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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.

The Piece Hall in Halifax is a Grade I listed building, completed in 1779 as a cloth hall where handloom weavers sold their woollen "pieces". It is the only surviving example of the great eighteenth century northern cloth halls, and one of Britain's most outstanding Georgian buildings. Its 315 rooms are arranged around a large open courtyard.

Tip: Some shops, the restaurant and bar, and ticketed events may restrict dogs, and the historic building has some uneven surfaces, so take care.

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.

Tropical World is a licensed zoo in Roundhay Park, Leeds, made up of climate-controlled glass houses that each recreate a tropical environment. You start in the butterfly house, where butterflies fly freely around a swampy setting with terrapins, koi and Morelet's crocodiles. From there you move into an Aztec-themed aquarium with stingrays, octopus, seahorses, piranhas and poison dart frogs.

Tip: Free parking is close by, a short walk away, and buses 2 and 12 stop right outside. Dogs, including assistance dogs, are not allowed inside.

Eureka! The National Children's Museum in Halifax is an interactive museum built around learning through play. It is run as an educational charity and is based on the North American model of children's museums, with hands-on activities meant to get adults and children learning together.

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.

The Rochdale Pioneers Museum is housed in the Grade II listed building at 31 Toad Lane, where the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society began trading. It is regarded as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement. The highlight is a recreation of the original shop, complete with its basic furniture, scales and the items that were sold there.