Category: Travel

London attractions

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London has countless fab attractions which can be explored in many different ways. If you want to enjoy London’s stunning landmarks with the kids and with a difference, then check out our handy list below.

The London Eye
The London Eye offers its visitors a stunning view of the wonderful city day or night and at 135 metres up, you won’t miss a thing! On your 30 minute ride you will see landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and even Buckingham Palace. Great for all the family to enjoy.

O2

Take in stunning views of London from 52m above the ground when you enjoy this exhilarating guided expedition over the roof of The O2! This is a thrilling 90 minute experience over the 380m long O2 walkway, which, at its steepest point, has a 28° incline on the way up and 30° on the way back down! Perfect fun for all the family.

Arcelor Mittal Orbit
Climb the UK’s tallest sculpture and ride the world’s tallest, longest and fastest tunnel slide. Enjoy a superb view of many of London’s famous landmarks from the viewing platforms then take the slide down! As you twist and turn as you will take in London’s skyline at speed through the ‘clear sections’. This is without a doubt, one of the most fun ways to see the city from above!

This is a fantastic experience all the family will enjoy seeing London from the air in a cable car as it crosses the River Thames right by the side of the O2. By day or night enjoy spectacular views in an air conditioned cabin and listen to informative and interesting audio information. Cabins arrive every 30 seconds and each journey last around 10 minutes.

Smart Sightseeing

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Sightseeing in London is so much fun to do with a smart App..

Vox City is a flexible self-guided sightseeing and tour app that enables you to explore London at your own pace. Perfect when you have kids in tow!

Simply select the city sights you would like to see then follow the app. Once downloaded over Wifi the app works using GPS so no data connection is required. It even works if you decide to take a taxi or bus! The app can even lead you to Wi-Fi hotspots and photo opportunity hotspots.

How to use the VOX City app:

Download the ‘VOX City’ App to your smartphone from The Google Play Store or App Store. (This will need to be done over Wifi.) Then login by scanning your QR code! (This can be found on your confirmation email)

Select your City (London) and then choose your language! There are 6 languages to choose from which include; English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Mandarin. Then click ‘download’

Your map will download to the app and now you are ready for your self-guided tour around London! Enjoy the sights and keep the kids entertained, there’s lots to do for the whole family!

Stay close to the magic

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Here are some top 6 hotels within a short distance from the Disneyland magic!

1. Vienna House Dream Castle

Vienna House Dream Castle is the closest of the non-Disney hotels and has been designed in the style of a historic palace set in beautiful French gardens. It has a wide choice of rooms with families in mind. They also offer guests free parking and a complimentary shuttle bus to the parks.

2. Explorers Hotel

The Explorers Hotel is a brilliant option for large families as they offer interconnecting rooms that can sleep up to 10 guests. It has a huge indoor play area, on-site 6D cinema and secret lagoon swimming pool, complete with water slides and toddler area! A complimentary shuttle bus will take you to and from the parks.

3. Vienna House Magic Circus

Vienna House Magic Circus is a great value for money offering super comfortable rooms with a curtained-off kids area in the rooms with bunk beds. Also games consoles in the rooms and a fun outdoor playground to keep the kids entertained! A free shuttle bus service is also available to take you to straight to the heart of the magic at Disneyland Paris.

4. Hotel Kyriad, Magny-le-Horne

The Kyriad Hotel is a budget-friendly, family hotel with larger sized hotel rooms, most having a double bed and a set of bunk beds in each. The hotel has a video games room as well as a play area in the lobby and an onsite farm with ponies, goats and rabbits. Jump on the complimentary shuttle bus to take you straight to the Disney parks

5. Radisson Blu Hotel

The Radisson Blu is a 10 minute drive from the airport and offers guests a complimentary shuttle to and from the Disney parks. The rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and also has access to 3 beautiful 9 hole golf courses. After a day of Disney, you can swim in the indoor swimming pool or enjoy a family dinner in one of the restaurants.

6. Hotel L’Elysee

Hotel L’Elysee is just one stop away from the Disney parks by train. Bedrooms are well equipped for families with both triple and two double bed configurations. The town offers fabulous shopping and dining with the added bonus of The Vallee Village Chic Outlet Shopping.

Visit Oxford Castle

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Travel back in time to Oxford Castle. Your kids will love this family day out and hopefully they will take in all the history.

This site is packed to the brim with history; where to start?! Begin by climbing the Saxon St.George’s Tower. This is one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with 360° panoramic views around the city. Then drop right back down to the depths of a 900-year-old crypt, the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel. Next explore the insides of an 18th-century debtor’s tower, before winding your way through the prison d-wing. Last but not least? Scale the mound of the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle.

Climb one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with 360° panoramic views of the city

Explore prison cells and a 900-year-old crypt

Guided tours give visitors a true-to-life look into the history of the area

This was a site of incarceration dating back to 1071 and gives a look into the lives of real people: the owners, visionaries, activists and inmates of Oxford. Tours run every 20 minutes but you’ll have plenty of time to explore the site under your own steam. Plus be sure to get some yummy lunch at the Castleyard Café.

May half term for kids

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We’ve got a guide to the May half term dates for schools throughout the UK as well as some ideas of things to do with the kids in the May half term.

When is May half term?

Half term falls in the middle of May but it really depends on the school. The information below gives the outlying dates for each country with the week half term falling between them. Each school can vary though so be sure to get in touch with yours to get the exact holiday dates.

England

28th May – 1st June

Scotland

7th – 25th May

Wales

28th May – 1st June

Northern Ireland

7th- 25th May

Top May half term activities and days out

So that’s the school holiday dates sorted but what children’s activities can you look forward to? May is pretty much the beginning of British summer and the perfect time to dip your toes in – literally with a trip to a lido! Lidos (public open-air swimming pools, for anyone who isn’t sure) are a classic national day out and tonnes of splashtacular fun.

If your kids don’t fancy getting wet, why not take a walk on the wild side instead? Zoos and conservation centres are an easy way to keep brainboxes busy over the week away from school and with the weather warming up, all the animals should be out and ready to strike a pose.

Top things to do and places to go in May Half Term

Here are a few fun ideas for fearless fun in May:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park – Make like explorers and see who you can spot on a day out at the wildlife park in Doncaster. The park is home to the only polar bears in Britain – they’re called Victor, Pixel, Nissan and Nobby and are really rather cute.

Treasure Trails – are a great way to explore somewhere totally new or even see your hometown in a different light. Get your magnifying glasses out of storage and uncover all those nooks and crannies you wouldn’t usually notice with these guided scavenger hunts packed with clues to unravel.

Hathersage Open Air Heated Pool – We told you lidos were a classic way to go at this time of year, so pay a visit to one of the originals, which opened way back in 1936!

Your kids may love horses or have never ridden one before in their life; either way, the team at Cannock Chase Horse Trekking will have them galloping around in no time.

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm Don’t forget that essential dose of weird this May half term. The Bug Farm is the last word on the subject with bug handling sessions and an edible insect cafe.

Family days out in the Capital

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London offers an incredible amount of free attractions and things to do. Most museums and art galleries are free, London’s street markets are a must even if you don’t plan to do any shopping, and many London neighbourhoods are perfect for a stroll and a great day out with the family.

The British Museum

For a fascinating day out, the family will love The British Museum where you’ll see displays on different aspects of art, culture and history! It is great for school kids and could even help with their school projects! A real highlight for the for the children include seeing the famous mummies from Ancient Egypt and the Rosetta Stone!

Imperial War Museum

Bring the family here to learn about all aspects of war from seeing how families lived and coped during the war to tanks and Spitfires. There are sections on trench warfare, the Blitz, rationing and a whole section dedicated to the secrets of war.

The National Gallery

This gallery is home to one of the greatest collections of Western European art in the world so you will definitely be guaranteed a fascinating day out. Catering brilliantly for family visits, you can take part in a Walk & Talk where an expert will take you through the museum bringing the paintings alive which will keep the kids attention. There are a host of family tours and also workshops and activities throughout the year. The National Portrait Gallery, on nearby St. Martin’s Place, is also free!

Science Museum

This museum is a definite hit with children (and adults) of all ages and it’s definitely clear to see why! You’ll get to explore space and see a piece of the moon, and get your adrenaline pumping in the flight simulator. Especially created for the younger visitors, a visit to The Garden is a must and will give them the opportunity to explore light and sound, as well as water and construction.

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern

The Tate Britain in Pimlico houses a prestigious collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day. Its modern sister, the Tate Modern, is completely different with collections of 20th and 21st century art. Both galleries are extremely family friendly, and to make your visit even more fun there are apps which you can download and activities to do as you make your way around.

Horniman Museum & Gardens

This family friendly fun anthropological museum is set in a 16 acre landscaped garden which you can explore, and has extensive collections of natural history as well as a magical aquarium. Other highlights include the Animal Walk where you can see alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits and much more up close.

Grant Museum of Zoology

The Grant Museum of Zoology is a fascinating place to visit if you enjoy natural history. There are large collections of around 68,000 skeletons, mounted animals and specimens preserved in fluid which include extinct species such as the Tasmanian Tiger, the Quagga, and the Dodo.

London’s Street Markets

Even if you are not planning on doing any shopping, London’s street markets are great for wandering and seeing the huge selection of goods on offer. Visit the Borough Market and browse through high quality local and international foods, or go to Camden where the covered Camden Lock market is surrounded by street stalls, shops, cafes and bars. There are numerous markets all over the city selling everything from antiques through to delicious foods!

London’s Parks

London’s green parks are the heart of the city on sunny days, locals come to their beloved parks to have a coffee in the morning or a sandwich at lunch time, to read a book, to meet friends, to fly a kite, play with the kids, picnic or just to hang out on a nice afternoon. Hyde Park, St James Park, Green Park and Regent Park are the most central of London’s parks, but there are many more on our website including Crystal Palace Park which is home to 33 Victorian dinosaurs!

Urban Farms

In and around London there are a number of farms that you can visit for free. You can meet an array of different animals, learn all about where your food comes from and enjoy being outdoors. Farms you can visit include Surrey Docks Farm, Spitalfields City Farm, Vauxhall City Farm, and there are many more on our website too.

Diana Memorial Playground

The children will love this outdoor adventure playground which was built in memorial to the late Diana Princess of Wales and was inspired by the stories of Peter Pan. The centrepiece is a magnificent and fun wooden pirate ship. There’s also a sensory trail, teepees, a beach around the ship and a selection of sculptures and toys to keep the children occupied.

V&A  Museum of Childhood

The exhibitions within the Museum of Childhood will most certainly intrigue the children but will also take the grown ups on a trip down memory lane! With artefacts dating from the 1600’s to the present day there is so much to see from photography to fashion and childhood. There are also plenty of fun children’s activities organised just for the little ones including art activities and getting messy in the sandpit!

Free family days out in London

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London offers an incredible amount of free attractions and things to do. Most museums and art galleries are free, London’s street markets are a must even if you don’t plan to do any shopping, and many London neighbourhoods are perfect for a stroll with the family.

The Natural History Museum

If you’ve got a budding Attenborough on your hands then they will love this museum! As you walk into the huge gallery you’ll be greeted by a roaring T.Rex, and there really are so many brilliant exhibitions and displays showing our natural world! Don’t miss the Darwin Centre where you can discover the wonderful world of science in action!

Science Museum

This museum is a definite hit with kids (and adults) of all ages and it’s definitely clear to see why! You’ll get to explore space and see a piece of the moon, and get your adrenaline pumping in the flight simulator. Especially created for the younger visitors, a visit to The Garden is a must and will give them the opportunity to explore light and sound, as well as water and construction.

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern

The Tate Britain in Pimlico houses a prestigious collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day. Its modern sister, the Tate Modern, is completely different with collections of 20th and 21st century art. Both galleries are extremely family friendly, and to make your visit even more fun there are apps which you can download and children’s activities to do as you make your way around.

Horniman Museum & Gardens

This family friendly fun anthropological museum is set in a 16 acre landscaped garden which you can explore, and has extensive collections of natural history as well as a magical aquarium. Other highlights include the Animal Walk where you can see alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits and much more up close.

Grant Museum of Zoology

The Grant Museum of Zoology is a fascinating place to visit if you enjoy natural history. There are large collections of around 68,000 skeletons, mounted animals and specimens preserved in fluid which include extinct species such as the Tasmanian Tiger, the Quagga, and the Dodo.

London’s Parks

London’s green parks are the heart of the city on sunny days, locals come to their beloved parks to have a coffee in the morning or a sandwich at lunch time, to read a book, to meet friends, to fly a kite, play with the kids, picnic or just to hang out on a nice afternoon. Hyde Park, St James Park, Green Park and Regent Park are the most central of London’s parks, but there are many more on our website including Crystal Palace Park which is home to 33 Victorian dinosaurs!

 

Autumn adventures with kids

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Devil’s Dyke, West Sussex

Five miles north of Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers stunning views, from a working farm nestled among rolling hills to old chalk pits, and is vibrant and colourful all year round. In autumn the hills are transformed into a breath-taking haze of purple.

Stourhead, Wiltshire

The house has some stunning interiors and interesting history, being one of the first houses built in the fashionable Palladian style. The Walled-Garden is a fabulous place where you and the kids can explore the selection of plants and statues on display. The world famous 18th century landscape garden is truly breathtaking with a beautiful lake at its centre and fascinating temples and grottoes to explore.

Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood

Located in the New Forest, by Ashley Heath and covering 1000 acres, there is something for everyone at Moors Valley Country Park. You can walk, cycle, go on the authentic narrow-gauge steam train or even “Go Ape” on the fantastic tree top adventure! There is plenty of fun to be had in the children’s play areas and you can relax in the restaurant.

Burley, New Forest

What better way to experience autumn than by exploring this vast forest? It used to be the home of white witch Sybil Leek in the 1950’s… perfect for Halloween visits! There are plenty of walks in Burley, meaning you can take in autumn’s changing leaves, and pay a visit to their tea rooms for any rumbling tums!

Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

The gardens and estate are world famous at Stourhead. In autumn it’s a great place to see the huge range of colours on the trees and crunch through the mountains of leaves. There’s lots of fun children’s activities that the family can try including Tree Climbing Experiences.

Dinefwr Park, South Wales

Dinefwr’s historic parkland is famed for its abundance of wildlife and stunning valley views, making it a fab place to take in some stunning views during autumn. This is a great location for spotting wildlife, as well as a seventeenth-century mansion and medieval castle. There’s also a kid’s woodland play area where they can let off some steam and the adults can relax (or join in!).

Carding Mall Valley and the Shropshire Hills, Shropshire

This area, which covers around 2000 hectares, is renowned for having outstanding natural beauty and is hugely important for wildlife, as well as landscape, geology and archaeology. Follow the stream up to the dark-blue reservoir, and you will finish at the beautiful Lightspout waterfall.

The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

Throughout the year these lovely gardens are full of life and colour. There’s also a magical giant treehouse that the kids will love exploring, which is one of the largest in the world! Cross the wobbly rope bridges (suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs) to find a tree tops restaurant.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan; St Austell, Cornwall

The Lost Gardens of Heligan cover over 200 acres. You can walk through the jungle where there are tropical trees, colourful plants and vibrant foliage creating an exotic oasis; it’s hard to believe you’re still in Cornwall!

 

Places to take the kids this Summer

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Meadow Keeper’s Cottage, East Sussex

Set on a 40-acre farm, between two wildflower meadows, this idyllic little holiday home is the perfect base for a taste of country life – kids can become junior farmers, helping out at animal feeding time.

The “cottage” itself looks like it’s been lifted straight from a children’s storybook and put on wheels. Hand-made by a local craftsman, it’s as cute as can be with flowers in boxes under blue-framed windows, a wooden door and wood-burner indoors to keep you toasty.

Not one for a large family or older kids but perfect for young ones, with a double bed and two singles that double up as benches, a fold-away dining table between them and indoor cooking area. The loo and (wood-fired) shower are outside.

Walking in the Lake District

If you’ve got kids who need to burn off energy every day, how about a dedicated walking holiday? This group trip features a choice of three child-friendly walks a day ranging from an easy option at six miles to a full 13-mile hike. In the evenings, activities are geared towards children; there’s also a games room.

A cottage in Wales

Wayside, Near Dolgellau, Snowdonia

Sheepskin, which specialises in luxury homes geared for families – the majority of which are in Wales, is offering 10% off its larger properties half-term, including Wayside, near Dolgellau in Snowdonia, a charming cottage with an open-plan living area and cosy sofas around a wood-burning stove, looking out over a valley of fields and forests and perfect children’s entertainment. It sleeps six and costs £1,328 for the half-term holiday.

Travelling with older kids

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Travelling with older kids can be a real pleasure – the trip becomes a group effort. Older children can sometimes become bored quite easily, but it is always an interesting experience as they form their own impressions and tell you what they are experiencing. Children at this age are clearer about what they enjoy and what they don’t, which makes it fun to plan for the journey.

Remember to make a checklist and take it with you.  Children can take their own daypacks with a book, colouring books, paper and pencils. Pack a few toys but don’t overdo it.  Take food, snacks and water. You can take anything from bananas, apples, rice cakes, raisins, dried fruit and sandwiches.

You could also take along your young child’s blanket or pillowcase to make the journey and the places you visit more familiar.

Plan for travel sickness and have plastic bags, medication and a clean set of clothes handy. Also pack medication, such as child paracetamol, rehydration fluid and anything you might need for travel sickness, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local medicines. It can also help to think of the journey as an adventure in itself, and not just the means to get to your destination. To this end there are many fun ways that children can keep themselves busy on the journey – they can:

 

  • Collect things (stamps, postcards, shells, souvenirs) along the way and glue them into a journal.

  • Draw maps and pictures of what they see and maybe even write down the things they liked best.

  • Take photographs – a disposable camera is a fun cheap alternative.

  • Record sounds they hear or talk into a tape recorder if they are too tired to write.

 

Remember that every journey is different. There are, however, quite a few things that overlap whether you travel by air, car or train and every journey completed is practice and experience gained for your next journey. Spread the days out, i.e. don’t give them all their toys at once! Otherwise you might run out of ideas within the first hour. It is also wise not to pack any special blankets and toys in your main suitcase – rather take them with you on your journey, so that they are available.