Cambridge city centre
The Fitzwilliam Museum · Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor
Three free university museums sit within a ten-minute walk of each other in central Cambridge, so a wet day costs nothing but lunch. Start under the giant whale skeleton, eat at the Fitzwilliam's courtyard cafe, then finish with sledges and snow goggles at the Polar Museum.
Museum · 10:00–11:30 (1h30m)
Start under the whale; the lift links both gallery floors for buggies.
A University of Cambridge museum of animal skeletons and specimens, with a huge whale skeleton hanging over the entrance. Galleries run across two levels linked by a lift, and entry is free, which makes it an easy hour with curious children.
Museum · 11:45–13:45 (2h)
Lunch in the courtyard cafe, then borrow drawing kit for the Egyptian galleries.
An indoor museum in Cambridge, aimed at ages 9 and up.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor
Museum · 14:00–15:00 (1h)
A compact final stop about expeditions to both poles; closes at 4pm.
A small free museum about the Arctic and Antarctic, run by the University's polar research institute, covering explorers, Inuit life and polar science. Compact enough for a short visit with primary-age children.
Photo: Josie Campbell
East of EnglandWells-next-the-Sea
Walk the boardwalk through the pines to one of England's widest beaches, then trade sand for a tiny steam train that trundles inland to Walsingham and back. Under-5s ride free.
Holkham Beach → Wells and Walsingham Light Railway
East of EnglandAldeburgh
Row between the little islands of Thorpeness Meare in the morning, then spend the afternoon at Minsmere's Wild Zone, sand martin tunnels and pond dipping.
Thorpeness Meare → RSPB Minsmere
East of EnglandSouthend-on-Sea
Ride or walk the world's longest pleasure pier out into the estuary, then head up the hill to Hadleigh's ruined castle, which is free to explore, for big views back over the water.
Southend Pier and Train → Hadleigh Castle
