The summer is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing times of the year for many, being able to be carefree and do what you want with your time.
But the problem comes when you realise that you don't know what to do.
But the sunny months can be long, and finding something to do every day can be difficult, and some of us begin to look afar for inspiration.
Long day trips to the coast or to big cities are great, but you can spend at least half of your time behind the wheel or on public transport simply getting there.
You do not need to travel miles away to find a fun day out; there is so much to do in the Burton area.
Even if you think you have seen it all, some of the area’s top tourist attractions are constantly evolving and changing, so even if you have visited somewhere before, you could be in for a brand new experience if you try it again.
So, here are three staple tourist attraction hot spots in and near to Burton that are not a million miles away but can still provide some summer break entertainment.
National Brewery Centre
The National Brewery Centre has become synonymous with Burton throughout the years, sitting right in the centre of the town.
Many of us pass it on the way to or from work each day, and some would have visited for the range of musical shows and alternative events held there throughout the year.
Only recently, X Factor winner Matt Terry and popular boy band Union J visited the centre as part of the line-up for BurtonFest which drew huge crowds.
The centre itself is open throughout the year to celebrate and educate visitors about the fine brewing history and heritage of Burton.
Exhibits show the various brewing techniques employed throughout the year, a complete history of the town, a collection of historic vehicles, a micro-brewery and a Shire horse collection.
The centre is becoming known for the unique and new events it holds, and August is no different.
On August 5, the Mercia Festival of Drink and Music is coming to the National Brewery Centre.
The one-day event will offer visitors the chance to try a range of drinks from distilleries, including gins, whisky and rums.
Then, on August 6, the model train, toy and collectors fair will roll into the centre, showing off a range of collectable toys and model railway sets. And these two events are just an example of the events on offer at the National Brewery Centre across the summer.
For more information about what is going on at the National Brewery Centre, visit online at www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk.
Conkers
Conkers is a perfect mixture of exhilarating fun and outdoor relaxation.
Sitting in the National Forest, near Moira in North West Leicestershire, Conkers is a family-orientated centre, with play areas and discovery zones.
Included is 120 acres of woodlands, lakes, ponds and play areas to explore, so if you think you have seen it all, you must have spent a large amount of time here.
The centre's 18-stage activity trail challenge and the high and low ropes adventure is enough to get anybody’s heart pumping.
Even on a rainy day in the summer, Conkers has a solution, with a brand new 4D cinema, indoor play zones and more than 100 indoor interactive exhibits, split into four seasonal areas.
Throughout the summer, Conkers is hosting different themed days for children, including a visit from everybody’s favourite bear, Sooty on Monday, August 21.
Presented by Danny Rogers, Sooty, Sweep, Soo and their friends will be performing their entertainment and magic show in the covered amphitheatre at Conkers, on Monday, August 21.
The Sooty Show is included within the general admission price and visitors should book for the show on arrival at Conkers Discovery Centre. Shows will run until September 3.
Conkers will be treating visitors to a range of events, live shows, performances and activities this summer.
Highlights include an acrobatics show, bubble pop, Punch and Judy, clown shows, Lollipop ponies, Sublime Science, animal encounters, storytelling and Ranger activities such as survival training, bush craft, pond dipping, construction derby and sensory art.
More information is available by visiting the Conkers website at www.visitconkers.com or by calling 01283 216633.
National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum, as the name suggests is an attraction of intrigue for people across the county, with many travelling miles to visit.
The arboretum is at Alrewas, in Staffordshire and contains more than 50,000 trees.
Memorials are scattered throughout the area, which acts as a place to honour the fallen and recognise those who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice.
New features are constantly being added, including a World War Two sculpture recently unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester.
Dedicated to children evacuated from their homes during World War Two, known as evacuees, the bronze sculpture is called ‘Every Which Way’.
Crowds of people attended the event which was led by TV's Antiques Roadshow and This is Your Life presenter Michael Aspel.
The sculpture is inscribed with the words: “To remember the evacuation of millions of British children separated from their families during WWII (1939 – 1945)”.
The arboretum is also known for events held throughout the year. There are no less than eight separate events being held during August.
One example is the August wildlife watch – where families are invited to engage with the insects and animals which call the arboretum home.
For more information about the events available at the arboretum throughout August, visit their website at http://www.thenma.org.uk/events-and-news/forthcoming-events/?bydate=2017.08.
