Ready for blast-off?
If you’re looking for a day out that educates as well as entertains, OONAGH ROBINSON has some enlightening suggestions
I
T’S all very well taking the kids out for fun-filled escapades at a theme park or play area, but sometimes it’s nice to find a venue that exercises their brains as well.
And with some areas of the East Midlands enjoying not just one but two weeks off school this October half-term, it’s important to keep those tiny minds occupied.
Fortunately the region has some great educational venues which are informative AND amusing. Here’s a look at some of the best:
NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS
With six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, a unique 3D simulator experience and the iconic 42m high rocket tower, this award-winning attraction is, quite literally, out of this world. Until November 4, the centre is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo space programme, which culminated in the first Moon landings. Find out more about the space race, collect a trail leaflet and build, launch and land your own rocket during your visit. You can also see the current planetarium show We Are Stars, narrated by Andy Serkis. Adults £15, children 5-16 years £12, under fives free, parking £3. www.spacecentre.co.uk
NATIONAL CIVIL WAR CENTRE 14 Appletongate, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 1JY
It was Britain’s deadliest conflict and one which shaped our modern world. Why did brother take up arms against brother and how did a once all-powerful monarch lose his head? Discover how the people of Newark survived three sieges and see how it feels to wear a suit of armour at this great venue. Royalists and Parliamentarians alike welcome. This half term (October 20 to November 4), there will be all sorts of spooky activities and performances, including ghost stories with resident supernatural expert Dr Edvard Von Goosechaser and fun family crafts. Adults £8, children 5-16 years £3.50, under fives free www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com
DERBY MUSEUMS Derby city centre
Incorporating the main museum and art gallery in The Strand, the stunning Silk Mill – currently being upgraded – and Pickford’s House in Friar Gate (home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford), this trio of attractions in the heart of Derby offer lots of regular free events and family activities. Don’t miss the special art hub event at The Strand on October 31, where you can use your digital skills to create GIFs and memes giving objects and spaces around the museum a spooky feel for Hallowe’en. Free. www.derbymuseums.org
DERWENT VALLEY MILLS Various venues Derbyshire
This Unesco world heritage site comprises a number of fascinating venues in Belper, Cromford, Derby and the beautiful Derwent Valley, where textile giants Sir Richard Arkwright and Jedediah Strutt built the first modern factories and kicked off the Industrial Revolution. There are a number of Discovery Day events taking place from October 27 to November 11, including an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War at Cromford Mills. Free. www.derwentvalleymills.org
FOXTON LOCKS Grand Union Canal, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7RA
Brilliant series of ten locks with lots to do, including watching the boats, visiting the new Boilerhouse museum and eating in one of the terrific pubs on site. Step back in time at the grade II-listed venue and find out how a remarkable group of 19th-century engineers solved the problem of getting boats up a fearsomely steep incline. The flight is the longest series of staircase locks in Britain, taking an average of 45 minutes to negotiate. Free. www.foxtonlocks.org.uk
GREEN’S WINDMILL & SCIENCE CENTRE Windmill Lane, Sneinton, Nottingham NG2 4QB
Restored and fully working 19th-century windmill once owned by the great mathematical physicist George Green, with super family events and exhibitions to enjoy during half term, including breadmaking, salt dough modelling and Halloween baking. Meanwhile, the annual autumn fair on November 10 will have a selection of great stalls and home made pizza, amongst other delights. Small charge for some activities. www.greensmill.org.uk
THE WORKHOUSE Upton Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0PT
Take a step back in time to experience what it was like to be a pauper living in this imposing Victorian institution, one of the best-preserved examples of its kind anywhere in the UK. Look out for historical characters, events and other activities throughout the year. The venue is also marking 100 years since women were given the vote, with a range of activities looking at the history of the Suffragettes. Find out who
was entitled to vote in 1918 – and who was still denied. The women’s research group has investigated the social, political and cultural experience of women in Southwell and Newark during the suffrage years, uncovering fascinating evidence about the range of females included on the local electoral roll. They included working women such as laundresses, nurses, matrons and owners of businesses who worked at or supplied The Workhouse. Adults £10.05, children £5.01, family £25.05, National Trust members free. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhousesouthwell
KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE 4A St Martin’s, Leicester LE1 5DB
Set in a former school, this attraction tells the remarkable story of the search for the remains of the controversial king – and how scientists proved a body found under a Leicester car park was indeed the long-lost Plantagenet. Adults £8.95, children 5-15 years £4.75, family £21.50. www.kriii.com
BOSWORTH BATTLEFIELD HERITAGE CENTRE Sutton Cheney, near Nuneaton, Leicestershire CV13 0AD
Talking of Richard III, you can learn more about the battle that finished him off and take part in a range of interactive activities, or watch displays and re-enactments at this awardwinning venue. Until November 4, the centre is holding a Hallowe’en Hunt – simply collect a a sheet from the ticket office and explore the site to find a whole host of ghoulish residents. With rewards on offer for all completed forms. Adults £8.95, children 3-15 years £5.75, family of four £21. www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk