This is the most complete Anglo-Saxon church in the country, and though it’s tiny, it’s well worth going to see. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to be inside this ancient building and though there are many theories as to why it was built, it feels incredibly sacred. A must for anyone who loves history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A National Trust owned mansion famous for its picturesque gardens with lakes and enchanting temples. Go in the house and see the Pope's Cabinet and to explore the sculleries and kitchens beneath the living quarters. Familes can do designated trails, tracker packs and explorers tick lists. In the courtyard is a cafe and the Spread Eagle Inn.

T: 01747 841152

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

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

This world famous Neolithic stone circle rises majestically from the flats of Salisbury Plain; the Visitor Centre and Exhibition are very informative and have over 250 ancient artefacts, including the reconstructed face of a man who lived here over 5,500 years ago. See the Neolithic houses and discover how prehistoric people lived.

T: 0370 333 1181

This once splendid family home fell in the Civil War but you can still see the remains of the Great Hall and Parlour, the Buttery and the Kitchen, and the Gothic Banqueting House that stands by the lake. In the woods there's an 18th century grotto. A very romantic and tranquil spot; go there for peace and quiet and the history.

T: 01747 870487

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