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All half-days
Across the county

Family pick'n'mix

Three child-friendly stops, lunch built in. For toddlers up to tweens.

Friday's plan 3 min driving · 1.2 mi

3 stops, plotted to loop back where you started.

Three stops that sit almost on top of each other means you spend the day with the family rather than stuck in the car, which on a Friday feels like exactly the right call. From outdoor action to industrial history to space exploration, the variety should keep everyone moving and interested all day.

  1. 1
    From the off≈ 180 min visit

    Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

    Leicester

    Start with Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Leicester. Adventurous outdoor activity experiences designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people and others at affordable prices in a challenging and safe environment. Worth the fresh air tomorrow.

    Full details
    Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
  2. 2
    2 min · 0.5 mi from the last stop
    After 3h 2m≈ 90 min visit

    Abbey Pumping Station

    Leicester

    Next up — Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester. Step inside Leicester's Victorian industrial museum and discover four restored beam engines, vintage vehicles and hands-on science exhibits. (open Wed–Sun, during leicester school holidays only. Also open fo special events.)

    Full details
    Abbey Pumping Station
  3. 3
    2 min · 0.1 mi from the last stop
    After 4h 34m≈ 180 min visit

    National Space Centre

    Leicester

    Finish at National Space Centre in Leicester. Blast off into the cosmos at the UK's largest planetarium, with hands-on galleries that bring space science to life for all ages.

    Full details
    National Space Centre

Pack lunch if you can, because with so little driving you will want every minute on the ground.

Times shown are estimates: dwell times are based on typical visits, drive times assume light rural traffic, and opening hours can change. "Free" attractions may still charge for parking — please check ahead. Always double-check with each venue before setting off — and leave a little wiggle room for lunch, the weather and a proper cup of tea.