FamilyFun, Manchester

From the sea to the stars, a visit to World Museum reveals millions of years of the Earth’s history through thousands of exhibits and hands-on activities. Travel to distant continents and ancient civilisations in the amazing galleries. The Museum’s brand new Ancient Egypt: A journey through time gallery takes visitors on a 5,000-year adventure to the land of the pharaohs, and reveals one of the UK’s most significant collections of Egyptian objects. There’s no better place to come face-to-face with the past and delve deeper into the myths, mysteries and rituals surrounding the ancient Egyptian afterlife than in the gallery’s atmospheric Mummy Room. Discover the wonders of the natural world in the award winning Clore Natural History Centre. This is the place to get your hands on more than 20,000 of the most unusual items from the huge collections, from a hippopotamus skull to a mammoth tooth. There’s also the Weston Discovery Centre, which offers a range of activities and interaction to provide a fascinating insight into human history throughout the ages. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/world-museum-p8573

What sets Blackpool Zoo apart from other zoos? Close encounters with animals, excellent facilities for our less able visitors and happy, friendly staff who want to make your visit fun! The zoo stands out in the resort, too, as being an attraction the whole family can visit together. We also have the only gorillas in the north-west and one of the best sea lion displays in the UK. Add to that those, Project Elephant Base Camp, then put it all into 37 acres of beautiful, traditional English parkland and you have the hidden gem that is Blackpool Zoo. Over 1000 animals live at Blackpool Zoo, including many favourites and some you might not know! From aardvarks to zebras, cockroaches to camels – they’re all here! https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/blackpool-zoo-5893/

Blackpool's award-winning attraction the Blackpool Model Village & Gardens, established in 1972, has been inspiring the imaginations of families for decades. There are 100's of creative village scenes that will spark your imagination to life as you wander around their beautiful gardens, along the walkways. Follow the quiz and don't miss any of them. Marvel at the many handcrafted models and figures that represent life's rich tapestry and step back in time to those bygone days when life seemed to move at a slower pace, from a Scottish Castle, protected by its ranks of Guardsmen to a tranquil Cornish fishing village. From thatched cottages hidden away and a Tudor village whos, diminutive residents enjoy a cricket match on the village green. Many new buildings are added yearly along with a working train running through the shopping centre of the main village another in front of the shambles′ and a model railway featuring Thomas Annie & Clarabel! https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/blackpool-model-village-gardens-5884/

Britain’s favourite amusement park! There’s something for everyone at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with thrilling rides and spectacular shows you’ll be sure to have the time of your life! For the ultimate in thrills why not brave Pleasure Beach’s tallest rollercoaster, the Big One. Hold your breath as you board Infusion, the exhilarating five looping coaster suspended completely over water. Brave Valhalla, the world’s most spectacular dark ride featuring amazing special effects or experience the thrill of one of the world’s only twin track coasters, the Grand National plus lots, lots more. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/blackpool-pleasure-beach-5886/

South Pier is a fantastic day out for those of all ages. The Laughing Donkey family bar host great free live entertainment as well as a beer garden with the best views in town. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/south-pier-5901/

Madame Tussauds Blackpool offers a celebrity experience unlike any other. Mixing the best of British with international stars, there really is something for everyone. Take to the floor and meet the stars of Strictly! Tess and Claudia join judge Craig Revel Horwood in the Brand New Strictly Come Dancing experience only at Madame Tussauds Blackpool! Fans will meet the new Tess and Claudia wax figures and enjoy three new areas of fun, where activities include lifting a replica of the famous glitterball trophy, busting a move on a Strictly inspired dancefloor and even raising a scoring paddle from behind a re-creation of the Strictly judges’ desk. Madame Tussauds Blackpool’s Strictly Come Dancing immersive experience offers fans of all ages to chance to add some ballroom brilliance to their visit to the attraction. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/madame-tussauds-blackpool-5887/

Coral Island is Blackpool's largest indoor free admission family attraction. Explore and enjoy an action-packed day filled with fabulous food and family favourite seaside rides and redemption games as well as adult gaming and prize bingo. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/coral-island-717100/

Enjoy a fantastic day out at Lotherton Hall, a great day out for the family. This charming Edwardian country estate once home to the Gascoigne family offers you plenty of choice things to do and see. Visit the house to see what life was like in Edwardian times, go back in time by dressing up in our children’s area, or travel around the world with the new interactive ‘The Gascoignes Abroad’. Make sure to take a stroll around the fabulous bird garden and see owls, flamingos and much more! Plus walk around the stunning grounds and visit the historic stables and carriage displays. Also, there is a choice of two play areas including the woodland play area for older kids. https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1581393&festival=4306&feature=2

Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough landmark and England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630. This popular visitor attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the Petrifying Well. A picturesque mile-long walk along the River Nidd features the cave where famous Yorkshire prophetess Mother Shipton was born. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Over hundreds of years, curiosity has drawn millions of visitors to the well to see cascading water turn everyday objects to stone - as if by magic. People around the world visit the park, a remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough with some of the oldest, tallest beech trees in the country. Mother Shipton was born in a cave in 1488 and grew up around Knaresborough. As she grew older, her prophecies became known throughout England. She foretold the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. She made her living telling the future and warning those who asked of what was to come. Great for all ages, there’s fun for families in the adventure playground, scenic picnic areas, interactive trails and actors during events, and petrified objects displayed in the museum and gift shop. https://www.visityork.org/explore/mother-shiptons-cave-p841711

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is a new wildlife park at Askham Bryan College. The park is located in the beautiful arboretum, with animals dotted around the beautiful woodlands. Come and see amazing animals from fish to frogs and monkeys to meerkats. https://www.visityork.org/explore/askham-bryan-wildlife-park-p797721

Thrill seekers will love the sky-high thrill rides! Soar through the air on the Eagles Claw, hurtle through the deep, dark forest aboard The Ultimate (Europe’s longest roller coaster) and venture into the underground world of Raptor Attack, then come see the park from a whole different viewpoint aboard the Black Pearl or hop on Apollo and take a spinning ride far above the treetops. There are plenty of rides for the junior thrill seekers too, including Splash Falls with sharp turns and sudden drops, wet N wild fun on the Wild River Rapids, and swashbuckling adventures aboard our speedy Skull Rock and the tummy-tickling Flying Cutlass. Plus jump around on our huge Jumpin’Jacks! bouncy pillow. Younger guests will love the outdoor and indoor play, the Lightwater Express train ride around the park, Eagles Creek Farm tractor ride, plus a selection of young fun fairground rides, the Adventure Playground and Mini Sand Diggers. https://www.visityork.org/explore/lightwater-valley-theme-park-p796261

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Family Theme Park is an amazing family focused All-Weather park near Mansfield. All-inclusive UK largest Robin Hood’s waterpark. Slide the wet and wild water slides, splash through the water fountains and watch out as the bucket tips for a guaranteed drenching. Theme Park, Farm Park and Waterpark in one! Join us throughout the year for special character days; meet your favourites from the small screen including Chase & Marshall from PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig. Summer sorted with our giant splash park; make sure you pack your swimming essentials! Join our friendly Halloween mascot Millie the Monster during our Award Winning Lil’ Park of Horrors! Join Santa and his cheeky elves for a truly enchanting Christmas Experience. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for all the latest news, updates and daily competitions! https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/robin-hoods-wheelgate-park-p351701

2000 years of history are brought to horrible life at the York Dungeon; an essential part of the complete York experience. Immersive sets, incredible actors and unique stories allow you to see, hear, smell and feel York's darkest history. Infamous rogues - such as Guy Fawkes and Dick Turnpin - lurk in the darkest depths of this award-winning attraction. Discover the TRUE terror of York's past. https://www.visityork.org/explore/the-york-dungeon-p793461

Stonebridge City Farm is a slice of the country in the heart of Nottingham City! We are free to enter and open every day for everyone to enjoy. Its ideals include providing a much-needed green space, sustainable buildings, distinctive local identity and people who care and respect the community. The site is accessible to all – families with young children, people with disabilities, and parties from schools and colleges. You can just come for a while, perhaps to feed and pet some of the animals, or we do courses and special events for beekeepers and people interested in horticulture. The farm has been accredited with many awards for its efforts and contributions over the years, as we provide so much to the community and would like to take pride in this. https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/stonebridge-city-farm-p566951

Here you will find the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway – and the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other! Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days in the summer months. There are four stations on the line, all of which have are wheelchair accessible: Loughborough Central Station (LE11 1RW), Quorn & Woodhouse Station (LE12 8AG), Rothley Station (LE7 7LD) and Leicester North Station (LE4 3BR). For a first class experience, why book onto the restaurant car service which provides a five course meal whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester? Or you can make your childhood dreams come true and try out the ‘Drive a Locomotive’ experience, where you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel. With all this as well as special events, Great Central Railway is a great day out for all the family! https://www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/great-central-railway-p710541

Award-winning corner of the West Midlands is now one of the finest and largest open-air museums in the United Kingdom. After very humble beginnings, a bright idea and 40 years of inspiration, this is twenty six acres worth exploring. Amazing as it may seem, we have created a ‘place’ – a real and lively place, where once there was nothing and nobody. With a village and charismatic residents to chat with. Hear the stories of the people who lived and worked in the Black Country from our friendly Historic Characters. They'll explain what it was really like to be alive at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Visit a fairground - fancy a bit of old-fashioned fun? Why not visit our fairground with original rides dating back to 1910? Have a go on the Brooklyn Cakewalk, test your skills on the 'hook a duck' or hit the right spot with a throw on the the coconut shy. Have a ride on a vintage bus. Museum maintains a selection of vintage vehicles for you to ride throughout the year. Why not hop on the longest trolleybus route in the country? Play some old school street games. Head on down to the cobbled street and try your hand at some classic street games including the 'hoop and stick' and the 'cup and ball' . And also Explore over 40 period shops, houses and industrial areas. Since 1978 we've been recreating buildings from around the Black Country, sometimes moving them here brick-by-brick. Grab and a map and get exploring! https://www.bclm.co.uk/

Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and get closer than ever before to over 2000 creatures including the UK's only 360 degree Ocean Tunnel. Which sea creatures do you love the most? Magnificent Sharks, colourful Clownfish or perhaps inquisitive Sea Turtles? Does a clever Common Octopus grab your attention or do you prefer playful penguins? Maybe you simply can’t decide! Here at SEA LIFE you can make up your mind and see them all - from the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic. And you’ll be able to get closer to them than ever before. https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/

Hugging the banks of the River Soar in the north of the city is Abbey Park – a beautiful green space to relax and admire Leicester’s riverside scenery. The park has a choice of activities to keep the whole family entertained. The boating lake in the centre of the park offers hire of both rowing and pedalo boats – fun for adults and children alike! On a summer’s day, relax and pedal your way around the beautiful lake in the centre of the park, enjoying the sweeping views of serene parkland all around. Heritage lovers will enjoy a stroll around the remains of the twelfth century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th century mansion. The Abbey was founded by the second Earl of Leicester, Robert le Bossu. It became one of the wealthiest Augustinian abbeys in the country, but closed in 1538 when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. Whilst converting the overgrown abbey grounds into a public excavations revealed the remains of the abbey church and the other main building ranges, which can be seen in the park today. Those looking to get active can take advantage of the parks many sporting facilities, including a bowling green, five hard surface tennis courts, orienteering courses, a lavender maze and Ping! table tennis tables – perfect for those looking to try something new or get in some extra practise. Pets Corner is a favourite with all visitors to the park – an area to interact with a variety of small, domesticated animals. The area includes an aviary with a collection of exotic birds, as well as small enclosures housing hens, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats and pygmy goats. https://www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/abbey-park-p707941

Cadbury World is a self-guided exhibition tour. Find out how popular Cadbury brands are made, including Creme Egg, Buttons and Roses. What makes Cadbury chocolate so deliciously wonderful? Here's where you'll find out how Cadbury World do it. Discover how it's made and hold on tight, you could be in for a few surprises! Learn about the most important ingredients of milk chocolate... and the way Cadbury combines them to create that unique Cadbury taste. Also practice your chocolate piping skills at Cadbury World new demonstration tables. Doodle your name in chocolate & try your hand at traditional chocolate tempering. The Have A Go zone is not to be missed! https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en

One price family adventure park with over 100 rides and attractions including the UK's only motorbike launch rollercoaster, the free-falling cliff hanger and Kamali the suspended looping rollercoaster. There are also 5 family shows plus the UK's largest privately-owned zoo home to many exotic species including giraffes, lions, rhinoceros and tigers. If you are looking for white knuckle thrills, there is a sensational collection of 8 extreme rides, including the latest rollercoaster Hero that puts visitors in a superhero flying position before swooping them around a track. There is also the Guinness World Record Breaking Mumbo Jumbo, with the steepest drop. You will quickly discover what makes Flamingo Land an award-winning zoo (Day Out With The Kids, 2018). With over 140 species of reptiles, mammals and birds, including the amazing Penguin Coast, you can enjoy an amazing view of the animal kingdom. A variety of Animal Feeding Times with Keeper Talks and a sea lion show are included within your admission. See the progress of the two Rothschild giraffe calves that were born in 2015. For unrestricted views, meander through the Lemur and Wallaby Walkways. https://www.visityork.org/explore/flamingo-land-resort-p796921

Discover the spirit of Africa at Akamba Hertiage Centre in Solihull. The centre houses two acres of exotic plantlife and palms, stunning lifesize animal scultptures and the new African Bird walk where you can see some of the world's most colourful birds up close. Be sure to check out the jungle beer garden and tribal restaurant for some premier African and Caribbean cuisine. http://www.akamba.co.uk/index.php

Everyone in the family will love a day out at Gypsy Wood Park! We are one of North Wales’ top family attractions, and with a huge range of attractions and things to do for all the family, you’ll be sure of a fun-filled family day out. Come and meet our friendly animals, take a ride on Woody’s Train, try your hand at one of our family games, run wild in our outdoor play areas, make some music in our treehouse and see if you can spot all of our fairies on the fairy hunt and lots more, all set in 20 acres of beautiful natural Welsh woodland. And don’t forget to pack your wellies for the woodland walk and write up your wishes for the Fairy Princess. So why not come and make happy holiday memories with us here at Gypsy Wood Park? https://www.visitwales.com/product/509978

Open all year round, there is something for everyone at Sacrewell Farm. Come and meet the friendly farm animals, visit the Shire Horse Centre, enjoy a bumpy tractor ride, and play in the indoor activity barn. Don’t miss your chance to discover our 18th century working Water Mill too. If you want to visit for the day or stay on our charming campsite, we guarantee you’ll find plenty to entertain the whole family whatever the weather! The camping and caravan facilities include electric hook-ups, toilets and showers. Dogs are welcome. https://www.visitpeterborough.com/things-to-do/sacrewell-p875851

Described as a hidden gem and dating from the early 13th century the manor is the oldest property in Northamptonshire. Included in the visit are a large recreated medieval garden, fish ponds and dovecote. The Tithe Barn museum houses artefacts from the archaeological excavations and the history of Nassington. The Manor is an affordable and fun place for families. A children's trail, corn grinding, pottery making in the holidays, quill pen writing, dressing up the farm animals add to the enjoyment. The manor and gardens provide a unique experience for groups, with guided tours of the manor and gardens. Morning coffee or homemade teas are available. Lunch can be provided by prior arrangement. https://www.visitpeterborough.com/things-to-do/the-prebendal-manor-p874241

The Railworld Wildlife Haven is testament to what can be achieved when volunteers, companies, groups and individuals work together for a common goal – Encouraging Environmental Awareness. Rev Richard Paten our founder chair and life long volunteer – brought the land over 30 years ago and we have raised funds to create what we have today.... We have never had any core funding, but we have won six major UK Environmental Awards and one Worldwide Award from Caterpillar. We are located alongside Peterborough Nene Valley Station – There is ample car parking and we are easily accessible, 15 minutes walk from Peterborough’s main railway station. Railworld has 2,000 sqft of model railway, with hands-on exhibits. We have the unique hover train RTV 31. https://www.visitpeterborough.com/things-to-do/railworld-wildlife-haven-p875701

If you’re looking for things to do with the kids, take a ride on the Miniature Train to Blenheim Palace’s Pleasure Gardens. Explore the Marlborough Hedge Maze, delight in the abundance of wildlife in the Butterfly House, burn off some energy in the Adventure Playground and enjoy a relaxing moment amongst the soothing scent of the Lavender Garden. Head to the Pleasure Gardens Deli for delicious hot and cold snacks, handmade pizzas, soups, salads, ice cream and a selection of healthy choices for children. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy sizzling sausages and beautiful burgers cooked to order in front of you on the Blenheim Palace BBQ. The Gardens Shop is where you can find a fantastic range of children’s toys, books, games and souvenirs alongside a selection of gardening products. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/blenheim-palace-pleasure-gardens/

A fantastic day out for all the family. Stroll around the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, enjoying uninterrupted views of the animals, so it feels as though you are in a wild setting. Watch the daily Lemur & Penguin Talks, take a ride on Bella the Train (extra cost) or explore the large adventure playground, with treehouses and slides. Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is home to more than 260 species of animals and 120 acres of beautiful parkland. Watch Rhinos graze on the lawns in front of the Gothic Manor House. Walk up the Giraffe walkway and get eye-to-eye with these amazing creatures or explore the Old Walled Garden’s Tropical House with free-roaming sloths, birds and bats. Watch the Penguin’s being fed (daily at 11 am & 3 pm) and walk with Lemurs in their free-roaming Madagascar Exhibit. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/cotswold-wildlife-park-gardens/

Discover the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds and enjoy a morning or afternoon visiting the historic grounds at Cogges. Cogges is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with over 1000 years of history, with Grade II* Listed 13th-century manor house and 17th-century farm buildings. Discover the fascinating story of past owners ranging from Norman knights, English Kings, Oxford University college founders to tenant farmers and wool merchants, with links to Witney’s historic wool and blanket trade. Today Cogges is a popular visitor attraction for all the family. Explore over 15 acres of the manor house and grounds, walled garden, picnic orchard, moated islands and river Windrush walk. Children love to feed the farm animals and go wild in the adventure play and nature island, or try on hats, vintage clothes or hand made costumes in the dressing up parlour. There is also a sandpit, soft play and games from swing ball to lawn croquet. https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/venue/cogges-manor-farm/

Discover over 400 species of exotic and endangered animals from across the globe at Bristol Zoo Gardens, all set within award-winning gardens spanning over 12 acres. Journey into an amazing animal kingdom and meet famous faces as well as some unusual creatures you never knew existed! Meet your favourite creatures face to face with spectacular immersive experiences. Marvel at a 32-stone gorilla strolling overhead in a glass-floored gorilla house, the only one of its kind in Europe. Crawl through a tunnel to pop up among a cheeky meerkat mob. Journey underwater to watch seals and penguins zoom around you. Enter the leafy home of the lemurs in a walk-through (peak season only), or meet a flock of colourful lorikeets. Big and little adventurers alike can climb, clamber and swing through the air in a thrilling aerial ropes course, ZooRopia. Travel through the treetops alongside the gibbons and gorillas, tackling 17 gravity-defying challenges before flying down the zip wire to finish. Kids also love Splash, a water play area with winding streams, dams and the chance to get toes wet. Run wild in a adventure playground, or head to the Activity Centre for face-painting* and crafts galore from 11am to 4.30pm every day. https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/bristol-zoo-gardens-p24341

Plantasia is now open. Grow Your Imagination. Your adventure starts here! Go on an amazing adventure through a tropical rainforest. Get up close & personal with the animals and discover a variety of rare and exotic plants. Grow your imaginations in this interactive, fully immersive tropical indoor experience for all the family. Discover the different levels of a rainforest; from the dark undergrowth to the breath-taking canopy, there’s so much to squeeze in! https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/plantasia-1/

Featuring an exciting network of pools, rides and slides the LC Waterpark is home to the much-loved wave pool and famous Masterblaster - a roller-coaster style slide that blasts riders on a rubber ring uphill on jetted water and then lets gravity do the rest! Plus you can slip past the serpents that shoot water into the wave pool and walk through the wall of water to find a slide in a volcano! The Waterpark’s lazy river allows you to relax while the current takes you into the wave pool and the interactive pool is perfect for younger children to splash around with a mini slide, tipping buckets and water fountains. To go with all of this, there a more slides! The aqua-slide and aqua-tube are sure to excite, along with the whirlpool and the LC lagoon pool! And not forgetting the first of its kind in Wales - the Boardrider! A unique ride, on the LC’s never-ending wave, sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before! Situated at the heart of the LC’s Waterpark, surfers can choose to boogie board or try their hand at real surfing! Instructors will help you develop technique and balance whilst experiencing the thrill of the wave – the ride is never the same twice! https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/lc-swansea/

Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula, the Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th-century water-mill. Tea rooms, craft workshops, children's play areas, animal park, woollen mill & La Charrette cinema. Guided tours and Blacksmith demonstrations. Wide range of events held during the year. https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/gower-heritage-centre/

Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, parts of which are open to the public. Its present area was determined in the 1360s and was popular with Saxon kings as a hunting forest. The park is shrouded in mystery and legend and for over 1,000 years the story of Herne the Hunter has been told. His ghost still appears wearing the antlers of a stag, riding a phantom black stallion at the head of a pack of black hounds. He appears to warn of times of trouble and gallops through Windsor Great Park only to disappear into thin air. The park today is the perfect place for picnics, eating, shopping, running, walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. Families will love the children's play area near The Savill Garden. https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/windsor-great-park-p236491