A La Ronde
A La Ronde is a historic house with a difference – well a few of them actually. The house is found near Lympstone in Devon and is now owned by the National Trust. It was built in the 18th century for a pair of spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter and has sixteen sides to it. It also has unusual diamond shaped windows and a shell gallery that contains nearly 25,000 shells collected by the two women across their lives. There are also extensive gardens to explore that are grade II listed in their own right.
Brimham Rocks
One look at Brimham Rocks and you feel like you want to keep out of the way in case it falls off but being that the rock has been balanced there for a very long time, it is highly unlikely. The rocks are found on Brimham Moor in north Yorkshire and were caused by the water and wind erosion to create strange and unlikely shapes.
Chislehurst Caves
Chislehurst Caves is a popular tourist attraction during the day, 22 miles of tunnel under the south-eastern suburbs of London. While called caves they are manmade and parts date back as early as the 1250s. For a family day out idea that’s a little different, there is now the chance to stay with night in the caves, said to be so haunted that only one person has managed to complete the challenge. From druids to smugglers and murderers, the caves are filled with the spirits of the deceased and the challenge of staying with them for a night isn’t to be undertaken by those of a nervous disposition.
Creekside Discovery Centre
The Creekside Discovery Centre is located in one of the most famous beach combing spots in the UK, the Thames estuary. It holds a variety of sights from wildlife to the remains that travel down the river from the urban areas such as London. Each day when the tide goes out the area can be combed for interesting sights and for unusual walks. The centre can provide waders, waterproofs and walking sticks to help enjoy the experience to the full.
Forbidden Corner
The Forbidden Corner is an attraction with a difference a short distance from Middleham in North Yorkshire. The site is home to a unique labyrinth including chambers, tunnels and follies as well as plenty of surprises. Brave the temple of the underworld or conquer the tricky paths around the massive glass pyramid while admiring the amazing statues that line the way to help and hinder. The park started out as a fir tree wood back in 1979 with features being added over the years to make a fascinating and challenging place to visit.
Gnome Magic
The gnome has been the standard for garden decorations for generations but at Gnome Magic in Colchester, Essex, there are enough of them to enchant or spook even the hardiest garden. In fact, there are 800 of the little characters dotted amongst the plants on the site to make for a walk in the park with a difference. There is even a gnome painting facility as well as tea rooms to relax after the walk, or de-stress if all those little eyes were a bit too creepy!
