We’ve found you the best early spring days out with kids all over the UK. They’re packed with activities and every one is stunning. So now spring is almost here for real, let the fun begin.
The village of Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales
Portmeirion in Wales is made for spring days out
The village of Portmeirion sits on its own private peninsula on the coast of Snowdonia in Wales. It was designed in 1925, looks southern European and comes to life in spring and summer. Visit soon and you’ll find flowers starting to bloom, adding an extra splash of colour to the already vibrant setting.
You’ll feel transported to Greece or Italy as soon as you arrive, and that feeling only intensifies on the free guided tour of the village. A woodland walk or a stroll along the coastal path is another nice follow up in spring.
Although you might be a bit early for summer’s forest train ride, make time to browse shops and cafes, and don’t miss the local ice cream. We can promise Portmeirion’s atmosphere, history and quaintness will be enough to captivate kids for a day, or more.
See recommended family hotels near Portmeirion in Wales
Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway amazes on spring days out
Famous for polygonal columns of layered basalt, which resulted from a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago, the sheer scale of the Giant’s Causeway will take your breath away. Also, in early spring, the North Atlantic is unlikely to be calm as a millpond, so you can look forward to some extra drama on that score too.
The best place to start is at the Visitor Centre where you can pick up the backstory and find out the easiest way to explore Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage site. However, we have one piece of advice before you go: see the Causeway at low tide, which means visiting in the morning or late afternoon, and don’t miss a walk along the dramatic Antrim Coastal Path while you’re here.
See recommended family hotels near the Giant’s Causeway
The Eden Project, Cornwall
Try spring days out indoors at the Eden Project
The Eden Project is the world’s largest simulated rainforest. It comes complete with steamy jungles and waterfalls and takes you everywhere from South Africa and Costa Rica across three incredible eco-domes.
Spring days out here let your kids explore their relationship with nature and get inspired by the world around them. They can discover where tea, rubber and sugar come from, and experiencing different tropical environments is a huge adventure.
Look out for indoor and outdoor family activities this spring at the Eden Project. And as you’re in Cornwall anyway, you may want to hang on for more than a day.
See recommended family hotels near the Eden Project
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Take kids on quest to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion is an extraordinary palace in the centre of Brighton and one of the many places in the UK guaranteed to surprise kids.
Although it was built in 1823 by King George IV, it still has the ability to impress with its mix of influences and undeniable grandeur.
The Pavilion also has a good shop stocked with unusual pocket-money toys, and there are baby-changing facilities as well as storage for buggies and prams.
See recommended family hotels in Brighton
The Needles, Isle of Wight
Why the Needles on Isle of Wight are a must-see
The impressive Needles wouldn’t look out of place in Antarctica. Fortunately for spring days out, they’re only a short ferry crossing away on Isle of Wight.
The three dramatic chalk stacks rise out of the sea on the island’s west coast. Bold kids will like the world-famous Needles chairlift which rides up the cliffs above the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay.
While you’re here you might want to explore a bit more. Isle of Wight is one of the safest places to cycle in the UK and you’ll find family attractions all over the island like Osborne House, Blackgang Chine Amusement Park, Dinosaur Isle, Robin Hill Country Park and our favourite, Godshill Model Village.
See recommended family hotels in Isle of Wight
Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tenby is pretty adorable for spring days out
Colourful Tenby in South Wales has to be one of the UK’s most photographed harbour towns. It’s also a lovely, traditional seaside resort with a rich history, pretty painted buildings and remarkable medieval town walls.
Beautiful beaches stretch north, west and south of Tenby, so bring buckets and spades. And be sure to explore the narrow cobbled streets, walk along the harbour or even take a boat ride to nearby Caldey Island.
See recommended family hotels in Tenby
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
Walk to St. Michael’s Mount and tick a legend off your list
St. Michael’s Mount looks fairy tale from a distance and even better close up. So you can gaze in wonder at the island from the Cornish town of Marazion. Or better still, walk across the causeway at low tide and go exploring.
St. Michael’s medieval church and castle date back to the 12th century and the gorgeous gardens begin to bloom in early spring.
See recommended family hotels near St. Michael’s Mount
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