Sharkbait Reef

The tank glass separates you from a world of colour the moment you step in. Sharkbait Reef is an aquarium near Uttoxeter that does exactly what it says - focuses on sharks and the reef life around them. You'll see several species swimming in proper-sized displays, from smaller reef sharks to larger specimens, alongside the typical coral tank inhabitants: anemones, clownfish, the usual crowd.

It's a solid spot if you've got kids who are into marine life, or if you fancy an hour or so indoors while the Staffordshire weather decides what it's doing. The walks between tanks are short enough that younger children won't get restless, though it's not vast enough to fill an entire day. Aquariums like this live or die on their upkeep, so visit when it's freshly maintained and the water clarity is good - makes a real difference to what you'll actually see.

Bit of a bonus that several caravan and camping sites sit within a couple of miles: The Star Camping and Caravanning Club Site and Lower Micklin Touring Park are practically on the doorstep at 1.4 miles. Rue Hill Campsite and Walled Garden Pods offer alternatives if those are full. You're close enough to visit Sharkbait as a rainy-day activity without much faffing about with travel. Worth checking their current opening hours and admission prices before you go - these details shift seasonally.