Absolutely loved it. We gained admission on a free entry ticket and quickly found that there is still plenty to see for free here, boathouse 7 and boathouse 4 in particular were fascinating. After three hours we were forced to retire due to aged legs but could easily have spent more time nosing around. We would love to come back another time and gladly pay to get into the premium exhibitions. Fabulous experience 👍👍👍👍👍

Only went to see the Mary Rose museum which was excellently presented and accessible for wheelchairs. The Victory is currently under renovation so is not really in her full glory, wrapped up in coverings as at time of writing (July 2023). The dockyards themselves are worth visiting though with various attractions and cafes on site. Parking in the Wickham Street multi story was not expensive, and is well within walking distance of the entrance.

An amazing place to visit, did little research before visiting and was initially surprised by the cost but I was pleasantly surprised at the value you get. Thos place is incredible for all. I'd bite the bullet and purchase the unlimited ticket as you will need to come back a few times to see it all and fortunately it's an annual pass. I 100% would recommend a visit or 3

Really interesting day out. Lots to see and do for all ages. For an extra £1 you can convert your day ticket into an annual one. One day is nowhere near enough time to take everything in. We live 50 miles away but have returned for the weekend to do more things, visit more ships and drink more coffee! The 75 minute tour of the Victory was really informative. Everyone there is polite and helpful. Highly recommended.

The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is highly recommended, although the ultimate explorer tickets are not cheap they can be used for a whole year so you can do several days out with them. There is so much to see that it is impossible to do it in one day anyway. We have visited the Warrior and Victory ships both of which took a few hours and the Mary Rose Museum which is an amazing experience feels like you are part of the ship as well.

AMAZING! so much to explore. So much to see! Def worth the money. You can choose between different types of tickets. The staff is super nice, helpful and know every little detail. It's really fun to learn all the information. Great for kids! Many different restaurants. Clean toilets. Parking available at the carpark nearby.

Well worth the visit as the tours of the Warrior, M33 and Victory are well done with costumed characters on the Warrior to talk to and guide you who are well versed in the history of the ship. Be aware that the Victory is currently undergoing a big restoration project and is shrouded in scaffolding but you can still go inside for a self guided audio tour. You need to allow 2 days to see everything so as not to rush anything. We spent a good part of the day in the Mary Rose, it was fantastic and very well laid out. We would visit again.

Great place full of history and ambience, and well presented for family interaction. Plenty of space so didn't feel crowded even on a busy weekend day. Lots to see, highly recommend the ticket that allows 12 months access so you don't feel rushed and like you have missed something! Lots undercover so good for rainy days as well.

Fantastic day out. You really need to get there when it opens. We still haven't done everything and need to go back for another visit which is included with your ticket purchase for next 12 months. So fascinating.

Had our first visit today, family of four (with a tween and a teen). We all loved it! (No arguments all day either as both children were engaged and entertained all day.) There's so much to see it's definitely worth the extra ticket visits. Lots on for all ages, and we particularly enjoyed the interactive actors around the site, telling their stories, the Mary Rose Museum was incredible and the Harbour Tour was really informative and interesting. No dogs allowed on site which is a shame, but I can understand why they wouldn't be allowed in the Museums of course. Food is a little pricey too, but nice. We parked at the main car park and walked the 5 minutes to the site, was about £7.50 for 5 hours

What a great place to visit. You need the whole day as lots to explore. Be prepared it's very expensive, but worthwhile as there is so much to see and learn about. Definitely will be back. I missed the boat trip to the submarine museum. I'm definitely coming back. I hear the harbour tour is very good.

We have Ultimate Explorer tickets and are gradually covering all on offer over several visits. The Mary Rose exhibition is so much better than 20 years ago, an enormous amount to see and learn. It's incredibly well presented. We visited the Victory recently and for the first time in 50 years of visiting the Victory, I was able to walk underneath it. Something even those that lived on it at the time of Trafalgar couldn't have dreamt of doing. What a perspective. You've got to experience it

Really good visit, so much to see and do you definitely need more than 1 day! The Mary Rose exhibition was amazing, so emotional and quite special really, would definitely recommend. Some great activities for the kids too.

Tickets good value for money be used you can go back to the same attractions multiple times in the year. Really enjoyed the victory ship mainly because the audio guides. Made the ships experience much more enjoyable and informative. The warrior ship was much bigger and good to walk round, although lacked information about what things were or background of the ship. There was a few 'actors' hanging around the ship that were good fun. Also did the Marie Rose museum briefly but ran out of time so will have to return to finish this.

Very good experience at the dockyard. There's lots to see and even more to learn, there are plenty of toilets which are very clean and plenty of places to eat and the food is great as is the coffee. There are also tour guides everywhere and also guide books you can purchase. I have mobility issues and use a Mobility scooter and there's not much I can't access they have pretty much thought of everything. I would definitely recommend this place, it's well worth a visit there is so much to do and see. It's cheaper to buy a yearly ticket for three attractions, that's what I did, and your carer goes for free. I will definitely be returning. Top marks from me

Amazing place, visited many times and never had a bad experience. People who work there are super friendly and very knowledgeable. So much to do! You need a good few days to get round everything so the return ticket is a great idea and much needed.

a must visit when in Portsmouth! so much naval history! some incredible ships from the past and you can learn so much about the navy! i bought the ultimate explorer ticket and visited 3 days in a row and spent at least over 2 hours exploring! the staff are excellent, friendly, very knowledgeable, and very helpful when it comes to disability access! they also have costumed actors around some of the ships/exhibit which is a really nice touch! can’t wait to go back!

Amazing place, I recommend the ultimate explorer ticket as it’s valid for a year and you can come back again and again as it’s very difficult to fit everything in with one visit. The HMS Victory tour was incredible and even though it was busy it never felt like it. The Mary Rose tour was exceptional and look out for entertainers if you have kids they’re worth the visit. On arrival be prepared to wait in line for the bag check but it seems to move pretty quickly and ensure you have photo ID for the purchase of tickets.

Had a really fantastic day here with my partner, seeing several of the attractions. Due to the way the ticketing is priced, you can pay separately to visit individual attractions, or get a ticket for all the attractions that are part of the Dockyard that's good for a year, and it felt pretty easily cost effective to do that. So not only did we have a wonderful day learning a lot, we've got one or two more day trips here to look forward to in the future. There's so much to see, presented in very high quality, and helpful and friendly staff all through.

Great visit. I chose to visit the Royal Navy Museum and HMS Warrior. The RN museum has a lot about admiral Nelson and lots about the RNs sailing ships. Plus some interesting stuff on the modern navy. There are guides soon dressed in uniform or period costume throughout the museum and they were friendly and helpful. HMS Warrior built in 1861 was huge. You are able to go from the main deck all the way down to the engine room and furnaces. Again there are various guides in period dress/uniform who were friendly and helpful. All very interesting. Allow 2hrs for the museum - longer if you stop and watch all the videos and interactive stuff. And about 1 to 2 hrs for HMS Warrior. You will not be able to get round everything in one day. Your best bet for tickets is to get the ultimate explorer pass online as you don't have to pay anything extra for the main attractions and the pass is valid for as many visits as you want for 12 months (at the same price as a 3 attraction ticket and there's way more than 3 attractions)

A fascinating place needing more than one day so the annual pass is worth it. Staff excellent and some 'in character'. HMS Victory is undergoing repairs so a little [but fully understandable] disappointing, though the guide was brilliant. The submarine museum very interesting and accessible via a boat ride. HMS Warrior a real gem and beautiful with Xmas lights. My only concern was the ticket price. I work with many very disadvantaged children and to be on Free School Meals the income is very low and would exclude any family visit. For such a central part of the UK's history, there will be thousands excluded from this cultural capital experience. Does the Dockyard operate on a similar basis to many of the French museums that are free on one day of the month...if not, are the next generation to be held in ignorance?

Just a breathtaking and inspirational place for young and old. You can't fail to be impressed by our Naval History. The staff are amazingly friendly and knowledgeable and the Victory and Mary Rose need some time to appreciate, and to the work that the curators are doing. Make sure you take the harbour tour of the warships too (it drops you off at Gunwharf after). If you time it for when HMS Queen Elizabeth and/or Prince of Wales are in Port, then you're in for an even bigger treat too. Jist awe inspiring.

You will have a great day here. So much to do. I bought the ultimate ticket. The only problem is that the place is that big you'll probably need a few days to get around it all. Just make sure you plan it well. I'm going to have to go back again to make the most of the tickets. It lasts all year. Everything I saw was 1st class . All the staff were very friendly and so helpful. You can even get chauffeured around docks on a golf buggy. Just ask the driver if you see any pulled over and tell them where you want to go and they won't hesitate. You might get lucky like me and see the aircraft carrier in the dock.

4th time we have visited. Just a brilliant place to visit. Bursting with proper big history. Real jaw dropping stuff. Great for kids and adults alike. The harbour tour was a must for our boys (to see the Navy ships in port). Mary Rose is just amazing, The Victorian HMS Warrior impressive, Victory is just history personified and a must (even whilst under renovation as there are unhidden treasures to see). The museums are also great and pretty interactive.

Visited 04/04/2024 This is my second visit after purchasing a ticket that allows multiple visits within a year. This visit was all about the Victory & Lord Nelson. You could spend hours on the ship...so much to see and learn. Ask the staff/volunteers on board, their knowledge is vast! Great for all ages, understandably not wheelchair friendly as there are 6 decks to climb up/down.

One adult and four kids. Pouring with rain. The Mary Rose exhibition is brilliant leisurely and informative. Stunning history. With a fun Calligraphy set for the kids. This means I sit down bonus. The Action Station for the kids was good only lacking a small coffee station which I am sure would have a roaring trade. The kids have stuff to do here. Again the parent rest stop...sitting down. Most of it free except Laser Quest. The large restaurant area had space for plenty of people and us on the ground floor which helps with kids. Also an inside picnic area for your own drinks and good Coffee too. Considering the heavy rain lots of chairs and space. Food looked good but on a budget. A great day out and we didn't finish it all. We will be back.

Brilliant place for the whole family! The dockyard has been named in the top forty UK visitor attractions according to ALVA figures for the third year in a row and also features in the top three visited paid attractions outside of London, behind Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. Buy an Ultimate Explorer ticket and you can come back as many time as you like in a 12 month period. Fantastic value you cannot possibly see everything in one day.

Portsmouth historic dockyard is a must visit for anyone who enjoys naval history. Being able to explore war ships from different periods of history is wonderful. You could easily spend a whole day here taking in all the information from the exhibits and the staff were great with our little boy encouraging him to try some of the more hands-on experiences. This was my first time seeing the Mary Rose and the way she's displayed is great, you get to see it from multiple floors and angles so you can really appreciate her lines and the size of her. Plenty of recovered artifacts too which are amazing to see. It's a shame Victory is currently undergoing restoration work (but obviously I appreciate they're doing the work!) as you can't see her in all her glory but the work is much needed so I look forward to returning and seeing her when the work is completed. It does give you a chance to see her structure though. Food was a bit pricey but that's the same anywhere you go these days. Overall I'm looking forward to going back someday!

We went on a weekday for my little girls first birthday and I don't think I'd ever visit. Theme park again on a weekend or in the school holidays. There were no waiting times for the rides. It was an enjoyable experience. Pepper pig world is the main reason we travelled the two and a half hours and that didn't disappoint either. It was bigger than I expected and my one year old loved it. The park was big and clean. I can't fault anything about the day to be honest.

Took my daughter here for her fourth birthday. She loved it. Pepper pig world was amazing. Plenty to do and see. The other part of the park is aimed at older people, with some big rollercoasters and more extreme rides. Going during the week at term time, there were no ques for anything. If you have kids younger than school age, it's definitely a good time to go. Some animals to see including birds, foxes, penguins, rodents and tortoise's. The Japanese gardens are amazing and superbly well looked after. Lots of toilets and all seemed clean. Plenty of parking too. A great day out.

Best Theme Park In The UK! This park has something for all ages from thrill rides to small kids rides that everyone can enjoy. Waiting times are always short or non existent which means you can manage plenty of rides and get your moneys worth! The park is also always nice and clean and stays that way the entire day including bathrooms and the food outlets. Food is quite pricey now but it does taste good and is nicely themed into each of the areas. There is so much here at Paultons Park and I am so excited for the future as it is such an amazing park. Only thing I would like to see improved is an indoor ride added!

A wonderful theme park and a nice world for kids to escape from the school and other stresses. Recommended two days to fully enjoy the rides without any hurry. The restaurants inside are over pricey, and that's the only negative point I see. The restrooms are very neat and clean, staffs are super polite. This is a real competitor for Disneyland,IMHO. 5 ✨

Much better than I thought it would be. No matter what your child's age is, there's something there for a range of ages. Plenty of baby changing facilities around the park that are well maintained. Various places to eat. We ate at the burrito place, and the portions were massive (£12.95 for a meal deal). We went just before Halloween on a Sunday when the weather was a bit iffy. The queues weren't too bad, most were very short. The 2 babies in our group loved the live entertainment, even though they were too young to understand it. Buy tickets in advance because they are cheaper than on the day. The only issue I found was the re-entry system. They stamp your hand with a UV stamp (that can only be seen under a UV light). But when trying to re-enter, there only seemed to be a couple of people with the torches on the entry turn styles. So I queued up in 2 different queues to be told they didn't have a torch and to queue again somewhere else! By that point, I asked them to bring the torch to me, instead of queuing up for a third time.

Great day at the park. everyone there was friendly and helpful. The rides were perfectly set for the height restrictions. There were plenty of places to stop and rest or for kids to just play. The kids playground and slash Park were just was needed in the heat of the day. We all enjoyed it and will be back again. The parking is free and facilities are great and I highly recommend it for parents with toddlers.

Great place to visit with plenty to see and do. My grandchildren loved it. It isnt cheap to go but worth every penny. As a disabled person, my only request would be for some of the plentiful resting area benches to be higher as it was a real struggle to get up after sitting.......

One of the best themed parks in UK. The experience started from the spacious parking area which you won’t spend more time to find a spot. I purchased my teeth tickets in advance and it was cheaper than buying them form the reception. The waiting times for the rides was reasonable during this visit as it was during the weekdays. Our last visit was over the weekend and waiting times was very disappointing. The park is divided manily into three themed zones and each one has different rides for all ages. Peppa pig world is the most crowded one, so be prepared for the extra wait time. Shops and restaurants are found in each zone and the provide different selections of food. You would definitely need more than one day to try most of the rides in the different zones. It was a great experience for the family day out and I would highly recommend it.

One of the best Theme parks. Took boys 14 & 9. Although it was a lovely day, queues were short, about 5 or 10 minutes. Everything was clean & tidy, saw NO litter & bins were never full. Lots of helpful staff around & absolutely loads to do. Plenty of places to picnic or just rest & came home with two exhausted children. Prices of food & drinks etc were a bit high but that's the same everywhere unfortunately. Will definitely be visiting again soon.

The park is beautifully maintained, with so much for all ages to do! So many rides, parks etc. It is all so well organised! Staff were great! Food is overpriced for what you get but it is a theme park! Kids loved everything! Will definitely be returning!

Booked for 2 days in the park with a hotel stay. Really impressed with Peppa pig world and there was so much to do and see in the other areas too including a splash pad and numerous play areas. Plenty of rides for my son who was 5 to go on. The park was really well kept, clean and tidy with beautiful gardens. Will be returning.

Me and my family had a wonderful time at the park yesterday 16.5.22 for my daughters 3rd birthday. It was our first trip and we can wait to come back. The park it’s self is amazing, we mainly spent the day in Peppa pig world which was so much fun, great rides, looks great with characters around the park and the gardens/hedges cut into characters. Queue times fantastic, straight on rides, ok we went school term which helps, but the park was still fairly busy but basically straight on every ride. The Peppa pig shop is amazing and very reasonably priced. George’s soft play the kiddies loved and it was so clean. The staff was one of the highlights for us, super friendly and engaging with us, all the staff noticed it was my daughters birthday and was engaging with her and gave her a Paultons birthday badge, and one nice lady even sang to her, the staff are a credit to the company so thank you. The park looks great and is well kept and very clean throughout. My son loved the splash zone and the log flume. Honestly the company should be proud of what they have from the park to all the staff, we can’t stop thinking about our day and like I’ve said can’t wait to return, THANK YOU.

Best Theme Park I have been too. attraction still looks new, the garden and landscaping is amazing " it’s botanical garden not theme park". F&B outlets are very good comparing to other theme parks. Suitable for all ages. I recommend visiting the park in week days, waiting time was from 0 to 5 minutes.

Lovely place for kids. The little ones had so much fun. The rides are really good and mostly small children can get on them. The place is a fairy 🧚‍♂️ land, super clean environment.

What an amazing experience, plenty of rides to all age groups, kids will enjoy a lot for sure, better to visit in weekdays so that waiting time is less and more rides could be enjoyed for the day. There are plenty of restaurants and fast food outlets to crave our taste buds. Exceptionally well service from working staff. It is better to plan which rides you're interested in and would like to experience. Parking is free and is near the entrance.

Wonderful place for young children. Been to Disney land and this is so much better for parents. Queues are minimal in November and kids get to enjoy themselves on the rides and indoor playground, rather than spending time in humongous queues. Places is tidy and neat with good food choices. There are also rides for older kids in another section. Highly recommended.

It was a dream come true for my Daughter. She had the BEST day visiting Peppa pig’s world with her friends. It was so beautiful and we as adults enjoyed it too! We visited during Halloween and the decorations were so gorgeous . It was so worth the 2 hours journey from London. We would definitely visit again hopefully next Spring-Summer.

Excellent experience. Staff are amazing, rides are great, park is clean and very well-maintained. The only criticism is the food and drink prices but you expect these to be expensive at a theme park.

Good park for all ages. There are rides for kids and adults. Free parking and easy entry to the park. Food is reasonably priced. They just need to introduce fast track queue specially on busy days other than this there is no need to introduce that. Peppa pig is fun. There is mini zoo to keep little kids interested. No discount option on tickets (like NHS, Armed forces) however kids under 1 meter go free.

An impressive place indeed! Super clean, friendly and attentive staff who pay extra attention to food allergies and go the extra mile, a picturesque park with lots to explore, we plan to return when the weather improves as half a day was not enough! It’s the theme park of dreams!

My 4 year old daughter gave it a 4 star. The costumes look good and the staff is very friendly. The music and scenary gives it a nice atmosphere. Has a great playground for kids to spend the rest of day with nice slides and musical experiences. On the negative side, the peppa pig world character houses felt very empty, a missed opportunity to place there interactive experiences and more stuff inspired by the show, like peppa’,s bed, peppa pig kitchen, the same for the bus or daddys car. It would be great if the people in costumes would also talk to children or have some speaker (with the original characters voice), my daughter was worried that peppa pig or momy pig was not talking to her. Additionally to ask for the full price ticket when you only visit peppa pig world makes it a bit overpriced. Well, overall, my daughter still had a very good time at this theme park.

Great place for younger children. Ours absolutely loved the rides, seeing the characters and all the animals dotted around the park. The queue times were short as we went in November. The park is kept to a really high standard and was pleasantly pleased to see the effort in the aesthetics. Only thing letting it down is the food and drink prices. If you want a coffee then don't expect a lot of change from £5!

We had an absolutely brilliant time with our 3 year old daughter. Very well maintained and lots of variety of activities. Only suggestion is to add some more vegetarian options in the restaurant. Will visit again!

Loved it here. We been here before we had kids, but it has improved since then and my two kids loved it. They loved the outdoor playground, which was very difficult to get them out of. Mona rail was great too.

Lots of childhood memories coming here, not ruined by returning as an adult. It just gets better. Fun for all the family, you don't have to be into cars to enjoy a day out at Beaulieu, but it really helps and you will get a lot more out of the day. The outdoor play park and monorail are excellent. The children really enjoyed it.

Definitely worth getting there as it opens!! My goodness, there is SO MUCH to look at and do, we couldn't fit it all in during a single day and we got there for 10. The food in the cafe was so good, we went in twice. The whole place is so looked after and clean. Staff members are kind and knowledgeable of their work. Happy to have paid gift aid so we get the annual tickets - Definitely coming back!!

We had a great time here, the atmosphere is very relaxed. Good to see the Top Gear vehicles. The monorail was a great trip. Food and refreshments were plentiful and not too expensive. The only down side and it was probably out of their hands was we hired an electric car for the weekend and the chargers were out of order. For us it wasn't a problem as we weren't desperate for juice. Well worth a visit. We will be back.

A fantastic, expansive museum covering many highlights of British motoring and motorbiking development. Vehicles and are in fantastic condition and vary widely by age and origin. Collection of land speed record cars is a must to see! Good accessible location with on-site parking and single ticket entry to both the motor museum and other attractions in Beaulieu. Recommended!

Great day out. Wear your best walking shoes as you'll need them. Mostly accessible. Restaurant not too expensive. Toilets clean. Need around 6 hours to get everything. Pay in advance (with gift aid) and you get a free annual pass to return. Great vegan ice cream options.

Beaulieu is still a great place to visit. Especially if it's your first time. The cars are fun to see and some of the history as you follow the exhibits is really special. Some downsides are that I feel many areas are due a refresh. Parts of the museum look a little tired. Much of it hasn't changed in decades. In some ways it's nice for personal nostalgia but on the whole, updating is needed. The canteen in my view also needs improving. I felt the food was expensive for what you get, and we were kept waiting a long time. Perhaps a system to separate coffee and hot food, from cold drinks and snacks would help. Also dining area seating was lacking if wet outside. Anyhow, overall, still a very enjoyable place to visit! The grounds are fantastic too as are the staff. Many thanks.

Top gear show somewhat disappointing. Main car experience is far smaller than I’d hoped for. Gardens not at their best (seasonal), house impressive if that’s your thing. For me, the best part of my day was the pond walk. I loved the tree carving and the walk itself was beautiful. I’m sure the children will enjoy the monorail.

A fun packed day out for the family. Main exhibition building charts the history of the motor car right up to the modern day including world landspeed record cars. Outside there is a monorail which goes around the gardens and through the roof of the exhibition centre. Other exhibitions include Top Gear featuring many cars from the series. There's also a show of cars from famous movies including James Bond. There's a cafeteria and tea shop on site. Toilets clean and functional. Well stocked gift shop. Kids play area in the gardens. Bus tours. Family house. Free parking. Not sure how busy it gets in the summer as this was February. Check prices as its not cheap.

Beautiful place, very well organized. Lots to do for kids and parents. A bit pricey, the combo ticket is £28/£29 per adult but includes parking, The National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Palace House & Gardens, Little Beaulieu, Beaulieu Abbey, The Secret Army Exhibition and unlimited rides on the monorail. Is it possible to skip the Motor Museum and the price drops sensibly. I would suggest going on a sunny day, and bring your own food as there are lots of places where to sit and have a picnic.

Amazing day out, and we didn't get around all of it! Lots of parking with good access for visitors with disabilities. The staff were friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived, with helpful guidance on getting the most out of the day. The motor museum itself was our main aim, and there is plenty to keep everyone interested. The exhibits are all in very good condition, and really provide a "time warp" perspective. Well worth a visit any time of year.

There a lot of things to do here. The main attraction is the motor museum, very nicely laid out, with a lot of vintage, modern and some unusual cars. Without a doubt one of the best motor museum. I’m less interested about it, but they also have motorbikes and race cars. About the other attractions, you have an exhibition about Top Gear, cars used in movies, a monorail, a vintage bus, an abbey, a house, gardens and a museum about war. It’s really nice to spend a summer day with a picnic. It took us almost 6 hours to do everything at a quiet pace. We then went to Beaulieu village, which is beautiful.

Returned for a visit for the first time in 28 years when I visited as a child. Unfortunately I found it quite disappointing. Feels very dated and the museum is smaller than I remember. Could do with with some new investment - in particular more interactive features would be good for children. In addition, it’s not particularly pushchair/wheelchair friendly in all areas which was surprising.

Such a full day, we stayed way longer than we expected as there're so many things to see. Personal highlight was the falconry training session, absolutely fascinating and unique. The Museum is vast but very well curated with everything looking beautiful and no busyness. There were a few cars I would have liked some more specific information about, such as their life before the museum, because i like a few memorable stories. Loved the land speed section. The grounds were a little busy and hectic with sculptures when we visited, but we could still find calm looking over the water near the palace.

Supercar weekend was brilliant despite the rain. We saw all of our favorite cars and also went around the palace house, which is included with your entry tickets and really nice. Pay in advance for the cheaper option tickets. There is so much to see and do there if your car lover then definitely go! Food stalls on the special weekends are on the expensive side, the restaurant was really busy, picnic are great when it's not raining. Great for kids and families, it's our second visit, and we we're not disappointed at all.

This is a fantastic place to go for a day out, whether you're a couple or have kids there is so much to do and see. We spent about 3.5 hours here. It's expensive but you definitely get more than you pay for and the food is reasonable. Do get the ice cream it's fantastic. The main attraction is the motor museum, despite not being into cars, it was an amazing collection, fascinating history and the staff are brilliant at explaining facts about the cars. It's got a little bit devoted to top gear which was cute and entertaining. If you're not a car enthusiasts there is a fun monorail, a little bus to drive you about. A beautiful Abbey that is well maintained and the ground have gorgeous art and wild birds like pheasants running around. The kitchen garden are delightful and they even have a bird if prey display. Should that not be enough the view back into the village over the lake is idyllic. The manor house is pretty too. Wear trainers!

I loved this museum! Such a beautiful piece of history. There are a lot of things to do and their shop have some good organic stuff like apple juice. 🩷

Visited for the first time in over 10 years and greatly enjoyed! Got discounted entry as had a blue light card and were impressed with the ticket becoming an annual ticket (for museum) as we added gift aid. Museum had so many different vehicles in, we easily spent close to 2 hours walking round. Other exhibitions were good too, particularly enjoyed the Cars on Screen one. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. Looking forward to returning again and soon!

Beaulieu is a very educational & interesting place to visit. Loads of old cars, classic cars, fast cars & famous cars!! We enjoyed the free monorail ride around the grounds, which inspired us to go & explore the beautiful lake, gardens & house on foot. We had lunch in the café/ restaurant & were surprised that it wasn't completely overpriced. The gift shop is pretty good. Not cheap to get into the museum but worth it!! Definitely recommend.

I loved the experience in this place! My little one enjoyed the train and the playground which is amazing. A few activities to do, coffee was good as well. With the price i didn't expect to need coins inside to play with the screen cars or the cars with remote, it should include a bit of that. But the rest was really really good! Worth the visit!

Worth the price for a visit. You don't just get the motor museum but also the Palace, the gardens and the Abbey. Plenty to see. The car museum is amazing and a must for motoring enthusiasts. A great day out. You could easily spend a whole afternoon there.

A grand day out - if you gift aid your entry then the ticket becomes an annual pass ( some T and Cs) - interesting museum - though it would for me have added to the interest if vehicle descriptions told a bit of the history of the actual car on display - that would have made the experience more personal. That aside well presented exhibits - but no touching. Palace house looking good and with new carpets ! All in all a good day out.

Never been before, but always wanted to visit. Lots to see, really interesting and enjoyable. A really neat, clean, and well played out site. Lots of friendly, polite, and welcoming staff. Cafe is good too, and in addition to the motoring museum, there is a Top Gear display, and the house is open to the public. Monorail ride, vintage bus ride, and a display for the SOE. It's a great day out.

Spent the whole day here, looking at old cars and bicycles, riding on the open top bus and monorail, walking along paths of wild spring flowers to the gallery housing Russian paintings, the monastery and last but nor least the fabulous house. A great day out.

Had the high tea which was very nice. Lots of cakes. Not sure about the sandwiches. It was for my mum and dad's golden wedding anniversary. I will not do the high tea myself again as I am not a great fan of cake. Think they do something in the morning if that is savoury then I might try that if I could get a group together. The views of the area are very good.

We knew we were going to love this attraction and we weren't wrong,it was brilliant and well worth the money,the views were spectacular even though the weather was not the best but it didn't dull our enthusiasm for a fantastic two hours well spent.

A must visit if you are in Portsmouth. It was an awesome experience to see the port from 170m height. Sky bar was closed till the time we reached 😞 Sky walk was great. Overall a must visit place.

Booked a high tea, which includes access to the tower and the sky garden. Breath taking views from the top floor, I absolutely loved it. It's located within the Gunwharf Quays, which has ample parking space and loads of shopping retailers. It's just a few minutes' walk from the train station, bus station, and the Portsmouth historic dockyard. Amazing family day out. Note that the tower can get really warm at the height of summer due to the glass.

This is a fabulous attraction to view. You can go right to the top and admire all the views.. you can also eat and drink at the very top and hire this amazing venue for your own private function, like a wedding.... Advanced notice is required though, so you won't be disappointed.... you can also have a go at abseiling!!!

Such a wonderful place! Been there for high tea for our date night and just felt in love with this place! Very friendly staff, great atmosphere, clean and comfortable. If you are not scared of high you definitely must visit Spinnaker Tower. Also you can go up to see Sky Gardens and walk through the glass floor on Deck 1. The views are breathtaking! When you book high tea you will have 1.5 hours to enjoy your experience, better book at evening time to enjoy a sunset! Highly recommended place!

Visited the tower with my partner and our 3-year-old daughter. We booked in advance but there were no queues anyway, on a bright and clear Saturday. A member of staff gives you a brief bit of background as you take the lift up to the first viewing platform. There are 2 talking telescopes for £1 a go, though one wasn't working but I assume they tell the same story. There is also a commemorative coin machine to make your own souvenir. The glass floor is fun to walk over and a great photo opportunity. You can then climb some internal stairs to the next floor where there's a cafe where most patrons we're having high tea. It's enclosed by large windows so you can enjoy the view still. If you want to eat here you'll need to book. We just sat for a refreshment whilst taking in the view. You can then climb another set of stairs to another viewing platform. This is partially enclosed by large glass panels, with an opening with netting above your head. Again the views were fantastic and plenty of photo opportunities.

Made a little trip from London. Stayed for couple of days in Portsmouth. Nice and clean city. Travelled around by car. Went around Spinnaker Tower and Outlet Shopping Central.

We have been there on one of our dates. It was amazing, definitely an unique experience and would recommend going up to the top!

We booked for the Christmas Tower Toymaker’s Workshop, it was absolutely fantastic. We were allocated our own elf and she was brilliant with the children. They spent their time writing letters to Father Christmas which they then got to post in his post box in the grotto. They then stuffed their chosen cuddly toy. Included in our visit was an all day pass to the tower, which was well used. Definitely recommend.

From the moment we walked through the door we were greeted with friendliness. Once up the tower the views were amazing, we enjoyed a lovely cuppa in the cafe. The staff were extremely knowledgeable not only about the tower but also the surrounding area. I have been before but the first time for the rest of my family I was travelling with and they were all overwhelmed by the experience.

Brilliant! Super fast lift whisks you up to the observation deck where you have amazing views of the Solent, Portsmouth and surrounding area. Plenty of information to help you identify landmarks. Glass floor is not for the faint hearted but certainly makes you aware of how high you are! Another 60 steps takes you up to the top level for more views. Worth a visit although not sure they needed to try to sell you the green screen pictures really.

I really enjoyed this adventure. The top floor was anticlimactic but still fun. On the way to the 3rd floor, I stopped and read every sign posted on the walls, so it made the last few steps bearable. All the staff were pleasant and very helpful.

An interesting tower where you can have beautiful views of Portmouth water front. Kids will enjoy the glass floor, which you could see through the height.

Spinnaker tower is brilliant once you get to the top! It's a lovely view and I also saw a concert going on when I was up there. I had a look at the telescope and saw lots of things. It is a little bit pricey though. The glass floor is so fun to go on! I definitely recommend this if you have the money.

Took my daughter up there for her bday,Absolutely brilliant and it was Worth the price. However, I recommend buying an annual pass. I do find the meal a bit pricey but I guess with the view, it was well worth the price.

Absolutely beautiful tower and you can see all around Portsmouth and there is plenty of parking space which is both aren't expensive.

Fantastic visit, we’re locals just over the water in Gosport and still always enjoy a visit up the tower, it’s amazing! Haven’t had high tea at the cloud cafe but we do plan to!

Fabulous views across the Solent. Glass floor was great fun and a relaxing cuppa and cake in the Clouds cafe to watch the boats come and go!

Amazing views!!Good prices. Also had lovely coffee and cake.. Must visit

Had afternoon tea. Very good value as ticket price included admission to the tower. Shame the weather let us down as it was very windy and wet. On previous visits the view have been amazing.

Great tower looking over most of Portsmouth. Seems to be a few people going up in it but personally I think the rice is too high just for a good view at £16.25 for adults and £12.85 for kids. Even £15 for pensioners I think is very steep. Still a great place if you can afford it. I think if the price was lower it would attract a lot more people.

I had been given a gift voucher for my birthday for High Tea so was looking forward to our visit. Unfortunately it was a cold misty day but the views were still lovely and the screens were very informative. There was no wait to go up and we didn't have to wait long to go up again for our High Tea. The food was lovely and the staff are very friendly and helpful but what spoilt the experience was the lack of heat. It was freezing in the restaurant and everyone was sat in their coats which is not very comfortable while trying to enjoy our tea. I don't know if this is normal or if they had a problem with their heating but at no point did anyone apologise for the lack of heat so I take it this is normal. It was a shame as it did not make you want to stay and enjoy the views as we were so cold. We did notice the temperature in toilet was 13° which was probably warmer than the restaurant!

We had an amazing experience at Spinnaker tower. We went there for high tea, great hospitality with a beautiful view. Many thanks to Neve for making my birthday so special. I strongly recommend going there for high tea. It is worth it!

My recent visit to Spinnaker Tower left me thoroughly impressed. The panoramic views of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas were breathtaking, offering a unique perspective. The modern architecture and glass floors added an exciting touch to the experience. The staff's professionalism and the well-maintained facilities contributed to a positive visit. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Spinnaker Tower is a must-visit attraction, providing a memorable and enjoyable outing.

Visited with friends. No need to book in advance. The staff were amazing, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The views were spectacular. And the coffee shop is reasonably priced and also worth a visit

Being afraid of heights this was definitely not on my bucket list, but really glad I did. Great views but i chickened out of the glass floor. The staff are really friendly.

It was a great experience, very high up but worth it, I would go again, my sister was with us who is scared of heights ended up fine being that high up, great views only wished we had booked to go in the high tea in the clouds as the afternoon teas looked lovely, good views and the lift was so quick to get up there

Incredible museum a must visit if you don’t have the Ultimate Explore ticket for the Historic Dockyards and are trying to decide which attraction/s to see 😉 Over 3 levels you get a Fantastic view of what remains of the Mary Rose, the ‘top deck’ entered via an air lock lets you take photos without glass in between 👍🏻. As well as the boat herself you can view a large amount of recovered relics and remains of the sailors lost when she went down and amazing details about them…absolutely fascinating. There’s also a great 4D experience at the end, well worth a little wait at busier times, which goes through the history of recovering her. If it is busy you can go back at a quieter time and ask a member of staff to show you ‘the back route’ so you don’t need to navigate the whole museum again. There’s a large gift shop, of course, selling a wide range of souvenirs and gifts…some seemed reasonably priced and some seemed somewhat overpriced, in my opinion…a mug was in the sale for £20, reduced from £25 when I was there 😱 Also a cafe just off the gift shop selling all the usual fare…didn’t try it so can’t comment on quality.

I was skeptical when a friend booked these tickets as something to do outside London but would be worth the 2 hour trip from Victoria station. At £36 a ticket (plus the advanced £20 train ticket), we were all in. And I’m glad we did! I can’t speak so much about it as the surprises were better than knowing. You just need to know that this is King Henry VIII favorite ship. And it was sunk. Then after 450 years they brought it back up an entire side as it was excavated after it was preserved by mud. Games for the kids, loads of information and artifacts. Most importantly, the boat itself! The biggest surprise is the end. A film about the history that end WITH a 3D interactive film experience. Amazing! But not as amazing as seeing this amazing piece of history. Words can’t express how good amazing this boat was. I can’t believe how much of it was salvaged. You will spend ALL DAY here so buying a ticket just for this was best for us. And we still had to rush a bit to make the train back. A memorable day, one I’d highly commend to you!

Great attraction. Very interesting exhibits well laid out. Amazing to think how old it is. The ship itself is so interesting to look at. You see something different every floor you go up.

Absolutely fantastic museum with a very understandable haunting feel to it. The displays are really cleverly done. So much information and so many artifacts. Warning: there are many skeletal remains on display. The coffee and muffins in the cafe were excellent.

Fantastic museum! Photos don't do it justice. If you love your history, you'll love The Mary Rose. Expert staff will guide you along as you explore the skeleton of a Royal warship and soak up the atmosphere. Then there's the the crew of the Mary Rose themselves and the stories they tell. Can't recommend enough. Set aside a few hours though: lots to see.

A most incredible experience ever for an exhibition here in the UK. It's a 4D experience, well worth a look. In fact you will need to allow ample time to experience everything. Highly recommended, it's exceptional.

I loved this place, this was the first time I've seen the Mary Rose dried out!!!! It's an amazing experience, you can see her and the many artifacts recovered on different levels of the museum it is really well laid out, be aware it will be low light because of the ship and no flash photography is allowed, also I would do this museum first it is the furthest away from the entrance but nice to go round before it gets busy

Superb museum, which displays the ship "upright", when I last saw it, it was as recovered (ie on its side). Fairly dark but the lights do change to accentuate different aspects of the ship. The artifacts are very interesting and well displayed. A most excellent museum.

I was so impressed by everything in this museum. The way the ship is displayed, the mirror walkways and the artifact displays. So interesting, so amazing to see. The projections on the ship brought it to life. The staff were chatty and friendly. One came to talk to us as she said, you sound like you are really enjoying the visit, and we had a great conversation about the ship and the museum. The 4d experience is worth watching. I can't fault any of this. How on earth did all of that survive?

Excellent venue for a day trip with lots to see. We visited on a day when there were a low number of other visitors which made for a pleasant tour of HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. Both were excellent with the free audio guide for Victory particularly good. Portsmouth Harbour Station is only a few minutes walk away. We purchased a ticket valid for 12 months so will be back to see the rest of the attractions.

There is so much to see here, and the way it has been set up is exceptional. This is an actual experience, not just a display or anything like that, and best of all for me is it is very easily accessible throughout with level surfaces throughout and large lifts to the different levels. If you are disabled and going with a carer, make sure you state this at the till as carer's get free entry when with you.

We visited for my husband's 40th birthday treat. It was a lovely museum, very interesting, so much to see..nice pace to walk around. For those who struggle with walking and standing long periods of time like my husband and myself, they had a lot of sitting places and you could carry alittle stool around with you.

Amazing interactive museum, very well laid out and the artefacts are just fabulous. It’s very tasteful in its preservation of the souls which we’re found on board and their possessions. If you get a chance to go, then do, expect to be in the museum for a couple of hours and do look around the gift shop. The Mary Rose Trust is a charity and relies on sales and donations.

Fantastic place. I didn't realise the Mary Rose was so big. The team at the museum have done a great job of preserving the ship, and displaying it. Also a great job of displaying all the artifacts. Very informative.

Wow! What a fantastic piece of history. From the start of trying to find it, to what was uncovered, to raising the remains of the ship, just amazing! I loved this display and what they found, and seeing the ship, as well as the videos at the start, and the 4D movie at the end. Wonderful!

What can I say. If I could give it 10 stars I would. I've always wanted to visit here. Did the VIP tour it cost extra. A guy called Bob took us around. Took 2 and half hours. Couldn't fault him. Very good guide . I highly recommend you do this. You get into places not open to the public. Get a free bag at the end of the tour and get 10% discount in shop and cafe.

Had a wonderful time at this museum. I'm a wheelchair user and everything was accessible. The staff were very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, very friendly and extremely helpful. So amazing to see the Mary Rose 42 years after seeing her raised from the seabed on TV. So much information, artefacts and displaying of the actual ship itself is outstanding. If you're a history lover, ship lover, Tudor times lover it's an absolute must see. Be warned it can take you all day just for this one attraction

Great place, full of history, the staff was absolutely lovely and everything is flawless. Lots of things to see and I strongly advise everyone to get the Ultimate pass tickets because you can come back any time during the year and you don’t have to pay again, plus it allows you to see everything in there. I would definitely come back after the HMS Victory is going to be restored. There is a car park nearby.

Fantastic so much to see over so many floors. Really helpful knowledgeable staff. Very good cafe and gift shop.

Family visit, home education. Tuesday, 10am. Museum week laid out with loads to see. Fantastic display of objects and the Mary Rose was amazing to see. We would visit again.

Great experience. We first came here 30+ years ago but now she has her own museum. And access for mobility scooter and wheelchair is no problem, Great place to visit.

Lovely grounds and a huge cathedral. It's a £10 to enter to ensure maintenance is kept up Nice to see an early bible on display and it's well protected and showcased. Jane Austin tomb inside just after the entry on the left. Amazing how massive the cathedral is and how intricate the detailing is. Lots of tour guides on hand to answer any questions - They were super nice. If in Winchester suggest you visit.

Went last minute and arrived around 4.30pm. Closed 6pm in the week. Used local car park, inexpensive only had to pay to 6pm. Circa 40 to 50 stalls I'd guess, friendly lovely atmosphere. Plenty of food and drink options in the centre and lots of toilet options. Lovely pre Christmas experience. Thoroughly enjoyed, even non shopper me 🤣

Oh my goodness! Do yourself a favor and visit the Winchester cathedral! It cost £12.50 to visit but was so worth it! We had a wonderful tour guide (which is included in the cost of admission) and I highly recommend the tours! So informative and they can only scratch on the history of the cathedral. Very cool to see Jane Austen’s burial site. Definitely check out the crypt if it isn’t flooded (which it may be seasonally but we lucked out in January). Also worth visiting the complimentary Exhibit which houses the Winchester Bible and Bishop’s library. Very wonderful experience.

Such a brilliant place to visit. When we reached service was going on and we had free entry inside the cathedral. The choir was fantabulous - enjoyed it. The cathedral itself is a very historical building located close to the town and an architectural marvel. Worth visit. Lots of parking available around the town.

Winchester Cathedral at the heart of Winchester City is a historical but also a very stunning building impossingly stunning the city visitors. The staffs and really amazing in here. They're very welcoming and there are plenty of very lovely volunteers providing guided tours. They also provide activities leaflets for children and their ticket last a whole year so you can go back there on the same ticket all year round. Cannot recommend it enough

My first impressions of Winchester cathedral are just how impressive and absolutely stunning it is. You don't need to know the history of the cathedral to appreciate the design and architecture of this cathedral. I went there 3 days in a row and every day I noticed different parts that I had previously missed. The entrance fee of £10 also acts as a 12 month pass to visit as many times as you like, outstanding value for money. There are also free tours of the cathedral at various times which is very informative. I will definitely be going back several more times over the next 12 months.

We did the guided tower tour at an extra GBP3 and it was well worth it. So much information, a great view from the top and the chance to see behind the scenes. Lots of very narrow stairs though so not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. And take a small bag if at all.

Wonderful, impressive cathedral! We wanted to have just a short glimps and finally stayed over 2 hours! The £ 12.50 entry fee where well worth it!

It's a great place to explore the great history of Winchester. It's really a big church with beautiful art and historic monuments. There is a small garden in front of it and you can spend quality time with your family and friends.

Didn't pay for entry We felt £12.50 was quite a lot for entry and decided not to pay, but we did soon realise how big it was and could see potential justification for why entry was expensive. You can explore a garden and see lots of the architecture without going in. The gift shop is expensive and mostly about the area not just the Cathedral.

What a gorgeous historical place to have a graduation. So we'll organised in a wonderful venue & City. Lovely and Warm we were nice and comfortable during the 90 minutes ceremony. Perfect memories made today in a gorgeous historic building.

Thoroughly enjoyable experience today. Entry fee is good value for money, you can get guided tours too included. Amazing, huge building with lots of history. Friendly staff and guides. Thanks for a lovely visit. Your ticket is also valid for a year but I still thought it was great value for one visit!

This is a must-see place if you are visiting Winchester, the cathedral is fantastic for those that love this type of building. We did the standard cathedral tour including the crypt, our guide was a lovely lady called Angela and she was so good with children and adults and so informative. Two of us then did the Tower Tour, this was amazing and well worth the fee.

Fascinating history and stories around the building. Would thoroughly recommend the guided tour. We also enjoyed the Tower tour, but not for the faint hearted, have a heart or lung problem or you don't like narrow steps or heights. You need at least three full days to get the most out of a visit here. One ticket lasts a full year so your return is feasible. Another exhibit we enjoyed was The Kings and Scribes. Extremely interesting history.

I was incredibly impressed by Winchester cathedral and it is 100% worth the £10 entry. Upon entry we were told a free guided tour would start soon - you should definitely partake in this. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and witty. He took us around the whole cathedral and told us stories and facts about the cathedral, its history, the royals and of Winchester itself. Thank you for having these tours as it really sets the visit apart. The cathedral is stunning architecturally and you can see the different styles as you move throughout the cathedral. There was also an exhibit on which added even more value to the ticket. I would certainly visit again even though it's a 2 hour drive. This is by far the best thing to do in Winchester. The only reason it got 4 stars is because of the toilets - water and mud all over the floor and it smelt like the sanitary bins needed changing.

Wow, what a cathedral. Anyone who is in the vicinity must see it. We were also lucky enough to see the choir rehearsing and we were accompanied by church songs through the huge building. If you are interested in history, you should bring time, as there is a lot to read and learn.

Magnificent bit of architecture, a wonderful cathedral set in the historical town of Winchester. £12.50 for an adult, kids are free. A bit of a museum, art gallery, and tower tours. Gift shop and cafe are in a separate building across the courtyard.

Remarkable building, with fantastic exhibitions and guides, well worth the price of entry and definitely worth checking out. The building remains a functioning church, but in addition it acts as a museum and art gallery. Definitely worth getting the guided tour, and make sure you check out the actual museum section (off to the right hand side towards the back of the church).

The cathedral has been on my bucket list for years. It was great. I did the tour, which made it so much more interesting. It's definitely a must.

Subject: A Tranquil Journey Through Time at Winchester Cathedral I had the pleasure of visiting Winchester Cathedral in August, and the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The cathedral, nestled in the heart of Winchester, captivates both history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Upon entering, the sheer grandeur of the cathedral is immediately apparent. The magnificent architecture, with its towering spires and intricate details, transports you to a bygone era. The breathtaking interior is a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and devotion. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the beautiful chapels within the cathedral. Each one tells a unique story, adorned with stunning stained glass windows and ornate tombs that carry the weight of history. The tranquil ambiance inside creates a sense of reverence, inviting visitors to reflect and appreciate the cultural and religious significance of the site. Winchester Cathedral's famous nave is a marvel in itself. The soaring ceilings and the play of light filtering through the windows create a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for quiet contemplation. The architecture and the artistry on display truly make this cathedral a masterpiece. The guided tour provided valuable insights into the cathedral's rich history. Learning about the notable events that took place within its walls and the prominent figures buried on its grounds added depth to my appreciation of the site. Outside, the cathedral grounds are equally charming. The well-maintained gardens and the close proximity to the city center make it a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling town. In conclusion, my visit to Winchester Cathedral was a journey through time and a feast for the senses. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge seamlessly. I left with a profound appreciation for the dedication and skill of those who contributed to the creation and preservation of this cultural gem. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone seeking a moment of tranquility, Winchester Cathedral is an absolute must-visit.

Amazing place to visit, so much to see and learn about. The Moon was just incredible and seemed so real. Also wonderful to see the Bible dating back over a thousand years. Really helpful, kind staff. The crypt was brilliant. The architecture was just mingling. Your ticket lasts 12 months so you can visit as much as you want for the year.

An impressive place to visit. Lots of interesting historical facts and beautiful interior. Entry £12,50 per adult, but it is worth the price. You can easily spend minimum 2 hours inside if you like history and facts.

I took the Tower Tour. 213 extremly narrow, steep, and uneven stairs to the top. A great view when you get there, especially if you get lucky with the weather. The decent to Ringing Floor (Britain's largest apparently) is probably slightly more challenging (down those same stairs). I have given this tour 5 stars because the guides are excellent and I enjoyed it very much but do be aware that this is not your ordinary climb (and the number of steps is not really the issue)

Incredible building with so much history. Your ticket allows you entry for a full year. Highly recommend the free guided tours from the volunteers, they are very knowledgeable and passionate. Always visit this cathedral whenever I'm in Winchester.

A very interesting building, lots of history. £12.50 per adult, get a guided tour as you will miss most of the interesting stuff. The tickets once purchased are valid for 12 months,so always good for a return visit. I will return the next time i am in Winchester.

Superb & impressive 1000+ year old Cathedral in the center of Winchester. Known to be one of the earliest stone built buildings in the whole of England & Europe. Also there is a museum inside over 3 floors. You can get a free guided tour which is included in the entrance fee. (The entrance fee allows unlimited visits in the year) See images for pricing and opening times. Definitely worth a look. 👀 Cafe, shop and toilets. Parking available in the town at various places

Definitely the best place to visit in Winchester by a hell of a lot, and definitely one of the best cathedrals in the country. The history is incomparable and it's a perfect example of cathedral architecture through time, with everything from Romanesque to Perpendicular Gothic, and modern additions. When I visited it was school holidays, a little bit grey but with blue skies later, and not busy at all (I got pictures from one end to the other without any people in, very rare, even at around 11-12ish). The nave roof is stunning, very similar to that at Norwich, and the west window is like a mosaic of old glass that although isn't perhaps as impressive as others gives off a beautifully clear light and reminds me of the Dean's Eye at Lincoln. The transepts and the crypt are the oldest parts of the building, in their Norman big-bonedness. The crypt was flooded when I was there which I had been desperately hoping for (although it's probably not the best thing for the cathedral building) - it is amazing. I tried to take a (very cautious) step down from the top step of the main viewing platform and realised I couldn't because the water was only just lower than it - it was very high. But it's beautiful - the statue is reflected perfectly. I'd love to see it unflooded as well and take the crypt tour around to the other side. The choir is lovely under the crossing, another beautiful ceiling with a helpful mirror to look up. I couldn't see any miserichords but I'm sure there were some - I did find a little finial with a funny looking guy on it who was pretty cool. The roof screen is one of the highlights - every little niche has it's own carved vault, many statues all life sized and with tiny details you can't even make out, and so many other little touches that make it an absolute masterpiece of Mediaeval and Victorian craftsmanship. The area behind is closed off but you can get around into the retrochoir with the tomb of St. Swithin which is lovely and some gorgeous chapels with lovely ceilings. There's a little section of ceiling between the end of the aisles and the retrochoir's first arch where it goes diagonal and the vault becomes really strange and wonky which I adore - a very inelegant solution to a problem that's created a beautiful little detail. Another highlight was the Kings & Scribes exhibition - it's great to get up into the triforium without a tour. The bottom floor has the Winchester Bible which is very beautiful, the video explaining how they made it is probably not the best for some people (like vegans - it's written on calfskins) but is very interesting. There's a lot of effort put in there. Upstairs you can go inside the library where you can look, on a screen, inside some of the manuscripts, which have some graffiti and other cool little things. There's also a really interesting bit about the mortuary chests where they found the bones of ancient kings, and how they figured out who they are - they're unsure but they've put in a hell of a lot of effort - I watched most of the video on display which was interesting, and loved the interactive screens that went through the science of it. On the top floor there's windows through into the nave aisles' rooves, which are very dark but cool to see, a large balcony over the transept which offers stunning views of the crossing, an exhibition about the building of the cathedral, and another exhibition about the monks' lives which was also good. Loved the bit about the cathedral, and the views too. The café and shop are also very good - had a lovely panini, good loos. here's also a statue outside the café of the diver who saved the cathedral - very much worth a read, and there's a pub named after him nearby. It's also worth going along the south side because you walk through the buttresses along the wall which makes for great pictures, especially in the golden hour. So, I highly recommend a visit to Winchester Cathedral. It's simply wonderful. I'll have to come back to take a crypt tour, and the tower tour which I didn't take because I did one at Salisbury.