me), this is a stunning cathedral with outstanding, intricate architecture. Inside it is beautiful. Huge ceilings, statues, carved wooden pews etc. It is free admission but they recommend a donation. £5 well spent to keep this amazing piece of history maintained. I spent an hour last n here just absorbing the history and splendour, but could’ve spent two hours quite happily!
Finding Balance — Google review
Came here to see the moon exhibition. Looked amazing for sure, would definitely recommend. Not sure about a holy establishment serving alcohol mind🤔
R Far — Google review
It is a fantastic building inside and out. It's free to go in, but a donation is always welcome. Guide books avadible to help you explore, and the staff are more than happy to help or just have a friendly chat. Nice little shop with a few bits in, and they have a few events on to look out for. Will be back to do a tower tour when they run again
Ashley Lightfoot — Google review
Fantastic old English church, with over 1300 years of history. Really a gem frozen in time. The nave is architecturally beautiful with a space that just seems to go on. The organ console (where the organist plays) is actually up in the second story in the nave. Must see when you pass though town. Exterior of the cathedral is weathered sandstone having many exquisite carvings and statues. Even the much younger (relatively speaking) Wooden Close building dates back to the early 1500s.
Jared Meaux — Google review
I was amazed by this cathedral. It was huge and gorgeous. I have visited couple of cathedrals but this is the biggest one I have ever visited. If you are traveling England please add this to your attraction list.
Nathasha Wijesinghe — Google review
A wonderful place to walk through the history of Stafford inside the cathedral. The cathedral staff were social and helful. Neatly maintained and entry is free.
Narasimman Sunderajan — Google review
If you go to Lichfield or even pass through its a must visit weather your religious or not. The architecture is amazing with statues and pieces of art work inside to suit. Has a lovely quiet and peaceful feeling inside.
It is free to visit they just ask if you can to make a donation that goes towards the upkeep and maintenance ect of the Cathedral. We really enjoyed walking round and it has plenty of photo opportunities. The cathedral also has shows/events held in there that are good we seen Elvis and it was brillian helped by the aquatics of the place
Travel & Explore — Google review
My first view of the cathedral was from The Close, and I just thought WOW. The main double fronted facade that faces you, is so impressive,and I think the majority of people would have the same reaction. Until visiting this weekend, I never knew Lichfield had a cathedral, and no one has ever said about it before. It has to be one of the top hidden gems to go and see. The interior is just has good , with outstanding stainglassed windows, the main Nave & Choir areas which are huge.
Richard Harrison — Google review
Went for the Gaia event. £5 per ticket. Beautiful cathedral. First time I've been to Lichfield. Would like to go again during the day as I would love to see the stained glass windows in the light.
Emma — Google review
I entered the cathedral and was just gobsmacked by the size of the globe. We spent ages exploring and even spoke to a vicar. Im a massive fan of church's and cathedral's, the architecture is just jaw dropping.
The staff were so freindly and inviting, i will be coming back and its well worth a visit.
The fair Rambler — Google review
In the modern age to combine community use and historic monument in this way- stunning. They placed a huge rotating dome in the centre isle with learning clubs for kids.
The ww2 area on the history of German prisoners in cannock chase was excellent and touching
Located just outside of Coventry, Coombe Country Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of woods and lakes. The park is home to many animals, including ducks and swans, who spend their days cruising on the River Fleet. The park also features a restaurant and craft studios, making it an ideal place to spend a day out.
Didn't go round the house, but I'm sure the inside was grand and spectacular. The park was excellent. There a river that goes to house. Bird food is available to buy at the park. Don't feed them bread! Great for young and old of all ages. Lots of trails to walk. Plenty of places sit, benches are dotted around. There's a Go Ape facilities. Plenty of toilets. Cafè, and ice cream parlours around the site. It is a working park, so watch out for tractors and other moving vehicles.
Michelle Finn — Google review
Not much to dislike about Combe Abbey Country park. The grounds are kept clean and the paths are smooth enough for a pushchairs or wheelchairs. The park could do with some table benches and perhaps another building comprising of WC facilities. It's nice for some fresh air and an afternoon walk.
A E — Google review
A nice hotel and a traditional place, it seems like a great venue for the weddings and other gatherings, the park is nice and green, loads of parking spaces with reasonable parking fees. There are lots of benches. The BBQ is not allowed though. Play areas for kids and wooden play ground.
Mona Faraji — Google review
It’s perfect place to spend your time on a sunny day, been there a few times and their cafe is good too.
Just a small glitch with google maps it drops you in the middle of no where, for first timers just keep following the road if you are coming from village side.
Divea saini — Google review
Lovely place for a walk. Dog and people friendly. Easy access paths for disabled people. Parking reasonable (card only now) Indoors cafe and shop.
Walk has forest area so good shade for the hot summer days.
Would recommend for walks whatever age.
Andrew Fisher — Google review
Always a good day out. Lots of parking, and different trails to walk. Wild flower meadow is an overlooked nice spot near the entrance
Joe Chidzik — Google review
Such a best place where you can relax with your loved ones or with your pets. There are plenty of areas to explore and if you are an adventure person you have rope climbing . They have ducks in water which we can feed. We have to buy bird food from the coombe center which is 1 pound. There is a huge parking space which is paid for, they have coffee shops and an ice cream parlour. This is one of the best places to visit when it's sunny or in summer.
Rahul R.S — Google review
A fantastic place to go for walks with beautiful scenary, the garden are spectacular and the woodland area is great too. The bird house is fantastic and provides a great viewpoint of the birds. Lots of things on offer here perfect for a day out with friends and family.
Michael Rowarth — Google review
Been here thrice - once to do Go Ape and twice more just to soak in the park sights. It's massive and lovely with sufficient parking space.
We had a great day out in the warm weather (with husband, toddler). It's a minor thing, but I'd have liked the option of more than one ice cream seller as the queue is usually long.
I'd say it's a very family-oriented place, great for picnics with a small outdoor area for young kids to play.
Cee — Google review
Simply Fantastic. Large car parking, pay on departure. Large visitors centre with various ice cream and cafe options. Clear signage and maps to find your way around. Signs to indicate where dogs need to be on a lead, plenty of forest area to chase about. Herons are easy to spot. Go ape hidden in the forest. Can recommend the red route with a dog.
mark Prysor-Jones — Google review
Beautiful setting, well maintained, good facilities in visitor centre, many options to explore- go ape,walking trails, play areas, picnic spots. Reasonable parking charges. Majestic entrance to park, giving it a touch of royalty.
BhavaniChowdhary — Google review
Hotel is simply exquisite from start to finish, arriving you feel like royalty being in such a beautifully picturesque scene. The moat at the front, the bridge to the hotel, the birds tweeting in the various trees, all the wildlife.
The rooms, the food, the staff everything is perfection.
Tom I — Google review
Visited here a few times on weekends as you only have to pay for parking which is between £2.50-5.00 depending on the length of stay.
The walking routes are really easy to follow with arrows following the trails. They’ve got a few cafes/ice cream huts located near the entrance and inside the park itself near the lake.
Chloe — Google review
Lovely place. The abbey is soaked in history. Perfect Stay. The park is fantastic for a family day out. You need to pay for parking but its worth it.
Penny Blundell — Google review
For many, many, years this had been great place to visit for a walk and to get some fresh air. The park has well maintained paths and tracks which lead visitors around the wooded park. It boosts a huge lake, magnificent country house, visitor centre, cafe, children’s park, countless wildlife, and is home to a Go Ape centre.
Dan P — Google review
Calm , big park with activities , rich natural ,beautiful environment .
Child play area small .
Good looking Swan pool and mic ehotel inside it.
Large play ground
sathyajith wanniarachchi — Google review
Coombe Abbey
Visit Coombe Abbey, Coventry and Warwickshire, With 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland, lakeside walks, and bird hides, a small play area's for children.Snacks and cafe area, a superb place for a picnic in the summer there's plenty to explore. Check out their website for more information.