UK wind energy fans - Not sure what to do with the kids in the half-term break?

It’s around this time of year that every parent in the country starts looking for days out that are fun, affordable and, if you’re really lucky, educational. To most people, wind farms are something to be admired as they drive past on their way to the zoo, theme park or grandparents’ house. They might recognise them as a good source of renewable energy – but a good day out? In fact, the UK’s wind farms have lots to offer a family in search of a stop-off or a day trip. The British Wind Energy Association has put together the five wind farms most worth a visit:

Ecotech Centre, Swaffham, Norfolk - The tallest wind turbine in Britain can be found at the Ecotech Centre in Swaffham. The Norman Foster-designed turbine features a 65 metre high viewing platform so, for first time ever, people can see how a wind turbine works from the inside. There are daily turbine tours and it’s definitely worth the 300-step climb to the top! (www.ecotech.org.uk / 01760 726100)

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Powys, Wales - You can call your friends from a wind-powered phone box at Europe’s leading green tourism attraction. CAT boasts working examples of wind, water and solar power, energy conservation, environmentally sound buildings, organic growing and alternative sewage systems on its award-winning 40 acre site. (www.cat.org.uk / 01654 705950)

Mile End Park, Mile End, London - A prototype wind turbine is just one feature of Mile End Park’s Ecology Park. There’s also a wonderful lake complex and a new earth sheltered building, the Ecology Centre. Courses in everything relevant to an urban park - event planning, horticulture, drug awareness, graffiti removal etc - are held here. (www.mileendpark.co.uk / 020 7264 4660)

Scroby Sands Wind Farm, Great Yarmouth - The latest off-shore wind farm to be switched on in the UK is currently attracting 2000 visitors a week. The recently opened Information Centre on the Esplanade, north of Great Yarmouth’s Brittania Pier, features interactive displays on wind energy and a scale model of one of Scroby’s 30 turbines. (www.eon-uk.com/renewables / 01493 854608)

Cornwall - Yes, the whole county! Pretty much anywhere you drive in Cornwall, you’re likely to see a wind farm. There are seven in all – Bear’s Down, Carland Cross, Cold Northcott, Delabole, Four Burrows, Goonhilly Downs and St Breock. What’s more, they’re all en route to somewhere equally stunning - be it Tintagel, the Earth Centre or the Eden Project. (www.bwea.com/map/cornwall.html)

Chief Executive, Marcus Rand, says: “I can guarantee that these days out are a treat for both kids and parents. But even if you don’t get a chance to visit any of the sites make sure you visit our website at www.embracewind.com and show your support for wind power.”