If the weather isn't very good this weekend, why not try something exotic, guaranteed to make you feel adventurous? Tropical World in Roundhay Park, Leeds, is the place to discover the steamy waters of the Amazon and hot tropical oceans, where the rainforest abounds with tropical birds and butterflies of every colour. Visit the hot, dry, desert, home to a group of meerkats, before escaping from the heat of the day into the cool of the night in the nocturnal house where you can discover animals that can normally only be seen during twilight hours. Tropical World is open from 10am to 6pm and admission is £3 for adults and £2 for children aged eight to 15.
Are you in the mood for a little prestidigitation? Then head for York, when for the first time ever the streets will be home to a festival devoted to the art of magic. Be prepared to be entertained and mystified from May 18 to 21 as the city celebrates one of the world's oldest performance arts with elegant mind-reading, slick sleight-of-hand and baffling street performances in a showcase for some of the UK's most talented magicians.
Harrogate's Turkish Baths have been restored, and next Wednesday you can view the recent restoration work which reveals the Baths' original beauty, giving a glimpse of what a visit entailed in the late 1800s. The tours take place from 10am to 11am and from 11am to noon. You can get further information from (01423) 556188.
An exhibition showcasing sketches and interactive exhibits from Janet and Allan Ahlberg's children's books, written during the 1970s and 1980s, takes place at Halifax Piece Hall's visitor centre and art gallery until July 1. For more information call (01422) 393619.
Take a trip to Batley Park, or Wilton Park, to give it its proper name. Situated on Bradford Road, it's a great place for the children to play. They can let off steam on the swings, slides and climbing equipment then wind down with a stroll around the beautiful lake. There's plenty to see in the grounds, too, with the butterfly house, the Milner K Ford Observatory, which was built in 1966 and is home to the Batley Astronomical Society, and Bagshaw Museum. The museum features local history, natural history, curios from around the world and an Ancient Egypt exhibition.
Hollywood Bowl, in Bradford's Leisure Exchange, is a great place to test your skills on the bowling alley. Hollywood Bowl is in Vicar Lane, Bradford. For more information call (01274) 734222.
Fancy a good read? Get yourself a copy of the latest book by T&A doctor Tom Smith. Tales of a Scottish Country Doctor is a heartwarming and gloriously eccentric collection of stories about life in the Scottish lowlands, the joys and sorrows of its inhabitants, and the richly-rewarding experiences of life as a country doctor. Published by Short Books, it's out now, priced £12.99 (hardback).
Many will recall Canadian rocker, Bryan Adams's smash hit Summer of '69. Judging by his latest exhibition it seems the gravelly-voiced rocker isn't just a dab hand with a guitar. He's a little snap happy too! Among the notable posers in Bryan's photographic exhibition are Prime Minister Tony Blair, Victoria Beckham and actor Mickey Rourke. Check out Bryan's Portfolio exhibition at The National Trust, Nunnington Hall, York. It runs until June 10.
Follow in the footsteps of the Brontes with a visit to Haworth. After discovering all you need to know about the Brontes at their former home, the Parsonage Museum, why not pop into the quaint shops along Haworth's cobbled Main Street for a delightful shopping experience?
Fancy being king of the castle? Skipton Castle is the perfect place to pretend! This 900-year-old garrison is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England. Relax in the picnic area or let someone else prepare your banquet in the tea room. For more information call (01756) 792442.
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