A family day out is the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with each other and share unforgettable memories. And while the journey there can be an adventure in itself, you also need the perfect destination.
So, if you need inspiration for your next trip, check out our favourite family days out in the UK.
Experience the past – Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
OK, you can’t actually go back in time, although that would be a family day out your kids would never forget!
However, you can experience the past by visiting Warwick Castle. Dating back to the 12th Century, the castle is steeped in history, and it’s brought back to life through a range of family-friendly attractions, activities and events.
You can explore the walls, towers and ramparts, take on the Horrible Histories maze, and even stay overnight in the Knight’s Village!
Explore the mystical – Mother Shipton’s Cave, Yorkshire
Our next idea is another exploration of the past – only this time it’s a step into the mystical side.
The cave is the supposed birthplace of Mother Shipton, a prophetess from the 16th Century. Her prophecies made her famous and it’s believed even Henry 8th knew of her. While visiting, you can test Mother Shipton’s powers by dropping a coin into the Petrifying Well and making a wish.
Beyond the weird and mystical, the cave is located in the Royal Forest of Knaresborough and the walk to the cave is stunning. There’s also an adventure playground and pets are allowed, so this one is for the whole family!
On the hunt for Dracula and Robin Hood – Whitby, Yorkshire
Sticking in Yorkshire, why not visit the place where Dracula first stepped foot in England, Whitby? OK, Dracula is a fictional character, but your kids don’t have to know that!
Home to the James Cook Museum, an 11th-century monastery, a lighthouse, a beach and plenty of fish and chips shops, there’s more than enough to keep the whole family busy.
You could even make a weekend of it and visit Robin Hood’s Bay which is a few miles up the coast. A small port, it’s famous for its rock pools where you can search for creatures of the deep. Once you’re done, go on a fossil hunt amongst the rocks – the bay is a hot spot for fossil hunters and there’s even a fossil museum.
Have a cycling adventure – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
For a day full of fun, a long bike ride is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. There are lots of family-friendly, off-road cycling routes and centres around the UK, and the Forest of Dean is one of our favourites. Its family cycle trail is 9 miles long and specially created for all ages.
Or, if you’re further afield, you can check out our picks for the best family bike rides. Just make sure you’re prepared with the right clothing and accessories!
Search for Nessie – Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
Tales of a 3-humped monster in Loch Ness have circulated for centuries. While there’s no definitive evidence, we think the only way to decide whether the monster is real is by visiting yourself.
We can’t promise you’ll encounter any sea creatures on your adventure, but we guarantee you’ll have lots of fun visiting. Beyond exploring the shores of the lake, there’s also the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness 360 Trail, and much more.
Learn about the deep – Anglesey Sea Zoo, Wales
The Anglesey Sea Zoo is only home to creatures found in UK waters – and you’ll be surprised at the amazing wildlife that lives beneath our waves!
From the No Bone Zone (home to everything from Jellyfish to Octopuses) to the shark pool, there are over 40 tanks to explore. When you’re finished exploring the tanks, check out the adventure playground and Captain Jack’s Crazy Golf.
Discover the natural world – Eden Project, Cornwall
From rainforests to the Mediterranean, the Eden Project will take you and your family across the globe – all without leaving the UK.
A charity aimed at reconnecting humans with the natural world, the project allows you to explore nature through lots of different exhibitions. There’s even an adventure section for those daredevils out there.
It’s also child-friendly and helps teach kids the value of the natural world.
Get prepared with the Halfords Motoring Club
Before heading off on epic family days out, make sure your vehicle is ready for the drive. The Halfords Motoring Club gives you access to a range of amazing benefits to keep you moving, keep you safe and keep you saving, so this is the perfect time to use some of your perks!
A 10-Point Car Check will make sure that the vital components of your vehicle are all working soundly, so make the most of your Premium membership and use one of your two free checks for the peace of mind that your car is in top condition for your day out. Then you’ll still have another one to use as and when your car needs some TLC!
If you’re a Free member you’ll have one free check per year, so you can still make sure that your car’s ready to go, but there are plenty of other perks exclusive to our Premium members. To upgrade your membership, just visit your Motoring Club account over on Halfords.com.
Still not signed up? Don’t miss out! You can join for free to join to get money off your MOT, a free car health check and a welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service.
Or even better, choose our Premium membership for a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment) to unlock exclusive member pricing on all motoring products and services online and across our stores, garages and Halfords Mobile Experts, as well as a variety of other benefits that will help you to keep moving for less.
Join the Halfords Motoring Club today at www.halfords.com/motoring-club.
We hope you have a great day out! Don’t forget to stock up on cycling clothing and accessories before you leave too so that you’re ready for any two-wheeled adventures.
You want unforgettable family days out, you want Halfords.
