Pier of the realm
Century-old Cromer Pier is Pier of the Year 2000. Seaside Special, the last surviving seaside show, opens today at the pier-end theatre.
• Open daily. Free. (01263 513811, box office: 01263 512495).
Northern eye
A 100ft big wheel joins the thrills at Pleasureland, rotating at 2.5 revolutions per minute, faster than the London Eye.
• Opens 11am, closing times vary. Free entry, Big Wheel £2. Marine Drive, Southport, Merseyside (01704 532717).
Cove life
Study the local history, wildlife, flora, geology and fossils at Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre before embarking on a spectacular coastal walk.
• Open daily, 10am-6pm. Free. West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset (01929 400587).
Cycling circular
A new 75-mile circular cycle route through the heart of Suffolk also caters for people who just want to dip into the route.
• Information booklet with maps £2.50 inc p&p from Heart of Suffolk, Orchard House, Hawk End Lane, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9ED or from local tourist-information centres.
Out to grass
HorseWorld is one of Britain's largest equine rescue sanctuaries, complete with audio-visual theatre and heritage museum.
• Open daily 10am-6pm. £3.50/£2, family £10. Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, near Bristol (01275 540173).
Stump up
A behind-the-scenes tour of Lord's Cricket Ground follows in the footsteps of the stars, from WG Grace to Ian Botham.
• Tours at 10am/noon/2pm on non-match days. £6/£4.40, family £18. Grace Gate, St John's Wood Rd, London NW8 (020-7432 1033).
Green peace
Children love the hands-on microscopes in the Exhibition Hall, adults go for the art in Inverleith House, all within 70 acres of lawns, gardens, water features and trees.
• Open daily 9.30am-7pm. Free. Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh (0131-552 7171).
Downsizing
The Dolls' House Emporium in Ripley sells 1:12 scale houses and miniatures.
• Open daily, 10am-5pm. Free. High Holborn Road, Codnor Gate Business Park, Ripley, Derbyshire (01773-514400).
Off the wall
Segedunum, a new £9m attraction at the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, includes a replica of a working Roman bath house and interactive displays of everyday life 2,000 years ago.
• Free. Buddle Street, Wallsend, near Newcastle upon Tyne (0191-200 7098/7096).
