Xscape Yorkshire

The first thing that hits you walking into Xscape Yorkshire near Wakefield is how incongruous the whole thing feels - a vast indoor skiing slope rising up like some sort of architectural statement in the middle of West Yorkshire flatlands. It's the real deal too: 200 metres of actual snow on a genuine ski run, year-round, which means you can properly learn to ski or snowboard without waiting for winter or flying to the Alps.

Beyond the slopes, there's a fair bit going on. Rock climbing walls, a cinema, bowling, laser tag, arcade games - the sort of multi-activity complex that works well if you're stuck with mixed ages and appetites. Families with confident skiers will get hours of genuine value here; casual visitors might find an afternoon covers most of it. The non-skiing bits are decent enough but hardly unique - you'd get similar entertainment in most large towns.

It's free to walk around and watch, though actual skiing requires lessons and equipment hire, which doesn't come cheap. Allow a full day if you're taking lessons, couple of hours if you're just trying the side attractions. If you're staying at Nostell Priory Holiday Park four miles away, this makes a solid rainy-day option, though I'd be honest - on a decent weather day, the actual park itself is far better value. Worth the trip if skiing's your thing; otherwise, it's a bit of a curious beast.