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. And you may spot the herds of deer who roam the estate. The lovely Holkham beach is just a five-minute walk away. And if the weather's not on your side, 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 and the visually striking Old Royal Naval College.

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 the highly anticipated Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show, opening on Friday 3 April.

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 Phyllida Barlow, Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley, 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 Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is not to be missed.

Please note: the Natural History Gallery is currently closed for refurbishment.

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.

Step back in time and experience what the olden days were like in Hampshire. At Milestones Museum, you can walk the cobbled streets, treat yourself at the traditional sweet shop, marvel at classic cars or play vintage arcade games. And from 28 March to 12 April, they're running a family-friendly programme of Peter Rabbit themed events and a special exhibition. From crafty activities to a Beatrix Potter paper trail, little ones are in for a treat.