Cyrils Fun House

Cyril's Fun House is the sort of place that divides opinion sharply. It's a traditional amusement arcade - the real deal, not some glossy modern thing - with that slightly worn charm that either makes you feel nostalgic or slightly queasy depending on your tolerance for sticky floors and the smell of hot sugar.

You'll find it within reach of Nottingham, which makes it a reasonable stop if you're already in the area with kids who need burning out. The appeal is straightforward: vintage machines, redemption games, rides that haven't changed much since the 1980s. Some people find that authentic. Others find it a bit rough around the edges.

It's not a destination in itself - you're talking maybe an hour, two hours absolute maximum before restlessness sets in. Good for a rainy afternoon or a quick sugar hit between other activities. The nearby glamping options - Meadow View sits just three miles away and consistently gets perfect scores - mean you could build it into a wider trip without making it your main event.

Bring cash. Bring patience for your kids queuing for the same machine twice. Bring low expectations about décor. If you're staying at Midshires Way Alpaca Farm or Little Bunny Retreat, it's close enough for a filler activity, but don't rearrange your whole holiday around visiting an amusement arcade. It's what it is: unpretentious, old-school, and honestly, not worth the drive in itself.