Flamingo Land

Flamingo Land sits just outside Pickering in North Yorkshire and it's the sort of place that keeps families entertained for a solid day without requiring a second mortgage. The park combines a proper theme park with a zoo section, so you're getting two attractions rolled into one.

On the rides side, there's everything from gentle stuff for the under-fives through to proper thrill seekers - a wooden roller coaster, water rides, and the usual spinning contraptions. The zoo bit works well because you can break up the queuing with a walk round the enclosures. Flamingos obviously feature, along with tigers, giraffes, and various other animals. It's not a substitute for a dedicated wildlife park, but the mixing of attractions means younger kids won't hit the wall halfway through the afternoon.

Families with children aged five to fourteen will find the most value here. Teenagers after genuine adrenaline kicks might feel it's a step down from the massive parks, but for a family week based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Black Bull Caravan Park is closest at under two miles away - it's a worthwhile afternoon or full day out. The park gets busy during school holidays, so weekday visits in term time are genuinely more pleasant.

Admission isn't free, though you can check their website for season pass options if you're staying in the area for a week. Allow five to seven hours if you want to ride most things and see the animals without rushing. Weather can be a factor for the water rides, so pack waterproofs in summer.