Spitfire Lodge

Alton Towers is one of the UK's largest and most popular theme parks, set in over 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside. The rides range from big rollercoasters such as Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Oblivion to gentler family rides, and there are over 40 rides and attractions in all. There's also a waterpark, mini golf and landscaped gardens.

Tip: Pre-book your ticket online before you go, as everyone needs one and sold-out dates can't be bought on the day.

The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is an open-air museum of rebuilt, replica and recreated shops, houses and industrial workshops, spread across 26 acres of former industrial land. Historic characters in period settings chat to visitors and demonstrate traditional skills, such as hand-forging nails and casting brass. The visit is self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace.

Tip: Allow 4 to 5 hours, and head first to the trams or trolleybuses to reach the village at the heart of the site.

Trentham Estate covers 725 acres on the southern edge of Stoke-on-Trent. At its heart are the award-winning gardens, which include the Italian Gardens, the David Austin Rose Border, a lakeside area, and the Rivers of Grass and Floral Labyrinth. There is also ancient woodland to explore, with walks focused on nature and wildlife, plus adventure and play areas for children.

Tip: Book garden tickets online in advance to save money, and park free on site, just 1 mile from M6 junction 15.

Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, is a working museum of a medium-sized coal-fired pottery, the kind once common across North Staffordshire. It is a grade II* listed complex, and its bottle kilns are among the few that survive in the city.

Tip: Opening days and hours change through the year and the museum has periods of closure, so check the Gladstone website or call before you set off. Only trained assistance dogs are allowed on site.

Dudley Zoo & Castle is a 40-acre zoo within the grounds of Dudley Castle, in the Black Country. It opened in 1937 and is run today by a registered charity. The castle ruins share the wooded hillside with the animal enclosures.

Tip: The site is steep, and the car park is barrier-operated with a token needed to exit, so keep that in mind when you arrive.

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is on Bethesda Street in Hanley, one of the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent. It tells the story of the Potteries through art, local history, natural science and the world's greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics, and all its collections are Designated.

Tip: Check the museum's website before you set off to see which galleries are open during the redevelopment.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker sits in the Cheshire countryside near Nantwich. It was built to let the government keep running after a major nuclear attack, and it stayed secret for more than 50 years. It has since opened to the public as a Cold War museum, with a labyrinth of rooms and authentic equipment to explore.

Tip: Check opening days before you go: it's closed Mondays and Tuesdays except during school Summer and Easter holidays and bank holidays. Download the free audio tour first.

Little Moreton Hall is an iconic Tudor manor house encircled by a moat. Building began around 1504 and carried on in stages until about 1610. The result is a highly irregular half-timbered house with wonky angles and a top-heavy look, thanks to the Long Gallery on the upper floor.

Tip: Head to the Welcome Building first, as all visitors must. Dogs on leads are welcome on the front lawn, car park area and canal path, but only assistance dogs go inside.