Lady Of The Lake

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Dovedale is a valley in the Peak District, cut by the River Dove and running for just over 3 miles between Milldale and a wooded ravine near Thorpe Cloud. It is a National Nature Reserve, with ancient ravine woodland, wildflowers, limestone crags and plenty of wildlife.

Tip: Bring coins or a bank card for the Dovedale car park, or use Ilam Park's car park instead. Tickets aren't valid at both, and the paths have uneven surfaces, steps and stiles.

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.