3-Bedroom Hot Tub Lodge in Shabbington

Bekonscot in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, is a model village built at one inch to one foot and opened to the public in 1929. It is commonly described as the oldest surviving model village in the UK. Its miniature villages capture rural English life in the 1930s, with a cathedral, castle, airport, zoo and cricket match, plus shops with punning names such as Miss A. Stitch the dressmaker.

Tip: Head for the ride-on miniature railway and look out for the punning shop names as you go round.

Thorpe Park sits between Chertsey and Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey, on the site of old flooded gravel pits that give it a watery setting. It opened in 1979 and is run by Merlin Entertainments. Today it's a full day of rides, with a strong line-up of roller coasters.

Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.

Legoland Windsor is a LEGO-themed theme park and resort in Windsor, Berkshire, on the site of the former Windsor Safari Park. It has more than 55 rides and attractions across 11 themed lands, plus live shows, building workshops and the Miniland models. It is the most visited theme park in the UK.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry, and pre-book parking to save time on the day.

The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683 and widely described as Britain's first public museum. Its collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. Highlights include the Egypt and Nubia galleries and the Chinese Picture Gallery, the only museum gallery in Britain devoted to Chinese paintings.

Tip: Groups must book ahead, and booking is strongly recommended for the major ticketed exhibition.

Whipsnade Zoo is the UK's largest zoo, run by the Zoological Society of London, a conservation charity. It covers 600 acres on the Dunstable Downs, and you can walk between the enclosures or drive your own car around. Look out for the huge White Lion carved into the hillside.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, as the zoo says its best prices are always online. Last entry is one hour before closing.

Blenheim Palace is one of England's largest houses, found in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Designed in the rare English Baroque style, it was a reward to the 1st Duke of Marlborough for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim, which gave the palace its name.

Tip: Look out for Fair Rosamund's spring, which survives from the old royal deer park at Woodstock.

Windsor Castle is a royal residence in Berkshire, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Royal Collection Trust describes it as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it has been home to 40 monarchs. The grounds cover 13 acres and combine a fortress, a palace and a small town.

Tip: The castle sits at the top of a steep hill and much of the site is outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and allow for long walking distances.