Break with tradition, abandon the sofa and visit some of the country’s new winter attractions. Fun for all the family

Beneath the green Fife countryside a hidden complex with radar room, dorms and even a cinema makes for an unnerving but memorable visit

Children will be spellbound at this temple of storytelling, which also puts on plays and spoken-word performances (for all ages)

Its wildlife trails and play areas make this free attraction a fun and affordable day out in the countryside – with the odd woodpecker for company, too

Treasures abound at this grand museum that, amid the ancient pots and classic paintings, has plenty to keep kids entertained

Adrenaline Indoors is a new adventure experience at the inland surf lagoon, so prepare for parkour trails, climbing walls and a zipwire

A family trip to this Dartmoor attraction means time with the horses, plus gymkhana displays and activities including zipwires and climbing walls

Get quizzical and physical on a treasure hunt around a corner of Britain you didn’t know – there are more than 1,000 fun walks to choose from

This free art gallery and museum celebrates Sheffield steel along with big-name artists, including the work – and cats – of John Ruskin

Kids’ science questions are answered in fun, interactive ways at an attraction where brains light up, ice forms and the planetarium is a stellar treat

Woodland trails, a river straddled by stepping stones and the ruins of a 12th-century priory make this beautiful swathe of countryside a brilliant adventure playground

Rockets, a huge planetarium, bags of interactive fun – and a moon landing anniversary to celebrate – make for a stellar day out

Get driven to distraction at this celebration of cars and planes, bicycles and buses that makes for a high-octane day out

A world-class weaponry and armour collection, from rare swords to an umbrella gun, is on display at this excellent, free family-friendly museum

In Dartmoor national park, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had on rope swings, tube slides and kayaking in an attractive, natural setting

The magic of Shakespeare, and theatre, is in the spotlight at an exhibition that mixes costumed fun, technology and thousands of historical artefacts

A new heritage attraction in Chester aims to tell the story of the city through its people

This new ‘Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories’ celebrates the heritage of England’s largest lake through exhibits, workshops and trips on the water

Rebuilt after flood damage, this cult favourite in the Lakes is a big draw for visitors when the weather is a bit sketchy

An imposing 18th-century prison brings to life an era of harsh punishments – fun for all the family, if your children like grisly tales and ghost stories