Top 10 UK days out with your grandchildren
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax, West Yorkshire
The great thing about this museum is that grandparents can take a back-seat: everything here is designed to inspire children aged 0-11 to learn about themselves and the world around them, through imagination, play and discovery.
The six galleries include Desert Discovery, Me and My Body and Our Global Garden, and between them they have 100s of hands-on exhibits. Outside there are state-of-the-art play areas and a ‘beach’ – one of the biggest sand pits the little ones will ever see.
There are picnic areas, too, as well as the colourful Eureka café for that longed-for sit-down and an essential, reviving cuppa.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.eureka.org.uk
Talyllyn Railway, Mid-Wales
Grandparents will love the chance to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride on this narrow-gauge steam railway in Mid-Wales, which runs from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwerno, while their grandchildren will love the sights, such as gushing waterfalls, en route.
A stop at Dolgoch Falls is popular, with a variety of short or longer circular walks available (you just get a later train to continue, timetable permitting).
At the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at the Tywyn Wharf terminus, everyone can learn about the Reverend WV Awdry, the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Find a local Haven holiday park
http://talyllyn.co.uk
Lakeland Miniature Village
A day out walking in the Lakes can be a bit tiring for Grandma and Grandpa – not to mention the grandkids – so scale it all down with a visit to this beautifully crafted model village.
Started 16 years ago, the village is still not complete, but the hand-made Coniston slate cottages are exquisite creations, all hewn by one man, Edward Robinson.
There are more than 100 buildings, including a model of Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter. There are replicas of famous Lakeland bridges, and perfect reconstructions of stone barns and the like. In the gift shop, you can buy the kids a mini-mini-cottage to take home.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.lakelandminiaturevillage.com
Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary, Norfolk
It’s sometimes hard to predict what will get your grandchildren excited, and what will leave them nonplussed, but cute seals are pretty much a guaranteed hit.
You’ll find lots of them at this well-run attraction in north Norfolk, together with penguins, otters and – another surefire tot-pleaser – seahorses. The latter are found in the aquarium, which also has rays and small sharks.
The kids can learn about how injured, rescued seals are cared for in the seal hospital, and doubtless there’ll be a clamour for the seal cuddly toys in the sanctuary’s shop.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/hunt1.html
London Duck Tours
The capital is so fast-moving, it can be disorientating for oldies and youngies alike, but London’s Duck Tours, where you simply get on and enjoy the ride, allow you all to see great sights, not just on land but also on the River Thames.
The bright yellow amphibious vehicles take you around some of Westminster’s great sights, including Trafalgar Square, before leaving the road and rolling down onto the Thames.
On the river, you’ll get great views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, while your guide reels off fascinating stories and facts. Be sure to book in advance – it’s a popular ride.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.londonducktours.co.uk
Great Dorset Maize Maze, near Weymouth
This fun Dorset attraction describes itself as suitable for those ‘from nine months to 90 years’, so there’s no excuse for grandparents not to get stuck in and have some mazy fun.
As well as the main maize maize, there are ‘six-minute’ mazes for the impatient. Other attractions include go kart rides, extremely cuddly pets and ponies to see and handle, and picnic and barbecue areas.
In Steve and Jackie’s pantry, there’s a welcome rest to be had for the oldsters, and wholesome country food is available, including homemade flapjacks.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.greatdorsetmaizemaze.com
Kelburn Castle, Fairlie, Ayrshire, Scotland
The family home of the Earls of Glasgow describes itself as ‘an inspiration for adults and a paradise for children’ – so it’s the perfect place for wrinklies and brats to hang out together.
Walk through the Secret Forest with its overhead walkways, Wild Wood and underground passages. The indoor playbarn will attract the little ones, whatever the weather, and the adventure course has wooden walkways, rope swings and ladders. Add in Pet’s Corner, with cuddly rabbits, guinea pigs and more, and you’ve got a great day out.
Meanwhile, granny and gramps can check out the lovely gardens with their 1,000-year-old trees.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.kelburnestate.com
The Big Sheep, North Devon
Old and young alike will be enchanted by what’s on offer at this unique attraction near Bideford. Watch border collies rounding up sheep, and see the woolly fellas being sheared in the indoor arena.
Confident kids can get the ‘Ultimate High’ on the high ropes, 35 feet above the ground, with great views. There are tractor rides, and children can also drive mini-tractors while grandparents have a wander around the garden centre.
There are lamb-feeding sessions, and should the weather fail, the Ewe-topia indoor playground will save the day.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.thebigsheep.co.uk
The Hop Farm Family Park, Kent
Out in the middle of the ‘Garden of England’, Granny and Granddad can revel in the bucolic surroundings of this one-time hop farm, learning about Kent’s hop-growing heritage, while the kids get busy with the many rides and attractions.
The Giant Jumping Pillows will absorb some of their energy, and at the Children’s Driving School they can drive a colourful mini-car. In the Magic Factory, they can try trick photography (they’ll need to bring a camera).
Llamas, reindeer and goats are among the animals at the petting farm, and there are indoor and outdoor playgrounds, craft sessions and much more.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.thehopfarm.co.uk
Alnwick Garden, Northumberland
Masterminded by the Duchess of Northumberland, this spectacular garden has something for all ages to enjoy, with plenty for the little ones.
They can get wet in mini-tractors, paddle in the rills and dodge the water jets in the Grand Cascade. They’ll love learning about the famous Poison Garden, with a sign on the gates warning: ‘These plants can kill’, and be thrilled to discover one of the world’s biggest treehouses.
Meanwhile, older visitors can delight in the changing year-round displays of flowers in the garden’s many different zones, before enjoying some refreshment in the Pavilion Café.
Find a local Haven holiday park
www.alnwickgarden.com
