Bournemouth's Castlepoint Shopping Centre has become a major new trading centre since opening in 2003 and offers a wide range of major retail names including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, WH Smith and Boots.  Read more

Newcastle's Centre for Life explores the science and origins of human life. Live science demonstrations are carried out in the Life Theatre and plenty of scientific activities and events keep both kids and adults enthralled.  Read more

Chatsworth House, stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is also known as the "Palace of the Peak". In addition to art treasures, it has a beautiful 105-acre garden and a working farmyard, which is great fun for kids.  Read more

Visit Somerset's Cheddar Caves & Gorge to discover cathedral-like caves carved by Ice Age meltwaters and meet the 9000-year-old Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton. A controversial exhibition brings the fascinating world of Stone Age Britain vividly to life.  Read more

The Chessington World of Adventures theme park is just a short drive or train journey from London and a great day out for adrenalin-starved kids and their excited parents. Apart from countless rides, there's a zoo and Sea Life Centre.

Chester Zoo is situated just two miles north of the city centre. Spacious near-natural surroundings are home to 7000 animals, many of which are endangered. In fact, the zoo is part of a worldwide conservation programme.  Read more

Get your outfit ready as West Belfast festival organisers Féile An Phobail present the Draíocht Children's Halloween Festival.  Along with fancy dress, there are storytelling, pumpkin-carving, lantern-making, drumming and zombie workshops. It culminates in the lantern procession, fireworks and enchanted forest.

The world's only pure-blood wild cattle, the striking Chillingham herd are a last link to ancient Britain. When Chillingham Park was enclosed in 1270AD the wild cattle were virtually cut off from human interference, and for over 700 years the herd - now standing at 56 - have been unadulterated and undiluted by other breeds. Given that there are fewer Chillingham wild cattle than giant pandas in the world, there is something very special in visiting their private habitat.  Read more

Located beneath Nottingham's Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, the City of Caves is a cave system that has been extensively adapted by man. Visitors can explore the Anglo-Saxon tunnels and displays provide a fascinating insight into local life throughout history.  Read more

More than 25 family, music and literary events make up the Clifton Montpelier Powis Festival in Brighton. Run by the community, the literary talks, choir, orchestra and theatrical performances take place at St Nicholas and Saint Michael's and All Angels churches.

Once capital of Roman Britain, Colchester boasts an impressive castle built on the foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius, parts of which can still be seen today. The castle has the largest keep ever built by the Normans and since the 16th century it's been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches. Today the castle is a popular family attraction housing an award-winning museum complete with hands-on exhibitions documenting Colchester's history from the Stone Age to the Civil war.  Read more

Colchester's intriguing Natural History Museum explores the elements and wildlife in the region with its displays of natural habitats, fish, birds and marine animals. Situated in the former All Saints Church, the hands-on displays, live animals and nature reserve make for a fun-filled family day out.  Read more

The ten acres of gardens at Compton Acres sit in splendour, with an impressive view of Poole Harbour. They are the brainchild of Thomas William Simpson, who had a vision of creating a garden made up of separate areas, each illustrating a particular style from around the world.  Read more

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in Penarth is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Cosmeston Medieval Village, within the park, is a unique heritage attraction that takes visitors back to the 14th century.  Read more

The Cotswold Farm Park in Stow-on-the-Wold offers a fun day out regardless of the weather. Kids get to meet, cuddle and feed a variety of farm animals, and it's also home to a rare-breeds conservation centre.  Read more

Coventry Transport Museum displays the largest collection of British road transport in the world and is designated as a collection of national importance. The city was the birthplace of Britain's cycle and car industries and visitors can see hundreds of cars, cycles and motorcycles.  Read more

Oxford's southern artery is pedestrianised as the Cowley Road Carnival brings street theatre, live music and a colourful parade to the city. This multicultural festival features stalls selling food from all over the world and plenty of family activities.

To while away a rainy afternoon with the kids, head to Craft Daft in Ayr for shopping with a difference. Choose a piece of art from the shop and then use the on-site studio and materials to customise it.  Read more

Crealy Adventure Park offers roller coasters, friendly animals and safe play areas - sure to thrill adults and kids alike.  Read more

Dairyland Farm World in Newquay provides a hands-on farm experience for children and their parents that aims to promote a better understanding between town and country.  Read more