Cambridge Science Centre

The Science Centre sits right in Cambridge itself, a proper hands-on affair that lets you actually touch things rather than just stare through glass like in some museums. You'll find interactive exhibits covering everything from physics to biology - the sort of displays where buttons get pressed, levers get pulled, and something unexpected happens. It's designed for people who learn by doing rather than reading, which makes it ideal for families with restless kids or anyone who finds traditional museums a bit of a snoozefest.

The place works brilliantly if you're based at one of the caravan sites nearby - Gayton Farm is just two miles away, or there's Cambridge Cherry Hinton if you want more facilities. You could easily spend two to three hours here without it feeling rushed, though younger children might be done in ninety minutes. Older kids and teenagers tend to get more out of it because they can engage with the trickier concepts.

Cambridge itself is worth a full day anyway - the colleges, the Backs, punting on the Cam. This fits nicely as a wet weather plan or a morning activity before exploring the city centre. Check opening times and admission charges before you go - they can vary seasonally. The staff know their stuff and will answer questions if you get stuck on how something works, which beats trying to decipher a tiny laminated card.