The great British summer isn't always so great — and you may need to amuse the kids with indoor activities in Huddersfield.
As the summer holidays approach, we've round up plenty of ideas for fun when the weather's rubbish, and best of all, they're free!
We’ve compiled a guide to nine places, mostly in Kirklees or Calderdale - that would make great days out (when you need to stay indoors).
Most are offering special summer activities, too — stave off summer holiday boredom and see what adventures you can have when school's out.
Here are nine places for fun, FREE indoor adventures in the school holidays:
Huddersfield Art Gallery
Introduce children to art in the gallery on the top floor of the town centre library building. The gallery houses works by some of the big names, such as L.S. Lowry, Francis Bacon and Henry Moore, as well as local artists of renown. The venue holds regular Drop in Family Art Days - available during the school holidays on August 9, 16 and 23, from 1pm until 3pm - at which guidance is offered. There is a small charge of £1 per child for this service.
National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield
This free museum shines a torchlight into the world of coal mining and offers a rare opportunity to go underground and see the conditions that miners worked under (the under fives are not allowed to travel down the pit). During school holidays it’s wise to pre-book an underground visit on www.ncm.org.uk There’s a £1 pre-booking charge and visitors are asked to leave a £3 refundable deposit at the pit head, but many people make this a donation. Visit the museum ponies, follow the nature trail and discover what life was like for child miners in the 19th century. Parking is also free. Open from 10am until 5pm daily.
The Hepworth, Wakefield
This gallery houses contemporary art and a collection by the famous Barbara Hepworth. The gallery has a family trail, play park, and, during the summer months, runs free family workshops. Situated one miles from Wakefield Westgate station, The Hepworth is open every day during school holidays, from 10am until 5pm. While admission is free, there is a charge for the car park.
Bagshaw Museum, Batley
This Addams family-style house with its Gothic turret, is a miniature British Museum. Housing its own ancient Egyptian tomb and oriental art, as well as collections of exotic animals (long since deceased) and artefacts, the venue also has 36 acres of parkland with discovery trail, cafe and play area. Open Tuesday to Friday from 11am until 5pm and weekends from noon until 5pm, the museum is closed on Mondays. It can be found off Bradford Road between Batley and Birstall and has its own car park.
Tolson Museum, Huddersfield
From early Roman finds to textiles and transport, this museum is Huddersfield’s history book. It’s an ideal rainy day venue; has its own small car park and serves refreshments and snacks. During the school holidays Tolson is hosting Explore the World with Kirklees Museums, events linked to this year’s Olympic Games. While entry to the museum is free there is a small charge of £1 per child for those wanting to join the activities. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 11am until 5pm and at weekends from noon until 5pm.
National Media Museum, Bradford
Discover how the way we make and share images has transformed from the days of the earliest cameras and television to today’s state-of-the-art technology. The free museum is home to collections of photographs, animations, films and computer games. Open from 10am until 6pm every day, the venue has disabled access, is surrounded by pay and display car parks and is just a short walk from the Bradford Interchange station.
Bankfield Museum, Boothtown, Halifax
This Calderdale Museum is a good rainy day venue and has a whole host of summer holiday activities (for a small charge). For details visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/museums. But it’s free to wander around the galleries covering local history, costume, art, toys, military history, jewellery and textiles from around the world. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm and has free car parking.
Dean Clough Galleries, Halifax
This vast former textile mill complex now houses offices, restaurants, a hotel and shops. It is also home to several free art galleries. However, the focal point for children and their young-at-heart parents is the chance to see what might well be the world’s biggest Lego building - a model of the mill in fine detail that fills a room and is still growing. Constructed by ‘Lego purists’ Michael LeCount and Tony Priestman, the finished model will end up being 35ft long with a 12ft high chimney (and none of it is glued!). Viewing access is occasionally restricted so check in advance on 01422 250250 if the model is your prime reason for visiting the galleries. Park in the pay and display off-road car park and look out for the enormous aluminium sheep by artist Frank Darnley that overlooks the mills. Galleries are open every day between 10am and 5pm.
