Getting older kids out of the house isn’t always easy, so we’ve lined up our favourite UK destinations and attractions that we know your teens will love.
From thrilling rollercoasters to exciting forest adventures, there’s something for every kind of teenager to enjoy. And it’s not just the kids who get to have all the fun – many of these spots offer great entertainment for adults too!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making Of Harry Potter, London
They’ll even be able to see real props and set pieces that were used in the film, as well as learning about the visual effects used in some of the film franchise’s iconic scenes – perfect for inspiring future actors and filmmakers alike! Kids aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult, but if your children are aged 16 or over, they’re free to explore the studios with free rein.
Go Ape, Nationwide
With over 30 Go Ape locations worldwide, each location has a great range of activities for teens to get involved in! From forest segways, high-ropes, and ziplines, your teen can channel their inner ape in some of the UK’s most scenic forest backdrops, including Sherwood Forest and the Forest of Dean.
If you don’t fancy monkeying about with your tree-top explorer, then the Treetop Challenge course is great for anyone over the age of 10, so it’s the perfect challenge for brave teens!
Alton Towers, Staffordshire
If your kids are complete thrill seekers, then Alton Towers Theme Park offers an adrenaline-filled day out for older teens. With around 40 large rides, including Nemesis, The Wicker Man, and Thirteen, they’ll be entertained all day. If you don’t feel like being thrown upside down and side to side with them (we’ll never understand why!), then there’s a scenic walk around the park that takes you through the woodlands. You can explore with a nice cup of coffee, ice cream, or even a cone of chips!
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, North Wales
Take the thrills to the next level with a trip to the UK’s fastest zipline! Your teens can soar like an eagle across the Penrhyn Quarry, a former slate quarry located within a World Heritage site. There’s plenty of wild sheep and goats for them to wave at as they cut through the fresh Welsh air.
If you don’t fancy joining them as they reach over 100mph on the wire, then why not visit the Blondin restaurant, where you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat while looking out at the floor-to-ceiling views across the Quarry.
AquaVenture Cotswold Country Park & Beach, Cotswolds
For teens who love the water and are confident swimmers, the AquaVenture located at Cotswold Country Park is perfect for a sunny day out. They can summon their inner ninja as they bounce across the inflatable course, flying high off the giant airbag, diving off ‘the mammoth’ and sailing down the slides!
After the adventuring, why not grab some R&R on the South Lake Beach just behind the AquaVenture course with an Ice Cream from the Beach Hut?
Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
For history-loving teenagers, Bodmin Jail offers an exciting slice of dark history. If they’re brave enough, they could attend the popular ghost walk or simply wander through the erie halls of this 18th-century prison, leaving them with spooky stories they’ll never forget. A day out at Bodmin Jail is full of history and mystery!
Your teens can even step inside the original prison cells that once held real-life inmates, getting a gripping insight into the realities of life behind bars — they might just be on their best behaviour after this visit!
Canyoning with ACE Adventures, Moray Scotland
Not for the faint-hearted, canyoning in Moray, Scotland is great for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature. We recommend it for adventurous parents and kids over the age of 13.
Canyoning has become increasingly popular in recent years and is best enjoyed during the summer. In Moray, you’ll descend to the Findhorn River via natural water slides, dunks, small jumps, ducks, and a bit of tree caving before reaching the bottom. One of the highlights is a 45-foot spiral waterfall — an exciting challenge for teens and parents wanting to explore the Scottish Highlands from a new perspective.
Ninja Warrior, Nationwide
From Liverpool to Bristol, Ninja Warrior UK has venues scattered across the country, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one nearby. These action-packed adventure parks are perfect for energetic teens looking for a fun and challenging day out. They’ll love testing their agility and balance as they leap across inflatable obstacle courses.
There’s even a bar on site, where they can refuel with a tasty pizza and rehydrate with a bottle of pop!
Now that you’ve got plenty of ideas to keep your young adults entertained, pack the car and get going! For any motoring essentials, or for a quick car check up before you hit the road visit us online at Halfords.com or pop into your local store.