The summer holidays are fast approaching, and as parents, it is a good idea to think about the extended time your children will be at home. It might be that parents have to continue to work, so you may be juggling annual leave and childcare. However, during the time you get to spend with your children, be that the whole six weeks or just a short time of it, you might want to ensure you make the most of your time.
So how can you do that? Planning is important and considering where you might want to go. With that in mind, here are some of the best places in the UK to take your kids in the summer holidays.
Museums
One of the first options to consider would be to think about taking your children to a museum. We are really fortunate in this country that any town or city local to you is bound to have a museum that will be of interest. However, there are a few museums worth mentioning that could be even worth a trip.
Museum of Science and Industry – Manchester
This is a great museum that is packed with information regarding past industries such as textiles and machinery. They also look at other aspects of machines and movement, and there are many interactive exhibits along with specialist ones that are happening.
Check out the website for more information and events.
Natural History Museum – London
Another great museum focusing on history. From dinosaurs to Romans 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.
Check out the website for more information and events.
National Trust Properties
Many of us will be familiar with the National Trust, and some of you may even be members, making them a popular location for family days out. In the summer holidays, it is the perfect time to explore some of these locations. They often have events for children. Here are a few of the best to consider.
Cragside – Northumberland
This property was the pinnacle of modern living in the Victorian age, as it is was one of the first properties to be lit by hydroelectricity. It has a lot of places to explore and there is also a lot to learn.
Check out the website for more information and events
Hill Top – Cumbria
Any Beatrix Potter fans might appreciate heading here. This is the home of Beatrix Potter, a hilltop 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.
Check out the website for more information and events.
Football stadium tours
Mancy children love sport, and one of the sports a lot are interested in is football. 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 get to see the football pitch, the player dressing rooms and also a little history. There are a number of different stadiums you can visit but here are some of the best in the Uk:
- Wembley Stadium – London
- Manchester United Football Club – Old Trafford
- Manchester City Football Club – The Etihad
- Tottenham Hotspurs – The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Arsenal Football Club – The Emirates
Visit the beach
The beach is always going to be a great place to go when it comes to the summer holidays. 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. You can take a picnic, buckets and spades, and even seats. 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 are a pick of the best.
Sennen Cove – Cornwall
This has been voted one of the cleanest beaches in Europe and is a perfect location for families to attend the beach. 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. Some may even want to learn to windsurf here.
Check out the website for more information.
Ainsdale Beach – Merseyside
The only beach in the North West to be awarded a blue flag accreditation which means it is perfect for families to enjoy. A lovely beach with a discovery centre close by filled with a collection of seashells and lots of information about local wildlife.
Check out the website for more information.
Visit a theme park
Another great way to spend a day with children is to visit a theme park. 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 you. Whether it is a rollercoaster or a more timid ride you are after, here are some of the most popular theme parks in the UK.
Alton Towers – Staffordshire
Alton Towers is one of the most popular ones in the UK and is a great theme park in the North of England. You will also find that there is Cbeebies Land there making it a great place to go if you have older and younger children. You can also stay there, which is a huge bonus.
Check out the website for more information.
Thorpe Park – Surrey
Another popular theme park in the south of England 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.
Check out the website for more information.
Don’t forget
There are also some other incredible attractions and places to visit worth mentioning. Here are some of the others you might want to consider:
- Peppa Pig World – New Forrest
- Cadbury World – Birmingham
- Sandcastle Water Park – Blackpool
Let’s hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for places to take your kids in the summer holidays.
