Getting out and about with the family and doing
something new and adventurous doesn’t have to be a chore. The UK is full
of great day trips that are child-friendly, fun and easy to get to. Here's
our pick of fun family destinations in the UK.
Days out – Scotland
Edinburgh Zoo. One of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions, the zoo has a real commitment to conservation as well as offering the chance to see close to 1000 different types of animals.
Landmark Forest Theme Park, Inverness-shire. A theme park with a difference - this one is geared towards sending kids home with a better understanding of the natural world. Fun activities include a water coaster and the chance to try out wood sawing for yourself!
Deep Sea World, Fife. Scotland's largest aquarium has one of the biggest collections of sharks in Europe.
Days out – Northeast England
The Deep, Hull. An interactive exhibition tells the story of the world’s oceans and also has real life sharks on display. l
Jorvik Viking Centre, York, North Yorkshire. Let your children learn about the Vikings with this famous reconstruction of a Viking settlement. Using the latest technology and interactive features, this Viking Centre reproduces the sights, sounds, smells and daily life of 10th century York:
Seven Stories. The UK's only centre devoted to the telling of children's stories features galleries of illustrations and a raft of events for young visitors:
Blue John Cavern, Castleton, Derbyshire. A fantastic series of caves which were excavated by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, Blue John Cavern is a special treat for the whole family. Its special feature includes the Waterfall Cavern which holds a massive stalagmite formation.
Camelot Theme Park, Chorley, Lancashire. A theme park based on the legend of King Arthur, this fantastic attraction has a safe-play area for very young children.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire. This legendary theme park has Been called the Roller Coaster capital of the world. An entry ticket will provide unlimited access to rides and attractions.
Rheged, Penrith, Cumbria. A day the weather can't spoil, this Cumbrian attraction features an IMAX cinema, mountaineering exhibition and indoor play area.
Tales of Robin Hood, Nottingham. The
hero of Sherwood Forest has his own theme park with adventure rides,
falconry and archery displays, games, workshops and storytelling about
Robin and his merry men.
Thinktank, Millenium Point, Birmingham.
Fancy learning about locomotives, aircrafts or intestines. Visit thinktank,
a range of ten themed galleries which cover everything from science,
biology and history.
Days out – South East England
Climbers and Creepers Play Zone, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
An educational attraction devoted to plants and ecology. Main features include
supersized reproductions of a Venus Fly Trap, Grandy Flora flower and Harvest
mouse nest which kids are allowed to slide down, climb into and scramble over.
These come complete with sound effects. The building houses an outdoor area called
Airplay which has flower windmills and “leaf” hammocks, and also a rest and
observation area with a snack bar overlooking a play space. Other features include an
enclosed hive where kids can watch bees work and a butterfly cage.
Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead, Surrey. With both inside and outside attractions on offer, it doesn't matter what the British weather does, there's always fun to be had here. Don't miss the famous pig races.
Days out – Wales
Bodelwyddan Castle and Marble Church, Bodelwyddan, Denbigshire.
A Victorian Castle and estate which boasts many of North Wales finest art works.
Find out what daily life was like in 19th century England by using the free audio
guides that are included in your entry tickets. Activities for kids include gardens,
woodland walks, nature trails and a picnic site with a play area.
Alice in Wonderland Centre, Llandudno
Lewis Carrol’s book is vividly brought to life by a walk-through life-sized animated recreation of the key scenes in the book. Kids can also enjoy an lice in Wonderland tour of the town.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Machynlleth, Powys
Visit this legendary cavern where King Arthur is said to be sleeping surrounded by his trusty knights until they are called upon to rise up again and defend Britain.
Age: all but this visit will involve walking underground a lot and visitors will be issued with safety helmets.
Techniquest, Cardiff One of the UK’s most popular hands-on science centres, offering 150 exhibits, a planetarium, discovery room and puzzles.
Days out – South West
Explore, Bristol This 21st century science museum will keep kids of any age happy for hours - don't miss out on creating your own tornado!
Eden Project, St Austell, Cornwall It hardly needs an introduction, but the Eden Project is an unmissable family destination for anyone heading to this part of Cornwall. There are special trails created for kids and a magical storytelling area.
Getting out and about with the family and doing
something new and adventurous doesn’t have to be a chore. The UK is full
of great day trips that are child-friendly, fun and easy to get to. Here's
our pick of fun family destinations in the UK.
