7 Family Day Out Ideas in the UK
Finding a day out that pleases every member of your family can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are lots of incredible days out suitable for a family across the UK.
From ancient woodlands, to hidden gardens and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we’ve listed our favourites for this coming season to help you (and your family) Get Equipped for Life.
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Cornwall lures beachgoers to its shores every summer, but this county is a fantastic place to visit any season thanks to its year-round attractions, one of which is the superb Lost Gardens of Heligan. Buried for years under debris and overgrown plants, the gardens were restored in the 1990s, and offer up a real outdoor adventure for kids and grown-ups alike.
Discover Cornwall’s very own jungle, which features a boardwalk and Burmese rope bridges, then explore Heligan’s emerald forests and bluebell grounds. Just keep your eyes peeled for real-life giants.
Dover, Kent
See the iconic white cliffs which have long been the first glimpse of the coast travellers saw when sailing to the British Isles. If you’ve never been to Dover, then you’ll be suitably impressed with this Kentish seaside town.
Dover has the advantage of not only boasting a beautiful coastline, but lots of heritage attractions. Spend the afternoon at Dover Castle, where you can explore the magnificent Keep, the Tower, and the WWII Tunnels that run beneath the castle and into the cliffs.
Kew Gardens, London
If you’re in and around London, you don’t have to drive to Northumberland to connect to nature. London is renowned for its parks and gardens, with Kew Gardens being the veritable jewel in the capital’s crown.
These are the Royal Botanic Gardens, and they are absolutely enormous. You’ll discover that there is more than enough to keep you here for the day, as the grounds offer different enclaves that your kids will love, such as the treetop walkways, the children’s garden, and the log trail.
Windemere, Cumbria
If you’re close to the Lake District, Windermere is the place to go for a family day out. On sunny days you can take advantage of the water sports, but during the chillier months, there are still a ton of adventure sports available, such as hiking, biking, horse riding or abseiling.
For families that love to stay active this place is a great option: Get Equipped for Life! you can spend the day hiking around the hillsides with just a backpack and some tasty snacks. As an added bonus, nearby you’ll find Beatrix Potter’s charming Hill Top, the home which inspired so many of her stories.
Stonehenge, Salisbury
Getting out and about sometimes means exploring a national park or going sightseeing, but why not combine the two? See Stonehenge, the ancient, mysterious standing stones that have been baffling scientists and historians for hundreds of years.
This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated right near Salisbury and makes for a rewarding family day out. There is a museum that has all the facts and figures about this incredible monument (or at least what little we know), and Salisbury is only 20 minutes away for shops, restaurants and more attractions.
New Forest, Hampshire
Wildlife lovers and families should make time for the New Forest. This ancient woodland, once the hunting ground for kings, is today home to New Forest ponies, a wide variety of birdlife, and five different types of deer.
However, the park is very human friendly too! There are over 40 excellent walking routes, plenty of cycling paths, museums, wildlife sanctuaries, theme parks and age-old archaeological sites. The New Forest is one of the 15 designated national parks in the UK and is a perfect destination for the whole family.
Tintagel, Cornwall
Another Cornish site, but this one is for families that fancy stepping into a legend. Tintagel Castle is set on the west country’s rugged coast and is rumoured to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Discover the remains of this incredible castle, which is divided into two parts and linked via a bridge. Kids will love ducking into Merlin’s Cave, embarking on the island walk, and exploring the beaches below.
Days out are fuelled by great food, so make sure you have the right snacks to enjoy throughout the day. From sweet treats to protein packed bars, we’ve got your back no matter where you choose to go for the day.