1 Run entirely by volunteers, the Museum of Computing in Swindon’s Theatre Square is currently only open on Saturdays, but is well worth altering a schedule for. The collection covers just about every era of computing, and its older exhibits include some of the earliest mechanical adding machines. Computer hardware includes fondly-remembered relics from the home computer boom of the early 1980s, as well as countless vintage games which children will marvel over and many a parent – and grandparent – will remember unwrapping on lucky Christmas and birthday mornings long ago. The museum’s website is www.museumofcomputing.org.uk

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2 Another rainy-day attraction with plenty of family appeal is the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum in Calne. The museum - www.atwellwilson.org.uk – is home to more than 100 cars. The oldest date back to the 1920s, when motoring was still a luxury of the well-to-do, but more recent vehicles include many a model which will stir memories of more recent times. A group of American cars evokes the glamorous 20th century car culture on the other side of the Atlantic.

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3 If you’re sick of having water fall on you from the sky, why not go indoors and stay perfectly dry while surrounded by the stuff? An underwater tunnel, offering visitors the chance to stroll among some of the oceans most stunning creatures, is perhaps the best known feature of Bristol Aquarium. Whether your interests run to seahorses, sharks or just about anything in between, there is something among the 40 carefully-designed habitats to suit. www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

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4 Roves Farm at Sevenhampton – rovesfarm.co.uk – is one of the most familiar visitor attractions in the Swindon area. Perhaps best known for outdoor attractions such as its nature trails and treasure hunts, the farm also has plenty to keep children occupied when the weather is miserable. Its recently extended indoor activity barn includes rope swings, giant slides and ball ponds, and other indoor areas include Pets Corner and the Animal Barn.

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5 Indoor fun for all the family is promised at Laser Quest Swindon – www.lqswindon.co.uk – at the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park. Players carry harmless weapons and wear target packs with flashing lights for others to aim at. The terrain includes mazes, towers and an assortment of ingenious hiding places from which to spring out and unleash virtual destruction.

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6 Since its official opening at the beginning of the century by the Prince of Wales, Steam - www.steam-museum.org.uk - has been one of the most prominent jewels in Swindon’s heritage crown. The current special exhibition at the museum of the Great Western Railway is called Time on Trial, and details the fierce competition among railway firms to produce the fastest and most efficient locomotives.

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7 Treasures on show at the Museum and Art Gallery in Bath Road cover the history of the area from ancient times to the modern era. There are archaeological relics, examples of manufactured goods and special exhibitions. The gallery is home to one of the country’s finest collections of 20th century art. Visit http://swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk for details.

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8 No matter how much rain falls, the tropics can be reached as easily as Wroughton. The carefully-controlled artificial climate at Butterfly World - www.studleygrange.co.uk/butterflyworld - means visitors can walk among delicate and wonderful creatures from throughout the world at any time of the year.

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9 Jolly Roger Adventure - jollyrogerplay.com - is the biggest play centres of its kind in Swindon and has long been a favourite among parents looking for a safe place where children can have plenty of fun while letting off steam. Young guests can climb, run, swing and slide, and trained staff are always nearby to make sure parents have nothing to worry about. The centre is a popular party venue.

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10 Hangar C2 at Wroughton Airfield is home to Swindon Karting Arena. The venue - its website is swindonkarting.co.uk - has a track which it promises is the fastest of its kind anywhere in the region. Packages are tailored for everybody from absolute beginners to accomplished racers.

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