One of the top times for the family to do something together is a Bank Holiday. Many parents are on holiday or at least a day off. But rather than just visit the family or hit the shops, what other things could you do with the kids to make for a memorable bank holiday? Heres some children’s entertainment ideas to make it fun.
London
Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous waxworks museums in the world . Over the last 87 years, Queen Elizabeth II has had 23 wax portraits done and the museum is holding an exhibition of all of them at one including a recreation of her coronation crown and a dress made with 53,000 Swarovski crystals.
England
For a typically strange English tradition, check out the football on the river at Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. It involves two teams playing football knee deep in the River Windrush with hundreds of spectators lining the river banks. The event has happened every bank holiday for the last century – though no-one really knows why!
The Newlyn Fish Festival in Cornwall is a chance to sample some of the freshest and tastiest seafood straight from the boat. The kids will love to see the catch come in and may find a new food favourite. There are also cooking demonstrations and workshops as well as local craft stalls, live music and even a chance to get up close to one of the sea rescue helicopters.
Mathew Street Music Festival is known as the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and is free of charge. Little known acts travel from 30 countries around the world to delight listeners as well as tribute brands from the Beatles to modern groups.
Scotland & Northern Ireland
Another free festival can be found in Edinburgh with the Festival Fringe. This is the biggest art festival in the world with everything from comedy and dance to theatre and live music on offer. It only runs until the beginning of September so the Bank Holiday is a perfect time to catch it.
Wales
Of all the Bank Holiday events to witness, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells is perhaps the strangest. Competitors travel from around the world to dress up in snorkelling gear and fight their way up the muddy river to glory. Spectators are encouraged to come in fancy dress to add to the mad nature of the day and can even have a go at the sport if they bring their gear.
Cardiff Harbour Festival and is the finale of the free Cardiff Festival that runs all summer. Listen to sea shanties while trying the very fresh seafood on offer as well as exploring the tall ships docked in the harbour. The British Fishcraft Championships are taking place as well as a display by the Breitling Wing Walkers, fairground rides and a fancy dress competition for the kids
Ghost hunting is a popular pastime today and Raglan Castle is a great candidate for a resident spook. The Haunted Histories tour and takes in one of the finest late medieval fortresses in the country. The tour is definitely aimed at the kids with stories of the past and a few scares along the way.
If you like the water and a little bit of a challenge, why not try canoeing on the River Wye? Han-on-Wye is the starting point where canoes can be hired, even strapping two together to make a family canoe. Then off downstream with Wales to the left and England to the right for a full day or half-day trip. When you get to the other end, enjoy a picnic and then get a lift back to your starting point as part of the package.
