Days out with Kids

The Mary Rose fought in many actions over a distinguished career of 35 years before sinking in 1545. This famous Tudor warship lay for 450 years under the seabed before being raised in 1982. The Mary Rose is the only preserved 16th Century warship in the world.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary was established in 1987 to provide a safe, permanent home for any donkey in distress or otherwise in need of care and attention.

Public support for the charity\'s work has enabled the sanctuary to help over 200 donkeys gain a better quality of life and provide a peaceful environment for them to enjoy the rest of their days.

Registered Charity No. 1001061

Web: www.donksanc.demon.co.uk

Experience steam trains from a bygone age through spectacular countryside where you have a chance to see deer, birds of prey, heron, kingfishers and even otters. Edwardian style tearoom and well-stocked shops complete a great day out for the whole family.

Web: www.wllr.org.uk

Skipton is one if the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England. View the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and Privy. Climb from the depths of the Dungeon to the top storey of the Watch Tower.

With over 900 years of history the whole family can enjoy a wonderful day out.

Web: www.skiptoncastle.co.uk

Talyllyn Railway is an historic narrow-gauge steam railway, set in the beautiful Mid-Wales countryside. Running from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. A great day out for the whole family.

The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

This is a great place for a family visit. It is of interest to children and all age groups. Recently voted the best childrens' attraction in Yorkshire.

Warwick Castle offers you a thousand years of history, a fabulous day out for the whole family.

Visit the dungeons where a prisoners fate was to be forgotten forever! The Armoury contains over 1000 pieces from all over Europe. The castle boasts beautiful staterooms and a chapel full of exquisite furnishings dating back to the 17th century. Walk through the magnificent gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. Events organised throughout the year include jousting, knights fighting and lots more.

Open every day except Christmas day.

Facilities: Restaurants, picnic area, open air barbecue, gift shops, disabled access.

Web: www.warwick-castle.com

The Tank Museum houses the world's largest and finest collection of Armoured Fighting vehicles from unique WW1 tanks to the latest main battle tank of the British Army - Challenger.

A World of Wildlife awaits you where a fun-filled interactive approach will ensure the most memorable day out. Take a journey of discovery to experience at close quarters an abundance of tame and exotic wildlife in acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Solent.

Email: [email protected]

Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill are situated at Wookey Hole in the beautiful Somerset Mendip Hills, in South West England.

Web: www.wookey.co.uk

A truly memorable wildlife experience for all the family. A former chalk quarry, near Tring in Buckinghamshire, this reserve has been transformed into a thriving centre for wildlife and supports more than 1,000 species. It boasts panoramic views of the surrounding farmland and Chiltern hills and has become a haven for many migrating birds.

Visitor facilities: visitor centre with displays on geology, wildlife gardening, bee-keeping, the Arable Weed Project and farming, farming museum, numerous bird hides by the lakeside and high on the hillsides, live animals including chickens, guinea pigs and our two Highland cattle. Surfaced car park. Open 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays). No dogs please.

Built by the Medieval Princes of Upper Powys and the ancestral home of the Herbert family since 1587. The castle itself houses the Clive Museum (Clive of India) and also contains a wealth of fine furniture and paintings.

Compton Acres is a 10 acre site with twelve individual gardens offering one of the most varied selections of gardens in one place anywhere in Europe.

Compton Acres\' model railway - opened in November 2002 - will be of interest to visitors of all ages. Sited in a separate and dedicated building 1,200ft.of track has been laid with 15 trains - both steam and modern - running through a variety of landscapes.

Visit Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve, owned by the National Trust, the major attraction in the Norfolk Broads. The picturesque harbour is used for recreational sailing and you can take daily trips to the Nature Reserve you can see a colony of common and grey seals and many varieties of birds.

Seal Trips and Ferries to Blakeney Point
Bishops' Boats Seal Trips Tel. 01263 740753
Temples Seal Trips Tel. 01263 740791
Beans Boat Trips Tel. 01263 740505

A Museum of social life, not too far back in the past, grown from the Nunn family's private collection. The Museum Buildings and Engine Houses contain a huge display of Woodworking, Plumbing, Cooper's, Tin and Blacksmith's tools; over 100 different Animal Traps and Taxidermy items; a Wartime Secton with leaflets, cards and recipes; Book Binding area; Horse Harness and much much more.

Sutton Mill is Britain’s tallest windmill. Built over 200 years ago, you can see the complete milling machinery, four sets of millstones, sack hoist and nine floors.

See a collection of different breeds of draft horses together with a number of breeds of ponies some of which have foals that are also on display. We also have a display of horse-drawn machinery wagons and other implements some in working order forming a fascinating collection from the pre-war horse era.

Daily activities are organised as well as special events throughout the year.

Penrhyn Castle is an extravagant example of early 19th century neo-Norman architecture. Among its fascinating features are a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and a spectacular Grand Staircase. The castle boasts one of the best art collections in Wales, paintings include Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Canaletto.

rhyn’s 45 acres of grounds include parkland, wooded walks and a Victorian walled garden with many exotic trees and shrubs. The gardens offer stunning views of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. The stable block, houses two railway museums, doll museum, two exhibition galleries and shop.

Located on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight the Botanic Garden has exotic plants, trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world displayed in a series of temperate and sub-tropical gardens.

Last used for milling in the 1950's, the mill is at the end of a massive rebuilding and restoration project, which took over ten years to complete. It is now established as a museum and as the only working mill on the River Ver.

A great place to visit, Croft illustrates the turbulent history of this part of England. The essentially defensive exterior contrasts with the comfortable and decorative state rooms inside. Most date from the 18th century and there are fine plasterwork ceilings, rare furniture and family portraits. A walled garden and a fantastic avenue of 350-year-old Spanish chestnuts are added attractions.

We're by far the oldest established walking tour firm in London and with over 35 years in the business we're confident we've got it right. In practice that means an astonishing variety of routes, utter reliability, and - most important of all - superb guides. To go on a walk, meet your guide and fellow walkers on the pavement immediately outside the designated Underground station at the time stated. The walks last about two hours and take place rain or shine. Each walk ends at or near a London Underground station.

Formerly a medieval priory, Newstead is a beautiful historic house set in magnificent gardens and parkland extending over 300 acres.

Newstead is best known as the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron. Visit Byron's own apartments, including important manuscripts and letters. Take a guided tour through the haunted Abbey's dark passages. Beautiful gardens including the Japanese garden, Spanish Garden and Rose Wood.

Facilities include restaurant, tea rooms, gift shop and children's play area

The Ragdoll Shop is the home of Tots TV, Teletubbies, Rosie and Jim and Brum. You can watch your favourite Ragdoll programmes on a replica of the Ragdoll boat and see yourself in the Tots TV secret house. Operate the control panel and play on the slide in the Teletubbies play area or have a ride on Brum or the Noo-noo. Call for more information.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns in Suffolk provides a delightful place to visit to watch, study or simply enjoy the company of Owls and other birds of prey.

There are over 60 raptors at the Centre, all housed in spacious aviaries and flying free in narrated flying displays or demonstrations. You will also find at the Raptor Trust Hospital, an information centre about Owls, picnic areas and plenty of activities for children, plus the famous Owl Barn Gift Shop at Stonham.

The Sanctuary opens daily from 10.30am to late afternoon, 7 days a week. Flying demonstrations and talks take place up throughout the day from March to October.

Web: www.the-owl-barn.com/bbop/info.html

Come rain or shine there\'s lots to see and do! Your tour starts when you collect your helmet and lamp. Then ride the cage 450 feet underground, exploring a hidden world with local miner as your guide.A chance to see what mining life was really like. See mining conditions from the early days to the present day.

This is a real coal mine so warm clothes and sensible shoes are recommended. Children under 5 are not permitted underground but are admitted free to the surface.

Please phone for full details and opening times.

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, there\'s breathtaking scenery, a spectacular chairlift past amazing coloured sand cliffs, rides for the children, shops to browse through and places to eat in (or out).

Web: www.theneedles.co.uk

King Arthur's Labyrinth is an underground visitor attraction in Mid Wales with a unique presentation that has captured the public imagination. The tour of the Labyrinth includes a walk of a quarter of a mile through the caverns and the temperature underground is cool. Warm clothes and sensible footwear are advised.

Treak Cliff Cavern is the only place where Blue John Stone occurs naturally. Take a guided tour into the caves that have been mined since the 1750's. Experience the wonder of Witch's cave, Dream cave, limestone cave formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Facilities include a coffee shop and gift shop.

This is a full sized reconstruction of the 16th Century warship in which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world between 1577-1580, Drake was a sea captain who became history's most successful privateer. Crew members are in period dress, there are five decks of exhibits and artefacts. Give your child a birthday party or special occasion they will never forget!

Information on many interesting castles throughout Ireland including Blarney Castle.

Web: www.majestic-castles-in-ireland.com

The longest show cave in Britain, in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The 80-minute guided tour of White Scar Cave covers one mile, and includes one of the largest caverns in the country. Over 330 feet long, with its roof soaring in places to 100 feet, this is one of the largest caverns in Britain. It contains literally thousands of delicate stalactites, which hang from the roof in great clusters.

Take a voyage of discovery to 13th century Buckland Abbey, the home of Sir Francis Drake. The story of this medieval monastery, which was uniquely converted into a Tudor home, unfolds through exhibitions, ancient buildings and furnished rooms.

Explore the legendary life of Sir Francis Drake, his circumnavigation and the story of the Armada. See the Drake memorabilia including his famous drum and standards.

A beautiful new Elizabethan garden has been created which complements the unusual box hedged herb garden besides the massive stone Great Barn. The estate offers miles of lovely walks.

Family activities often arranged, especially during the school holidays, telephone for more details. Presented in association with Plymouth City Museum. There is a licensed restaurant/tea room serving home made lunches and teas and a National Trust gift shop. An information leaflet is available for disabled visitors; there is limited wheelchair access to the Abbey.

Our Dynamic Earth offers a totally new concept in visitor entertainment. It will take you on a fascinating, ever-changing journey around planet Earth. You will travel back through time to witness the Big Bang. You will experience earthquakes, ice ages and tropical rainstorms. You'll travel to the depths of the oceans and fly high above towering glaciers and mountains. You will see, hear, feel and smell the planet as it was millions of years ago and how it might be in the future.

Web: www.dynamicearth.co.uk

See many of the worlds most beautiful tropical butterflies in free flight around you set in 2000 sq ft of jungle garden. Experience full rainforest surround sound. Souvenir shop, refreshments, picnic area on site. Toilets and parking nearby.

Web: www.conwy-butterfly.co.uk

Acres of Magical Fun for everyone!

This fabulous Farm Attraction is situated in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex.

Meet all your farmyard friends, Tractor & Trailer Rides, Indoor and Outdoor Play, Animal Interactions, Pesky Pet Show, Birds of Prey, Pet Barn, Milking Demonstrations and much more

Antony House features some exceptional furnishings. A splendid collection of portraits including examples of works by Reynolds and a painting of Charles I at his trial. There are 25 acres of landscaped gardens adjacent to the house, and some 50 acres of natural woodland to explore. The house and gardens were donated to the National Trust in 1961.

Kids days out in Torpoint in Cornwall

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/antony/

This great castle, ancestral homeof the Dukes of Norfolk, dates from the Norman Conquest. Containing a very fine collection of furniture dating from the 16thC and paintings by Van Dyck, Reynolds, Gainsborough etc. Arundle Castle is still a family home reflecting the changes of nearly a 1000 years.

Kids days out in Arundel

Web: www.arundelcastle.org

The world's largest observation wheel towers 135 meters above the banks of the Thames allowing bird's eye views over London. On a clear day, you can see all of London's towers and spires and beyond the city 25 miles in each direction.

Web: www.londoneye.com

Web: www.pendonmuseum.com

Huge range of activities for the whole family on the River Thames from Windsor to Henley including cruisers and self-drive boats.

Web: www.wwt.org.uk

Smugglers Adventure, Blue Reef Aquarium and Hastings Castle. Three great attractions ... One great day out

Web: www.smugglersadventure.co.uk

Kids days out in Haywards Heath in West Sussex

Web: www.beechhurst-railway.org.uk

Mary Arden's House has something for everyone; beautiful Tudor Farmhouse, Countryside Museum, Victorian Glebe Farm, falconary displays, working blacksmith's forge, prize winning livestock and much more.

Web: www.wuff.me.uk

Log on for places of interest in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Includes details about Zoos, Theme Parks, Farms, Museums, Galleries and Parks.

Web: www.zoomindoorplay.co.uk

Web: www.bristolaero.com

Official agents for Harland & Wolff Titanic memorabilia and the World's ONLY provider of authentic Titanic Boat Tours around the shipyards of Harland & Wolff in Belfast.

The striking chequerboard facade on Shoreham High Street fronts one of the oldest lay buildings in Sussex, dating originally from the twelfth century. Towards the rear is a new extension, hosting displays, educational workshops, holiday activities and talks.

Marlipins Museum, once a Customs House, now holds artefacts from the long history of the Shorehamh area and the maritime past plus a collection of local archaeological material from prehistoric to medieval times. Upstairs are displays on the local silent film industry and transport.

Web: www.dinosaur-park.com

(ADJACENT TO MOUNTFITCHET CASTLE) Three attractions for the price of one. Visit the toy museum which has over 50,000 toys making it the largest toy museum in the world. See the vintage amusement and slot machine zone encounter where you can play the machines of yesteryear. Also see memorabilia of your favourite stars at the legends of rock and roll, film, TV & theatre experience. Open daily 10am-4pm. Situated 2 miles from junction 8 of the M11.

Web: www.scotts-grotto.org

Travelling under the guise of 'Captain Ridley's Shooting Party', a small team of scholars-turned-codebreakers arrived at Bletchley Park in the summer of 1939.

Their mission: to crack the Nazi Enigma cypher. The odds against them were a staggering 150,000,000,000,000,000,000 to 1. Their success in breaking this seemingly 'unbreakable' code was one of the greatest intellectual achievements of the twentieth century.

By March 1946 they were all gone, removing every scrap of evidence of their codebreaking exploits as they left. Their efforts in breaking those 'unbreakable' codes in the utmost secrecy caused Winston Churchill to coin the phrase "the geese that laid the golden eggs and never cackled". It would be decades before Bletchley Park would start to reveal its secrets.

By 1991, the Park was deserted, its buildings facing demolition. The Bletchley Park Trust was formed with the aim of preserving the site for posterity. So began a long and arduous campaign. The Trust fought off hostile bids from property speculators and waded through a mountain of Government red tape to clinch a deal that saved Bletchley Park for the nation.

Web: www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Visit the website of this magical castle for full details.

Web: www.eileandonancastle.com

The Seal Sanctuary now has three Seal Rescue Centres to visit. Apart from all being busy rescue centres each centre also offers the chance to see many different types of seal and other animals.

The National Seal Sanctuary in Helford Estuary is situated near the village of Gweek in Cornwall. The Scottish Sealife Sanctuary is set on the shores of Loch Creran, near Oban. At the Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary in Norfolk you can also see Sharks, Otters, Penguins, Rays and Seahorses.

For over 40 years this world famous Planetarium has enthralled visitors with star shows in the great green dome. Today the experience is more exciting and fun than ever, with plenty to offer children and adults and all would-be astronomers!

Facilities for disabled.

Belvoir Castle occupies a commanding position with breathtaking views across the Vale of Belvoir. The present Castle is the fourth to have stood on the site since Norman times. From the elegance of the Elizabeth Saloon and the majesty of the State Dining Room to the delights of the Regents Gallery and the military splendour of the Guard Room, Belvoir possesses one of the most stunning interiors of the period.

The magical woodland gardens, set in a natural amphitheatre with fresh water springs, are carefully planned to ensure plants bloom all year round.

Kids days out in Grantham

The model village now consists of two of the Isle of Wight's prettiest villages - Shanklin Old Village and Godshill. The models are made from coloured cement, many with thatched roofs. Everywhere there are hundreds of miniature trees and shrubs, all chosen for their willingness to respond to our 'coarse Bonsai' treatment.

At Amazon World Zoo Park you can explore the Amazon Jungle with free flying birds, wander along the Amazon River and meet the Rainforest Animals. Then, if you dare, pass through to Insect World and on to Agriculture & Desert Land where Armadillos, Fennec Foxes, Porcupines and much more survive this desert environment.

Kids days out in Isle of Wight

Web: www.amazonworld.co.uk

The New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Conservation Park is set in 25 acres of ancient woodland. Here you will find part of Europe's largest collection of multi-specied otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife.

Address: Longdown, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 4UH

A fantastic place for the whole family.

Ships to explore include HMS Victory, Mary Rose and HMS Warrior. There are various museums and interactive places to visit. Fun for everyone!

Web: www.flagship.org.uk

Exbury Gardens, the home of the de Rothschild family, is one of the most famous woodland gardens in the world. Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas abound in this lovely English garden.

Web: www.exbury.co.uk

This outstanding Hindu temple offers an impressive sight. Made of Indian carved stone and marble, visitors are asked to respect the religious dress code and etiquette.

INTECH family science centre, Winchester is an under cover, all-weather visitor attraction and education centre. There are 100 hands-on interactive science and technology exhibits, ideal for the child aged 5-12. Check out our monthly science shows, holiday activities and birthday party package on our website.

Café, outdoor picnic area, free ample parking, disabled access Situated on the A31, three miles east of the M3 (Jcts. 9 or 10) and close to the A272.

Web: www.intech-uk.com

The Acorn Venture Farm is an educational and leisure facility offering families a great day out in Kirkby Merseyside

As well as a wide range of farm animals including sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, horses, poultry, rabbits and guinea pigs we also offer activities throughout the year including horse riding and seasonal events.

Our facilities include the farm shop, a café, toilets and hand washing. Outside we have two play areas and a woodland walk. We also have a room available for birthday parties and can offer supported daytime activities for people with disabilities.

We are open 10am - 4pm, 7 days a week.

Web: www.acornfarm.co.uk
Reg. Charity No.516925

Children's animal parties in Kirkby

For a great day out for the whole family visit the Windermere Steamboats & Museum situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere.

Windermere Steamboats & Museum offers:

• A unique and historic collection of Steam and Motor Boats
• Steam Launch Trips
• Shop and Refreshments
• "Swallows and Amazons" Exhibition
• "Model Boats: You Too Can Do It!" Exhibition

There are many events held throughout the year including Steamboat, Model Boat, and Classic Motor Boat Rallies all held annually. Up to date information on other special events can be found on our website or from the Museum's Office.

Web: www.steamboat.co.uk