Tudor World

Medieval smells hit you first - tallow candles, herbs and something decidedly unsavoury. Tudor World takes you through 500 years of British history via a series of atmospheric tableaux that don't pull any punches about life in bygone eras. Wax figures populate scenes of plague, witchcraft trials and medieval medicine that might give younger children nightmares.

History enthusiasts will love the attention to detail, from authentic costumes to period furniture. The torture chamber display is particularly well done, though parents should consider whether their offspring can handle graphic depictions of medieval justice. Each room tells a different story, covering everything from the Black Death to Tudor dining habits.

Located right in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, it's a proper alternative to the Shakespeare trail that dominates the town. Takes about 90 minutes to see everything properly, though you could rush through in an hour if the kids get restless. The building itself is atmospheric - all creaky floorboards and low ceilings that add to the experience.

Perfect rainy day activity if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Rayford Caravan Park or Stratford Parks. Just be warned - the experience is more grimly realistic than Disney-fied, which is exactly what makes it so compelling for anyone genuinely interested in how our ancestors actually lived.