Father and son at Roald Dahl Museum

© VisitBritain

Father and son at Roald Dahl Museum

Reviews of days out and attractions

Interesting and – we hope – invaluable, our reviews of a wide range of family days out and attractions were written by our in-house team and and our talented stable of expert contributors embracing some of the world's top family travel writers. Including both tried-and-tested family favourites and more off-the-beaten attractions, they are intended to provide inspiration and practical information whether you're looking for days out close to home or while on holiday.

[copyright] © Vale of Glamorgan Council

Free Things to Do in Wales with Kids

Wales, Cardiff, Snowdonia, Cardiganshire, Gwyneth, Pembrokeshire

Nick tells us about family holiday options and excursions in Wales on a tight budget.

Kids enjoying Ridelines kids camps at Glentress in Scotland.[copyright]© Ridelines[/copyright]

Best Places for Cycling and Mountain-biking in the UK with Kids

United Kingdom, England, South East England, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Dorset, Kent, Norfolk, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales

We round up the best places around the UK to take your kids cycling or mountain-biking, whether for a day out for a short break.

[copyright]© Hugh Pastoll/The University of Edinburgh Anatomy Museum

The Spookiest Sights in Edinburgh with Kids

Edinburgh

We find out why the Scottish capital is one of the best places to bring ghoulish-minded kids.

Pond-dipping [copyright]© Broads National Park.[/copyright]

Top 10 Free Days Out in Norfolk

Norfolk

Deborah and her crew scour the child-friendly destination for the best free family attractions, natural and cultural.

Family friendly days out (Go Ape!)

Best Experience and Activity Days for Families

Our favourite activity days for families, carefully chosen by us, for you.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks for Families

United Kingdom

Browse our favourite selection of Zoos and Wildlife parks to take the family.

Offer of the week

Looking to plan ahead for 2022? Book your 2022 Simpson Travel holiday at 2021 prices when you book before 30th June 2021.

Family days out at Thorpe Park.

Best Theme Parks for Families

United Kingdom

Enjoy our carefully chosen selection of the best thrill-seeking theme parks for the family

Family friendly museums and arts (Great Court, British Museum)

Best Museums and Arts for Families

United Kingdom

Browse our hand-picked selection of the best museums and arts for the whole family to enjoy.

Enchanted Village at Alton Towers Resort.

Best Theme Park Breaks

Europe

Explore our hand-picked selection of family-friendly theme parks to get everyone's heart pumping.

Chatsworth at Christmas.[copyright]© Chatsworth House.[/copyright]

A Family Break on the Chatsworth Estate, Peak District

Derbyshire, Staffordshire

Rhonda and family take a winter warmer on the Chatsworth Estate.

Southwold Pier.[copyright]© Southwold Pier.[/copyright]

Top 10 Family Beach Holidays in East Anglia and Kent

South East England, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk

Emma gives the rundown on some of the UK's most family-friendly seaside resorts.

[copyright]© auldreekietours.com

A Review of the Children's Spooky Underground Tour, Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Dea and family go underground in Scotland’s capital.

Royal Armouries, Leeds[copyright]© Royal Armouries[/copyright]

A Leeds Family City Break

Yorkshire

Guns and gore lure Rhonda and her boys to Yorkshire’s biggest city.

Making pizza at Cucina Caldesi[copyright]© Cucina Caldesi[/copyright]

A Kids' Session at Cucina Caldesi, London, and Other Family Cookery Classes

Jordan, Greece, Peloponnese, Ireland, County Kerry, Italy, Tuscany, United Kingdom, England, Cumbria, London, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire

A review of a kids' cookery class in London and round-up of other family cooking experiences in the UK and abroad.

[copyright]© The Real Mary King's Close

An Edinburgh City Break with Kids

Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Edinburgh

Dea and family revisit a much-loved city.

© Discover Children's Story Centre

Best Family Book Festivals and Attractions Around the UK

Bedfordshire, Tyne and Wear, Manchester, Shropshire, Somerset, Edinburgh

Rhonda rounds up the top literary sites and events with kids.

Setting off to explore sea caves from Swanpool Beach, Falmouth.[copyright]Rhonda Carrier.[/copyright]

A Kids' Day Out at Elemental UK Beach Club, Cornwall

Cornwall

Rhonda Carrier waves her sons off on coastal adventures at Swanpool Beach in Falmouth.

The log flume at Wicksteed Park.

A Day Out at Wicksteed Park, Northamptonshire

England, United Kingdom

Rhonda reassesses a childhood favourite with her own kids in tow and finds fun for all ages.

An explainer at Manchester Museum [copyright]© Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Museums with Kids

Vienna, Brussels, Prague, Paris, Berlin, Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton and Hove, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff

Georgina looks at ways of making your family day out both cultural and fun.

Androcles and the Lion at the Boing! festival in August.

Best Family-Friendly Festivals in 2018

United Kingdom, England, South East England, The Cotswolds, Cheshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Dorset, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, London, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Sussex, Wiltshire, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales

Rhonda looks at old favourites and new offerings on the family-friendly festival scene.

Whitby Abbey at Halloween.[copyright]© English Heritage Whitby Abbey[/copyright]

Top 5 Most Haunted English Heritage Sites Around the UK

Cornwall, Dorset, Kent, Sussex, Yorkshire

We take the family in search of ghostly goings-on and Halloween events at some of Britain's top days out venues.

© Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

A Family Fossil-hunting Trip on the Jurassic Coast

Dorset

We spend a day looking for 'beastie bits' in Dorset.

The teepees in the Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground.[copyright] © www.royalparks.org.uk[/copyright]

A London Family City Break on a Budget

London

Rhonda and sons check out some of the British capital's free and low-cost attractions.

Aboard the Captain Kidd’s Canary Wharf Voyage.[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

A Thames Rockets Ride and Other Family Days Out on the River, London

London

Rhonda and crew have a blast on the water - and suggest other great river-based activities in the British capital.

© Camp Bestival.

Camp Bestival with Young Kids

Dorset

Lilly and family get on down at Dorset’s family-friendly festival.

© Up at the O2.

8 Amazing Viewing Spots Around the UK

London, Blackpool, Hampshire, Dorset, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom

Rhonda rounds up some family days out that will make you and the kids feel on top of the world.

The Gruffalo River Adventure at Chessington World of Adventure.[copyright]© Chessington World of Adventures Resort.[/copyright]

Best New Themepark Attractions in the UK and Mainland Europe for 2017

Surrey, Staffordshire, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom, Spain, Italian Lakes, Italy, Poitou Charentes, Picardy, Paris, France, Europe

Rhonda takes a look at the new rides and features at some of her family’s favourite themeparks.

A leper welcomes visitors to the London Dungeon.

A Family Day Out at the London Dungeon

London

Rhonda and Ethan get creeped out at the classic attraction.

The fire-breathing dragon over Gringotts Bank © Universal Orlando Resort.

A Family Day Out at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Orlando

Orlando, Florida

Helen checks out one of Florida's most famous family attractions.

© WWT London Wetlands Centre.

A Family Day Out at the WWT Wetland Centre, London

London

Emma and family discover a wildlife oasis only a short hop from the city centre.

© London Science Museum

Top 6 UK Science Venues and Events with Kids

United Kingdom

Tracey sounds out Britain’s best science experiences for kids.

Dea's son on a Thames beach.

A Family Day Out Mudlarking with the Thames Explorer Trust, London

London

Dea and family discover a living museum in the heart of the capital.

Angry Birds at Madame Tussauds.

A Family Day Out at Madame Tussauds, London

London

We check out the famous waxworks attraction as part of the London Cluster ticket.

DUPLO® Valley Drench Towers and Splash Safari at LEGOLAND.

A Family Day Out at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Berkshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

We check out the famous theme park aimed at ages 2–12.

© Harrods Toy Kingdom.

Christmas Shopping in London, With or Without Kids

London

Rhonda gets some festive retail therapy in the British capital.

© Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

Top 10 Places to Meet Santa Around the World

Melbourne, Finland, Paris, Lapland, Sweden, New York, Birmingham, Berkshire, London, Yorkshire

We take a tour around the globe in search of the best places to meet Father Christmas.

Dodging cacti at the Wild West themed Hotel Gold River at PortAventura.[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

18 Unmissable Theme-park Hotels around the World

Dubai, Asia, Japan, Europe, France, Ile de France, Marne-la-Vallée, Paris, Picardy, Italy, Italian Lakes, Spain, Costa Brava, USA, California, Southern California, Los Angeles, Florida, Orlando, United Kingdom, England, Berkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey

Rhonda takes a journey around the globe in search of the best places to stay at some of our favourite theme parks.

Old Hunstanton Beach.[copyright]Hunstanton YHA & Backpackers.[/copyright]

A Family Day Out on Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk

Norfolk

Lucy relives childhood beach trips with her family.

The Forest Segway experience with Go Ape.

A Review of the Go Ape Forest Segway Experience, Cheshire

England

We experience fabulous natural surroundings in an exhilarating and original way.

The Star Flyer in Edinburgh at Christmas.[copyright]Image © Underbelly Ltd.[/copyright]

Top 10 Christmas and New Year UK City Breaks with Kids

United Kingdom, England, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Manchester, Hampshire, London, Liverpool, Yorkshire, Edinburgh

Rhonda looks at the best festive outings – and top family-friendly accommodation – around the country for 2016.

The Simpsons © Universal Resort Orlando.

A Family Day Out at Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

Orlando, Florida, USA

The low-down on Universal’s top rides by a nine-year-old Simpsons fan.

Grosvenor Park Open-Air Theatre, Chester

Chester with Kids: Summer in the City

Cheshire

Things to do in Chester this summer with the kids.

The walking elephant at the Machines de l’Ile.[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

A Review of the Machines de l’Ile, Nantes, Western France

Pays de la Loire

Rhonda and her boys get inspired by one of France’s quirkiest attractions.

Pirate look-out at LEGOLAND Windsor.[copyright]LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort[/copyright]

A Review of the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

South East England, Berkshire

Rhonda and her LEGO®-mad boys check out the park’s latest offerings and on-site hotel.

Go Ape Tree Top Junior.

A Family Day Out at Go Ape Tree Top Junior Suffolk

Suffolk

A wobbly Gemma takes her little monkeys into the treetops.

Horse-racing in Folkestone

A Day at the Races

Kent

Dea and her twins discover an unlikely new passion.

Oblivion © Alton Towers

A Review of Alton Towers Theme Park and Hotel

Staffordshire

Rhonda and family check out the new and the old at the UK’s biggest themepark

A Review of La Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, Paris

Paris

Mark and son find some animal magic in the heart of the French capital.

Water-walking in the Cotswold Water Park

A Review of the Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds

Rhonda and crew take to the water in central England

Exploring the treetops of Go Ape in Kent.

A Family Day Out at Go Ape Bedgebury, Kent

Kent, United Kingdom

Patrick Cook reviews one of the countrywide treetop adventure courses.

Outside the Titanic Visitor Experience

A review of the Titanic Visitor Experience and Titanic Walking Tours, Belfast

Northern Ireland, County Antrim, Belfast

Dea and family eschew interactives in favour of the real deal.

Family day out at Conkers in the National Forest

A Review of Stay Play Explore, Leicestershire

Leicestershire

Rhonda samples the best of the Midlands on a bargain break.

View of Birmingham from the apartment balcony © Staying Cool[copyright]© Staying Cool[/copyright]

Staying Cool: a Birmingham City Break

Birmingham

Rhonda and family find out what's hot and what's not in family-friendly Birmingham.

© Warner Brothers' Studio Tour

A Review of the Warner Brothers' Studio Tour 'The Making of Harry Potter'

Hertfordshire

Cathy and son rate the Harry Potter studio tour.

Beamish Museum

County Durham with Kids

County Durham

Rhonda and family go back in time in Northeast England.

Steam railway, Yorkshire[copyright]© VisitBritain/James McCormick[/copyright]

A UK Family Break in Haworth, Yorkshire

Yorkshire

Dea takes her kids on a stroll down memory lane.

Mosasaur at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition.[copyright]© Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition.[/copyright]

A UK Family Break at Loch Ness, Scotland

Scotland

Ben and family go Nessie-spotting.

Family Shows: The Crash of the Elysium, Manchester International Festival

Manchester

Rhonda and boys experience immersive theatre at its most compelling.

Cycle holiday.[copyright]© Halfords.[/copyright]

A Family Cycling Break in Suffolk

Suffolk

Deborah and crew load up for family biking holiday

Peppa-inspired fun.

A Family Day Out at Peppa Pig World, Hampshire

New Forest, Hampshire

Tracey gives in to the piggy pressure and visits a pre-schoolers’ paradise.

Alymra, Cyprus.[copyright]© Almyra.[/copyright]

Fabulous Father's Day and Year-Round Dads’ Breaks

Europe, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Andalucia, Barcelona, United Kingdom, England, Devon, London, Shropshire, Suffolk, Sussex, Yorkshire, Wales, Pembrokeshire

Rhonda checks out the best solo and family breaks for fathers, for Father's Day or all year round.

© Blackpool Pleasure Beach

A Review of Nickelodeonland, Pleasure Beach Blackpool

Lancashire, Blackpool

Rhonda and family try out rides old and new at the Lancashire themepark.

Family Days Out: Ben 10 Ultimate Mission at Drayton Manor Park

Staffordshire

Rhonda takes her family to preview the Ben 10 ride.

© Cuckoo Down Farm Yurts.

A Family Glamping Holiday at Cuckoo Down Farm Yurts, Devon

Devon

Abigail and son head to Devon for a blast of bucolic bliss, Mongolian style.

Window display, Bettys[copyright]© Bettys Harrogate[/copyright]

A Harrogate Family Break

Yorkshire

Rhonda and family discover the Yorkshire spa town from a family perspective.

A day out in Manchester with the kids

Days Out With Kids: Manchester Museum

Manchester

Rhonda and boys revisit an inspiring institution – and meet one of their heroes.

© York Chocolate Story

Top 20 Chocolate Museums and Attractions Around the World

Vienna, Brussels, Midi-Pyrénées, Rhone Alpes, Germany, Umbria, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, USA, Florida, Orlando, Birmingham, Devon, Dorset, Manchester, Yorkshire, Scotland

Rhonda tests out the tastiest sights for chocoholics round the world.

Children sledging © Rhonda Carrier[copyright]Rhonda Carrier[/copyright]

The Best Places to Go Sledging Around the UK

Wales, Yorkshire, Brighton and Hove, London, Manchester

Tracey rounds up the UK’s best spots for those living on the sledge.

The Imperial War Museum North ©IWM North[copyright]©IWM North[/copyright]

A Manchester City Break with Kids

Manchester

Rhonda and her crew discover that you don’t have to travel far to feel you’ve had a little holiday.

© Rhonda Carrier.

Top Tips for Enjoying French Markets with Kids

France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Ardèche, Talloires, Lyon

Fiona and friends introduce their kids to the life-enhancing pleasures of French markets.

Space Museums: The National Space Centre (Leicester) and Spaceport (Wirral)

Merseyside, Leicestershire

A space themed family day out

Mont Orgueil Castle[copyright]© Visit Jersey[/copyright]

A Day Out at Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey, Channel Islands

United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Jersey

Sarah and family discover the grand and mysterious Channel Islands sight.

© Eureka! The National Children's Museum

A Review of Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Yorkshire

Yorkshire

Rhonda and kids explore the Museum for Children

Vintage vehicles at the festival © Maverick.

The Maverick Festival, Suffolk, with Kids

Suffolk

Nick and family rate a child-friendly, chicken-clucking event bringing country music to the farmyard.

Family at the Aldeburgh Scallop, Suffolk © VisitBritain[copyright]© VisitBritain[/copyright]

Family holidays: Suffolk for Free

Suffolk

Deborah and family seek out the free attractions of this lovely easterly county

Tobermory harbour from the coastal path.[copyright]Rhonda Carrier.[/copyright]

A Family Break on Mull, Scotland

Scotland

Sarah and family discover the Inner Hebridean island, including the harbour town that doubled as Balamory.

Disney Magic on Parade! © Disneyland Paris

A Two-Centre Family Holiday in Paris and Disneyland Paris

Paris

Culture meets fun for Dea and family in Paris and Disneyland Paris.

© Visit Brighton

A Family Break in Brighton, Sussex

Sussex, Brighton and Hove

Dea and kids enjoy 'London by the Sea' despite or even because of the rain.

Dea Birkett's Eating with Kids: Museums

Denmark

Culture and cuisine in harmony in Odense, Denmark.

Steam Train, Kent And East Sussex Railway, Kent © Visit Britain[copyright]© Visit Britain[/copyright]

Kent: A great family journey by steam train

Kent

Dea and family take a trip on the Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

Owl at © Coombe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park.

Top 5 All-Weather Days Out in North Devon

Devon

Our top tips for places to keep the kids amused in this region of southwest England, come rain or shine.

Mayfair's Hard Rock Café.[copyright]© Hard Rock Café London.[/copyright]

A Family Meal at the Hard Rock Café, London

Liverpool, London

Dea gets nostalgic about childhood meals at the family-friendly rock 'n' roll-themed restaurant.

© Visit Isle of Wight.

A Single-Parent Holiday on the Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight

Judy and Joe enjoy blissful days out on the family-friendly island.

Disneyland Paris entrance with Halloween decoration © Disneyland Paris[copyright]© Disneyland Paris[/copyright]

A Halloween Break in Fontainebleau & Disneyland Paris

Paris

Rhonda and family go treeeek or treating just outside Paris

Family Days Out: Chill Factore, Manchester

Manchester

Rhonda Carrier takes the family to a UK ski centre to experience family fun in the snow

Family Holidays in France: Clos Lucé, Loire Valley

Loire Valley

Rhonda Carrier visits The Clos Lucé in France

The miniature railway © Newby Hall

A Family Day Out at Newby Hall, Yorkshire

Yorkshire

Rhonda and crew check out a family-friendly estate.

© The Look Out Discovery Centre

A Family Day out at The Look Out Discovery Centre and Coral Reef, Berkshire

South East England

Swashbuckling forest adventures within easy reach of London.

Family on the beach at Broadstairs © VisitBritain and Thanet District Council[copyright]© VisitBritain and Thanet District Council[/copyright]

Family Days Out and Breaks in Kent

Kent

Get out of the city and head to Kent

The terrace at the Café Twit.

A Family Meal at the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, Buckinghamshire

South East England

Dea and family check out Café Twit at the family-friendly venue in the Chilterns.