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.
7. Why Portmeirion in Wales is made for spring days out with kids
Portmeirion sits on its own private peninsula on the coast of Snowdonia in Wales. The village 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.
As soon as you arrive you’ll feel transported to Greece or Italy. Take a free guided tour of the village. Then go on a woodland walk or stroll along the coastal path.
There’s a a free forest train ride in summer. And leave 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.
Find family friendly places to stay near Portmeirion in Wales
6. The Giant’s Causeway amazes kids on spring days out
The Giant’s Causeway is famous for polygonal columns of layered basalt which resulted from a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago. You might be well travelled, but these spectacular rock formations surrounded by the North Atlantic still have the power to take your breath away.
Start at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre to find out how you and your kids can explore Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage site. Then off you go. The Causeway is best seen at low tide, so visit in the morning or late afternoon. And don’t miss a walk along the dramatic Antrim Coastal Path while you’re here.
Find family friendly places to stay near the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
5. Try spring days out indoors at the Eden Project in Cornwall
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.
Find places to stay with kids near the Eden Project in Cornwall
4. Take kids on a Dragon Quest at 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.
It was built in 1823 by King George IV and still has the ability to impress with its mix of influences and undeniable grandeur. Younger visitors will probably be more interested in downloadable Children’s Trails. Take your pick from a Dragon Quest for ages six and over, a more complicated Dragon Quest for over 10s or a Royal Pavilion Garden Explorer Trail which is suitable for everyone.
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.
Find family friendly places to stay near the Royal Pavilion in Brighton
3. Why the Needles on Isle of Wight are a must-see with kids
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.
Find affordable places to stay with kids on Isle of Wight this spring
2. Tenby is pretty adorable for days out with your kids this spring
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.
Find family friendly places to stay in Tenby this spring and summer
1. Walk to St. Michael’s Mount and tick a Cornish legend off your wish 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.