This classic 17th century English country house is set in delightful gardens with a magnificent…read moredeer park. The perfect symmetry, opulent decor, fine furnishings and the Brownlow family portraits gives Belton both grandeur and a more intimate feel, whilst the 'Below Stairs' tours give fascinating insights into how Belton's servants lived and worked in the 1900s. This tour took about one hour and was simply unmissable, the facts that flow from the guides always amaze me. The tranquil riverside woodland next to a bustling adventure playground makes this a perfect place for the whole family. You can even rest your legs by taking the mini railway. Of course there is also the obligatory restaurant in this case it's the Stables restaurant and ride cafe, there is also the usual gift shop as well as a secondhand bookshop.

A great day out for adults and children alike. A fantastic, enormous (the National Trusts largest!)…read morewooden play area for children which amuses them for quite a while and is suitable for ages 0-80! As ever with National Trust properties, it is well maintained, educational and fascinating. There is dressing up for adults and children, lovely walks through the grounds, the usual gift shop and tea room - everything we've come to expect from the NT!

RAF Coningsby, on the B1192 south of Horncastle, Lincolnshire. About half a mile from Coningsby…read morevillage, 13 miles north-east of Sleaford on the A153. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, and a Dakota. In 1986, it became possible to view these historic aircraft, at their base at RAF Coningsby. In the years immediately following World War Two it became traditional for a Spitfire and Hurricane to lead the Victory Day flypast over London . From that event there grew the idea to form an historic collection of flyable aircraft, initially to commemorate the RAF's major battle honour. Since it began in 1957, the aircrew on the Flight have been drawn from volunteers who maintain the 12 historic aircraft both at Coningsby and out on the display circuit. Visitors are led on a guided tour around the BBMF hangar by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer guides, who give freely of their time and who, in many cases, have first hand experience of the aircraft Entry to the exhibition centre, souvenir shop and car park is free; there is a small charge for guided tours of the hangar, with special rates for groups Well stocked shop offering an extensive range of aviation gifts. There is a permanent exhibition gallery exploring Lincolnshire's links with the RAF plus regular programme of temporary exhibitions. Open Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm Guided tours of the hangar from 10.30am - 3.30pm (3.00pm November - February) but of course in show season they cannot guarantee certain planes will be there. You will see them flying somewhere though. These are REAL planes folkand I love 'em!

This is an amazing 2 story museum with all kinds of artifacts from old wedgewood to Egypt's tomb…read moreand artifacts Teapots and tea cups old coins to everything in between. 2 nd floor loads of paintings to look at. Entry is free which is always a plus.

The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a well rounded and varied collection. It is sure to please most…read moremuseum visitors regardless of interests. If you're a fan of the work of Georges-Pierre Seurat, you're sure to enjoy the 1884 Neo-Impressionism painting, "The Couple" (original title: Un dimanche après-midi sur l'île de la Grande Jatte). Does it somehow look familiar? This was a study for A Sunday on the Island of la Grande Jatte! "This work is one of many that Georges-Pierre Seurat made in preparation for a much larger painting. The woman's stiff posture is accentuated by her tightly buttoned jacket and the exaggerated bustle of her skirt, which echoes the curve of her parasol. Given that the area of Paris depicted here was known for prostitution, it has been suggested that the woman is a sex worker on the arm of a male client." Give yourself several hours if you plan to take in the entire collection. If you are fortunate enough to live nearby and can visit often, take your time and you're sure to fall in love with one of the many wonderfully curated items found within the museum walls.

What an amazing place! We happened to see this museum as we…read morewere walking by and were intrigued by their moving signage. Inside there are plenty of machines that whir and perform small tasks or even make music. Lots of interactive things to see and do, buttons to push, pedals to press, even a magnetic marble track you can build yourself! It's a treat for young and old and definitely worth the small entry fee.

The opening hours are stated for October to March. Opening hours from April to September are a…read morelittle longer (10:30 to 18:30 daily). A friend recommended this place to me thinking that my boys would like it. My friend was right! We did all enjoy the interactive displays. The extent of the interactivity is mainly pressing a button though but it's still good. There is an interesting range of mechanical art and my boys and I were fascinated by the mechanisms. It is quite a small place. It cost £19 for the four of us (2 adults and 2 children) which isn't too bad but, considering we spent less than an hour in there and saw everything, it does seem a little expensive. There are two floors. One very small room on each floor displaying different pieces of art. It can get rather crowded due to the small size, especially downstairs where the entrance/exit is the same. In the same small area, there is a counter where there is a single member of staff who both admits people and serves the gift shop. The gift shop is basically a small portion of the wall within the ground floor of the museum. Many items are over-priced and the selection is very limited. We did enjoy ourselves there and would recommend it but it could get claustrophobic and the upstairs can be noisy (although it does state this on the signage).

An interesting hour spent studying all sorts of scientific instruments from Babbage's difference…read moreengine, hand held calculators and a cool section of hands on experiments and instruments for kids.

Bowling Hall is a large museum in a medieval building, it is set in a leafy garden with a large…read morepark across the road. It was a stronghold in the 'siege of Bradford' and where a ghost requested that we 'pity poor Bradford'! The exhibits are quite 'traditional', but this doesn't detract from the charm of the museum, in fact quite often you can be the only people in the attraction which gives it a certain atmosphere, especially when you are wandering around the haunted rooms! The museum is large enough to while away an hour, but not too big that it would be boring for younger visitors. The promise of a play in the park and an icecream should keep them quiet and on their best behaviour too - the park opposite the museum is large and well kept and has something for everyone.

This is a lovely old house situated in the Bradford 4 area…read more The ground floor where you enter is slighlty darker than the rest and can frighten some younger children. There is many things on show, that can teach young children and older children about how people used is to live. This place is said to be haunted and appeared on most haunted. It has different events happening through out the years and is a good place to vist.

This is a fantastic place! First of all, it's FREE, and the…read moreorganise great days for kids. It's really interesting for young & old, and well worth a visit.

I had fantastic couple of hours spent here and all for free. A realy intersting place both for…read moreadults and children alike. It has a realy nice garden area with very friendly helpfull staff and should be far better advertised. I don`t think anyone would argue that even if they charged a couple of quid that this wouldn`t be extremely good value for money.

Great collection of buses here and a collection of milk floats and other electric vehicles. There…read moreis an exhibition about bus services in the Midlands, which is well done. Interpretation in the bus halls is less good, with some displays awkwardly positioned and I spotted one description of the wrong bus. The cafe is very basic, a pity it does not do cakes and cream teas etc. However, we worth a visit an what is excellent here is that they have running days when buses offer rides that really demonstrate well what these venerable vehicles sound like and feel like to ride on.

We've all taken a bus ride in our time but how about a trip down memory lane with this excellent…read moremuseum. With buses from all eras you'll probably spot one that you used to catch often. There are all sorts of buses here which have been beautifully restored and maintain by the members. Many of the vehicles are still running, I have to admit I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to large vehicles, not quite a train spotter, but close! I defy anyone not to be impressed by the finest and largest collection of beautifully preserved buses this country has. If you are into trains as well then there's also a miniature steam railway too. This is a fabulous day out for the whole family, take grandma and pops, they'll love it. Admission is £3.00 for adults £1.50 for children.

Newstead Abbey Museum in Nottingham is an absolutely outstanding place to visit and easily one of…read morethe most memorable heritage attractions I have been to. From the moment you arrive the setting alone is breathtaking. The abbey is surrounded by beautiful grounds lakes and woodland that instantly make you feel calm and immersed in history before you even step inside. It is the kind of place where you want to take your time explore slowly and really soak everything in. The museum itself is fascinating and exceptionally well presented. The history of the abbey is rich and layered from its origins as an Augustinian priory to its later life as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. Each room feels thoughtfully curated and full of character with original features artworks furniture and displays that genuinely bring the past to life. The storytelling throughout the museum is engaging and easy to follow whether you are already interested in history or just curious to learn something new. What truly sets Newstead Abbey apart however is the staff. Every single member of the team I encountered was incredibly helpful friendly and welcoming. They go above and beyond to make visitors feel comfortable and informed. Their knowledge is genuinely impressive and it is clear they are passionate about the abbey and its history. Questions are answered with enthusiasm and depth and conversations never feel rushed. Their insights added so much to the visit and made the experience feel personal rather than just observational. The atmosphere throughout the museum is warm and inviting and there is a real sense of pride from the people who work there. It feels like a place that is deeply cared for and respected. Even on a busy day the experience felt relaxed and well managed with plenty of space to explore at your own pace. Outside the abbey the grounds are just as impressive. The gardens are beautifully maintained and offer stunning views at every turn. Whether you are interested in photography a peaceful walk or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery there is something for everyone. It is easy to spend several hours here without feeling like you have run out of things to do. Overall Newstead Abbey Museum is a must visit in Nottingham. It combines history beauty and outstanding hospitality in a way that few places manage to achieve. Thanks to the knowledgeable friendly and genuinely kind staff this is not just a museum but an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I would highly recommend it to locals tourists families and anyone with even a slight interest in history or culture. I will definitely be returning.

http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk/…read more Yet another near-derelict former-country-pile-former-Abbey in Nottinghamshire!! Once home to George Gordon "Lord" B. and all his excesses and eccentricities, this bohemian pile in its glorious grounds is a wonderful place to visit. Look around the house, wander around the beautifully landscaped gardens, eat, get married, or just play a ball game in the grounds. [The horses are no longer allowed inside though! ;) ]

What a great experiential aircraft visit in a historically significant place. The displays span the…read morecentury including spitfires, P-51's, B-52's, A-10's, SR-71, U2, and commercial aircraft like the SST. Two major display building with several hangars of planes WW2 operational planes or in process of being restored. For you yanks, this on the quality of the Smithsonian Aircraft exhibit in DC, with out all the outer space stuff.

It had been years since my last visit to Duxford. A Christmas present of tickets and an In the…read moreCockpit Spitfire Experience made a return visit a 'must do'. On arrival, and wandering around, I immediately noticed so many changes. More outlets throughout the grounds for refreshments. Prices are more than reasonable and the food very fresh having been made on site. My last visit there was only one restaurant. Also, it may sound silly, but many more toilet facilities. All a very big plus to this wonderful museum. We decided to start our visit in the Land Based War area at the very furthest point on the runway. Although there is a bus service we decided to slowly stroll the 15 minutes. This idea worked out perfectly as we finished our visit in the main hangar near the exit, tired, but having visited every area on our way back. The whole experience was an education and extremely enjoyable. The aircraft are an impressive display and the planning in setting out these huge vehicles in such small spaces incredible. This, especially, in the American hangar. Seeing the old passenger planes on the runway brought back memories of DanAir, BEA, BOAC, Monarch......all planes and companies I have flown with. Finally, my Spitfire experience was outstanding. An informative talk for 20 minutes before climbing into the cockpit of N3200. Still wonder how those pilots in flight jackets, boots and parachute managed to even move. Shown all the controls in a hands on way. It was so interesting, A fabulous day out and a would definitely advise a visit of a few hours.