KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK, Prescott, Merseyside. A chance to see some of the world's most dangerous animals including white rhino, African elephants, zebras, giraffes, meerkats, monkeys, lions and otters in spacious and natural surroundings. A rollercoaster and pirate ship also add to the attractions. Open 7 days from 10am to 3.30pm. Admission prices £7 for adults and £5 for children. Ring 0151 4309009.

BLACKPOOL SEA LIFE CENTRE, The Promenade, Blackpool. One of Europe's largest marine collection featuring a tropical shark display. The underwater tunnel offers visitors the chance to view sharks, stonefish, moray eels, lionfish and devil scorpions. Open 7 days from 10am to 4pm. Admission £5.99 for adults and £4.99 for children with family tickets priced at £16.75. Ring 01253 622445.

CAMELOT THEME PARK, Charnock Richard, Chorley. Rollercoaster rides, log flumes, water shoots, carousel rides, pirate ships, and jolly jousting. Areas to visit include The Knight's Valley, Merlin's Playland, Magical Maze, Land of the Brave and the Dungeons of Doom and marvel and the delights of the animals at the farm.There is also a chance to race Formula K go-karts. Admission £8.99 and family tickets £32, OAPs and disabled and children under 1 mtr £6.99. Ring 01257 452100.

JODRELL BANK SCIENCE CENTRE, PLANETARIUM AND ARBORETUM, Macclesfield, Cheshire. A creepy crawly tent featuring stars of the insect and animal world and a galaxy of astronomical themes featuring a grove of yew trees, the possibility of child astronauts reaching far-flung galaxies are on display. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Admission £4.60 for adults and £2.30 for children, concessions £3.30. Family tickets priced at £13.50. Ring 01477 571339.

WEDGEWOOD VISITOR CENTRE, Barlaston, Stoke on Trent. Visitors can look around the factory floor following a route showing the process of producing Wedgewood china. An opportunity is also available to have a go at pot-shaping on the lathe and decorating pots to take away. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission £4.95 for adults and £3.95 for children, OAPs and students. Ring 01782 204218.

ALTON TOWERS, Alton, Staffordshire. More white knuckle rides including the new spine-tingling Hex-The Legend of the Towers bringing to life the Tower's deserted 19th century ruins. The ride includes a stomach churning 360 degree turn down in e ruins icy vaults. Other rides include Oblivion, a theme park UG Land featuring entertainment and rides from 30,000 BC. Open 7 days from 9.30am to 5pm. Admission £19.95 and £14.95 for adults, £15.95 and £11.95 for children and £11 for OAPs. Ring 0990 204060.

CADBURY WORLD, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham. The popular chocolate factory has just opened Cadbury Land featuring interactive family shows. The journey starts with a visit to an old fashioned sweet shop followed by an adventure with Dudley Sidebottom, Fudge, Buttons, Chomp and Wildlife. For further visitor information ring 0121 451 4180 for for reservations and group bookings ring 0121 451 4159.

SPODE MUSEUM VISITOR CENTRE, Church Street, Stoke On Trent. An opportunity to view engraving, lithography, hand painting and clay casting. Factory tours giving details of the company's 200 years history of fine bone china plate, pots and cups and a chance to purchase pieces in the factory shop. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to pm. Admission £2.75 for adults and £22.5 for children. Ring 01782 744011.

THE WORLD OF GLASS, Chalon Way East, St Helens, Merseyside. The World of Glass explores the story of glassmaking from its discovery by ancient civilisations to the modern multi-use material we know today. State of the art effects shows visitors how one material has changed the world and how it is utilised in modern society in technology. Visitors can explore the underground maze of tunnels showing the oldest glass making tank furnace in the world. Also, an exhibition of Millennium Bugs featuring art works and visualisations. Open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Admission £5 for adults, £3.60 for children, £15 for a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children or £10 for 1 parent and 2 children.

THE MUSEUM OF HATTING, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport. Ring 0161 355 7770. David Shilling and Fred Dibnah have opened a stunning display of hats through the centuries featuring top hats, baseball caps and some of the hottest contemporary fashions. Open Mon to Sat 10am-5pm and Sun from 11am to 5pm. Adm charges are adults £3.95, children, £2.50 or family tickets £11.

MACARTHUR GLEN DESIGNER OUTLET VILLAGE, Cheshire Oaks, Junction 10, M53, Ellesmere Port. A shopaholic's dream with a variety of shops offering designer labels at lower prices. Open 7 days a week, Monday Tuesday Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, Thursday, 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Ring 0151 348 5600.

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB MUSEUM AND TOUR CENTRE, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford. A chance to view memorabilia from the club's history and tours around the stadium. Open 9.30am to 5.30pm every day except match days from 9.30am to 5pm. Admission to museum for adults £5, children and OAPs £3.50, family ticket £14.00. Admission for museum and tour for adults £8, children and OAPs £5.50. Ring 0161 868 8631.

BLUE PLANET, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. This new attraction offers visitors the chance to view piranhas, the country's biggest collection of golden dart frogs, sharks, whales and dolphins by walking through an underground tunnel. Free animal handling sessions, face painting and behind-the scenes tours are also part of a fun day out suitable for all the family. For further details of opening times and admission prices ring 0906 941 0088.

TATTON PARK, Knutsford, Cheshire. Visitors can explore the grandeur of the terraced Italian garden and fine glass fernery to the famous Japanese garden built in 1910 as well as touring the mansion and farm. Park open daily from 10am top 7pm. Gardens open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm, Mansion and Farm open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm. Admission to park £3.50 per car. Admission to garden and mansion £3 for adults and £2 for children. Family tickets £8. Admission to farm for adults £2.50 and £1.50 for children. Family ticket £8. Ring 534400.

STAPELEY WATER GARDENS, London Road, Stapeley, Nr Nantwich, Cheshire. Wander around the gardens and view the Palms Tropical Oasis. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission to Oasis £3.65 for adults, £2.85 for OAPs and £1.85 for children. Ring 01270 623868.

LIGHTWATER VALLEY THEME PARK, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire. Rides for all the family with the rollercoaster The Viper, The Sewer Rat, The Twister, The Wave and The Mexican Hat. Also a chance to get wet in the Log Flumes and race around on go-karts. Attractions for smaller children include Star Combat, Old MacDonalds Farm and The Toad Hole. Opens 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Admission £12.50 for adults and children over 4ft 4ins, £9.95 for children under 4ft 4ins and free for children under 3ft 3ins. Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children under 16 or 1 adult and 3 children under 16 £39.00, £5.95 for senior citizens, disabled guests and carers. Ring 01765 635368.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Liverpool Road, Castlefield. An opportunity for visitors to view FutureWorld by the BBC which offers more understanding of the technical wizardry of TV programmes, models, artefacts and new technology. Younger visitors can join in activities with CD Rom with the Teletubbies, Pingu and Noddy. Open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Admission £6.50 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and £2 for children. Ring 0161 832 1830.

CHESTER ZOO, Caughill Road, Upton, Cheshire. Attractions include the unique Islands in Danger for endangered island speices such as Komodo Dragons and Birds of Paradise. Also visit the Widllife Discovery Centre and the New Gardens, the Twilight Zone Bat Cave and Monkey Islands as well as the usual favourites the chimpanzees, tigers, lions and the Aquarium. Open 7 days from 10am. Admission £9 for adults, £36.50 for children, £7 for OAPs. Family tickets £32.00. Ring 01244 380280.

STOCKPORT AIR RAID, 61 Chestergate, Stockport. Experience daily life of 1940s war-torn Britain by wandering around reconstructed tunnels. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Ring 0161 474 1940.