With seven floors of interactive and educational exhibits, this spellbinding museum will mesmerise young and old.

The Energy Hall, on the ground floor, displays machines of the Industrial Revolution, including Stephenson's innovative rocket (1829). Nostalgic parents will delight in the Apollo 10 command module in the Making the Modern World gallery.

An intriguing detour on the 1st floor is Listening Post, a haunting immersion into the 'sound' and chatter of the internet interspersed with thoughtful silence.

The History of Computing on the 2nd floor displays some intriguing devices, from Charles Babbage's ana-lytical engine to hulking valve-based computers.

The 3rd-floor Flight Gallery (free tours 1pm most days) is a favourite places for children, with its gliders, hot-air balloon and varied aircraft.

The hi-tech Wellcome Wing has an IMAX Cinema (#10) that shows the usual crop of travelogues, space adventures and dinosaur attacks in stunning 3-D.

If you've kids under the age of five, pop down to the basement and The Garden, where there's a fun-filled play zone, including a water-play area, besieged by tots in red waterproof smocks.