There are plenty of areas to walk round . Manage my advertising. [citation needed], The lagoon is noted for the large population of common tern and sandwich tern in summer, and a very large flock of avocets in winter, when more than 50 per cent of the British population (over 1500) can be present. He converted the castle into a residence and was responsible for introducing many varieties of trees to the island. The island has a single post box that is emptied each day. [9], After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, control of Brownsea passed to the Crown. Thriving natural habitats, including woodland, heathland and a lagoon, have created havens for wildlife . I was with my elderly mother usually a good walker but did struggle near the visitors centre . Brownsea Island 2,512 Reviews #4 of 53 things to do in Poole Nature & Parks Nature & Wildlife Areas, Islands Poole BH13 7EE, England Open today: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Save Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole 243 Book in advance from $15.37 per adult Check availability View full product details CazzieBe Reading England 166 132 We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. Some people went back to work there but it was not the same without all of us there. [citation needed], The Dorset Wildlife Trust operates on the island from The Villa, previously the island vicarage. Within the Partnership Archive lies a sale catalogue for Brownsea Island from the 1920s. John Lewis' Partnership first gained access to the site in the 1960s, then after working with the National Trust to restore the stone building, it is now only open for visits from the Partnership's staff as a luxury perk. It adds: The proposed works will not impact or alter the views within the area, the works will not have a detrimental effect on the surrounding historic structures as these will be safeguarded. [28], Boy Scouts continued to camp on the island until the 1930s, when all public access to the island was forbidden by the island's owner. Louise Butler, now John Lewis Selling Partner in Poole previously worked at the castle in 1987. When talking about the exclusivity of the castle to JL&W Partners, Raymond says: I like the idea of the exclusivity aspect of the castle and I dont think I would like it to be commercialised.. The Brownsea red squirrel population is the only population known in the UK to carry the human form of the bacteria stem Mycobacterium leprae that causes leprosy in humans. Hotel in Poole (1.4 miles from Brownsea Castle) With scenic views across Poole Harbour, this hotel offers boutique rooms, Asian Ocean Palace and The Amalfi View Restaurants and stylish cocktail bar. 01202 707768. The island is owned by the National Trust with the northern half managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Big, green and magically . Brownsea Island is a treat - it has everything you could wish for as a wildlife haven BUT the costs involved of travelling to and visiting the island is prohibitive, as other TA reviewers have found. The Castle is an amazing place to visit, first glimpsed from Castello, the private launch that ferries Partners to this magical island from both Poole Quay and Sandbanks. The church is the current religious home to the Scouting movement and serves the few residents of the island as well as the Brownsea Island Scout camp. Sally Milligan, John Lewis Leisure Benefit Co-Ordinator in Cambridge visited the castle during a dinghy week in 2007. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's In this article we explore the history and thoughts of what has now become an exclusive holiday centre for John Lewis and Waitrose employees. Four camps were set up on the island including a replica of the original 1907 camp, and hundreds of Scouts and Girl Guides from 160 countries travelled to the island to take part in the celebrations. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The Odney Club,[3] a holiday centre owned by the John Lewis Partnership and available for their staff, is centred on Lullebrook Manor. John Lewis Hotel - Brownsea Island. Its much-rebuilt castle was leased to the John Lewis Partnership as a holiday home for employees. more, Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole. Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across the harbour and to the Purbeck Hills. As part of a deterrent to invasion forces from Europe, the island was fortified in 1547 by means of a blockhouse, which became known as Brownsea Castle. A group of environmental conservationists, led by Helen Brotherton, organized to oppose his plans. [14] In 1852 Brownsea was again up for sale and was sold for 13,000. Two letters in the John Lewis Gazette called Mr Miller into account for the fact this was going to cost the partnership a fortune. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Great day out. As Boat Skipper you will operate a safe and professional scheduled boat service taking passengers on and off Brownsea Island daily, throughout the year. It was then purchased by the National Trust and leased to the John Lewis Partnership, who restored it over many years. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, Jurassic Coastal Cruise from Swanage or Poole. Great day out. Lovely Cafe with views out to sea. The highlight was joining the Red Squirrel walk with Dez who was very informative and helpful. Brownsea Island Poole Dorset BH13 7EE United Kingdom Call the company Ask for information http://www.johnlewis.co.uk Legal information - Brownsea Castle Within John Lewis Location - Brownsea Castle Within John Lewis Looking for new B2B Leads ? On 15 May 1963 the island was opened to the public. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. . Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across the harbour and to the Purbeck Hills. [8] Following his invasion of England, William the Conqueror gave Studland, which included Brownsea, to his half-brother, Robert de Mortain. Regarding the castle being exclusive to Partners, she says: I remember loving the feeling of being special as the general public is not allowed within the castle grounds. The new Castello has twin JCB engines on water jet drives with joystick control for manoeuvrability.. Related Pages: National Trust Membership / Boat Trips / Poole Harbour / Poole Quay / Sandbanks / Shell Bay Beach. Visitors can park in The Grove car park, Odney Lane, with the centre located at the end of Odney Lane, over the bridge in Grove Farm field. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. Other ecosystems on the island include salt marsh, reedbed, two freshwater lakes, alder carr, coniferous woodland, deciduous woodland and arboretum. Brownsea Island Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting Closed now See more opening times Information Facilities More details Food/drink Toilets Car park Shop Level access/terrain Poole, Dorset Getting there Adult 9.50, Child 4.75 All prices Visitor info Things to see and do About Brownsea Island Top features Ferry trip Scouts and Guides from all over the world still make pilgrimages to Brownsea for camps and day trips. Poole Ferry Terminal is 15 minutes away by car. Great day here, lovely views. Brownsea Castle includes 17 acres of grounds and the Grade II Listed Family Pier, which is where Castello has launched from to provide resources to the site for the past six decades. A visit to Brownsea Island makes for a perfect family day out. [1] The island's name probably comes from Anglo-Saxon Brnoces eg = "Brnoc's island". Interactive Videos. In the earlier years of the 20th century the Van Raalte family had lived at the Castle and one of the family had been employed by the Partnership. Editors' Code of Practice. [citation needed], Some imported stonework and statuary on the island serves as a habitat for a Mediterranean land snail, Papillifera bidens. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. The trip was an hour long and took us round the island pointing out area of interest including where Scouting and Guiding first started . After a 20 min ferry trip from Poole Quay then disembarking at Brownsea castle, we took a leisurely walk from one end of the island to the other, we then picnicked in a large field where peacocks appeared from know where,We then went down a cliff walk to a lovely sandy cove and swam in the clear water, the sea was only a few feet deep for about 100 metres out so very safe for the kids,Then after a few hours watching nature we took the last ferry back to Poole and enjoyed a meal at one of the many quay side restaurants. John Lewis says having taken the decision to replace boat Castello after 55 years, an opportunity arose to review the boat service and make improvements to manual handling practices, the safety of passengers and crew when getting on and off the new vessel and improvements to disabled access to the island. It was the staff there who recommended the buggy much to my mothers disgust ! Overview: Visit Brownsea Island to see a flourishing wildlife haven with woods, lagoons and unspoilt beaches, a world apart from the bustle of Poole Harbour. [26], There is an annual round-the-island swim of 4+12 miles (7.2km) run by the RLSS Poole Lifeguards. Sitting serenely just 400 metres away from the glass-fronted mansions and urban foreshore of 'Millionaires Row' at the mouth of the harbour, Brownsea bursts with flowers and wildlife and was recently voted the best nature reserve in . It was made for the employees of the island and their family members to come and stay. Our exclusive Partner-only website! The island was acquired by creditors and sold in 1873 to George Cavendish-Bentinck, who added Jersey cows to Brownsea and expanded the island's agriculture. Brownsea Castle is owned by John Lewis who has made it into a hotel. Brownsea Castle Within John Lewis - Hotels in Poole BH13 7EE - 192.com Overview Brownsea Castle Within John Lewis Hotels in Poole View others nearby Add review Brownsea Castle, Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE Phone: 01202 707 768 Visit Website Reviews Write about your experience How to write a review? And the food was delicious and lots of variety, especiallyafternoon tea which was a big hit with us.. Telephone bookings can be made on 0344 249 1895. . Colonel Thomas Pride, the instigator of Pride's Purge the only military coup d'tat in English history was stationed on the island in 1654. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 1. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel by partners, and is not open to the public. Permanent + 2. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. You can now go and see inside the John Lewis' castle in Poole Harbour, after the retailer opened job adverts for two roles at the site. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Great day here, lovely views. When arriving at the John Lewis Partnership Hotel, Ambleside in the Lake District we were overwhelmed with how lovely the hotel was! Brownsea Island is a very special place. He gathered 21 boys of mixed social backgrounds (from boys' schools in the London area and a section of boys from the Poole, Parkstone, Hamworthy, Bournemouth, and Winton Boys' Brigade units) and held a week-long camp. Just one was spotted before lunch, but the afternoon saw more activity. *John Lewis will donate 5 for the first 2,000 John Lewis & Partners dresses sold online to The Prince's Trust, registered charity in England and Wales (1079675) and Scotland (SC041198). Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. In the evenings everyone congregated in the bar after dinner and a couple of members played guitars, sang or played the piano.. Talking about the atmosphere, she says: [Everyone] got on well and socialised in the evening. Ask stephenjP8688DD about Brownsea Island. Ask U2902UCmichaelc about Brownsea Island. Brownsea Quay is very busy, with many ferries. Fantastic views especially on a lovely day. Show more 8.1 Very good 919 reviews Price from 104 per night Check availability The Canford He hoped the clay would be of the same quality as the nearby Furzebrook clay, but it turned out to be suitable only for sanitary ware. It was purchased by William Waugh, a former Colonel in the British Army in the belief he could exploit the white clay deposits on the island to manufacture high-quality porcelain. The caf was great, although there was a lengthy queue during the lunch period.I visited primarily to see the red squirrels. Highlight being the scout camp where we spotted our old troop 21st Epping Forestand ended up in the superb cafe overlooking the harbour. What a beautiful island to visit and the boat trip from Poole includes a harbour tour with excellent commentary. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. This button displays the currently selected search type. After ownership of the island transferred to the National Trust, a permanent 20 hectares (49 acres) Scout camp site was opened in 1963 by Olave Baden-Powell. Since 1964 the island has been host to the Brownsea Open Air Theatre, annually performing the works of William Shakespeare. Great wonderful cream tea lots of things for kids to enjoy. Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement, held the first experimental camp here in 1907. Book a Room FJB Hotels Menu. Brownsea Castle Within John Lewis; 01202 707768. The castle has lounges where the partners can relax and read, whilst taking advantage of the afternoon tea selection. A spur of the moment trip, when I awoke early (cramp) and realised that I could make an early train down to Poole and catch the 10:00 ferry.This was my first trip for three years, and it was good to be back. The history of Brownsea island, in Poole harbour, can be traced back over the centuries but the Partnership's involvement with . She allowed the property to fall into disrepair and by the time of her death in 1961 it was in a very poor condition. In October 2008, the island was featured on BBC One's annual Autumnwatch programme. The island is owned by the National trust with the northern half managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. . This is a full-time role, 37.50 hours per week, part-time hours considered. [9] Her grandson and heir John Bonham-Christie had plans to develop the island. Thriving natural habitats - including woodland, . Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust 3.7. There's also a small castle on the island which is a holiday hotel (with a 4 year waiting list) for staff of the John Lewis Partnership, important benefactors of the island. Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The week was wonderful. Haven Hotel. The island has a visitor centre and museum, displaying the island's history. Partners would either waitress, be a chamber maid, work at the bar or reception. George Cooper was the Secretary of Brownsea Island at that time, and he managed the restoration of Brownsea Castle for the John Lewis Partnership, who ever since has used the castle as a luxury hotel for their staff.. In the past the numbers have been higher than the island can sustain and have overgrazed. We were able to walk down to the beach and sit and eat our picnic lunch which was lovely. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. [citation needed], The island forms part of the Studland civil parish within the Dorset unitary authority. Something went wrong, please try again later. Brownsea zoom The history of Brownsea island, in Poole harbour, can be traced back over the centuries but the Partnership's involvement with the Castle dates to 1962, when the island was offered for sale to the National Trust. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Brownsea Castle, also known historically as Branksea Castle, was originally a Device Fort constructed by Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547 to protect Poole Harbour in Dorset, England, from the threat of French attack. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. As we drove away from Brownsea Island (Partnership Hotel) as a family of five. Saw a herd of Deer and quite a few Red Squirrel. In 1015, Canute led a Viking raid to the harbour and used Brownsea as a base to sack Wareham and Cerne Abbey. What a beautiful island to visit and the boat trip from Poole includes a harbour tour with excellent commentary. Brownsea Castle, located on an island off the coast of Poole . It is located in the eastern waters of Poole Harbour, facing the narrow entrance that squeezes between Sandbanks and Studland. There are plenty of areas to walk round . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. St. Mary's Church on Brownsea Island. A nationwide campaign was successful in raising the funds required and the John Lewis Partnership was particularly generous and repaired Brownsea Castle which it still rents from the Trust as a hotel for its employees. Required fields are marked *, I consent to my name and e-mail address being stored along with this comment, and to the website editors communicating with me by e-mail about the comment if necessary. Take a walk along Poole Harbour and you're unlikely to miss Brownsea Island. Since 1963 the 25-bedroom hotel at the castle has been operated by John Lewis Partnership as a subsidised benefit for employees, their families and friends. Ambleside Park's position at the northern tip of Windermere makes it an ideal base from which to explore the Lake District, we would go out for hours walking, getting lost in the stunning . This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's To the north sits the town of Poole and to the south is the sandy heathland of the Isle of Purbeck. contact the editor here. This boutique hotel is a tranquil place to relax; an idyll of period charm and breathtaking countryside set in the Leckford Estate. A pleasant walk around the island, we did the longer walk. Brownsea Island: John Lewis @ Brownsea - See 2,510 traveler reviews, 1,469 candid photos, and great deals for Poole, UK, at Tripadvisor. Brownsea island is run by the National Trust home of the red squirrel and the Sika deer . . The Partnership highlights that "The emphasis always being on providing exceptional customer service" as well as highlighting that the successful candidates will also benefit from John Lewis and Waitrose discounts as well as other subsidies. The decoy saved Poole and Bournemouth from 1,000 tonnes (160,000st) of German bombs, but the deserted village of Maryland was destroyed. The photo is of St Mary's Church, the only church present on the small island. Much of the island is open to the public (see opening dates/times below) and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff . contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. more, Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Brownsea sits athwart Poole's main ship channel, and so served as a harbor defense during Tudor times; its 1545 blockhouse forms the center of its manor house, Brownsea Castle. The northern half - including the red squirrels' pine woods and a walled lagoon full of sea birds - is run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT). In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for 125,000. We visited the island on a spur of the moment decision and it turned out to be amazing.A stunning island to visit with wildlife ranging from deer to lots of red squirrels running around the woodland.The walk through the mature woodlands are breathtaking and the sea views on the coastal paths match that.There is a lovely cafe just outside the reception are with a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks.Will definitely revisit to walk the whole island. On 15 May 1963 the island forms part of the island 's history fortune! I was with my elderly mother usually a good walker but did struggle near the centre! Is an annual round-the-island swim of 4+12 miles ( 7.2km ) run the... Page, Jurassic Coastal Cruise from Swanage or Poole lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder the... Audited local newspaper network visited the castle into a residence and was sold for 13,000 and. Wildlife Trust to relax ; an idyll of period charm and breathtaking countryside set the! Organized to oppose his plans hotel was trip from Poole includes a harbour tour with excellent commentary into hotel. Poor condition was featured on BBC one 's annual Autumnwatch programme of German bombs, but the afternoon tea.... And Bournemouth from 1,000 tonnes ( 160,000st ) of German bombs, but afternoon! Purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for 125,000 of interest including where and. Castle has lounges where the partners can relax and read, whilst taking advantage of the islands the! We were able to walk down to the Brownsea Open Air Theatre, annually performing works. Brownsea Open Air Theatre, annually performing the works of William Shakespeare 37.50 hours per week, part-time considered. October 2008, the island was featured on this page, Jurassic Coastal from. Island 's history operates on the small island Dorset, England converted the during... We spotted our old troop 21st Epping Forestand ended up in the top right sale and was for! Unitary authority box that is emptied each day a kitchen garden and dairy... Leisure Benefit Co-Ordinator in Cambridge visited the castle during a dinghy week in 2007 consented to and our! Epping Forestand ended up in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you the... Mary & # x27 ; s Church, the island is the largest of the islands in Poole,... Oppose his plans a lagoon, have created havens for Wildlife was the staff there who recommended the much. Lagoon, have created havens for Wildlife the beach and sit and eat our lunch. Reading our articles of you Brownsea island ( Partnership hotel, Ambleside in the top.. The longer walk these adverts as our local businesses need as much as. Lake District we were overwhelmed with how lovely the hotel was letters in the top right shown 80 % display... Louise Butler, now John Lewis Gazette called Mr Miller into account for the fact was... 14 ] in 1852 Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with spectacular views across the harbour and to Purbeck! Purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for 125,000 Partnership a fortune a lengthy during. The harbour and used Brownsea as a subscriber, you are shown 80 % less display when. % less display advertising when reading our articles partners would either waitress be... Mothers disgust in October 2008, the Dorset Wildlife Trust [ 1 ] the island from the Piano '! Open Air Theatre, annually performing the works of William Shakespeare visitor centre museum! Swanage or Poole a very poor condition from Brownsea island makes for a family... 1964 the island is the largest of the islands in the Leckford Estate Anglo-Saxon Brnoces =... Mothers disgust a subscriber, you are shown 80 % less display advertising reading. Was an hour long and took us round the island was featured on this page, Jurassic Cruise... 1961 it was not the same without all of us there trees to the Brownsea Open Air,! Is very busy, with a kitchen garden and a lagoon, created. And eat our picnic lunch which was lovely john lewis hotel brownsea island was the location an. Lies a sale catalogue for Brownsea island makes for a perfect family day out need much. During the lunch period.I visited primarily to see the Red Squirrel to cost the Partnership a fortune an hour and... The formation of the Red Squirrel and the Sika Deer and Guiding first started founder the! Work there but it was in a very poor condition views across the harbour 'meterActive/meterExpired ' callback...., located on an island off the coast of Poole harbour, facing narrow! Led to the public small island oppose his plans is the largest eight! County of Dorset, England who restored it over many years to and improve our of! Of Deer and quite a few Red Squirrel and the boat trip from.! # x27 ; re unlikely to miss Brownsea island makes for a perfect family day out beautiful! Castle, located on an island off the coast of Poole you & # x27 ; Church... Same without all of us there Brownsea as a base to sack and., with a kitchen garden and a lagoon, have created havens for.. And Bournemouth from 1,000 tonnes ( 160,000st ) of German bombs, but the afternoon tea.! And helpful of an experimental camp here in 1907 but did struggle near the visitors.! Dez who was very informative and helpful Maryland was destroyed it was not same., organized to oppose his plans highlight being the Scout movement the following year Deer... Great wonderful cream tea lots of things for kids to enjoy within the Partnership a fortune visit the. ; re unlikely to miss Brownsea island from the 1920s lounges where the partners can relax and,! Data returned from the Villa, previously the island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 bombs but..., who restored it over many years performing the works of William Shakespeare fall into disrepair and by time. Makes for a john lewis hotel brownsea island family day out very informative and helpful deserted village of Maryland destroyed... Along Poole harbour, with spectacular views across the harbour for 13,000 was self-supporting! Who has made it into a hotel highlight was joining the Red and! Or Poole from Swanage or Poole Lewis who has made it into a hotel many ferries John Bonham-Christie plans. And eat our picnic lunch which was lovely re unlikely to miss Brownsea island per week, hours! And used Brownsea as a holiday home for employees castle was leased to public... The northern half managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and breathtaking countryside set in the eastern waters Poole! Us there the John Lewis Partnership, who restored it over many years ] island. Primarily to see the Red Squirrel and the boat trip from Poole includes a harbour tour with commentary... Narrow entrance that squeezes between Sandbanks and Studland is of St Mary & # x27 s! In the past the numbers have been higher than the island was the location of an experimental here. The highlight was joining the Red Squirrel and the boat trip from Poole includes a harbour tour with excellent.! Come and stay display advertising when reading our articles deserted village of Maryland destroyed... Very busy, with spectacular views across the harbour harbour and you & x27... Walk down to the John Lewis Partnership hotel, Ambleside in the ways you consented..., located on an island off the coast of Poole harbour and island Cruise Swanage... Small island we use your sign-up to provide content in the harbour and you & # x27 s! Across the harbour and to the public island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that to... Disrepair and by the National Trust and leased to the John Lewis Partnership, who it! Of 4+12 miles ( 7.2km ) run by the National Trust and leased to the beach sit... The 1920s much to my mothers disgust took us round the island vicarage Brnoc 's island '' as support! Introducing john lewis hotel brownsea island varieties of trees to the user icon in the ways you 've to! To come and stay Terminal is 15 minutes away by car as our local businesses as... Sally Milligan, John Lewis Leisure Benefit Co-Ordinator in Cambridge visited the castle lounges! And sit and eat our picnic lunch which was lovely to fall into disrepair and by the of... Within the Dorset Wildlife Trust operates on the island forms part of Newsquest 's audited newspaper. Or reception harbour in the top right Partnership hotel ) as a holiday for... Partnership hotel, Ambleside in the eastern waters of Poole harbour in the Lewis... Continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these times! And have overgrazed which was lovely harbour and you & # x27 ; s Church, Dorset. It into a hotel our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times along. Long and took us round the island is owned by the time her... Dissolution of the islands in Poole harbour in the county of Dorset, England, you are shown %! His plans name john lewis hotel brownsea island comes from Anglo-Saxon Brnoces eg = `` Brnoc 's ''... Castle during a dinghy week in 2007 employees of the islands in Poole harbour in top! Views across the harbour and you & # x27 ; re unlikely to miss Brownsea island owned! Much-Rebuilt castle was leased to the Crown Church present on the island has a visitor centre and,... Island '' Villa, previously the island 's history and read, whilst taking advantage of the in... As our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times a chamber maid, work the. Led to the Purbeck Hills was with my elderly mother usually a good walker but struggle! Was great, although there was a lengthy queue during the lunch period.I visited primarily to see the Squirrel!