The ten best family days out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Imperial War Museum, Duxford
Imperial War Museum, Duxford
Adults £10, children free
Thrill the children with Europe's largest collection of military and civilian aircraft. If you can't make it this bank holiday, next weekend it's the Duxford Air Show, when planes, vintage and modern, will take to the air, and the skills of the Red Arrows will be on display.
(01223 835000; www.iwm.org.uk)
Stratford-upon-Avon
Family ticket £29
This stroll around Shakespeare's turf has a bit of a back-to-school feel to it. After seeing the playwright's birthplace, head to his mother's home - Mary Arden's House - where there's a small farm, and daily falconry displays. Round off the day with a trip to see one of the plays.
(01789 293127; www.shakespeare.org.uk, and 01789 403404; www.rsc.org.uk)
Balamory
Free
You might think you're catching a ferry to Tobermory, on the island of Mull, but your children will know it as Balamory, home of the hit BBC TV kids show of the same name. Spend the morning posing for photos in front of their favourite character's house, then head away from the crowds for an afternoon on Miss Hoolie's beach at Calgary Bay.
(01688 812377; www.tobermory.co.uk)
Blenheim Palace
Family ticket £33
The splendour of Blenheim Palace and its surrounding gardens, birthplace of Winston Churchill, never fails to impress. After visiting the palace, ride the narrow-gauge train to the pleasure gardens, where you can get lost in the Marlborough Maze, and play giant chess and mini golf.
(0870 0602080; www.blenheimpalace.com)
Ashdown Forest
Free
Pack a copy of Winnie the Pooh and head for Ashdown Forest, in East Sussex, where AA Milne set his tales. Picnic at the Enchanted Place and play Poohsticks on the original bridge near the pretty village of Hartfield.
(Ashdown Forest Centre 01342 823583, and www.poohcountry.co.uk)
Whipsnade Wild Animal Park
Family ticket £42.50
While away the afternoon watching the rhinos and elephants wander freely in the fields and - best of all - get splashed by the sea-lions. If you can, it's a good idea to pay extra to take your car into the park (£10), so you can picnic at leisure on the hill in the middle of the animal enclosure.
(01582 872171; www.whipsnade.co.uk)
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Family return £19
Travel along the five-mile track to Haworth, where you can climb the steep hill to visit the home of the country's most famous literary family, the Brontës. On 18 and 19 September, Thomas will be chuffing down the line.
(01535 647777; www.kwvr.co.uk)
Lindisfarne
Free
Drift back in time as you walk along the sand dunes of Holy Island, and imagine Viking longboats appearing on the horizon. The castle on its volcanic mound is great inspiration for sandcastle-building, and, if you plan the timing of your trip, you can drive home on the causeway to the mainland with the sea lapping at the wheels of your car.
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Family ticket £17
Sail across the harbour to the new museum, where you can make your own miniature raft and sail it on the museum pond. Then stroll along the cliffs to Pendennis Castle (family ticket £11.30), and have a picnic lunch on the beach below.
( 01326 313 388; www.nmmc.co.uk)
Ironbridge Gorge museums
Family ticket £42
Experience hands-on engineering at Enginuity - just one of the attractions on the six-acre site around the world's first iron bridge in the heart of rural Shropshire. One of the other highlights is the reconstructed Victorian village where children can try baking, brick-making and candle-dipping.
(01952 884391; www.ironbridge.org.uk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments