Gulliver's Dinosaur & Farm Park

Two dinosaurs made of brick announce themselves from the road - you can't miss them, really. Gulliver's Dinosaur & Farm Park sits just outside Milton Keynes and manages to pack quite a lot into what sounds like it should be a bit of a gimmick.

It's split roughly in half. The dinosaur bit involves a walk through a collection of life-sized replicas - nothing fancy, but the kids seem to take it seriously enough. Some of the models are properly large, which does register when you're standing next to them. The farm side is what gives it actual substance. There are animals to see and feed, a decent playground, and honestly more going on than you'd expect from a place that started out as a bit of a roadside attraction.

The walk between exhibits takes maybe two hours if you're not rushing. Families with young children get the most from it - toddlers manage the dinosaur trail fine, and there's enough variety to stop them getting restless. Older kids who are proper dinosaur enthusiasts might find the models a touch basic, but the farm animals usually keep them engaged.

It's worth knowing that if you're staying at Gulliver's Campsite - which sits right next to the park at 0.2 miles - you'll likely get either discounted entry or included admission. Worth checking before you book. The nearby parks at Cosgrove (5.1 miles) and The Old Dairy Farm (5.5 miles) make it an easy add-on to a wider Northamptonshire trip.

Go in good weather. The dinosaur trail is outdoor, and mud is inevitable after rain.