28 awesome new attractions for summer 2022

Our Place in Space brings our solar system down to Earth – and sends us soaring into the stars to find new perspectives on our planet. Artist Oliver Jeffers and scientist Professor Stephen Smartt have designed an epic, scale recreation of the solar system, which is popping up this year as a 10km sculpture trail in Northern Ireland and Cambridge. Explore the solar system from anywhere via an interactive augmented-reality app and an exciting programme of digital events and learning activities, open to everyone and entirely free.
When and Where: 11 Jun-10 Jul, Belfast (Divis and the Black Mountain); 30 Jul-28 Aug, Cambridge; 17 Sep-16 Oct, Ulster Transport Museum and North Down Coastal Path

Lego fans will love the new family friendly exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull. The show brings together work by international artists, designers and photographers who use LEGO bricks as their medium or inspiration! The exhibition includes a range of stunning 2D and 3D work in a variety of sizes, from jewellery to sculpture. Using the same simple plastic construction blocks as their starting points that we all have in our homes(!), each artist has created striking, thought-provoking and often funny artworks which will appeal to art enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike.
When: Until 11 Sep 22
Where: Ferens Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Square, Carr Ln, Hull HU1 3RA

A thrilling new interactive exhibition exploring the world of science within the universe of Doctor Who lands in Liverpool in May. From epic monsters to costumes and props, science is brought to life as the World Museum exploring some of the Doctor’s many adventures and encounters through space and time. This exhibition gives you the chance to see original artefacts, sets and much more. It’s a must-see for any fan of Doctor Who and science enthusiasts too.
When: Until 30 Oct 2022
Where: World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN

Calling all Whovians! Here are our recommendations for top Doctor Who days out

A brand new, underground pavilion is coming to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire this summer. Inside, you can experience a meteor shower, drive a steerable radio telescope and launch a digital Sputnik. A Space Dome will show films about the universe and displays will tell the history of Jodrell Bank, which is the earliest radio astronomy observatory still in existence.
When: From 4 Jun onwards
Where: Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Bomish Lane, Macclesfield SK11 9DW

Join Quantum Theatre for a wonderful, outdoor theatrical treat this summer; a charming new adaptation of the much-loved Beatrix Potter Tales. Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon find themselves in all sorts of scrapes; caught In a net, trapped by a cat; and face to face with Mr McGregor himself! How will they ever escape? Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue? And what will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds? Grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures across the UK this summer.
When: Until 1 Sep 22
Where: on tour at various venues across the UK, see the full list here

Exciting news at Crealy Theme Park and Resort in Exeter this spring, as Sooty comes to play! Sootyland features four new rides, 15 new attractions, daily theatre performances of the Sooty Show and much, much more ...
When: Open now
Where: Sootyland at Crealy Theme Park and Resort, Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1DR

Tiptoe around a family-friendly trail and meet dinosaurs, wild animals and more at Totally Roarsome, coming to three different venues this spring and summer. A fab day out for the whole family, with a quiz, special surprises and simply loads of instagram appeal.
When and where: select dates between 28 May-4 Sep, Heart of England Events Centre, Meriden Road, Fillongley, Coventry CV7 8DX; 18 Jun-4 Sep, Hazlewood Castle, Tadcaster Near Leeds, Yorkshire, LS24 9NJ; 2 Jul-4 Sep, Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, NG22 9DF.

Explore a brand-new adventure playground at the awesome Raby Castle this spring. From stargazing decks to towers and tunnels, high-level walkways and three-storey forts in the forest, The Plotters’ Forest offers an imaginative playground for all ages. There's purpose-built areas for toddlers, with mini turrets and lookout decks – conveniently located next to the new catering kiosk and roof deck seating area.
When: Open now
Where: Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington, DL2 3AH

Tower of London Superbloom will be a colourful, vibrant field of flowers celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen at the Tower of London. An exciting feature of Superbloom will be a fun, family-friendly slide into the moat. On arrival, you can slide down into the moat from one of four lanes and follow the route through the display. The Superbloom slide, repurposed from an original at Cliveden House, will have planters running alongside to compliment the vibrant field of flowers below. A specially commissioned sound installation and sculptural elements will draw you in and make you feel at home among the bees and butterflies.
When: 1 Jun-18 Sep 2022
Where: Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB

Take your young eco activists to the new Once Upon A Planet exhibition at Tullie House this summer, and learn even more about climate change and how to protect our wonderful planet. This brand-new exhibition uses Tullie House's Natural Science collections to explore the impact of climate change on the animals, plants and habitats around us. Creativity and science collide to make an exciting, fun and hopeful exhibition for families and young people.
When: 25 Jun-10 Sep
Where: Tullie House, Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TP

At The 100 Story Hotel there are all sorts of guests; lions and tigers, dinosaurs and bears. Some sausage dogs are having a party on the hotel beach.  There’s just one problem – the hotel is usually full of 100 amazing stories, but one story has just gone missing! Can you follow the clues and track down the missing tale? Created with bestselling author and illustrator Rob Biddulph, this immersive world of play and storytelling has something for everyone aged 0-8 and their families.
When: Open now
Where: Discover Children's Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, London E15 4QZ 

Like its older sibling in Epsom, the brand new Hobbledown in Hounslow offers a unique combination of beautiful animals, amazing imaginary characters, super splash zones, innovative indoor soft play, challenging adventure playgrounds and storytelling by the bucketload. We love Hobbledown in Epsom; we can't wait to meet its newer sibling this July.
When: From 11 Jul
Where: Hobbledown West London, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW4 5DS

Seven Stories has been the home of Judith Kerr's archive since 2008, and now the team are thrilled to also have her kitchen, which will be familiar to fans of her books, like Mog and The Tiger Who Came To Tea, as the back-drop to many of her illustrations. Visit the kitchen for free during February half term (19-27 February, 10am - 5pm). Free craft activities are provided in the kitchen exhibition, and special events are taking place all week to celebrate Judith Kerr's work and her fabulous, furry, hungry Tiger.
When: Open now
Where: Seven Stories, 30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PQ

After the success of last year's Zog quest activity trail, everyone's favourite dragon is back at Warwick Castle with a new, permanent playground. Inspired by Zog and the Flying Doctors, Zog Playland features colourful dragons, dragon wing zip wires, crawl tunnels, rope swings, Princess Pearl's Tower, and dragon slides, as well as places to build pretend fires to keep the Lion’s cave warm and shop at a market stall for young budding doctors... The Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail is also back at Warwick Castle for a second season.
When: Open now
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU

See the incredible Ryedale Hoard as it goes on display for the first time at the Yorkshire Museum this spring. The hoard contains some of Yorkshire's most significant Roman objects including an 1,800 year old bust of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The 13cm bust is part of a collection of bronze objects found by metal detectorists in a field near Ampleforth in Ryedale, in May 2020. For the very first time in Yorkshire, visitors will be able see this exciting new discovery and explore the mystery of who buried the Hoard and why. 
When: Open now
Where: Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR

2022 is the 1,900 anniversary of Hadrian's Wall, and there's going to be a wonderful festival to celebrate this remarkable milestone. The festival will run from 24 January 2022, Emperor Hadrian's birthday, until 23 December, the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia, and will encompass everything from community events to high profile arts commissions. From Tyneside in the east through Carlisle and down the Solway Coast in the west, hundreds of events will take place across the UNESCO World Heritage Site, culminating in a Festival of Saturnalia. Find your connection to the World Heritage Site, whether it be Roman history, dark skies, nature, food, music, the arts and more.
When: Until 23 Dec 22
Where: Hadrian's Wall and surrounding areas, attractions and sites.

This immersive museums show explores the scientific, social and cultural role that cats and dogs play in our world, and invites you to go on an exciting, sensory journey, exploring what it’s like to be a cat or a dog. From studying animal behaviour to examining human relationships with our feline friends and devoted doggos, you'll enjoy games and simulations that put you in each animal’s paws to better understand them and their behaviour.
When: Until 30 Oct 2022
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, London, SE23 3PQ

Love exploring museums? Here are our tips for the best London museums for toddlers.

Set off with the much-loved Superworm this spring, and become a forest superhero! Learn all about incredible insects and marvellous minibeasts on this easy 1.5km trail around Grizedale Forest in Hawkshead, Cumbria. The trail, which is buggy friendly but does contain some hills, starts at the Visitor Centre. After the trail, don't miss the fabulous adventure play area at Grizedale. There's picnic benches and undercover seating close by for a great day out in all weathers.
When: Open now
Where: Grizedale, Forestry Commission Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ

Love Superworm? Check out other locations in the UK where you can take a Superworm Trail through the forest

The redevelopment of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow is one of the most significant museum refurbishments of recent times. Visit in March 2022, and you'll be able to explore all three floors of this gorgeous family-friendly building, with dynamic galleries and displays, special exhibition spaces and more. A new outdoor space and outdoor café will mean you can enjoy the museum's beautiful parkland setting more than ever before.
When: Open now
Where: The Burrell Collection, 100 Dumbreck Road, Bellahouston, Glasgow, G41 4SN

Celebrating the life and work of Beatrix Potter, one of the best-loved children's authors of the 20th century, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature is a must-see family-friendly show at London's V&A Museum. The exhibition will take you on a journey to discover Potter’s life as a scientist and conservationist, exploring the places and animals that inspired her most beloved characters.
When: Until 25 Sep 2022
Where: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature, V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Love Peter Rabbit? Check out our recommendations for top places for Peter Rabbit fans in the UK

The brand new Children’s Country House is being created with, for and by children. This exciting project aims to engage children with the National Trust collections, with stories and with history by providing a playful, heritage day out where kids can use their natural curiosity to safely explore the property without barriers. We can't wait to explore this one!
When: Open now
Where: The Children's Country House, Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT

Do you love National Trust properties and gardens? Here are our recommendations for the best NT places for families

Step inside history's most daring conspiracy in a thrilling new immersive experience, The Gunpowder Plot at the Tower of London. Step into a world where spies and informants hide in every shadow. Your mission is to go undercover and unmask the mysterious figures behind history’s most infamous plot. But when you’re surrounded by traitors, who can you trust? The Gunpowder Plot uses both live theatre and the latest digital technology to take you on a journey back in time to experience the deception first hand ... but will you stop the plot?
When: Until 4 Sep 2022
Where: The Gunpowder Plot, Tower of London, 8-12 Tower Hill, Vaults, London, EC3N 4EE
Age recommendation: 10 years and over

Join the cool Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their senior year at Rydell High in this new stage version of the ever-popular Grease The Musical. With choreography by Arlene Phillips, this is a show packed with great songs and oodles of fun, guaranteed to get your preteens 'hopelessly devoted' to stage musicals!
When: Until 29 Oct 2022
Where: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ

Not quite 'the one that you want!?' Check out our recommendations for the best musicals for kids on stage this year

Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit is a brand-new theatre show on stage at the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in the Lake District this summer. Peter’s friends are planning a secret party, but Peter is unhappy… has no one remembered his birthday?
Mrs Rabbit is baking a delicious cake but Mr McGregor would rather have a pie full of the rabbit who keeps stealing carrots from his garden! Join in the fun and celebrate along with Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck and more in this new production featuring beautifully handcrafted puppets and enchanting original songs.
When: 18 Jun 22 onwards
Where: Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit, World of Beatrix Potter, The Old Laundry Theatre, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX

Be a superhero at The Thundermans' School for Superheroes! Meet Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol! Brave your way through the Henry Danger Maze! Join Santiago of the Seas in his hunt for treasure aboard the giant pirate ship! The world of Nickelodeon comes to life in Edinburgh, Heaton Park and Knebworth House this summer. With activities for kids of all ages, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. This immersive outdoor adventure is jam-packed with multi-sensory, interactive zones where kids can build their own fun!
When and where: 1-14 Jul, Saughton Park, 6 Ford's Road, Edinburgh EH11 3HP; 23 Jul-5 Aug, Heaton Park, St Margaret's Road, Manchester, M25 2GT; 14-27 Aug, Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, SG1 2AX

The dreaded mega-monster CO2-Zilla has landed and is threatening to destroy the world... starting with Eden. Inspired by an exclusive comic strip, visitors can team up with Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie and friends on an epic quest to defeat CO2-Zilla, save the planet and rebel against climate change. Head to the Eden Project for a wild, unforgettable and blam-tastic adventure, packed with exciting games and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
When: 23 Jul-4 Sep 22
Where: Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG

There's a brand new theatre coming to Prescot this summer, and it looks stunning. The Shakespeare North Playhouse is going to offer a unique programme of performance, activities and conversations, inspired by Shakespeare but relevant to us all. On the opening weekend in July, there'll be free activities including dance and drama alongside classical music, rap, DJs, crafts and tours throughout the weekend, including tours of the extraordinary new 470-seat Cockpit Theatre.
When: From 15 Jul 22
Where: Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prospero Place, Prescot L34 3AB

Prepare yourselves to face the Terrible Tudors live on stage this summer, as Horrible Histories returns with a hilarious and brilliant new theatre production. From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. It's history with the nasty bits left in!
When and Where: 28 Jul-3 Sep, Garrick Theatre; On tour around the UK until 27 Oct