A BIT OF FUN
CULZEAN CASTLE, Ayrshire
Part of the National Trust for Scotland stable, Culzean Castle (01655 884455; nts.org.uk; £18.50) takes a dramatic approach to a story that started with Robert Adam. This iconic Scottish architect constructed an 18th-century wonder that overlooks the Firth of Clyde from a high cliff, and comes complete with a grand oval staircase, a “drum” tower for magnificent sea views, and (reputedly) no fewer than seven ghosts. Its adventure playgrounds are also guaranteed to keep younger guests busy.
YORK DUNGEON, North Yorkshire
You don’t have to look quite as hard for ghoulish entities at this enjoyable purveyor of shock and gore just above the River Ouse. York Dungeon (01904 632599; thedungeons.com/york; from £18.95) reopened this week with an appearance from a Boris Johnson impersonator to go with its tall tales of dastardly jesters, vengeful Vikings, plague outbreaks, maverick torturers, and accused witches. Decide for yourself which is scariest.
ZIP WORLD Snowdonia
One of the recurring issues with adventure playgrounds is that they tend to be exposed to the elements. Not so the inventive Zip World (01248 601444; zipworld.co.uk) in Snowdonia – which conveniently buries its fun and games underground in a former slate mine. Bounce Below (from £20) offers a series of trampolines and jump nets; the Caverns (from £65) consists of rope bridges and zip lines crossing a space where miners once toiled. Rain, rain, go away.