Great ideas for Summer Holiday fun

Things to do in the Summer Holiday

The long school Summer Holiday is a great time for the family to get out and about. Whether walking in the park or visiting a museum or zoo, it's sure to create some lasting family memories. If you're struggling for somewhere new to go, or to think of something to entertain the kids and get them outdoors, we've got a few suggestions. Here are a dozen places that are ideal for a family day out.

Chatsworth, Derbyshire

Chatsworth is always worth a visit, whatever the time of year. A Grade I listed house and stables with 105 acres of garden, a farmyard and adventure playground, set in more than 1800 acres of parkland and historic woodland that is free to access and enjoy all year round. 

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Hampton Court Palace is best known for its most famous residents – Henry VIII, his wives and children – and the decorative Baroque Palace of William III and Mary II that provides a glimpse of Stuart and Georgian privilege. The gardens are amazing, with acres of smartly-kept formal gardens and plenty of parkland to explore. There's a Magic Garden for the young ones, and the world-famous hedge maze to challenge anyone who enters.

Cadbury World, West Midlands

Located in Bournville, Cadbury World is one of the UK's major chocolate-related attractions. The village of Bournville is a 19th-century model village that was founded by the Quaker Cadbury family for employees at its nearby factory. In Cadbury World you'll find all kinds of things to do, all based around the production, history, manufacturing and the marketing of chocolate. Although visitors can learn a lot, they are also sure to have plenty of fun, with play areas, hands-on displays, rides and the chance to have a go at decorating with chocolate.

Dartmoor Zoological Park, Devon

This is the zoo that inspired the 2012 movie, We Bought a Zoo, and hopefully, it will be an inspiration to your family too. As well as being a wonderful day out, with lions, amphibians, birds, tigers, bears, meerkats, wallabies and much more, it is also home to the Dartmoor Institute of Animal Science, which does essential conservation work. 

Chester Zoo, Cheshire

Opened in 1931, Chester Zoo is the UK's number one charity zoo, with over 7,000 animals and 400 different species, some of them amongst the most endangered species on the planet. Among the multitude of animals who live here you'll find orang-utans, elephants, hornbills, tree shrews, cheetahs, birds, bats and crocodiles. 

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is a stunningly beautiful garden of trees, which is both a popular visitor attraction and an internationally important tree collection, boasting over 15,000 trees and 2,500 different species from all over the world. This season, there's a new family trail that takes visitors on a journey to discover Westonbirt's best kept secrets. There are many activities and learning opportunities on the trail, as well as rubbing plaques where you can collect hidden images for your leaflet. Be sure to collect one from the Welcome Building, before you head onto the trail.

Audley End Miniature Railway Ltd, Essex

With a 1.5 mile track that weaves through Capability Brown gardens, Audley End Miniature Railway is a fine family day out. As well as a trip on the train, there's plenty for young children including Little Acorn Village, a Fairy and Elf Walk, and an adventure playground with a bridge and a train. There are also regular events and special shows, as well as a gift shop with lots of toys and the Woodland Cafe with plenty to choose from. 

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Kent

This picturesque line is one of Kent’s top tourist attractions, stretching just over 10 miles between Bodiam and Tenterden. Take a nostalgic trip behind a full-size steam engine on Britain's first light railway. There's a museum where you can find out about the history of the line, as well as Colonel Holman F Stephens (1868-1931), who was a great supporter of light railways, and built the K&ESR. There are Refreshment Rooms for your lunch, or you can make it really special and enjoy Pullman Dining on the train.

London Transport Museum, London

This fascinating museum about the history of transport in London is in the heart of Covent Garden. It's full of stimulating exhibits and lots of colourful fun things to do. Younger visitors will love the All Aboard family play zone and Elizabeth Line train-driving simulator, while design fans can learn about London Underground’s design heritage. Family-friendly fun all day: drop-in activities suitable for children of all ages, with plenty of space for creativity and imagination.

Eureka! Science + Discovery, Merseyside

Designed for children and young people up to 14 years, Eureka! helps them discover how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics influence and shape their lives. The kids will love the Bodies exhibition which will teach them all about the human body through a wealth of hands-on, interactive displays and games. They can also learn about the home, nature and the environment, and do some artistic learning in the Make Create section.

Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire

Bletchley Park is the home of the WW2 British codebreaking operation, and a birthplace of modern information technology. In the 1940s it decoded secret enemy intelligence which had a direct and profound influence on the outcome of the conflict. Now an internationally renowned site and accredited museum with immersive exhibitions, activities and events, it is a tribute to those who worked here and kept their secrets for decades. Plenty for both adults and children to explore and puzzle over.