England's indoor activities
There are lots of fantastic attractions around England to keep the whole family entertained whatever the weather. Have a look at some of the best indoor activities currently available.
East of England
Inspire Discovery Centre - Norwich
Housed in one of Norwich’s finest old medieval churches, inspire is a different kind of museum, one where children and adults can explore science through fun hands-on activities. A visit to Inspire stimulates curiosity and interest in science and technology and helps children build a fund of relevant experience that can be reflected upon and followed up by further experimentation in the classroom.
Origins at the Forum - Norwich
Since opening in 2001 The Forum has developed a reputation as a unique centre venture for an exciting and diverse range of entertainment. From the world famous Comedy Store, to exuberant street theatre events, the stunning glass atrium and expansive outdoor spaces play host to a year long programme of free and ticketed events.
Accomodation offer: 3 for 2 nights at Dairy Barns, Norfolk
East Midlands
National Space Centre - Leicester
The award winning National Space Centre in Leicester is the UK’s largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre’s futuristic Rocket Tower, you will be treated to hours of amazing discovery and interactive fun. Winner of East Midlands Excellence Award for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007 and home of the UK’s largest planetarium, The National Space Centre is a hands-on, interactive journey through 6 stunning galleries, Rocket Tower, 3D S.I.M. ride, 360 degree space theatre that offers an experience that really is out of this world.
Accomodation offer: 3 nights for 2 at Campanile, Leicester
City of Caves - Nottingham
Enter and explore a whole new world in the caves underneath the city of Nottingham and descend into the dark depths of the original Anglo-Saxon tunnels, meeting real cave-dwellers from its dramatic hidden past. See how these caves have been used and adapted over the centuries by local people to escape and take refuge from the world above. This set of man-made caves was almost lost forever when the modern shopping centre was built. Thanks to local voluntary groups the caves were saved and now they are open to visitors.
Accommodation offer: 3 nights for 2 at Jury's Inn, Nottingham
South West
At-Bristol
At-Bristol is one of the UK’s leading science and discovery centres. The hands-on science centre Explore and its planetarium, offers an amazing world of hands-on discovery – where exploration and education go hand in hand with an unforgettable, fun day out. Explore At-Bristol is the first of it’s kind where science is brought alive through stunning visuals. It is a true 21st century science centre combining the best of hands-on activities with the latest multi-media techniques.
South East
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire
Situated in the Buckinghamshire village where Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years, the Museum was created as a home for the author’s unique archive and to inspire a love of stories and creative writing in all our visitors. The Roald Dahl museum, will keep the kids busy with chocolate decorating, George’s Marvellous experiments workshop, the BFG’s shadow puppet workshop, games and storytelling.
Accomodation offer: Kids stay and eat free at Britannia Hotels
Brighton Sea Life Centre
The Brighton Sea Life centre offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 57 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family. Watch in amazement as giant turtles and sharks glide above you in our underwater tunnel. Come and visit our Tropical Reef – complete with a shark encircled wreck and breathtaking tropical coral, you can make it your own adventure. A show piece of Victorian splendour and as the oldest operating aquarium in the world is considered to also be the best.
Heart of England
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle has witnessed some of the darkest, bloodiest and most frightening times in history. This new experience is set to echo part of the Castle's past taking you back to 1345, when the town was gripped by the plague. In true Dungeon style, gore seekers will be greeted by decaying bodies, chanting monks, torture implements, execution and the "labyrinth of lost souls" - a fantastic mirror maze. Warwick Castle truly brings history to life.
Accommodation offer - Discounted rate at Chesford Grange, Kenilworth
Cadbury World, Birmingham
Cadbury World in Bourneville, Birmingham, tells the story of Cadbury's chocolate including chocolate-making demonstrations and attractions for all ages, with free samples, free parking, shop and restaurant. Discover the secret of Cadbury Dairy Milk and create your own unique product combining liquid chocolate with different taste sensations from popcorn to jelly babies.
The Public, Sandwell
This large and ambitious cultural project in Sandwell has just opened and is all about the enjoyment of audience participation. There's a wide range of accessible, entertaining, educational and inspirational activities to support an unusual and digitally interactive day out. Children can experience the digital waterfalls, flying avatars, winding paths, sound tunnels and much, much more.
Accomodation offer: Family discount on Welcome Break accommodation
Yorkshire
The Deep - Hull
Visit England's most spectacular acquarium, home to 40 sharks and over 3500 fish, not to mention rays, crabs, jellyfish and more. Behind the scenes a team of dedicated marine biologists care for all of the animals at The Deep as well as carrying out a vital research into the marine environment. You can now dine with the sharks on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Two Rivers restaurant with aquarium views.
Accommodation offer: 2 nights for 1 - The Beverley Arms Hotel, Beverley
Yorkshire Air Museum - York
The World War II airfield at RAF Elvington was a real-life Bomber Command station, an exciting daytrip for any kids interested in factual adventure stories. There's a dedicated kid zone at the Air Museum featuring activities and exhibitions built to teach and engage, from The Origin of Flight, Meteor Jet Colouring and a Flying Word search. There is also an authenitc 19402 Control Tower and the NAAFI restaurant for when rations are exceeded.
Accommodation offer: 3 nights for 2 - Hedley House - York
