PLACES

OSWALDTWISTLE MILLS, Collier Street, Accrington. An Aladdin's Cave of crafts, gifts and fabric. Also, an opportunity to learn about the history of the mill and its owners, the Hargreaves family in the Textile Time Tunnel. Children can enjoy the adventure playground and rides and visit the wildfowl reserve. Open daily 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm with a late night opening on Thursday to 8pm. Phone 01254 871025.

BOTANY BAY, Canal Mill, Botany Brow, Chorley. A shopping arcade of specialist shops providing hand crafted and antique gifts. Also, artists' Retreat with art exhibitions, an antique amusement arcade featuring a rare collection of Victorian amusement machines, automobilia featuring museums of fire and military transport historic fire engines, helicopters and tanks, memorabilia featuring artefacts and unique pieces of memorabilia and for the children Puddletown Pirates, a themed indoor playcentre for children aged 12 and under. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Phone 01257 261220.

STOCKLEYS SWEETS VISITOR CENTRE, Oswaldtwistle Mills, Collier Street, Accrington. See cinder toffee, sweets and caramels being made and walk down Treacle Row stocking up on all your favourite sweets. Open daily 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Phone 01257 232807.

DAVENHAM ANTIQUES CENTRE AND TEA ROOM, London Road, Davenham, Northwich, Cheshire. An array of antiques dealers specialising in quality furniture, collectables, pictures and silver. Open Monday to Saturday (closed Wednesday) 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Phone 01606 44350.

THE SALT MUSEUM, London Road, Northwich, Cheshire. Discover the tale of Cheshire's oldest industry with a tour around the Museum. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. Phone 01606 41331.

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE MUSEUM, Newton Street, Manchester. A Victorian police station built in 1879. Features include the development of policing from Peel to the present day and a collection of police uniforms from around the world. Open Tuesday and other days by appointment, 10.30 to 3.30pm. Phone 0161 856 3287.

CORGI HERITAGE CENTRE, York Street, Heywood, Rochdale. A collection of Corgi model vehicles. Open Monday to Friday (closed Tuesday) 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. Phone 01706 365812.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE SERVICE MUSEUM, Maclure Road, Rochdale. An opportunity to explore the history of fire fighting while viewing settings such as a Victorian street, fire station and 1940 Blitz scene. Contact venue for opening times (by arrangement only). Phone 01706 900155.

PANKHURST CENTRE, Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester. Visit two Georgian houses where the Women's Social and Political Union was formed in 1903, craft workshops, exhibition space and meeting rooms all part of the Suffrage Movement. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Phone 0161 273 5673.

LOUIS TUSSAUDS WAXWORKS, Central Promenade, Blackpool. New and exciting tableux and figures and an optional Anatomy Exhibition for adults and the chilling Chamber of Horrors. Open daily from 10am. Phone 01253 625953.

CHESHIRE WORKSHOPS, Burwardsley, near Chester. Marvel at the art of candle making watching the skilled craftsmen and women carving candles by hand and let the children try their hand at making their own candles. Also, visit the candle dipping ferris wheel, farmhouse kitchen and view other crafts on display. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays to Easter). Phone 01829 770401.

LITTLE MORETON HALL, A34, four miles South of Congleton. A National Trust property the Hall is the most outstanding timber framed moated house in Britain. Discover a secret room behind a sliding panel and enjoy a tour of the Great Hall and Parlour with its rare wall paintings. Recognise scenes from Moll Flanders which was filmed here and visit the gift shop. Contact venue for details of opening times and admission prices. Phone 01260 272018.

LANCASHIRE AERO CLUB, Liverpool Road, Eccles. A busy aerodrome with flying facilities including lessons for light aircraft and helicopters. Joyrides are usually available at weekends with monthly special weekend events highlighting different aspects of aviation sports. Open all year from 9am to dusk. Phone 0161 787 7326.

BYGONE TIMES, Grove Mill, The Green, Eccleston, Lancashire. A converted mill housing three distinct warehouses of fine furniture with a fascinating kaleidoscope of quality objects from yesteryear including antiques, collectables, curios, porcelain and crystal. Open daily 10am to 6pm and Wednesday 10am to 8pm. Admission £1.50 for adults and 50p for children during the week and £2 for adults and 75p for children at weekends.