Thursford Collection

The Thursford Collection and associated attractions are a terrific family treat at any time of year, but this side of the country when one says Thursford one thinks: Christmas! Kids of all ages will adore the huge adventure playground, festooned with opportunities for swinging, sliding, climbing, jumping and even whizzing down a zip wire! A few rides are also offered in this area: fairground carousels and gondola.

There's a picnic area nearby and also a little place selling homemade ice cream! For older types there are the world's largest collection of steam engines and organs to admire as well as backstage tours and silent movies to enjoy, plus every afternoon one of the world's leading theatre organists play the antique Wurlitzer at 13:30 and 15:00: don't worry if you miss the start, you'll still hear it from where you are!! When they're tired enough to tolerate it there are some pleasing crafty type shops and more in The Village section, particularly worth a walk through at Christmas when they pull out all the stops.

Speaking of Christmas, did they mention that every year they put on the biggest holiday show in the country? It's 3 hours long so the smalls are out, but you and the older types will enjoy the massive performance, comprising many differing approaches to the season musically and theatrically. Plus, Santa's Magical Journey is their celebrated annual winter wonderland experience, with loads of huge, elaborate and heart warming scenes to explore surrounding the visit to the Big Man Himself.

No, not Brian Blessed!