Go on, spoil them! Pick from our best days out guide.
Be prepared! Always visit the web-site first to check on opening times, any height restrictions for rides, special half term events, advance booking discounts and concessionary prices. Generous group discounts often apply if there are lots of you.
1.Disneyland, Paris
Top of the kids’ wish list. Take child-friendly Eurostar from Waterloo and arrive at the Disneyland gates by lunchtime. Pack comfortable shoes, waterproof jackets and get each child to carry a small backpack. Busy, exciting and exhausting! Allow at least two days.
Disneyland, Paris. Tel 08448 008898. Various deals and offers available via the web-sitehttp://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/
2.Woburn Safari park.
The closest your children have ever been to rhinos, hippos, zebra, elephants, lions and tigers. Plus a chance to play with mischievous monkeys, cuddly wallabies, and feed tropical birds. Excellent indoor adventure playground, tree top scramble, and artificial toboggan slope. Friendly staff and good restaurant.
Woburn park, Bedfordshire. Tel 01525 290407. Prices: Adults £22.99, children (3-15) £14.99, family £70.99. http://www.woburnsafari.co.uk/
3.Science Museum.
Truly exciting for children of all ages. Lots of touchy-feely type exploration for younger children, while older kids will enjoy interactive activities like the simulator ride, IMAX cinema and Flight Lab. Visually stunning and imaginative Wellcome Wing.
Science Museum Exhibition Rd, London SW7. Prices: Explorer ticket Adults £25, children £22 (under 18). Book on-line http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/
4. Legoland
Beat the crowds by arriving early and heading for the most popular water and rollercoaster rides first. No really scary rides so perfect for under 11s. Very well planned theme park set in pleasant countryside. Brilliant Lego model villages and fun mini driving school. Pack some snacks and drinks as restaurants are pricey and can get busy. Allow a whole day.
Windsor, Berkshire. Tel: 0990 040 404. Prices: Adults £48, children (3-15) £43.80. http://www.legoland.co.uk/
5. Hampton Court Palace.
Fascinating for children of all ages. Don’t miss Henry VIII’s state apartments and the Tudor kitchens. Ask for the family trails. Good ¾ hour tour for older children through the state rooms. Lovely riverside gardens with maze. Special half term events.
Surrey. Tel: 020 8781 9500. Prices: Adults £15, children (5-16) £7.50.http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/
6. Warwick Castle
One of the finest medieval castles in England brings history alive with excellent exhibitions complete with sights, sounds and smells. Eerie Ghost Tower, gory Armoury, Dungeons and Torture Chamber are all hot favourites. Climb the tower stairs for wonderful views over sweeping countryside. Special half term events.
Warwickshire. Tel: 0871 265 2000. Prices: Family £71.40, adults £24.60, children (4-11) £21.60. https://www.warwick-castle.com
7. Portsmouth Historic Docks
Beautifully restored ships with excellent child-friendly guided tours. Home to Henry VIII’s flagship Mary Rose, Lord Nelson’s flagship HMS Belfast and the Royal Navy’s most famous ship, Queen Victoria’s HMS Warrior. Take a boat trip round the Navy Base.
Portsmouth. 023 9283 9766 . Family ticket (up to 3 children) £68 includes all sights and harbour cruise. Adults £25.60, children (5-15) £18.40. www.historicdockyard.co.uk
8. Windsor Castle
Children are thrilled to visit the Queen’s own home! Queen Mary’s dolls’ house is incredible. Don’t miss the Grand Vestibule decorated with swords, armour, weapons, or St George’s Chapel for gothic architecture and impressive tombs of previous monarchs Check for times of the changing of the guard.
Windsor, Berks. Prices: Family £49.70, adults £19.20, children (5-16) £11.30. Book on-line at http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle/
9. Chessington World of Adventures
Rides, shows, entertainment, animals and special events over half term week. Be prepared for crowds, and very over-excited children!
Chessington, Surrey. Bookings tel: 0871 663 4477. Prices:£31 per person. Discounts for advance booking. http://www.chessington.com
10. Odds Farm Park
Milk the goats, feed the pigs, ride a donkey, play in the barn. Rare breeds here as well. Covered play areas and café serving child-friendly food. Seasonal activities and events all year. Great value.
High Wycombe, Bucks. Tel: 01628 520 188. Prices: Adults £12.95, children £11.95, under 2yrs go free. www.oddsfarm.co.uk
