If you’ve not gone away this year and you’re looking for something fun for the kids over the weekend, we have the list for you. From digger experiences to vast follies, enjoy these great UK minibreak ideas for families.
The Forbidden Corner, North Yorkshire
A tangled weave of mystery with a pyramid of molten glass, maze, folly, caves and more. This secret garden experience is one of the best days out in cultivated nature in the north. First visited by some students from Hull University in the 90s, this garden complex now welcomes thousands of families every year.
Warwick Castle, Warwick
This riverside stone castle boasts beautiful gardens, a dungeon experience, a falconer’s experience and sometimes even jousting. Take them to the trail or meander around the 1,100-year-old castle interior learning about history and marvelling at the ancient structure.
ArcelorMittal Orbit, London
If you’re already in the capital, take them to the world’s longest tunnel slide. Situated in the stunning Olympic parklands of East London, you’ll have a thrilling ride which you can follow with a luscious picnic lunch that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just don’t forget to take one of our picnic hampers along.
Legoland, Windsor
Here you can enjoy Lego bricks somewhere other than underfoot. At Legoland, stay in the Lego hotel, take them to the land of mythical creatures called Mythica or explore a scale model of our world called Miniland. They’ll love seeing what creativity can unlock and you’ll not need to entertain them as the bright colours and fun models will do that for you.
Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent
You’ll get asked to take them to Alton Towers at some point, and why put it off? Step into the world of David Walliams, CBeebies Land Hotel or dozens of other thrilling rides and carriages like Sharkbait Reef, Nemesis and Wicker Man. There’s plenty to eat, drink and do with fun characters like Gansta Granny.
The Making of Harry Potter, London
If you are raising a bunch of Potter-heads, then you’ve got to take them to the set of the Harry Potter films. They can see Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Great Hall and much much more. An educational and thrilling experience, they’ll learn about the great care and detail that goes into all the props and hand-drawn elements from each film. Who knows? You might kickstart a love of film production that leads to a successful career in film VFX, costuming and more.
Diggerland, Multiple Locations
Kids and adults will LOVE driving around diggers. With four locations in the UK, let your little one experience this profession. They’ll see what it’s like to operate a loader, JCB excavator or ride in the bucket. It’s mud, retro fun, indoor soft play and educational content all wrapped into one.
Not quite what you have in mind? Why not take a couple of hampers and create your own exploratory experience? Trek down the Norfolk coast, to the Lake District or in the Cotswolds. These natural areas of beauty make great minibreak ideas for families that are less prescriptive than formal attractions.
