Built as a decorative water pumping station, now a climbing centre, this distinctive Victorian castle also hosts a playframe, separate from the climbing centre itself, and filled with thrilling slides and obstacle courses. It seems small until you look up, its height providing a true challenge to clambering pre-teens; there’s also a large toddler area with a spotless ball pool and soft-play puzzles. (The confined space can start to smell a
bit like yesterday’s socks towards the end of the day, though.) Parents can sit in comfort around the frame, or in a cosy sofa-and-magazine bedecked side room if they trust junior out of sight. Very friendly staff serve good coffee and sandwiches.