Holiday Inn Aylesbury

You can drive around the 650-acre ZSL Whipsnade Zoo – one of Europe's largest – or tour the enclosures and safari park on a bus or steam train. The zoo houses almost 3,000 animals, including a number of endangered species. Daily shows feature birds and sea lions, and kids can meet llamas, pygmy goats and more at Hullabazoo Farm. On chilly days, warm up in the Butterfly House or Discovery Centre.

Follow the A41 to the 19th-century Waddesdon Manor, a dazzling structure built in the style of a French chateau. See thousands of works from the valuable Rothschild collection, or walk through the greater estate's forests, aviary and sumptuous formal gardens. Take a meal at the Manor restaurant, or relax with a picnic while kids enjoy the shady woodland playground.

If you're looking to graba bargain or two on designer item, you're in luck! Bicester Village, half an hour's drive from the hotel, is a retail outlet specialising in high fashion, and features more than 130 boutiques offering goods at a discount of up to 60%. Browse brands from Prada to Timberland and from Balenciaga to Levi's, and refuel with a crêpe, a cupcake or a salad from the range of cafés.