You are here:

Indoor attractions


The waterways are transformed into a glittering winter wonderland throughout January, but with the mercury dropping to the minuses in some areas, sometimes it can be just too chilly to enjoy the great outdoors.

However, fear not, as your trip to the waterside is not all lost. As well as cosy pubs and restaurants, many canals and rivers are situated next to great attractions that are suitable for all the family.

Take a look at our list of top indoor attractions below. They’re fun, cheap and, more importantly, warm!

London

London Canal Museum, King’s Cross
Learn about the history of the ice trade and ice cream, as well as the canals.

Museum in Docklands, West India Quay
Discover the 2000 year history of the Thames through a variety of displays, tours, workshops and activities.

Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice
A much beloved London treasure, this fully heated Dutch barge plays host to marionette and rod puppet performances throughout the year.

West Midlands

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
Take part in craft activities, sweet making, and enjoy a Victorian fairground.

National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham
This aquarium houses a wide range of species, such as Japanese spider crabs and seahorses.

Cadbury World, Birmingham
Find out how Britain’s oldest brand of chocolate is made and packaged.

Yorkshire

Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham
Four gadget-packed pavilions themed around the elements earth, air, fire and water make for an exciting family day out.

York Dungeon, York
Learn about the gruesome history of York Dungeon but keep your wits about you, as the exhibits are alarmingly life-like…

North West

Beatles Story, Liverpool
Experience the heyday of Beatlemania or let off some steam in the Yellow Submarine play area.

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster
Made famous for its execution of the Pendle Witches, and still used as a crown court and prison today, this 1000 year old castle is riddled with history.

Tate Liverpool, Liverpool
This gallery houses a fantastic array of modern art installations, photography, and sculpture.

Wales & Borders

National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Enjoy a boat trip, visit the blacksmith, or take part in one of the family activities the museum regularly lays on.

Hereford Cider Museum, Hereford
Explore a reconstructed farm ciderhouse, and find out how cider was made back then and today.

Llangollen Railway, Llangollen
Get an excellent view of the beautiful Dee Valley with a scenic steam train journey through the centre of it.

Highlands

The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience, Drumnadrochit
See the equipment that’s used in search of the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

Ben Nevis Distillery & Visitor Centre, Fort William
This whiskey distillery nestles at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, and includes guided tours, gift shops and a restaurant.

Lowlands

Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk
A fascinating visitor centre with interactive displays and an Irn Bru factory proves you can still have fun indoors here.

Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow
Famous for being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace boasts an impressive history and lavish surroundings.

South West

National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester
Daily boat trips, children’s activities and nearby Gloucester Quays make the NWM a favourite destination for families.

Lacack Abbey & Fox Talbot Museum, Lacock
A popular filming location, Lacock has featured in blockbusters such as ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Pride & Prejudice’, and soon-to-be-released ‘Wolfman’.

South East

Windsor Castle, Windsor
A popular tourist destination, Windsor Castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen.

The Oracle, Reading
This vast waterside entertainment complex includes a multiplex cinema, art galleries, and a whole host of shops, bars and restaurants.

Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery, Maidstone
The museum houses a range of fascinating artefacts, such as a 2,500 year old mummy and objects dating back to the Stone Age.

East Midlands

The National Space Centre, Leicester
A major visitor attraction dedicated to space exploration and the universe, the National Space Centre uses interactive and 3D displays to educate curious young minds.

Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham
The Galleries of Justice Museum traces the history of Nottingham’s most infamous outlaws with free exhibitions, guided tours and educational activities.

Last updated: 13/01/2010