Days Out in Yorkshire: Eden Camp

Housed in a former prisoner of war camp and dotted with real military vehicles, air raid shelters and artillery, the place itself is an artefact.

Built in 1942 to house Italian and German prisoners of war, the site is now home to a huge collection of fascinating artefacts, photographs, and reconstructed scenes that reveal the sights, sounds and the smells of Britain in World War Two.

Each of the site’s 29 huts cover a particular subject which have all been meticulously researched, from the rise of Hitler and the declaration of war, to rationing, women at war, working in the mines and bomb disposal.

Life size displays also help to bring the era to life - watch as a family sit in their living room tuned into their wireless, hearing Neville Chamberlain’s announcement that Britain is at war, walk down the burning, smoky streets of a city during the Blitz, or take a trip down the mine to see Bevin Boys at work.

There’s even a music hall where you can sing along with the stars of the 40s, including Vera Lynn and George Formby, and a Chapel of Remembrance for a peaceful moment of reflection.

Forget rationing and treat yourself to some tasty food in the recently refurbished WinStan’s Bunker Cafe, or try some locally brewed Eden Camp Bitter at the Garrison Cinema Bar.

There’s also a well-stocked gift shop and a junior assault course.