Hungary
Listed under 'children's attractions' in guidebooks, but a fascinating Communist survivor (1948) for visitors of all ages. Children ('Pioneers' back then) drive the narrow gauge trains, take your tickets and salute you at the stations. A bonus: to get there you can ride on the (adult-run) Cogwheel Railway to Széchényi-hegy.
www.gyermekvasut.hu/english/chrw_home.php
MAV Zrt. Szechenyi-hegyi Gyermekvasut
1280 Budapest, Pf.: 27, Hungary
It's a change from the city and great for children. You can see rescued brown bears - some have been used for entertainment and maltreated - and feed them honey from wooden spoons! There are also wolves. Regular trains from Nyugati Station to Ivacs take about an hour, then follow the signs two km to the sanctuary. It's popular with Hungarian families and there's also a restaurant. Admission is 300 Ft [about 87p] per person. Hours are March to September 8am to 7pm. October to February 9am to dark.
www.medveotthon.hu
2112 Veresegyház, Patak utca 39, Hungary
+36 20 397 0138
Google map: bit.ly/YlNHKt
A must for any Budapest visitor is a trip to the Gellert baths. Heated by geothermal energy, the baths offer an interactive adventure into the post-imperial era, whilst dressed in nothing more than a loin cloth.
The entry price is the only thing you will find in English, but it's no problem and ends up adding to the fun.
Don't be put off by the 20+ stone masseuses, stay your nerves and be sure to spend an hour there.
Southern Budapest
www.budapesthotels.com/hotels/gellertspa.asp
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