Schools out: Best days out with the kids in the UK
20 August 2024
As the school bell rings for the summer holidays, families across Britain are eagerly planning their escapes. This year, why not explore the hidden gems right on your doorstep?
From the historic streets of York to the wild beauty of Dartmoor, the UK offers a treasure trove of family days out across the country or day trips from London.
We've handpicked a selection of destinations that promise to captivate both young and old, pairing each with a luxurious hotel that understands the needs of family travellers. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor escapades, or simply quality time together, these carefully curated experiences will create lasting memories. Pack your bags and prepare for a summer of discovery – Britain's finest days out with the kids await.
York
Step into York's living history book, where ancient walls whisper tales of Romans and Vikings. The Visit York Pass unlocks a world of discovery, granting access to over 30 world-class museums. Sail back in time with City Cruises York, offering scenic river tours that blend education with entertainment for children aged 4-12. At Jorvik DIG, budding archaeologists can unearth history with their own hands, sifting through replica excavation pits. For a sweet treat, York's Chocolate Story delves into the city's confectionery heritage with interactive tours that will satisfy curious minds and sweet tooths alike. On the outskirts of the city, York Maze offers a gigantic maize maze and array of farm-themed attractions. Round off your historical journey at the National Railway Museum, where the evolution of rail travel unfolds through impressive locomotives and hands-on exhibits.
Stay at: Middlethorpe Hall, a stately country house hotel, offering a luxurious retreat for families with children over six. Its manicured gardens and indoor pool provide the perfect balance of exciting outdoor exploration and relaxation after a day of historical days out with the kids.
Durham
Durham's cobbled streets and soaring cathedral spires set the stage for days out with the kids steeped in centuries of folklore. Beamish Museum stands as a testament to living history, inviting visitors to step into meticulously recreated scenes from the North East's past. Here, children can experience the sights, sounds, and even tastes of bygone eras, from Victorian sweet shops to early 20th-century farms. Durham Cathedral, with its imposing Norman architecture, offers family-friendly tours that unveil the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Young visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views, seek out hidden carvings, and even try their hand at medieval crafts. For a change of pace, Adventure Valley provides an action-packed day out with its mix of indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, and seasonal events.
Stay at: Rockliffe Hall, an award-winning hotel and spa that caters to families with its blend of luxury and child-friendly amenities. From its Alice in Wonderland-themed playground to family bike rides and swimming, it offers a sumptuous base for exploring Durham's rich tapestry of attractions.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds' rolling hills and quaint villages are tailor-made for UK family holidays. Cotswold Wildlife Park brings the excitement of a safari to the English countryside, with close encounters with exotic animals and a thrilling adventure playground. For a more serene experience, Westonbirt Arboretum's tree-lined paths offer a natural playground for imaginative minds, with family-friendly trails and a treetop walkway designed to engage and educate. Cotswold Water Park presents an aquatic playground with its array of lakes and water-based activities. Families can try their hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply enjoy beach days in the heart of the English countryside. History buffs will appreciate the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, where interactive exhibits bring Roman Britain to life through artefacts, costumes, and hands-on activities. The museum's mosaic collection is particularly impressive, offering insight into the artistry of ancient civilizations.
Stay at: Calcot & Spa, a country house hotel that excels in catering to families, offering a Playzone for children, extensive grounds for exploration, and a spa for parental relaxation. Its thoughtfully designed family rooms and child-friendly dining options make it an ideal base for Cotswold adventures.
Bath
Bath's honey-coloured Georgian crescents and ancient Roman heritage provide a captivating backdrop for family days out. The Roman Baths offer a window into ancient rituals, with interactive exhibits bringing history to life for young visitors. For a change of pace, Bath City Farm provides a rural interlude, where children can meet friendly farm animals and enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside within city limits. Adventurous families can test their skills at Victoria Falls Adventure Golf, a challenging 18-hole course set amidst landscaped gardens and water features. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Holburne Museum, which offers family-friendly activities and workshops alongside its impressive collection of fine and decorative arts.
Stay at: Homewood Hotel & Spa for an intimate setting, with its year-round heated outdoor pool and spacious grounds, perfect for impromptu games of hide-and-seek.
The New Forest
If you’re looking for the best UK holidays for families, head to The New Forest, where ancient woodland and open heathland offer a natural playground for families seeking outdoor adventure. New Forest Wildlife Park provides up-close encounters with native species, from otters to wolves, in a setting that emphasises conservation and education. The park's "Go Wild" adventure playgrounds ensure that young visitors can expend energy while learning about the local ecosystem. Children can marvel at gleaming vintage cars in the National Motor Museum, explore the historic Beaulieu Abbey, and let their imaginations run wild in the Palace House, home to the Montagu family for centuries. For thrill-seekers, Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World – offers rides and attractions suitable for all ages, from gentle carousels to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the New Forest Reptile Centre, where native snakes, lizards, and amphibians can be observed in naturalistic habitats. The centre's woodland trails provide opportunities to spot wild ponies, deer, and a myriad of bird species, offering a true New Forest experience.
Stay at: The Montagu Arms, serving as a refined base for New Forest exploration, welcoming young guests with thoughtful touches like gingerbread treats. Its beautiful gardens, family-friendly dining options, and proximity to key attractions make it an ideal choice for families.
Dartmoor
At Dartmoor National Park, one of the best family holiday destinations, rugged tors and misty moors spark imagination in visitors of all ages. Families can embark on gentle hikes, picnic amidst breathtaking views, or seek out the park's famous wild ponies. The park's visitor centres offer engaging exhibits and ranger-led activities that bring Dartmoor's unique ecosystem to life. Becky Falls provides a different perspective on Dartmoor's rugged beauty, with its ancient woodland park featuring spectacular waterfalls and family-friendly walking trails. The animal discovery zone adds an educational element to the natural splendour. For a change of pace, the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey combines manufacturing heritage with playful interactivity. Visitors can watch skilled glass blowers at work, explore the marble museum, and test their skills on giant marble runs. The site's Victorian pottery kiln and working water wheel offer glimpses into Devon's industrial past, while the games garden and marble shop provide endless entertainment for young and old alike.
Stay at: Bovey Castle, a luxury castle hotel that embraces its Dartmoor setting with family-friendly activities like archery and falconry. Its indoor pool and supervised kids' club offer welcome diversions, allowing parents to enjoy the castle's more grown-up amenities.
Suffolk
Suffolk's varied landscape of heritage coastline and bucolic countryside offers a wealth of family experiences and exciting days out with the kids. Framlingham Castle, with its soaring curtain walls and rich history, fires young imaginations. The castle's "Wall Walk" provides panoramic views of the Suffolk countryside, while interactive exhibits and dress-up opportunities bring the medieval period to life. For a quintessential British seaside experience, Southwold Pier combines traditional arcade fun with bracing sea air and charming promenade strolls. The pier's quirky "Under the Pier Show" features a collection of unique, hand-built arcade machines that will delight visitors of all ages. Easton Farm Park offers a more rustic day out, where children can meet a variety of farm animals, take tractor rides, and even try their hand at pony grooming. The park's indoor play barn ensures fun regardless of the weather.
Stay at: The Swan at Lavenham, set in one of England's best-preserved medieval villages and offers a luxurious family retreat. Its indoor pool and spa provide relaxation options for all ages, while its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Suffolk's diverse attractions.
Newmarket
Newmarket, the birthplace of horse racing, offers a unique blend of sporting heritage and countryside charm. The National Horseracing Museum brings the sport of kings to life with interactive exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Families can explore the evolution of the sport, from its royal origins to modern-day racing, through hands-on displays and retired racehorses in the flagship yard. The museum's art gallery showcases an impressive collection of sporting art, offering a cultural dimension to the equestrian theme. For one of the best days out with the kids, opt for a wilder adventure at Wild Tracks, offering an adrenaline rush with activities like go-karting, archery, and off-road experiences set against the backdrop of Suffolk's picturesque landscape. Nature lovers shouldn't miss Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, one of Europe's most important wetlands. Here, families can explore boardwalks through reed beds, spot rare wildlife, and even hire bikes to traverse the extensive trail network.
Stay at: Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, which combines Newmarket's equestrian elegance with family-friendly amenities. Its indoor pool and proximity to both racing heritage sites and natural attractions make it an ideal choice for families looking to experience the diverse offerings of this unique area.
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