top 10 places to visit in uk for families

What to do: If steam engines are all the rage with your kids, this attraction will have them riveted. Why youve got to go: To conquer the immense chalk walls that have been Englands front porch for 2,000 years. For young thrills theres Englands longest zip line, the SkyWire, and lots of interactive gadgets at the Core Building. Discover London at your own pace with 60 days to access experiences including the Tower of London, Thames River Cruise, The View from the Shard, Westminster Abbey, and more. Theres plenty of spotting to be had in this historic Cornish port, from dolphins off Pendennis Point to boats of all shapes and sizes from the Star and Garter pub. But its certainly a good introduction to England. If your England itinerary allows, take a visit to the northern part of England to the Lake District. Heres our guide to a dozen places thatll keep the family genuinely happy, once and for all. The Sandy Duck is a boutique B&B with glorious views over Falmouth Bay. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Here are a few of our favourites, From luxury family hotels to bargain seaside spots, these are the top properties for those holidaying with children and the lowdown on what makes them special, Whether you want to take the family to play on a vintage Amstrad, meet Daddy Pig or drive a digger, weve got a great day out to suit you and your clan, whatever their age, Six Nations 2024 Italy v England Three Night Tour. The Rocket Tower is 42 metres high and youll speed to the top in a glass lift. Because of the coal mines of the Black Country, Birmingham became the epicenter of industry and metal crafts. Main photo: Puffins on Skomer Island, Wales (Alamy). Depending on how long ago you visited, both of those experiences have evolved in recent years, with a thrilling virtual train ride aboard the record-breaking Mallard and the dioramas of 10th-century York now viewed from moving carriages. The glass-domed "biomes"recreate major world climate systems in microcosm, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest (complete with treetop walkway winding through the canopy) to the olive trees, citrus groves and colorful flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. Once revered then reviled, the UK's coastal hubs are very much back in the ascendancy these days. If you click and buy a product, we may earn revenue. Its a wonderful option for experiencing the natural beauty of the country while visiting England with kids. Book this tour of the Lake District to fully experience the beauty of the area: The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour. More info: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/. Shelter Hall is a great food hall to enjoy a meal, with a diverse selection of cuisines that you can purchase through an app. This guide to visa requirements for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can help you plan what you need. There are shops around the town center, and you can tour Shakespeares actual house. Its surprisingly easy to get around England with kids. More info: http://www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/. Theres also Blackpool Sands and Slapton to build a sandcastle on, and Gara Rock cove for the best rockpooling, while the waterfront at nearby Kingsbridge provides a handy counterpoint to chichi Salcombe. WebFamily holidays Walk among dinosaurs on a fossil hunting tour or put nerves to the test at a thrilling theme park. But during the year, there are also one to two week-long breaks between school terms in April and December. Inspired to visit the UK but yet to book your trip? What to do: Kids are trivia sponges, and the facts and figures of this site will blow young minds. This is dreamland for kids who love big machines. It's barely an hour's train ride from the capital, but the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that's completely its own. You can sit on the quayside with a crabbing line, swish through marshland at the Welsh Wildlife Centre in search of water buffalo, or wriggle on a wetsuit and actively connect with the areas dramatic landscape from SUP and kayaking to white-water tubing and leaping-off-rocks coasteering, which was invented on this coast. No matter the age, it would be possible to spend a whole week dipping in and out of Brockdale, an Arts and Crafts villa with many strings to its bow, from indoor caving and kayaking to a Treetop Trek through the oak forest and, of course, boats for hire. I also suggest buying an England guidebook for your trip. Stay: South Sands has telescopes in its bedrooms to spy on the sea; Gara Rock has an outdoor pool, alfresco grill and cinema room; Soar Mill Cove is set amid rolling countryside in a National Trust-protected valley just outside Salcombe. If youre more into a low key excursion during your time in England with kids, and you happen to be a Ted Lasso fan, take a visit to Richmond. What to do: Stare astounded at the towering basalt columns that look like they might have been made by an ancient race of giants. Yes Just the simple business of getting about here is huge fun, with sea tractors taking passengers across to tidal Burgh Island and to the South Sands ferry, while hiring a boat for the day opens up the small sandy beaches on the eastern shore, such as Sunny Cove and Mill Bay (though central South Sands is a Blue Flag beach). This is different from other European countries that weve been driven through, such as Spain, Italy, or France. What to do: Little adventurers are encouraged to explore tunnels, mazes, a creepy mausoleum and hidden passages at a large garden where getting completely lost is all part of the fun. Its a city best explored by foot, from the medieval walls watch your step at times past York Minster to the medieval shopping street of The Shambles, famously the inspiration for Harry Potters Diagon Alley (if you get a chance, also wander down the indoor Victorian street recreated at the York Castle Museum). What to do: Theres never a dull moment for young animal lovers. Naturally, the seaside towns are terrific and then there are all those beaches. As youre planning your best England itinerary, be mindful of these school holidays so that you know what crowds to expect. The five floors below are a fabulous miscellany of optical illusions, light and magic and smoke and mirrors. Whether its for a short 10 day England itinerary, or a longer three month stay, England is well worth a visit. While Birmingham might not be an obvious choice to include in an itinerary for England (unless youre a fan of the show, Peaky Blinders), its definitely a city not to be missed. If you are on a limited 10 day England itinerary, plan to spend an afternoon at the Cotswolds. Kids old enough for Jurassic Park? And were not talking about London, with its studio tours, musicals, museums and Madame Tussauds. What to do: There are eight floors of free, hands-on galleries explaining how video games, television and movies work and inspiring you about their potential. What to do: A huge list of family-friendly activities is on offer, from rowing, sailing, swimming and canoeing on the water, to horse riding, climbing, abseiling and walking on the shore. More info: http://www.visitllandudno.org.uk/. Scenes like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The beautiful college buildings, archaic traditions and stunning architecture have changed little over the centuries, coexisting with a lively, modern, working city. Famous landmarks, such as the Tower of London, Globe Theatre, and Westminster Abbey, will have an admission fee. Northern Irelands Unesco-worthy coastline of curious columns is a grand place for a family break, with the County Antrim coast distilling everything that is great about the country. There are old-school fairground rides, playhouses and activity centres for the youngest family members. The UK is digitalizing its borders and will soon introduce a system requiring international visitors to seek pre-authorization before traveling. We normally like to do slow tourism, but from time to time, we do like to do shorter trips as well. But demand is such that the Lake District receives around 20 million visitors each year, so book ahead for popular places like Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere. Why youve got to go: To treat children to an old-fashioned s day at the seaside. Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. Why youve got to go: To broaden horizons about the possibilities of the moving image and the Internet. York seems like a microcosm of a certain type of Englishness, covered in crumbs from fruity scones at Bettys and smeared in chocolate from its long association with cocoa. Why youve got to go: To enlighten inquisitive young minds about the The 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route marries beaches and coves for kayaking with sea safaris for spotting seals, dolphins, and seabird colonies. Why youve got to go: The Beefeaters at the Tower can tell you more about the history of London and England than a weeks worth of school! For example, if youre trying to plan for a 10 day England itinerary, you can pick three spots to really deep dive into. And no trip to England with kids is complete without a visit to the Cotswolds. The Great Hall will be a kind of cave of treasures for them, packed to the steel rafters with golden age steam locomotives and a Shinkansen from Japan to hop aboard. More info: http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/. If youre not limited to a 10 day England itinerary, youll want to plan for at least a day doing one or two of these things. Why youve got to go: To be enchanted by a trove of items and places from the Harry Potter series. Enjoy some of the finest views of York from the old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. Why youve got to go: Six floors of puzzles, special effects, games and other interactive craziness at one of Britains oldest attractions. What to do: All children have a dinosaur phase, right? Why youve got to go: Theres a crazy miscellany of things to see, perfect for the shortest attention. Where to stay: Hotel Meudon is set in its own subtropical valley, with extensive Victorian gardens, paddleboarding and, for 2022, a converted horsebox for ice creams and snacks. Discover London at your own pace with 60 days to access Best for: crabbing and wild watersportsWith a castle right on the high street, Poppit Sands a five-minute drive away and the River Teifi flowing through, this western Welsh port town is perfectly adaptable for any type of holiday and age range. It's adesignated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and themost wonderful thing about it is that no matter where you go or how lost you get, you'll still end up in a spot with a charming village green, a pub with sloping floors and fine ales, and a view of the lush green hills. As for the beaches, the one at Holkham is epic: skipping down boardwalks through pine forest until you emerge on the dunes and that great expanse of golden sand. We feel like even a month and a half is not enough time to really experience this country. Why youve got to go: This was the northern boundary of the whole Roman Empire, a titanic wall between the civilised world and northern tribes. Do you need a visa to go to the United Kingdom? You can go behind the scenes for secrets about the special effects and animatronics, and browse a decades worth of costumes, sets and iconic props. Theres a barn for petting goats, rabbits, donkeys and miniature ponies, as well as a zoo with wilder animals like lions, Humboldt penguins and meerkats. Aboard HMS Alliance you can peep through the periscope of a real World War II submarine, while the Mary Rose is a real life shipwreck lifted from the depths of the Solent and displayed before your eyes. Other London, England itinerary options, Making memories with your England itinerary, The BEST places to visit in UK in summer - Pack and Paint. Its amazing to think what was achieved 5,000 years ago with just man and ox-power, ropes and stones. Go at your own pace and enjoy great savings compared to buying separate attraction tickets with Go City. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs is a carefully-maintained heir to that heritage. Want to explore other parts of Europe? And its all absolutely free to boot. Oh, and did we mention the most acclaimed ice cream parlour in the country? Grown-ups can marvel at the museums architecture, while brave kids can confront an animatronic T-Rex and feel what its like to be in an earthquake. To explore the Cotswolds, book one of these tours: Tour of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh. More info: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/. Our family absolutely fell in love with the country of England. Take a look at our favorite backpacks for travel with kids to bring along for your trip. Explore beyond the city, into Washington State and all the way to Canada with these top day trips from Seattle. But if you have 10 days in England, or fewer, then plan for at least two full days to visit London with kids. It has big skies and big beaches, the sands stretching out for miles, tufted by marram grass and pockmarked by hoofprints, with windmills to tilt at on the horizon. Ready for a change? Planning a trip to the UK? While it can be wild, there are plenty of villages (that leave no doubt as to their location with next-the-sea names) where you can be assured of a good lunch, a deli or two for provisions. Usually associated with a hit of 50s-era nostalgia all those coloured-sand souvenirs, dinosaurs at Blackgang Chine and jokes about the Cowes ferry this south-coast island was seemingly designed for holidays spent holding a crabbing line and being dragged around historic houses. Book this tour of London, which includes a visit to Kew Gardens: Amazing Kew Gardens & London Landmarks Tour. Perched on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this Welsh market town has traditionally been a stepping stone for energetic walks up Sugar Loaf and other peaks around the Black Mountains. Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 top London attractions and enjoy great savings with Go Citys Explorer Pass. Why youve got to go: Because youre never too young to learn about animal conservation and help injured seal pups. My dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place, Carroll wrote in Alices Adventures in Wonderland. Just south of London is the beach city of Brighton. Polish off the day with a pint in one of Cambridge's many rustic pubs. Destination expert James March reviewed and updated this text for accuracy and relevance. Why youve got to go: Its a UNESCO-listed natural phenomenon, an epic system of basalt columns that look like stepping stones for giants. After the outside and inside of the building starred in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has reached out to younger audiences. Nearby are craggy castle ruins at Cilgerran, abbey ruins (and cream teas) at St Dogmaels and small, gloriously unspoilt beaches further up the coast Mwnt is a local favourite. Youll meet, care for and get to know the pasts of the giant working horses, which are incredibly gentle despite their size. All the rides, play areas and shows have characters from the cartoon. With some of the most passionate crowds in the country, taking in a game at either Liverpool FC or Everton FC is a rite of passage here. With a story that stretches back more than 5000 years (and likely long before), the past is a constant presence in England. Many of the places are accessible by train, or you can book one of the tours highlighted below, which includes transport. For traditions sake, there are stately homes, narrowboat rides, and castles (Beeston is rather good), while this is also Lewis Carroll country, with his birthplace museum at Daresbury. Then head to the seaside resort towns of southwest England for a great outdoor adventure trowelling for old bones and fossils. Courageous kids can join the Knights Quest, dressing up in chivalric gear, visiting a medieval market and venturing into a dragons lair. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. Celtic myths and legends rear their head at both Carew and Pembroke castles and there are almost a thousand-strong holiday parks dotted along the coast. When driving around England, remember that drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road. Families who love fresh air love the Lake District. We enjoyed Bourton-on-the-Water, with its shop-lined river running through the village. Many museums are free, such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum. This wall was about defense and control, but this edge-of-empire barrier also symbolized the boundary of civilized order to the north lay the unruly land of the marauding Celts, while to the south was the Roman world of orderly tax-paying, underfloor heating and bathrooms. No. Heres all you need to know about King Charles IIIs big to-do on May 6, 2023. British roads and speed limit signs use miles, just like in the United States. But tales of witchery and ghostly legends have haunted Whitby ever since Anglo-Saxon St Hilda landed here to found a monastic community in 657 CE. Kids will be dazzled by the Crown Jewels, and gripped by the story of the Princes in the Tower, two young heirs to the throne who disappeared right here in the 15th century. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter with Luxury Round-Trip Transport from London. A contemporary take on the traditional country house, Another Place is the sister property We unfortunately did not have time in our own England itinerary to visit the Lake District. Why youve got to go: For King Arthur, who was born right here according to the famous legend. August is the summer vacation month for British school kids. Or ride Lego-themed rollercoasters like the Dragon, which swoops over the parks plastic block rooftops. Suggested number of days for your England itinerary: 1-2. For a great overview of Brighton, book this walking tour: I like to think of Salisbury as the gateway to Stonehenge. In the slanting sunlight, away from the crowds, it's an ethereal place. People have been coming to sail on the estuary here since the 19th century (try Salcombe Dinghy Sailing for lessons), a tradition reflected in regatta week every August and in the local Maritime Museum (smugglers ahoy), but you can also take to the water for canoeing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. This city is a must-visit for your England itinerary. Some content has been adapted from Lonely Planet's print edition. What to do: One of the best bits here is the Canopy Walkway, a raised platform high among the treetops in the rainforest biome. Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England's most iconic ancient site. More fool them. Book one of these Birmingham tours to really get a feel for this unique city: Discovering Birmingham Afternoon Walking Tour, From Canals and Victorians to Todays City: Birmingham Walking Tour, Suggested number of days for your England itinerary: 2-4. Why youve got to go: For safe and challenging fun in an extraordinary underground environment. What to do: A former slate quarry is now a fantasy-like subterranean space where bottomless sheer walls are fitted with zip lines, rope bridges, climbing grips and even a massive bouncy net. Whatever one seeks, one will find it in this country, whether it is vibrant cities filled with pubs and historic If youre planning a trip to England for your family, then youll definitely want to read up on our ideas for things to do in England with kids. Near Newcastleyou can visit Segedunum,the wall's last stronghold, for an insight into life during Roman times. To experience Stratford-Upon-Avon, book this tour: City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider's web of snickelways (narrow alleys), each one the focus of a ghost story or historical character. During our time in England with kids, we loved chatting with locals and hearing their accents! It's easy to leave the crowds behind and find your very own slice of medieval England here and some of the best boutique hotels in the country. The highlight for the sightseeing visitor is the Royal Pavilion, a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent, who kicked off Brightons love of the outlandish. Why youve got to go: This is where the last hand-to-hand battle on British soil was fought, in 1796, a turning point in Scottish history. What to do: Steam engines hold a real fascination for many kids, and this 10-mile heritage line is powered by the hulking locomotives built for the Great Western Railway. Get close to nature and camp in protected woodland or stay aboard a Cruise down the Thames, take a selfie with a Beefeater at the Tower of London, or visit The View from the Shard - the choice is yours. Where to stay Aysgarth Lodge is a bells-and-whistles holiday park, renowned for protecting local habitats and a great hideout for wildlife spotting. Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap where the secluded beach is a sun-trap popular with locals and walkers. Would you like to receive these? Where to stay Bluestone National Park Resort, a 500-acre swathe with lodges and cottages, bikes, buggies, and double yes a bouncy castle and indoor water park. Hikes through the grassy clifftop fields provide wide sea views, breathtaking in every sense. For family holidays, its large enough for several days exploring yet small enough that its never overwhelming. In terms of lodging, youll be able to find plenty of Airbnbs and vacation rentals throughout England. But if you have more days to spare on your England itinerary, then plan at least one full day. The moment you step into Hintze Hall and catch sight of the diplodocus youll know youre in a place that can bring them to life, at least in a childs imagination. This activity centre is fun, awe-inspiring and exhausting all at the same time and includes the first four-person zip line in Europe. When it comes togetting around, train and long-distance bus services connect most major destinations. Overlooking the English Channel on England's pebbly south coast, it's a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. The genteel Victorian suburb atop the West Cliff are a clue to Whitby's place as a traditional seaside resort complete with sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers. Best for: messing around on the waterOne of the UKs biggest staycation hits over the past two years, the Lake District is awash with the sort of outdoor hijinks that fills the pages of a certain childrens classic though Arthur Ransomes Walker crew sadly never got the chance to try their hand at treetop ziplines. Would you like to receive these? What to do: Investigate one of the few medieval British castles that has remained habitable to this day. And for the bravest souls theres the Dungeon Experience, in which you go back to the plague-ridden 1300s to meet characters such as the judge, torturer and a cook with questionable culinary standards. Then head to the seaside resort towns of southwest Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area's hot springs, Bath hit its stride in the 18th century when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city's reinvention as a model of Georgian architecture. National Trust Cottages has several characterful properties on the island. Branscombes beaches also come up trumps, as do the fossil forests and National Trust dinosaur footprints at Spyway in Dorset. Waist-deep in history, London's rich seams of eye-opening antiquity appear at every turn. Why youve got to go: For a marvellous natural wonder that your kids will remember their whole lives. This is when the weather is the warmest. More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hadrians-wall-and-housesteads-fort/. It's also atireless innovator of art and culture, a city of ideas and imagination. There are undoubtedly many places that we missed. And Ive also added a suggested number of days, to give you an idea of how long to stay. A popular beach holiday spot for Londoners, Brighton has the boardwalk atmosphere of Atlantic City, and the eccentricity of Venice Beach, with a touch of British charm thrown in the mix. Read our Privacy Policy. Doubtless your brood will be inspired to sketch the harbour and boats, then see how the finished work compares with the art on display at Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Leach Pottery (theres usually a family workshop or trail to get involved in). Why youve got to go: To journey into landscaped worlds within futuristic domes and get immersed in botany on the way. And Norfolk-based Ambers Belltent Camping recently opened a new pitch on a barley farm just inland from the coast. What to do: Theres a lot of interactivity at this multi-award-winning farm and zoo attraction. Next time, we want to plan for a longer England itinerary, to really get a feel for what England has to offer. And if you have a car, you can park in one of the public car parks located in the center of the city. What to do: Explore to your hearts content, at a place where real Dark Age history and folklore collide. Titanic Belfast. As we traveled throughout England with kids, I couldnt help but take note of our favorite parts of this country so that I could share it with you all. Precocious antiquarians can go on a history frenzy as three castles, Dover, Walmer and Deal, flank the cliffs. It's incredibly impressive as well as educational and inspiring.

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