By Parkdean Resorts on 01/11/2018
Don’t let the weather spoil the fun, we’ve put together a handy guide to some of the UK’s best indoor attractions - perfect for planning an exciting rainy day activity. From exploring historic battleships to trekking through tropical rainforest, Britain’s home to a range of exciting adventures for the whole family to enjoy – come rain or shine.
1. Eden Project, Cornwall
- Where is the Eden Project? Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
- How much does it cost? An annual pass costs the same as a single entry ticket. For adults this is £28.50, for children a ticket costs £15 and under 5s go free. Find out more on their website here.
It might be raining outside, but it’s always tropical in the stunning biomes of Eden Project. Escape to another world and walk through the treetop canopies of a rainforest, explore the vibrant greenery of the Mediterranean or travel to the other side of the world to see Western Australia!
You can do all of this under the cover of Eden Project’s marvellous hexagonal panelled roof – creating a giant greenhouse in the middle of the Cornish countryside – just a short drive from many of our holiday parks in the region. With over 1,000 varieties of plants in the Rainforest Biome alone, you’ll find hours of enjoyment in Cornwall’s premier attraction. Kept between 18-35°C, stepping into Eden Project’s biggest biome is literally like stepping into another climate, so you can put your brolly away and enjoy strolling amongst the lush foliage.
When you’ve had your fill of walking through exotic landscapes, the Med Kitchen or Eden Coffee House are the perfect places to refuel and recharge. There’s even a children’s soft play area, perfect if the kids are full of energy.
Image courtesy of Eden Project
2. Life Science Centre, Tyne & Wear
- Where is the Life Science Centre? Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP
- How much does it cost? An adult ticket costs £8.25, for children from 5-17 a ticket costs £4.95 and children aged 4 and under go free.
If you’re holidaying in the North East and looking for something to do while the sun’s hiding, look no further than Newcastle’s Life Science Centre. Just steps from the city centre and 30 minutes from Whitley Bay Holiday Park, this centre provides a fascinating and engaging day out that has something all ages will enjoy. You’ll find a whole host of exciting activities here including a planetarium, science theatre, various activity zones and even a thrilling 4D motion ride all under one roof!
After all the excitement you’ll no doubt want to warm up with a tasty lunch and hot drink. Times Square Café serves up delicious meals 7 days a week, while Life Café is open during weekends and school holidays, meaning you’re sure to find somewhere to sit down. For details of events or to book tickets, visit the Life Science Centre website.
Image courtesy of Life Science Centre
3. The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Swansea
- Where is the National Showcaves Centre? Abercraf, Swansea, SA9 1GJ
- How much does it cost? The cost for an adult ticket is £15.50, for children aged between 3-16 a ticket is £12.50 and children aged 2 and under go free.
On a rainy day, where better to head for shelter than underground? Deep beneath the South Wales countryside you’ll find Dan yr Ogof, with over 10 miles of connected caverns, it’s one of the most impressive cave systems in the UK and makes for a fascinating rainy day activity. If you’re holidaying at nearby Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park, it’s an absolute must.
You’ll find that the National Showcaves Centre comes to life when it’s raining outside, as rainwater seeps through the ground and creates dramatic rivers and waterfalls in its impressive caverns.Explore the walkways and take in the dramatic sights of the cave system including Dan yr Ogof, The Cathedral Cave and The Bone Cave. Once you’ve had your fill underground, don’t forget to check out the interactive museum, indoor play area, café and gift shop – perfect for picking up a souvenir.
And, if the sun comes out to play, you’ll also find a dinosaur park and Shire horse centre and farm just outside. Little ones will love meeting over 200 life sized dinosaurs and cute animals on the farm. Find out more and plan your visit by checking out the National Showcaves’ website.
Image courtesy of The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
4. The Deep, Yorkshire
- Where is The Deep? Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP
- How much does it cost? Pricing differs depending on whether you book your tickets online prior to your visit. Online an adult ticket costs £13.50 and for children aged from 3-15 an online ticket costs £10.57. Children under 3 go free. More information can be found on the website here.
Situated on the banks of the Humber Estuary and just over 30 minutes from Withernsea Sands Holiday Park, you’ll find The Deep. Home to over 3,000 species of fish, you can get up close to sharks, stingrays and the beautiful, yet bizarre, Green sawfish – The Deep is the only place in the UK where you can see these specialised hunters!
As well as the ocean’s fierce predators, you’ll also get to meet beautiful Loggerhead sea turtles as well as hundreds of tropical reef dwellers. Kids will love meeting the VIPs (that’s very important penguins) in the chilly Kingdom of Ice. With real ice walls, you’ll get a feel for the freezing polar temperatures in which these mischievous creatures thrive.
After your underwater explorations, you’ll no doubt want to refuel with something tasty. The Castaways Café offers stunning views across the Humber and serves up delicious snacks and treats. Before your visit check out The Deep’s website for details of their special events and activities, including daily dive shows.
Image courtesy of The Deep
5. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire
Where is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard? Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ
How much does it cost? Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers different ticket packages depending on which attractions you would like to visit. The cost of an adult ticket starts from £24 and for a child aged between 4-15 tickets are priced from £19. More information about ticket prices can be found on the website here.
You’ll find more to see and do than you can ever fit into a day at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Just under 30 minutes from Hayling Island Holiday Park, it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Hampshire. Set on a real working naval base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers visitors an in-depth exploration of the Royal Navy’s fascinating past, present and future.
From exploring the decks of historic warships, such as the HMS Victory, to clambering through the portholes of a real Royal Navy submarine – a day at the Dockyard is as exciting as it is educational. As well as historic boats to explore, the museums on site also house a wide range of exhibits and fun interactive displays, with something to entertain all ages.
With a wide range of family activities and museum trails, you’ll always find something new and exciting to see – whenever you plan your visit. Discover what it takes to make a Royal Marine Commando by following the gruelling 32 weeks of training recruits undertake and see if you’ve got what it takes by testing your agility on the Ninja Force assault course!
After you’ve had your fill of fun and naval history, the selection of restaurants and cafés are sure to satisfy all taste buds.
Image courtesy of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
6. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, West Dunbartonshire
- Where is SEA LIFE Loch Lomond? Drumkinnon Tower, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch G83 8QL
- How much does it cost? Save money by booking your tickets online before your visit. Online adult tickets start from £12.50 and children’s ticket prices start from £8.75. Under 3s go free.
Set on the southern shore of stunning Loch Lomond, the largest loch by surface area in Britain, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond is the perfect way to explore the wonders of aquatic life while staying high and dry. With exhibits including everything from tropical oceans to creatures native to Scotland’s lochs, a rainy day visit allows you to journey around the world and witness some of our most beautiful and intriguing sea life.
Walk through the aquarium’s underwater ocean tunnel and see Scotland’s largest collection of sharks up close – including Bonnethead and Blacktip Reef Sharks. The Bay of Rays is also home to Scotland’s only Cow Nose Rays, distinguished by their uniquely shaped faces.
If that wasn’t enough the kids will love watching the cheeky resident otters swim and play on the rocks. After you’ve made your way through the numerous attractions and exhibits, why not stop for a spot of lunch in the Loch Views Café – as the name implies it offers spectacular views over the water and beyond. Plan your visit today using the aquarium’s website.
Image courtesy of SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
While we can’t guarantee the weather on your next Parkdean Resorts break, we can guarantee some great facilities on park. From indoor heated pools and soft play areas to cosy restaurants and bars serving up delicious warming meals – you’ll never be short of something to do, come rain or shine. Many of our caravans and lodges also feature double glazing and central heating, so you can simply relax and unwind, enjoying some great family time in total bliss. Find your perfect park today.