Five Great Places To Take Dad For Fathers Day
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
So, Dad has all the gadgets and gizmos he could ever dream of and you are stuck for something for Fathers Day? Well, there really is no present like a memory and what better place to get a great memory than a really fascinating place for Dad to visit.
Here are five great places to take Dad for a really memorable day out.
Bletchley Park
Recommended by many and still on my dream list of places to visit (make a note kids!) is Bletchley Park, located in Milton Keynes. Be sure to see the Enigma cypher machine which turned the tide for us during WWII – and the Block-B Exhibition Centre which tells the story of Bletchley Park. Make sure you include a visit to the Computer Museum (a technology geeks delight) and the Colossus Rebuild Project (the world’s first semi-programmable computer).
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
Let Dad see what technological secrets are kept down in the secret nuclear bunker. “Hack Green has played a central role in the defence of Britain for almost sixty years”. Remember, the secret bunker is clearly signposted because some secrets are just worth sharing. Located in Nantwich, Cheshire (but keep it under your hat because its a secret!) just off the M6 Junction 16.
RAF Cosford Museum
Make sure Dad gets a ride on the flight simulator (the Red Arrows one is great) and sits in the cockpit of an aeroplane before exploring the Cold War exhibit. Top off the day with a trip to the nearby David Austin Roses for a great afternoon tea – you can get a special afternoon tea voucher for an added treat. Located in Shifnal, Shropshire (just off the M54 Junction 3).
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Take a walk back in time to the Victorian times and make sure Dad gets traditional Fish and Chips from the Fried Fish Dealer in the newly opened Canal Street, take a seat down by the Canal or enjoy a ride on the horse drawn carriage. Blists Hill is a regular visit for us as we live so close, the kids and us love it (especially the tea room). For a real treat you could book Dad into a visit to the special Detective Weekend being run in July. Located in Telford, Shropshire (M54 Junction 4 and 5).
Trentham Estate
It seems like every time we visit the Trentham Estate, just off the M6 Junction 15, there is something new. Recently it was the huge Potters Wheel where you enter the capsule and get lifted into the air on a journey to see the Trentham from a fresh new perspective. Take a boat trip over to Monkey Forest or spend the afternoon in the Italian Gardens, the Barefoot walk is great to take Dad. If you get hungry pop in to the Frankie & Benny’s or, if Dad loves Pie, pop into Pieminster for some really outstanding handmade Pies – including the Thai Chook Pie and the scrumptious Matador Pie.

Jason Slater is an independent technologist and blogger.