days out

Where can you find over 4,000 animals from around the world? In the Victorian galleries of the Natural History Museum at Tring. A great place for a family day out (or an hour of exploring while the rain passes), the museum and its contents were gifted to the nation by Walther Rothschild, a keen zoologist who used zebras to draw his carriage.

Wandering through the six galleries with help from a Wild, Weird and Wonderful tour guide, visitors encounter everything from polar bears, big cats, elephants and rhinos to hippos, crocodiles and sharks. Then there are birds, butterflies and bats, not to mention the fleas dressed as Mexican dancers (seriously). Once you've had had your fill of stuffed and mounted animals in glass cages, visit the Zebra Café for a snack (sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, ice creams). Then enjoy the Discovery Room, where children can try more hands on activities to explore their senses and the natural world. Finally, discover more about the Museum's creator in the Rothschild Room, which recreates a Victorian office and is home to a giant tortoise (of course).

Highlights

• the chance to see so many familiar, unusual, endangered and extinct creatures
• a gorilla and human skeleton looking very surprised to see you
• themed activity trails for children
• changing exhibitions and special events during school holidays (check website)
• free entry - a small charge is made for some events and for activity sheets.

Note for wheelchair users and those with buggies – the Park Street entrance and most of the ground floor (galleries 1 and 2, toilets and café) is step-free. Access to the upper floors is via steps.