Trying to find a day out that makes everyone happy? It’s a familiar challenge. You’re hunting for something that will capture the imagination of children of different ages, and frankly, something you’ll enjoy too. The UK is packed with brilliant places to go, but sometimes the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. So, if you’re stuck for an idea for the weekend or a half-term treat, here are a few thoughts to get you started.
History That Comes Alive
Don’t let the word ‘history’ fool you into thinking it’ll be dull. Many of the UK’s historical sites are less like stuffy museums and more like giant adventure playgrounds. We’re talking about proper castles with winding staircases, dungeons to peer into, and huge grounds perfect for a good runaround. Warwick Castle is a classic for a reason – the sheer scale of it is something else, and the live shows with knights and birds of prey are genuinely impressive. It’s an experience that feels a world away from a textbook, and you’ll all come away having learned something without even trying.
Get Out into the Wild
Sometimes you just need to get outside and burn off some energy. A simple trip to the coast or a forest can be a massive hit. Let them get muddy. Let them climb on fallen logs. The National Trust is fantastic for this, looking after huge stretches of coastline and woodland that are ripe for exploring. They often have trails designed for families, and their natural play areas are brilliant. It’s a simple, powerful way to connect, and that shared experience of building a den or finding a weird-looking bug is just as important for foster carers building a bond with a child as it is for any family. And if you are a foster carer with fosterplus.co.uk, you can put some of your fostering allowance towards a family membership for the National Trust so you can keep going back again and again.
Rollercoasters and Big Thrills
Okay, sometimes only a theme park will do. The promise of candyfloss and thrilling rides is a powerful one. The key is picking the right park for your crew. You might have little ones who are all about Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, which is a guaranteed win and a surprisingly pleasant day out for adults too. Or maybe you’ve got teenagers who are only interested in the biggest, fastest rides they can find. In that case, you’re probably looking at places like Thorpe Park or Alton Towers. For a good all-rounder, Chessington World of Adventures mixes its rides with a zoo and sea life centre, which helps break up the day.
Great Fun That Costs Very Little
Let’s face it, keeping the family entertained can get expensive, especially during the long school holidays. But it really doesn’t have to be. It’s easy to forget that some of the country’s absolute best museums are completely free to enter. You can stand next to huge locomotives at the National Railway Museum in York or get hands-on with the countless interactive displays at London’s Science Museum without spending a penny on admission. A packed lunch, a flask of tea, and a free museum can be one of the best and most memorable days you’ll have.
What makes a day out truly great isn’t the price tag or how far you travel. It’s the shared moments. The silly photos, the inside jokes, and the “did you see that?” conversations on the way home. The UK is full of these opportunities. You just have to go and find yours.
