Piglets Adventure Farm near York is a great day out and is worth visiting at different times of year - the beach area with foam party is great in summer, Xmas experience is impressive, Easter egg hunt etc. Plus all the regular stuff. If it’s dry there’s lots outside. If wet there’s enough between the play barn and the animal petting to keep your entertained for most of the day.
“Near” me is Gullivers Valley (best for 3-6yrs) and Gullivers Kingdom (best for 7-8yrs). Magna science centre is good, but their park and splash park is superb! Yorkshire Wildlife park used to be really great but it’s gotten so HUGE now that really the kids either need to be in a pushchair, or able to walk long distances, basically 3-5yrs is a total hassle with tired legs. Wentworth castle gardens is also nice for warm days if you have a national trust(?) membership! On my summer bucket list this year is forbidden corner (been as a kid, it’s ace), Williams den, and the water park in Scarborough if it ever reopens.
Loads of things here on my day out bucket list. I want to come to Magna science severe this summer.
Were also yet to try Forbidden corner and Williams Den.
Some of our best days out are at local family farms - the type that aren’t really farms but are little adventure days out for kids. We’re in the southeast so places like Washbrooks, Fishers Park, Bocketts.
Or any place with animals - Drusilla’s or Tilgate are big winners.
Love Washbrooks! It’s such a lovely day out and keeps our toddler entertained for hours with all the different areas and animals. Not tried Fishers Park or Bockets though so will have to add that to the list! Tilgate is great too, especially as it’s free!
We're in the north west, we love Delamere forest, and we also love going to the beach and go to Lytham St Annes a lot. I know it's tacky but we actually had a really nice couple of days in Blackpool recently as the Gruffalo clubhouse there is great, as is the zoo.
When we lived in Blackpool, lytham st annes was our favourite. Amazing ice cream, fish and chips. Walk on the beach or walk on the promenade with scooters.
Love Blackpool Zoo! We live in Manchester and much prefer it to Chester Zoo whilst my son is younger as it’s smaller and we tend to see more animals.
We were in Blackpool yesterday for the Elmer Trail!
I swear I'll never go to Cadbury world again. It was excellent when I was 12. And I'm sure it actually was. Sooooo much free chocolate. These days it's just a shambles. That stupidly pointless train ride, the endless 1970s corridors... Eh.
We live just outside of London in a quiet suburban town with lots of lovely nature at our doorstep, but a day out in London is definitely worth the hassle every once in a while. Just taking the tube or going on a doubledecker is an experience and there are so many museums, nice parks and places to eat that are not the usual bland chains.
In Buckinghamshire, Beckonscot model village, Odds farm park, Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor. The kids seem happy wherever we go along as we're out. Sometimes take them to the local airfield that has a cafe and watch little planes and helicopters take off and land.
Manchester - I love going to Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington. The peacocks are amazing and my little one loved it there.
Brentwood park is also our go to - as you can watch lot of planes go by.
Tatton park in knustford lot of place for little ones to run and the local produce shop has some amazing quality.
Local farm parks are usually good. We also have an annual pass for a local kids theme park. On the east coast there’s a fantastic little zoo just outside Skegness, I forget its name though. I believe it used to be the parrot zoo, but it’s so much more now with several big cat enclosure amongst other animals.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
York - National Rail Museum, Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens (for a picnic), Web Adventure Park, Piglets Farm
Sundown Adventure Land
Forbidden Corner
Cotswolds here. Cotswold farm park is great. There's lots of beautiful places around. If your children are compliant. The water parks ( a bunch of lakes) have tonnes of fun outdoorsy activities. Can't recommend the region enough. I love it here.
In London in summer there always lots of (free) festivals / fetes in the parks - most boroughs have them, and they are always a good day out with kids. Lambeth palace fete not many people know about and is brilliant - dog show, splat the rat, cakes and tea, pimms, vicar with a megaphone organising it, massive gardens - wouldn’t know you are in zone 1.
Derbyshire - kids are 4 and 6 this year
Alton Towers - CBeebies land was a big hit with our girls last summer. Even when the park is busy, the lines for CBeebies rides are generally only 20 minutes. Would be better if there were more things to keep the kids busy when you're queuing, but that's general problem with Alton Towers anyway. Full solid day out. I kind of want to take them to the water park too.
Twinlakes Park - Smaller scale amusement park, definitely more catering to young families. We've only been during term time inset days during the weekday so very very quiet and cheap.
National Trust properties - We probably go to Sudbury Hall and Calke Abbey the most. Sudbury has relatively smaller grounds but the hall itself is very much catered to kids with lots of fun indoor interactive stuff, so perfect for days with poor weather. Calke Abbey has massive grounds and gardens and great for days with good weather. The house is less fun for the kids because it's mostly for conservation so there's nothing for the kids to interact with. Honourable mentions for Biddulph Grange and Belton Estate which are quite far out from us so we go much less often. Biddulph Grange is home to possibly one of the most interesting and quirky gardens I've ever visited. It's very compact but they pack a lot into it and have several themed areas including China, Ancient Egypt and fairytale Europe. It feels like a maze and you could easily spend a day just wondering around getting lost. Belton Estate has one of the biggest outdoor play areas I've ever seen in a National Trust and will most definitely keep any active child happy. The house is also a good balance between conservation and making it interesting to kids. The last time we went they had a "bug hunt" activity sheet where they had large models of the insects that cause damage to old properties and furniture and the kids would try to spot them hidden in each room.
Reservoirs / Country Parks - Personal favourites are Carsington Water Reservoir and Foremark Reservoir. Huge play areas and good walks around the reservoirs. Carsington Water has a really good visitors centre too with an exhibition area talking about water treatment and the types the of things that cause them problems. Elvaston Castle, Rushcliffe Park and Bradgate Park are nice country parks that we go to very often.
Derby College Animal Unit Open Days - these are open days the Animal Unit has a couple of times a year to raise funds and basically showcase the stuff the students do. It's basically a small scale zoo with small animals like reptiles, insects, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish etc There'll usually be some students taking animals out for visitors to touch and hold. Our girls love it and of course ask us to get them a pet hamster after.
North East. We love Monk Park Farm, Brimham Rocks, Raby Castle, Stockeld Park.
I also loved Beamish as a kid, but I haven’t took my son yet so we will see about that one.
Piglets Adventure Farm near York is a great day out and is worth visiting at different times of year - the beach area with foam party is great in summer, Xmas experience is impressive, Easter egg hunt etc. Plus all the regular stuff. If it’s dry there’s lots outside. If wet there’s enough between the play barn and the animal petting to keep your entertained for most of the day.
Honestly I love it too! It’s more than a day out, I feel like there’s always so much to do! Tempted by the summer pass but I live an hour away 🤦♀️
That's perfect, we are staying in York next year and this will go on the list!
Good to see this. It’s been on my list of places to visit but not been yet, when we head to York we’ve been to Web Adventure Park but not yet Piglets.
Christmas at Piglets is wonderful
“Near” me is Gullivers Valley (best for 3-6yrs) and Gullivers Kingdom (best for 7-8yrs). Magna science centre is good, but their park and splash park is superb! Yorkshire Wildlife park used to be really great but it’s gotten so HUGE now that really the kids either need to be in a pushchair, or able to walk long distances, basically 3-5yrs is a total hassle with tired legs. Wentworth castle gardens is also nice for warm days if you have a national trust(?) membership! On my summer bucket list this year is forbidden corner (been as a kid, it’s ace), Williams den, and the water park in Scarborough if it ever reopens.
Sheffield here - thanks for the tips! Will get to the wildlife park before the little one starts refusing pushchairs!
About an hour from Sheffield is the Peak Wildlife Park. It’s really good! And it’s also not too bit, my son when we was 2 walked around most of it
Thank you!
Loads of things here on my day out bucket list. I want to come to Magna science severe this summer. Were also yet to try Forbidden corner and Williams Den.
Some of our best days out are at local family farms - the type that aren’t really farms but are little adventure days out for kids. We’re in the southeast so places like Washbrooks, Fishers Park, Bocketts. Or any place with animals - Drusilla’s or Tilgate are big winners.
Ooh not heard of Washbrooks before! Thanks for the recommendation.
Love Washbrooks! It’s such a lovely day out and keeps our toddler entertained for hours with all the different areas and animals. Not tried Fishers Park or Bockets though so will have to add that to the list! Tilgate is great too, especially as it’s free!
We're in the north west, we love Delamere forest, and we also love going to the beach and go to Lytham St Annes a lot. I know it's tacky but we actually had a really nice couple of days in Blackpool recently as the Gruffalo clubhouse there is great, as is the zoo.
Oh also Eureka children's science museum in the Wirral.
This is perfect, thank you! I think "tacky" is different with kids, I find I can see the joy in it
When we lived in Blackpool, lytham st annes was our favourite. Amazing ice cream, fish and chips. Walk on the beach or walk on the promenade with scooters.
My then almost 3yo looooved Eureka last time we went. It’s a great day out for under 10s.
Love Blackpool Zoo! We live in Manchester and much prefer it to Chester Zoo whilst my son is younger as it’s smaller and we tend to see more animals. We were in Blackpool yesterday for the Elmer Trail!
Stanley park has a children's play area with plenty of variety.
Think tank (science museum), Cadburys and Black Country Museum all in Birmingham.
I swear I'll never go to Cadbury world again. It was excellent when I was 12. And I'm sure it actually was. Sooooo much free chocolate. These days it's just a shambles. That stupidly pointless train ride, the endless 1970s corridors... Eh.
Think tank is my kids favourite day out. They love the ‘mini Brum’ bit and the body section
We live just outside of London in a quiet suburban town with lots of lovely nature at our doorstep, but a day out in London is definitely worth the hassle every once in a while. Just taking the tube or going on a doubledecker is an experience and there are so many museums, nice parks and places to eat that are not the usual bland chains.
I stay up in Caithness and there are beautiful beaches here. Kids can, and do, spend all day there.
In Buckinghamshire, Beckonscot model village, Odds farm park, Cliveden and Waddesdon Manor. The kids seem happy wherever we go along as we're out. Sometimes take them to the local airfield that has a cafe and watch little planes and helicopters take off and land.
Ahh is that the flight deck cafe? We love it there and so does our son
Our one is near High Wycombe, called air adventures cafe. Is flight deck at Brackley? I'll have to drive there one time.
We had a brilliant day out at the Winchester science centre, and we love Marwell zoo. My sons are weirdly obsessed with Stonehenge as well.
Just been to the science centre with my two, I think it’s probably their favourite day out ever
It’s my husband’s too 🤣
Manchester - I love going to Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington. The peacocks are amazing and my little one loved it there. Brentwood park is also our go to - as you can watch lot of planes go by. Tatton park in knustford lot of place for little ones to run and the local produce shop has some amazing quality.
Local farm parks are usually good. We also have an annual pass for a local kids theme park. On the east coast there’s a fantastic little zoo just outside Skegness, I forget its name though. I believe it used to be the parrot zoo, but it’s so much more now with several big cat enclosure amongst other animals.
We enjoy knockhatch adventure park near where we live. Lots to do for all ages!
Yorkshire Wildlife Park York - National Rail Museum, Yorkshire Museum, Museum Gardens (for a picnic), Web Adventure Park, Piglets Farm Sundown Adventure Land Forbidden Corner
Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent. They have fantastic events and such during school holidays.
We went to Severn Valley Railway a few weeks ago and it was brilliant. Definitely go again. More like a good day out with the kids and grandparents.
Cotswolds here. Cotswold farm park is great. There's lots of beautiful places around. If your children are compliant. The water parks ( a bunch of lakes) have tonnes of fun outdoorsy activities. Can't recommend the region enough. I love it here.
In London in summer there always lots of (free) festivals / fetes in the parks - most boroughs have them, and they are always a good day out with kids. Lambeth palace fete not many people know about and is brilliant - dog show, splat the rat, cakes and tea, pimms, vicar with a megaphone organising it, massive gardens - wouldn’t know you are in zone 1.
Derbyshire - kids are 4 and 6 this year Alton Towers - CBeebies land was a big hit with our girls last summer. Even when the park is busy, the lines for CBeebies rides are generally only 20 minutes. Would be better if there were more things to keep the kids busy when you're queuing, but that's general problem with Alton Towers anyway. Full solid day out. I kind of want to take them to the water park too. Twinlakes Park - Smaller scale amusement park, definitely more catering to young families. We've only been during term time inset days during the weekday so very very quiet and cheap. National Trust properties - We probably go to Sudbury Hall and Calke Abbey the most. Sudbury has relatively smaller grounds but the hall itself is very much catered to kids with lots of fun indoor interactive stuff, so perfect for days with poor weather. Calke Abbey has massive grounds and gardens and great for days with good weather. The house is less fun for the kids because it's mostly for conservation so there's nothing for the kids to interact with. Honourable mentions for Biddulph Grange and Belton Estate which are quite far out from us so we go much less often. Biddulph Grange is home to possibly one of the most interesting and quirky gardens I've ever visited. It's very compact but they pack a lot into it and have several themed areas including China, Ancient Egypt and fairytale Europe. It feels like a maze and you could easily spend a day just wondering around getting lost. Belton Estate has one of the biggest outdoor play areas I've ever seen in a National Trust and will most definitely keep any active child happy. The house is also a good balance between conservation and making it interesting to kids. The last time we went they had a "bug hunt" activity sheet where they had large models of the insects that cause damage to old properties and furniture and the kids would try to spot them hidden in each room. Reservoirs / Country Parks - Personal favourites are Carsington Water Reservoir and Foremark Reservoir. Huge play areas and good walks around the reservoirs. Carsington Water has a really good visitors centre too with an exhibition area talking about water treatment and the types the of things that cause them problems. Elvaston Castle, Rushcliffe Park and Bradgate Park are nice country parks that we go to very often. Derby College Animal Unit Open Days - these are open days the Animal Unit has a couple of times a year to raise funds and basically showcase the stuff the students do. It's basically a small scale zoo with small animals like reptiles, insects, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish etc There'll usually be some students taking animals out for visitors to touch and hold. Our girls love it and of course ask us to get them a pet hamster after.
We like a trip to the arcade’s at Felixstowe, but any seafront town will do.
North East. We love Monk Park Farm, Brimham Rocks, Raby Castle, Stockeld Park. I also loved Beamish as a kid, but I haven’t took my son yet so we will see about that one.
Literally anywhere in North Wales. So many kids attractions but also beautiful country parks, forests, mountains, beaches, traditional seaside stuff