The UK is packed with great places to visit for really special family days out. Whether you fancy visiting a museum, a theme park or something a little different, there is sure to be something that you fancy.
Alton Towers, Staffordshire
If you love white knuckle rides then Alton Towers is the place for you! There are plenty of rides for thrill seekers here including Air, which simulates flying and Oblivion which includes a vertical drop into the ground. It’s not just the high adrenaline rides though – there are lots of family friendly options too like the log flume and river rapids which are sure to get you soaked through! Young children will love the children’s ‘driving school’ and sweet rides especially for them like the squirrel nutty ride. If rides aren’t your thing then Alton Towers still makes a great family day out with stunning gardens to enjoy too.
Alton Towers is conveniently situated in Staffordshire, right in the heart of England, making it relatively easy to get to from all over the country. There is so much to do that you may want to stay locally and go back the next day! Sykes Cottages have holiday cottages near to Alton Towers that provide a welcome bit of sanctuary after a busy day at the theme park!
Legoland Windsor
Almost everyone has enjoyed playing with Lego at some stage of their life so a trip to Legoland, whatever your age, is a bit of kiddie fun! Apparently over 40 million Lego bricks have gone into creating Legoland in Windsor. Opened in 1996, the attraction has Lego themed rides and models as well as Lego building workshops to brush up on your Lego making skills. One of the best parts of Legoland is the Miniland, a miniature world that is home to lifelike models of key landmarks in the UK and Europe including the London Eye!
Beamish, Durham
Beamish is a massive outdoor museum in the north east of England. The museum depicts life in the north of England in through Victorian and Edwardian times and through to the present day. The best thing about Beamish is that it is so hands on. Not only can you walk down the Victorian high street, but if you dare you can visit the Victorian dentist and afterwards buy goodies in the sweet shop. From the high street you can take the tram to the pit village and go inside the tiny terraced cottages that the pit workers and their families lived in. Go for a lesson in the local school but make sure you behave or the headmistress will tell you off! There is a real life pit that you can go down to see the harsh conditions that miners worked in too.
Beamish is a really fantastic day out and a great way for children to learn about our social history. It is easily accessible from many parts of the north of England including Northumberland and Yorkshire. Why not take a holiday to County Durham and visit the scenic city of Durham and the cosmopolitan city of Newcastle at the same time?
