Northpole funhouse

The Northpole funhouse is one of those places that lands somewhere between theme park and carnival attraction - think indoor amusement rather than anything on the scale of Alton Towers. It's based near Stoke-on-Trent and trades heavily on festive vibes, which means it works brilliantly if you're after something daft and quick rather than a full day out.

What you'll actually find inside are rides and games pitched at younger kids and families who don't mind a bit of tackiness. The theming is relentlessly Christmas-themed, which sounds either brilliant or maddening depending on your tolerance for tinsel and fake snow. It's absolutely the sort of place where you spend two hours maximum, have a laugh, maybe win something cheap at the arcade, and move on.

If you're staying at Luzlow Caravan Site or the genuinely lovely Glamping at Holly Grove Farm - both within five miles - this makes a solid rainy-day diversion rather than a main event. Stone Wall Farm CL is only a few miles further out if you're based there. Worth checking current opening hours and admission prices before you go, as theme parks this size can be patchy with their schedules.

Best suited to families with children under ten who just need something to do. Adults without kids will find it a bit thin on the ground. It's not worth planning a week around, but if you're in the area and the weather turns, it'll do the job.