National Science and Media Museum

The National Science and Media Museum sits in Bradford, just a few miles from Shipley, and it's the sort of place where you can easily lose three hours without noticing. The building itself is a converted textile mill - fitting, given Bradford's weaving heritage - and inside you'll find everything from vintage film cameras to interactive exhibits on how telly actually works.

The photography galleries are genuinely interesting, even if you've never owned a camera beyond your phone. There's something compelling about seeing the actual technology that shaped how we see the world. The broadcasting section appeals most to anyone who remembers when there were only four channels and you had to plan your evening around the schedule.

Kids tend to engage properly with the hands-on bits rather than just wandering about bored. The media production studio where they can have a go at presenting gets a solid amount of use, and the older children's sections on animation and visual effects hold attention better than most museums manage.

Admission is free, which means you're not paying a premium for what is essentially a solid rainy-day option. Allow a good three to four hours to see it properly rather than just skimming the surface. Given you're camped at somewhere like Two Acre Camping or Crook Farm Park nearby, it makes sense as a backup plan when the weather turns. It's worth the trip into Bradford, but don't expect it to be the highlight of your park holiday - think of it as the intelligent filler between proper outdoor days.