Cambridge Science Centre

You'll find this place tucked away on the edge of Cambridge, just off the main drag - it's a proper hands-on affair that actually lets children (and grown-ups, let's be honest) touch things without a staff member having a meltdown. The Science Centre does exactly what it says: interactive exhibits covering everything from physics to biology, the kind where you press a button and something happens rather than just stare at a glass case.

It's brilliant for families with kids aged roughly 5-14 who have an ounce of curiosity. Teenagers might find it a bit young for them, and under-fives could get frustrated. Allow a solid two to three hours - longer if your children are the tinkering type who'll spend 20 minutes on one exhibit.

Open weekends and school holidays (10am-4pm), so plan around that. Admission fees aren't listed on the main site, so ring ahead or check before you head over. You won't need to book if you're just turning up casually.

If you're camping at one of the sites near Cambridge - Cherry Hinton's only a mile and a half away - this works as a solid wet-weather option or a fun rainy afternoon. It's not a replacement for getting outside, but paired with a walk along the Backs or the Botanic Garden, it fills a gap nicely. The town itself has plenty to occupy you, so you won't feel like you've wasted a journey even if the Science Centre's a quick visit.