UK & Ireland

Beamish Museum, Beamish, DH9 0RG, Durham

Step back in time. There's nearly two hundred years of life to experience in this three hundred acre 'living' Museum including: sweet making in the Sweet Factory, horses working in The Town and lessons in the Village School.

For Opening and Closing Times: Tel: 0191 370 4000 or check web site for more information: www.beamish.org.uk

National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ, North Yorkshire

This is the largest railway museum in the WORLD! Here you can see historic steam trains, special Royal trains and modern trains like the Shinkansen - the Japanese 'Bullet' train.

For Opening and Closing Times: 08448 153 139 or check web site for more information: www.nrm.org.uk

National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS, Leicestershire

If you've ever wondered whether there's life on Mars or how astronauts wee in space - take a trip to the Space Science Centre. It's a whole new world.

For Opening and Closing Times: 0845 605 2001 or check web site for more information: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life, Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3BX, Norfolk

Ahoy me hearties! Here you can find out about Great Yarmouth's fascinating maritime and fishing history and some of the colourful characters who made their living from the sea.

For Opening and Closing Times: 01493 743930 or check web site for more information: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, Chichester, PO18 0EU, West Sussex

A great place to visit on a sunny day as there's so much to do outside. Wander amongst a fascinating collection of historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century in 40 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside

For Opening and Closing Times: 01243 811348 or check web site for more information: www.wealddown.co.uk

The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester, Icen Way, Dorchester, DT1 1EW, Dorset

Are you a dinosaur fan? If so, what are you waiting for? This museum is definitely the one for you.

For Opening and Closing Times: 01305 269741or check web site for more information: www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

Enginuity, Coach Road, Coalbrookdale, Telford, TF8 7DQ, Shropshire

The exhibits here will inspire you to become apprentice engineers for the day! You're free to experiment with the gadgets and know how they are used to design and make things we see and use every day. Pull a real locomotive, pitch yourself against the speed and accuracy of a robot, or work as a team to run the Crazy Boiler - but beware the consequences, as it may run out of control!

For Opening and Closing Times 01952 884 391 or check web site for more information: www.ironbridge.org.uk/our_attractions/enginuity/

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal (National Trust) Styal, Nr Wilmslow, SK9 4LA, Cheshire

This Georgian Museum has amazing steam engines, a whole factory village to explore, country walks and even porridge to stir... it's a huge day out.

For Opening and Closing Times 01625 527468 or check web site for more information: www.quarrybankmill.org.uk