AJ Aquatics

The fish tanks at AJ Aquatics fill an entire room in Swadlincote, and it's the sort of place that stops kids dead in their tracks. You get everything from tropical freshwater setups to saltwater displays - proper variety if you're into that sort of thing. The staff know their stuff, and they're happy to chat about what's swimming around rather than just shift merchandise.

It works best as a rainy-day diversion if you're staying at one of the nearby parks, rather than a destination in itself. Give it an hour, maybe ninety minutes if the children are utterly mesmerised by the fish. Adults might find it a touch basic compared to proper public aquariums, but as a local pet shop with serious aquatic credentials, it does the job.

Park-wise, you're well-positioned. Conkers Camping is just over two miles away and rated solidly, while Broadleaves Glamping sits at five stars and offers more creature comforts if you fancy a step up from traditional camping. Field of Dreams is a bit further out at six miles, but equally well-reviewed if you want more space from the crowds.

AJ Aquatics isn't the sort of place to build a whole day around, but it's worth knowing about if the weather turns grim during a park holiday in the area. Ring ahead to check opening hours - details aren't always obvious online.