Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
The traditional activity of catching the miniature train (or walking) to the end of one of England’s most famous piers remains one of the most satisfying days out in South West England. Once a great Victorian, now a fantastic 21st century theme park, the Grand Pier’s sits on Weston-super-Mare’s broad and sandy pleasure beach. Traditional seaside fun in summer and a spectacular indoor funfair all-year-round. A bit of a legend for immense firework displays over the sea too.
Where: Weston-super-Mare
When: opening times vary
Price: from £1
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X-treme Caving, Cheddar Gorge
One of the few ways kids can experience the underground thrill of caving without any of the high risks. Trained by expert instructors before they begin, young explorers get to crawl, climb, slither and slide like pros through mighty Gough Cave. They’re the proud owners of certification at the end of the day and non-cavers can enjoy the less strenuous side of Cheddar Gorge’s caverns, some of England’s greatest natural wonders.
Where: 30 minutes’ drive from Bristol of A38
When: Caves open all year round 10.30am – 5pm (book x-treme caving in advance)
Price: from £13.95
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Jurassic Coast Walk, Dorset
Dorset’s ancient Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage site and covered in exciting day-out possibilities. The coastal walk is perfectly doable with kids and there are dozens of different well-marked trails to follow. Beautiful beaches, pretty towns, stunning cliffs, sea stacks and incredible views are just a few of the rewards along the way. Dogs on leads are welcome to come along too.
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Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire
Safari around hundreds of free-roaming wild animals, explore magnificent Longleat House, see dozens of daily shows or visit for special events and festivals all-year-round. Longleat Safari Park is over 50 years and still one of the most exciting in the UK. Don’t miss the Bat Cave, hand-feeding charming Lorikeet, the puzzling Hedge Maze and enchanting Monkey Temple.
Where: Warminster, off A36 between Bath and Salisbury
When: 7 days, 10am to 5pm
Price: from £28.85
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National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The UK’s largest aquarium takes kids on a fascinating journey around the world’s oceans and marine life. Cute tropical fish are mesmerising and over 70 sharks from 10 different species just as chilling and fascinating as you’d expect. Visit for feeding experiences, conservation talks and special events during school holidays and weekends.
Where: Rope Walk, 15 minutes walk from Plymouth centre
When: 7 days, 10am to 5pm
Price: from £13.45
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Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark, Paignton
Sitting on the pretty and popular English Riviera, Splashdown is the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark and packed with flumes, chutes, slides and aquatic rides. Lagoons and huge pools are perfect for calming kids down, toddlers have their own gentle splash-about zones and, if you’re visiting with under 5s only, session tickets are half-price.
Where: Goodrington Sands, Paignton
When: April to September, from 9.45am (closing times vary)
Price: from £11.50
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Eden Project, St. Austell
The largest rainforest (outside the real rainforest) captured in a series of vast biomes nestled in the lush, green Cornwall countryside. Part conservation project and all amazing experience for kids, this award winning attraction also includes England’s longest zip-wire and an all-ages adventure playground.
Where: 3 miles from St. Austell station
When: 7 days, 9.30am to 6pm (times can vary)
Price: from £12.60 (reduced ticket prices for public transport users)
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Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
Kids can learn everything from archery to swordsmanship, discover the links between magnificent Tintagel and the legends of King Arthur, walk the immense cliff staircase and ramble for hours round Cornwall’s most iconic ruins. Don’t miss an exploration deep into the heart of Merlin’s Cave at low tide.
Where: 40 minutes drive from Padstow on west Cornwall coast
When: 7 days, 10am to 5pm
Price: from £4.70
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