National Forest Adventure Farm

The National Forest Adventure Farm sits just outside Burton-on-Trent and is a proper day out if you've got kids in tow - though parents need realistic expectations. It's essentially a working farm that's opened up to visitors, with a decent mix of hands-on activities rather than passive attractions. You'll find animals to feed and handle, play areas dotted about, and the kind of farm experiences that keep under-tens genuinely occupied for a solid three to four hours.

What makes it work is the unpretentious approach. There's no corporate theming or ticket price that leaves you feeling shortchanged. Kids can get stuck into activities without parents having to hover over them constantly, which is saying something. The outdoor setting means it flows naturally - you're not herded through indoor queues or managed experiences.

Come on a weekday if possible. Weekends fill up with school groups and it loses some charm. Autumn and spring are best; summer can get muggy and the animals less keen to interact. Allow at least half a day, longer if your children are the type to linger.

If you're staying at Peake's Retreats nearby - and it's worth considering given the five-star ratings - this fits nicely as a morning or afternoon stop rather than the centrepiece of your holiday. The National Forest itself offers miles of walking if you want something quieter. It's not a must-do, but if you're in the area with young children, it's worth the stop.