The Heritage Motor Centre gives visitors a history lesson about British automobiles. Exhibits include Making British Cars, which explains how the British automobile industry evolved through the years, and Under the Skin, an interactive exhibit that teaches how cars work. The center's collection includes classic vehicles from 97 companies, including cars from 1896. The Heritage Motor Centre lets people hit the road in go-karts. Visitors can also ride as passengers in a 4 x 4 off-road vehicle that drives up slopes and through rough terrain. Kids can drive a miniature car.
Heritage Motor Centre
Banbury Road
Gaydon
Warwickshire CV35 0BJ
011+44-01926-641188
heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
The National Arboretum at Westonbirt has over 3,000 different kinds of shrubs and temperate trees and more than 15,500 individual specimens. Visitors can take self-guided tours on the 600-acre venue, which includes a native tree trail and seasonal trails. You can also take a free guided tour on weekends from Easter to October. Kids won't be bored at the arboretum. It features a play area with tree forts; a bird room and education center with a bird viewing area; and interactive displays and seasonal events activities such as a winter program with Santa Claus.
The National Arboretum at Westonbirt
Tetbury
Gloucestershire GL8 8QS
011+44-01666-880220
forestry.gov.uk/
Warwick Castle goes back to 914, when Ethelfleda -- Alfred the Great's daughter -- ordered the building of an earthen rampart to stop Danish invaders. Today, the restored castle shows what life was like in medieval times. Visitors can tour the castle and see what the rooms looked like. The Military Zone has a fort for artillery and weapons, such as a large catapult. The Castle Dungeon --similar to a haunted house -- is set in 1345 during the plague. It includes chanting monks, decaying bodies and a mirror maze. Warwick Castle advises this attraction may not be appropriate for kids under 10. Children, however, can play on the Pageant Playground, which includes the Princess Tower; Princess Arabella interacts with visitors.
Warwick Castle
Warwick
Warwickshire CV34 4QU
011+44-0871-265-2000
warwick-castle.co.uk/
