Inflata Nation Ipswich

Giant inflatables dominate a sprawling indoor space in Ipswich - think bouncy castles the size of small buildings, obstacle courses that'll leave you genuinely winded, and slides that drop you faster than you'd expect. It's the sort of place where kids burn off serious energy and adults remember why they're not as fit as they think.

The appeal is straightforward: if you've got children aged roughly 3 to 12, they'll get a solid couple of hours out of the various attractions. Toddlers have gentler zones, older kids can tackle the more ambitious courses. Adults can supervise from the sidelines with a cup of tea, though some of the activities are genuinely fun if you fancy joining in.

It's an indoor play facility, so weather becomes irrelevant - handy when you're dealing with typical East Anglian drizzle. Admission isn't free, but it's fairly standard soft play pricing. Go mid-week if possible; weekends heave with birthday parties and school groups, which takes some of the shine off.

Worth planning into a park stay around Ipswich - Priory Park and Cosy Camping Suffolk are both within an easy drive. If the weather turns grim mid-holiday, it's a solid backup plan rather than a main event. On its own merits, it's fine for a rainy afternoon, but you wouldn't build a trip around it.