Category: Outdoor Adventure

A Train journey for little ones

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If you’re looking for an amazing fun adventure filled with beautiful scenery and the chance to explore somewhere new, a train journey is the perfect days out for all of the family to enjoy. Here are some fab train journeys we think the kids will love!

Leeds to York

If you and your little history lovers are after catching a glimpse of a historic ancient settlement, as well as amazing views of a stunning countryside, this train journey is not to be missed! Yorkshire is known for its countryside views, so it won’t disappoint!

Oxford to Hereford

The Cotswold offers passengers amazing views of its vast countryside, which you’ll witness as you pass through the scenic rolling hills in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. You’ll get to pass over the Ledbury viaduct which was built using 300 5m bricks!

Glasgow to Mallaig

This amazing train journey, which is one of the most scenic trips in the world, makes it way through a peaceful and remote location and offers outstanding views of the Clyde as it climbs its way above the river. Little train travellers will love the rocky formations!

Newcastle to Edinburgh

Cruise through the stunning Northumbrian cliffs and coastline as you make your way towards Scotland on this breathtaking train journey.

Settle to Carlisle

Ranked as the second best train journey in the world in 2015, you won’t want to miss this one of a kind train journey! Marvel at the fantastic scenery as you pass through the heart of Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales and see how many viaducts and tunnels you can count along the way!

Durham to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Little budding historians will love this history rich train journey! Other than lovely views of the sea, you’ll catch sight of historic castles and a Second World War airfield!

The Bluebell Railway, Sussex

This much loved railway, located in the beautiful south of England, is Britain’s first preserved standard gauge railway to carry passengers. You’ll get to pass through an 18 mile loop, catching sight of rural Sussex and Sheffield Park along the way!

London Euston to Fort William

If you’re looking for an epic overnight adventure, why not take a sleeper train for a fun yet relaxing sleeper train journey from London’s Euston to Scotland Fort William? Begin your adventure exploring all this exciting bustling city has to offer and finish in the peaceful town of Fort William to take in stunning waterside views!

St Erth to St Ives

This train trip is the shortest in Britain was originally built to serve pilchard-fishing village of St Ives in 1877, but is now running to allow everyone to enjoy the beautiful sights of Cornwall! You’ll get to see some fab scenery, as well as have the chance to catch some waves at your St Ives destination… perfect for your little surfer dudes and dudettes!

Salisbury to Exeter

Enjoy stunning views as you travel through the South West by train. You’ll get sight of wooden canopies and wide open views of this wonderful location!

 

Scotland with the family

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Keep the children entertained this year by visiting some Scottish family fun attractions. From exploring Scottish legends, wildlife spotting and waterpark fun, we’ve got loads for you to see, and all are budget-friendly, too.

1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Spend the day exploring Edinburgh’s iconic castle overlooking the nation’s beautiful capital. Home to some of Scotland’s most legendary royals, fought over in ancient battles and later used as a jail for enemies of the state – this mighty fortress has overseen some of the greatest moments of Edinburgh’s history. Download the family-friendly itinerary and let the kids lead the way as they navigate through the castle with a series of clues…

 

Best for: Spectacular views over the city

2. Loch Ness cruises, Inverness

Anyone who’s ever heard of Nessie, the supposedly three-humped lake monster that lurks beneath the surface of Loch Ness, will be dying to come and explore the legendary lake themselves, and what better way to do it than by taking to its waters on a cruise? Loch Ness by Jacobite offer a range of tours to embark on whether you just want to explore the lake or you can choose to fit in some more sights along the way, like Urquhart Castle, which stands proudly on the northern shore of Loch Ness.

 

Best for: Kids with wild imaginations!

3. Bowhill Country Estate, Selkirk

An enchanting secluded estate surrounded by a beautiful lake and acres of woodlands, Bowhill is one of Scotland’s hidden gems. With plenty of outdoor activities – fishing, hiking, horse riding and indoor estate tours, – there’s fantastic fun come rain or shine. If you live close by, check out the kids’ club with different activities each week for budding rangers.

 

Best for: The adventure playground… zip wire included!

4. Almond Valley Museum, Farm and Discovery Centre, West Lothian

Animal lovers will go wild for Almond Valley’s farm. And with an array of indoor and outdoor activities – from the petting farm to the indoor adventure playground and the giant pillow – there’s plenty to keep kids entertained. Plus, across the river you can explore the woodland gardens and interactive museum.

 

Best for: Under 10s.

5. Stirling Castle, Stirling

Stirling Castle is the Scottish heart of all things art, culture and celebrity in the 16th century. Take in the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace and visit the surrounding castle buildings including the breathtaking Palace gardens. Make sure to check out the Palace Vaults for a magical trip into the costumes behind the court jesters or the Regimental Museum housing exquisite artefacts from conflicts around the globe. Plus you may just get a visit from some of Stirling’s most famous residents…

 

Best for: Dressing up in the castle’s fancy dress box

 

A royal family day out

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Tower of London

There is something for all of the family at this fortress which is one of the most famous landmarks in London. The historic towers house the Crown Jewels, the prison cell of Sir Walter Raleigh (known as the Bloody Tower), the Chapel of St. John and the Royal Armouries. Pick up the Medieval Palace family trail at the Welcome Centre when you arrive to learn fun facts about the tower’s history and keep an eye out for the famous ravens.

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey

Hampton Court was Henry VIII’s favourite royal residence, and now you can wander around the grand state rooms, discover the Tudor Kitchens and explore the stunning gardens. In the gardens you will find the famous maze where the family can get lost for hours – perfect for tiring out the little ones!

 Banqueting House, London

Whatever your age or background Banqueting House will amaze you with its fascinating history. On your visit you can see the grounds where Charles I was executed and learn all about the fire which nearly burnt down the whole house. On your visit pick up a Family Adventure Trail that you can complete as you make your way around.

Kensington Palace, London

Pick up an interactive family trail and explore the opulent interiors of Kensington Palace. You can see The Queen’s Apartments and learn some fun facts about how the royals use to live including how many mattresses Queen Mary used to sleep on!

Kew Palace, Addlestone, Surrey

Kew Palace is small compared to other palaces but it reveals much about its past as a royal residence. It was used by the royal family between 1729 and 1818, but these days you are able to wander around the authentically re-created Georgian rooms including the Royal Kitchens that were left untouched until 2012.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

Now berthed in Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a unique attraction for the family to enjoy. The yacht was home to The Queen and to the Royal Family for over 40 years. On a visit you can get a real glimpse of how the royals lived and travelled for over 100,000 miles.

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty the Queen, this is the perfect setting for a regal day out with the family. Covering 13 acres, you’ll discover gorgeous architecture, stunning interiors and displays for you to learn all about the history of the castle. For the kids there is an audio tour where they are introduced to many magical characters who live at Windsor and there are family and children activity trails where they can learn more about the castle and its treasures.

 

Best routes to bike or skoot

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Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

Enjoy an easy cycle along the promenade which runs form Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks. It’s 10 miles in total so a bit far for little legs but there are numerous car parks and cafes along the way that you can just cover a few miles, whilst enjoying the spectacular views across to The Isle of Wight, Needles and Old Harry Rocks. (You can’t ride between 10am-6pm in July & August as it’s too busy!)

Studland Peninsula Cycle Trail, Dorset

This is a gentle route that will take you across the peninsular, dunes and heathland, with picturesque view of Knoll Beach. The kids can even enjoy spotting some wildlife including deer, insects and birds! It’s 6.5 miles long.

Killerton, Devon

There are 2 safe family cycle tracks to take around the historic parkland at Killerton. You will see beautiful countryside views, plus get a great ‘tour’ of the estate including the House, stable blocks and chapel!

Ashridge Estate Buckinghamshire

There are various routes to take through woodland, over small bridges and lush meadows. The Duncombe Terrace route is perfect for families as it’s only 5 miles long and there are surfaced cycle paths through the forest which makes things easier for little legs and inexperienced riders.

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path, Somerset

This track along a former railway line links Bristol and Bath. It is 3m wide path with a  tarmaced surface all the way and is an attractive and easy route, with several opportunities along the way to stop for refreshments.

Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

There is a flat cycle route through the forest, perfect for all abilities. Children will love passing through tree ‘tunnels’ and racing along the surfaced track which was the old Severn and Wye Railway line- you will even see some old stations! It’s 11 miles in total but with little ones you can always turn back after a few miles. The route starts in the Cannop Valley.

The Tissington Trail- Peak District

A 13 mile route mainly along the trackbed of an old railway line. It’s even suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs! It’s traffic free and kids will love whizzing under the railway bridges! Towards the Southern end (near Mapleton) there is a bit on a steep incline but the rest is totally flat!

 

Beaches to explore

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Luskentyre Beach, Scotland

Luskentyre Sands, located on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, is a stunning beach boasting beautiful white sands and amazing green-blue water. You’d be mistaken for thinking you’re in the tropics! Luskentyre is a dog friendly beach.

Montrose Beach, Angus

This famous beach runs north from Montrose to the mouth of the North Esk River with beautiful clean sands. With a short promenade and lots of parking available, as well as a Seafront Splash play area, this beach makes for a lovely family day out! The beach also has a shop, amusement centre and family run cafe nearby.

West Cliff, Yorkshire

This picturesque Blue Flag beach is the perfect seaside escape. With free and pay and display car parking available nearby, as well as Whitby’s train station a short walk away, this beach is easy to get to… after a stop for fish and chips in the town centre that is! West Cliff has cafes, toilets and a lost kids centre, as well as a first aid post. See if you can spot the famous Whale Bone Arch!

 Druridge Bay, Northumberland

This seven mile stretch of glorious sand has lots of sand dunes and rock pools to explore, as well as the 100 acre Ladyburn Lake with surrounding woodland. Pop into the nearby cafe (open on weekends and during the summer holidays) or their visitor centre for more information on the fascinating wildlife you can spot in Druridge Bays many nature reserves!

Formby Beach, Liverpool

This beautiful beach’s dunes are a certified Site of Special Scientific Interest! You can even spot some prehistoric human and animal footprints and visit a red squirrel reserve… the last one of its kind in the UK! Ice creams, snacks and drinks are available from vans on site during peak periods.

Barafundle Bay, Pembroke

With crystal clear blue waters, this popular National Trust owned beach is the perfect place for a more relaxing day out. It’s your very own staycation Mediterranean escape! There’s no direct road access to the beach itself, but this allows you to take in the beautiful surroundings on a fifteen minute walk from the car park to the coastline.

Constantine Bay, Cornwall

Whilst more commonly known for being one of the most popular spots for surfing in the UK, this stunning beach has lots to offer for families! With unbeatable views of the Cornish coastline, this beach also has lots of rock pools… perfect for exploring and discovering how many beach critters you can spot! Dogs are allowed all year long.

 Botany Bay, Kent

This Blue Flag beach offers amazing views of the white cliffs and impressive chalk stacks! When the tide is out, it’s perfect for fossil hunting and rock pool exploring. There are kiosks on site selling ice creams, or you can pay a visit to nearby cafes offering hot food and drinks. Dogs are not permitted on this beach from 10am to 6pm from May 1st until 30th September.

Studland Beach, Dorset

This National Trust owned beach, located a short five minute chain ferry journey from Poole Harbour, is a lovely family day out! This beautiful beach has four miles of protected golden sands and a stunning view of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. It’s perfect for a variety of watersports and for exploring lots of exciting wildlife, including deer, insects and birds! For rumbling tums, visit the Knoll Beach cafe.

 Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

This famous activity and events packed beach is great for children’s entertainment and offers something for all of the family… even a zip wire from the pier to the stretch of seven glorious miles of sand! Hosting events such as the Bournemouth Air Festival, Arts by the Sea and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Head to one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby, including West Beach and Harry Ramsden’s for traditional fish and chips by the sea!

 

Bug hunting

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Let’s go and find some creepy crawlies in the great outdoors,

We’ve pulled together this handy guide to help you explore!

Whether they’re hiding under rocks, shrubs or even up a tree,

You’re sure to be surprised… who knows what you will see!

What You’ll Need:

  • Viewing pot with a lid and air holes
  • Tweezers
  • Camera or Sketchbook
  • Hand wash
  • Magnifying Glass

Choose Your Location

The first step of making a fun filled and non disruptive bug hunt is deciding where you’re going to hunt for little critters! There’s plenty to be found in your very own back garden, but there’s no harm in making a fun day out at your local park, garden or even forest. You could even bring along a picnic too!

Be Considerate

Before you start your hunt, be sure to remind your little explorers about how to handle and approach wildlife to make sure you avoid any nasty stings and bites, and how to disturb your surroundings as little as possible! This includes only handling a few of each species and replacing any of the wildlife’s environment (e.g. overturned logs and stones) as you leave.

Get Hunting!

Now that you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to make a start! The best places to find some beautiful bugs are usually shrubs, trees, rotting logs, large and small stones, flower heads and grasses… but the list is endless!

What Bugs Can You Hunt?

Here are some ideas of different type of bug that your little ones can look for.

  • Woodlice

  • Stag Beetle

  • Ladybird

  • Cabbage Butterfly

  • Ant

  • Shield Bug

  • Centipede

  • Worm

What Can You See?

Once they’ve found their bugs and have carefully placed them into their viewing pots, be sure to get them making note of what they’ve discovered! Get them either taking or drawing a picture and noting down any features that really stand out. For example, what colour is it? How many legs does it have? Where did you find it? How big is it? And so on!

Let it Go!

Now that they’ve made a note of everything they can, get them returning their new friend to its home and, as mentioned earlier, be sure to replace anything they might have moved to find their critter!

Make some Memories!

Once they’ve completed their bug hunt, it’s up to them how to combine their findings! If they took or drew lots of lovely pictures, why not get your kids making a fun mini booklet to remember their hunt by and impress their teachers? This is a great rainy day crafting activity for kids on those showery summer days!

 

Places to take nature lovers

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Looking to make a splash with your next family day out? Head to one of these many beautiful waterfalls and take in some stunning sights and scenery, which is sure to please your little nature lovers!

Mottisfont Abbey & Garden, Romsey, Hampshire

Surrounded by picturesque riverside gardens, this historic house is full of beauty from paintings, photographs and interior design. The gardens provide seasonal delights throughout the year, with spring offering an amazing blue carpet of ‘Glory of the snow’. There’s also a lovely Wild Play area for kids and great trails to follow!

Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, Wales

This enchanting waterfall in the Berwyn Mountains is the highest waterfall in the UK! With water plummeting 240 ft from top to bottom, it’s no wonder many visitors return again and again!

Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall, Neath, Wales

Come and discover two fascinating attractions in one place! Set in a steep gorge, see how the water-powered tin worked and how the now giant water wheel is used to generate electricity. The kids can pick up a tracker pack which is stuffed full of children’s activities for them to complete as they make their way around! The Old Schoolhouse is now a great little tea room where you can feed the brood with light bites and treats.

Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons National Park

Nestled in the southern slopes of the Forest, west of Merthyr Tydfil, the Waterfall Country is one of the most beautiful spots in the Brecon Beacons National Park! You’ll see steep, tree-lined gorges and lots of splashing water! It also contains two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which include oak and ash trees and over 200 species of mosses, liverworts and ferns!

Cotter Force, North Yorkshire

Explore this lovely secluded waterfall in its beautiful woodland setting! It is a series of about half a dozen waterfalls, with the largest single drop being about 1.5m. The perfect tranquil day out!

Janet’s Foss, North Yorkshire

Try your hand at this popular walk, starting at Malham Village and ending at the magical waterfall at Janet’s Foss. You’ll encounter flagged paths through fields before making your way through the woodland on rough and rocky tracks!

Hardraw Force, Hawdraw, Yorkshire

Hardraw Force is home to England’s largest single drop waterfall with a reputed 100 foot drop! Set within the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn, little explorers are sure to be amazed at what this fascinating site has to offer.

Lydford Gorge, Okehampton

The White Lady Waterfall offers breathtaking views… and is a great family photo opportunity! The water runs down the gorge’s face like a stream of silk, inspiring theories around its name. It’s also super beneficial to surrounding wildlife too, with the wind and spray providing a rainforest-like environment for lots of fascinating plant life to form!

Castle culture

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Looking for the best place to grab a slice of culture and learn a thing or two? You can’t go wrong with a visit to a castle to entertain your mini knights and princesses! Here’s a list of some  family days out throughout the UK.

Corfe Castle, Wareham

Bring your budding little historian to these iconic ruins steeped in 100 years of fascinating history. Try and spot murder holes, count arrow loops and complete a quiz on your travels! Keep your eyes peeled for family events held throughout the year including spectacular battle re-enactments, an open-air theatre and cinema days.

Dunster Castle, Minehead

Located in the picturesque setting of Dunster, this beautiful castle was home to the Luttrell family who lived here for 600 years. It overlooks the village and features an amazing 17th century staircase, as well as a sub-tropical garden covering 28 acre and contains plants such as the giant lemon tree, yuccas, mimosa and palms.

Penrhyn Castle, Bangor

Come and bring your little knights and princesses to explore this amazing 19th century castle! You’ll find fascinating objects such as a one tonne slate bed made for Queen Victoria, as well as the castle kitchens and stables. Outdoors there are over 60 acres of grounds to be discovered with parkland, exotic trees and a Victorian walled garden.

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells

Discover all that this wonderful castle, which was built by Edward Hussey III from the sandstone quarried from the grounds, has to offer! Covering 770 acres, this castle is the perfect spot for walks and picnics. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy including the Natural Play Trail, Discovery Room, building dens in the Wilderness Camp and looking out for wildlife including barn owls!

Lindisfarne Castle, Berwick upon Tweed

This dramatic castle, which was renovated by Arts and Crafts architect Edwin Lutyens, is an an amazing place to bring the kids! Explore its many rooms, staircases and see some fantastic views from the top. The Gertrude Jekyll Garden is a beautiful little garden by the castle and there are lime kilns that you can explore too!

Castle Ward, Downpatrick

Take a tour of this 18th century castle surrounded by dramatic rolling hills. There’s trails around the grounds to keep little explorers entertained, where they can spot wildlife such as butterflies, rabbits, ducks and swans. There’s also a super fun outdoor woodland playground and adventure playground too!

10 family days out in North Yorkshire

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1.Wensleydale Creamery

By far the best known attraction in Hawes is the Wensleydale Creamery, home of Wensleydale cheese. The centre offers cheese making demonstrations, a small museum and viewing gallery, cafe and shops. The creamery has a lot to thank Wallace and Gromit for; the animated duo helped increase production at a time when sales were slowing. Nowadays the creamery sells a cheese named after them, I bet it’s a popular choice for visitors.

Wensleydale creamery

The best part, for a family day out, is the cheese shop. It’s full of samples, even for those people who don’t like Wensleydale cheese.

You can visit the cheese shop for free; a family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids) to the museum and cheese making area costs £7.50.

2. Hardraw Force waterfall

Hardraw Force is England’s highest above ground single drop waterfall, with a plunge of 100 foot. It’s a short easy walk to the waterfall through the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn. We visited during a dry spell; I’d imagine it’s even more impressive after heavy rain.

The waterfall is open daily from 10am. A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) costs £7.50.

3. Hawes Ropemakers (Outhwaites)

Outhwaites Ltd, Ropemakers, Hawes

Located in the town this traditional ropemaker is worth popping into for 20 minutes or so. It’s mesmerising standing in front of the machines watching rope being made. There are machines making braids of all thicknesses and lengths from church bell ropes to skipping ropes. And if you’ve got a dog, their leads are available to buy and very popular.

Entrance is free.

4. Sheepdog demonstration

Countryfile have resurrected “One man and his dog” over the last couple of years which may account for the popularity of this evening out.

Sheepdog demonstration, near Hawes

Run by a local farmer, Richard Fawcett holds weekly demonstrations in a field just outside Hawes throughout the summer season.

Visitors are introduced to the dogs and watch them working the sheep. They make it look easy even if the sheep don’t always behave according to plan!

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £1 for children.

5. Dales Countryside Museum

The Dales Countryside Museum is a small local museum that focuses on the Yorkshire Dales and its people. Housed in the old railway station you’ll find exhibits ranging from Bronze Age spearheads to a Victorian smithy. Outside there are railway carriages with activities for younger children.

Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes

The Dales Countryside Museum is open daily except over the Christmas period and throughout January. Admission is £4.50 for adults, kids are free.

Stick Man adventures

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If you and your little nature lovers are on the lookout for the perfect family walk, these Stick Man trails from the Forestry Commission are the perfect mixture of entertaining and educational. Be sure to download their children’s activity pack to take with you on your travels here too!

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Set in the picturesque heart of the Lake District, Grizdale Forest offers lots of fun for every little (and big!) nature lover. As well as walking and cycling trails, you’ll also get to admire the wildlife, amazing sculptures and take in the glorious woodland surroundings and sunshine.

Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland, Durham

Hamsterley, which offers over 20,000 hectares of wonderful woodland, has lots to offer for outdoor lovers! It’s one of the Super 6 mountain biking locations and also includes a lovely adventure play park. New for 2016 are the new Viking themed play areas, including the Ghost Ship, Dragon Swing, Thor’s Workshop and Odin’s keep!

Kielder Forest and Water Park, Northumberland

This breathtaking forest which, at 250 acres, is the UK’s largest forest! As well as the Stick Man Trail, you can also take on the largest mountain bike trail, see some fab art and architecture and more. For rumbling tums, head to the Kielder Castle cafe which offers hot meals, snacks and yummy cake.

Dalby Forest, Scarborough

Dalby Forest, situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park, offers stunning views and lots to do! Take to the tree tops with Go Ape or have a go on their Segway tours. For those after a relaxing slice of culture, head over to The Lumberjills for some outdoor theatre entertainment for kids!

Guisborough Forest, Yorkshire

With an orienteering course, trim trail, sculpture trail, play area and more, Guisborough Forest is the perfect family day out! There’s also fun ranger led children’s activities and downloadable activity packs for you take with you on your visit! A perfect family day out.

Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire

There’s lots to see and do at Salcey Forest! Try horse riding, cycling and release your inner ninja on their tree Ninja activity, including a ropes course, 6 zip lines and Shock Drop. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the fab events taking place over the summer!

Haughmond Hill, Shropshire

Offering stunning views of the River Severn and Shrewsbury, and all the way to the South Shropshire and Welsh hills beyond, Haughmond Hill is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Bring along a family picnic, or head over to the on site cafe!