Another half term break is nearly upon us again and this means that parents up and down the country are going to be spending the next fortnight coming up with ways to banish the boredom and entertain the children.
The UK is bursting with interesting, educational and quirky family days out, many of which are easy on your wallet too. Here are some of the best family days out in the UK, come rain or shine.
Africa Alive, Suffolk
You can discover the sights and sounds of Africa right here in the UK at Africa Alive. The centrepiece of the park is the ‘Plains of Africa’ is the perfect place to spot lions, giraffes, meerkats and rhinos. You have the option to go on safari with a senior animal keeper for a personal guided tour around the plains. You and the children can get up close to the magnificent creatures.
It’s an unforgettable experience for you and the children and very education, teaching culture and wildlife. There is also an outdoors play area for your little ones to let off some steam, as well as restaurants to re-charge the batteries. Look, learn and play with your children here and for a great family day out.
Museum of London, London
For the perfect educational and fun day out, step inside The Museum of London. It is filled with historic objects which tell the story of the capital’s turbulent past. The museum overlooks the remains of the city wall, which dates to the time of the Roman Empire.
You can learn about prehistoric London with your children and see how the city changed under Roman rule, wonder at the grandeur of medieval London and explore the effects of civil war, plague and fire on the capital.
Dinosaur Adventure, Norwich
Dinosaur adventure is great fun for both you and your children. The park is a huge 85 acres and offers a host of fascinating attractions. You can trek through the woods along the Dinosaur Trail and spot animatronic dinosaurs in natural surroundings. Take your children over to the Secret Animal Garden to meet some lovable pigs, wallabies and tortoises and other creatures.
Let your little onestackle the huge adventureplayground and ‘Dippy’s Splash Zone’, the newest addition to the park is 755 square metre water play park. Dinomite café and Dippy’s café offer a bite to eat so you can spend the whole day at the park. You’re guaranteed to have just as much fun as the children.
City of Caves, Nottingham
Show your children a hidden world beneath their feet underneath the streets of Nottingham at the City of Caves. Actor-lead tours will keep your children entertained with friendly characters Archie and Annie the Archaeologists.
The tour takes you on a journey through the Nottingham ages to see how dwellers once lived. The caves are stripped back to their historic element and the tours teach the logic that went into building, shaping and maintaining these fascinating caves.
Why not stay overnight in the family friendly Best Western Nottingham Derby hotel and explore some of the other attractions Nottingham has to offer like the Galleries of Justice, Nottingham Castle or Greens Windmill and Science Centre. With Heritage sites, shopping and great dining, there’s enough to keep you all entertained in Nottingham.
UK travel tips
If you are going anywhere by car, you need to plan motorway pit stops, places to stretch your legs along the way and also some back routes to distract children with the scenery. Always have weather proof backup plans made if the weather decides upon a sudden downpour to avoid being stuck in at home.
Finally, pack up bags of things for your children to do in the car like drawing, colouring, games and snacks. A great idea for older children is to give them a journal so they can write down all of their experiences.
XOXO
Debbie
