Tag: family

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!

 

Family days out for little historians

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York, Yorkshire

This picturesque town, located in North Yorkshire, is the perfect place to bring your budding little historians! Head to the York Castle Museum to get an insight into Edwardian and Victorian life in York, or pay a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre to discover why they’re so popular. It’s also a must for chocolate lovers with the fab York’s Chocolate Story! If you’ve got a little thrill seeker in tow, be sure to check out Lightwater Valley to take on Europe’s longest rollercoaster; The Ultimate!

Cardiff, Wales

This beautiful town offers lots of varied and entertaining fun for all of the family! Explore Cardiff Bay on The Open Boat; a lovely steam boat that offers amazing views of the harbour, or head over to Cardiff Castle to learn all about this town’s fascinating medieval history. Fans of Doctor Who will love the Doctor Who Experience for an immersive journey through space and time!

Lymington, New Forest

For those after an escape to the forest, Lymington is the place to be! Situated on the edge of the New Forest, this port town is renowned as a sailing resort and is home to lots of lovely independent boutiques… perfect for budding little fashionistas! For those after a slice of culture, head on over to St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery to marvel at amazing artwork and have a go at one of their family friendly trails. Hiring a bike and exploring the nearby woodland is also a must for active families looking to work up a pre-pub appetite!

Dartmouth, Devon

If you’re looking for active filled family day out with a spectacular backdrop, Dartmouth is your one stop destination! From cycling, walking and an array of outdoor activities, you really are spoilt for choice. This is as well as amazing historic houses, gardens, castles and museums, such as Dartmouth Castle. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the countryside, the Dartmoor National Park is only a short drive away from the town centre!

Falmouth, Cornwall

If you’ve got a budding surfer dude or dudette in tow, or are a lover of the seaside, Falmouth is the place to be! With a stunning beach that offers a variety of children’s activities such as rock pooling, sailing, snorkelling and SUP paddle boarding, your little beach bums won’t know where to start first. Head on over to the National Maritime Museum to find out all about this lovely town.

 

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!

 

Get close up with animals

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From tigers, penguins, monkeys and more,

There’s lots of amazing animals to meet and attractions to explore!

Let’s go on a safari, head to the farm or zoo,

You’ll spoilt for choice with these fab places waiting for you!

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park – Chelmsford, Essex

With special events all year round Marsh Farm is a different experience every time you go. Have a go on bouncy pillows, mini tractors and join them to enjoy the Pesky Pet and Magic shows!

Paradise Wildlife Park – Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

An award-winning experience that lets you get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. Although don’t get too close at the big cat enclosure!

Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre – Ringwood, Hampshire

One of the best collections of birds of prey, reptiles and creepy crawlies. This is one of our favourite rainy day activities!

ZSL London – Regent’s Park, London

Set in the wide open space of Regent’s Park you’ll find gorillas, tigers, armadillos and more at ZSL London.

ZSL Whipsnade – Whipsnade, Bedfordshire

Explore over 600 acres and see over 2,500 animals at ZSL Whipsnade. With multiple play areas, a steam train and a farm yard you’ll have to drag them away at the end of the day!

Longleat – Warminster, Wiltshire

For a real safari experience Longleat is second to none! This drive-through experience allows you to get closer than ever before so your kids can get a real sense of the wild.

Welsh Mountain Zoo – Colwyn, North Wales

Be captivated by the birds’ flying displays, meet a family of chimps or watch the penguins waddle along.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park – Edgbaston, Birmingham

Committed to protecting and improving the welfare of animals the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is able to work with some endangered species of lemurs, monkeys and more.

Walby Farm Park – Carlisle, Cumbria

An award-winning, all-weather Farm Park in the North of England you can meet a whole host of rare breeds, raise your adrenaline on the fun 24 demon slide or bounce around on the trampolines.

Farmer Palmers – Poole, Dorset

The complete farm experience with everything from a bumpy tractor trailer ride to cow milking!

Cannon Hall Farm – Barnsley, South Yorkshire

So much more than just a farm, Cannon Hall offers outdoor and indoor adventure playgrounds, restaurants and working farmyard machinery!

Bristol Zoo Gardens – Clifton, Bristol

Get up close and personal with the gorillas, feed the lion or even adopt your favourite animal at Bristol Zoo. Find out more.

Vauxhall City Farm – Central London

Nestled in the buzz of London Vauxhall City Farm is peaceful escape with fun and educational activities for children to see and interact with a wide range of farmyard animals.

Edinburgh Zoo – Edinburgh, Scotland

Set in 82 acres of parkland and home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals one day just isn’t enough to see everything at Edinburgh Zoo.

Hobbledown Children’s Farm – Epsom, Surrey

For a more magical and mystical animal experience Hobbledown is the number one place to be.

Church Farm – Stow Bardolph, West Norfolk

Meet and play with tame animals and your kids can even meet the little ones at close quarters.

Bucklebury Farm Park – Reading, Berkshire

With over 70 acres to explore in the stunning Berkshire countryside the Bucklebury Farm will keep the whole family entertained all day.

 

Great gardens to explore

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Here’s our favourite gardens for you to explore

Discover plant’s, parks, history and more

Beautiful colours you will see

alongside beautiful butterflies and maybe even a bee!

Trelissick Garden, Truro, Cornwall

This tranquil garden, which is home to an array of stunning exotic plants and four summerhouses waiting to be explored, is the perfect place to bring kids to blow off some steam! Head to The Roundwood Quay, where you can watch the passing wildlife and boats. In the gallery you can discover work from Cornish artists and craftspeople too!

Plas Yn Rhiw, Pwllheli, Wales

This organic garden, which is brimming with a variety of plants and is framed by over 1/4 mile of box hedges, is a feast for the senses and is sure to fascinate your mini budding gardeners! In spring you’ll find magnificent magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils, tulips and so much more!

Dunster Castle, Minehead, Somerset

Not only is this fascinating castle a fab visit for days out for little historians, but their gardens alone offer lots to see and do! Pay a visit to The South Terrace, which stems from the Victorian period, to learn all about its microclimate which allows tender plants such as Chusan Palms to grow!

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire

This beautiful Georgian house, set within a deer park, is the perfect place to bring kids after a challenge! You can complete a fun quiz, with clues hidden in the beautiful garden, where you’ll be sure to spot lots of interesting wildlife!

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, North Yorkshire

Explore the ruins of this stunning and history rich 12th century abbey, it’s amazing water garden and deer park, which is home to three different types of cute deer! Kids will also love the play area, which is situated near the Visitor Centre.

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

This glorious estate is sure to be a hit with little ones and their family looking to brush up on their history! Take a visit to their stunning garden, which is landscaped with many plants, flowers and secret parts to explore. There’s also a Natural Play Trail, Discovery Room and building dens in the Wilderness Camp!

Stourhead, Warminster, Wiltshire

Come and see this world famous 18th century landscape garden, which is truly breathtaking with a beautiful lake at its centre and fascinating temples and grottoes to explore! Pay a visit to the house, stunning interiors and interesting history, being one of the first houses built in the fashionable Palladian style.

Fenton House and Garden, London

This 17th century house and garden, which is a hidden treasure within London’s bustling streets, offers a retreat for and lots to explore! Discover the Walled Garden, which features a formal lawn and terrace, sunken rose garden, kitchen garden and historic orchard… home to 32 different varieties of apples and pears!

Polesden Lacey, Dorking, Surrey

This amazing house and garden, which provides stunning views of the Surrey Hills, is one of the best places to see some snowdrops in spring. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother also spent part of their honeymoon here! You can also spot a sea of bluebells as you walk throughout this gorgeous garden.

Mottisfont Abbey and Garden, Romsey, Hampshire

These picturesque gardens are perfect for letting your little ones blow off some steam! Find rivers, see rolling hills and even spot an artist in residence or two working iín one of the studio huts. Kids will love the Wild Play area and children’s activities, as well as the chance to follow a fascinating trail to learn all about Mottisfont history.

 

Party games for kids 5+

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Musical Chairs or Cushions

Set up chairs or cushions in 2 rows back to back. Put out one less chair/cushion than there are children. Start playing the music and ask the children to walk all around the chairs/cushions until the music stops. When the music stops, the children must each sit on a chair/cushion. The child without a chair/cushion is ‘out’. You might like to have a bowl of sweets to offer to each child that is ‘out’ so they don’t feel too humiliated – but don’t make it so tempting that everybody wants to be ‘out’! Then remove another chair/cushion. If there is ever a tie, don’t spend ages making a decision, just replay that round.

Animal Musical Chairs.

The player left standing must pull the name of an animal, written on a piece of paper, out of a hat. Then, they must act it out while the other guests try to guess what the animal is. Start the music again and repeat the game until there’s only one chair left.

Musical Statues

Play some music, and watch the children dance and jump about. Without notice, turn off the music and the children need to freeze. If anybody moves, they are ‘out’. As with musical chairs, you might like to have a bowl of sweets to give to this child so they don’t feel too humiliated – but don’t make it so tempting that everybody wants to be ‘out’! Repeat until there is just one person left.

Hot Potato

Sit the kids in a circle and choose one to sit out wearing a blindfold. Begin by passing a potato around the circle, while the ‘blind’ child stands to one side. Everyone must accept the potato, and may not hold it longer than a second. At any point the ‘blind’ child can yell, ‘Hot Potato’, and whoever has the potato is out (Think about using that invaluable bowl of sweets again!) Continue to play until there is only one person left, and they are the winner. A really good variation is to follow the theme of your party. Use an appropriate item to pass around the circle instead of a potato.

Duck, Duck, Goose

This classic kids game is perfect fun for any kids party entertainment. Gather your guests to sit in a circle and let the birthday child begin as the ‘Goose’. They walk around the circle tapping each child on the head, saying ‘duck’ with each tap. When they are ready to choose the next person to be Goose, they say ‘goose’ when tapping that person on the head. That child gets up and chases the birthday child around the circle. If the new Goose does not tag the birthday child before they make it all the way around the circle and sit in the open spot, then the new Goose becomes ‘it’. If the new Goose tags the birthday child, then the birthday child remains ‘it’ for the next round and the game continues.

Decorate a Birthday Banner

Unroll a roll of unwanted wallpaper and mount it plain side up on a wall within easy reach of your guests. At the top of the ‘banner’, write ‘Happy Birthday (your child’s name)’. You could lay the paper on the floor if you’re worried some of the artists may mistake your wall for their canvas!

Provide a variety of crayons and felt pens and let the children create their own masterpieces. Don’t forget to ask each artist to write their name and age beside their drawing. You can even encourage them to write a special message to the birthday child. After the party, fold it up and save it, or if you’d prefer, take a close-up picture so you can tuck it inside your photo album later.

 

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!

Get some sneaky exercise in with the kids

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Now that spring has made an appearance, it is the perfect time to start making the most of the sunshine to enjoy a bit of fresh air, getting some exercise outdoors. If you’re looking for ways to get your little ones active, as well as cram in a little cardio yourself, have a go at some of the following ideas!

1. Make Household Chores Fun

Whilst it’s easy for the kids to dismiss chores as boring, why not try and turn them into a fun game to get them moving? Challenging them to see how many toys they can put away in a minute might be all it takes to get them running around the house!

2. Sneak in More Steps

This one is a super easy way to make sure you’re moving as much as possible. There’s lots of ways to sneak in some more steps, from parking the car a few roads away, taking the stairs instead of the lift and more.

3. Take a Daily Walk With Kids

Taking a walk everyday is a great way to get your little ones into an exercise routine, which can be both active and educational. See if you can get them naming what wildlife and flowers they can spot on their travels! It doesn’t have to be far, as there’s sure to be something interesting at every corner.

4. Music Motivation

If you’re looking for a way to get your little ones active and ready for school in record time, why not throw on an upbeat playlist that they love and see if they can get ready before the songs are over. Shameless dancing around the kitchen is optional.

5. Gardening with Kids

Prepping the garden for spring and summer is the perfect (yet deceiving) way to get your little ones eager to move. Get them weeding, plant potting and watering flowers to give them some TV free time.

6. Weekly Sports Night

This one is great for getting the family together and being active. Whether its football in the park, bike riding or going for a swim, there’s lots of options available to keep things interesting each week!

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!