The castle is lovely and grounds are absolutely stunning. Although the structure and landscaping…read moreare lovely, our tour guide felt the need to weave her strong political views into most topics. Examples would be regarding a pitcher/jug that is displayed in one of the glass cases. She said the pitcher "should not be here" and if she had her way "it would be returned" because it was "stolen from a masque." She also said when referring to Dr. Edward Jenner being the first to develop a successful vaccination for small pox that "it really is a question if he were the first." She said he barely beat Africa and Turkey in this world altering vaccine. To which doctors to whom was she referring to in Africa or Turkey? She made a comment of, " My grandfather always said, 'Whatever horrible acts done have been done have been done by the English first.' and I firmly believe this." She was also railing against the decisions of the monarchs before the addition of the parliament. Then she went on to say she wished she could get rid of the current government. A guide should concentrate on the facts and remove biases. It is quite distracting and unnecessary.

What can you say about one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world which is still owned by the…read moresame family from 900 years ago. You have to go. Its where Edward II was murdered with a red hot poker up his fundament .

I was really looking forward to this attraction and it didn't disappoint. Plan to spend a few hours…read morehere and if possible, arrive hungry because they have a great restaurant and coffee cafe on site. Not to mention a fun gift shop that features brilliant children's toys, clothing and local artisan food treats like cheese, baked goods and snacks. There were so many things I loved about this stop. From interacting with the goats, sheep, cows, baby piglets (four days old!) to learning about the heritage breeds and surrounding countryside, this farm is full of educational opportunities and spots for kiddos to stretch their legs throughout. I especially appreciated the indoor sandbox , soft climbing space and interactive chick display. Several of the animals could also be found inside for up close experiences like rabbits, goats, and calves. The inner farm girl in me was soaking in every minute of the experience. Expect to pay around 15 pounds per adult for your visit. Note that they also have rustic (teepee/camping) accommodations available on site.

We stayed in the Cotswolds for 4 days, and we needed stuff to entertain our 4 year old. We saw a…read morebrochure for this place in our hotel, and it looked promising. The only problem was that we had not rented a car, and public tranportation didn't run out that way, so we had to take a taxi. No big deal. The man was very nice and promised to come back and pick us up at 5pm, when the park closed. This place is owned by a local TV celebrity (although of course we didn't know who he was). The park is all about conservation of rare breeds of animals and farming. For Americans, this place is kind of like a big pumpkin patch (that you visit in the fall), but without the pumpkins. There are little rides for the children, lots of animals, and even a corn maze. There's also a gift shop.

A nice if hilly place for a walk. Located in the lovely village of West Wycombe which is…read moreunsurprisingly west of High Wycombe. There is free parking and plenty of good walking paths.

I've been visiting California Country Park since I was a small child, and I still find it as…read morebreathtaking as I ever did. The forest is enchanting, with ferns and moss clearings, the nature trails are incredible, winding through the hidden bogs and woodland, and the lake is beautiful, teeming with fish and birds. Bring the children to feed the swans, meet the baby ducklings and play in the log themed playground, complete with zip line and a paddling pool in the summer. Have a cup of coffee, slice of cake or ice cream at Jackson's Cafe, and wander the park, breathing in the fresh air of true nature. It is one of my favourite places in the world, I hope you enjoy it just as much.

One of Birmingham's lesser known parks, and all the better for it, if you ask me! We really are…read moreblessed / spoiled over in the south of the city when it comes to parks - there seems to be one every few hundred yards - from large, countryside-equse open spaces like Warley Woods and the Lickeys, to ornate urban parks like Cannon Hill Park. This place is a little of both - the large open space that dominates it provides a lovely respite from the bustle of Harborne, and the gardens that border it are well kept and a legacy of the park's Victorian roots. A great little park - much recommended!

Queens Park is one of Birmingham's best parks in my opinion, its very secluded and not very known…read moreabout and all the better for it! We don't have many great outdoor spaces in Harborne so its a great place for young children, teenagers and adults too. Its has a great open large space, people come here to play football, tennis (has 2 tennis courts), basketball (has a basketball court). Has a playground area for young children. Very popular with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. Ive been here day and night and never had any trouble, the gardens are well kept and very pretty in every season. There is 2 car parks available on site which is free, space available for disabled vehicles too. A great little park!

Continuing my evening stroll took me Montpellier Gardens. There's plenty of grass for a picnic and…read moreplaying a sport with friends. There's also a little cafe with some a children's play area. What impressed me the most was a bouldering place, where you can climb over and around. Really soft matting and a structure to test the best of climbers to improve their smaller manoeuvres.

Streamleaze road park is great for the little ones ,some swings ,a slide , rope climb etc all…read moreenclosed and gated