The UK offers a fantastic array of family-friendly destinations, catering to all ages and interests. From thrilling theme parks to educational museums and stunning natural landscapes, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Theme Park Thrills
For adrenaline-seeking families, the UK’s theme parks are a must-visit.
- Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire is a popular choice, boasting a wide range of rides from gentle to exhilarating, suitable for children of all ages.
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort in Berkshire offers an immersive adventure with rides, a LEGO City Driving School, and even a lost underwater city to explore. It’s considered a great first theme park experience for younger children.
- Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Surrey combines a theme park with a zoo and SEA LIFE aquarium, offering a “wild adventure” for the whole family. They even have Jumanji-themed rollercoasters.
- Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire is another excellent option, particularly for fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, and it also features a zoo.
Animal Adventures
Zoos and wildlife parks provide an exciting and educational day out.
Chester Zoo in Cheshire is a top attraction, allowing families to get up close with unique wildlife and learn about conservation. London Zoo offers a chance to see a variety of animals in the heart of the capital.
Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, the UK’s largest zoo, is set in over 600 acres of countryside and is home to over 10,000 animals. Longleat Safari and Adventure Park in Wiltshire and West Midlands Safari Park offer drive-through safari experiences.
For a unique experience, Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire allows visitors to walk amongst monkeys.
Historical Explorations
The UK is rich in history, with numerous castles and historical sites offering engaging experiences for families.
Warwick Castle in Warwickshire provides an immersive historical experience with stunning architecture, birds of prey shows, and even a Horrible Histories Maze. Dover Castle in Kent, known as the ‘key to England’, has a long and eventful history with underground wartime tunnels and new attractions planned for 2025.
English Heritage sites like Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire and Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire offer fantastic opportunities for children to explore ruins and learn about the past.
Museum Marvels
Museums across the UK offer interactive and educational fun for all ages, and many offer free entry.
In London, the Natural History Museum (meet a T-Rex!), Science Museum (hands-on exhibits), and British Museum (Egyptian mummies!) are popular free choices. The London Transport Museum is also great for kids, with free entry for under-18s.
The National Railway Museum in York and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh are also excellent free options.
For something different, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Buckinghamshire brings beloved characters to life.
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax and Eureka! Science + Discovery in Wirral are designed for fun, educational family days out.
Free Family Fun
While you can use your fostering allowance to help pay for trips if you foster children, many attractions and activities across the UK are free, making for budget-friendly days out.
Visiting local parks, beaches for rock pooling or crabbing, or going on a nature walk are always great free options. Exploring historical towns and cities like York, Bath, or Durham can be an educational and enjoyable experience without a hefty price tag.
No matter your family’s interests or budget, the UK provides a wealth of opportunities for memorable days out, filled with fun, learning, and adventure.