Things to do in England, United Kingdom: The Best Visitor Centers

Open Sundays 1-5pm Easter to October. Bank Holidays 1-5pm. Wednesdays July & August 1-5pm. The centre was formerly part of No.1 Communal Site, RAF Woodhall Spa, and was Built in 1940 with a planned life span of only 10 years!. The site included the Officers and Sergeants Messes, Airmen's Dining Halls and the NAAFI building, together with Ration Store, Latrines and Ablution Block. Only the Airmen's Dining Halls, the NAAFI, Ablution Block and Ration Store are within the Centre's boundary The Thorpe Camp Preservation Group established the Visitor Centre in 1988 to commemorate those Airmen who flew from the airfield in World War II. 97, 619, 617 (Dambusters) and 627 Squadrons were based at RAF Woodhall Spa.

The biggest display of decorative metalwork in the UK. Featuring live work from the some of the best artists and blacksmiths in the country. The Centre created the world renowned "Spoon Gorilla" made from over 40,000 donated spoons, as seen on the BBC. The Centre was officially opened to visitors in 2014 by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. Donations are welcome for Hope House Children's Hospice. Most recent projects include the "Knife Angel" made from over 100,000 weapons which have been removed from the streets of the United Kingdom, working with national police forces, families affected by knife crime and community action groups to ensure people think twice before carrying a blade.

Reached between the tides via a short causeway, St. Mary's has all the fascination of a miniature, part-time island. The Lighthouse, completed in 1898 on a hazardous coast for shipping, remained operational until 1984 when it was superseded by modern navigational techniques. Since then the Lighthouse and former keepers' cottages have been operated as a visitor centre by North Tyneside Council. The surrounding Nature Reserve contains an area of rockpools, clifftop grassland, a beach and newly created wetland habitats.Wherever possible we are open seven days a week between May and September, and during weekends and school holidays in the winter. However, it is not possible for us to open on some days because of tidal conditions. The stated opening times can also be subject to variations on occasion due to weather affecting the times of the tide.

The Almonry is a beautiful C14th building in the heart of the historic market town of Evesham. Once the home of the Almoner, one of the Benedictine Monks from the Abbey, the Almonry is now the town museum, Tourist Information Centre and gift shop. The museum tells the story of Evesham and the Vale from pre-history to mid-twentieth century with a beautiful garden, ideal for sitting and relaxing. Our gift shop stocks a wide range of souvenirs, postcards, walking maps and guides, books, gifts and handcrafted goods made by local makers and crafters. The Tourist Information Centre is packed with leaflets and guides to Evesham and the surrounding area. TIC staff are on hand to welcome you to Evesham and to help you get the most out of your visit and stay.

Royal Crown Derby is one of the original companies founded in the 18th Century that is still producing fine bone china in Derbyshire, England today. The company is the most distinguished, authentic Made in England manufacturer supplying English fine bone china tableware, giftware and collectables since 1750 The present factory was established in 1878, but the business traces its origins to the original factory which was set up in Nottingham Road in about 1750. Queen Victoria granted permission to include the title "Royal" in the company name in 1890. The current site on Osmaston Road, Derby stands on a four and half acre site, employing approximately 200 staff. The Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre offers a customer experience whether visiting the 1750 Tea Room, Museum, viewing the latest exhibition arranged by our in-house Museum Curator, taking a factory tour to see our first class products being made by hand or purchasing from the onsite retail shop.

Take a look behind the scenes at Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewer. You guide will take you through the heart of the brewery so you can see the traditional mash tuns; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley; smell locally-grown Kentish hops; see bygone delivery vehicles and step into a recreated cooper’s workshop. Finally there’s a fascinating tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers. Tours run most days - advance booking is strongly recommended and you should allow 2 hours for your visit

A unique spot in the heart of the Pennine countryside, Standedge Tunnel is the longest canal tunnel in Britain and makes a perfect family day out. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways visitors can explore deep into the tunnel on one of the family friendly guided boat trips, stop for a bite to eat in the cafe and let the kids jump, climb and explore around our playground and wildlife garden.

High Lodge is a recreational site set in the heart of Thetford Forest offering extensive play areas, walking trails and cycling trails. There is a cafe, bike shop and hire, Tree Top Challenge, Adventure and Forest Segway managed by Go Ape as well as additional seasonal attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Site entry is just £2.00 for the first hour per car and peaks at £12.50 after 4 hours. High Lodge also has an annual Membership giving access as many times as you like for a year plus other benefits.

The perfect start to your visit to Rye! The Rye Heritage Centre is the home of the 'Story of Rye' Town Model Sound and Light show, a handmade scale model of Victorian Rye that plays a show that takes you through 700 years of Rye's history. Historic Audio Walking Tours are available for hire, with guided ghost tours available on selected dates during the winter months. The Heritage Centre is also host to a fantastic working collection of Old Pier Penny Arcade amusement machines, and has a wide variety of books and maps on Rye and the surrounding area, as well as exclusive locally made pottery and souvenirs in the gift shop.