Museums and galleries for a perfect bank holiday weekend

Historic houses are an excellent option for a day out with family or friends, and Holkham Hall is the crème de la crème. With expansive grounds to explore, it’s also the perfect spot for a picnic if the weather’s nice – you’ll be joined by the herds of deer who also the roam the estate. The lovely Holkham beach is just a five-minute walk away. And if it rains, why not pop inside the house to explore beautifully decorated interiors?

Brighton has always been a bank holiday hotspot, and the crown jewel of its buildings has to be the mesmerising Royal Pavilion. The interiors are pure opulence and extravagance, made up of a series of lavish rooms inspired by Chinese and Indian design. There’s something to draw the eye for everyone here, plus it’s just a short walk from the pier when you’re ready to retire to the beach for a punnet of chips.

Fancy spending your bank holiday on a boat? Board the Cutty Sark and discover what life was like on one of Britain’s most iconic sailing ships. Steer the mighty Victorian wheel and visit the lavish Captain’s Cabin – and there are plenty more surprises to explore below deck. Children and adults will both have plenty to do here and you can combine your trip with a visit to some of the other places in the Royal Museums Greenwich family, such as the Royal Observatory.

Please note: step-free access to the ship is currently affected by lift maintenance. Contact the venue directly ahead of your visit if you have any questions.

Motor shows are a long-running British tradition and a great way to spend a bank holiday – but if you can’t find one near you, why not pop into the National Motor Museum instead? Located in the heart of the gorgeous New Forest, this museum explores the history of motoring in the UK and is home to a vast collection of vehicles. See Mr Bean’s beloved Mini and the iconic Only Fools and Horses van here, plus vehicles dating from 1905 to the present day.

Located on the Dundee waterfront, the Scottish arm of the V&A family is dedicated to design. Explore designs from artists around the world, plus the best of Scottish creativity. Children are very welcome here and there’s plenty for adults too, with a lovely café, museum shop and striking contemporary exhibitions including Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World.

Go back in time to the 19th and early 20th centuries for a bank holiday with a difference. This open-air museum recreates the sights, smells and sounds of Victorian Shropshire – visit historic shops and cottages, taste authentic food and sweets or join craftspeople demonstrating their trades in a beautifully recreated town. Why not dress the whole family up for a Victorian portrait or try traditional fish and chips with friends?

For more frolicking in the outdoors, Jupiter Artland is a fantastic option for spending the bank holiday getting back to nature and exploring incredible works of art. This sculpture park is filled with striking works by the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei, all against a stunning green backdrop – and you can even pre-book a bathing session in artist Joana Vasconcelos' swimming pool artwork.

This museum is tucked away in the leafy streets of Forest Hill, an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of London life. The gardens are the perfect place to meet a friend for coffee or take little ones to run around – and there's also a Butterfly House, Aquarium and Animal Walk to explore. Inside there are a number of fascinating exhibits, while temporary exhibition The Robot Zoo is not to be missed.

Liverpool's World Museum is jam-packed with fascinating objects from all over the globe. Whether you want to explore their exhibitions, marvel at the solar system in the planetarium, or immerse yourself in the deep blue of their aquarium, there is truly something for everyone.