This is a scheduled Ancient Monument that stands on the River Avon, the most complete example of 9 similar mills that once stood along the river used in the production of copper and brass in the 19^th century. The mill is open to visitors on certain days from May to October. The mill overlooks Saltford Weir and the lock that was part of the former Bristol Navigation.

T: 07792 779587

There are over 200 animals to see at this 90 acre park, plus 15m animatronics in Dinosaur Valley including T-Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops. Heaps of adventure play with rides, quad bikes, a climbing wall, sand and water play, air pillows and mini 4x4s. A brilliant day out for the whole family.

T: 0117 986 4929

Great fun for all ages playing golf through all kinds of obstacles and challenges – gushing waterfalls, wibbly-wobbly bridges, deep lagoons, water rafts, caves and river rapids. The course is set in glorious countryside with paths for wheelchairs and buggies. Maximum group size per start is 6 and you’ll need to allow about an hour and a half to complete the course.

T: 0117 986 6505

A gorgeously sartorial fashion exhibition that will delight textile students, fashion designers in the making, and well, anyone who just loves clothes. The whole family can have a laugh dressing up in Georgian and Victorian garb and there are activities and trails for children.

T: 01225 477789

One that Austen fans will not want to miss out on, giving a glimpse into Regency life and how the elegant city of Bath influenced the writings of Jane Austen (it’s where Persuasion and Northanger Abbey are set). What’s more, you can dress up in period costume, taste the kind of food they ate back then and try writing with a quill and ink.

T: 01225 443000

An incredible piece of history, right in the middle of one of the world's most beautiful cities, originally built as a complex for bathing and socialising, dating back to 70AD. Take a dip in the thermal spring water, have a guided tour and join in interactive displays, sip tea in the Pump Room Restaurant. In the summer it's open till 10pm and lit by torchlight; well worth seeing.

T: 01225 477785

If you climb the 212 steps on the Tower Tour at Bath Abbey you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista over the city and the countryside beyond; other than that, take your time to look around at the soaring vaulted ceiling, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the 891 ledgerstones (flat gravestones).

T: 01225 422462

Dyrham Park is another of England's historic treasures owned by the National Trust; 270 acres of glorious parkland and a very splendid 17th century mansion with one of the most impressive Baroque interiors in the country. See the Victorian kitchen and the large collection of Delftware, then have a picnic or go to the tea room for a cake. Family activities in the holidays – wild cooking, den building, kite making; a good day out, but no dogs please.

T: 0117 937 2501

Discover the rich and colourful history of America and learn all about the folklore and traditions of this huge country; see the only collection of American decorative arts outside the US. Plus there are 35 acres of grounds to explore, with a good cafe and terrace. Well worth a visit.

T: 01225 460503

Get up close to some of the wonders of the marine world, with over 40 displays where you'll see moon jellyfish, piranhas, leopard sharks, cleaner wrasse, seahorses, rare orange lobsters, and a whole bay of rays. A fascinating day out for the whole family.

T: 0117 929 8929

We The Curius is a fascinating science centre at Bristol harbourside and home to the UK's only 3D planetarium. Venture into space and identify constellations, make a ball float with the Bernouli blower, see figurines come to life in the 3D praxinoscope. A seriously awesome place for the whole family to visit, plenty of interactive fun. Cafe on site.

T: 0117 915 1000

Brunel's most famous ship rests in its dry dock where visitors can see the iron hull and clamber on board to see the history of this maritime masterpiece. Evocative sights, sounds and smells transport you to its heyday; see the dining saloon, the stores and bakery and the crowded bunks. If you're brave enough, climb the rigging (ticketed).

T: 0117 926 0680

From the ancient Egyptians to dinosaurs, geology and impressive collections of art, glass and ceramics, there's a plethora of things to see and discover in this light and airy museum-gallery. Meet Alfred the gorilla, look inside a traditional gypsy vardo; look up and see the famous Bristol Boxkite flying above you.

T: 0117 922 3571

Visit Clifton Observatory to see old photographs of Bristol in the museum, the Victorian camera obscura at the top of the tower and the Giant’s Cave in the limestone cliff. Allow time for coffee and cake on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge.

T: 0117 974 1242

Exquisite steeply terraced historic gardens designed by Harold Peto from 1899-1933, with colannades and pools and gorgeous views over the Frome Valley. The peace and tranquillity is an essential part of the character of these gardens, so there’s no running about, no ball games and no picnics, but there is a tea room where they do the most divine cakes. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome, children should be closely supervised.

01225 863146

Groups of 8 or more can book a private guided tour of this charming 15th century manor house that's owned by the National Trust. You’ll see 18th century tapestries, decorative plasterwork and topiary gardens, but its real claim to fame is two historically important keyboard instruments. From the back of the house you can see one of Wiltshire’s white horses carved on the chalk hillside. Parking, and parish tea rooms next door.

T: 01225 863374

There’s some gruesome history at what’s left of this 14th century castle so if you have a taste for the macabre go and find out. See family tombs in the chapel, human shaped lead coffins, and rare medieval wall paintings. When you’ve finished looking around find a quiet spot for a picnic in the grounds where you’ll have lovely views over the Frome Valley.

T: 01225 754026

A brilliant family day out awaits you at Bristol Zoo Project, with animals from around the world, outdoor climbing adventures, play areas and a tactile Barefoot Trail. See bears, wolves, lynx, giraffes, cheetah, zebra, baboons, Red River hogs and meerkats; take the Leap of Faith and have a go on the Giant Swing. Picnic areas throughout the 50 acres site, café, pizzeria and food outlets selling snacks and drinks.

T: 0117 428 5602

You can have a guided tour of this wonderful National Trust owned manor house on Tuesdays or Thursdays, so squeeze it in if you can. The Arts & Crafts garden is a delight, with quirky topiary houses, a rose garden and a spring fed pond. Free parking, loos on site.

T: 01225 782239

A gorgeous country garden, quintessentially English and owned by the National Trust. It’s set out as a series of garden rooms, all different in style; there’s a formal garden, a lily pond and dye pool and an arboretum. It’s a little treasure and is all rather enchanting.

T: 01225 782875

Gorgeous glorious Victorian Gothic Revival in all its sumptuousness; absolutely heaps to see in the house with exquisite carvings, ornate ceilings and stencilled walls. Enjoy the hush of the chapel, stroll around the box-hedges of the rose garden, the walled kitchen garden and the orchard. Have a picnic above the croquet lawn, take the kids to the play area, walk for miles in the wider estate.

T: 01275 461900

A whopping great animal experience in the Somerset countryside, of all places! Among the 100+ species that live here are mega beasts like African elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, giant anteaters and white rhino. There are also farm animals you can feed, a brilliant adventure playground with a maze, places to eat, and picnic areas. A good family day out.

T: 01275 852606

A picturesque moated medieval castle in the peaceful village of Nunney. Best preserved of the romantic ruins is the great tower surrounded by the moat. Free to visit, park up the road and walk to the castle; worth a visit for the tranquility and the wonderful sense of history.

T: 0370 333 1181

You can easily spend a whole day pottering around this quintessential English village with its charming cottages and tea rooms. Go and take in the splendour of Lacock Abbey which was built as a nunnery but later became a Tudor family home and was lived in until 1944 when it was given to the National Trust. It's a very unique mix of medieval cloisters, Italian Renaissance and Victorian Gothic architecture. Discover the history of photography at the Fox Talbot Museum which showcases the amazing breakthroughs in this art made at Lacock.

T: 01249 730459

Take a family trip to Wookey Hole Caves to explore the subterranean chambers that are millions of years old, and see the famous Witch of Wookey. The kids will love it here - there is SO much to see and do - discover The Enchanted Valley and the Dinosaur Grove, stop for a game of Adventure Golf, enjoy the quirkiness of The Mill with its vintage arcade and magic mirrors. Take a picnic or have lunch in the Mill Restaurant. No dogs.

T: 01749 672243

14 acres of tranquil gardens including an arboretum and a Garden of Reflection. See the ruins of the Great Hall and the Bishop's Chapel, and if you're lucky you'll see the famous swans who live in the moat pulling on the bell when they want their tea.

T: 01749 988111

A stunning cathedral in the smallest city in England. It's famous for the intricately carved statues on the West Front and the soaring scissor arches supporting the central tower; see the Chapter House where the Bishops held their meetings, watch the jostling knights on the Wells Clock, and stroll through the cloisters to the cafe.

T: 01749 674483

The biggest Gorge in Britain and home to some amazing underground caverns; see stalagmites and stalactites and explore Gough's cave where Cheddar Man was found. Climb all 274 steps of Jacob's Ladder to the top of the cliff, go rock climbing or caving. Shops and places to eat; an exciting day out.

T: 01934 742343

See elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, wolves, rhinos and more on an exciting drive through safari. Admire the magnificent Elizabethan mansion, find your way out of the maze, visit the bat cave, feed the lorikeets, take a jungle cruise, visit Penguin Island. A day out you'll never forget!

T: 01985 844400

Set within 100 acres of picturesque parkland, this is a great place for a day out, especially if you have young 'uns to amuse; they can play in the Adventure Playground or see the animals in Tractor Ted Little Farm. Grown ups will enjoy the beautiful gardens, arboretum and lakes.

T: 01249 812102

Westonbirt Arboretum is home to over 15,000 trees and shrubs covering 2,500 species from all over the world, and to several notable National Collections, including lime, maple and walnut trees. It’s gorgeous here all through the year, but especially so in the spring when the azaleas, magnolia and rhododendrons are out, and in the autumn when the colours are utterly spectacular. There are family trails and events throughout the summer, a dog free zone, café, restaurant, picnic area and gift shop.

T: 0300 0674890

Pootle over to this little motor museum near Calne where you can see over 100 cars dating from the 1920's. They've got things like a 1952 Austin Sheerline, a Buick Albemarle, a 1934 Alvis Speed 20, a 1931 Singer Junior, and a 1938 Daimler EL24. Those who have been around long enough might find the reconstructed 1930's garage stirs a few memories. 

T: 01249 813119

You can spot countless types of native and migrant birds on the 100 acre reserve at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. It's all very family friendly with opportunites to watch otters playing, discover the secrets of pond life, join in a daily handling session in Toad Hall, and feed the ducks, geese and swans. Kids love the Welly Boot Land water playground and the Outdoor Adventure Playground, and you can take a Wild Safari out onto the wetlands. There are hides, an observatory tower, guided walks and a cafe.

 T: 01453 891900

Not just for motor enthusiasts - this makes for a great family day out! Get up close to classics and super cars; a 1915 Ford Model T, 1970 Chevrolet, 1973 Jensen Interceptor, 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda, a Ferrari 360, Bentleys and Rolls Royces, and heaps more. There are tours, talks and activities and a cafe.

T: 01963 440804

One of Britain’s prehistoric marvels, dating back to Neolithic times. What remains of the henge is an outer ditch and a stone circle that originally had over 100 stones; inside it are two smaller stone circles and part of Avebury village. It’s one of Wiltshire’s biggest attractions, with visitors coming from all over the world to see it; they’re well catered for with a visitor centre, a museum and cafes, as well as tours of a 16th century manor house. Go and see, connect with history.

T: 0370 333 1181