The holidays can be hectic if you have a young family – I remember my mother took advantage of summer camps and extracurricular school activities over the school break – probably to stop my sister and me from driving her crazy. However, I have fond memories of spending time with my mother, sister and uncle when we took special trips out to Chessington World of Adventures where I simply loved going on the Bubbleworks (which is sadly no more!) whereas my thrill-seeking uncle rode the Dracula ride.
Britain has some fantastic family-friendly attractions for energetic members of the family, here are my top 3 suggestions for your school holiday break:
Legoland
If your children love to be creative Legoland is a hive of building challenges, interactive attractions, exhilarating coasters and shows which will entertain the family all day. You can find lots of advice on the best rides to try, but my favourites have to be the Pirate Falls Treasure Quest – captain your own boat through this log flume and survive the big splash – and the Dragon rollercoaster which is super spooky and will have parents and children squealing as it makes its way through the Knight’s Kingdom Castle. One thing to be aware of at Legoland is that there’s potentially a lot of walking to do, so make sure that if any of your party needs a little help, you take a look at some good walking aids and have one with you when you go.
Longleat Safari Park
I have to admit that I have enjoyed Longleat as both a little girl and a grown woman and I never tire of the magic of the Safari park and taking in the majestic house and grounds of this Wiltshire estate. I have even managed to convince my companions to join me on the miniature railway despite it really being more suited to children! As well as the Safari park families must definitely head to Pets Corner to see the guinea pigs, ferrets and tortoises. If you’re feeling brave take a walk through the Bat House and experience these amazing nocturnal creatures flying within millimetres of your head!
National Space Centre
With 6 interactive galleries and over 150 hands-on challenges, each step through this award-winning educational attraction is an adventure. If your family has a passion for the final frontier take a trip on the Spaceflight Induction Module which simulates a white knuckle ride from the Moon through meteorite showers and radiation clouds and into outer space. Alternatively, go on a 360-degree tour through our Solar System at the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium – the largest planetarium dome in the UK.
I hope my top 3 have inspired you to explore some well-loved family attractions. Get out there and enjoy!
