T

he clash of swords, intergalactic travel and tree-top walks on high wires. How’s that for excitement?
 

Well, head to Leicestershire and you’ll find all this and a fine clutch of other family-friendly attractions. Start your weekend at Twinlakes Family Theme Park, home to family rides, attractions and a waterpark set in 90 acres of glorious countryside. You'll find action and play zones, 125,000sqft indoors, plus flying displays in the Falconry Centre, hundreds of wonderful friendly animals in Red Rooster Farm, and scary snakes in the Creepy Critters experience.
 

Inspired by the great outdoors and your newfound animal friends, take to the trees at Conkers, a natural playground of obstacle courses and high-walks through the National Forest.
 

A rest is in order after all that excitement, but start day two in the company of medieval knights and surrounded by the sounds of battle at Bosworth Battlefield. Scene of the battle that began the Tudor dynasty, it was here that Richard III is said to have declaimed “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!”
 

The battlefield today is a lush green country park, full of rolling hills and woodland. Guided walks are available, while the exhibition centre will let you test your archery skills, try on some medieval armour and get a first-hand look at the cut and thrust of medieval combat. A new graphic-novel style exhibition 'Richard III - The Making of a Myth' explores the key moments of the King's life from family bereavement, betrayal to the Tudor rebellion.
 

Then jump forward in time to the 21st century with a visit to the National Space Centre, home to the UK’s largest planetarium. Here you can learn the secrets of the universe, from how the Earth was formed to the inner workings of our solar system, through a number of hands-on exhibits.
 

More interactive fun can be found at Snibston Discovery Museum, alongside a historic colliery railway, outside play areas, Country Park and nature reserve, all located on the site of the former Snibston Colliery. Take a fascinating journey around the region's largest interactive museum and discover 500 years of technological innovation and its impact on our everyday lives. Also housing the largest fashion display outside London, there is plenty to explore.
 

As well as Family Fun, the range of Stay Play Explore short breaks in Leicestershire offer themed experiences - family adventure, family theme parks, gourmet food & drink and cosmopolitan city break - and include overnight B&B at top local hotels. At £109 per couple or family, this represents savings of up to 46% on admission and accommodation prices. See www.goleicestershire.com/short-breaks or call 0844 888 5181 for information or to book.