Discover the best UK attractions with Premier Inn

Henry VIII’s palace is a must-visit for its beautifully preserved Tudor architecture, grand interiors, and famous garden maze. But also look out for events such as the open-air music festival in June, the flower show in July, and the thrillingly chilling winter evening ghost tours.

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. www.hrp.org.uk

Premier Inn London Kingston upon Thames, Combined House, 15 Wheatfield Way, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2PA. 2.2 miles

Loop the 10 terrifying loops of Colossus, ride out on the wings of The Swarm and get your wits scared out of you on the horror-themed Saw ride. The park offers various fast-track passes for the most popular attractions, though height restrictions – starting at 0.9m for the gentlest rides – apply.

Thorpe Park, Staines Rd, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8PN. www.thorpepark.com

Premier Inn Addlestone, Station Rd, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2AH. 4.2 miles

Wannabe scientists can gets hands-on with over 90 interactive activities at the Look Out Discovery Centre. Launch a hydrogen rocket and see it soar skyward, float the boats in the indoor stream or make like Ed Sheeran and build your own Lego house with your friends. With exhibits organised into age-appropriate 'zones', kids can create rainbow light show with Optimusic by leaping on the colour beams as fast as they can, or capture a silhouette in the shadow box all whilst exploring simple science concepts.

Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7JQ. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Premier Inn Bracknell (Twin Bridges), Downshire Way, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7AA. 2.5 miles

Most people have heard of the main, bustling museum in Covent Garden, but did you know LTM has a depot? Open on special weekends and for tours through the year, it has space for whole trains, alongside with a fabulous archive of artwork, signs, models and engineering paraphernalia. Perfect for anyone who loves the heritage of London’s 150-plus years of public transport.

London Transport Museum Depot, 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton Town, London, W3 9BQ. www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Premier Inn London Ealing, 22-24 Uxbridge Rd, Ealing, Greater London, W5 2SR. 8.6 miles

Get out into the best rural spots in the south. 

This is a fascinating experience for anyone interested in aircraft or science. Situated on a site with historic relevance, there are airplanes, satellites, flight simulators and interesting artefacts. Enjoy an educational and fun visit celebrating Farnborough’s aviation heritage.

Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum, 85 Farnborough Rd, Farnborough, GU14 6TF. www.airsciences.org.uk

Premier Inn Farnborough Town Centre, 3 Kingsmead, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7NY. 650 metres

You might think it’s rather arrogant for one railway line to claim an entire museum dedicated to its steam trains, but if any museum has the right, STEAM (aka Museum of the Great Western Railway), probably does. After all, the GWR was the result of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s pioneering genius. The museum has many permanent exhibits (perfect for train lovers young and old) as well as special exhibitions and special events.

STEAM, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon, SN2 2EY. www.steam-museum.org.uk

Premier Inn Swindon Central, Larch Close, Kembrey Business Park, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 8YS. 2 miles

Visit the largest defense works ever built in Sussex This Victorian fort stands protectively above Seaford Bay and Newhaven. Roam the ramparts, journey into the warren of secret tunnels and unlock the mysteries of its fascinating past.

Newhaven Fort, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9DS. www.newhavenfort.org.uk

Premier Inn Newhaven, Avis Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 0AG. 1.4 miles

Positioned on the Medway, it’s no surprise that this was a strategic spot of great importance in medieval times. There is still lots to see of this imposing fortress (despite King John’s best efforts to blast out its rebel barons in 1215 (with the aid of a fire fuelled by pig fat). Hear its stories then make time to explore the cathedral and cobbled streets of the city while you’re here.

Rochester Castle, Kent ME1 1SW. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Premier Inn Rochester, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Strood, Kent, ME2 2SS. 2.2 miles

Experience medieval life at this reconstruction of the ancient motte and bailey castle and Norman village that once stood on the site. You can feed the rescued chickens, goats and deer that roam around, and also check out the House on the Hill Toy Museum, with features more than 80,000 toys and TV props.

Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8SP. SatNav CM24 8LY. www.mountfitchetcastle.com

Premier Inn London Stansted Airport, Thremhall Avenue, Stansted Airport, Stansted, Essex, CM24 1PY. 4.9 miles

Officially, the club also encompasses Croquet but of course tennis is the real star. Can’t get a much-coveted ticket for the Championship fortnight? Fans of the game can still visit the Museum to get up close to trophies, see the fashions that have graced the courts over the year, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour that includes a peek at the hallowed Centre Court, where you can utter the immortal line: “You cannot be serious!”

All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE. wimbledon.com

Premier Inn London Wandsworth, 45 Garrett Lane, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4AD. 2.1 miles

Find the best shopping destinations in the area. 

Come to the home of English football for an international game or cup final, or have a behind-the-scenes tour on non-match days. Gain privileged access to the England dressing room, walk the players' tunnel, get the managers'-eye-view pitchside, have your pic taken with the replica FA cup, and see the actual 1966 World Cup crossbar, struck by Geoff Hurst's ball.

Wembley Stadium, London HA9 0WS. www.wembleystadium.com

Premier Inn London Edgware, 435 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 5AQ. 5.3 miles

Fighter Command No 11 Group Operations Room was one of the main command posts during the Battle of Britain. Visitors can view the underground site as it was at the height of the air campaign in September 1940. The new visitors’ centre narrates No 11’s key role through interactive displays and historic artefacts.

Battle of Britain Bunker, Wren Avenue, Uxbridge, London, UB10 0RN. SatNav UB10 0BE. www.hillingdon.gov.uk/bunker

Premier Inn London Uxbridge, Phase 500, Riverside Way, Uxbridge, UB8 2UX. 2 miles

This tiny airfield on the edge of London played a vital role in the Battle of Britain. Tour the heritage hanger where WWII fighter planes undergo restoration, take flying lessons, or sign up for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a flight in a rare Spitfire.         

Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, 204 Churchill Way, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent, TN16 3BN. bigginhillheritagehangar.co.uk

Premier Inn London Orpington, 83 The Walnuts, Orpington, London, BR6 0TW. 7.5 miles

A wondrous world of wet and wild fun, Coral Reef has something for water babies of all ages, from thrilling slides to a pirate ship and bubble pool. You can also treat yourself to a spot of R&R at the adult-only Coral Spa, complete with sauna, Japanese steam room, spa pool, cool pool and heated sun loungers. Bliss!

Coral Reef Waterworld, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7JQ. www.everyoneactive.com

Premier Inn Bracknell Central, Wokingham Rd, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 1NA. 2.9 miles

Welcome to the real Downton Abbey. Highclere was where much of the landmark TV drama was filmed and a visit gives the chance to gawp at the sumptuous rooms inhabited by the fictional Lord and Lady Grantham, as well as the historic servants’ quarters (though the series’ below-stairs scenes were in fact filmed elsewhere). The house’s Victorian gothic architecture is the work of Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament.

Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9RN. SatNav RG20 9LE. www.highclerecastle.co.uk

Premier Inn Newbury Town Centre South (A3339), Hilton Newbury Centre, Pinchington Lane/Faraday Rd, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7HL. 4.8 miles

Eastbourne’s elegant Victorian pleasure pier stays true to the town’s tranquil charms with vintage tearooms, traditional fish and chips, and great views along the coastline. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a popular wedding venue. If you love art, check out the nearby Towner Gallery, too.

Eastbourne Pier, Grand Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3EL. www.eastbournepier.com

Premier Inn Eastbourne Town Centre, Terminus Rd, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3DF. 300 metres

Feast at one of the best restaurants in the south. 

The home of the most famous fighting ship of them all, Nelson’s HMS Victory. Now restored to its former magnificence, the eighteenth-century vessel helps tell the story of Georgian seafaring at this ancient naval dockyard. Gain further insight into Royal Navy history through interactive exhibitions, other historic ships, the Action Stations attraction and harbour boat tours.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3LJ. www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre, 1 Isambard Brunel Rd, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2TR. 1 mile

Head up to the viewing deck of this soaring 170m structure to enjoy stunning vistas from The Clouds café and stride across its vertiginous glass-floor Sky Walk. The really brave can also book the ultimate thrill – an abseiling package down the outside.

Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT. SatNav PO1 3TZ. www.spinnakertower.co.uk

Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre, 1 Isambard Brunel Rd, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2TR. 1 mile

With nearly 1,000 years of illustrious history, Arundel Castle has a host of stories to tell, from civil war sieges to royal visits. Rich with heirloom paintings and fine furniture, the house is full of grandeur, while the landscaped grounds typify the quintessential English garden at its best.

Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB. www.arundelcastle.org

Premier Inn Arundel, Crossbush Lane, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PQ. 2.4 miles

Back in the day it was de rigueur to surround your home with a moat, which is exactly what Sir John de Broughton did around 1300 when he built this impressive manor house in a sheltered spot where three streams intertwined. After a long family history that included periods of decadence, squandered fortunes and neglect, Broughton Castle is now in fine fettle. Peruse the Great Hall, complete with shining armour displays, inspect the family portraits and wander through the floral delights of the Ladies’ Garden.

Broughton Castle, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5EB. www.broughtoncastle.com

Premier Inn Banbury (M40, J11), Stroud Park, Ermont Way, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 4AE. 4.6 miles

The oldest and longest-occupied palace in the world. Originally built by William the Conqueror and renovated by some of the 39 monarchs who have lived there since, Windsor Castle is a stunning mix of baroque, Georgian and gothic styles. Learn about its fascinating history and enjoy the extravagant artefacts.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ. www.royalcollection.org.uk

Premier Inn Slough Central South (Windsor Rd), Windsor Rd, Slough, SL1 2EL. 1.8 miles

Founded in 1967 in a former Great Western Railway stabling point, the centre provides a fascinating glimpse back into the age of steam. There are engines, coaches and wagons to explore, together with a recreation of Brunel’s Broad Gauge railway. Train rides are also available on selected days.

Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot Parkway Station, Station Rd, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NJ.  www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Premier Inn Oxford South (Didcot), Milton Interchange, Milton, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4TX. 2.8 miles

Discover how ‘Captain Ridley’s Shooting Party’, a Savoy chef and an unassuming country house came to play one of the most significant roles in Allied victory in World War II. Uncover the once top-secret world of the famous code-breaking unit based here and gain an insight into the brilliant mathematical minds who cracked Enigma.

Bletchley Park, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB. www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Premier Inn Milton Keynes South, Bletcham Way, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes, MK7 8HP. 3.4 miles

Try one of these active adventures nearby. 

Potter-heads will be in paradise on this behind-the-scenes immersive tour where you can step into the hallowed Great Hall, cavort in the cobblestone lanes of Diagon Alley and ride a broomstick. See amazing props and costumes from the films – including Hermione’s Yule Ball gown – and take a bit of the movie magic home from the studio shops.

Warner Bros Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR. www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Premier Inn Watford North, St Albans Rd, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 0LH. 2.2 miles

For more than 400 years this vast dockyard was crucial to Britannia’s ruling of the waves. Uncover the secrets of the maritime age through museum displays, see where ships such as HMS Victory were built, and step aboard a real Victorian navy ship, World War II destroyer and Cold War submarine.

The Historic Dockyard, Main Gate Rd, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4UY. SatNav ME4 4TY. www.thedockyard.co.uk

Premier Inn Chatham/Gillingham (Victory Pier), Blake Avenue, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1GB. 1.4 miles

Marvel at some of the world’s most famous planes at this historic airfield and museum. From agile fighter jets – including World War II-era Spitfires and Tiger Moths – to the colossal American B-52 bomber and the faster-than-sound Concorde, you can explore the evolution of aviation and discover the true stories of the men and women based at RAF Duxford over the years.

Imperial War Museum Duxford, Duxford, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR. www.iwm.org.uk

Premier Inn Cambridge (A14, J32), Arbury Camp, Ring Fort Rd, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 2GW. 12 miles

Take a trip back in time with a visit to this ancient monument. The Manor of Cressing was given to the Knights Templar in 1137. The site now houses three unique timber framed buildings. Find out about their fascinating history and stroll in the Tudor pleasure garden. Parking and admission is free.

Cressing Temple, Witham Rd, Cressing, Braintree, CM77 8PD. www.visitparks.co.uk/places/cressing-temple

Premier Inn Colchester (A12), Ipswich Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9WP. 18 miles

This iconic landmark stretches out 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary. As the longest pleasure pier in the world it is well worth a visit. Breathe in some sea air with a walk to the end, or take the more leisurely pier train. The pier museum gives a fascinating glimpse into its history.

Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EL. www.visitsouthend.co.uk

Premier Inn Southend-on-Sea, Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2YT. 0.7 miles

Don't miss these things to do and see nearby. 

Home to a 1217 revision of the Magna Carta, the cathedral’s most outstanding treasure is the Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map in existence. Created around 1300, it offers a fascinating view of the world as it was seen at the start of the fourteenth century.

Hereford Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 2NG. www.themappamundi.co.uk

Premier Inn Hereford, Holmer Rd, Holmer, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 9RS. 2.1 miles

High above the Avon Gorge, linking Bristol to Somerset, this Grade I-listed feat of Victorian engineering took 33 years to complete. At the visitor centre in Leigh Woods, you’ll discover a 140-year-old secret and why the design changed numerous times.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bridge Rd, Bristol, BS8 3PA. www.cliftonbridge.org.uk

Premier Inn Bristol City Centre (Lewins Mead), Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2PY. 1.7 miles

Even if you’re not a nerd, you can’t help but marvel at Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s historic 1843 iron ship, which transformed the way boats were built. Explore the engine room, galley, weather deck and third-class steerage area, before seeing how the other half lived in first class.

SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, BS1 6TY. www.ssgreatbritain.org

Premier Inn Bristol City Centre (Finzels Reach), Finzels Reach, Bristol, BS1 6LQ. 1.3 miles

Explore the best of the west’s great outdoors, like Glastonbury Tor.

Travel 2,000 years back in time as you descend from twenty-first-century street level to the depths of the Roman baths where 1.17 million litres of steaming water bubble up daily. If you can, book one of the occasional Above & Below tours – included in the admission price – to access hidden tunnels not normally open to the public.

The Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, Avon, BA1 1LZ. www.romanbaths.co.uk

Premier Inn Bath, James St West, Bath, Avon, BA1 2BX. 300 metres

Take a stroll along this magnificent pier to get great views of the beach, ocean and town. The pier pavilion houses an indoor theme park, thrilling rides and amusements to suit all tastes. Open all year round, and fun come rain or shine, this pleasure pier makes a great day out.

The Grand Pier, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1AL. www.grandpier.co.uk

Premier Inn Weston-Super-Mare (Seafront), Dolphin Square, Beach Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1TT. 500 metres

A triumph of engineering, the Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 to replace a long-defunct series of 11 locks. It’s essentially a massive lift for barges switching between the Forth & Clyde and Union canals. Admire its marvellous mechanics from afar or jump onboard and give it a whirl yourself.

Falkirk Wheel, Lime Rd, Tamfourhill, Falkirk, FK1 4RS. www.scottishcanals.co.uk

Premier Inn Falkirk Central, Main St, Camelon, Falkirk, FK14DS. 1.5 miles

Scottish artist Andy Scott’s towering horse’s head statues were inspired by the working animals that helped power industry and agriculture, including the steeds that towed the barges along the adjacent Forth & Clyde Canal. Take a tour to view the two 30m structures from inside or simply marvel at them while enjoying a bite to eat in the café.

The Kelpies, The Helix Park, Falkirk, FK2 7ZT. www.thehelix.co.uk

Premier Inn Falkirk East, Beancross Rd, Polmont, Falkirk, Highlands, FK2 0YS. 2.5 miles

A wide, grassy parkland and walled garden maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, this pleasant eighteenth-century estate stands out for the massive stone pineapple that sits atop the summerhouse at its centre. A wonderfully eccentric and eye-catching piece of architecture.

The Pineapple, Airth, Falkirk, FK2 8LU. www.nts.org.uk

Premier Inn Falkirk North, Bowtrees Roundabout, Houghs of Airth, Falkirk, Highlands, FK2 8PJ. 3.6 miles

Stirling isn’t short of historic attractions – its castle, the Wallace Monument and Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre among them – but the Old Town Jail and its actor-led performance tours are a standout. Running in summer only, they open a vivid window on the gruesome history of local crime and punishment.

Stirling Old Town Jail, St John St, Stirling, FK8 1EA. www.oldtownjail.co.uk

Premier Inn Stirling City Centre, Forthside Way, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK8 1QZ. 0.9 miles

Test yourself with these active adventures in the area. 

Loch Ness is so long (37km) that you can’t see from one end to the other and so deep (nearly 230m) that no one knows what’s down there. Start at the visitors’ centre in Drumnadrochit to find out more about monster sightings and scientific exploration, before taking a cruise out on the water.

Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire, IV63 6TU. www.lochness.com

Premier Inn Inverness West, Glenurquhart Rd, Inverness, IV3 5TD. 13 miles

Departing beneath the magnificent red bulk of the Forth Rail Bridge, these boat tours take in the three Forth river crossings while also offering a glimpse of the local wildlife, including seals, puffins and – if you’re lucky – whales and porpoises.

Maid of the Forth, Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, EH30 9TB. www.maidoftheforth.co.uk

Premier Inn Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Builyeon Rd, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9YJ. 1.4 miles

Learn about the history of Scottish agriculture on this old Georgian farm. This working farm and historic farmhouse allow you to explore and experience traditional Scottish rural life. Check out what other events may be happening on this original 60 acre site.

National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Rd, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G76 9HR. www.nms.ac.uk

Premier Inn Glasgow East Kilbride, 5 Lee's Burn Court, Nerston, East Kilbride, G743XB. 2.2 miles

Step onto the battlefield where Robert Bruce, King of Scots, would face down the English army. The fascinating visitor centre brings Scottish history to life with 3D displays, and the landscape allows you to imagine how the soldiers would have felt in 1314.

Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Glasgow Rd, Stirling, FK7 OLJ. www.battleofbannockburn.com

Premier Inn Falkirk (Larbert), Glenbervie Business Park, Bellsdyke Rd, Larbert, Falkirk, FK5 4RX. 6.4 miles

The area where generations of shipbuilders toiled is now not only given over to a museum, but also an entire district for culture, leisure and dining. At the heart of it is the Titanic Experience, a major exhibition about the shipyard’s most famous creation. Across nine galleries full of interactive features and rides, uncover the full story of the world’s greatest ocean liner and its tragic maiden-voyage sinking.

Titanic Experience, Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queens Rd, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, BT3 9EP. www.titanicbelfast.com

Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter/City Airport, Titanic Quarter, 2a Queens Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT3 9FB. 3.5 miles

Let the steam train take the strain and explore this picturesque national park by vintage locomotive. A round trip on the Brecons’ historic railway takes an hour and 40 minutes with a stop at Pontsticill to visit the café, steam museum and take in the views.

Brecon Mountain Railway, Pant Station, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2DD. www.bmr.wales

Premier Inn Merthyr Tydfil, Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4BD. 4.7 miles

Don your helmet and lamp and travel 90m underground at this free-to-visit old colliery. Tour a section of the coal face with a former miner before sampling faggots, peas and gravy in the original Miners’ Canteen.

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, Torfaen, NP4 9XP. www.museum.wales/bigpit

Premier Inn Pontypool Tyr’felin, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, NP4 0RH. 8.4 miles

Opened in 1896 and protected since the 1970s, this beautiful pier on the Menai Strait is undergoing a £1 million spruce-up but remains open. There’s a lovely tearoom in one of the octagonal kiosks and it’s great for bird-watching, too.

Bangor Garth, Garth Rd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2SW. www.piers.org.uk

Premier Inn Bangor, Menai Business Park, Bangor, LL57 4FA. 3.8 miles

Find great places for a tipple. 

Situated on the banks of the River Clywd, this castle dates back to the reign of Edward I in the thirteenth century. Built to impress, its sturdy wall-within-walls structure makes it a stocky piece of architecture.

Rhuddlan Castle, Castle St, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, LL18 5AD. www.cadw.gov.wales

Premier Inn Rhuddlan, Castle View Retail Park, Marsh Rd, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, LL18 5UA. 500 metres

From an impressive vantage point atop a steep hill, the medieval inhabitants of Carreg Cennen had a head start on opponents, easily spotting attackers daring enough to scale the surrounding cliffs. You’ll feel like king of the castle as you stand on its ramparts and uncover its chequered history, including how 500 Yorkshiremen wreaked havoc hacking at it with picks and crowbars during the War of the Roses.

Carreg Cennen Castle, Trapp, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6UA. www.cadw.gov.wales

Premier Inn Llanelli Central East, Llandafen Rd, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 9BD. 19 miles

When the tide’s out, Summerleaze Beach is a vast expanse of sheltered sands, drawing surfers, families and (weather permitting) sun seekers. The tide also leaves behind the 1930s lido, a semi-natural pool refilled daily by the sea. The beach is only five minutes from the town centre and well equipped with amenities.

Summerleaze Beach, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8HN. www.budeseapool.org

Premier Inn Bude, The Strand, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8RA. 0.4 miles

Bournemouth Pier’s RockReef activity attraction is an all-ages complex featuring climbing walls, rope courses and tunnels, but its biggest draw is the outdoor PierZip – the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire, offering a truly unique, exhilarating experience.

PierZip, RockReef, Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA. www.rockreef.co.uk

Premier Inn Bournemouth East Cliff, Christchurch Rd, St Swithuns Roundabout, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3ND. 0.8 miles

Built in Georgian gothic revival style, this imposing castle stands on the Dorset cliffs. It’s one of the most important examples of this romantic style of architecture and its rooms and gardens are well worth a wander round. The tearooms are open every day except Christmas Day, and events include food festivals and live shows.

Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE. www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Premier Inn Christchurch/Highcliffe, 266 Lymington Rd, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5ET. 0.8 miles

Fancy saying you’ve been on Concorde? You can if you visit Europe’s largest aircraft collection. Four exhibition halls offer a huge array of planes, helicopters to see as well as the award-winning Aircraft Carrier Experience.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8HT. SatNav BA22 8HW. www.fleetairarm.com

Premier Inn Yeovil Town Centre, Key Market House, Middle St, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1LT. 7.9 miles

Head to the beach with our guide to the best of the outdoors in the south west. 

Where else can you explore a rainforest, bask in a Mediterranean garden and stroll through a Western Australian paradise all in the same place? This extraordinary series of space-age biodomes and gardens lets you do just that.

Eden Project, Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2SG. www.edenproject.com

Premier Inn St Austell, Enterprise Park, Carclaze Roundabout, Treverbyn Rd, Carclaze, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 4EL. 3.5 miles

The eighteenth-century smugglers’ hideaway on windswept Bodmin Moor has been immortalised by novelist Daphne du Maurier and film supremo Alfred Hitchcock. Learn more about its treacherous past at the museum, or sup a pint of Cornish ale in the historic bar.

Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Lauceston, Cornwall, PL15 7TS. www.jamaicainn.co.uk

Premier Inn Bodmin, Launceston Rd, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2AR. 9.1 miles

Alongside the stars of the show – the Asiatic lion, western lowland gorilla and the Sumatran tiger – Paignton Zoo has over 2,500 animals residing in 80 acres of specially designed habitats, from rainbow-coloured Swainson’s lorikeets to marmoset, mandrill and macaque monkeys. Indoor and outdoor play areas, the zoo train and extensive gardens add to this great family day out.

Paignton Zoo, Totnes Rd, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU. www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Premier Inn Paignton South (Brixham Rd), White Rock, Long Rd South, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7AZ. 1.3 miles

Discover a hidden underwater world, from the local creatures lurking in nearby Plymouth Sound to the vibrant sea life of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The aquarium’s deep Atlantic Ocean tank features jaws galore with nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks and the large lemon shark, which gets its name from its yellowish pitted skin. On a smaller scale, there’s also the chance to spot lionfish, pufferfish and orange-and-white striped clownfish just like Nemo.

National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LF. www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Premier Inn Plymouth East, 300 Plymouth Rd, Crabtree, Plymouth, Devon, PL3 6RW. 3 miles

Situated in the 40-acre grounds of Dudley Castle, Dudley Zoo has over 200 fascinating species to admire and learn about. Various historic monuments, including the 11th-century castle itself, limestone caverns and the world’s biggest collection of modernist Tecton buildings, are also scattered throughout the unique site.

Dudley Zoo, Castle Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4QF. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

Premier Inn Dudley Town Centre, Castlegate Business Park, Castlegate Way, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4TA. 0.5 miles

Take a peek at the enterprising endeavours of the Hodson family, who lived and worked inside this historic house in Edwardian times. Explore the workings of their old forge and the machinery that built myriad locks, as well as the crafts they practised, such as rag rug-making. Open on selected dates only – see website for details.

Locksmith’s House, 54 New Rd, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 2DA. www.bclm.co.uk

Premier Inn Walsall Town Centre, Waterfront, Wolverhampton St, Walsall, WS2 8LR. 3.3 miles

Discover the hidden warren of sandstone caves beneath Nottingham city centre. Over the past millennium, they’ve been used as homes, factories, stores and air-raid shelters and are now run by the National Justice Museum. The museum is itself worth a visit to see gruesome exhibits such as the bath from the ‘Brides in the Bath’ murder case, as well as Oscar Wilde’s cell door.

City of Caves, Upper Level, Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 7LS. www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk

Premier Inn Nottingham West, The Phoenix Centre, Millennium Way West, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 6AS. 4.2 miles

Explore the best cultural attractions in the midlands.