7 joyful destinations to lift your spirits
Offbeat UK places and attractions to raise a smile, from an adults-only funfair to a Robin Hood-themed quest.
Published: Thursday, 13 November 2025
Offbeat UK places and attractions to raise a smile, from an adults-only funfair to a Robin Hood-themed quest.
Published: Thursday, 13 November 2025
Let’s face it. Life can get a bit serious at times. Sometimes it’s all too easy to forget the simple joy of play. But every now and then, we all need to let loose and dive into something fun.
From an adults-only funfair to a Robin Hood-themed quest, here’s our pick of bold, joyful attractions designed to put a smile on your face.
A wildly bonkers blend of art installations and fantasy playground, Wake the Tiger is an experience like no other.
With more than 40 interactive spaces to explore, this multi-sensory adventure for the young at heart takes you on a surreal voyage of discovery through imaginative kaleidoscopic worlds. Dubbed an ‘amazement park’, this technicolour dreamscape certainly offers something different to do on a rainy afternoon in Bristol.
Stay at Best Western Henbury Lodge Hotel
Be a kid again at this reimagined funfair for grown-ups. Fairgame City brings all the joy and nostalgia of classic carnival games to the heart of London – but with a modern twist. All the games are linked to live leaderboards so you can track your score as you play.
Building on the success of its sister location in Canary Wharf, this vibrant neon-lit site opposite St Paul’s Cathedral opened in August 2025. It’s packed with 12 games, including Beaky Finders, the world's biggest indoor hook-a-duck.
Between games, refuel with gourmet street food, colourful cocktails and prosecco-infused candy floss.
For an original hybrid dining and cinema experience, feast on the action at Taste Film. It pairs film screenings with dishes served to complement iconic moments from the action on screen. From cult classics to festive favourites, all screenings have a carefully curated menu to match the film.
Following hit screenings in London and Manchester with movies like Pulp Fiction and Ratatouille, Taste Film has now landed in Edinburgh. It’s kicking off with festive showings of The Holiday at Patina, Edinburgh Park, with more movie showings planned throughout 2026.
Ever wished you could race Mario Karts in real life? Well, at Chaos Karts you can. Located at the Old Granada Studios, this live-action video game experience mixes real electric go-karts with augmented reality fun.
Compete against family and friends on digitally projected race circuits that will transport you into virtual worlds. Zoom through space, sea and desert landscapes while trying to overcome obstacles and dodge weapons fired at you by other drivers. Best of all, there’s no need for sweaty helmets as the anti-collision technology makes it all perfectly safe.
For seasonal joy, it’s hard to beat this magical adventure park set around a beautiful Georgian mansion in rural West Yorkshire. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you can enjoy themed family fun, from Easter egg hunts and summer festivals to pumpkin picking and twinkly winter Illuminations.
At its heart lies one of Europe’s largest indoor play centres and an Enchanted Forest, a whimsical woodland filled with playgrounds, sculptures and interactive trails. Stockeld Park is open at weekends and during school holidays.
Stay at Best Western Plus Milford Hotel
Discover vintage games, mesmerising marble runs and live glassmaking demos at this delightfully quirky attraction in Bovey Tracey.
Set on the historic Bovey Pottery site, the House of Marbles features a marble museum, retro toys and outdoor games. There’s also a charming gift shop filled with handcrafted marbles, puzzles and unique finds. With free admission and parking, it’s a joyful stop for families, day-trippers and anyone seeking a dose of old-school fun.
A fun way to explore the city, this part walking tour, part escape game turns Nottingham into a real-life storybook. You play as Maid Marian, venturing across the city to uncover the mystery of Robin Hood’s disappearance.
Using your phone and the Questo app, you follow clues, solve riddles and unlock the next chapter of the story as you explore. Along the way, you’ll visit the city’s most famous landmarks, including Nottingham Castle, Old Market Square and the legendary Robin Hood statue. Can you outsmart the Sheriff and get Robin safely back to Sherwood Forest before he’s captured?
