England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

recommended places to visit and things to do with children in England


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200 acres of world-renowned 19th century gardens, now restored after decades of neglect, offering secret corners and stunning displays

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The Eden Project is an ecological wonder, featuring massive biomes housing diverse global plant species, educational exhibits, and sustainability-focused initiatives.

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magnificent building housing 80 million specimens from across the natural world, arranged in four zones around a giant central hall

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Island home to a medieval castle, reached by causeway, with Norman church and sub-tropical gardens.

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packed with over 1000 years of history and set in splendid grounds, there is plenty to see and do including State Rooms, dungeons and falconry

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Stratford-upon-Avon

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set just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, the world famous cottage, with much original furniture, where Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway

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magnificent late Victorian country house, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home, including a rare book collection

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popular family attraction with animal petting and feeding, undercover play area, pony rides, goat racing and walking. Fun for all the family

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miles of trails in this mixed woodland, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders with stunning viewpoints, picnic and BBQ areas

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a fine Georgian villa designed by William Kent with a rich collection of Old Master Paintings and fine furniture. Free entry to the 65 acres of Grade I listed gardens with grand vistas, architectural delights, water features and a children's play area

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herbaceous borders, over 80 heritage pear and apple trees, over 100 varieties of snowdrops, display of antique garden equipment, children's garden and a garden trail for younger visitors. Truly, something for everyone

Marwell Zoo

Winchester

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100s of animals – including giraffes, tigers & penguins, set in a 140-acre park with daily talks and animal feeding and 4 adventure playgrounds

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rescuing and conserving historic buildings, teaching traditional trades and crafts to ensure their preservation and sharing the untold stories of rural life

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set in a magnificent deer park, the ancestral home of the Russell family for nearly 400 years has many attractions, including a famous wild life reserve

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Suffolk's largest reservoir offers a whole host of activities. Sailing, Windsurfing, fishing, walking & cycling are the most popular. Camping is also offered

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with a wide range of farm animals, exotics and birds of prey, with indoor and outdoor play to keep all ages happy

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set between Bath and Bristol, the home of fun things to do, exciting live horse racing fixtures and high-quality hospitality events

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ruins of Norman abbey, built on the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, with battlefield views, visitor centre and Victorian walled garden

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bringing the downland landscape & vegetation to life through a series of displays & an audio-visual show

Beale Park

Reading

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specialising in captive breeding of rare birds and providing a relaxing environment with extensive playground areas and a miniature ride on train

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a wealth of architectural history, with buildings dating from the 14C and a superb 30-acre garden famed for its rhododendrons and unique quarry garden

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displaying exhibitions of contemporary and historic art in the spacious Saloon Galleries. The gardens are experiencing a renaissance with new planting schemes, enhancing the herbaceous borders

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high above a meander in the River Irthing, in one of the most picturesque settings on Hadrian's Wall. A Roman fort, turret and milecastle can all be seen on this excellent stretch of the Wall.

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with 5,500 varieties of marine life housed in restored Victorian buildings, offering from the curious and the rescued, to the rare and the enigmatic

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with a continuous reputation for excellence, innovation, and dedication to conservation. It's the fifth oldest zoo in the world

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peaceful island with diverse wildlife, including the famous red squirrels and with spectacular views across the harbour

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deer park with ride on tractor and trailer rides, farm animals which can be handled by the children, picnic area and adventure playground

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dramatic section of the coast with spectacular views across Bedruthan Beach, rock stacks and walks along the coastal path. Steep cliff staircase

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set on the edge of the Black Country, a green oasis with panoramic views, geocaching, and perfect picnic spots

Croome

Worcester

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a secret, wartime airbase now a museum and visitor centre, restored parkland great for walking and with the 18th Century mansion at its centre

Down At The Farm

Houghton-le-Spring

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an open air attraction offering animal interaction and outdoor play in the countryside with a wide variety of animals for llamas to racoons

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60 acre woodland garden with carpets of named snowdrops in early spring followed by rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias and rich autumn colours finish the season. School holiday entertainment for the children

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the Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain, around 350 still live free on Exmoor

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explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

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showcasing best practice in care and health whilst allowing visitors to get close and interact with the animals in a fun and informal way

Gunwalloe

Penrose

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a site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife

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a classic lat 18th Century mansion with political, wall paintings by Sir Jame Thornhill and extensive, relaxed gardens and parkland

Heddon Valley

Barnstaple

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dramatic West Exmoor coast, favourite landscape of the Romantic poets with spectacular coastal, moorland and woodland walks

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a family run living heritage attraction with one of the last horse-drawn barges in Great Britain

Housesteads Fort

near Bardon Mill

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the most remarkable Roman remains in the country, a real insight into Roman military life and discover the past behind the archaeological remains

Jesmond Dene

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

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an historic park in the heart of suburban Newcastle. It is a peaceful haven for residents, visitors and wildlife alike

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Kielder Castle is the visitor centre for Britain's biggest forest with over 250 square miles to explore with exhibitions about forestry and conservation

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step into this 125 acre oasis with peaceful tree lined riverside paths, picnic spots, a wetland boardwalk, and open air theatre and cinema in the summer months

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a lovely 18th Century house with an unusual drawing room pained by Rex Whistler, a permanent 20th Century art collection and magnificent gardens

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historic house and grade 1 Cornish gardens with the national camellia collection within 865 acre park on Rame Peninsula

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harbour-side Museum telling the story of Cornwall's rich maritime heritage - promotes an understanding of boats & their place in people's lives

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make the most of the great outdoors. From paddling on the Beaulieu River to cycling through the beautiful New Forest woodland, adventure awaits

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come and meet the animals at this working farm with a variety of play areas for children, inside and out

Nostell

Wakefield

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with a world class collection of furniture, textiles and wallpaper and priceless paintings inside and room to explore outside - including cycle trails -

Ormesby Hall

Middlesbrough

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surrounded by 250 acres of park and farmland with year round seasonal walks and a colourful Victorian formal garden accompanying the mansion

Osborne House

East Cowes

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Queen Victoria's palatial holiday home offering a treasured insight with a visit to the private apartments and the Swiss Cottage where the children played

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a suburban palace caught between town and country with a lake, magnificent house, elegant gardens and a natural play trail with rope swings and steppingstones

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home to over 2000 animals in six different habitats and dedicated to protecting global wildlife heritage with feeding times and keeper talks

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with 12 individual gardens depicting countries from around the world, fantasy and culture and Greek mythology. Rare plant fairs, Christmas Food and Craft Market with summer theatre productions. Home grown produce used in the excellent restaurant

Richmond Park

Richmond-upon-Thames

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covering 2500 acres, escape to the great outdoors with wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds, just a stone’s throw from central London

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the park is packed with activities, from cycle trails to an adventure playground - fun for all ages

Rookery Open Farm

Stoke Bruerne

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come and meet the animals and learn about farming at this sheep and cattle farm with an up-to-date playground. Picnics welcome

  • editors' choice!
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discover the world of science behind the botanical collections, with over 50,000 living plants to be found in a variety of settings

  • nature reserve
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set around Rudyard Lake, this narrow gauge railway runs throughout the year. The Lake is a family centre for picnics, sailing, boating, walking and fishing

  • farm park
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meet the farm animals, watch a falconry display, or become a farmer for a day at this friendly family country park

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extensive garden of varied colour, perfume and sound with winding paths, majestic trees with self led family activities

The Bowes Museum

Barnard Castle

  • museum
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a treasure trove of objets' d'art including the famous silver swan automaton surrounded by luxurious gardens and parklands with children's play area

  • nature reserve
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  • something different!
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  • open year round
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sanctuary and working farm home to 500 donkeys in need of care, where visitors can meet the donkeys

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designed by Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, stretching over 4 acres, these innovative gardens reflect their interest in the arts and weaves the story of their marriage and lives into them. Picnics are welcome

The Swiss Garden

Biggleswade

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an outstanding example of the Regency fashion for creating landscapes in a picturesque alpine style. Also boasts a collection of vintage aircraft and vehicles. Craft activities and trails for children during school holidays

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spot kingfishers, hand feed geese at World Wetlands and stroll gentle, quiet paths to watch wildlife. Stunning views and children's play area

  • historic house
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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the house, home of the quirky Museum of Curiosities, is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland

  • garden
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lose yourself along the 200ft long herbaceous border, formal knot and rose garden, waterlily canal or riverside walk. Has a wide range of year round events, including arts and crafts and gardening courses

  • film/tv location
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  • something different!
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • National Trust
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  • film
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  • TV
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historic village with many buildings of architectural interest including the Hellfire Caves (not National Trust), shops and cafés

  • nature reserve
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  • open year round
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internationally important wetland site, with up to 40,000 ducks, geese and swans visiting each year with five hides on the site for watching the wide range of wildlife that visit the reservoir

  • garden
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rare and exotic plants from world-wide locations with a mixture of formal and informal gardens with world famous camellias and magnolias

  • nature reserve
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  • seasonal opening
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unique colony of nesting Mute swans which were established in the 11th century by monks to provide food for banquets and now a cage free sanctuary for free flying swans

Albert Park

Middlesbrough

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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • walking

facilities include children and teenage play area, boating lake, roller skating rink, visitor centre and cafe, fishing platforms and sports facilities

  • park
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65 acres with a reservoir at the centre with camping and 'glamping' facilities.the Home Farm is children friendly and includes a nature trail and horticultural garden

  • farm park
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offering a range of activities and attractions. A petting farmyard, a range of craft shops, children's playground and a train ride round the site

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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185 acres of extensive conifer woods and moorland with forest walks and viewpoints including a summit of 266m above sea leavel

  • nature reserve
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  • open year round
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enjoy magnificent views, woodland walks, and open heathland. Discover the rhododendron labyrinth and the many unique wooden sculptures. Children’s play area with a hazel maze and log train in the Natural Play Area

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this popular beauty spot is set within an ancient valley with numerous walking trails to the falls & through the woodland - indoor & woodland theatre - petting zoo - reptile house - events & activities - picnic area

  • historic house
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a handsome Georgian mansion with a fine collection of antiques and objets d'art, including the Charles Paget Wade Costume Collection

Bowood

Calne

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  • needlecraft
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this beautiful stately home houses a vast collection of antiquities, chapel, library, sculpture gallery, laboratory, costumes, adventure playground & beautiful woodland gardens

  • historic house
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once the home to Sir Francis Drake with contemporary furnishings and artefacts, an impressive medieval Great Barn and extensive gardens

  • leisure facility
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historic harbour and short canal, now a regeneration project with visitor centre. Rowing boats for hire and a great place for a leisurely walk

  • archeological site
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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Excellent preserved ancient villages, with an excellent example of an underground stone-walled passage, known as a ‘fogou'

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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a sensational survivor of ‘the wildwood’ that once covered much of Britain, where post-glacial melt waters have carved out some spectacular limestone cliffs and gorges

  • archeological site
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • English Heritage
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  • social history
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remains of 2,000 year-old settlement with traceable village street and houses, with an underground passage, known as a 'fogou'

  • art gallery
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  • all-weather attraction
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set in classical parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, now with an adventure playground, this period mansion is also a world class art gallery

Dartmoor Zoo

Sparkwell

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get up close and personal with the vast array of animals in 33 acres of woodland, from Chincha the Jaguar to Kelloggs the Corn Snake

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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from majestic reservoirs, quiet forests and wild open spaces there is something for everyone to explore in the Upper Derwent Valley

Fell Foot

Newby Bridge

  • park
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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7 hectare park with mountain views across Windermere, wild play area and multiple activities on and off the lake for all ages and abilities

Flatford

East Bergholt

  • art gallery
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  • limited opening
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this charming hamlet was the inspiration for many of Constable's paintings, famously 'The Hay Wain' and 'Flatford Mill'

Godrevy

Gwithian

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awe-inspiring coastal views of St Ives Bay and the sheltered coves and sandy beaches, including a view of Godrevy Lighthouse

  • natural landscape
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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beauty spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor with spectacular cascades and a number of well defined walking trails and teeming with wildlife

  • family-friendly
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with a wide range of wild and farm animals, including sheep racing! With indoor and outdoor children's activities

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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beautifully preserved railway with Victorian and Edwardian steam engines. There is also a children's playground and woodland walks

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  • open year round
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collection of large cats and venomous snakes on display. Various shows, talks and demonstrations

  • historic house
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set in over 6000 acres of woodland, a welcoming Georgian house, holding the National Trust's largest fashion collection with interactive displays

  • historic house
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  • family-friendly
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the Gothic Revival house is surrounded by gardens which are a masterpiece of architectural planting, home to one of the most outstanding botanical collections in the country

  • garden
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20th Century gardens with hidden pathways and colourful borders using Mediterranean style planting, which takes advantage of the southerly location

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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discover an underwater world and the conservation efforts to protect it, shown in different environments with daily talks and shows

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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Europe's largest collection of otters, owls and other with animal encounters, feeding sessions and keeper talks throughout the day

Overbeck's

Sharpitor

  • historic house
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  • National Trust
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with spectacular river and sea views, this Edwardian house boasts a rare collections of exotic plants. Generations of children return to hunt for Fred the ghost

  • historic house
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  • seasonal opening
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  • guided tours
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  • virtual tours
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set in a picturesque location surrounded by a deer park with family heirlooms in the castle and extensive grounds to explore

Ripley Castle

Harrogate

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lived in by the same family since the fourteenth century with armour and portraits of the family down the centuries and extensive gardens and parklands. Picnics permitted

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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a magnificent Georgian house which has been a family home for nearly 300 years with extensive grounds with year round interest

Sealife Aquarium

Southend-on-Sea

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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boasting the very latest in marine technology creating an underwater tunnel allowing an all-round view of hundreds of species

  • natural landscape
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  • open year round
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with a nature trail and waterfalls, which is illuminated during the summer evenings, this gorge has been a popular visitor attraction for over 200 years

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surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor, with a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Outdoor children's playground

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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set in a magical landscape, an exciting garden created by the Duchess of Northumberland containing a 120 water jet Grand Cascade

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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set in a dramatic building with over 3,500 fish, sharks and rays with a glass lift through a 10m tank - Europe's deepest viewing tunnel -

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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medieval Manor House which was the ancestral home of George Washington, with a tranquil garden and a 'nuttery' - a haven for wildlife

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  • open year round
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with 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the world, the stunning arboretum plays a vital part in research and conservation

A la Ronde

Exmouth

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • antiques
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature

unique 16-sided house dating from the late 18th century, containing many quirky objects & mementoes, including a fragile shell gallery

Abbey Gardens

Bury St. Edmunds

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

stunning gardens encompassing the ruins of the abbey with different themed sections including a herb garden and children's play area. An ideal spot for a picnic

Adlington Hall

Macclesfield

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • antiques
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the rooms all display original furniture alongside paintings and portraits that bring to life the story of the house and its occupants including an important 17th Century, played by Handel. Explore the extensive gardens and challenging maze

  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • wildlife

creating the story of the rainforest, this exotic wildlife park has many unusual and rare animals. Conservation is the driving force behind the zoo, participating in breeding programmes and public education

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

79 acres woodland reserve five miles north of Kingsbridge - mainly composed of oak, birch & beech trees - diverse flora of bilberry & ferns - supports a good bird population - also large numbers of dormice - two circular way-marked trails

  • farm park
  • -
  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

boasting a giant indoor play barn, and over 250 animals. Plus reptile handling, meet the ferrets, cuddle club, chipmunk feeding, meet the boas, outdoor adventure play & inflatables

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • nature

beautiful medieval house is part of the story of King Henry VIII and his divorce settlement with his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Highlights include atmospheric furnished rooms and a Tudor garden with traditional plants

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • transport
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

intimate Regency mansion with many treasures, Victorian garden and a Carriage Museum showcasing vehicles for every occasion

Attingham Park

Shrewsbury

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

surrounded by a beautiful landscaped deer park, this elegant country house has had its fortunes rise and fall; this is still visible in the building today

  • viewpoint
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

lauded as "Britain's most beautiful waterway", the canal runs through unspoilt countryside in the heart of North Hampshire. The Visitor Centre provides a history exhibition & information point

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

with something for everyone and boasting an outstanding collection of conifers, this large pinetum is a beautiful setting for family picnics

Birdland Park

Bourton-on-the-Water

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

seven acres of woodland & waterways are home to some of the worlds most exotic birds, including flamingos & parrots. Tropical & temperate houses & a children's play area

Birdworld

Farnham

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

a wide variety of birds in wonderful surroundings. Discover the Forest Lodge Garden Centre and children's farm

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

set amid the Staffordshire Moorlands, Blackbrook Zoological Park is one of the largest and varied collections of some of the most rare and endangered species of birds in the world and includes a collection of small mammals and reptiles

Blue Planet Aquarium

Ellesmere Port

  • aquarium
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

with a range of exhibits covering sea life and fresh water habitats from around the world. At the centre is one of the world's longest underwater moving walkways

  • farm park
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature

Working farm with farm animals tractor and pony rides. Other activities include lambing, shearing & brass-rubbing

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

a traditional park with open spaces, attractive floral bedding and a recently updated children's play area

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

850 acres of natural parkland surrounding the ruins of Bradgate house, home of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 day Queen of England. Also featuring extensive wildlife

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • sport
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

admire the panoramic vista across the water and the wide variety of wildlife from the Wildlife Centre reached by a boardwalk

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

covers the history of Bude and the surrounding area, including natural history, maritime and industrial heritage, and development of tourism

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
  • -
  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

ancient and peaceful, this tranquil Tudor manor house is far from today's busy lifestyle and is surrounded by rare terraced gardens

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • museum
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature

a surviving example of a family home built in the 13th century and then modernised in 1618 including period enactments throughout the year

  • farm park
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature

farm visit with animals, pony rides, promoting a better understanding of farming; large indoor play area and an adventure playground

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature

modernised in the 19th Century to become a lavish country house with Mediterranean planting in the garden and a working water mill

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • café
  • -
  • nature
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  • transport
  • -
  • boats

relax & leave the car behind and take this sightseeing passenger ferry sailing between Truro and Falmouth with hop on, hop off

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

awarded the national Green Flag Award, a peaceful garden left as a legacy from the Fox family including many varied species

Glendurgan Garden

Mawnan Smith

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • external view only
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

described as a "small piece of heaven on earth" by their founders, these gardens cover three valleys leading to the Helford River

Go Ape

Buxton

  • leisure facility
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  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • sport
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

set in the beautiful Peak District National Park, this leafy course is beautiful in all seasons – a lush green tunnel high up in the tree tops

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • World Heritage Site
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • photography
  • -
  • sport
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back, discovering the unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest on the way

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

dating back to the fourteenth century with a recent up date in the twentieth, this majestic castle is surrounded by lovely gardens

Holkham

Holkham

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

an elegant Palladian stately home, with a magnificent walled garden, extensive parkland with cycle routes and children's play areas

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • social history
  • -
  • literature
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

set across 11 acres, the visitor can discover the incredible world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria and the extraordinary life of Bede - the father of English history with plenty of interactive displays and a rare breed farm with rescued animals

  • sightseeing tour
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

hop-on board to see the spectacular coastline for one hour cruise with toilets onboard and indoor and outdoor viewing areas

  • archeological site
  • -
  • natural landscape
  • -
  • something different!
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

discover surprisingly cosy homes carved into the rock. Walk across Kinver Edge, buzzing with wildlife. Quirky tea room inside a rock house

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

400 acres country park surrounding one of the highest hills in the area - which may have had religious significance in prehistoric times

  • aquarium
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

home to hundreds of amazing creatures from local wildlife to more exotic species from around the world

  • viewpoint
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

overlooking what is still one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, where Marconi undertook some of his pioneering radio experiments

  • sightseeing tour
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

view the stunning Cornish coastline whilst watching out for sea wildlife with knowledgeable and experienced guides for 1.5 and 3 hour trips

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

bought in 1888 for the princely sum of £3,120. Originally created in 1841, they are now home to a surprising variety of plants, shrubs and trees

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

over 130 rare and exciting creatures with keeper talks and animal experiences - children's play area, Dragon Maze and activity trails

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

wildlife sanctuary and indoor play centre, home to World Parrot Trust with a fabulous, colourful collection of rare and endangered parrots

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
  • -
  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

a must see for any horticulturist with over 6000 labelled plants set in different garden zones including a Japanese Garden

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

providing a sanctuary for a wide variety of exotic animals with animal talks, demonstrations and animal petting area. Picnics welcome

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

well-established owl sanctuary, with owls from all over the world, plus other animals, petting area, falconry and play area

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

wildlife park with a wide range of animals from all over the world. Daily talks and displays. Large children's play area

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

spanning some 450 acres, and home of the legendary Robin Hood, the forest offers something for everyone of all ages and abilities

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • viewpoint
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • military history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

commanding views across the Fal estuary and beyond. Famed for its military history for centuries, there are big guns, batteries and fortifications to discover. With level paths from the car park to the headland

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • sport
  • -
  • walking

unrivalled water sports facilities as well as cycle trails and lakeside walks with pirate themed children's play area

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

a great family day out with British and Asian Short Clawed Otters and wallabies. Muntjac and Fallow deer roam the 21 acre grounds and enjoy a woodland walk with conservation activities

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

largest area of woodland in West Cornwall with 9 miles of paths from easy going to more challenging set in 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes. Picnic area

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level multi use trail which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow

  • something different!
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • social history
  • -
  • nature

home to over 1000 gnomes and pixies, wildflowers, herbs, grasses and ferns with a family picnic area

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • external view only
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

A Grade 1 registered landscape with acres of parkland and the national plant collection of rhododendron, magnolia and camellia species

  • farm park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

Whitehouse Farm is a 40 acre farm centre that has been entertaining and educating people of all ages since 1997

Batsford Arboretum

Moreton-in-Marsh

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

large private collection of trees and shrubs set in 50 acres with many rare and unusual trees

Battersea Park

London SW11

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

200 acre Victorian Park on the South side of the Thames with a children's play area and children's zoo and a small gallery

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

beautiful landscaped area surrounding an impressive collection of 66 owls from around the world. Visit the creepy crawlies & flying displays

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

home to a variety of wildlife with 500 plant species and 200 species fo birds set on a limestone promontory with 200 feet high cliffs

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

situated on Nottingham's urban fringe this 450 acre park is made up of pleasant grassland & secluded woods with many beautiful mill lakes and many picnic spots throughout

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

country park set in 120 acres with a network of paths leading through wetland and wildflower meadows

  • sightseeing tour
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • sport
  • -
  • wildlife

fishing & angling trips from Newquay Harbour - MCA licensed & insured up to 60 miles offshore - half-day, full day & evening trips

The Arthurian Centre

Slaughterbridge

  • landmark
  • -
  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

discover 1,500 years of legend with an exhibition room recalling the legends and history of King Arthur. Brass rubbing, nature trail and children's quiz

Trebah Garden

Mawnan Smith

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

beautiful gardens that tumble down to the sea with a superb collection of sub-tropical plants and a water garden. Children's play area and picnics are welcome on the sheltered and secluded beach

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

11 acres if gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. The history of the ruined 18th Century house is depicted in the Gate House Museum

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

the house dates back to the early fifteenth century and has had many refurbishments down the centuries, the museum portrays the history of the local fenland and the spacious gardens include an eighteenth century ice house

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

visitors can admire the remains of an Iron Age fort which is situated in a fine example of chalk grassland, running alongside is the Ridgeway National Trail

  • farm park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

set on a Roman site this farm has many rare breeds that visitors can feed. See sheep shearing, foot trimming, calving & lambing in season

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

set on the north side of the River Blyth with a picnic area and children's play area, as well as pleasant horse and nature trails. The park covers 57 hectares of woodland and grassland.

  • film/tv location
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • film
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • TV
  • -
  • walking

set at a point where the River Derwent is at its widest with all manner of bird life including swans, herons, Canada geese and a variety of ducks and moorhens. Location of a number of film and TV productions

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

all year round enjoyment for everyone with landscaped parks and gardens set in a picturesque valley. Includes historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, woodland railway, indoor and outdoor children's play areas

  • sightseeing tour
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

take a trip to the Farne Islands & observe the grey seal colonies. All-day bird watching is available during the breeding season

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • guided tours
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

introducing the birdlife of Northumberland and the North East. Tours with friendly guides who share their knowledge of local birds with infectious enthusiasm

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

visitors can enjoy the lake, arboretum, woodland & adventure trails & the chance to go horse riding in this attractive complex of country parks

Bluereef Aquarium

North Shields

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

exciting wildlife attraction designed to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. At the heart of the visit there are giant ocean tanks with spectacular underwater walkthrough tunnels

Borde Hill Garden

Haywards Heath

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

botanical heritage and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families alike

  • farm park
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  • film/tv location
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • TV
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

home of Channel Five’s ‘Mist sheepdog tales’ this 400 acre working farm is home to a flock of 700 breeding ewes, plus their lambs, holds sheepdog & Falconry displays throughout the summer - April lambing open days

  • garden
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Originally opened in 1874, these Victorian gardens are bursting with floral splendour and colourful displays. Winding through the park is the garden’s lake and a multitude of pathways

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • geology
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

located in a Methodist chapel, the centre contains a selection of natural history displays covering a range of topics, including geology, archaeology, vegetation & wildlife

  • farm park
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • nature

visitors can milk goats, sheep or cows on this small family-run farm. There are many other animals, goat & donkey cart rides, a picnic & play area

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

collection of unusual birds from all over the world. The centre also has a hospital room where sick or injured birds can be treated

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

over 40 different species, from tiny field mice to magnificent red deer including badgers and hedgehogs. All the natural wild life to be found in Britain, with informative displays and a conservation project to visit

  • leisure facility
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • surfing

great fun for all with personalised surf teaching. All ages and abilities welcome offering various lessons from 1/2 day to week long courses

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

this country park includes a picnic area, forest walks & wildlife observation.

Gibside

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  • park
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • external view only
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

a rare example of an 18th Century landscape garden, a tree lined avenue, pockets of peaceful woodland and adventure play areas

  • farm park
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

set in the beautiful rolling hills of County Durham, a mixed farm of 290 hectares - a great day out for children who can see and touch animals at close quarters

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • geology
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • nature

founded in 1796, making it one of Britain’s oldest museums, boasting unique collections of natural history and archaeological artefacts

  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

informative displays about bees with educational talks & videos on beekeeping and beeswax candle making - beehives are kept behind glass

  • park
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • external view only
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

designed by Humphrey Repton in the nineteenth century with extensive views and magnificent rhododendrons, when in season

  • leisure facility
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

two lakes offering water sports, angling, walking, cycling and relaxation. Picnic area. Equipment hire and children's play area

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

three flying displays each day with different birds in each - hawks, owls, falcons, vultures & eagles - other birds & animals - playground - picnic area

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking

tranquil haven in the city with a traditional Victorian bandstand where summer concerts are held and with a small water garden dating from the original gardens

World Museum

Liverpool

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • science
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  • technology

Liverpool's oldest museum with five floors of exhibits, covering technology, science and natural history

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool

  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

Over 400 animals, from Aardvarks to Zebras. Keepers give regular talks & demonstrations to enable visitors to learn more about the animals.

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • walking

from the home of Augustinian friars in the C12th to a country club in the C20th, the land known as Caversham Court Gardens has a long recorded history. Volunteers give illustrated talks

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