Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on May 22, 2013, the Sheffield Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the country and the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. Designed by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects and Burro Happold, it is 70 meters (229 feet) long and 21 meters (68 feet) high and houses more than 2000 plants from around the world. The Winter Garden is a part of the GBP12,000,000 Heart of the City regeneration project and has been funded by the Millennium Commission, Sheffield City Council and English Partnerships.

Mary, Queen of Scots was held a prisoner in and around Sheffield for several years, but this manor is thought to be where she spent the majority of her time here. The lodge was built in 1516 by the Earl of Shrewsbury. At that time, the surrounding land was an extensive park which contained over a thousand deer. The Turret House, which Mary was housed in, was added in 1574. Over a period of many years the lodge fell into disrepair, but today visitors can explore ruins, check out the Discovery Centre, take a guided tour, or explore the nearby farm, artist studios, and walking trails.

Bring the family to look at the goats, pigs, sheep, ducks and hens on this working farm, which is situated among the terraced houses of Heeley. A play area and simple cafe are also provided: the cafe serves drinks, ice-cream and home-cooked vegetarian food. Look out for a special events program, which includes themed weekends of children's activities about recycling and alternative sources of energy. You may also want to buy some of the herbs and plants grown on site. Staff are very helpful and will ensure that children have good but safe access to the animals. The visiting hours vary seasonally, please check the website for exact timings.

Magna is the UK’s largest science adventure park. Different areas within this massive former steelworks foundry demonstrate the power and use of the natural elements. The Magna experience is very much hands-on, where visitors make music from air, experience first-hand the power of a tornado, shoot water cannons, or bungee jump in the extreme activities center, the Abyss. The center features indoor and outdoor play areas, a souvenir shop, a restaurant/café, and an exhibition area that outlines the history of local steel-making.

This working farm just outside of Sheffield gives tours and guided educational visits designed for children and their families during weekends and holidays. The tours take visitors to see pigs, hens, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, and most of the animals on the farm. A shop, cafe, and market sell local food and farm-bred meat.

Excellent fun for children of all ages, the adventure playground and farmyard set in the grounds of Chatsworth House provide enough entertainment for a full day out, or can be used in conjunction with the house or gardens. The woodland adventure playground has two sections: a huge construction of wooden walkways, ladders and slides; and a smaller scale sand and water play area, which has an educational slant. The farmyard allows access to a good range of animals, including hens, sheep, pigs and cows. Children can get close to the animals and there is a milking demonstration daily. There is also a small cafe, a gift-shop, and plenty of space to have a picnic. Opening times differ for all, so check the website for details.

One of many attractions in Derbyshire's beautiful Peak District, this can truly claim to be unique in the sense that it is the world's only source of Blue John. This mineral, whose name is believed to derive from the French bleu-jaune, or blue-yellow, is a form of fluorspar and was known to the Romans. The mineral was and is made into a variety of beautiful ornaments; 18th and 19th century Blue John urns are highly prized in the antiques trade. Visitors can take guided tours of the cavern and there is a gift shop where you can buy examples of Blue John ornaments.

Derbyshire's Peak District is one of many areas of outstanding natural beauty within easy traveling distance of Birmingham. Here, you will find plenty to see above and below ground. The Heights of Abraham Country Park and Caverns is a large complex offering many attractions including audio-visual presentations and displays of what life was like for the lead miners who once worked here. You can see the scenery above ground from the comfort of a cable car ride, and below ground through guided tours of the caverns. The caverns, deep inside Derbyshire Hills, are well-lit and spacious.