Blue Ron's

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.

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.

Gulliver's Kingdom is a theme park in Matlock Bath, aimed at children aged 3-13. It sits on a hillside on the edge of the Peak District National Park, so many of the rides come with views over the Derwent Valley. The Crows Nest Quest is there to climb, and the log flume runs high above the valley.

Tip: Leaving the car behind? Matlock Bath station is a 10-15 minute walk away, and a valid public transport ticket can bring a discount on entry.

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.

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.

Peak Cavern is one of four show caves in Castleton, Derbyshire. Its main entrance, known as The Vestibule, is the largest cave entrance in Britain, and Peakshole Water flows through and out of the cave. Unlike the other show caves nearby, it is almost entirely natural.

Tip: Expect to stoop along Lumbago Walk, as most adults need to duck to get through.

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.