With a fairy tale castle, beautiful forests, wonderful wildlife and family theme parks there’s lots to do in the East Midlands
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
There’s a fairytale quality to Bolsover Castle that makes it a firm favourite with anyone looking for a great day out in the East Midlands. There is plenty to do for all the family in the Discovery Centre. Kids can dress up as a cavalier or try building a fantasy castle. There’s lots of green space and with panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover has everything you need for for a family picnic.
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Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
Salcey Forest is an oasis of nature and history only 7 miles from the centre of Northampton. 'Secret Salcey' guides are available from the Forest Cafe for only a few pounds, so you can discover why elephants once roamed the forest and even find a roman road. If you have a head for heights, ascend the all ability Tree Top Way and see Salcey from a completely different viewpoint, with fantastic views in store at the top. For an active day out why not try to complete the 5 mile family cycle route.
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Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
Here you'll find two great places to visit in one beautiful setting. Sudbury Hall is full of 17th-century craftsmanship, featuring exquisite plasterwork, wood carvings and classical story-based murals. The Museum of Childhood is a delight for all ages with something for everyone. Explore the childhoods of times gone by, make stories, and play with toys. Children can be a chimney sweep, a scullion or a Victorian pupil, and they will particularly enjoy the interactive areas and displays.
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Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Nottinghamshire
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion and park set in the heart of Nottingham. There's plenty to do on your visit, take a look around the Natural History Museum, stretch your legs with a stroll around the park and gardens or enjoy a delicious drink in the cafe. With free entry it is great for a day out so why not take a picnic along when the weather is nice.
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Chestnut Centre Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park, Derbyshire
This conservation and wildlife park is located in the scenic Peak District National Park of Derbyshire, and is set in 50 acres of landscaped grounds. It's home to a unique collection of birds and animals and also many wild birds and mammals. As you walk about the Wildlife Park you'll see some of Europe's largest gathering of otters, 16 species of owls and other wildlife all in their natural surroundings including, buzzards, pine martens, polecats, foxes, Scottish wildcats and deer. Children will love trying to spot all the different animals.
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Sundown Adventureland, Nottinghamshire
This fantastic theme park is designed for children under 10, but there’s lots for adults to enjoy too. They’ve got Go-karts, a boat ride, a train ride, an adventure play area, ghost walk, sunny down farm, an under-fives play area and much much more.
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Tropical Birdland, Leicestershire
Tropical Birdland is a beautiful tropical bird garden, located in the heart of rural Leicestershire. Wander thorugh the large walk through aviaries and see which exotic birds you can spot. Children will have a great time feeding the birds mealworms to get them to come up close. They have over 250 birds and 50 different species so you will see a great range of birds from Toucans and Macaws to Snowy Owls.
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Rand Farm Park, Lincolnshire
This working farm is perfect for children of all ages to enjoy. They have a large variety of animals for you to hold, feed, touch and cuddle. There is a large out door adventure playground and the fun doesn’t have to stop if the weather is bad as they also have an indoor heated play area. There's a spacious tearoom and coffee bar, so the everyone can treat themselves to a lovely cuppa and a bite to eat after a day's fun and activity. For inquisitive little ones the interactive information centre will help them discover lots about the farm and the animals.
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CONKERS, Derbyshire
CONKERS is a fantastic attraction at the heart of the forest, a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences to keep you and your family engaged for hours. Ther are 23 different outdoor activities. Indoors there are four discovery zones designed for children and adults of all ages, which also includes the Enchanted Forest Adventure Play area, a simulated Tree Top Walk. They also have lots of exciting events and activities during school holidays.
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Skegness Natureland and Seal Sanctuary, Lincolnshire
If your children love animals they certainly won’t be disappointed with a visit to Skegness Natureland. They’ve got seals, penguins, crocodiles, an aquarium and a pets corner. There’s lots to do, be it feeding the pets in the children's corner or watching the beautiful Coral Fish and Tropical Butterflies. A highlight of the visit will no doubt be feeding time for the seals and penguins.
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