Spring Park Farmhouse

Dartmoor Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo just north of Sparkwell, on the south-west edge of Dartmoor in Devon. It is run by a charity that focuses on conservation, education and research, and it belongs to BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The National Marine Aquarium sits in Sutton Harbour, near the Barbican in Plymouth. It is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity, and is split into four zones: Plymouth Sound, Eddystone Reef, Atlantic Ocean and Blue Planet. You'll see local sharks, rays and octopus, a jellyfish exhibit, and a huge Atlantic tank holding around 1,000 Caribbean fish, with lemon and sand tiger sharks.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets online, as entry can't be guaranteed without a booking, especially at weekends and in school holidays.

Adrenalin Quarry is a family-owned adventure park in Menheniot, built around an old flooded quarry. It offers five rides: an inflatable aquapark for ages 6 and over, go karting on an 800m all-weather track for ages 7 and over, a zip wire that is 50m high and 490m long, a giant swing 150ft above the lake, and axe throwing for ages 12 and over.

Tip: You can book all rides online ahead, or just turn up for the zip and the giant swing.

Newquay Zoo is a 13-acre zoo and garden site in Trenance Leisure Park, in the middle of Newquay. It is the largest zoo in Cornwall, and its planted grounds have won a Britain in Bloom Gold award. Visitors can see hundreds of species, including lynx, penguins, otters, zebras, sloths and meerkats, in a mix of indoor and outdoor habitats.

Tip: Check the zoo's website for current opening times, ticket offers and parking details before you go, as these can change.

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is in the village of Boscastle in Cornwall. It is dedicated to European witchcraft and magic, with exhibits on folk magic, ceremonial magic, Freemasonry and Wicca. Its collection of such objects has been described as the largest in the world.

Tip: The museum's website says there is no parking at the museum, so plan how you will get to Boscastle before you set off.

Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park is a home for owls and other animals on Goss Moor, near Indian Queens in mid Cornwall. Founded in 1990 by Carolyn Screech, it shows owls from around the world, with British, European, African, American, Asian, Australasian and West Indian species. It also rescues and rehabilitates wild owls in Cornwall, and there is a Siberian Eagle Owl breeding project.

Tip: If you want an owl or animal experience, call ahead to book, as busy periods may mean walk-up requests can't be fitted in.

Camel Creek is a family adventure park near Wadebridge in North Cornwall. The mix includes thrill rides and rollercoasters, outdoor play areas and animal areas, so there is plenty to fill a day. Its indoor play space covers 45,000 square feet, which means a wet day need not spoil the plan.

Tip: Check the park's website before you go for current tickets and events, as offers change. If a free return pass is offered with day tickets, read the terms first: it is non-transferable and excludes Toddler Takeover days, birthday parties, group bookings and school visits.

The Plym Valley Railway is a heritage railway on part of the old Great Western line from Plymouth to Tavistock, which closed in 1962. Trains run from Marsh Mills station to Plym Bridge, a journey of about 1.5 miles of track. Marsh Mills is also a railway centre where volunteers preserve and restore steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and wagons.

Tip: There is no parking at Marsh Mills station, but the Coypool Park and Ride car park is directly opposite and can be used by railway visitors at weekends.