There is no escape, winter is on its way! But that doesn’t mean you need to hibernate. The winter months are a great opportunity to get out and about and enjoy some great places without the crowds.
Here are my top 10 UK places for you and your kids to beat the winter blues…
1. Coventry Transport Museum, Warwickshire
For rainy, miserable days – go out, but stay in by visiting this great museum for free. Coventry is the birthplace of the British cycle and motor industry and the museum takes you through 150 years of history of transport. You and your children, regardless of age, will love going from generation to generation of cars, cycles, motorbikes, and more. http://www.transport-museum.com/
2. Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean
Get out and about in the Forest. The family cycle trail is a circular route in the heart of the Forest of Dean. The 11 miles the route runs is suitable for children of all ages. You can join the route at Coleford, Lydbrook or Cinderford and expect to take 2 hours without stops.
3. Conkers Woodland Adventure, National Forest
A nature reserve, an adventure playground and a science museum all rolled into one indoor/outdoor forest-themed great day out, is one way I have heard being described. Fun and education is what Conkers is all about, with its Enchanted Forest play area and exhibits to stimulate young minds. A family of 4 can get in for £28, or book online for an extra 10% off. www.visitconkers.com/
4. Holkham Bay, Norfolk
Blow the cobwebs away on a crisp sunny day on the first of our 3 trips to the beach this winter. Holkham Bay in Norfolk is a real gem, walk on 4 miles of sand and explore the dunes, pine woods, lagoons and saltmarsh that fringe the bay. The beach can be accessed by parking at Burnham Overy.
5. Bluebell Railway, Sussex
Make your way to Sheffield Park Station for the Bluebell line that meanders through unspoilt countryside. The old-fashioned carriages will your kids thinking they are on their way to Hogwarts. Return tickets are £37 for the whole family. www.bluebell-railway.com
6. Woolacombe Sands, Devon
This is one of the best beaches in the UK, only rivalled in my opinion with the beach at St Ives, with nearly 3 miles of beautiful sand this is paradise for kids and adults alike. Woolacombe is rightly-so a hub of activity during the summer, during winter it is an opportunity to explore the area, play beach cricket and even dip your toes into the sea!
7. Eureka!, Yorkshire
A science museum that offers challenges, experiments and role play for your child. There are hundreds of exhibits split into different areas, each with its own theme, like SoundGarden for the under 5′s and SoundSpace for up to 11 yrs old. There is a charge to get in of £31 per family.
8. Newton Haven Beach, Northumberland
A great day out for anyone in the north of England, Newton Haven is a sandy beach sheltered by offshore reefs close to the little village of Low Newton. There are paths (prams/buggy friendly) that will take you to Newton Pool – a nature reserve in the middle of waves of sand dunes – and to views of Dunstanburgh Castle ruins.
9. Eden Project, Cornwall
If you have not been yet, go for it this winter. Its huge biomes house some of the world’s most interesting plant species divided into sections such as the popular rainforest space and Mediterranean gardens. There is so much to see and interact with that your children will love getting down to earth, literally!
10. National History Museum, London
Still one of the most popular attractions in the UK and it is still free! Your children will love exploring the different rooms filled with giant dinosaur skeletons and mammals of all types. My kids’ favourite was the slightly scary (…scary for them that is!) animatronix T-Rex attraction.
