Days Out

Home to 130 species of birds and the only group of king penguins in England. Kids and adults can enjoy the tropical, desert and toucan houses and watch feeding time at the penguin pool. For admission times and prices, call 01242 820480 or visit the website: www.birdland.co.uk

Buscot Park, Faringdon

A neo-classical mansion with fine art and furniture collection, set in landscaped grounds where you can explore the Italianate water garden and walled garden. For opening times and admission prices, call 01367 240786 or visit the website: www.nationaltrust.org

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire

Explore 30 historic buildings, saved from demolition and moved piece by piece to this countryside setting. Step back in time and get a feel of the 1940s in the fully-furnished prefab or experience 50AD at the Iron Age house. There is 45 acres of woods and parkland to enjoy and a Victorian farmyard. You can also look around Skippings Barn, home to the Hawk and Owl Trust. Call 01494 871117 or visit the website: www.coam.org.uk

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway

Take a seven-mile round trip on the Icknield line, which passes along the foot of the picturesque Chiltern Hills. Steam and diesel locomotives are in action during many weekends in the main tourist season. Tickets can be booked online at the website: www.cprra.co.uk

Didcot Railway Centre

Step back in time and see the steam trains from the golden age of the Great Western Railway. At Didcot you can view a typical branch line, complete with station, signal box and a level crossing. For details of Thomas the Tank engine days, other events and opening times, call 01235 817200 or visit the website: www.dicotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Oxford Bus Museum, Long Hanborough

Home to a historic display of buses, the museum also has the Morris Motors Museum, telling the story of how cars and commercial vehicles were produced at the Cowley works. For opening times and prices, call 01993 883617 or visit: www.oxfordbusmuseum.com

Pendon Museum, Long Wittenham, near Abingdon

Pendon aims to recapture in detailed miniature scenes the beauty of the English countryside as it used to be around 1930. For opening times and prices, call 01865 407365 or visit the website: www.pendonmuseum.com

Project Timescape, Wittenham Clumps

Oxfordshire’s newest education / visitor centre, run by the Northmoor Trust, lets you explore the past and present landscape, become a scientist, handle skeletons and meet the creatures that once roamed the countryside.Call 01865 409402 or visit the Project Timescape website: www.projecttimescape.co.uk

Roald Dahl Museum, Buckinghamshire

A phizz-whizzing venue for six to 12-year-olds exploring the world of Roald Dahl, the museum is based in Great Missenden where the author lived. It has interactive galleries, a story centre and a replica of his writing hut.For opening times call 01494 892192, or visit the website: www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Steam Museum, Swindon

Housed in a restored building in the former railway works, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. The story is brought to life with films, interactive displays, famous locomotives and memorabilia.For information, call 01793 466646 or visit the website: www.steam-museum.org.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm, Warwickshire

The UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise, makes a truly spectacular day out for all the family. Discover many of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in an exotic environment, such as the silver morpho, from El Salvador in central America, which is the farm’s largest butterfly, measuring about seven inches across. Visit the website: www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Sulgrave Manor, near Banbury

A fine example of a modest manor house built in Shakespeare’s time and which was home to the ancestors of George Washington. Guided tours include the great hall, kitchen and bedchamber, which have furniture and artifacts from the period. Call 01295 760205 or visit the website: www.sulgravemanor.org

Upton House and Gardens, near Banbury

A National Trust property, this 17th-century mansion contains an outstanding collection of English and Continental Old Master paintings and porcelain. It has terraced flower borders, water gardens and the national collection of asters. For opening times and admission prices call 01295 670266 or visit the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Warwick Castle

One of England’s finest medieval castles is home to the new £1m battle experience, which opened at Easter. The Dream of Battle is set within the ancient castle walls — where you can also visit the dungeon and climb the towers.

For more details, call 0870 442 2000 or visit the website: www.warwick-castle.co.uk

Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

A grand house with grounds in the style of a 16th-century French chateau, built for the Rothschilds in the late 19th century. For details of opening times and admission prices, call 01296 653226 or visit the website: www.waddesdon.org

West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, Worcestershire

A drive-through safari and theme park where you can view some of the rarest animals in the world, including white rhinos, lions, elephants, Cape buffalo and leopards. For opening times and admission prices, call 01299 402114 or visit the website: www.wmsp.co.uk

Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire

A great day out for all the family who will enjoy a drive through reserves to see lions, tigers, rhinos, monkeys and black bears. There is also a foot safari around the Wild World where you can meet the animals. Call 01525 290407 or visit the website: www.woburnsafari.co.uk