Fun things to do in the East of England on rainy days
You can’t always rely on a British summer! Liz Mattock has searched the length and breadth of East Anglia to find the best indoor activities if the sun doesn’t come out to play this season – after all we are British and the rain won’t put us off!
Things to do in Bedfordshire
Kidsworld
With all that time off over the summer holidays, kids can burn off their energy at Kidsworld in Bedford. Packed with courses, play areas and interactive activities they are sure to find something they like, while you get to sit and have a coffee in the onsite café and restaurant. Prices start at £5 for the day. http://www.lutonculture.com/wardown-park-museum
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre is home to a fascinating display of pottery, art and classic car collections. This summer, members of the public can learn about some of the oldest relics on show as well as take take a look inside its own transport museum home to the biggest horse drawn carriage collection in the UK. Entry is free. http://www.lutonculture.com/stockwood-discovery-centre
Places to visit in Cambridgeshire
Peterborough Cathedral & Museum
Peterborough Cathedral stands proud above the city skyline as it has done since 654AD. The cathedral is open to the public to appreciate its magnificent architecture and magical ambience. Tours and a guide are also available. There is no charge on entry but small donations are welcomed which go towards the upkeep of the site. http://www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk
Imperial War Museum
Go back in time to the first and second world wars and learn about war aviation, land warfare, the Battle of Britain and much more at Duxford in Cambridge. See how transport and aircraft advanced. Prices start from £9 for a child’s ticket. Refreshments are available at the café and the Museum has a souvenir shop so you can take a little piece of history home with you. http://www.iwm.org.uk
Essex attractions
Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End is a Jacobean mansion house offering stunning views across Essex. Visitors can take a tour around the house, stable yards, absorb the views of the surrounding countryside and kids can take advantage of the indoor and outdoor play areas. Prices start from £10. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Lakeside Shopping Centre
Leave the rain outside and step into the hustle and bustle of Lakeside Shopping Centre. With a massive range of high street shops, cafes, restaurants and even a champagne bar, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this impressive shopper’s paradise. The store is open from 9am to 10pm most days. http://intu.co.uk/lakeside
Fun things to do in Hertfordshire
The Snow Centre
Wrap up warm and head inside. The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead provides a fun-filled day for all the family with ski runs of varying difficulty as well as an ice rink, café and restaurant. Lessons are available if you book in advance and the centre also accommodates sledge parties and large groups. Check out the website for prices, opening times and how to get there. http://www.thesnowcentre.com/
Natural History Museum
The solar system, wildlife and sensational butterflies are all part of this years’ exhibits at the Natural History Museum in Tring. Science stands make an educational trip for the kids, as well as plenty of gory history tales for them to find out about too. Admission is free but there is a small charge for some of the exhibitions. http://www.nhm.ac.uk
Things to in Norfolk
Cromer Museum
Step inside a Victorian fisherman’s cottage, go back in time to learn about the history of the coastal town. The museum is home to a fantastic collection of art and fossils, from pottery to animal bones and more. The museum hosts a programme of summer events for both adults and children. http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall is a lived-in property in North Norfolk, home to the 8th Earl of Leicester. It boasts grandiose art and there are many public areas to explore including The Marble Hall, The Parrot Room, The Libraries and The Old Kitchen each holding their own secrets and stories through time. Visit the website for opening times and prices as these do vary per season. http://www.holkham.co.uk/
Places to visit in Suffolk
Anglia Indoor Karting
Whether you have kids, or you are just a big kid, you can have a fun day out chasing your dreams of being a Formula One racing driver at Anglia Indoor Karting. With a professionally designed track and event for children from five years old and those of all abilities – it’s a fun day out for the whole family. Groups and party bookings are also welcome. http://www.angliakarting.com/
Melford Hall
If you are a Beatrix Potter fan, this is the place for you as the hall boasts a beautiful timeless collection. Melford Hall was devastated by a fire in 1942, but the family who own it now have for generations bought it back to its former beauty. Prices start at £3.75 for children and £7.50 for adults. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall
