The Museum Of Curiosities

The Museum of Curiosities sits just outside Nottingham and does exactly what it says on the tin - it's a collection of the odd, the peculiar, and the downright baffling. Think taxidermied animals in unlikely poses, Victorian medical instruments that look like torture devices, and objects that make you squint and ask what on earth that was used for.

This is the sort of place that appeals to people who find standard museums a bit dull. History buffs will appreciate the genuine artefacts and the stories behind them, but it's equally good for anyone after something different - the weird-factor alone keeps most visitors entertained for a good couple of hours. Children either love it or find it unsettling, depending on their tolerance for the macabre. Fair warning: some of the displays can feel a touch grim.

You're within easy striking distance of several caravan and camping options around Nottingham if you're basing yourself in the area. Holme Pierrepont and Caravan Park and Campsite are both less than three miles away, making it a straightforward evening visit from your pitch. The Bell Tent Village Parks and Bleinheim Farm Campsite offer a bit more space if you prefer that sort of setup.

Before heading over, check their current opening hours and admission prices online - these details shift seasonally. Allow a couple of hours and go in with an open mind. It won't blow your mind, but it's a solid rainy-day option that breaks up a park-based holiday nicely.