When was the last time you learned about some history away from home with your family? One of the joys of camping, alongside enjoying the great outdoors, is unearthing local heritage.

Perhaps though, if you’re honest, it may sound a bit, well, worthy but dull.

So, if you thought “historical” places of interest were all about mind-numbing talks from monotone guides, think again.

Here are five special locations to get you started.

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, West Midlands

Bostin’ ay it? Since long before its fame as a Peaky Blinders filming location, this multi award-winning attraction has been welcoming visitors of all ages.

From rides at a traditional funfair to beer-battered fish and chips that adoring customers queue out of the door for, the open air museum’s  features, seamlessly take visitors back in time.

Why not ride a tram, go down a mine, (we found this mildly terrifying!) play with olden days’ toys or sample a taste of working on a real canal? 

But beware…a different sort of spirit reportedly frequents The Elephant & Castle.

Caenarfon Castle, Gwynedd

My family loved it so much we had to be gently coaxed to leave (sounds so much better than being thrown out) after we inadvertently stayed waaaay past closing time.

Built in 1283, by Edward I, impressive battlements, a twin-towered gatehouse and lofty wall walks remain intact.

An imaginative display from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Wales’ oldest regiment, also captures the senses with conflicts through the ages –  including a notorious battle immortalised in iconic Michael Caine film, Zulu.

A mighty Eagle Tower now boasts an interactive display. Chamberlain Tower houses a throne and keepsakes from our King’s July 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales.

If, like me, you’re fascinated by spooky goings-on, look out for a misty woman’s figure in the courtyard or the shadows of English soldiers said to be still on guard.

National Arboretum, near Alrewas, Staffordshire

This may not be your first thought for a fun day out with children, but it will surprise you. Alongside a wealth of imaginative play opportunities, there’s also plenty to inspire memorable, meaningful moments.

As well as remembering the fallen from two World Wars, there are memorials to many others.

While younger children are oblivious to the evocative symbolism, they’ll hopefully appreciate a roomy play area with willow tunnels and wooden animal carvings. Poppies are out from June to September. I’ll make it back one day to see them.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Shropshire

My first visit to Ironbridge was on a school trip and I can still picture me right there, laughing on some swing boats. Growing up in nearby Shrewsbury, I returned a few times and in later years took my daughters to make more treasured memories.

Here, a collection of 10 sites celebrates the birthplace of industry.

Find out how  you can pull a 10-tonne locomotive or generate electricity from flowing water. Spy familiar objects through fresh eyes using a giant X ray machine or build an earthquake-proof tower. Phew.

The Beatles Story, Albert Dock and Pier Head, Liverpool

We love it, yeah yeah yeah…Experience the swinging 60s, as you journey through the Fab Four’s history.

Follow the Liverpool legends’ journey from a fete where Lennon and McCartney met to the dizzy heights of Beatlemania.

You’ll adore your ticket to ride  – especially a magical mystery tour known as Fab4D. Groovy!


Picture shows Ironbridge in the spring by Graham-H on Pixabay.