Wondering where to take your kids during the school holidays?
Check out this list of the best places to go in the UK that kids - and grown ups - will love.
Before we know it, the next round of school holidays will be here and as parents, the earlier you think about it and plan, the better things will be.
After all, even the shortest holiday is a long time for your children to be off school with nothing to do, let alone the long weeks of summer!
For parents, it might mean juggling work and childcare which can often cause complications as we all know!
But there is plenty of opportunity for fun family days out and other summer activities too.
Aside from the usual park trips, local activities, and free events you may find, take some time for a short break as a family or day trips too.
Here are some of the best places to go to in the UK during the school holidays:
Visiting the National Trust
Who doesn’t love a National Trust property or garden and for families, it is often one of the 'go to' options to consider.
By taking out a family membership you will have a year's worth of free days out for just a few pence a day.
These places are ideal to explore and in the school holidays they often have extra events on for children and families.
Here are some of the best ones to consider:
Cragside was the pinnacle of modern living in the Victorian age, and was one of the first properties to be lit by hydroelectricity.
It has a lot to discover in the gardens and woodland, and there is also a lot to learn with some fascinating gadgets and gizmos.
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Any Beatrix Potter fans will appreciate heading here.
Hill Top was the home of Beatrix Potter, a beautiful farmhouse where many of the much-loved stories were imagined.
From the Tales of Peter Rabbit to Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle there will be a lot to explore and find out here.
Some of the other National Trust locations to consider:
If you want to head to a museum
Another great option to consider would be to look at heading to a museum.
Children love learning about new things and often being able to see artefacts, interactive exhibits, and get involved makes the day all the more exciting.
We are lucky that in most towns and cities, there is likely to be a museum worth visiting.
However, here are a few of the best ones around the UK that you may want to make a special trip to visit:
This is a great museum that is packed with information regarding past industries such as textiles and includes lots of machinery.
They also look at other aspects of machines and movement, and there are many interactive exhibits along with specialist ones that take place throughout the year.
Another great museum focusing on the history of our planet and all its flora and fauna.
From dinosaurs and earthquakes to outer space, you will find something of interest here.
This is a great option to consider for children in primary school, as a lot of what you can see will be covered in class.
Some other museums to consider are:
Football stadium tours
Many children love football and would jump at the chance to visit their team's home stadium.
It doesn’t matter where you live, there is likely to be a football team where you can enjoy a stadium tour.
During these tours you will get to see the football pitch, the player dressing rooms, and also learn a little of their history.
There are a number of different stadiums you can visit but here are some of the best in the UK:
Visit the beach
The beach is always going to be a great place to go when it comes to the summer holidays, and all year round.
But especially if the weather is good.
It gives you the open spaces, the chance to play in the sea or in the sand, and gives parents a chance to relax and enjoy the good weather too.
You can take a picnic, buckets and spades, and even chairs to make you more comfrotable.
Also, make sure you pack plenty of water and sun cream to keep everyone protected.
There are some incredible beaches in the UK, but here is our pick of the best:
This has been voted one of the cleanest beaches in Europe and is the perfect location for a family day out.
There are lifeguards on guard during the months of May through to September, so it is the perfect place to enjoy the sea and feel protected.
You can also learn to windsurf and surf here with various surf schools, or just sit back and watch the experts.
More beautiful spots in Cornwall: Best Things to Do with Kids on the Roseland Peninsula
The only beach in the North West to be awarded a blue flag accreditation which means it is perfect for families to enjoy.
Ainsdale is part of the long stretch of sand between Southport and Formby.
Head south to Crosby for Anthony Gormley's Another Place scuplptures.
It's a lovely beach with a discovery centre close by filled with a collection of seashells and lots of information about local wildlife.
Other amazing beaches to consider include:
- Formby beach, Merseyside
- Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
- Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
- The Jurassic Coast
Visit a theme park
Another great way to spend a day with children is to visit a theme park.
You can guaranteee they will love it, and so will you!
Just make sure you book ahead to save money.
There are so many fantastic ones in the UK, and many are specific to younger or older children so you are bound to find something that suits your family.
Whether it is a rollercoaster or a more timid ride you are after, here are some of the best theme parks in the UK:
Alton Towers is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK and is in the Midlands, so accessible for most of us.
Younger children will LOVE CbeebiesLand while there are plenty of hair raising rides for older kids in the rest of the park.
It's a great place to go whether you have older and younger children and you can also stay overnight at the hotel there, which is a huge bonus.
You may also like: Thomas Land at Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Another popular theme park just south of London is Thorpe Park which is full of incredible rides and things to do.
Much like Alton Towers, you will find things for younger and older children as well as places to stay nearby, making it a great day out for the whole family.
Other theme parks worth mentioning include:
I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for places to take your kids in the school holidays!
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