2 Carr Farm Close

Gulliver's World is a theme park in Warrington, loosely based on the world of Lilliput from Gulliver's Travels. It is split into themed areas including Western World, Safari Kingdom, Land of Oz, Smuggler's Wharf and Lost World. Rides such as The Antelope, Desperado Drop and Apache Falls sit alongside play areas, both indoors and outdoors, designed for children between 2 and 13.

Tip: The website says booking tickets early can save money, so check online before you go.

AO Arena is a large indoor venue immediately north of Manchester city centre, partly built over Manchester Victoria railway station. It opened in 1995 and hosts concerts, comedy, family shows and sport, including ice hockey and boxing.

Tip: The arena sits partly above Manchester Victoria railway station, so it is easy to reach by train.

The People's History Museum in Manchester is the national museum of democracy. It tells the story of how democracy developed in Britain, and of ordinary people who came together to fight for their rights. It is based in a Grade II listed former hydraulic pumping station, linked by a glass walkway to a modern extension.

Tip: Check the museum's website before you go, as the exhibitions and activities change.

The National Football Museum is England's national museum of football. It is based in the Urbis building in Manchester city centre and is laid out over four floors, preserving, conserving and displaying important collections of football memorabilia.

Tip: Head for the Pitch Gallery first: it is the largest floor and holds the trophies and the Hall of Fame.

Chatsworth is a Grade I listed stately home in the Derbyshire Dales, home to the Devonshire family for 17 generations. Inside, over 25 rooms show art and artefacts spanning 4,000 years, including the Painted Hall, the State Rooms and the Sculpture Gallery. Some rooms close for annual conservation, so not every one is always open.

Tip: Book online in advance for free parking. Prams and rucksack-style baby carriers aren't allowed in the house, but there is left luggage near the entrance.

The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester traces the city's role in the Industrial Revolution and the ideas that went on to change the world. It sits in Castlefield on the site of the original Liverpool Road station, the world's first inter-urban passenger railway station, with Grade I listed buildings including the 1830 Warehouse.

Tip: There's no on-site parking, so use public transport; the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop is nearby.

Blue John Cavern is one of four show caves in Castleton, Derbyshire, alongside Peak Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Speedwell Cavern. It is a series of caverns, and a visit shows clearly how caves form in limestone. The limestone itself was laid down on the floors of great oceans, and the fossilised remains of marine animals help tell that story.

Tip: Browse the Blue John jewellery in the cavern shop before you leave.