While it can be tricky to find places to suit the whole family, getting away together is vital, to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, to experience new things together somewhere where everyday chores don’t exist. But, choose the wrong destination or attraction and taking a break together can be just as stressful as staying at home. There are some places that should keep the whole family happy though, no matter how big or small. Here are just a few ideas if you’re planning a British break this May half term.
Animal attraction
The county is often named Britain’s best kept secret because it doesn’t get as crowded as some of the more popular British destinations. But, Northumberland has just as much to offer, including huge, wide stretches of sand on a dramatic and diverse coastline that is perfect for letting your little, and big, ones let off steam. The countryside here is no less stunning and, for a true taste of what life is like for country dwellers, the, which always take place on the last bank holiday Monday in May, is a must. Held in Bywell, on land owned by Lord Allendale, the show offers something for everyone. There are animal classes for the best in breed, daredevil stunts from quad bike riders, and tasting tents where you can eat and drink produce from local farmers, growers and makers.
Details: http://www.northcountyshow.co.uk/, http://www.allendale-estates.co.uk/
Treetop adventures
While many tree top courses have age restrictions that mean you can’t take your younger children with you, the Tree Top Adventure course in Snowdonia has a special junior trail for little ones aged four to eight. For those who want more of an adrenalin rush, the PowerFan plummet offers an experience not for the faint hearted. It’s a parachute simulator that you can try, so long as you’re more than 4ft 3inches. You could visit as part of a road trip around Wales with your brood. Small, but diverse, you can visit city, coast and country in Wales, without journey times that are too long for small children. Head west to Pendine Sands, where the history of the beach is fascinating, as it’s been used as a race track and to break the land-speed record. Parkdean’s caravan park is just a few minutes’ away from the beach so you can make a trip to the wide white sands here part of your family’s daily holiday routine.
Details: http://www.ttadventure.co.uk/, http://www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk
Cooking class
While your littlest ones probably still love baking with you, it’s hard to get teenagers interested in anything other than licking the spoon after you’ve done all the work. Augill Castle in Cumbria, which sits on border with the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, offers not just the chance to stay in a castle, but cooking classes for the whole family where you can prepare a three-course meal together before sitting down to enjoy it. The castle is also delightfully unstuffy with games in the library for wet weather days and 20 acres to explore when the sun is shining. For teenagers who can’t bear to be without their social network, most of the castle has WiFi.
Details: http://www.stayinacastle.com
White out
Disney’s latest masterpiece, Frozen, has had everyone miming to its hit soundtrack and wishing they could slide down snowy slopes just like Sven and Olaf. And, while there may be no ice queen to turn everything into a twinkly winter wonderland, children and grown-ups can enter the snowy realms of The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempsted where the celebrities trained before appearing on Channel 4’s The Jump. You can sign up for ski or snowboard lessons or just whiz down the slopes as part of a sledging or rubber ring session. You could combine a city break to visit some of the capital’s museums or the zoo and then head a little further north for a few family ski-ing sessions.
Details: http://www.thesnowcentre.com/
Memorable music
There are many music festivals which you would baulk at taking your children to, but lots more pride themselves on being perfect for families. The Wychwood Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse takes place over half term. Described as “laid back, homely and family friendly,” it is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a packed programme, including The Boomtown Rats and The Levellers. There are also Roald Dahl storytelling sessions, crafty workshops and the chance to try circus skills. If you don’t want to take and put up your own tent, there are pre-erected tipis and yurts which should appeal to little adventurers.
Details: http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/
Wherever you are this half term, there are plenty of activities that offer something a little different that you can enjoy together as a family.
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