I couldn’t wait to play those rubber keys again.

The last time I saw a Sinclair Spectrum was in my loft. The 48K I received for Christmas as a child is boxed up alongside the later model I hardly ever played on. It doesn’t hold the same sentiment as the 48K, but I won’t part with it.

To those born after the 1990s, Spectrum and other retro computer games are relatively insignificant – only older gamers can appreciate their importance.

Compared with PlayStations and Nintendos, the graphics appear boldly colourful and rather antiquated, but in their time they were the bee’s knees.

Technology has advanced rapidly since the Spectrum’s launch to satisfy the huge demand within the speedily expanding games industry, but even now it still has an enduring appeal. Being reunited with the Spectrum at the National Media Museum after all those years filled me with a sense of excitement.

Suddenly I was back there taking on my nemesis, but I was years out of practice and once again had to submit defeat to the one and only Manic Miner!

Our daughter, Katy, watched in fascination as my husband and I briefly relived our youth, him taking on the might of Donkey Kong and me musing over the Spectrum before heading off to explore the other displays and exhibitions in this wonderful place.

It doesn’t matter how many times you visit the National Media Museum, it’s one of those places where you will always discover something new, whether it’s a new exhibition or an interactive gallery you previously didn’t get chance to see.

Katy was eager to revisit Experience TV and TV Heaven, with its reminders of programmes from the past – but with 1,000 shows to choose from, we were spoiled for choice. Katy settled on a 15-minute viewing of Teletubbies, so off we went to our cosy viewing booth.

Rainbow characters Zippy and George, the Wombles of Wimbledon Common, who were recycling long before it became fashionable, and a Dalek from Doctor Who are just some of the displays evoking fond memories in TV Heaven.

Experience TV takes visitors behind the scenes to show how programmes are made. Images appearing on a blue screen transport visitors to everywhere from outer space to Coronation Street. Katy loved being chased by dinosaurs and parachuting out of a plane, and being a Corrie fan, I just had to stride down those famous cobbles. And, naturally, I couldn’t resist the chance of reading the news, sitting behind a desk and reading from an autocue.

Katy loved her walk-on part on a living-room set where visitors have the opportunity to operate cameras.

There’s also a display of old televisions which, in their wooden casings, look cumbersome compared to our modern, sleek flat-screen equivalents.

Being Wallace and Gromit fans, we just had to see the scene from The Wrong Trousers in the Animation Gallery, where visitors can chart the progress of photography and animation through the years.

In the Magic Factory, Katy loved zooming the camera in and out to get a closer look at Bradford’s landmark City Hall. Visitors can take time out in a quiet corner where comfy sofas and tables topped with drawing paper and colouring pencils encourage families to sit together and get creative.

The Kodak gallery illustrates photography through the eras through a series of interesting collections.

Film buffs are catered for too, with Pictureville and the Cubby Broccoli cinemas offering contemporary and classic films, or you could opt for Yorkshire’s big-screen IMAX experience.

Over the next few days, young visitors will be able to watch a series of Jim Henson family films as part of Muppet Madness being screened during Bradford International Film Festival, which ends tomorrow.

And during the Easter holiday, the museum launches its new live interactive show, Cinemagic. Visitors will be able to explore cinematic special effects, illusions and tricks through fun interactive shows.

Considering that you can take advantage of all this without spending a penny, lunch in the cafe and a gift from the museum shop was our way of giving something back in gratitude for our great day out. Any donations support the work of the museum and preserve the collections for future generations to enjoy.

Factfile *

The National Media Museum is in Bradford city centre. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am until 6pm. The cinemas are open seven days a week.

* The museum provides facilities for visitors with disabilities.

* For more information, call the box office on 0844 856 3797 or visit nationalmedia museum.org.uk.