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.

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

Web: www.wllr.org.uk

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

Web: www.skiptoncastle.co.uk

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

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.wookey.co.uk

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Web: www.theneedles.co.uk

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Address: Longdown, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 4UH

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

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

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

Web: www.steamboat.co.uk

Please visit the website for full details.

Web: www.rbge.org.uk

From Falconry to Sheepdog Shows, Adventureland and Shearing Shows ... you are never bored at Henblas!

Situated in the heart of Anglesey commanding superb views of Snowdonia, this family run establishment provides entertainment for the whole family - whatever the weather! Birthday parties organised, please ask for full details.

Web: www.parc-henblas-park.co.uk

The interior of the house was created by some of the leading craftsmen of the late 18th century with chimney pieces carved by Westmacott, plasterwork created by Rose, scagliola columns and pilasters created by Bartoli. Other attractions include the magnificent state rooms with their sumptuous Regency furnishings and the State Bedroom said to have been prepared for a visit by George IV in 1821.

The wild setting of ancient woods and soaring mountains also provides opportunities to explore the designated paths and walks.

Web: www.muncaster.co.uk

This unique farm park is stunningly located on a scenic headland, overlooking the nature reserve of Cardigan Island, just 200 yards offshore.

It is home to thousands of seabirds and a flock of wild Soay sheep, originally from the Isle of Soay near Skye. The area is also home to Atlantic grey seals and the only resident population of bottle-nosed Dolphins in England and Wales.

Web: www.cardiganisland.co.uk

Now, containing seventeenth and eighteenth century country furniture, ironwork, textiles and domestic objects displayed in furnished rooms, it stands in a traditional cottage garden. The garden includes herbaceous perennials, shrubs, wild flowers and over one hundred and seventy herbs.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was first performed in 1950 as the Army in Scotland's contribution to the Edinburgh International Festival.

Today, with its unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment, and theatre set against the amazing backdrop of Edinburgh castle, it is without question one of the world's greatest shows.

Web: www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk

See our website for events including the Antiques Fair, Medieval Weekend and popular Country and Game Fair.

Web: www.kesr.org.uk

As well as the impressive Tudor Jacobean mansion, Temple Newsam offers formal gardens and one of the largest parks in Europe. The 1,000 acre estate of gardens and woodland is stocked with rhododendrons, roses and azaleas, the grounds also offer numerous nature trails.

Home Farm, located in the Estate is home to the largest approved Rare Breeds Centre in the country. The Farm itself is a large working farm yard in which traditional animal rearing techniques are employed and where a fine collection of harvesting machines can be found.

With all this as well as award winning gardens, a wide choice of picnic areas, catering and gift shops, every visitor can be confident of a superb full day out.

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.flambards.co.uk

Web: www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

Web: www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/museums_and_galleries.aspx

For details of the War Museums in Duxford, Manchester and London visit the website.

Web: www.iwm.org.uk

Web: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk

Kids can visit animal corner and meet farm animals as well as running wild in over 400 acres of natural woodland and grassland.
Facilities: parking, picnic, café/restaurant, disabled.

The area is exceptional in is natural beauty, to the left as you come down the steep hill is Larrybane headland which once stretched out towards Sheep Island and had a promontory fort on the top dating to 800AD, underneath large caves once served as home to boat builders and a safe resting place from winter storms. Facilities include a tea room.

For kids days out in Highbridge in Somerset, this family run park and zoo has a great range of animals including camels, emus, deer, owls llamas and a pets corner.

Awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year (over 100,000 visitors) in the East Midlands Tourism Excellence in England Awards 2005 The White Post Farm Centre is a great day out for all of the family!

We have over 3000 animals, shows and exhibitions are organised throughout the school holidays with special events for Christmas and Halloween. Other activities include an Outdoor Play Area an Indoor Play Barn with indoor soft play area, perfect for under 8's!

We also organise fantastic birthday parties that include holding animals as well as a birthday meal in the Lunch Barn.

OPENED in 1996, this working reconstruction of the Globe Theatre was founded by Sam Wannamaker.
Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames adjacent to Bankside Powerstation.
The open air theatre runs from spring to autumn. The museum is open daily 10:00-17:00. Admission £5.

Web: www.shakespearesglobe.com

Daily activities include:

• Tudor kitchen in action
• Working water mill
• Heavy horses at work
• Working forge
• Demonstrations by local craftsmen
• Hands on activities

A fabulous kids day out in the New Forest in Hampshire:

The National Motor Museum - World famous car museum
Palace House – Home of the Montagu family since 1538 set in glorious grounds and gardens
Beaulieu Abbey – Founded in 1204

Lots of fun things to do and see.

Web: www.beaulieu.co.uk

Churchill's family home:

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

The whole family will enjoy a real adventure riding through Medieval Nottingham in unique adventure cars. Smell its smells as you flee from the evil sheriff, see the expertly captured scenes from the original tales of Robin Hood and hear the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the Middle Ages.

As night falls, our Grand Hall comes alive with Medieval Banquets and Murder Mystery evenings. We also organise great ‘Little Outlaw's’ Birthday Parties that include a trip around the attraction, invitations and party food. Special events are also held throughout the year.

The Lyon family began to build the Castle you see today in about 1400. The Castle rooms contain a rich variety of furnishings, tapestries and works of art. Our experienced guides ensure that our visitors gain a full understanding and appreciation of the Castle's history, legends and anecdotes.

Web: www.glamis-castle.co.uk

Kids days out in Berkhamsted

Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/berkhamsted-castle/

The only landing ferry to Hurst Castle leaves from Keyhaven Quay on the hour. Single fares are avaliable for those walking the shingle beach from Milford-on-Sea.

Hurst has military history from Tudor times to World War 11 and was the prison of Charles 1. Marvel at the 38 ton guns and magnificent Solvent views.

Battle Abbey was founded in 1070 and is an important symbol of the Norman Conquest. The monastery was built on the very spot where Harold fell, fatally wounded by an arrow through the eye, a stone marks the site of his death.

The domestic buildings of the Abbey survive, and the restored 14th Century Gatehouse contains an Exhibition telling the history of the battle and the Abbey down to the present day.

Kids days out in Battle in East Sussex

Broughty Castle Museum houses fascinating displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the environment and the wildlife that live close by.

There is always something to see and do, with a changing programme of events, activities and displays.

Discover the fascinating underwater world of the North Sea at Macduff Marine Aquarium! Meet hundreds of different sea creatures, including rays, octopuses, wolf fish and conger eels! Perfect for a great family day out.
 

Lewes Castle is one of the oldest castles in England, built soon after the Norman Conquest. The views over the town of Lewes, the River Ouse and the surrounding Downs are worth the climb up the Keep.

Barbican House Museum, opposite the Castle, tells the story of Sussex from the Stone Age through the medieval period. Displays include flint tools, pottery, weapons, jewelry and other archaeological discoveries. It also houses a model of Lewes during the Victorian period.

Special family sessions on archaeological and historical themes are held all year. Other events include a Medieval Day and open-air theatre performances.

Regular art activities take place for 5-12 year olds in school holidays. Sunday Fundays are aimed at our younger club members 3-5 year olds.

Web: www.fhc.co.uk/electric_mountain.htm

Secret agent training includes learning how to operate hidden cameras, bugging devices and radio equipment, taking part in adrenaline pumping shoot-outs using our completely harmless laser tag guns, code breaking, dodging laser alarms and safe cracking.

All our instructors are experienced ex-surveillance specialists and have been fully vetted so you can be sure your child will have a fun and exciting day in a safe environment.

Web: www.spy-games.com

As the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, with its domes and telescopes, visitors can savour the unique atmosphere of a site where astronomers studied the heavens from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Explore science on a grand scale at Herstmonceux’s exciting Discovery Park, our outdoor science playground.

Set amid beautiful East Sussex countryside, the green domes provide an exciting environment with plenty of picnic space and wheelchair access. A special event programme operates year round.

Web: www.the-observatory.org

Explore Europe's only surviving big gun armoured war ship from WWII. Seven days a week. Treat your child to a wonderful birthday party aboard ship. Call for futher details. 10am-6pm summer. 10am-5pm November until the end of Feb.

Web: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

Web: www.courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk

Facilities: parking, play area, picnic, cafe/restaurant, baby/disabled.

Web: www.theoriginaltour.com

The National Cycle Network is 5000 miles of safe, signed, attractive cycle routes, open and mapped in June 2000. It is made up of traffic-free sections and traffic-calmed road and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Sustrans is the charity co-ordinating the project and will continue to work with local authorities to expand the Network to a target of 10,000 miles by 2005.

For more information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans and a copy of their free catalogue of maps, information sheets and technical publications please call the number above or visit their website.

E-Mail: [email protected]

Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park covers over 42 acres offering gentle walks, fishing lakes and beautiful birds. Toddlers and juniors will love the traditional style play area and the more adventurous older children and adults have fun on the trim trail which runs parellel to the footpath around the lake.

Kids days out in Burnham on Sea, Somerset

The Visitor Centre is housed in the original 1894 Observatory building and contains several exhibit areas, 2 large telescopes and a gift shop.

Web: www.rog.nmm.ac.uk