Sand between your toes, a windbreak that won't stay put, a flask of tea and a 99 melting faster than you can eat it. Say what you like about British weather, but when the sun comes out there's nowhere better than a proper UK beach. This guide rounds up 45 cracking beaches from Cornwall to County Antrim, grouped by coast so you can plan a day trip, a long weekend or a full-blown road trip. Some come with piers, arcades and chippies right behind the sand. Others are wild, empty and gloriously quiet, the kind of place where the only noise is the waves and the odd oystercatcher. We've started with the best picks for families, then worked our way round the country. Where a beach sits in a town with its own guide, the link takes you straight there so you can sort out food, amusements and somewhere to stay. Pack the spade. You'll need it. Best beaches for families Gentle water, plenty of sand, toilets and food close by, and something to do when the clouds roll in. These five tick every box for a day out with the kids. Weymouth Beach Soft golden sand, a shallow bay that shelves gently into calm water and a long Georgian esplanade behind it. Weymouth is about as classic as a family seaside gets, with donkey-ride and Punch and Judy traditions, deckchairs and plenty of cafés. When little legs tire, the harbour is a short wander away for crabbing off the quay. Explore Weymouth → Woolacombe Beach Around three miles of sand backed by grassy dunes on the North Devon coast, with lifeguarded zones in season and loads of room to spread out. Older kids can have a go on a bodyboard while toddlers dig moats by the rock pools at the Barricane end. Bring a picnic and stay till the sun drops. Explore Woolacombe → Skegness Beach Wide, flat and gloriously sandy, Skeg's beach sits right next to everything a family could want: the pier, the Grand Parade arcades, the fair and Natureland Seal Sanctuary. It's the town the Jolly Fisherman made famous, and it still does bracing in the best possible way. Go early in summer to bag a good spot. Explore Skegness → Bridlington South Beach Bridlington gives you two beaches split by a working harbour, and the South Beach is the one for little ones: long, sandy and lined with beach huts and kiosks. Watch the fishing boats come in, grab fresh seafood from the harbour side, then pop over to the North side for the cliff-top views towards Flamborough. Explore Bridlington → Whitmore Bay, Barry Island A neat horseshoe of sand just outside Cardiff, with a fairground behind it and a prom packed with chips, ice cream and amusements. Fans of Gavin and Stacey will spot plenty of familiar corners. The bay is sheltered, compact and easy to keep an eye on the kids, which makes it a dream for parents. Explore Barry Island → South West England Surf, coves and that turquoise water you'd swear was abroad. Cornwall, Devon and Dorset are the UK's beach heartland for a reason. Fistral Beach, Newquay The UK's surfing poster child. Fistral faces straight into the Atlantic swell, so the waves roll in reliably and the line-up is full of boards most of the year. Book a lesson with one of the surf schools on the sand, or just grab a hot chocolate and watch the experts. Newquay's town beaches are calmer if you want a paddle. Explore Newquay → Porthmeor Beach, St Ives Pale sand, clear water and the white curves of Tate St Ives sitting right above the beach. Porthmeor is the surfy side of town, while Porthminster and the harbour beach are calmer. Spend the morning in the water, then wander the cobbled lanes for pasties and galleries. Parking is tight, so the park-and-ride train is your friend. Explore St Ives → Perranporth Beach A huge sweep of sand on Cornwall's north coast, big enough that even a sunny August afternoon never feels rammed. There's surf for beginners, rock arches and caves to poke about in at low tide, and a famous bar right on the beach for a sundowner. Walk north over the dunes for even more space. Explore Perranporth → Bournemouth Beach Miles of golden sand stretching from Poole towards Hengistbury Head, with a pier, pastel beach huts and a prom that's perfect for bikes and scooters. Bournemouth's beach is clean, easy to reach by train and backed by gardens running up into town. Head along to Boscombe for a slightly more laid-back vibe and its own pier. Explore Bournemouth → Sandbanks, Poole Fine sand and calm water on a spit of land famous for its eye-watering house prices. The beach itself is free and it's brilliant for families, with shallow bathing and views across Poole Harbour. Hop on the chain ferry at the tip for a short crossing to Studland and the start of the Jurassic Coast. Explore Poole → Studland Bay Four miles of sandy beaches looked after by the National Trust, backed by heathland and dunes on the Isle of Purbeck. Knoll Beach has the facilities, while the quieter stretches feel properly wild. Walk out to Old Harry Rocks, the chalk stacks at the southern end, for one of the best cliff-top views in Dorset. South East England Chalk cliffs, shingle with character and some of the easiest seaside day trips from London. Brighton Beach It's pebbles, not sand, and nobody cares. Brighton's beach is all about the buzz: Palace Pier rides, seafront bars under the arches, volleyball courts and the i360 tower rising above it all. Bring something squashy to sit on, grab chips, then lose an afternoon in the Lanes. Hove's end of the front is calmer. Explore Brighton → Margate Main Sands A big crescent of soft sand right in the middle of town, with Dreamland's rides on one side and the Turner Contemporary on the other. Margate mixes old-school seaside with a trendy Old Town of cafés and vintage shops. Fancy a dip without the waves? Walpole Bay's tidal pool is just along the coast. Explore Margate → Botany Bay, Broadstairs White chalk cliffs, sea stacks and rock pools make this one of Kent's most photogenic beaches. Go at low tide for the best exploring, and keep an eye on the incoming water. Broadstairs town and its smaller Viking Bay are a short coastal walk away, with ice cream parlours and a proper old-fashioned feel. Explore Broadstairs → Eastbourne Beach Shingle at the top, sand appearing as the tide drops, and one of the most elegant seafronts on the south coast. Eastbourne's pier, bandstand and floral gardens give it a gentle, unhurried charm. For a big day out, walk or drive up to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters for jaw-dropping chalk cliff views. Explore Eastbourne → Camber Sands East Sussex's sandy secret that isn't really a secret: miles of beach backed by rolling dunes that wouldn't look out of place in the desert. Camber is great for kite flying, sandcastles and long walks at low tide. Pop into nearby Rye afterwards for cobbled streets and a cracking pub lunch. Explore Camber → West Wittering Beach A long, sandy, privately managed beach at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, with grassy areas behind for picnics and views across to the Isle of Wight. The sheltered water is popular with windsurfers and paddleboarders. Walk out to East Head, a sand and shingle spit, at low tide. Arrive early on hot days; it fills up fast. East of England Big skies, sea breezes and a coastline that swings from bright lights to empty pine-backed sands. Great Yarmouth Beach Wide golden sands running the length of the Golden Mile, so the arcades, piers, Pleasure Beach and chippies are only a few steps from your towel. It's loud, cheerful and made for a full day of fun. In winter, the grey seal colony at nearby Horsey is a brilliant reason to come back. Explore Great Yarmouth → Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Colourful beach huts on stilts line the edge of the pinewoods at Wells, and the sand keeps going west into the vast, wild expanse of Holkham. At low tide the sea is a long way out, so this is a walking beach as much as a swimming one. Finish in Wells quay with fish and chips. Explore Wells-next-the-Sea → Hunstanton Beach Famous for its striped cliffs in bands of red and white, and for being one of the few places on the east coast where the sun sets over the sea, since it faces west across the Wash. Kids love the rock pools under the cliffs. Hunstanton's Sea Life centre and amusements are handy for showery days. Explore Hunstanton → Southwold Beach Rows of brightly painted beach huts, a white lighthouse standing in the middle of town and a pier with quirky handmade amusements. Southwold is the Suffolk seaside at its most charming, all sand, shingle and sea air. The Adnams brewery is based here too, so the pubs are reliably good. Explore Southwold → Cromer Beach A Victorian pier with a proper end-of-the-pier show, a sandy beach below the cliffs and the famous Cromer crab in just about every café. At low tide the sands open up for rock pooling and fossil spotting. Hop on the train along the coast to Sheringham for another seaside stroll. Explore Cromer → Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Jamie's home turf and the land of donkey rides, harbour fish and chips and cliff-top abbeys. Cleethorpes Beach A long stretch of sand looking out over the Humber, where the tide goes out so far it feels like you could walk to the horizon. Cleethorpes has a pier, a boating lake, a miniature railway trundling along the front and a signpost marking the Greenwich Meridian. Amusements, chippies and rock shops fill in the gaps. Explore Cleethorpes → Mablethorpe Beach Quieter than Skeggy but just as sandy, Mablethorpe has a wide beach, rows of beach huts and a cheerful high street full of seaside treats. It's a good shout for families who want space to build sandcastles without the crowds. Follow the prom south to Sutton-on-Sea for an even more peaceful stretch. Explore Mablethorpe → Filey Bay Five miles of firm golden sand curving round from the rocky finger of Filey Brigg. Filey is genteel, unspoilt and perfect for long beach walks, with fishing cobles pulled up on the Coble Landing. Explore the rock pools on the Brigg at low tide, then head up to the Crescent gardens for a sit-down. Explore Filey → Scarborough South Bay One of Yorkshire's great Victorian resorts, Scarborough still has all the trimmings: a sandy beach, a busy harbour, arcades along Foreshore Road and a castle on the headland. Cross to the North Bay for a quieter beach and Peasholm Park's boating lake. The cliff lifts and the coastal path save your legs on the steeper bits. Explore Scarborough → Whitby West Cliff Beach Beach huts in a neat row beneath the cliffs and a sandy shore that runs north towards Sandsend. Whitby wraps it all up with the 199 steps, the ruined abbey, kippers and some of the best fish and chips you'll ever eat. Walk the sands to Sandsend at low tide for a cracking few miles. Explore Whitby → North West and North East England From Blackpool's bright lights to Northumberland's castle-topped dunes, the north does beaches with bags of character. Blackpool Beach Miles of sand right under the Tower, with three piers, the trams rattling along the prom and the Pleasure Beach at the southern end. Blackpool's beach is the warm-up act to a day of rides, arcades and doughnuts. Stick around after dark in autumn when the Illuminations light up the whole front. Explore Blackpool → Southport Beach An enormous flat beach where the sea can seem miles away, giving you acres of room for kites and ball games. Southport's long pier stretches over the sands, and Lord Street's tree-lined shopping is a short walk inland. Pleasureland and the seafront amusements keep everyone happy if the weather turns. Explore Southport → Formby Beach Golden sand dunes and pinewoods looked after by the National Trust, and one of the best spots in England to see red squirrels. Follow the squirrel walk through the trees before heading over the dunes to the beach. It's easy to reach by train from Liverpool, and a world away from the city. Saltburn-by-the-Sea A Victorian gem with a pier, a water-powered cliff lift and a sandy beach that draws surfers from across the North East. Saltburn feels a little bit special, with tall cliffs, quirky cafés and Italianate gardens in the valley. Walk the beach towards Huntcliff for big views back along the coast. Explore Saltburn → Bamburgh Beach Wide white sands with a mighty castle perched on the rock above them. Bamburgh is Northumberland at its most dramatic, with views out to the Farne Islands and dunes that are made for running down. Combine it with a boat trip from nearby Seahouses to see puffins and seals in season. Wales Wild headlands, sweeping bays and some of the friendliest little seaside towns going. Tenby North Beach Pastel houses stacked up above the harbour and a sandy bay with Goskar Rock sitting in the middle. Tenby has three main beaches, and North Beach is the postcard view. Grab an ice cream, wander the medieval walls, then catch a boat from the harbour across to Caldey Island and its monks. Explore Tenby → Saundersfoot Beach Tenby's smaller, quieter neighbour, with a sandy beach right next to a pretty harbour full of bobbing boats. Saundersfoot is great for little ones and for crabbing off the harbour wall. Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path between the two towns for a scenic hike, then catch the bus back. Explore Saundersfoot → Rhossili Bay Three miles of sand at the tip of the Gower Peninsula, guarded by the tidal island of Worm's Head. Rhossili turns up on just about every best-beaches list going, and one look from the cliff-top car park tells you why. At low tide, the ribs of an old shipwreck poke up from the sand. Llandudno North Shore A graceful curve of Victorian hotels wrapping round the bay between the Great Orme and the Little Orme. Llandudno's pier, prom and shingle-and-sand beach make it the queen of North Wales resorts. Take the tram or cable car up the Great Orme, or try the sandier West Shore for sunset views. Explore Llandudno → Barmouth Beach A big stretch of golden sand where the Mawddach estuary meets Cardigan Bay, with mountains rising behind. Barmouth has a traditional seaside front with rides and amusements, plus the timber Barmouth Bridge carrying the railway and a footpath across the estuary. Walk it for gorgeous views of Snowdonia. Explore Barmouth → Porthcawl Rest Bay A surfer's favourite on the Glamorgan coast, with rolling waves, rock pools and a lifeguarded patch in summer. Rest Bay is the wilder side of Porthcawl, while Coney Beach and Trecco Bay offer funfair fun and family-friendly sands. Grab a coffee and watch the surf schools in action. Explore Porthcawl → Scotland Scotland's beaches range from city-side sands to remote island bays with water so clear you'd think you were in the Caribbean. Pack a jumper anyway. West Sands, St Andrews Two miles of firm sand running alongside the famous golf links, made world-famous by the opening scene of Chariots of Fire. West Sands is fantastic for long walks, kite flying and paddling, and the town's ruined cathedral and castle are a short wander away. Bring a ball and run the beach in slow motion. Portobello Beach, Edinburgh Edinburgh's seaside, with a sandy beach and a long, lively prom lined with cafés, ice cream and the odd arcade. It's a short bus ride from the city centre and popular with year-round sea swimmers. The Victorian Turkish baths at Portobello Swim Centre make a brilliant warm-up after a chilly dip. Explore Portobello → Luskentyre, Isle of Harris White sand, turquoise water and mountains all around: this is the beach that makes people do a double take at photos of the Outer Hebrides. Luskentyre is remote, peaceful and utterly stunning. Don't expect cafés or amusements, just pack a picnic, a windproof and plenty of camera battery. Ayr Beach A long sandy beach with a broad esplanade and views across the Firth of Clyde to the peaks of Arran. Ayr is a classic Clyde coast day out, easy to reach by train from Glasgow. Pair it with a visit to nearby Alloway and Burns country, then head back for fish and chips on the front. Explore Ayr → Northern Ireland The Causeway Coast and the Mournes give Northern Ireland some of the most spectacular beach backdrops in the UK. Portrush Beaches Portrush has two town beaches, East Strand and West Strand, plus the dramatic Whiterocks with its limestone cliffs and caves just along the coast. Surfers love it, families love the amusements, and the Giant's Causeway is a short drive away. Get out on a boat trip for a sea-level view of the cliffs. Explore Portrush → Portstewart Strand Two miles of golden sand cared for by the National Trust, backed by towering dunes, and one of the few beaches where you can drive onto the sand. Portstewart's prom is a lovely spot for an ice cream, and the views towards Donegal on a clear day are something else. Take a kite. Explore Portstewart → Newcastle Beach, County Down A long sandy beach where the Mountains of Mourne really do sweep down to the sea, just like the old song says. Newcastle's promenade has cafés and seaside treats, and Murlough's dune system lies just along the bay. Walkers can head into the hills, while everyone else enjoys the view. Planning your beach day Check the tide times before you set off. On big flat beaches like Southport, Cleethorpes and Holkham the sea can race back in faster than you'd think, and rock pools and coves are best enjoyed on a falling tide. Lifeguarded beaches use red and yellow flags to mark the safest swimming areas, so stick between them, especially with kids. Popular spots fill up quickly on sunny weekends and school holidays, so go early or late, or try the train. Plenty of these beaches have a station within walking distance. Take layers even in August, a windbreak, sun cream and a bin bag for your rubbish. Most of all, mix it up. Pair a wild beach in the morning with a seaside town in the afternoon and you get the best of both: peace and quiet, then chips, ice cream and a wander along the prom. 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For a small set of islands, the UK packs in a ridiculous amount of wild scenery. In one long weekend you could stand on a mountain summit, watch puffins nose-dive off a cliff, wander a gorge older than the dinosaurs' great-grandparents and finish with your toes in turquoise water. This guide rounds up the big hitters and a few lesser-known treats across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We've grouped them by type, so whether you fancy bagging a peak, chasing waterfalls, going underground or rambling through ancient woodland, you can jump straight to the good bit. Some are easy strolls from a car park; others need fitness, a map and a bit of mountain sense. Read each entry, be honest about what your gang can manage, and you'll have a cracking day out whatever you pick. Mountains and peaks From the big three summits to knife-edge ridges and strange Skye landslips, here's where to get your heart pumping and your jaw dropping. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) The highest mountain in Wales and the busiest in Britain. Several well-trodden paths lead up from Llanberis, Pen-y-Pass and beyond, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a lazier option when it's running. Set off early, check the mountain forecast and remember the summit can be freezing when the valley is sunny. Ben Nevis Britain's highest mountain looms over Fort William, and the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis takes most fit walkers a full day there and back. Snow can linger on the summit plateau well into summer and cloud is common. Proper boots, waterproofs and navigation skills are non-negotiable. Scafell Pike England's highest peak is a rocky, boulder-strewn summit with enormous views over the Lakeland fells on a clear day. The shortest route climbs from Wasdale Head, while the approach from Seathwaite in Borrowdale is longer but more scenic. Don't expect a café at the top: pack a decent lunch. Explore the Lake District → Pen y Fan The highest point in southern Britain is a flat-topped red sandstone summit with sweeping views across the Bannau Brycheiniog. The popular route from Pont ar Daf is steady and well made, which makes it a great first proper mountain. Loop over Corn Du and Cribyn if you've got the legs. Blencathra Also called Saddleback, Blencathra rises from Threlkeld near Keswick and is famous for Sharp Edge, a narrow rocky arête that thrills scramblers and terrifies everyone else. Gentler paths climb the southern ridges too. Pick your route to suit your nerve, and avoid Sharp Edge when it's wet or windy. Explore the Lake District → Cairngorms Plateau Up on the high Cairngorms you're in a near-Arctic landscape of granite, moss and snow patches, home to ptarmigan, dotterel and reindeer roaming the hills nearby. Conditions change frighteningly fast, so this is one for experienced, well-equipped walkers. Families can enjoy the lower forests and lochs around Aviemore instead. Glen Coe and the Glencoe Visitor Centre Driving into Glen Coe beneath Buachaille Etive Mòr and the Three Sisters is one of Scotland's great moments. The glen is steeped in history, including the 1692 massacre. Start at the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre for maps, exhibitions and advice on walks to suit every level. See Glencoe Visitor Centre → Glen Nevis Right at the foot of Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis is a glorious U-shaped valley of rivers, woods and waterfalls. The walk through the Nevis Gorge to the meadows and Steall Falls is short but unforgettable, with a famous wire bridge for the brave. It's easy to reach from Fort William. Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) Rolling grassy ridges, waterfalls, dark skies and wild ponies: the national park is far more than one famous peak. Head to the Waterfall Country around Pontneddfechan to walk behind Sgwd yr Eira, or explore the quieter Black Mountain range further west. Market towns like Brecon and Crickhowell make great bases. Mourne Mountains Granite peaks sweeping down to the sea, the Mournes inspired C. S. Lewis's Narnia. Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, rises right above the seaside town of Newcastle. Follow the dry-stone Mourne Wall across the summits, or enjoy gentler walks around Tollymore Forest Park. The Roaches On the edge of the Peak District near Leek, this gritstone escarpment is full of weird weathered rocks and climbers testing themselves on the crags. The ridge path is short but packed with views. Doddle over to Hen Cloud and Lud's Church to make a superb half-day ramble. The Peak District Edges Stanage, Curbar, Froggatt and Baslow edges form a long gritstone wall above the Derwent valley. Walking along the top is surprisingly easy, the views are huge, and sunsets are spectacular. Stanage is a legendary climbing venue, and old millstones still lie scattered beneath the crag. The Quiraing A gigantic landslip on Skye's Trotternish Ridge has left a chaos of pinnacles, cliffs and hidden plateaus with names like the Needle, the Prison and the Table. The loop path from the road above Staffin is rough in places but jaw-dropping. Visit early or late to dodge the crowds. Ben Lomond Scotland's most southerly Munro rises above the eastern shore of Loch Lomond from Rowardennan. The tourist path is long but straightforward, and the summit gives knockout views over the loch and its islands. For a quieter, rougher return, come down via the Ptarmigan ridge. See Ben Lomond → Lakes and lochs Mirror-still water, moody mountains and maybe a monster. These are the lakes and lochs worth driving a long way for. Wastwater England's deepest lake sits beneath the Wastwater Screes, steep slopes of shattered rock sliding straight into the water, with Great Gable framing the end of the valley. It's remote and quiet compared with the busier lakes. Bring a picnic and walk the shore path from the National Trust car park. Explore the Lake District → Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Less than an hour from Glasgow, Loch Lomond is studded with wooded islands and ringed by hills. Cruises leave from Balloch, Luss and Tarbet, while the Trossachs offer lochs like Katrine and Venachar. Walk part of the West Highland Way or just enjoy a lochside picnic. Loch Ness Long, dark and incredibly deep, Loch Ness holds more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. Whether Nessie is out there is up to you. Boat trips run from several points along the shore, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle make a perfect viewpoint. Loch an Eilein Hidden among the Caledonian pines of Rothiemurchus, this little loch has a ruined castle sitting on an island just offshore. A flat path loops the water in about an hour or so. Look out for red squirrels and crested tits, and stop for ice cream back near Aviemore. Derwentwater Keswick's lake is a beauty, with wooded islands, Catbells rising behind and launches circling the shore. Hop on the boat, walk a stretch, then catch the next launch back. Don't miss the view from Ashness Bridge or Surprise View on the road towards Watendlath. Explore Keswick and the Lakes → The Broads National Park A web of rivers and shallow broads across Norfolk and Suffolk, perfect for exploring by boat. Hire a day launch, paddle a canoe, or walk out to windmills and nature reserves. Herons, marsh harriers and swallowtail butterflies are all part of the show. See The Broads National Park → Waterfalls Thundering drops, tumbling chains of cascades and forest falls you can practically hug. Best after a bit of rain. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail A circular walk of around four and a half miles takes you up one wooded glen and down another, passing a whole string of waterfalls including the classic Thornton Force. There are steps and slopes, so it's a decent workout. Grab a brew in Ingleton village afterwards. High Force Upper Teesdale's headline act sends the River Tees crashing over a dark rock step, and after heavy rain the noise is incredible. The woodland approach is short and well made. Combine it with a riverside walk to Low Force and the Wynch Bridge, an old suspension footbridge. Pistyll Rhaeadr In the Berwyn mountains of north Powys, this tall waterfall leaps down a cliff in two stages, gushing through a rock arch partway. Paths lead both to the foot and the top. Have a cuppa at the tearoom by the car park, which overlooks the falls. The Fairy Pools Skye's Allt Coir' a' Mhadaidh flows down from the Cuillin through a series of icy pools coloured like sapphires. Wild swimmers love it; everyone else is happy just to look. The walk in crosses stepping stones, so expect wet feet after rain and go early to beat the coaches. Glenariff Forest Park Known as the Queen of the Glens of Antrim, Glenariff has a boardwalk Waterfall Walk winding through a steep wooded gorge past cascade after cascade. The views down the glen to the sea are lovely too. Pair it with the Causeway Coastal Route for a classic Northern Ireland road trip. Grey Mare's Tail In the Moffat Hills, a slender white waterfall streams down from a hanging valley. A short path gives a fine view from below, and the steeper trail alongside leads up to Loch Skeen. The reserve is run by the National Trust for Scotland and has wild goats roaming the slopes. See Grey Mare's Tail → The Hermitage Near Dunkeld in Perthshire, a woodland walk among towering Douglas firs leads to Black Linn Falls, viewed from the folly of Ossian's Hall. When the River Braan is up, the roar is something else. Keep an eye on the pools for leaping salmon in autumn. See The Hermitage → Caves and gorges Head underground or into the cracks in the landscape for stalactites, sheer cliffs and caves straight from a fairy tale. Cheddar Gorge Limestone cliffs tower over the twisting road through Cheddar Gorge, with feral goats picking along the ledges. Below ground, Gough's Cave is where Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, was found. Walk the clifftop path for a bird's-eye view and try a bit of proper cheddar in the village. See Cheddar Gorge and Caves → Wookey Hole Caves The River Axe flows out of the Mendip Hills through these caves, where guides tell the legend of the Witch of Wookey. Cheese is even matured down here. Above ground there's a mix of family attractions, making it a handy all-weather day near Wells. See Wookey Hole Caves → Dan yr Ogof Caves Hidden in the upper Swansea valley, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales combines a set of impressive caves with a dinosaur park and other extras. Cathedral Cave and the Bone Cave show off different sides of life underground. It makes a great rainy-day plan in the Bannau Brycheiniog. See Dan yr Ogof Caves → Thor's Cave In the Manifold Valley, a huge round cave mouth gapes from a limestone crag. Scramble up from the valley trail for a framed view of the Staffordshire countryside. The old railway line below is now a flat path, great for bikes and buggies, with tearooms at Wetton Mill. Fingal's Cave On uninhabited Staffa, waves boom into a cave lined with geometric basalt columns. The echoes famously inspired Mendelssohn. In calm conditions boat trips from Mull let you land and walk along the columns into the cave, with puffins nesting on the clifftops in early summer. Symonds Yat Rock A limestone viewpoint high above a horseshoe bend of the River Wye, surrounded by forest. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs, and in season volunteers help you spot them. Follow the trails down to the river, where you can hire a canoe or cross by the hand ferry. See Symonds Yat Rock → Malham Cove Once a giant waterfall plunged over this curving limestone cliff; now it's dry, and the top is a strange limestone pavement of clints and grikes. The walk from Malham is short and easy. Come in spring and you might catch peregrines nesting on the cliff face. White Scar Cave Just outside Ingleton, guided tours wind past underground waterfalls and stalactites to the Battlefield Cavern, an enormous chamber hung with formations. It's a brilliant add-on to the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Take a warm layer, as caves stay cool all year. See White Scar Cave → Marble Arch Caves In County Fermanagh, tours explore a network of rivers, waterfalls and passages, often including a short underground boat ride. The caves sit in a UNESCO Global Geopark spanning the border. Check ahead after heavy rain, as tours can be affected by high water. See Marble Arch Caves → Corrieshalloch Gorge A mile-long slot gorge near Ullapool where the Falls of Measach drop into the depths. Stand on the swaying suspension bridge for a look straight down, if you dare. The trail is short, so it's an easy stop on the drive up the west coast. See Corrieshalloch Gorge → Coast, cliffs and beaches Basalt columns, chalk stacks, fossil beaches and golden coves: Britain's coastline is a show-off. Giant's Causeway Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns step down into the sea on the Antrim coast, the result of ancient volcanic activity, or of the giant Finn McCool, depending on who you ask. Explore the stones, then take the clifftop trail for the view from above. See Giant's Causeway → The Jurassic Coast Stretching from Exmouth in Devon to Studland in Dorset, this World Heritage coastline shows off around 185 million years of geology. Lyme Regis and Charmouth are prime fossil-hunting spots, especially after winter storms. Search the beach, not the cliffs, and join a guided fossil walk for top tips. Explore Lyme Regis → Durdle Door A natural limestone arch curving out into clear blue water, Durdle Door is Dorset's poster child. The steep path from the clifftop car park down to the beach is worth every step. Bring sturdy footwear and save energy for the climb back up. Lulworth Cove Almost a perfect circle, Lulworth Cove was scooped out by the sea breaking through a gap in the rocks. The village has cafés and a calm little beach for paddling. Walk the coast path over the hill to Durdle Door, then pop round to the Stair Hole to see the crumpled rock folds. The Needles Three chalk stacks and a red-and-white lighthouse march out to sea from the western tip of the Isle of Wight. At Alum Bay, ride the chairlift down to the beach for the view and the famous coloured sand cliffs. Walk up to the Needles Old Battery for a dramatic clifftop look. Explore Alum Bay → Seven Sisters Cliffs A rollercoaster of brilliant white chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne. Walk the South Downs Way along the top, or start at Birling Gap and explore the beach at low tide. Stay well back from the edge, as the cliffs crumble regularly. Barafundle Bay On the Stackpole estate in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle is golden sand, dunes and clear water hidden behind a headland, with no road straight to it. The short coast-path walk from Stackpole Quay keeps it feeling special. Pack everything you need, as there are no facilities on the beach. Bamburgh Beach The castle sits high on its rock like something out of a storybook, while the broad sands stretch north and south. It's a top spot for kite flying and long dog walks. The Farne Islands lie just offshore, and boats leave from nearby Seahouses. The Gower Peninsula Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is packed with beaches, from surfer-friendly Llangennith to the vast sweep of Rhossili Bay. At low tide you can cross to Worm's Head, but check tide times carefully. Three Cliffs Bay is another stunner. Explore Swansea and Gower → Kynance Cove On Cornwall's Lizard peninsula, Kynance is all about the serpentine rock, a dark stone with green and red veins, set against white sand and bright turquoise water. Low tide reveals caves and islands. Get there early on summer days and wear shoes for the steep path. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Salmon fishermen once strung a bridge across the chasm to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. Today's sturdy version still sways enough to get the heart going, with sheer drops and seabirds below. Tickets are timed in busy months, so book ahead. See Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge → Dungeness One of the largest shingle landscapes in Europe, Dungeness is home to rare plants, insects and a big RSPB reserve. Its strange, flat beauty is unlike anywhere else in England. Climb the Old Lighthouse for the view, then walk among the fishermen's huts on the beach. Islands and wildlife Puffins, seals, seabird cities and tidal causeways. Pack binoculars and a sense of adventure. The Farne Islands Boat trips from Seahouses bring you face-to-face with puffins, grey seals and thousands of nesting seabirds. Land on Inner Farne in season and the Arctic terns may dive-bomb your head, so wear a hat. Autumn brings seal pups to the islands. Skomer Island Off the Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer is famous for puffins in late spring and early summer, plus a huge colony of Manx shearwaters that come ashore at night. Boats leave from Martin's Haven, and places go fast. Bring food and water, as there are few facilities. St Kilda Forty-odd miles west of the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda's remote archipelago has some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain and enormous seabird colonies. The last islanders left in 1930. Day trips from Harris depend entirely on the weather, so keep plans flexible. St Michael's Mount Walk across the causeway at low tide to this rocky island castle in Mount's Bay, or take a little boat when the sea rolls in. Its sheltered subtropical gardens thrive on the warm rock. The views from the top over the Cornish coast are brilliant. Holy Island of Lindisfarne Beyond the priory and castle, Lindisfarne is a superb National Nature Reserve. In winter thousands of geese and wading birds feed on the mudflats. Grey seals haul out on the sandbanks too. Time your crossing with the official safe crossing times. St Abb's Head On the Berwickshire coast, the cliffs at St Abb's Head buzz with guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes in early summer. A clifftop path leads round to the lighthouse and Mire Loch. Afterwards, wander into the harbour village of St Abbs, a hub for divers. See St Abb's Head → Forests and woodland Ancient trees, roaming ponies and dark-sky forests. Perfect for a gentle ramble, a bike ride or a proper adventure. New Forest Ponies, donkeys and cattle roam freely across heath and woodland in this ancient royal hunting ground. Villages like Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst make good bases, and there are cycle routes everywhere. Admire the animals from a distance and never feed them. Explore the New Forest → The Dark Hedges Near Armoy in County Antrim, an avenue of beech trees planted in the 18th century arches over the road like a tunnel of twisted branches. Game of Thrones made it famous worldwide. Come early or late for atmospheric photos without the crowds, and pair it with the Causeway Coast. Attadale Gardens At Strathcarron in Wester Ross, Attadale is a Highland estate garden of rhododendrons, waterfalls, ponds and quirky sculptures. The Gulf Stream helps exotic plants thrive. It's a calm stop on the road to Skye, with mountains rising behind. Kielder Forest Huge, wild and gloriously quiet, Kielder Forest wraps around Kielder Water in Northumberland. Trails suit walkers and mountain bikers, and the skies are some of the darkest in England, great for stargazing. Red squirrels are often seen around the visitor centres. See Kielder Forest → Whinlatter Forest High above Keswick, Whinlatter offers forest walks, mountain-bike trails and views over Bassenthwaite Lake. There's a play area and café, so it suits families, and red squirrels live in the trees. Go Ape treetop adventures are on site too. See Whinlatter Forest → Forest of Dean at Beechenhurst Beechenhurst is the starting point for the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, where artworks appear among the oaks and beeches. There's play equipment, a café and wide paths for buggies. Puzzlewood and Symonds Yat are close by, so it's easy to build a full weekend around the forest. See Forest of Dean at Beechenhurst → Planning your nature day out The UK's wild places are free to enjoy, but they demand respect. For mountains, check a specialist mountain forecast before setting off, carry a map and compass, and tell someone your route. Summits are much colder and windier than the car park, even in summer. On the coast, check tide tables for causeways, beaches and caves, and stay well back from crumbling cliff edges. Wildlife boat trips are weather dependent and often busy in summer, so book ahead and have a plan B. Arrive early at popular spots, as car parks fill fast. Wear proper footwear, pack water and snacks, and take all your litter home. Follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs under control near livestock and nesting birds, and these places will stay wonderful for years. More Spin Raiders guides UK Hidden Gems guide UK Rural Villages guide Outdoor days out

Where you sleep can make or break a family break. Get it right and everyone's within a stroll of the beach, the kids have room to spread out and you're not lugging buckets and spades across town. Get it wrong and, well, you'll be hearing about it on the drive home. This guide brings together real places to stay in the UK's best-loved family destinations: Blackpool's seafront hotels, cottages on the Yorkshire coast and in the Lakes, and big-name holiday parks from Skegness to Newquay. We've grouped them by area and explained who each one suits, whether that's a family of four after a pool, three generations needing a big house, or a gang wanting arcades on the doorstep. Each place links to its own page, where you can check what's listed and see arcades, food and attractions nearby. Facilities change, so always confirm the room type and extras when you book. Family hotels in Blackpool Blackpool is the UK's family seaside capital, and it's packed with places to stay. Think about which end of town suits you: South Shore for Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark, the centre for the Tower and Winter Gardens, or North Shore for a calmer prom. The Big Blue Hotel Sitting right on Ocean Boulevard at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, this is the place for coaster-mad kids who want to be first through the gates. Family rooms, a restaurant and a bar are all listed, plus a lift for weary legs. South Pier and Sandcastle Waterpark are a short walk away, so you can park up and forget the car. See The Big Blue Hotel → Grand Hotel Blackpool Formerly the Blackpool Hilton, this big North Shore promenade hotel offers sea-view and family room options. The indoor pool is a lifesaver on a drizzly day, and grown-ups get a sauna, steam room and gym. North Pier and the Tower are reachable along the prom or by tram, so it suits families wanting space and comfort. See Grand Hotel Blackpool → Village Hotel Blackpool Set on East Park Drive between Stanley Park and Blackpool Zoo, this is a smart pick if animals and boating lakes are on your list. Indoor and outdoor pools, a family restaurant and a Pub and Grill are listed, along with family room options. You'll want the car or a bus for the seafront, but the leisure side makes up for it. See Village Hotel Blackpool → Cliffs Hotel Up on Queens Promenade in North Shore, the Cliffs lists an indoor pool, fitness facilities and a sauna, plus free on-site parking, though spaces are limited. It's a quieter part of the seafront, handy for families who like a peaceful evening after a hectic day in town. Hop on the tram to reach the piers and the Tower. See Cliffs Hotel → Doric Hotel Another Queens Promenade option, the Doric has an indoor pool and sauna on its listing, along with a restaurant, bar and a terrace. Breakfast costs extra, so check your rate. The cliffs and wide prom out front are perfect for scooters and early-morning walks before heading south to the attractions. See Doric Hotel → The Woodleigh Family Hotel The clue's in the name. This North Shore guest house on King Edward Avenue lists family rooms, a garden, a terrace, a shared lounge and a lift, which is unusual for a smaller Blackpool B&B. It's a short walk to the North Shore prom, so it suits parents after a homely, budget-friendly base. See The Woodleigh Family Hotel → The Wescoe Guesthouse An independent 11-room guesthouse just off the promenade opposite South Pier, with en-suite double and family rooms and some ground-floor options. Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark are within walking distance. Parking is limited and first come, first served, so arrive early or plan to leave the car at home. See The Wescoe Guesthouse → The Lumada Hotel On Albert Road, close to the Winter Gardens, the Lumada has 14 en-suite rooms including triples and family options. A cooked breakfast can be booked at check-in. It's ideal for families who want to be in the thick of it, with the Tower, the shops and the Golden Mile a few minutes away on foot. See The Lumada Hotel → Premier Inn Blackpool Beach If you like knowing exactly what you're getting, this 103-room Premier Inn on Yeadon Way is handy for Pleasure Beach, South Pier and Sandcastle Waterpark. Limited free parking is listed and breakfast is extra. Its position just off the motorway approach makes arriving with tired children much less stressful. See Premier Inn Blackpool Beach → Pelham Lodge Tucked on General Street near North Pier and the town centre, Pelham Lodge offers en-suite, non-smoking rooms including family rooms with a double and two singles. It's a good pick for a family of four on a budget who'd rather spend their money on rides and fish suppers than fancy extras. See Pelham Lodge → Sea View Apartment One Prefer to self-cater? This first-floor seafront apartment has three bedrooms including a family room, two bathrooms, a dishwasher and a washer-dryer, plus one private parking space. There are ten steps up to it, so note that if you've a buggy. Cooking your own tea saves a fortune over a week. See Sea View Apartment One → The Ascot A six-bedroom holiday house for up to ten, The Ascot is listed for couples and families only. The games room, with pool, table tennis and a PlayStation 4, will keep teenagers happy on wet evenings. There's an enclosed rear area, a ground-floor bedroom and parking for three cars, ideal for a multi-generation trip. See The Ascot → The Farmhouse at Ream Hills For really big families, this six-bedroom farmhouse near Weeton sleeps up to seventeen. There are two living rooms, a games room with snooker, table tennis and table football, a large garden and a six-person hot tub. Blackpool's lights are a short drive away, but evenings here feel properly rural. See The Farmhouse at Ream Hills → Haven Marton Mere Prefer a caravan break? Haven's park sits beside Marton Mere nature reserve, about three miles from the prom. Pools, shows, an on-park arcade and family activities mean the kids may not want to leave site. Birdwatchers in the family will love the reserve on the doorstep. See Haven Marton Mere → Family stays on the Yorkshire coast and York Scarborough and Whitby are the classic Yorkshire seaside pair, and both make a handy base for a day trip inland to York's walls, museums and the Shambles. Self-catering houses rule here, which suits bigger families nicely. South Bay House, Scarborough This six-bedroom house on Avenue Victoria sleeps up to twelve and lists WiFi, parking, outdoor space and a cot. The South Cliff location puts you close to the Spa and a walk down to the South Bay beach. A brilliant choice for two or three families sharing the cost. See South Bay House, Scarborough → Highview, Scarborough Up on North Marine Road, Highview has five bedrooms for up to twelve guests, with parking, a garden and a cot listed. Pets are welcome too, so the dog needn't miss out. You're well placed for the North Bay, Peasholm Park and the castle headland, all walkable with kids in tow. See Highview, Scarborough → Hook's House, Scarborough Smaller families should look at this two-bedroom house on West Sandgate, in the old town near the harbour. It sleeps four, with WiFi, parking and a cot listed, and pets are welcome. The arcades, the beach and the harbour's fish stalls are all a few minutes' walk away. See Hook's House, Scarborough → Sunbeams and Ice Creams, Scarborough With a name like that, how could the kids say no? This two-bedroom Tennyson Avenue stay sleeps four and lists parking, WiFi and outdoor space, with pets welcome. It puts the North Bay side of town, with its little railway and Peasholm Park, within easy reach. See Sunbeams and Ice Creams, Scarborough → 59 Finch, Cayton Bay A two-bedroom self-catering stay inside Cayton Bay Holiday Centre near Scarborough, sleeping four, with parking, outdoor space and a cot listed. You get holiday park facilities nearby plus a sandy bay on the doorstep, and Scarborough's bright lights are a short drive away. See 59 Finch, Cayton Bay → Cayton Bay Holiday Centre Parkdean's park just south of Scarborough has an indoor pool, an on-park arcade and a sandy bay on the doorstep, a favourite with surfers. It gives you the beach-holiday basics without the town-centre bustle, and Filey is close by for a quieter seaside outing. See Cayton Bay Holiday Centre → Primrose Valley Holiday Park Haven's huge park near Filey has two indoor pools, a family arcade and a beach on the doorstep. It's one of the biggest family holiday parks on this coast, so there's plenty to fill rainy days. Pop into Filey for its gentle sands, or head up to Scarborough for the full seaside works. See Primrose Valley Holiday Park → Beachcrest, Whitby This five-bedroom West Cliff house sleeps ten and lists a cinema room, games room, enclosed gardens and a hot tub. Ground-floor bedrooms help if you're travelling with grandparents, and two small dogs are welcome. Parties are not accepted, which tells you it's built for families. See Beachcrest, Whitby → 3 Anchor Cottage, Whitby Designed for four adults and two children, this three-bedroom Whitby cottage has an attic twin room meant for little ones, which kids tend to think is the best room in the house. A private courtyard and parking scratch cards are provided; note the narrow lane means no unloading right outside. See 3 Anchor Cottage, Whitby → Steps Cottage, Whitby A white corner cottage sleeping four in the historic East Pier area, beside the cobbled streets and steps of the old town. Wake up near the 199 steps, the abbey and the harbour. It's perfect for families who like their holidays steeped in atmosphere and ghost stories. See Steps Cottage, Whitby → Meadowfields, Whitby Four bedrooms sleeping eight, with two ground-floor doubles and a ground-floor wet room, make Meadowfields a thoughtful option for families with older relatives or anyone who struggles with stairs. There's an enclosed garden and parking for four cars, so bikes and beach kit fit in easily. See Meadowfields, Whitby → The Farmhouse, Boggle Hole Near Robin Hood's Bay, this three-storey farmhouse takes up to eight guests plus an infant. Extensive gardens, cycle storage and shared tennis-court access give kids room to roam, though they'll need watching near the farm streams. Rock-pooling at Boggle Hole and the bay is a short walk away. See The Farmhouse, Boggle Hole → Family cottages in the Lake District The Lakes are made for family adventures: boat trips, gentle fell walks, Peter Rabbit and plenty of puddles. A cottage with a log burner is the classic way to do it. Riverside, Ambleside A seven-bedroom Victorian house beside the River Rothay near Rothay Park, sleeping fourteen. A cinema room, a terraced garden and a dining table for twelve make it ideal for big family get-togethers. Ambleside's shops, cafés and the head of Windermere are all on the doorstep. See Riverside, Ambleside → Robin Cottage, Troutbeck This four-bedroom Troutbeck cottage sleeps eight, with an enclosed garden, a woodburning stove and even a piano for sing-songs. Two pets are welcome and there's lockable bike storage. Troutbeck's valley is lovely walking country, and Windermere's lake cruises are a short drive down the hill. See Robin Cottage, Troutbeck → Fairfield Cottage, Grasmere Sleeping six in Grasmere, this cottage has three bathrooms, which matters more than you'd think with children. A furnished patio, sun terraces and parking for three cars are listed. Grasmere's famous gingerbread and the easy lakeside paths make it a gentle introduction to the Lakes for young walkers. See Fairfield Cottage, Grasmere → Deer How Farm, Patterdale A four-bedroom farmhouse near Glenridding sleeping eight, with a wraparound garden, woodburning stove and up to three dogs welcome. Ullswater's steamers run from Glenridding, and Aira Force waterfall is a cracking family walk. Note the garden is unenclosed if you've little wanderers. See Deer How Farm, Patterdale → Lakeside at Louper Weir For a real treat, this lakeside house near Bowness sleeps eight across four en-suite rooms and comes with a hot tub, garden and private jetty. Boats must launch from Bowness, but watching the water from your own jetty is a holiday memory in itself. Pets aren't accepted. See Lakeside at Louper Weir → Riverside Cottage No 5, Keswick At Low Briery Holiday Village near Keswick, this two-bedroom cottage for four has a private hot tub, a picnic bench and parking for two cars, and two dogs are welcome. Keswick's pencil museum, Derwentwater launches and gentle walks are all close, making it a smart pick for a smaller family. See Riverside Cottage No 5, Keswick → Orchard Cottage, Outgate Near Hawkshead, this four-bedroom country cottage sleeps eight and has a conservatory, several bathrooms and grounds with lawns and a fenced pond. There are steps inside and out, and children need supervising in the garden. Grizedale Forest's trails and Hawkshead village are both nearby. See Orchard Cottage, Outgate → Holiday parks for families Lincolnshire and Norfolk are holiday park heartland. Skegness, Mablethorpe, Cleethorpes and Great Yarmouth are ringed with big parks offering pools, shows and arcades for all weathers. Butlin's Skegness The original Butlin's, opened in 1936 at Ingoldmells, still delivers the full package: a traditional fairground, Splash Waterworld, arcades and the SKYPARK. It's a brilliant choice for families who want everything on site. Skegness's beach and pier are a short hop down the coast. See Butlin's Skegness → Coastfields Holiday Village Ingoldmells is the beating heart of the Skegness caravan coast, and Coastfields has a busy family arcade right at its gate. Fantasy Island's rides and market are nearby, making this a lively base for families who want to be in the middle of the action. See Coastfields Holiday Village → Haven Golden Sands, Mablethorpe A big Haven park with two pools, the Adventure Village and shows day and night. Mablethorpe's beach is wide, sandy and great for little ones, and the town is quieter than Skeg. Ideal if you want holiday park fun with a calmer seaside town on the doorstep. See Haven Golden Sands, Mablethorpe → Haven Cleethorpes Beach Formerly Thorpe Park, this large Humberston park has pools, a family arcade, nightly shows and its own Wetherspoon pub. It's close to Cleethorpes' long prom, the pier and the Meridian, plus the boating lake and light railway. A handy base for exploring north Lincolnshire. See Haven Cleethorpes Beach → Hopton Holiday Village Haven's beachside park at Hopton-on-Sea has two indoor pools, an Inflatable Arena and a family arcade in the Marina complex. It sits between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, so you've two seaside towns to explore, plus Pleasurewood Hills theme park close by. See Hopton Holiday Village → Seashore Holiday Park Right by the beach on Great Yarmouth's north side, Seashore has a water park and a family amusement centre packed with ticket games, cranes and VR. The Golden Mile's piers and Pleasure Beach are a short trip away, so it suits families wanting busy days and lively evenings. See Seashore Holiday Park → Vauxhall Holiday Park Parkdean's big Great Yarmouth park is close to the town centre and station, with pools, bars, kids' clubs and a large arcade with a VR area. It's a good choice if you're arriving by train or want to walk into town for the seafront without moving the car. See Vauxhall Holiday Park → Caister Holiday Park Open since 1906, Haven's Caister-on-Sea park is one of the oldest holiday camps around. Two family arcades with penny machines, grabbers and prizes keep kids busy, and the dunes and beach are right there. Great Yarmouth is a few miles south for bigger days out. See Caister Holiday Park → Richardson's Hemsby Beach A family holiday park on Beach Road, Hemsby, with its own Play and Bowl centre offering bowling, soft play and arcade games. Hemsby's sands and seaside strip are on the doorstep, and the Norfolk Broads are a short drive inland for a boat day. See Richardson's Hemsby Beach → Family stays near Llandudno and North Wales The North Wales coast between Rhyl and Llandudno is lined with caravan parks, and further west the Llyn Peninsula has some of the biggest. Llandudno's pier, the Great Orme and Conwy Castle make perfect day trips from all of them. Golden Sands, Kinmel Bay Away Resorts' Golden Sands sits right on the beach at Kinmel Bay, with an on-park arcade of coin pushers, video games and claws. Rhyl's SC2 waterpark is nearby, and Llandudno is around half an hour along the coast. A good option for families who want sand within a minute of the door. See Golden Sands, Kinmel Bay → Lyons Winkups, Towyn A Towyn holiday park with an on-park arcade full of tickets, prizes, claws and 2p pushers that families generally enjoy. Towyn's traditional funfair and the seafront at Rhyl are close by, making it a lively base for young families on a budget. See Lyons Winkups, Towyn → Ty Mawr Holiday Park Parkdean's Ty Mawr near Towyn has a pool, club shows, activities and an arcade on site. It's a well-rounded choice that keeps both toddlers and teens entertained, and the coast road puts Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and its Welsh Mountain Zoo within easy reach. See Ty Mawr Holiday Park → Greenacres, Porthmadog Haven's beachside park at Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog, has an indoor pool, a family arcade and Marina Bar shows. Black Rock is one of those beaches where you can drive onto the sand, and the steam railways of Porthmadog and Portmeirion's colourful village are close by. See Greenacres, Porthmadog → Haven Hafan y Mor, Pwllheli This huge park on the Llyn Peninsula has two entertainment venues, each with an arcade, plus a water park and its own beach. It's one of Haven's flagship parks, great for families wanting a full week of fun in a stunning corner of Wales. See Haven Hafan y Mor, Pwllheli → Family holiday parks in Newquay, Cornwall and Devon Cornwall and Devon are the dream family summer holiday: surf beaches, ice cream and pasties. These parks put you right in the thick of it. Newquay Holiday Park Parkdean's Newquay park lists pools with a waterslide, high ropes, soft play, bars, evening entertainment and a family arcade. Newquay's famous surf beaches, including Fistral, and the town's zoo are a short drive away, so it's an all-rounder for active families. See Newquay Holiday Park → White Acres Holiday Park A 184-acre Parkdean park near Newquay with 13 fishing lakes, an indoor pool and a family arcade in the Lakeside Club. It's a dream for families with a keen young angler, and the north Cornish beaches are close by for when the rods are packed away. See White Acres Holiday Park → Haven Perran Sands Steps from Perranporth's huge golden beach, Haven's park has an arcade that still keeps 2p and 10p pushers alongside its cashless games. Perranporth is surfing and rock-pooling heaven, with dunes behind the beach to explore. Newquay is a short drive up the coast. See Haven Perran Sands → Haven Devon Cliffs This big clifftop park above Sandy Bay, near Exmouth, has a large arcade and prize shop, with Sandy Bay right below. The Jurassic Coast starts right here, so fossil hunting and coastal walks are easy wins. Exmouth's long sandy beach is just along the coast. See Haven Devon Cliffs → Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park A hillside park with sea views over Woolacombe and an arcade of 2p machines, grabbers and video games. Woolacombe's three miles of sand are among the best family beaches in Devon, great for bodyboarding and sandcastles. Ilfracombe's harbour makes a lovely rainy-day trip. See Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park → Butlin's Minehead Butlin's biggest resort sits on the edge of Exmoor, with a classic fairground included in your stay, flumes, arcades and the SKYPARK. The West Somerset Railway's steam trains run from Minehead, and Exmoor's open moorland is great for spotting ponies with the kids. See Butlin's Minehead → Family stays on the Isle of Wight and the south coast The Isle of Wight is a ready-made family adventure, starting with the ferry crossing. Over on the mainland, the New Forest and Hayling Island offer greener and quieter alternatives. Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park Away Resorts' clifftop park near Bembridge has pools, the Culver Club, an arcade and a secluded beach below. The island's east side offers Sandown's beach and pier, Dinosaur Isle and steam railway trips, so you'll be spoilt for days out without long drives. See Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park → Nodes Point Holiday Park Parkdean's park above Priory Bay near Ryde has direct beach access, an indoor pool, a showbar and a family amusement arcade. Ryde's ferries and hovercraft make for a quick arrival, and the long sands at Ryde are perfect for low-tide crabbing and digging. See Nodes Point Holiday Park → Sandy Balls Holiday Village Tucked in the New Forest, this Away Resorts woodland village has a dog-friendly arcade on its Village Square. Ponies wandering the forest, cycle trails and Paultons Park within reach make it a winner for nature-loving families who still want a few home comforts. See Sandy Balls Holiday Village → Newtown House Hotel, Hayling Island A traditional red-brick hotel on Manor Road, handy for a break built around Hayling's beaches and seaside attractions. The island's seafront has a funfair, a light railway and plenty of shingle beach for pebble-hunting, and it feels much quieter than the big resorts. See Newtown House Hotel, Hayling Island → Tips for booking a family stay Book early for school holidays, especially the summer and October half-term, when family rooms and bigger cottages go first. Midweek or term-time breaks can be much better value if your children aren't yet in school. Always check exactly what a family room means. Some have a double and two singles, others a double plus a sofa bed, and a cot may need requesting in advance. With self-catering houses, look at the number of bathrooms, the stairs and whether the garden is enclosed if you have toddlers or a dog. Read the small print on parking, breakfast and leisure facilities, as pools and parking can carry extra charges. At holiday parks, check whether entertainment passes are included in your price. Finally, think about location over luxury: being able to walk to the beach or pop back for a nap can matter far more than a fancy lobby. More Spin Raiders guides UK Beaches guide UK Family Days Out guide Places to stay Holiday parks

Britain is stuffed to the rafters with history. You can't drive twenty minutes without passing a castle, a ruined abbey or a lump of Roman wall, and the best of them make a cracking day out for everyone from toddlers with wooden swords to Grandad with his guidebook. This guide covers Jamie's top 50 historic sites across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with extra battlefields, steam railways and monuments thrown in so every section is properly worth a read. Stone circles older than the pyramids, palaces where kings partied, clifftop ruins with legends attached: it's all here, grouped so you can jump straight to the kind of history you fancy. If you love wandering cobbled streets and old town walls, our medieval towns guide is the perfect partner to this one. Now grab your coat. The past is waiting. Castles Big walls, tall towers and spiral staircases that make your knees ache. These are the castles worth crossing the country for. Tower of London Nearly a thousand years of royal history on the Thames, with the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the famous ravens. Join a free tour with a Yeoman Warder, because their stories are gruesome and very funny. Arrive at opening time and head for the Jewel House first, before the queues build. See Tower of London → Edinburgh Castle Perched on an old volcano above the city, Edinburgh Castle holds the Honours of Scotland, the tiny St Margaret's Chapel and the great Mons Meg cannon. Be there for the One O'Clock Gun, fired most days. Walk down the Royal Mile afterwards to finish at Holyroodhouse. See Edinburgh Castle → Conwy Castle Edward I's mighty fortress still dominates Conwy, with eight huge towers and almost the whole medieval town wall circuit intact. Walk the walls for brilliant views over the estuary and harbour, then hunt down the tiny house on the quay. Llandudno's pier and promenade are just along the coast. Windsor Castle Often described as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor is still a working royal home. See the State Apartments, St George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls' House, a tiny marvel. Check the Changing of the Guard schedule, then wander down to the Thames. See Windsor Castle → Warwick Castle Warwick goes big on the fun side of history, with a giant trebuchet, birds of prey shows, ramparts to climb and a spooky dungeon experience. It's a real family crowd-pleaser. Book ahead for the best prices, and leave time for the riverside gardens and the town itself. See Warwick Castle → Caernarfon Castle With its banded stone walls and many-sided towers, Caernarfon was built by Edward I to look like a palace of power. It's where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969. Climb the Eagle Tower for views of the Menai Strait, then explore the walled town. Explore Caernarfon → Dover Castle Guarding the white cliffs for centuries, Dover Castle has a medieval Great Tower dressed as it would have been for Henry II, plus the Secret Wartime Tunnels where the Dunkirk evacuation was planned. That's two cracking days out in one. On a clear day you can see France. See Dover Castle → Tintagel Castle Wild, windswept and wrapped in King Arthur legends, Tintagel sits on a dramatic headland on the north Cornish coast. The footbridge across the gap to the island is a thrill in itself. Look out for the bronze Gallos sculpture, and brace yourself for plenty of steps. See Tintagel Castle → Stirling Castle Many say Stirling outshines Edinburgh. The Royal Palace has been restored to its Renaissance glory, the Great Hall glows gold, and costumed characters bring the court to life. From the walls you can see the Wallace Monument and the Bannockburn battlefield. See Stirling Castle → Cardiff Castle Right in the city centre, Cardiff Castle mixes a Norman keep, Roman walls and a fairy-tale Victorian mansion with jaw-dropping painted rooms. The wartime shelters inside the walls are a surprise. Afterwards, it's a short stroll to the shops, Bute Park or the Principality Stadium. Explore Cardiff → Alnwick Castle Home of the Percy family for centuries, Alnwick is famous as the place where Harry Potter learned to fly in the first film. Kids can try broomstick training in the outer bailey. The Alnwick Garden next door, with its grand cascade and Poison Garden, is well worth adding on. Beaumaris Castle On Anglesey, Beaumaris is often called the most perfect castle never finished. Edward I's builders ran out of money, but its walls-within-walls design and water-filled moat are still a picture. It's an easy, flat wander, so ideal with younger kids. The seafront and pier are right beside it. Carrickfergus Castle Built by the Norman knight John de Courcy in the late 1100s, this is one of Northern Ireland's best-preserved medieval castles, standing right on the shore of Belfast Lough. Cannons line the walls, and the keep is full of stories. It's an easy trip out from Belfast. Explore Carrickfergus → Bamburgh Castle Rising from a rocky crag above miles of golden Northumberland sand, Bamburgh might be the most photogenic castle in England. Inside, the Armstrong family's restored rooms are crammed with treasures. Make a day of it with a beach walk and a boat trip from Seahouses to the Farne Islands. Harlech Castle Another of Edward I's Welsh fortresses, Harlech sits high on a rock looking out over the sea and Snowdonia's mountains. The siege that inspired the song Men of Harlech happened here. Cross the floating footbridge to the gatehouse, then head down to the huge dune-backed beach. Dunluce Castle Clinging to the cliffs of the Causeway Coast in County Antrim, Dunluce is one of Ireland's most dramatic ruins. Legend has it part of the kitchen fell into the sea during a storm. Combine it with the Giant's Causeway and a stop in Portrush for chips by the sea. Raglan Castle Raglan in Monmouthshire was built more for show than war, with grand state rooms and a hexagonal Great Tower surrounded by its own moat. It was badly damaged during a Civil War siege, but the ruins are still magnificent. Pair it with Tintern Abbey for a lovely Wye Valley day. Lochleven Castle Reached only by boat from Kinross pier, this island castle is where Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive and made a daring escape in 1568. The short crossing over Loch Leven is half the fun. Boats run seasonally, so check before you set off. Explore Kinross → Bodiam Castle A proper storybook castle in East Sussex, Bodiam has round towers, battlements and a wide moat full of fish. Inside, the walls are a ruined shell, but you can climb to the top for countryside views. Bring a picnic for the lawns and spot the original wooden portcullis. The Needles Old Battery A Victorian fort perched high on the western tip of the Isle of Wight, with gun emplacements, a tunnel down to a searchlight and stunning views of the Needles rocks. Walk up from Alum Bay or catch the open-top bus. It can be very windy, so wrap up. Explore the Isle of Wight → Historic houses Grand halls, fancy gardens and plenty of gold leaf. How the other half lived, from Tudor kings to Regency party animals. Blenheim Palace Winston Churchill's birthplace is a baroque blockbuster near Woodstock, set in parkland shaped by Capability Brown. Explore the staterooms and the room where Churchill was born, then hop on the little train to the pleasure gardens with its maze. A World Heritage Site and a full day out. See Blenheim Palace → Chatsworth House Home of the Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth sits in the heart of the Peak District with a famous painted hall, a sculpture gallery and the Emperor Fountain shooting high in the garden. The farmyard and adventure playground keep kids busy. Bakewell, home of the pudding, is a few miles away. See Chatsworth House → Hampton Court Palace Henry VIII's favourite palace has Tudor kitchens big enough to feed six hundred courtiers, a haunted gallery and the oldest surviving hedge maze in Britain. Costumed characters roam the courtyards. Getting lost in the maze is compulsory. The Thames riverside walk is lovely afterwards. See Hampton Court Palace → Palace of Holyroodhouse The King's official home in Scotland sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Tour the state apartments, then climb the narrow stair to Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, where her secretary Rizzio was murdered. The ruined abbey next door is atmospheric, and Arthur's Seat rises behind. See Palace of Holyroodhouse → St Michael's Mount A castle on a tidal island off Marazion in Cornwall, reached on foot across a cobbled causeway at low tide or by little boat when the sea comes in. The St Aubyn family still live here. Check the tide times, and save energy for the steep climb to the top. Shakespeare's Birthplace The half-timbered house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born and grew up. Costumed actors perform scenes in the garden, and you can see the room where young Will slept. Stratford's riverside, the theatre and Anne Hathaway's Cottage make it a full day. See Shakespeare's Birthplace → The Royal Pavilion George IV's outrageous seaside party palace, with onion domes outside and Chinese-style dragons, chandeliers and banqueting halls inside. It's bonkers and brilliant. The Music Room is a real gasp moment. Brighton's pier, Lanes and seafront are all just a few minutes' walk away. See The Royal Pavilion → Mount Stewart On the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, Mount Stewart is famous for its gardens, packed with exotic plants that thrive in the mild climate, and stone animals on the Dodo Terrace. The house is full of family stories. A peaceful, beautiful day out from Belfast. See Mount Stewart → Roman sites Hadrian's Wall Built across northern England on the orders of Emperor Hadrian, the wall is best seen at Housesteads Roman Fort, perched dramatically on a ridge. Explore barracks, the commander's house and some famously well-preserved Roman toilets. Walk a stretch of the wall westwards for classic views, and wear sturdy boots. See Hadrian's Wall → Roman Baths The best-preserved Roman bath complex in Britain, built around a natural hot spring. See the Great Bath, the temple courtyard and the gilded head of the goddess Sulis Minerva. After your visit, take tea in the elegant Pump Room above, or try the famously odd-tasting spa water. See Roman Baths → Chedworth Roman Villa Tucked in a wooded Cotswold valley, Chedworth is one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain, with colourful mosaic floors, bathhouses and a water shrine. Raised walkways let you see the mosaics up close. It's a peaceful spot, and Cotswold villages like Bibury and Northleach are close by. Verulamium Beneath St Albans lies the Roman city of Verulamium. Its museum shows off stunning mosaics and wall paintings, and in the park you can see a hypocaust heating system and stretches of the city wall. The remains of the Roman theatre are just across the road. Vindolanda Roman Fort Close to Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda is where the famous writing tablets were found, including a Roman birthday party invitation. Excavations still happen every summer, so you may see archaeologists at work. The museum shows off leather shoes, textiles and everyday finds that bring Roman soldiers to life. National Roman Legion Museum In Caerleon, near Newport, you can walk into a real Roman amphitheatre, see the only remains of a legionary barrack block on view in Europe, and visit the fortress baths. The museum lets kids try on armour. Free to visit and a smashing half day. See National Roman Legion Museum → Archaeological sites Stonehenge The world's most famous stone circle rises from Salisbury Plain, built in stages over many centuries. The visitor centre has recreated Neolithic houses to explore, and a shuttle takes you to the stones. Visit early or late, when the light is gorgeous and the crowds thinner. See Stonehenge → Skara Brae A Stone Age village on Orkney that's older than the Great Pyramid. A storm uncovered it in 1850, revealing stone beds, dressers and hearths that still look ready to use. Combine it with the Ring of Brodgar standing stones nearby for a mind-blowing Orkney day. See Skara Brae → Avebury Stone Circles Avebury is the largest stone circle in Britain, and a whole village sits inside it, pub included. Unlike Stonehenge, you can wander freely among the stones. Nearby, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow make a brilliant walk through prehistoric Wiltshire. Jorvik Viking Centre Built on the spot where archaeologists dug up Viking York at Coppergate, Jorvik lets you glide through a recreated Viking street, complete with sounds and smells. The finds gallery shows real objects from the dig. A favourite with kids, so book a time slot in busy periods. Explore York → Calanais Standing Stones On the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the Calanais stones form a cross shape around a central circle, around five thousand years old. Few places feel quite so ancient and mysterious. The visitor centre explains the theories, and there are smaller circles to find nearby. Sutton Hoo Here in Suffolk, an Anglo-Saxon king was buried in a great ship packed with treasure, including the famous helmet now in the British Museum. Climb the viewing tower over the burial mounds, explore the exhibition and see a full-size sculpture of the ship. Fans of the film The Dig will love it. Kents Cavern In the heart of Torquay, Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave system where ancient humans and animals lived and sheltered. Guided tours lead you through atmospheric chambers full of stalagmites and stories. A brilliant rainy-day option on the English Riviera. See Kents Cavern → Monuments and memorials Ironbridge Gorge The world's first major iron bridge, finished in 1779, spans the River Severn in this Shropshire gorge. It's a World Heritage Site and often called the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Walk across, browse the village shops, then visit the ten Ironbridge Gorge museums nearby. Explore Telford → Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Home to HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar, plus the Victorian ironclad HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose. There's also a harbour tour and action stations for kids. A ticket often lasts a year, so you don't have to cram everything in. See Portsmouth Historic Dockyard → The Monument to the Great Fire of London Designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, this column marks the Great Fire of 1666, which started in a bakery on nearby Pudding Lane. Climb the 311 steps to the viewing gallery and you get a certificate at the bottom. Your legs will remember it. See The Monument to the Great Fire of London → Glenfinnan Monument At the head of Loch Shiel, this tower marks where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. The view is pure Highland magic. Walk up to the viewpoint above the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter, and wait for a steam train if you're lucky. See Glenfinnan Monument → National Memorial Arboretum In Staffordshire, this is the UK's year-round place of remembrance, with hundreds of memorials set among growing woodland. The Armed Forces Memorial is especially moving. It's free to enter, and the land train is handy for anyone who struggles with long walks. See National Memorial Arboretum → Battlefields Where Britain's story turned on a single day. Walk the ground and you'll never read about these battles the same way again. Culloden Battlefield On a bleak moor near Inverness, the last pitched battle on British soil ended the Jacobite Rising in 1746. The visitor centre's immersive battle room puts you right in the middle of it. Then walk among the clan grave markers. It's a powerful, quiet place. See Culloden Battlefield → 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield The town of Battle grew up around the abbey William the Conqueror built on the very spot where King Harold fell. Walk the battlefield trail, stand where Harold died, and climb the gatehouse rooftop. Hastings and its seafront are a few miles down the road. See 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield → Battle of Bannockburn In 1314, Robert the Bruce beat Edward II's army here. The visitor centre uses 3D technology to throw you into medieval combat, and the battle game is great for older kids. The Bruce statue outside is impressive, and Stirling Castle is just up the road. See Battle of Bannockburn → Killiecrankie A wooded gorge near Pitlochry where Jacobites won a famous victory in 1689. Legend says a fleeing soldier leapt across the river at the Soldier's Leap. Today it's a gorgeous walk through woodland, with the visitor centre telling the story. See Killiecrankie → Bosworth Battlefield In Leicestershire, Richard III lost his crown and his life in 1485, ushering in the Tudors. The heritage centre tells the story with armour, a battle trail and finds from the real battlefield. Combine it with a trip to Richard's tomb in Leicester Cathedral. Heritage railways Steam, smoke and a whistle up front. These lines turn a ride into a proper day out. Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway Right on Jamie's doorstep, this little narrow gauge line puffs along the Cleethorpes seafront from Kingsway station, past the boating lake and the beach. It's a lovely gentle ride for small kids. Afterwards, hit the promenade for chips, a paddle and a go on the amusements. See Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway → North Yorkshire Moors Railway Steam trains climb across the heather moorland between Pickering and Grosmont, with some services running on to Whitby. Goathland station played Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and Aidensfield in Heartbeat. Hop off for a moorland walk, then get back on for the next train. Ffestiniog Railway Starting from Porthmadog harbour, this historic narrow gauge line once carried slate from the mountains. Now little steam engines twist up through forests and past lakes to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Sit on the side facing the valley for the best views, and pack a flask. Explore Porthmadog → Severn Valley Railway Running from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth along the River Severn, this line is steam railway heaven, with beautifully kept stations and big engines. Stop at Highley for the Engine House full of locomotives, then explore Bridgnorth's old High Town at the far end. Explore Kidderminster → Keighley and Worth Valley Railway This Yorkshire line runs from Keighley to Oxenhope, stopping at Haworth for the Brontës and Oakworth, the star of the classic film The Railway Children. Its stations look like they've stepped out of the past. A real treat on a crisp autumn day. Explore Keighley → Talyllyn Railway Starting from Tywyn on the Mid Wales coast, the Talyllyn was the first railway in the world to be saved by volunteers, and it inspired the Rev W Awdry's Thomas books. Ride up to Dolgoch Falls for a waterfall walk, then back down to the beach. Explore Tywyn → Abbeys, cathedrals and churches Soaring spires, stained glass and ruins that look like they've stepped out of a painting. Westminster Abbey Every coronation since 1066 has happened here, and the abbey is packed with tombs of kings, queens and famous names, from Elizabeth I to Isaac Newton. Poets' Corner is a highlight. Visit, then cross over to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. See Westminster Abbey → Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Near Ripon, the huge ruins of Fountains Abbey sit beside an elegant Georgian water garden with lakes, temples and a deer park. It's a World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful walks in Yorkshire. Allow at least half a day and bring a picnic. See Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal → Canterbury Cathedral The mother church of the Church of England, where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170. See the spot where he fell, the medieval stained glass and the Black Prince's tomb. Canterbury's old streets, river punts and city walls are all on the doorstep. See Canterbury Cathedral → Durham Castle and Cathedral Perched together on a rocky peninsula above the River Wear, Durham's cathedral and castle form a World Heritage Site. The Norman cathedral holds the tombs of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. The castle is now part of the university, with guided tours at set times. See Durham Castle and Cathedral → Glastonbury Abbey Steeped in legend, Glastonbury Abbey claims to be the burial place of King Arthur and Guinevere. The ruins sit in peaceful parkland in the middle of town. Afterwards, climb Glastonbury Tor for views across the Somerset Levels and explore the town's quirky shops. York Minster One of the largest medieval cathedrals in Northern Europe, York Minster is famous for its Great East Window, a vast sweep of medieval stained glass. Climb the central tower for views across York's rooftops, then explore the Undercroft museum beneath. See York Minster → Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury boasts Britain's tallest spire and the best-preserved original 1215 Magna Carta in its Chapter House. Tower tours take you up through the medieval roof. The cathedral close is gorgeous, and Stonehenge is only a short drive away. See Salisbury Cathedral → Tintern Abbey In the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire, Tintern's roofless Gothic church inspired Wordsworth and Turner. The windows frame wooded hills. Walk up to the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint across the river, and finish with a drink in one of the riverside pubs. Whitby Abbey High on the East Cliff above Whitby, these gothic ruins inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Climb the 199 steps from the old town to reach them, then enjoy sweeping sea views. Whitby's fish and chips, harbour and jet shops are waiting below. See Whitby Abbey → Lindisfarne Priory On Holy Island, reached by a tidal causeway, these red sandstone ruins mark where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were made. Check the tide tables carefully before you drive over. Lindisfarne Castle and the island's wild beaches make it a magical day. See Lindisfarne Priory → Planning your historic day out Many of these places are cared for by English Heritage, the National Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw or Historic Royal Palaces. If you're planning a few visits, check whether a membership works out better for your family than paying on the door each time. Book online for big hitters like Stonehenge, the Tower of London and Warwick Castle, especially in school holidays. Ruins and castles mean steps, uneven ground and wind, so pack sensible shoes and a waterproof. Check tide times for St Michael's Mount and Lindisfarne, and remember that many smaller sites run shorter hours in winter. Most of all, take your time: the best bits are often the quiet corners. More Spin Raiders guides UK Medieval Towns guide UK Museums guide All historical sites on Spin Raiders

Some days out are about where you go. The best ones are about what you do when you get there. Sailing past island ruins, riding a steam train over a curving viaduct, paddling a canoe across an aqueduct in the sky or hunting for fossils on a beach where dinosaurs once swam: that's the stuff the kids will still be talking about at Christmas. This guide rounds up the UK's cracking tours and experiences, sorted by type so you can find exactly what you're after, whether that's a gentle cruise, a hop-on bus, a rattling good walking tour or something that gets the heart pumping. Many need booking, and plenty are seasonal, so check before you set off. Where we've got a page for the venue or the town, you'll find a link to dig deeper. Sightseeing tours The big-name landmarks, with guides who bring the stories to life. Giant's Causeway Coastal Tour Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns step down into the sea on the Antrim coast, and legend says the giant Finn McCool built them. Guided walks explain the geology and the myths. Combine it with the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge along the Causeway Coastal Route for a cracking day. See Giant's Causeway Coastal Tour → Tower of London Beefeater Tour The Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, actually live inside the fortress, and their guided tours mix grisly history with plenty of jokes. Then queue for the Crown Jewels and look out for the resident ravens. Go early, because the Jewel House line builds quickly. See Tower of London Beefeater Tour → Edinburgh Castle Guided Walk Perched on an extinct volcano above the city, Edinburgh Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. Guides fill in centuries of sieges and royal drama. Be there for the One O'Clock Gun, fired daily except Sundays, and make sure you book tickets online beforehand. See Edinburgh Castle Guided Walk → Roman Baths Torchlit Tour Bath's Roman bathing complex still steams with naturally hot spring water, and on summer evenings the site opens late with torches flickering around the Great Bath. It's wonderfully atmospheric. Daytime visits have excellent audio guides too, and the Pump Room next door is a classic spot for afternoon tea. See Roman Baths Torchlit Tour → Titanic Belfast Immersive Discovery Built beside the very slipways where Titanic was constructed, this striking building tells the ship's story from shipyard to seabed through interactive galleries and a ride through a recreated yard. Allow at least half a day, and step aboard SS Nomadic, Titanic's little tender, moored nearby. See Titanic Belfast Immersive Discovery → Cotswolds Hidden Villages Tour Minibus day tours from Oxford, Bath and London take the stress out of Cotswold lanes and parking. Guides know the quieter hamlets as well as Bibury and the Slaughters, so you see more than the coach crowds. Book a small-group tour if you want time to wander. Portmeirion Italianate Garden Tour Clough Williams-Ellis created this colourful Italian-style village on the Dwyryd estuary in North Wales, and it famously starred in the cult TV series The Prisoner. Wander the piazzas, woods and beach on your own or join a guided talk. Pair it with a ride on the nearby Ffestiniog Railway. Minack Theatre Open-Air Show Carved into the granite cliffs above Porthcurno in Cornwall, the Minack was built largely by hand by Rowena Cade. Watching a play with the Atlantic glittering behind the stage is unforgettable. Bring cushions and layers, and book shows early; daytime visits are possible when nothing is on. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter tour near Watford walks you through real film sets, including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, with props, costumes and creatures up close. Potter fans of any age go giddy. Tickets must be booked in advance, and allow at least three or four hours. See Warner Bros. Studio Tour London → Open top bus tours Hop-on hop-off buses are the lazy, brilliant way to get your bearings in a new city. Sit upstairs, plug in the commentary and get off wherever takes your fancy. London open-top bus tour Rolling past Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St Paul's and Tower Bridge from the top deck is a great first-day plan in the capital. Several operators run hop-on hop-off routes with commentary, and tickets usually last a day or more. Some include a river cruise, so compare before buying. Explore London → Edinburgh city bus tour Edinburgh's hills are hard work on foot, so a hop-on bus earns its keep. Routes typically run from Waverley Bridge up to the castle, down the Royal Mile to Holyrood and out past the New Town's elegant streets. Ideal for grandparents and little legs alike. Explore Edinburgh → York sightseeing bus York's open-top buses loop around the city walls, past the Minster, the National Railway Museum and Clifford's Tower. The commentary covers Romans, Vikings and everything since. It's a handy way to link sights spread out beyond the compact centre. Explore York → Oxford open-top tour Oxford's colleges, spires and libraries roll by while the commentary spills stories of famous students and film locations. Hop off for the Ashmolean, the Bodleian or the Covered Market. Pair the bus with a walking tour for a proper look inside the quads. Explore Oxford → Belfast city bus tour Belfast's hop-on routes take in the Titanic Quarter, City Hall, the political murals of the west of the city and the Peace Walls. Commentary helps make sense of the Troubles and the city's comeback. Hop off at the Titanic Quarter for the big museum. Explore Belfast → Boat tours and cruises Windermere Lake Cruise England's largest natural lake looks even better from the water. Cruises link Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, so you can hop between them and walk a section in between. Combine with the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside or a steam train ride from Haverthwaite. Explore Bowness-on-Windermere → Loch Lomond Island Discovery Loch Lomond is scattered with wooded islands, and cruises from Balloch, Luss and Tarbet weave between them with stories of clans and monks. Some trips call at Inchcailloch, where a nature trail climbs to a viewpoint. Bring a picnic and check sailing times seasonally. Loch Ness Explorer Boat Cruise Cruises on Loch Ness use sonar to scan its dark, deep water, so you can keep one eye on the screen for Nessie. Many trips pass the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shore. Departures run from places such as Fort Augustus and near Drumnadrochit; wrap up, it's chilly out there. Stratford Canals Narrowboat Tour Gentle boat trips leave from Bancroft Gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon, drifting along the Avon past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church. You can also hire a self-drive boat for an hour or two. It's relaxing, family-friendly and fits neatly around a day of Shakespeare houses. Knaresborough Boat Hire and Caves Rowing a boat on the River Nidd beneath Knaresborough's towering railway viaduct is a postcard moment. Afterwards, walk to Mother Shipton's Cave, where the Petrifying Well slowly turns everyday objects to stone. The castle ruins on the cliff top give the best view of the gorge. Fingal's Cave Sea Safari On the uninhabited island of Staffa, waves crash into a cathedral-like sea cave lined with hexagonal basalt columns, the spot that inspired Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture. Boats sail from Mull and Oban, and in summer you'll often see puffins on the clifftops. Trips depend on sea conditions. Canterbury Historic River Tour Boat trips on the River Stour glide past Canterbury's medieval buildings, under low bridges and alongside old weavers' houses, with a guide doing the rowing or punting. It's a calm way to see the city, and the cathedral is a short walk away. Explore Canterbury → Walking tours Proper storytelling at walking pace, from ghostly alleys to clifftop trails. York Ghost Walk Experience York claims plenty of ghosts, and its evening ghost walks lead you through the Shambles and snickelways with tales of plague, executions and hauntings. Guides range from spooky to comedic, so pick the style that suits your crew. Just turn up for many, or book ahead in summer. Explore York → Shakespeare's Stratford Exploration Stratford-upon-Avon's timber-framed streets are where Shakespeare was born, schooled and buried. Walking tours link his birthplace on Henley Street, New Place, his old school and Holy Trinity Church, with plenty of anecdotes. Add Anne Hathaway's Cottage just outside town if you have time. Conwy Castle and Town Walls Walk Edward I built Conwy's castle and town walls in the late 13th century, and you can still walk large stretches of the walls with views over the estuary. Pop into what is claimed to be Britain's smallest house on the quay, and finish with fish and chips by the harbour. Cheddar Gorge Cliff-Top Trek Climb Jacob's Ladder, then follow the clifftop path around the rim of Cheddar Gorge for dizzying views down into the limestone canyon. Look out for wild goats grazing the slopes. Afterwards, explore the show caves below, where the Stone Age skeleton known as Cheddar Man was found. See Cheddar Gorge Cliff-Top Trek → Oxford University Heritage Walk Guided walks through Oxford dip into college quads, past the Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs and the Bodleian Library, with tales of famous alumni and film sets. Some colleges charge entry or close during exams, so check what's open before you go. Explore Oxford → Hadrian's Wall Roman Fort Trek The wildest stretch of Hadrian's Wall runs along dramatic crags in Northumberland, with Housesteads Roman Fort as the star stop. Explore the barracks, granaries and famous latrines, then walk west along the wall for big views. Bring proper boots; it's rough ground. See Hadrian's Wall Roman Fort Trek → Bourton-on-the-Water River Stroll A gentle amble along the River Windrush takes in Bourton's low stone bridges, honey-coloured cottages and green banks. The model village is a fun stop for kids. Extend it by walking the footpath to Lower and Upper Slaughter for a classic Cotswold half-day. St Andrews Old Course Historic Walk The Old Course is a public park on Sundays, when golf stops and anyone can walk the hallowed turf. Stroll to the Swilcan Bridge for the classic photo. Then explore the cathedral ruins, the castle and West Sands, famous from Chariots of Fire. St Govan's Cliffside Chapel Trek Squeezed into a cleft in the Pembrokeshire cliffs near Bosherston, this tiny stone chapel is reached by a flight of steps that, legend says, never counts the same twice. The coastline nearby is spectacular. Access can be affected by the military range, so check before you travel. Robin Hood's Bay Smugglers Tour Steep, twisting lanes, hidden yards and stories of secret passages make Robin Hood's Bay perfect for a smuggling-themed wander. Local guided walks run at times, or you can explore the alleys yourself and visit the small museum. Leave time for rock pooling at low tide. St Abbs Head Dramatic Cliff Hike The circular walk from St Abbs village climbs to towering cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest in spring and early summer. You'll pass the lighthouse and the quiet Mire Loch. Paths are good but exposed, so keep well back from edges. See St Abbs Head Dramatic Cliff Hike → Train journeys Steam, smoke and scenery: heritage railways are as much fun for adults as for kids. Jacobite Steam Train Journey Running between Fort William and Mallaig, the Jacobite crosses the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct, made world-famous as the Hogwarts Express route. Scenery-wise it's sensational, from Ben Nevis to the white sands near Arisaig. It runs seasonally and sells out early, so book well ahead. Snowdon Mountain Railway Since 1896, this rack-and-pinion railway has hauled visitors from Llanberis towards the summit of Yr Wyddfa. On a clear day the views stretch across Eryri and out to sea. Services depend on the weather, and summit trips run in the main season only. Ffestiniog Railway Little steam engines puff from Porthmadog's harbour up through wooded hillsides to the slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. It's a heritage narrow-gauge line with glorious views. Combine it with the Welsh Highland Railway, which runs to Beddgelert and Caernarfon. Explore Porthmadog → Severn Valley Railway Steam trains run from Kidderminster through the Severn valley to Bridgnorth, calling at country stations dressed in period style. Look out for the Victoria Bridge crossing. Special events and themed days happen throughout the year, so check the calendar first. Explore Kidderminster → North Yorkshire Moors Railway From Pickering across heather moorland to Grosmont and on to Whitby, this heritage line is a scenic treat. Goathland station starred as Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film. Arrive in Whitby by steam, then head for the abbey and fish and chips. Explore Whitby → Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway Small but perfectly formed, this miniature seaside railway runs along the Cleethorpes front from Kingsway station. Little ones adore it, and it's an easy add-on to a day on the beach and the prom. Check the timetable in winter. See Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway → Adventure experiences For when a gentle stroll just won't cut it. Peak District Mountain Biking Limestone dales, gritstone edges and moorland tracks make the Peak District a magnet for riders. Families can hire bikes for traffic-free routes such as the Monsal Trail, while more experienced riders tackle trails around Hope Valley and Edale. Bring repair kit; the descents are rocky. Llangollen Canal Aqueduct Canoe Paddling across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, around 38 metres above the River Dee, is a genuinely jaw-dropping experience. Thomas Telford's World Heritage masterpiece carries the canal in a narrow iron trough. Guided canoe trips run from the Llangollen area; there's no railing on one side, which is half the thrill. Gower Peninsula Coasteering Gower was the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and coasteering there means scrambling, swimming and leaping off rocks along its cliffs. Go with a qualified provider who supplies wetsuits and helmets. Afterwards, Rhossili Bay is the place to dry off. Explore Swansea → Puzzlewood Ancient Forest Trail In the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood's mossy ravines, twisted roots and narrow paths look straight out of a fairytale, and film crews for Star Wars and Doctor Who have noticed. Kids will love getting a bit lost. Wear shoes with good grip; it gets slippery. Parys Mountain Copper Mine Trail Near Amlwch on Anglesey, Parys Mountain was once a booming copper mine, leaving a weird landscape of orange, purple and red rock. Waymarked trails lead around the old workings and windmill. It looks like another planet, so bring the camera. Stick to paths; there are deep shafts about. Smoo Cave Underground Exploration Near Durness on Scotland's far north coast, Smoo Cave's huge entrance is carved by both sea and freshwater. Inside, a waterfall crashes into an inner chamber, and seasonal tours take you further by boat and on foot. Combine with a North Coast 500 road trip. Speedwell Cavern Subterranean Boat Castleton's Speedwell Cavern is explored by boat, through a flooded 18th-century lead mine tunnel leading to a vast natural cavern known as the Bottomless Pit. It's chilly and atmospheric down there. Nearby Peak Cavern and Blue John make a full caving day. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Challenge Fishermen once strung a rope bridge here to reach their salmon nets, and today's sturdier version still sways over the sea. The coastal walk to it is gorgeous. Timed tickets are needed, and the bridge closes in high winds. Not one for anyone nervous of heights. See Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Challenge → The Heights of Abraham A cable car swings visitors high above the Derwent gorge to a hilltop park at Matlock Bath, with show caves, play areas and cracking views. It's adventure lite: great for families who want thrills without the scary bits. Matlock Bath's riverside is right below. See The Heights of Abraham → Food and drink tours Taste the place you're visiting. These tours and trails are proper food-and-drink treats. Speyside Single Malt Whisky Trail Speyside is packed with whisky distilleries, and the Malt Whisky Trail links several famous names around Dufftown and the Spey valley. Tours show mash tuns, copper stills and warehouses. Drivers can usually take samples away; better still, nominate a non-drinker. Borough Market food walk London's Borough Market, near London Bridge, is a foodie wonderland of cheese, bread, street food and global flavours. Guided food walks take you between traders for tastings. Go hungry, and avoid the lunchtime crush if you want to chat to stallholders. Explore London → Edinburgh whisky experiences Near the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's whisky experiences explain how Scotch is made and the regional styles, usually with a dram at the end. Several Royal Mile shops and bars also offer tastings. Pair it with a castle visit next door. Explore Edinburgh → Melton Mowbray pork pies Melton Mowbray pork pies have protected status, and the town's famous pie shop, Dickinson and Morris, has been baking them for generations. Grab a proper pie for the journey, and pick up Stilton, which also hails from this corner of Leicestershire. Explore Melton Mowbray → Grimsby traditional smoked fish Grimsby traditional smoked fish is protected by name, made by smokehouses using time-honoured methods over smouldering wood. The town's fishing heritage runs deep. Pick some up from a local smokehouse shop, then head to Cleethorpes for a stroll on the prom. Explore Grimsby → Cheddar cheese tasting Cheddar village is where the world's favourite cheese got its name, and local makers still mature truckles in the area. Pop into shops in the gorge to taste and buy. It's an easy add-on to the caves and clifftop walk. Wildlife experiences Skomer Island Puffin Safari Boats from Martin's Haven in Pembrokeshire cross to Skomer, where tens of thousands of puffins nest in burrows from spring to midsummer. You can get surprisingly close as they waddle about. Visitor numbers are limited and the crossing depends on the weather, so arrive early. New Forest Wild Pony Trail Walk Ponies, donkeys and cattle wander freely across the New Forest's heathland and ancient woods, and guided walks help you spot deer and birds too. Admire from a distance, and never feed the animals. Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst both make good starting points. Explore the New Forest → Blakeney Point Seal Cruise Boats leave Morston quay on the North Norfolk coast to see the colony of grey and common seals at Blakeney Point. The seals often lift their heads to watch you back. Winter brings fluffy grey seal pups. Trips depend on tides, so book and check times. Cardigan Bay Dolphin Watching Cardigan Bay is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and boat trips from New Quay go out looking for them, along with seals and porpoises. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the coastline is stunning regardless. Bring binoculars and a jumper. Cairngorms Reindeer Herd Trek Britain's only free-ranging reindeer roam the Cairngorm hills, and a guided hill trip lets you walk among them and help with hand-feeding. Kids think it's magic, particularly near Christmas. Book in advance and dress for mountain weather; it's a short but rough walk. See Cairngorms Reindeer Herd Trek → Lundy Island Marine Wildlife Cruise Lundy lies in the Bristol Channel, a car-free granite island reached by boat from North Devon in season. Seals, seabirds and puffins are the stars, and guided snorkelling sessions offer the chance of seals swimming alongside. Check sailing days carefully before planning. Highland Safaris and Red Deer Centre Near Aberfeldy in Perthshire, Highland Safaris runs off-road trips into the hills looking for wildlife, plus a red deer centre where you can meet the herd up close. It's a top pick for families wanting Highland wildlife without serious hillwalking. See Highland Safaris and Red Deer Centre → Day trips Not a tour exactly, but ideas that make a brilliant full day out. Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunting The Dorset coast around Lyme Regis and Charmouth is world-famous for fossils, and guided walks show you how to spot ammonites and belemnites on the beach. Search loose material on the shore, never dig into the cliffs, and always check the tide times first. Explore Lyme Regis → Fountains Abbey Illuminated Tour Near Ripon, the vast ruins of this Cistercian abbey sit alongside the elegant Studley Royal Water Garden, together a World Heritage Site. Special evening events sometimes light up the ruins, so check the calendar; daytime visits are equally magical, with deer parkland to explore. See Fountains Abbey Illuminated Tour → Dunster Medieval Village Safari Exmoor safari operators run Land Rover trips from the Dunster and Minehead area onto the moor to search for red deer and Exmoor ponies. Back in Dunster, explore the castle, the octagonal Yarn Market and the watermill. It's a great mix of history and wildlife. Northumberland Dark Sky Stargazing Kielder Observatory sits within Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park, where the skies are dark enough to see the Milky Way. Astronomers lead evening sessions through telescopes. Events book up, so reserve ahead, and dress warmly even in summer. See Northumberland Dark Sky Stargazing → Black Country Living Town Experience Ride a vintage tram, peer into old shops and homes and try fish and chips cooked the old way at this open-air museum in Dudley. Costumed characters bring the streets to life, and Peaky Blinders fans will recognise some locations. Allow a full day. See Black Country Living Town Experience → Elan Valley Historic Dams Drive A scenic drive around the Elan Valley's reservoirs takes in grand Victorian dams built to send water to Birmingham. There's a visitor centre near Rhayader, plus walking and cycling trails along the water. In winter, the dams roaring after rain are quite a sight. Cairngorms Mountain Pass Safari 4x4 safari trips from the Aviemore area take you onto private estates and high ground in the Cairngorms, looking for red deer, mountain hares and, with luck, golden eagles. Guides know the land well. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. Booking tips for tours and experiences Book ahead for the big hitters: the Jacobite, Skomer crossings, Carrick-a-Rede, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and the Cairngorm reindeer all sell out in peak season. Wildlife and boat trips depend on the weather and tides, so keep a back-up plan and expect the odd cancellation. Dress for the conditions. Boats, cliffs and mountains are colder and windier than the town you set off from. Check age and height limits for adventure activities before promising the kids anything. Finally, combine nearby experiences: Causeway with the rope bridge, the Jacobite with Glenfinnan, Stratford's walk with a boat trip. That's how you turn one booking into a proper day out. More Spin Raiders guides UK Family Days Out guide UK Nature Places guide Tours and experiences

There's nothing quite like it. Boards under your feet, gulls overhead, the smell of doughnuts drifting out of a kiosk and the sea sloshing about somewhere below the gaps. A proper British pier is half Victorian engineering, half funfair, and it's one of the cheapest grand days out going. This guide rounds up forty of the best piers and promenades around the coast, grouped so you can plan a weekend or a whole road trip. Some are packed with rides and arcades, some are peaceful planks stretching out into the waves, and a few are simply glorious stretches of prom made for an evening amble with an ice cream. Every stop links through to its own page or its town guide, so you can see what else is nearby: arcades, chippies, places to stay and the rest. Grab a coat (it's always windier at the end than you think) and let's go for a walk. North West England Lancashire and Merseyside are pier country. Blackpool alone still has three, and the Fylde coast keeps a couple more gems up its sleeve. North Pier, Blackpool The oldest of Blackpool's three piers is the elegant one: Victorian kiosks, wooden decking and a theatre at the far end. Families pop into the old-school arcade at the front, while grandparents tend to make straight for a deckchair and a view of the Tower. Stroll it at sunset, then head south along the prom for the lights. See North Pier's arcade → Central Pier, Blackpool Right on the Golden Mile, Central Pier is the noisy middle child, with a big wheel you can spot from miles away and a busy arcade in its entrance building that keeps going all year round. It's the easiest pier to fit into a Blackpool day, sandwiched between the Tower, the chippies and the donkeys on the beach. See Central Pier's arcade → South Pier, Blackpool Down at South Shore, this pier is all about thrills, with rides out over the sand and an arcade housed under a circus-style big top. It sits a short walk from Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark, so it slots neatly into a day at that end of town. Teenagers usually rate it as the most fun of the three. See South Pier's arcade → Blackpool Promenade Miles of prom, a tramline running alongside and the Tower in the middle: Blackpool's seafront is a day out in itself. In autumn the Illuminations turn the whole stretch into a glowing drive-through show. Ride the tram between the piers to save little legs, and take a look at the quirky public art along the Comedy Carpet near the Tower. Explore Blackpool → St Annes Pier, Lytham St Annes For a gentler Fylde coast fix, St Annes has a handsome Victorian pier with a Tudor-style frontage and an arcade tucked inside. Sand dunes, a wide beach and neat gardens surround it, and the whole place feels a world away from the Golden Mile just up the road. Combine it with a wander along Lytham Green and its famous windmill. See St Annes Pier, Lytham St Annes → Southport Pier Southport's iron pier is the second-longest in Britain, and at low tide you may find yourself walking over sand rather than sea for much of it. That's half the charm: big skies, wading birds and a proper sense of distance. Back on land, Lord Street's elegant Victorian canopies and a lap of the marine lake make a cracking pairing. Explore Southport → Morecambe Promenade and Stone Jetty Morecambe doesn't have a pleasure pier any more, but its prom and Stone Jetty more than make up for it. Look out for the bird sculptures and puzzles set into the jetty, then strike a pose with the Eric Morecambe statue. On a clear day the views across the bay to the Lakeland fells are simply stunning. See Morecambe Stone Jetty → Wales Welsh piers come with a mountain backdrop more often than not, and a couple of them are among the prettiest in Britain. Llandudno Pier The longest pier in Wales curves out from beneath the Great Orme, lined with stalls and finishing at an old bandstand that's now a family arcade. With the sweeping Victorian crescent of hotels behind you, it's postcard Wales at its finest. Pair it with the tram or cable car up the Orme for a full day. See Llandudno Pier's arcades → Royal Pier, Aberystwyth Wales' first pleasure pier holds a family arcade, but Aberystwyth's real show often happens around it. On winter evenings huge flocks of starlings swirl over the water before roosting under the pier, a sight that draws crowds along the prom. Walk the full seafront to Constitution Hill and kick the bar at the end, as local tradition demands. See the Royal Pier arcade → Mumbles Pier Sitting at the far end of Swansea Bay, Mumbles Pier has a lifeboat station at its tip and some of the finest views in South Wales. The walk or cycle along the bay from Swansea is flat and easy, and Mumbles village itself has ice cream parlours worth the trip. Kids love spotting boats around the headland. Explore Swansea → Yorkshire and the North East Fewer pleasure piers survive up here, so the ones that do are treasured, and the harbour walls and seafronts are every bit as dramatic. Saltburn Pier Saltburn's pier is the last pleasure pier on the Yorkshire coast, and it's a beauty. Ride the Victorian cliff lift down from town, walk out over the surf and watch the wetsuits bobbing about below. Keep an eye out for the knitted decorations that sometimes appear on the railings, a much-loved local tradition with a cheeky streak. Explore Saltburn → Whitby's West and East Piers Two stone piers wrap their arms around Whitby harbour, each topped with a lighthouse. Walk the West Pier for views of the abbey ruins high on the cliff, then cross the swing bridge and climb the 199 steps for the reverse angle. Fish and chips on the harbourside is practically compulsory after the walk. Explore Whitby → Scarborough Foreshore and Marine Drive Scarborough has no pleasure pier, but its seafront is a cracker. The South Bay foreshore buzzes with arcades, rock shops and donkey rides, while Marine Drive curls around the castle headland to the calmer North Bay. Walk the whole loop for sea spray on windy days and a proper sense of the town's two personalities. Explore Scarborough → Lincolnshire and East Anglia Flat, sandy and full of character, this coast is packed with classic piers, from tiny Victorian survivors to big amusement palaces. Cleethorpes Pier and Promenade Cleethorpes Pier is short and sweet these days, its grand pavilion now home to a big fish and chip restaurant. The real joy is the long prom, running past Ross Castle folly and the spot where the Greenwich Meridian meets the coast. Stand with a foot in each hemisphere, then hit the arcades opposite the pier. Explore Cleethorpes → Skegness Pier Storms shortened it long ago, but Skegness Pier still packs in pushers and fairground games right along its length. Outside, the wide sandy beach and the Jolly Fisherman spirit make it the beating heart of Skeg. It's a brilliant rainy-day bolt-hole, and on sunny days the prom outside turns into one long candy floss trail. See Skegness Pier's arcade → Cromer Pier Cromer's Victorian pier is pure Norfolk charm, with a lifeboat station at the end and the Pavilion Theatre, famous for its traditional end-of-the-pier variety show. Crabbing off the side is a rite of passage for local kids. Buy a dressed Cromer crab from a shop in town and eat it looking back at the cliffs. Explore Cromer → Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth The big beast of Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile mixes a theatre, rides, food stalls and a huge arcade, all on one pier. Summer evenings are when it really comes alive, with show crowds and fairground lights. Walk south along the seafront to the quieter Victorian Wellington Pier, and grab chips from the market on the way back. See Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth → Claremont Pier, Lowestoft Lowestoft is Britain's most easterly town, so a stroll here means you're among the first to see the sunrise. Claremont Pier fronts the lovely sandy South Beach with a busy arcade at its land end. Follow up with a paddle and a look at the colourful beach huts lining the prom towards Kensington Gardens. See Claremont Pier's arcade → Southwold Pier Southwold's pier is gloriously eccentric. Alongside the arcade you'll find Tim Hunkin's homemade machines, a collection of daft, clever coin-op contraptions that delight grown-ups as much as kids. Then wander back past the pastel beach huts and the lighthouse into one of Suffolk's prettiest little towns. See Southwold Pier → Felixstowe Pier Felixstowe's pier entrance building houses the town's biggest arcade, complete with mini bowling and a prize shop. Outside, the long, tidy prom runs past seafront gardens, so you can mix a brisk walk with some fun. Watch the giant container ships glide past towards the port, a sight that never gets old for curious youngsters. See Felixstowe Pier → Essex and Kent Day-trip territory for London families, this stretch has the longest pier on the planet and a handful of quirky alternatives. Southend Pier The longest pleasure pier in the world stretches well over a mile into the Thames Estuary, so it has its own little railway. Ride one way and walk the other for the full experience. Back at the shore, Adventure Island's rides and the arcades along Marine Parade mean nobody gets bored on a Southend day. Explore Southend → Clacton Pier Clacton's pier is practically a theme park on stilts, with rides, an observation wheel, life-size dinosaurs, adventure golf and a massive arcade. It's the Essex pier for families who want everything in one place. Budget for a full afternoon, then wind down with a walk along the gardens and sands to the west. See Clacton Pier's arcade → Walton Pier, Walton-on-the-Naze One of the longer piers on the east coast, Walton's has a big all-weather arcade at its head and anglers lined up along the boards. Afterwards walk north to the Naze, where crumbling cliffs give up fossils and sharks' teeth to sharp-eyed children. The Naze Tower, an old navigation landmark, tops off the outing. See Walton Pier's arcade → Herne Bay Pier Look out to sea from Herne Bay and you'll spot the stranded old pier head standing alone in the water, all that remains of a much longer original. The charity-run pier today has a carousel, helter-skelter and crabbing spots. It's a great one for younger children, and the seafront gardens nearby are lovely for picnics. See Herne Bay Pier → Margate Harbour Arm Not a pier in the classic sense, Margate's stone Harbour Arm curls out beside the Main Sands and is lined with bars, cafés and little galleries. It's a cracking spot for sunset, with Turner Contemporary on the shore end and Dreamland's rides a short walk along the front. Families can easily make a full day of it. Explore Margate → Sussex and the South Coast From Brighton's bright lights to Hastings' award-winning makeover, the south coast has some of the most famous piers in the country. Brighton Palace Pier Probably Britain's best-known pier, Brighton Palace Pier is crammed with rides at the end, two huge arcades and doughnut stalls all the way along. From the helter-skelter you can see the skeletal remains of the old West Pier along the beach. Arrive early in summer, because it gets properly rammed by lunchtime. See Brighton Palace Pier → Eastbourne Pier Eastbourne's Victorian pier dates from the early 1870s and still has the ornate kiosks and domed roofs to prove it. You'll find two arcades, a chippy and tea rooms on the boards. The seafront here is wonderfully tidy, with carpet gardens and a bandstand, and Beachy Head is a short drive away. See Eastbourne Pier → Hastings Pier After a devastating fire, Hastings Pier was rebuilt as a wide, open deck and went on to win the RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture. It's a striking, uncluttered space for events and sea gazing. Pair it with the Old Town, the tall black net huts on the Stade and, when it's running, a ride on one of the cliff railways. Explore Hastings → Worthing Pier Worthing's art deco pier has a stylish pavilion at each end and an arcade halfway along. The seafront is calm and spacious, ideal for bikes and scooters, and the shingle beach is great for skimming stones. Pop into one of the cafés on the boards for a cuppa with a proper sea view. See Worthing Pier's arcade → Clarence Pier, Southsea Clarence Pier is really a seaside funfair on the front, with coasters, kids' rides, crazy golf and arcades open all year. Behind it you'll find Southsea Common and views of the warships heading in and out of Portsmouth Harbour. A great place for a cheeky evening of rides after a day at the historic dockyard. See Clarence Pier, Southsea → South Parade Pier, Southsea At the other end of Southsea's front, the restored South Parade Pier mixes a family arcade, a kids' funfair and fishing off the end. The walk between the two Southsea piers is flat and full of interest, passing the castle, the model village and the rose gardens. Pack a picnic for the Common. See South Parade Pier, Southsea → Dorset and the Isle of Wight Golden sands, chalk cliffs and a ferry ride or two: this is where piers meet the Jurassic Coast. Bournemouth Pier Bournemouth's pier sits at the centre of miles of golden sand, with an arcade at the entrance and the Oceanarium aquarium right beside it. The prom stretches for miles either way, making it brilliant for cycling. Wander up through the Lower Gardens for some shade when the kids have had too much sun. See Bournemouth Pier's arcade → Swanage Pier Swanage's Victorian pier is a lovely wooden walk out over clear water, popular with divers, anglers and summer boat trips. Look for the stumps of the even older pier alongside. The bay is sheltered and calm, the steam railway runs into town, and Old Harry Rocks is a short coastal walk away. Explore Swanage → Weymouth Esplanade Weymouth's Georgian esplanade curves around one of the gentlest, sandiest beaches in the south. The colourful Jubilee Clock is a handy meeting point, and Punch and Judy has long been part of the seafront scene. Walk round to the harbour for crab sandwiches and boat-spotting, then back again for ice cream. Explore Weymouth → Ryde Pier One of the oldest seaside piers in the country, Ryde Pier is still a working gateway to the Isle of Wight, with trains running out to meet the ferries. Walk it on arrival for a grand entrance to your holiday. Ryde's sands stretch out for miles at low tide, perfect for building and digging. Explore Ryde → Sandown Pier Sandown's Victorian pier is the island's big all-weather fun hub, with arcades and indoor amusements under one roof. The long sandy beach either side is among the Isle of Wight's best for families, and the cliff-top paths lead to Shanklin's Old Village. A good backup plan when the island's weather turns. See Sandown Pier's arcade → Somerset, Devon and the Bristol Channel The South West mixes Victorian finery with lively seaside fun, and one pier here was once called the most beautiful in England. The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare Rebuilt after a fire, Weston's Grand Pier has a vast pavilion packed with rides, arcade games and food stops, making it a top choice whatever the weather. Outside, the tide goes out a long way across the bay. Donkeys on the sands and a walk along the prom round off a classic West Country day. See The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare → Clevedon Pier Sir John Betjeman called Clevedon Pier the most beautiful in England, and it's hard to argue. Slender iron arches carry the deck out over the Severn Estuary with not an arcade in sight. Pay a small toll, wander to the end and soak up the view from the pagoda-roofed pier head. Explore Clevedon → Burnham-on-Sea Pier Britain's shortest pier is little more than one Edwardian pavilion perched on the sand, and that's exactly why people love it. Pop in for a few goes on the pushers, then hunt down the wooden low lighthouse on stilts just along the beach. Burnham's long esplanade is ideal for an easy, flat walk. See Burnham's pier arcade → Paignton Pier Paignton's seaside pier is lively and loaded with hundreds of machines, adventure golf and a chippy, all overlooking red sands. The green behind the beach hosts summer events, and the steam railway to Kingswear leaves from nearby. It's a classic English Riviera day out that suits grandparents and grandkids alike. See Paignton Pier's amusements → Tips for a great pier day out Check the tide before you go. At places like Southport, Weston and Burnham the sea can disappear for hours, which is fantastic for rock pools and sandcastles but less so if you've promised the kids waves under the boards. Some piers also close in very high winds, so it's worth checking the operator's social pages on stormy days. Bring layers, even in August, because it's always colder at the end of a pier. Keep a few coins handy for the arcades and an eye on younger children near railings and gaps. Many piers are buggy-friendly but some have steps or slopes at the entrance, so check access if you need it. Finally, build your day around the town as well as the pier: a chippy tea, a paddle and a walk on the prom at sunset turn a quick visit into a proper day out. More Spin Raiders guides UK Seaside Arcades guide UK Beaches guide All piers on Spin Raiders

Forget dusty glass cases and being shushed by a bloke in a peaked cap. Britain's museums are some of the best days out you'll find anywhere, and loads of the big national ones won't cost you a penny to walk through the door. Dinosaur skeletons, real warships, coal mines you can go down, Victorian streets where you can buy a bag of sweets with old pennies: it's all here. This guide rounds up Jamie's top 50 museums across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus a fistful of extra cracking places to make every section a proper list. We've grouped them by what they do best, so whether the kids are mad on rockets, you fancy a quiet wander past a Van Gogh, or Grandad wants to climb inside a tank, you can jump straight to the good stuff. Pick a section, find one near you, and make a day of it. History museums The British Museum Two million years of human history under one enormous glass roof in Bloomsbury, and free to get in. The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and the Sutton Hoo helmet are the headliners. You can't see it all in a day, so pick three galleries, grab a map and save the rest for next time. See The British Museum → National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh's Chambers Street treasure house mixes Scottish history with natural world, science and fashion galleries. Dolly the Sheep stands stuffed and proud, and the Grand Gallery is a stunner. Before you leave, head up to the rooftop terrace for one of the best free views of the castle and Old Town. See National Museum of Scotland → St Fagans National Museum of History Picture a hundred acres of Welsh life through the ages, with farmhouses, a chapel, a workmen's institute and a row of miners' cottages all moved stone by stone from across Wales. Kids love the old bakery and the Celtic roundhouses. Wear comfy shoes and allow a full day just outside Cardiff. See St Fagans National Museum of History → Ashmolean Museum Opened in 1683, the Ashmolean is often called Britain's first public museum, and it still punches well above its weight. Expect Egyptian treasures, Anglo-Saxon gold, Pre-Raphaelite paintings and Guy Fawkes' lantern. The rooftop restaurant is a lovely spot for lunch, and the Pitt Rivers is a short walk away. See Ashmolean Museum → The Roman Baths Steaming green water, a bubbling sacred spring and Roman stonework right in the middle of Bath. The audio guide brings it all alive, and the curse tablets tossed into the spring by grumpy Romans are a real giggle. You can't swim here, but the modern spa round the corner lets you soak in the same water. See The Roman Baths → Museum of Liverpool Sitting bang on the Pier Head waterfront, this striking white building tells the story of the city: football rivalry, the docks, the Overhead Railway, and of course the Beatles. Little Liverpool is a cracking play gallery for under-sixes. Pair it with a walk along the Albert Dock afterwards. See Museum of Liverpool → World Museum Liverpool's World Museum squeezes a planetarium, an aquarium, a bug house and a serious Egyptian collection into one grand building on William Brown Street. Dinosaurs and space rocks keep younger ones happy while you sneak a look at the ancient treasures. The Walker Art Gallery is right next door. See World Museum → Ulster Museum Next to Belfast's Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum covers art, nature and Irish history under one roof. Say hello to Takabuti the Egyptian mummy, see gold from a sunken Spanish Armada ship, and take time over the thoughtful Troubles gallery. Follow it with a stroll round the Palm House. See Ulster Museum → Museum of London Now rebranded as the London Museum, this is the place to get under the skin of the capital, from Roman Londinium to the Swinging Sixties. It's in the middle of a big move to the old Smithfield market buildings, so check what's open before you go. The Docklands branch is a great taster meanwhile. Explore London → York Castle Museum Walk down Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street complete with shops, a police cell and cobbles, then poke round the old debtors' prison where highwayman Dick Turpin spent his final nights. It's daft fun and properly fascinating. Clifford's Tower sits right opposite, so you can tick off two in one go. See York Castle Museum → People's History Museum Manchester's museum of democracy is far more gripping than it sounds. Huge trade union banners, suffragette sashes and stories of ordinary folk who fought for the vote fill the galleries. It's a short stroll from Spinningfields, and a smart pick for teenagers who think history is all kings and queens. Explore Manchester → The Yorkshire Museum Set in York's Museum Gardens beside the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, this one is all about Roman, Viking and medieval Yorkshire. Look out for the Middleham Jewel and some cracking Roman finds. The gardens are perfect for a picnic and a breather away from the busy streets outside. See The Yorkshire Museum → Science museums Big ideas, hands-on galleries and plenty of buttons to press. These are the ones that send kids home asking a hundred questions. Natural History Museum That cathedral-like building on Cromwell Road is worth the trip on its own. Inside, Hope the blue whale skeleton dives from the ceiling of Hintze Hall, and the dinosaur gallery has an animatronic T. rex. Entry is free, but book a slot in busy holidays and get there early. See Natural History Museum → Science Museum Rockets, steam engines, the Apollo 10 command module and Wonderlab, a ticketed gallery packed with live shows and experiments for kids. Next door to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, so you can easily do both if little legs hold out. Pack snacks: the café queues can be long. See Science Museum → Science and Industry Museum Built on the site of the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station, this Castlefield museum celebrates Manchester as the place that kick-started the industrial age. Huge mill engines roar into life, and the textile machines are mesmerising. Check which galleries are open, as parts have been under restoration. See Science and Industry Museum → Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Standing under the giant Lovell Telescope in the Cheshire countryside is a jaw-dropper. The exhibitions explain how astronomers listen to the universe, there's a planet trail through the gardens, and the First Light pavilion tells the full story. Great for curious kids and anyone who grew up on Patrick Moore. See Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre → Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum Four floors of science at Millennium Point, from a working steam engine to a planetarium and a science garden outside. Younger kids can play at being a vet or a dentist, while older ones get stuck into how the human body works. It's a handy rainy-day rescue in central Birmingham. See Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum → Oxford University Museum of Natural History A soaring glass-and-iron roof, dinosaur skeletons and the remains of the famous Oxford dodo make this a treat. It's a light-filled space where you can actually touch some specimens. Walk through the back door and you're straight into the Pitt Rivers, which makes for a perfect double bill. See Oxford University Museum of Natural History → Art galleries From old masters to mind-bending modern installations, plus a couple of design museums too. The National Gallery Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Constable's Hay Wain and Turner's Fighting Temeraire all hang in this grand building on Trafalgar Square, free to wander. Rather than trying to see everything, grab a floor plan and hunt down five favourites. The National Portrait Gallery is just round the back if you've still got energy. See The National Gallery → Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) The V&A is the world's great museum of art and design, packed with fashion, furniture, jewellery and sculpture. The Cast Courts, full of giant plaster copies of famous monuments, are a proper wow. Free to enter, and the garden courtyard is a lovely spot for a sit-down in summer. See Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) → Tate Modern A former power station on the South Bank turned into Britain's best-known modern art gallery. The vast Turbine Hall hosts a different giant installation every year, and the free collection includes Picasso, Warhol and Rothko. Head up to the viewing level, then stroll over the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's. See Tate Modern → Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Glasgow's much-loved red sandstone palace mixes Dalí's Christ of St John of the Cross with a Spitfire hanging from the ceiling, stuffed animals and Scottish Colourists. Catch a free organ recital if you can. Kelvingrove Park outside is perfect for a stretch, and the Riverside Museum is a short hop away. See Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum → Fitzwilliam Museum Behind the grand columns on Trumpington Street sits the University of Cambridge's treasure chest: Egyptian coffins, Monet, Titian, armour and fine pottery. It's calm, gorgeous and free. Combine it with a punt on the Cam or a wander through the colleges for a classic Cambridge day. See Fitzwilliam Museum → Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Home to one of the world's best Pre-Raphaelite collections and part of the glittering Staffordshire Hoard, the largest haul of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. The Edwardian Tearooms are a treat. Check which galleries are open before you go, as the building has been through a long programme of repairs. See Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery → V&A Dundee Designed by Kengo Kuma to look like a cliff face rising from the Tay, the building alone is worth the trip. Inside, the Scottish Design Galleries feature Charles Rennie Mackintosh's restored Oak Room. Pair it with a visit to Captain Scott's ship RRS Discovery, moored just along the waterfront. See V&A Dundee → The Burrell Collection Shipping magnate Sir William Burrell gave Glasgow thousands of treasures, from Chinese ceramics and medieval stained glass to Degas and Rodin. Reopened after a major refurbishment, the gallery looks out into the trees of Pollok Country Park, where you can also spot Highland cattle. A lovely, peaceful half day. See The Burrell Collection → National Museum Cardiff In Cathays Park, a stone's throw from City Hall, this grand museum is famous for its Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Downstairs, the Evolution of Wales gallery has dinosaurs and woolly mammoths for the kids. Cardiff Castle is a short walk away. See National Museum Cardiff → The MAC The Metropolitan Arts Centre in Belfast's lively Cathedral Quarter is a modern home for visual art, theatre and family workshops. Exhibitions change regularly, so there's always something fresh. Afterwards, wander the cobbled lanes around St Anne's Cathedral, where some of the city's best pubs and street art are hiding. Explore Belfast → Design Museum Housed in the former Commonwealth Institute on Kensington High Street, under a swooping roof, this is all about the everyday things around us: chairs, phones, posters, trainers. The permanent display is free, and the big paid exhibitions are often excellent. Holland Park is right behind it for a breather. See Design Museum → Walker Art Gallery Liverpool's grand gallery on William Brown Street holds a cracking spread of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Tudor portraits and modern works, plus a hands-on space for little ones called Big Art for Little Artists. It's right beside the World Museum and St George's Hall, making for an easy cultural loop. See Walker Art Gallery → Children's museums Places built with kids in mind, where touching things is the whole point. The Horniman Museum Up in Forest Hill, the Horniman has a famous overstuffed walrus, an aquarium, a music gallery where you can bang the instruments, and sloping gardens with views over London. There's even a small animal walk. A brilliant, slightly quirky family day away from the central London crowds. See The Horniman Museum → The Story Museum Oxford is the home of Alice and Narnia, so a museum dedicated to stories makes perfect sense. Kids explore the Whispering Wood, dress up and step into magical rooms inspired by favourite books. It's imaginative, cosy and ideal for under-tens, just off the city centre near Pembroke College. Explore Oxford → Discovery Museum Newcastle's Discovery Museum tells the story of Tyneside's inventors and shipbuilders. The star is Turbinia, once the fastest ship in the world, filling the entrance hall. There are hands-on science zones for kids and a fascinating look at the city's history. Easy walk from Central Station. See Discovery Museum → Eureka! The National Children's Museum Built from scratch for children, Eureka! in Halifax lets kids run a pretend town, explore how their bodies work and get busy with sounds and water. It's best for younger ones, roughly up to about eleven. It sits right beside Halifax station, so it's easy to reach without the car. See Eureka! The National Children's Museum → Milestones Museum Victorian and 1930s streets are recreated indoors in Basingstoke, with a pub, a sweet shop, old vehicles and even a seaside-style arcade. It's a cracking spot for grandparents to share memories while the kids dress up and explore. Being fully indoors makes it a winner on a wet day. See Milestones Museum → Great North Museum: Hancock Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, a planetarium and a huge model of Hadrian's Wall make the Hancock a big hit with families. The living planet gallery is crammed floor to ceiling with animals. It's near Haymarket in Newcastle, close to the university, and a natural partner to the Discovery Museum. See Great North Museum: Hancock → Maritime museums An island nation was always going to have cracking ships to climb aboard. Titanic Belfast Standing on the very slipways where Titanic was built, this shimmering building tells the full story, from the shipyards to the sinking and the search for the wreck. There's even a gentle ride through a recreated shipyard. Leave time for SS Nomadic, Titanic's little tender ship, moored nearby. See Titanic Belfast → National Maritime Museum Greenwich's flagship museum is packed with ship models, navigation instruments, Nelson's bullet-holed coat and fun play galleries for kids. Entry is free. Climb the hill to the Royal Observatory to stand on the Prime Meridian, then visit the Cutty Sark down by the river. See National Maritime Museum → HMS Belfast Moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge, this Second World War cruiser saw action on D-Day and the Arctic convoys. Climb ladders between nine decks, peek into the mess, the sick bay and the engine rooms, and imagine life on board. Not great for buggies, but kids love clambering about. See HMS Belfast → National Museum of the Royal Navy Inside Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, this museum tells the story of the Navy from Nelson to the present day. It sits alongside HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, so a dockyard ticket gets you plenty. Take the harbour boat across to Gosport for the submarine museum too. See National Museum of the Royal Navy → SS Great Britain Brunel's revolutionary iron steamship sits in the Bristol dry dock where she was built. You can walk under the hull beneath a glass sea and explore the cabins, galley and engine room above. Kids love the dress-up area, and the harbourside walk to the city centre is gorgeous. See SS Great Britain → The Mary Rose Museum Henry VIII's warship sank in the Solent in 1545 and was raised in 1982. Now she sits in a purpose-built museum at the Historic Dockyard, surrounded by thousands of objects found on board, from longbows to nit combs. It's eerie and moving in equal measure. Explore Portsmouth → Royal Navy Submarine Museum Over in Gosport, you can step inside HMS Alliance, a real Second World War-era submarine, guided by veterans who explain how crews lived in such cramped quarters. It's a fascinating, slightly claustrophobic experience. Pair it with the Explosion Museum nearby or hop the ferry back to Portsmouth. See Royal Navy Submarine Museum → Military and aviation museums Tanks, planes and codebreakers, big on noise and bigger on stories. Royal Armouries Museum Down on Leeds Dock, the Royal Armouries holds the national collection of arms and armour, from Henry VIII's armour to samurai swords. The Hall of Steel, with thousands of weapons on the walls, is a showstopper. Look out for live combat demonstrations, and entry to the collection is free. See Royal Armouries Museum → Imperial War Museum (IWM London) IWM London in Lambeth tells powerful stories of conflict from the First World War to today, with tanks, aircraft and personal letters side by side. The Holocaust Galleries are deeply moving and best for older children and adults. Free to get in, with the park outside for a quiet moment. See Imperial War Museum (IWM London) → IWM Duxford On a historic airfield near Cambridge, Duxford is aviation heaven: Spitfires, a Concorde, a Vulcan bomber and the American Air Museum all under huge hangars. On air show days the sky fills with vintage planes. Bring a picnic and allow a whole day, as the site is massive. See IWM Duxford → The Tank Museum Bovington in Dorset holds a famous collection of tanks, including Tiger 131, the only working Tiger tank in the world. Walk through a First World War trench experience, then see vehicles roar round the arena on event days. Lulworth Cove is close by for an afternoon by the sea. See The Tank Museum → Royal Air Force Museum The RAF Museum has two sites. Hendon in north London is free and full of aircraft from wooden biplanes to jets, with flight simulators for kids. Its sister site, RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford in Shropshire, has its own huge hangars full of planes. Both make a cracking day for plane spotters. See Royal Air Force Museum → Bletchley Park This is where Alan Turing and thousands of codebreakers secretly cracked Enigma during the Second World War. The restored huts, the mansion and the interactive displays make the story come alive. Your ticket usually lasts a year, which is handy, because there's more here than you can manage in one day. See Bletchley Park → National Museum of Flight On a wartime airfield at East Fortune, east of Edinburgh, you'll find a real Concorde you can walk through, plus fighter jets, a Vulcan and the story of Scottish aviation in old hangars. It's a family favourite on a sunny day, and the East Lothian beaches are close by. See National Museum of Flight → Industrial heritage Britain built the modern world in mills, mines and shipyards. These museums let you feel the heat and hear the noise. Black Country Living Museum A whole Black Country town rebuilt in Dudley, where costumed folk teach you to write on slates, bash out chains and fry proper chips in beef dripping. There's a trolleybus, an old-time fairground, and canal boat trips into the limestone caverns run right next door. Fans of Peaky Blinders will recognise a few corners. See Black Country Living Museum → National Railway Museum Right beside York station, this vast museum is home to famous locomotives, royal trains and a Japanese bullet train. The Great Hall turntable is magnificent, and you can usually climb into some of the cabs. Free to enter, and the Minster and city walls are only a short walk away. See National Railway Museum → National Waterfront Museum Swansea's maritime quarter is home to this lively museum about Welsh industry and innovation, from copper and coal to computing. Hands-on screens and machines keep kids busy, and there's often a family activity running. Swansea Marina and the beach are right outside, so bring a ball. See National Waterfront Museum → Beamish, the Living Museum of the North Hop on a tram and travel through the North East in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Go down a drift mine, buy sweets from the old shop, eat fish and chips cooked on a coal range and visit a pit village school. You'll need a full day, and tickets usually work as an annual pass. See Beamish, the Living Museum of the North → Big Pit National Coal Museum Put on a helmet and lamp, then head 90 metres underground with a former miner as your guide. Big Pit in Blaenavon gives you a powerful sense of what working life was like. The above-ground pithead baths and engine house are just as interesting, and the whole area is a World Heritage Site. See Big Pit National Coal Museum → Blists Hill Victorian Town Part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Blists Hill is a recreated Victorian town where you swap your cash for old money at the bank, then spend it at the bakery, sweet shop and pub. Costumed townsfolk keep you chatting. The famous Iron Bridge is a short drive away. See Blists Hill Victorian Town → Specialist museums Quirky collections and single-subject obsessions. Pitt Rivers Museum Through the back of Oxford's natural history museum lies a dim, crammed treasure cave of objects from all over the world, grouped by type rather than place. Masks, boats, musical instruments and charms fill old wooden cases. Grab a torch from staff if offered: it adds to the adventure. See Pitt Rivers Museum → Sir John Soane's Museum The architect Sir John Soane left his Lincoln's Inn Fields home exactly as he arranged it, stuffed with classical sculpture, paintings and an Egyptian sarcophagus. Hogarth's Rake's Progress hides behind folding walls. It's small, eccentric and free, so arrive early as numbers inside are limited. Explore London → London Transport Museum In Covent Garden's old flower market, this museum is packed with buses, trams and Tube trains you can climb aboard. Kids love driving a simulator train, and the poster collection is a design lover's dream. Your ticket usually covers a year of visits, ideal if you're local. See London Transport Museum → National Football Museum Football fans, this one's for you. Inside the glass Urbis building near Manchester Victoria, the museum is crammed with famous shirts, trophies and match balls. The interactive zone lets you test your shooting and passing skills. Whatever team you follow, you'll find something to cheer or groan about. Explore Manchester → Riverside Museum Glasgow's transport museum lives in a zigzag building on the Clyde designed by Zaha Hadid. Inside you'll find trams, locomotives, cars, bikes and a recreated old street with shops to explore. The Tall Ship Glenlee is moored right outside, so step aboard for a look below deck. See Riverside Museum → National Motor Museum Set in the New Forest at Beaulieu, this is a petrolhead's paradise, with pioneering motor carriages, famous racing cars and cars from film and television. Your ticket also covers Palace House and the abbey ruins, and a monorail glides round the grounds. A full day out for all ages. See National Motor Museum → The Thursford Collection In rural Norfolk, Thursford is crammed with steam engines, fairground rides and mighty mechanical organs, including a famous Wurlitzer that still plays. It's a joyous, noisy slice of fairground history. The site is best known for its big Christmas Spectacular show, so check what's on when you plan. See The Thursford Collection → Planning your museum day out A few tips to make the most of it. Lots of the national museums are free, but free doesn't mean empty: book a timed slot online in school holidays and turn up early, when it's calmer and the kids are fresher. Check the website the day before, because galleries sometimes close for refurbishment and big exhibitions sell out. Don't try to see everything. Pick three or four galleries, build in a café break and leave on a high rather than dragging tired kids round the last floor. Many museums have free family trails or activity backpacks at the front desk, so ask. And where a ticket is paid, ask whether it works as an annual pass, as plenty do. Cities like London, Liverpool and Glasgow let you stack two museums into one day. More Spin Raiders guides UK Historical Sites guide UK Medieval Towns guide All museums on Spin Raiders

School holidays looming? Weekend stretching out ahead of you with a car full of restless kids? You need a plan, and you need it fast. The good news is the UK is stuffed with brilliant family days out, from roaring coasters and drive-through safaris to castles with real dungeons and museums where touching things is actively encouraged. We've split this guide into the kinds of day you're likely to be planning: big theme park adventures, animal encounters, aquariums, indoor fun for wet afternoons, LEGO-mad days, history the kids will actually enjoy, and ideas that won't empty your wallet. Every place has a quick rundown of what it's like, who'll love it most and a handy tip for getting more out of the trip. Tap through on any of them to find out more about the venue or the town around it, then start packing the snacks. Theme parks and rides For a day the kids will talk about for weeks, a theme park takes some beating. These are the big hitters for families, with something for every age. Alton Towers The UK's best-known theme park has a split personality that works brilliantly for families. Teenagers can tackle The Smiler and Wicker Man while younger ones head to CBeebies Land to meet their favourite TV characters. The resort's own waterpark and hotels make it a natural two-day trip, and the Staffordshire countryside around it is lovely for a drive. See Alton Towers → Chessington World of Adventures Ten minutes on a ride, ten minutes watching gorillas, back on a ride again. That's the rhythm at Chessington, where a zoo and a theme park share the same site in south-west London. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure is a hit with younger children, and there's plenty for braver older siblings too. Great for mixed-age families. See Chessington World of Adventures → Drayton Manor Got a Thomas the Tank Engine fan? Drayton Manor near Tamworth is the place. Thomas Land is packed with rides themed on the little blue engine and friends, while the rest of the park has bigger thrills and a zoo. It's easy to reach from the M42, which makes it a handy Midlands day out for families coming from all directions. See Drayton Manor → Paultons Park Peppa Pig World at Paultons is pure joy for under-fives, with muddy puddles, George's dinosaur adventure and gentle rides. Older children get the Lost Kingdom's dinosaur coasters. The park is near Romsey on the edge of the New Forest, so you can follow it with a picnic among the ponies or a stroll round Romsey's abbey. Explore Romsey → Flamingo Land North Yorkshire's mix of zoo and theme park means one ticket covers rides, animals and shows. Families can wander from hippos and meerkats to coasters without leaving the grounds. It sits near Malton, close to the North York Moors, and works brilliantly as part of a holiday taking in York or the Scarborough coast. See Flamingo Land → Zoos and safari parks Lions, penguins, giraffes and the odd cheeky monkey on your car roof. Animal days are a guaranteed winner with children of every age. London Zoo Tucked into Regent's Park, London Zoo has been run by the Zoological Society of London since the 1800s. Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and the gorilla and tiger enclosures are the big draws. Combine it with a picnic in Regent's Park or a climb up Primrose Hill for one of the best free views over the capital. See London Zoo → Chester Zoo Chester Zoo is huge, so wear comfy shoes and plan your route. Highlights include elephants, the Islands zone with its boat ride through South-East Asian habitats, and loads of conservation work happening behind the scenes. It's a full day, easily. Chester's Roman walls and the Rows are only a few minutes away if anyone still has energy afterwards. See Chester Zoo → Whipsnade Zoo London Zoo's countryside sibling sits on the Chiltern Hills near Dunstable, giving animals like elephants, rhinos and giraffes room to roam. The site is enormous, so plan which areas to hit first and pace little legs accordingly. Look out for the giant white lion carved into the chalk hillside below the zoo on your way in. See Whipsnade Zoo → Knowsley Safari Just outside Liverpool, Knowsley's drive-through safari takes you past lions, rhinos and herds of grazing animals from the comfort of your car. The baboons are famous for clambering over vehicles, so take the car-friendly route if you're precious about your wing mirrors. There's a walk-around area with more animals and play spaces once you've parked up. See Knowsley Safari → Woburn Safari Park Bedfordshire's safari park lets you drive among big animals on the road safari, then park up for the foot safari, where you'll find smaller creatures, walk-through enclosures and adventure play. It suits families who want a bit of everything. The Woburn estate and Go Ape Woburn are nearby if you're making a weekend of it. See Woburn Safari Park → Yorkshire Wildlife Park Near Doncaster and handy for the M18, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is best known for its polar bears, which roam big naturalistic lakes and grassland. Walkways take you through spacious reserves for lions, tigers and painted dogs. It's flat and buggy-friendly, which makes it great for families with toddlers as well as older children. See Yorkshire Wildlife Park → West Midlands Safari Park Near Bewdley in Worcestershire, this park combines a drive-through safari with a walk-around section and a theme park area. That makes it a clever choice when you can't decide between animals and rides. The Severn Valley Railway and Bewdley's riverside are close by for a gentle end to the day. See West Midlands Safari Park → Aquariums Cool, calm and fascinating, aquariums are perfect for little ones and a brilliant shout when it's chucking it down. The Deep Rising like a giant shark fin where the River Hull meets the Humber, The Deep is one of the most striking buildings in the north. Inside, the huge main tank teems with sharks and rays, and the gentoo penguins always draw a crowd. Hull's old town, marina and museums are all within walking distance. See The Deep → National Marine Aquarium By Plymouth's historic Barbican, the National Marine Aquarium takes you from local shoreline creatures right down to a giant ocean tank full of sharks and shoals. It's a great way to show kids what lives just off the British coast. Follow it with fish and chips on the harbour and a look at the boats. See National Marine Aquarium → SEA LIFE London Aquarium On the South Bank, right beside the London Eye, SEA LIFE London has sharks, penguins and rainforest creatures in the heart of the city. It's ideal for a short, sheltered stop on a London sightseeing day. Combine it with a ride on the Eye or a stroll along the river to Tower Bridge. See SEA LIFE London Aquarium → Blue Planet Aquarium Near Cheshire Oaks at Ellesmere Port, Blue Planet's underwater tunnel puts sharks gliding right over your head. Daily talks and feeding sessions give children something to look forward to through the visit. It pairs nicely with Chester Zoo if you're planning a big Cheshire animal weekend, or with a spot of outlet shopping for the grown-ups. See Blue Planet Aquarium → Deep Sea World Sitting almost underneath the Forth Bridge at North Queensferry, Deep Sea World's underwater tunnel is the star attraction. Sharks, rays and shoals of fish swim all around you. Afterwards, walk along the shore for incredible views of the three bridges, or nip over to Edinburgh for the rest of the weekend. See Deep Sea World → Soft play and indoor fun When it's grey outside and the kids are bouncing off the walls at home, let them bounce off somebody else's walls instead. Gambado Chelsea Near Imperial Wharf in Chelsea, Gambado is a big soft play centre with a giant climbing frame, dodgems and laser tag, aimed at children under twelve. Parents can grab a coffee in the café while the kids run wild. It's a handy London rescue on a soggy afternoon, and the Thames path is close for a walk afterwards. See Gambado Chelsea → Krazy Congo Soft Play Motherwell's large indoor soft play centre is a lifesaver for Lanarkshire families when the weather turns. Climbing frames, slides and ball pits keep little ones happily busy. M&D's theme park and Strathclyde Country Park are both nearby, so you can switch between indoor and outdoor plans depending on what the sky decides to do. See Krazy Congo Soft Play → Inflata Nation Manchester Picture a giant room full of bouncy obstacle courses, inflatable slides and assault courses. That's Inflata Nation, and the Manchester site is perfect for older kids who've outgrown soft play but still need to burn off energy. Adults can join in too, which tends to end in plenty of giggling and very wobbly legs. See Inflata Nation Manchester → Clip 'n Climb Great Yarmouth Clip 'n Climb is colourful indoor climbing for kids and adults, with themed walls, auto-belays and challenges like the leap of faith. The Great Yarmouth centre is a great rainy-day swap for the beach. Afterwards, you're right by the seafront, piers and Golden Mile when the sun comes back out. See Clip 'n Climb Great Yarmouth → Legoland and LEGO days out Few toys inspire quite like LEGO, and the UK has some brilliant places to see what can be built from those little bricks. LEGOLAND Windsor The big one for LEGO fans. Miniland's tiny versions of London, Scotland and beyond are worth the visit on their own, then there's LEGO Ninjago World, Mythica and rides aimed at children aged roughly two to twelve. The two themed hotels are a treat if you can stretch to an overnight stay, and Windsor Castle is just down the road. See LEGOLAND Windsor → LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester An indoor LEGO playground for children of around three to ten, with build-and-test zones, a 4D cinema, a couple of rides and a mini Manchester made of bricks. It's a couple of hours of fun rather than a full day, so pair it with something else nearby. Grown-ups normally need to bring a child to get in. See LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester → LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham Birmingham's Discovery Centre packs LEGO building, play zones, rides and a 4D cinema under one roof. Little builders can test racing cars and see local landmarks recreated in bricks. Combine it with the National SEA LIFE Centre or a canal-side stroll, both close by, for a full city day that works in any weather. See LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham → Castles and history the kids will love History doesn't have to mean dusty display cases. These places bring the past to life with towers, tunnels, battlements and real stories. Warwick Castle Warwick Castle is history with the volume turned up. Climb the towers and ramparts, watch the giant trebuchet in action and catch birds of prey displays on the grounds. It's run with families firmly in mind, and there are themed lodges and glamping if you want to stay over. Warwick's old town is lovely for lunch. See Warwick Castle → Tower of London Nine centuries of royal history, the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders with their tall tales. Kids love spotting the ravens and hearing about prisoners and plots. Go early to see the jewels before the queues build, then wander across Tower Bridge for one of London's classic family photos. See Tower of London → Dover Castle High on the White Cliffs, Dover Castle has a medieval Great Tower to explore and secret wartime tunnels deep in the chalk, where the Dunkirk evacuation was planned. It's a proper all-day adventure for school-age kids. Walk along the cliffs afterwards for views across the Channel, and maybe even a glimpse of France. See Dover Castle → Edinburgh Castle Perched on its volcanic rock above the city, Edinburgh Castle is home to the Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg and the famous One O'Clock Gun. Children love the cannons and the views over the rooftops. Then wander down the Royal Mile for street performers, shortbread and maybe a ghost tour for older ones. See Edinburgh Castle → Leeds Castle Near Maidstone in Kent, Leeds Castle sits on islands in a lake and looks like it's stepped out of a fairytale. The hedge maze with its underground grotto is a big hit with kids, and there are play areas and birds of prey too. Go Ape is in the grounds if the family wants to swing through the trees. See Leeds Castle → Bletchley Park The home of the Second World War codebreakers in Milton Keynes is brilliant for curious older children. You can see where Alan Turing and his colleagues worked to crack Enigma, explore the huts and try your hand at codes and puzzles. It's a powerful, true story that makes history click for teens and tweens. See Bletchley Park → Free and low-cost days out A great day doesn't have to cost a fortune. These spots are free to enter, or close to it, so you can spend on the ice creams instead. Natural History Museum Free to enter, London's Natural History Museum is a cathedral of wonders, from dinosaur skeletons to the blue whale skeleton soaring over Hintze Hall. Kids could spend hours here and still not see everything. Arrive near opening to beat the crowds, and pair it with the Science Museum right next door. See Natural History Museum → Science Museum Also free to get in, the Science Museum in South Kensington is packed with rockets, steam engines and hands-on exhibits. The interactive Wonderlab gallery is ticketed but well worth it for curious kids. With the Natural History Museum and the V&A on the same road, you could fill a whole weekend without paying for entry once. See Science Museum → National Railway Museum York's National Railway Museum is free and full of giant locomotives, including the record-breaking Mallard. Kids can climb aboard, peer underneath engines and explore royal carriages. It's a short walk from York station, so you can arrive by train for the full experience, then head into the city for the walls and the Minster. See National Railway Museum → Royal Armouries Leeds Leeds' Royal Armouries is free and full of suits of armour, weapons and live demonstrations that make history jump off the walls. Kids love the jousting armour and the hall of steel. It's down on the waterfront at Leeds Dock, so you can follow it with a riverside walk into the city centre. See Royal Armouries Leeds → Discovery Museum Newcastle's free Discovery Museum tells Tyneside's story through science, ships and invention. The star is Turbinia, once the fastest ship in the world, dramatically displayed in the entrance hall. Plenty of hands-on galleries keep younger kids busy, and the Quayside and its bridges are a short stroll away. See Discovery Museum → Wicksteed Park Kettering's Wicksteed Park has huge stretches of free parkland, lakes and playgrounds, with rides you can pay for as you go. That means you control the budget, whether it's a picnic and a run around or a full afternoon on the attractions. Its historic water chute is the ride everyone has to try once. See Wicksteed Park → Rainy day ideas When the heavens open, these indoor gems save the day and usually end up being the highlight of the holiday. Eureka! The National Children's Museum Halifax's Eureka! is built entirely for younger children, with hands-on galleries where touching, pressing and playing is the whole point. Kids can explore a pretend town, learn how their bodies work and get stuck into experiments. It sits right next to Halifax station, and the Piece Hall is close for a treat afterwards. See Eureka! The National Children's Museum → Cadbury World Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Cadbury World in Bournville takes you through the story of the famous brand with hands-on zones, demonstrations and, crucially, free samples. Book ahead, especially in holidays. Afterwards, the leafy Bournville village built for the factory workers is lovely for a wander. See Cadbury World → National Space Centre Leicester's National Space Centre is easy to spot by its tall rocket tower, which holds real rockets. Inside you'll find interactive galleries, astronaut training challenges and a planetarium show that wows kids and adults alike. Allow a good few hours, and leave time for the gift shop, because the astronaut ice cream is unavoidable. See National Space Centre → Thinktank Birmingham's science museum at Millennium Point has four floors of hands-on galleries, historic machines and a planetarium. Little ones love the Kids' City area, while older children can dig into science and engineering. It's handy for Birmingham's city centre and Cadbury World, making it easy to build a whole rainy weekend. See Thinktank → Glasgow Science Centre On the banks of the Clyde, Glasgow Science Centre is packed with interactive exhibits, live science shows and a planetarium. Its shiny titanium buildings look like something from the future. The Riverside Museum is a short walk along the river, so you can fill a wet Glasgow day with two very different but brilliant attractions. See Glasgow Science Centre → Techniquest In Cardiff Bay, Techniquest is a hands-on science centre where kids can experiment with water, light, sound and motion. Shows and planetarium sessions add extra wow. When it dries up, the Bay's waterfront, the Senedd and the Norwegian Church are right outside for a stroll and some well-earned ice cream. See Techniquest → Planning your family day out Most big attractions are cheaper when booked online in advance, and some offer better deals on quieter days or with annual passes if you live close by. Always check opening days before you set off, especially outside the school holidays, and look at height and age guidance for rides so nobody's disappointed at the gate. Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a change of clothes for younger kids, particularly anywhere with water play. Plan the day around one main attraction rather than trying to cram in three, and look at what's nearby for a short extra stop if energy allows. For bigger trips, a nearby hotel or holiday park can turn a tiring drive into a relaxed weekend away. More Spin Raiders guides UK theme parks guide UK zoos & wildlife parks guide UK aquariums & SEA LIFE guide UK family arcades guide Family fun

Let's be honest: half the reason anyone goes to the seaside is the food. The arcades, the sand and the sea air are brilliant, but it's the chips on the front, the cream tea after a long walk and the pint in an old harbour pub that people still talk about on the drive home. This guide rounds up the seaside spots worth knowing about, from proper chippies in Cleethorpes, Scarborough and South Shields to pier restaurants in Brighton, family favourites around Grimsby and the regional classics you can only really do right where they come from. Think Cornish pasties, Devon cream teas, Bath buns, Kendal Mint Cake and an Edinburgh chippy supper with salt and sauce. Use it to plan a whole trip around your stomach (no judgement here), or just to make sure the next lunch stop is a good one rather than a gamble on the first place you walk past. Fish and chips Nothing says British seaside like a hot parcel of fish and chips eaten on a bench while the gulls eye you up. These are the chippies worth seeking out, from the North East to the Dorset coast. Colmans Fish & Chips, South Shields A family-run South Shields name that locals have been queuing for across generations. It sits on Ocean Road, the street that runs down towards Sandhaven Beach, so the obvious move is grabbing your supper and heading for the sand. Big on fresh North Sea fish and a proper sit-down option when the wind whips up. Explore South Shields → Lifeboat Fish Bar, Scarborough Scarborough's South Bay is chippy heaven, and this is one to add to your shortlist. Pair it with a wander round the harbour, where the fishing boats still unload, then walk it off along the Foreshore past the amusements. On a sunny day, take your tray to the harbour wall and watch the boats come in. Explore Scarborough → Peter's Fish Factory, Margate Margate has gone a bit arty in recent years, but it hasn't forgotten its roots, and a good chippy is still the heart of a day on the Main Sands. Peter's Fish Factory is a handy fuel stop before you hit Dreamland or stroll out to the Harbour Arm for sunset over the bay. Explore Margate → Fish Tram Chips, Llandudno You've got to love a chippy with a pun in its name. This one nods to the Great Orme Tramway, Llandudno's famous cable-hauled tram up the headland, so it makes a cracking stop before or after a ride to the summit. The pier and the long Victorian promenade are an easy stroll away too. Explore Llandudno → Fish 'n' Fritz, Weymouth Weymouth's old harbour is one of the prettiest spots on the Dorset coast, all colourful buildings and bobbing boats. Fish 'n' Fritz is a long-standing local favourite for a takeaway, and eating it by the water before a paddle on the golden sands is about as good as a summer afternoon gets. Explore Weymouth → Inghams Fish Restaurant, Filey Filey is the gentle one on the Yorkshire coast: no neon, just a sweeping bay and the dramatic finger of Filey Brigg. A sit-down fish restaurant suits the town perfectly. Book your table after a walk out along the Brigg, when you've built up a proper appetite. Explore Filey → Steels Cornerhouse Restaurant, Cleethorpes Cleethorpes sits right next to Grimsby, once one of the world's great fishing ports, so it takes its fish seriously. Steels is a traditional Cleethorpes name, ideal when you want a knife, fork and a cuppa rather than eating out of the paper. The seafront and pier are a few minutes' walk away. Explore Cleethorpes → Ocean Fish Bar, Cleethorpes When the tide's out and the kids are starving, Cleethorpes has plenty of chippies to pick from, and Ocean Fish Bar is another local option. Take your haul down to the prom, find a bench facing the Humber and watch the ships heading in and out of the estuary before working through the arcades along the front. Explore Cleethorpes → Seastar Fish and Chips, Bournemouth Seven miles of golden sand need serious fuel. Seastar keeps Bournemouth visitors going between dips, and the pier and the Lower Gardens are close enough to turn tea into an evening stroll. Top tip: grab a takeaway and head to the beach huts end for a quieter spot. Explore Bournemouth → Dolphin Fish and Chips Restaurant, Eastbourne Eastbourne is all elegant hotels, a grand old pier and the beginning of the South Downs. A traditional fish and chip restaurant suits that unhurried pace nicely. Make an afternoon of it with a seafront walk towards Beachy Head, then come back hungry. Explore Eastbourne → Cafes and tearooms Sometimes you need a sit down, a pot of tea and something sweet. These cafes and tearooms are the sort of places that save a rainy day or set you up for a long one. Mable's Tea Room, Mablethorpe Mablethorpe is the quieter neighbour to Skegness, with wide sands and a seafront that still feels old school. A tearoom is exactly what you want here after a blowy beach walk. Order a pot for the table, warm up properly, then head back out for a go on the sands or the amusements. Explore Mablethorpe → Riverhead Coffee, Cleethorpes For a proper coffee rather than a vending machine cup, Riverhead is a name that locals around Grimsby and Cleethorpes know well. It's a smart choice for grown-ups who want a decent flat white before tackling the seafront, and a nice calm corner when the prom gets busy. Explore Cleethorpes → Johns Cafe, Barry Island Barry Island's Whitmore Bay is a cracking sandy beach with the pleasure park right behind it. A no-fuss cafe is just the ticket for a fry-up before the crowds arrive or a brew between rides. It also gives you a chance to spot the places that made the island famous all over again on telly. Explore Barry Island → Hemsby Beach Cafe, Hemsby Hemsby is a small, laid-back resort north of Great Yarmouth with big dunes and a simple, cheerful seafront. A beach cafe is about as handy as it gets for families. Grab something warming, then walk the sands or nip into the amusements on Beach Road. Explore Hemsby → Neptune's Beach Cafe, Leysdown-on-Sea Out on the Isle of Sheppey, Leysdown is a proper bucket-and-spade village with arcades, chalets and a long shingle shore. Neptune's sits right in the thick of it. It's the kind of spot where a cooked breakfast and a mug of tea set you up for a whole day by the water. Explore Leysdown → The Latte Lounge, Bridlington Bridlington has two beaches, a working harbour and the cliffs of Flamborough just up the road. When you need a breather from the busy front, a cosy coffee lounge hits the spot. Combine it with a look around the harbour, where you can still watch the shellfish boats landing their catch. Explore Bridlington → Pubs A good seaside pub is half the holiday. Some of these have been pulling pints for centuries; others are simply the friendly local that every resort needs. The Jug & Bottle, Grimsby The Spin Raiders pick for a carvery just outside Grimsby, now with refurbished toilets. Be warned that walk-ins can sometimes get a frosty welcome, so booking is wise, and the breakfast tea costs extra. A solid choice before or after a trip to the Cleethorpes seafront. See The Jug & Bottle, Grimsby → Ye Olde Pumphouse, Hastings Hastings Old Town is a tangle of crooked streets and timber-framed buildings, and the Pumphouse looks every inch the part. Pop in after exploring the tall black net huts on the Stade and the fishing boats hauled up on the shingle. It's atmosphere by the bucketload, with a pint to match. Explore Hastings → The Ship Inn, Herne Bay Herne Bay is a gentle Kent resort with a long promenade, a bandstand and the stump of its old pier out at sea. The Ship is a traditional seafront-area pub that suits the slower pace. Walk off lunch along the coast path towards Reculver, where the twin towers of a ruined church stand inside an old Roman fort. Explore Herne Bay → The Ship Inn Restaurant, Folkestone Folkestone has had a real revival, with its Harbour Arm, creative quarter and Sunny Sands beach. A pub with a proper restaurant side is perfect for a sit-down meal after a day of exploring. Head down the Old High Street afterwards for the independent shops. Explore Folkestone → The Jolly Sailors, Lowestoft Lowestoft is the most easterly town in Britain, so you can tell your mates you had your pint further east than anyone else. The Jolly Sailors suits a post-beach drink, and Lowestoft's South Beach and Claremont Pier make an easy afternoon beforehand. Explore Lowestoft → The Lacon Arms, Hemsby Every holiday village needs its local, and in Hemsby the Lacon Arms fills that role for plenty of caravan and chalet guests. It's a natural evening base after a day on the beach, with the Norfolk Broads close enough for a boat trip the next morning. Explore Hemsby → Wheelwrights Arms, Gorleston Gorleston is Great Yarmouth's calmer sibling, with a wide sandy beach and a lovely old-fashioned feel. The Wheelwrights is a handy local pub for a relaxed meal away from the Golden Mile. Pair it with a stroll along the harbour mouth to watch ships come in. Explore Gorleston → The Cottage Loaf, Llandudno Tucked off the main shopping streets, the Cottage Loaf is a characterful pub that has long been a favourite with visitors to Llandudno. It's the cosy counterpoint to a breezy day on the prom or up the Great Orme. Pop in for a pint and a warm-up before heading back to the pier. Explore Llandudno → The Hope Hotel, Southend-on-Sea Southend has the longest pleasure pier in the world, Adventure Island and a whole seafront of amusements. The Hope Hotel gives you a classic seafront pub to rest your legs once you've walked the pier and back, which is well over two miles round trip. Explore Southend → Family restaurants When you've got a car full of hungry kids, you want somewhere reliable, welcoming and roomy. These are the family-friendly picks, including some favourites close to home in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The Masala n Malt, Grimsby Spin Raiders' very first Hidden Gem, and for good reason. Expect cracking curries, freshly cooked Peshwari naan and a genuinely warm welcome from the people who run it. Its Raider Score of 4.9 out of 5 says it all. Book a table after a day on Cleethorpes seafront, just down the road. See The Masala n Malt, Grimsby → Millers, Grimsby An Indian restaurant at Waltham Windmill, just outside Grimsby, with comfy chairs, windmill views and a host who makes you feel looked after. The keema naan is a highlight, and it earns a Raider Score of 4.6. Have a nose around the windmill site before you sit down to eat. See Millers, Grimsby → The Trawlerman, Cleethorpes A long-standing family carvery on North Sea Lane, popular with holidaymakers from the nearby caravan parks. It's had its ups and downs, and the old kids' freebies have gone, but it still scores 4.1 for a filling roast with no fuss. Handy after a long day on Cleethorpes beach. See The Trawlerman, Cleethorpes → Wellow Hungry Horse, Cleethorpes A Spin Raiders family favourite in Cleethorpes, with a Raider Score of 4.6. The horseshoe onion rings, the surf and turf sharer and the New Yorker are the ones to go for, and the bar prices are kind to your wallet. Hungry Horse pubs are built for big groups, so it copes well with a car full of hungry kids. See Wellow Hungry Horse, Cleethorpes → Pizza Parlour, Grimsby The Spin Raiders Saturday night feast: a Carr Lane takeaway where the kebab calzone is an absolute banger and the family deals keep the kids happy. Handy if you're staying in or around Grimsby and fancy a night in after a busy day out. Pick up a feast, put your feet up, no washing up. See Pizza Parlour, Grimsby → Beechwood Farm (The Farmhouse), Grimsby A family carvery by Europarc on the edge of Grimsby, with a kids' playground and a mini arcade to keep little ones busy while the grown-ups finish their plates. The beef is the star of the show, and it earns a Raider Score of 4.6. Easy to reach on the way in or out of the area. See Beechwood Farm (The Farmhouse), Grimsby → Oriental Express, Cleethorpes A buffet beside Cleethorpes Boating Lake that kids still adore, thanks to the sheer choice of dishes. Honest verdict: some food can go cold and the toilets could do with money spending on them, hence a Raider Score of 3.8. Pair it with the lakeside miniature railway right next door. See Oriental Express, Cleethorpes → Seafront dining Food tastes better with a sea view. These spots sit right on piers, promenades and harbours, so you can watch the waves while you eat. Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, Brighton Out on Brighton Palace Pier, Palm Court is the classic place to sit down to fish and chips with the sea all around you. It's a proper treat for the family, and you're right next to the pier's rides and arcade. Go early in summer, as it's one of Brighton's busiest spots. Explore Brighton → Horatio's Bar, Brighton Head further along the Palace Pier and you'll find Horatio's, a bar with big views back towards the city and along the coast. It's lovely for a drink as the sun drops and the pier lights come on. Combine it with a walk to the old West Pier ruins and the i360. Explore Brighton → Rockfish, Weymouth Part of the Rockfish family of seafood restaurants that started on the Devon coast, the Weymouth branch puts you by the harbour with boats bobbing outside. It's a cut above your average chippy, ideal for a special night out. Book ahead in peak summer. Explore Weymouth → Buoy and Oyster, Margate A seafood restaurant looking out over Margate's bay, close to the Turner Contemporary and the Main Sands. It's a great one for grown-ups who want something a bit special on a Kent weekend. Time it for sunset, which Margate is famous for, and you're on to a winner. Explore Margate → Deep Blue, South Parade Pier, Southsea Eating on a pier never gets old. Deep Blue sits on Southsea's South Parade Pier, so you can tuck in with views over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight. Afterwards, walk along the seafront to the Rose Garden or head into the pier amusements. Explore Southsea → Boardwalk Bar, Clacton Pier A lively bar on Clacton Pier serving food alongside darts, shuffleboard, live sport and live music. It's a fun base if you've got a mixed group, as some can watch the match while others play. Ideal for an evening once the pier rides have done their job. Explore Clacton → The Dunes, Mablethorpe On Mablethorpe's seafront, The Dunes gives you a no-nonsense place to eat and drink steps from the sand. It's great for families who want to keep one eye on the beach. Once you're done, the sands stretch for miles, perfect for building castles or a long walk towards Sutton-on-Sea. Explore Mablethorpe → Food in Cornwall Cornwall's food is all about the sea and the pasty. Come hungry: between the fishing harbours and the bakeries, you'll be eating well from breakfast to tea. Catch, Looe Looe is a working fishing town split in two by its river, with a busy fish market and boats coming and going all day. Catch makes a fine stop on a Looe visit. Wander the narrow streets of East Looe, then cross the bridge and walk to Hannafore for views of Looe Island. Explore Looe → The Cod End Fish & Chip Shop, Newquay Newquay is Cornwall's surf capital, and nothing hits harder after a session on Fistral than proper chips. The Cod End is a handy takeaway to fuel up. Eat on the headland near the Huer's Hut if you can: the views across the bay are stunning. Explore Newquay → Harbour Rest Cafe, Newquay Newquay's little harbour is a calmer world compared with the busy town centre above it. A cafe down here is perfect for a mid-morning brew while watching the boats and paddleboarders. Follow it with a walk round to Towan Beach and the famous house on the island. Explore Newquay → The Cornish pasty The real deal is a crimped D-shaped pastry filled with beef, potato, swede and onion, and genuine Cornish pasties must be made in Cornwall to carry the name. Every town has a favourite bakery, so ask locals where to go. Eat it hot, and watch the gulls. St Ives and its seafood St Ives is pure picture-postcard Cornwall, with a harbour full of boats, golden beaches and art galleries in every lane. Seafood and saffron buns are the local favourites to look out for. Grab a takeaway and find a step by the harbour, but hide your food from the gulls. Explore St Ives → A Cornish cream tea In Cornwall, it's jam first, then clotted cream on top, and locals take the order very seriously. Look for a tearoom serving warm scones with Cornish clotted cream. Have one after a cliff-top walk and you'll understand why people get so passionate about it. Padstow's seafood scene Padstow on the north coast is famous for seafood, with Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant leading the charge since the 1970s. You'll also find chippies, delis and bakeries around the harbour. Combine it with the Camel Trail cycle route for a day that balances indulgence with fresh air. Food in Devon Devon gives Cornwall a run for its money with cream teas, crab and some of the best fishing ports in the country. Paignton Pier Chippy Co., Paignton Paignton is the bucket-and-spade heart of the English Riviera, and its pier is packed with arcades and rides. A chippy at the pier makes life very easy for families. Eat on Paignton Sands, then take a trip on the steam railway to Kingswear and Dartmouth. Explore Paignton → Brixham fish and the quay Brixham is one of England's busiest fishing ports, and its quayside is lined with chippies, cafes and seafood stalls. Look out for crab sandwiches and fresh catches straight off the boats. Then visit the replica Golden Hind moored in the harbour, a big hit with kids. Explore Brixham → A Devon cream tea Here's the great debate: in Devon, it's clotted cream first, then the jam. Whichever side you're on, a Devon cream tea with warm scones is a must on any trip. Many seaside cafes and farm shops serve them, so treat yourself after a walk on the coast path. Torquay's harbourside Torquay's palm-lined harbour has a Mediterranean feel and plenty of places to eat, from casual cafes to smarter seafood restaurants. Spend the afternoon at Babbacombe or Kents Cavern, then head back down to the waterfront for tea as the lights come on around the marina. Explore Torquay → Food in Bath Bath isn't on the coast, but it's a favourite add-on for anyone touring the South West, and it has edible traditions all of its own. Sally Lunn's One of Bath's oldest houses is home to the famous Sally Lunn bun, a large, light, brioche-style bun served with sweet or savoury toppings. It's an edible bit of history in a tiny old building. Expect a queue on busy days, and allow time for the little kitchen museum downstairs. The Bath bun Not to be confused with the Sally Lunn, the Bath bun is a sweet, rich roll topped with crushed sugar. You'll spot them in bakeries around the city. Pick one up to eat while wandering past the Royal Crescent and the Circus, two of Bath's most famous Georgian streets. The Pump Room Attached to the Roman Baths, the elegant Pump Room has been serving refreshments to visitors since Georgian times. It's a lovely spot for afternoon tea, and you can even try the famous spa water. Combine it with a tour of the Roman Baths for a day that feels like time travel. Lake District, Bristol and Edinburgh Three more great food destinations for when you fancy a break from the coast, each with something special on the menu. The Lake District The Lakes are famous for hearty grub: Cumberland sausage, Grasmere gingerbread and the sticky toffee pudding linked to Cartmel. After a day of hiking or boating, cosy pubs serve up warming plates. It's the perfect excuse to stop worrying about calories for a few days. Explore the Lake District → Kendal Mint Cake This sugary, minty slab has been fuelling walkers and climbers for generations, and it famously went up Everest. Kendal is the place to pick some up, often in its classic white or brown versions. Pop some in your pocket before heading off on a fell walk. Explore Kendal → Bowness-on-Windermere Bowness is the busiest spot on England's largest lake, with boat trips, ice cream parlours and pubs lining the bay. Grab a treat from one of the shops, then take a cruise across Windermere. It's a lovely way to see the Lakes without tiring little legs out. Explore Bowness → Bristol's harbourside Bristol has a buzzing food scene, especially around the harbourside and Wapping Wharf, where independent kitchens pack into shipping containers. The historic St Nicholas Market is full of street food stalls too. Add a look at Brunel's SS Great Britain for a day that mixes food and history. Explore Bristol → Edinburgh Scotland's capital is brilliant for food lovers, from haggis, neeps and tatties to traditional tearooms on the Royal Mile. Locals will tell you a chippy supper should come with salt and sauce, a tangy brown sauce mixture unique to the city. Try it before you leave. Explore Edinburgh → Portobello Edinburgh's own seaside is Portobello, a long sandy beach with a promenade, cafes and an arcade. It's a great place to grab an ice cream or a coffee and walk by the sea, only a short bus ride from the city centre. Bring a towel, as locals swim here all year. Explore Portobello → Tips for eating well at the seaside Timing is everything. Popular chippies and pier restaurants get busy at peak lunch and tea times, especially in the school holidays, so eat a bit earlier or later to dodge the queues. For sit-down restaurants in summer, book ahead, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings. Keep an eye on the gulls. They're bold, quick and very fond of chips, so eat with your back to a wall or find somewhere sheltered. Many cafes have indoor seating, which is a lifesaver when the weather turns. Don't forget the regional treats. A Cornish pasty, a Devon cream tea or a Bath bun is part of the experience, so build them into your plans. And if you're heading along the coast, combine your food stops with the arcades, beaches and piers for a day out with something for everyone. More Spin Raiders guides UK Seaside Arcades guide UK Beaches guide All food and drink

There's something about a zoo day that never gets old. The kids are up before the alarm, the picnic's packed, and somebody always insists on seeing the lions first. Whether you fancy a drive-through safari with monkeys eyeing your wing mirrors or a tiny rescue centre tucked down a country lane, the UK is absolutely packed with brilliant places to get up close to animals. This guide rounds up 77 of them, grouped by region first so you can find something near home or your holiday base, then picking out favourites for big cats, elephants, primates, birds, safari drives and smaller sanctuaries. Plenty of these places put serious work into breeding programmes and conservation, so your ticket does a bit of good too. Comfy shoes on, wellies in the boot, and off you go. Zoos in London & the South East ZSL London Zoo Tucked into Regent's Park since 1828, London Zoo packs a remarkable amount into a city-centre site. Land of the Lions, the gorillas and Penguin Beach are the big draws. Make a proper day of it by strolling along the Regent's Canal from Camden Lock. See ZSL London Zoo → Battersea Park Children's Zoo Small, friendly and perfect for little legs, this compact zoo inside Battersea Park focuses on smaller mammals, birds and farm favourites. Meerkats and otters tend to steal the show. It's ideal for toddlers, and the riverside park around it is lovely for a run-around afterwards. See Battersea Park Children's Zoo → Marwell Zoo Set in rolling Hampshire countryside near Winchester, Marwell has built its reputation on saving endangered hoofed animals from the African plains, alongside big cats and plenty more. The site is spread out, so the little road train is a godsend for tired toddlers by mid-afternoon. See Marwell Zoo → Wingham Wildlife Park This Kent favourite has grown at a cracking pace. The reptile house is a real highlight for anyone who loves snakes and lizards, and tigers prowl the outdoor enclosures. Canterbury is a short drive away if you want cathedral views and a bite to eat afterwards. See Wingham Wildlife Park → Wildwood Discovery Park Run by the Wildwood Trust near Herne Bay, this woodland park is all about animals that live, or once lived, in Britain. Think wolves, bears, lynx, beavers and red squirrels among the trees. Pair it with a seaside stroll and an ice cream along Herne Bay's front. See Wildwood Discovery Park → British Wildlife Centre Native creatures only at this Surrey spot near Lingfield: foxes, otters, badgers, deer, red squirrels and Scottish wildcats. Wildlife photographers adore it because the animals are so easy to see. Opening days are limited, so check the calendar before you load up the car. The Living Rainforest Rainy Berkshire afternoon? Swap it for steamy glasshouses near Newbury where a sloth might be hanging just above your head. Free-roaming birds, lizards and lush jungle planting make it feel miles from home. It's compact, so it suits a half day nicely. See The Living Rainforest → SEA LIFE Brighton Under Brighton's seafront sits a gorgeous Victorian aquarium dating back to 1872, with vaulted ceilings that look more like a grand old railway station than a fish tank. Turtles, rays and sharks fill the tanks. Brighton Palace Pier is just across the road. See SEA LIFE Brighton → Zoos in the East of England ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Whipsnade sprawls across roughly 600 acres of the Dunstable Downs, so you can bring the car in and drive between zones. Elephants, rhinos and lions all have serious room to roam. Look out for the giant white lion carved into the chalk hillside nearby. See ZSL Whipsnade Zoo → Colchester Zoo Big, hilly and full of variety, Colchester Zoo is home to rare species including Amur leopards. Give yourself a full day and wear decent trainers, because there are plenty of slopes. Colchester's castle and Roman walls make a handy add-on if you're staying over. See Colchester Zoo → Hamerton Zoo Park Off the beaten track near Huntingdon, Hamerton is the place for animals you won't see everywhere, including a fascinating mix of Australian marsupials. It feels relaxed rather than rammed, which makes it a winner with families who like to take their time. See Hamerton Zoo Park → Linton Zoo A small, family-run park south-east of Cambridge with a strong breeding focus, Linton is best known for its snow leopards. Pretty gardens and a quieter pace make it a gentle day out. Combine it with a wander around Cambridge's colleges on the way home. See Linton Zoo → Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens Just inland from Great Yarmouth, Thrigby specialises in Asian wildlife. Raised walkways let you peer down on tigers, while the swamp house is a hit with crocodile fans. Finish the afternoon on Yarmouth's Golden Mile with chips and the amusements. See Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens → Zoos in the South West Paignton Zoo Half zoo, half botanical garden, Paignton is a leafy, sprawling site with thousands of animals hidden among the greenery. It's a great way to break up an English Riviera holiday, and Paignton's sandy beach and pier are only minutes down the road. See Paignton Zoo → Bristol Zoo Project When the old Clifton zoo closed, the animals moved out to this open woodland site just off the M5. Bear Wood, with bears, wolves and lynx sharing a forest, is the standout. Big skies and space to breathe make it feel refreshingly modern. See Bristol Zoo Project → Exmoor Zoo A small but characterful North Devon park near Barnstaple, Exmoor Zoo leans into local legend with its black leopards, a nod to the famous Beast of Exmoor. Keeper talks are frequent and friendly. Ilfracombe and the north coast beaches are an easy drive away. See Exmoor Zoo → Newquay Zoo Lush subtropical gardens and lakes give Newquay Zoo a holiday feel all of its own. Smaller carnivores, monkeys and colourful birds are its speciality. Because it sits close to town, you can easily fit it around a morning on Fistral or Towan Beach. See Newquay Zoo → The National Marine Aquarium Overlooking Plymouth's harbour, this is a cracking pick when the Devon weather turns. The enormous main tank is home to sharks and shoals of fish, and the conservation messages land without being preachy. The Barbican's cobbled streets are right next door. See The National Marine Aquarium → Zoos in the Midlands Dudley Zoo and Castle Where else do you get a zoo wrapped around the ruins of a medieval castle? Dudley's hillside site also has rare 1930s Modernist enclosures that architecture buffs travel to see. The Black Country Living Museum is next door, so you could easily stretch it into a weekend. See Dudley Zoo and Castle → Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World Real animals and roaring animatronic dinosaurs share this Shropshire park near Telford, so it scores big with younger children. Farm favourites, exotic mammals and hands-on sessions keep things busy. It's a solid choice when you need a day out that won't tire under-tens. See Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World → Screveton Eco Park Out in the Nottinghamshire countryside, this small spot leans towards rewilding and protecting native birds rather than big-ticket exotic animals. Treat it as a peaceful nature stop, and confirm visiting arrangements before travelling, as smaller sites often keep limited days. National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham Right on the city's canal network, this indoor centre is a lifesaver on a wet day. Sea turtles glide through the walk-through ocean tunnel and the otters are endlessly entertaining. Brindleyplace has plenty of places to eat once everyone's done. See National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham → Zoos in the North of England Chester Zoo Chester Zoo is a proper heavyweight, with thousands of animals and serious global breeding work. The Islands zone, the Asian elephant herd and the jaguars are must-sees. Arrive at opening, plan a route and accept that you won't see everything in one go. See Chester Zoo → Yorkshire Wildlife Park Just outside Doncaster, this park gives its animals huge, natural-looking reserves. Polar bears are the headline act, with lions, painted dogs and many more close behind. Wide paths make it pushchair-friendly, and Doncaster town is close by for tea. See Yorkshire Wildlife Park → Flamingo Land Zoo Why choose between rides and animals? Flamingo Land near Malton bundles a big zoo in with its theme park, so thrill-seekers and animal lovers both go home happy. It's also a handy hop to Scarborough's seafront for an evening on the arcades. See Flamingo Land Zoo → Lakeland Wildlife Oasis Near Milnthorpe on the edge of the Lakes, this little zoo mixes indoor and outdoor areas, which makes it handy in Cumbrian drizzle. Snow leopards are the stars. Pair it with Kendal mint cake shopping or a walk around Arnside. See Lakeland Wildlife Oasis → South Lakes Safari Zoo Down near Dalton-in-Furness, this walk-through zoo gets you surprisingly close to lemurs, kangaroos and other free-roaming residents. Big cats, giraffes and rhinos fill the larger enclosures. Ulverston and the Furness coast are close by for a bite afterwards. Kirkley Hall Zoo Part of a Northumberland college campus near Ponteland, this modest zoological collection exists mainly to train the next generation of animal carers. Public visiting can be limited, so check before setting off, but it's a fascinating peek behind the scenes. Tropical Butterfly House Step into warm, humid domes near Sheffield where butterflies land on your sleeve and tropical birds flit overhead. Outside there are meerkats, farm animals and more. It's a lovely gentle outing for grandparents and toddlers alike. See Tropical Butterfly House → Blue Planet Aquarium Next to Cheshire Oaks at Ellesmere Port, Blue Planet is built around one of the most dramatic shark tunnels you'll find in the north. Watching sand tiger sharks drift over your head never loses its thrill. Shoppers in the family can hit the outlet afterwards. See Blue Planet Aquarium → Zoos in Scotland Edinburgh Zoo Spread over Corstorphine Hill with views back across the city, Edinburgh Zoo has long been loved for its penguins and their famous parade. Chimps, big cats and plenty more besides keep everyone busy. It's an easy bus ride from Princes Street. See Edinburgh Zoo → Highland Wildlife Park In the Cairngorms near Kingussie, this park specialises in cold-climate animals. Polar bears, Amur tigers, snow monkeys and rare Scottish wildcats all live here, and you drive yourself through the main reserve. Wrap up warm even in summer. See Highland Wildlife Park → Scottish Deer Centre Near Cupar in Fife, this centre shows off a dozen or so deer species plus a pack of wolves that make a striking sight. Children can get close to friendly deer. St Andrews and its beaches sit just down the road for the rest of the day. See Scottish Deer Centre → Amazonia Hidden inside M&D's at Strathclyde Country Park, Amazonia is an indoor rainforest buzzing with monkeys, parrots, snakes and frogs. It stays warm whatever the Scottish weather throws at you. Rides and the loch are right outside the door. See Amazonia → Deep Sea World Under the shadow of the Forth Bridge at North Queensferry, Deep Sea World's long underwater tunnel puts sharks just inches away. It's a great wet-day plan from Edinburgh. Grab a photo of the three bridges before or after your visit. See Deep Sea World → Camperdown Wildlife Centre Inside Dundee's big Camperdown Park, this forest-fringed centre focuses on northern European animals, including brown bears and wildcats. It's affordable-feeling and easy to fit into a city break, with the V&A and waterfront a short drive away. See Camperdown Wildlife Centre → Auchingarrich Wildlife Park Near Comrie in Perthshire, Auchingarrich is taking on the Perthshire Zoo name. Expect a traditional mix of Highland farm animals alongside exotic wildcats and birds. Glorious glens surround it, so bring walking boots too. Little ones can feed some of the friendlier residents. See Auchingarrich Wildlife Park → Zoos in Wales Welsh Mountain Zoo Perched on a wooded hillside above Colwyn Bay, this zoo has some of the best views of any in Britain, looking out across the North Wales coast. Birds, big cats and chimps share the slopes. Llandudno's pier and Great Orme are a short hop west. See Welsh Mountain Zoo → Manor Wildlife Park Just outside Tenby, Manor Wildlife Park is all about getting close. Walk-through areas let wallabies hop past and lemurs lounge on the fences beside you. Pair it with Tenby's harbour and pastel-painted streets for a cracking Pembrokeshire day. See Manor Wildlife Park → Pili Palas Nature World By the Menai Bridge on Anglesey, Pili Palas is a warm butterfly house with creepy crawlies, reptiles and birds thrown in. Perfect when coastal wind or rain cancels the beach. Kids love the bug zone; parents love the café. See Pili Palas Nature World → Plantasia Swansea's glass pyramid in the city centre hides a tropical zoo with caimans, monkeys and rainforest plants. It's compact and great value for a couple of hours. Swansea Marina and the long beach towards Mumbles are close by. See Plantasia → Borth Wild Animal Kingdom Close to Borth's seafront north of Aberystwyth, this smaller park looks after rare birds, small carnivores and a varied mix of rescued animals. It works nicely with a walk along Borth's long beach. Double-check the days it's open before setting off. Zoos in Northern Ireland Belfast Zoo Clinging to the slopes of Cave Hill, Belfast Zoo comes with sweeping views down over Belfast Lough. More than 500 animals, many critically endangered, are spread across the hillside, so expect a workout. Belfast Castle is just up the road. See Belfast Zoo → Eco Animal Sanctuary This County Antrim refuge takes in native wildlife and exotic pets that have been abandoned or escaped. It's small and very much a rescue first, so visiting may be by arrangement. Get in touch beforehand and you'll be supporting genuinely hands-on care. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre On the shores of Strangford Lough near Comber, Castle Espie is a peaceful wetland reserve with hides, ducks and geese you can feed. Winter brings huge flocks of brent geese. Bring binoculars and pair it with a drive down the lough. See WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre → Where to see lions and big cats Want the roar? These parks put big cats front and centre, from rescued lions to rare snow leopards. Banham Zoo Around 50 acres of Norfolk parkland make Banham a big-cat lover's dream, with tigers, leopards and more alongside lively bird displays. It's a sister park to Africa Alive, so you could do both on a long weekend. See Banham Zoo → Paradise Wildlife Park (now Hertfordshire Zoo) Known for years as Paradise Wildlife Park, this Broxbourne zoo now goes by Hertfordshire Zoo. Big cats remain its pride and joy, with spacious habitats built around them. Easy reach of north London makes it a top day trip. See Paradise Wildlife Park (now Hertfordshire Zoo) → Woodside Wildlife Park Just outside Lincoln, Woodside has a real predator focus, with tigers, wolves and lynx all watching you right back. It's a short drive from the cathedral and castle, so you can mix history and claws in one day. See Woodside Wildlife Park → Five Sisters Zoo Near West Calder, Five Sisters is famous for rehoming bears and lions rescued from circuses. Each animal comes with a story, and the staff love telling it. It's an easy run from Edinburgh or Glasgow. See Five Sisters Zoo → The Big Cat Sanctuary Deep in the Kent countryside at Smarden, this sanctuary cares for tigers, lions, jaguars and other wild cats. Public access is through selected open days and experiences, so book ahead for an unforgettable close-up. It's well worth the planning. See The Big Cat Sanctuary → Where to see elephants and giraffes Few things stop you in your tracks like an elephant herd or a giraffe bending down for lunch. Howletts Wild Animal Park Near Canterbury, Howletts is sister to Port Lympne and home to a herd of African elephants, plus one of the best-known gorilla groups in the country. Woodland paths give it a wilder, less manicured feel than many zoos. See Howletts Wild Animal Park → Blackpool Zoo Blackpool isn't all rollercoasters. Near Stanley Park, the town's zoo has a purpose-built elephant home where you can watch the herd indoors and out. Afterwards, the Tower, Promenade and arcades are a short drive away. See Blackpool Zoo → Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Near Wraxall, just outside Bristol, this started as a farm and grew into a full zoo with elephants, lions and rhinos. Massive play areas and mazes mean the kids will run off every ounce of energy. See Noah's Ark Zoo Farm → Cotswold Wildlife Park Near Burford, white rhinos graze on the lawn in front of a Victorian manor house, and giraffes peer over the garden walls. Gorgeous planting makes it a hit with gardeners as much as animal fans. See Cotswold Wildlife Park → Africa Alive Near Lowestoft, Africa Alive's wide plains let giraffes, rhinos and zebras share one big, sweeping habitat. Combine it with Kessingland's beach or the seafront at nearby Southwold for a quieter coastal day. Lemurs, meerkats and big cats fill out the rest of the park. See Africa Alive → Penguins, primates and reptiles Cheeky monkeys, waddling penguins and cold-eyed crocs: these places specialise in some of the best-loved and strangest animals out there. Twycross Zoo Primate central. Twycross, on the Leicestershire border near Atherstone, is a charity zoo famous for its gorillas, orangutans, chimps and bonobos. Big indoor houses mean it copes well with a rainy Midlands weekend. Plenty of picnic spots help keep costs down too. See Twycross Zoo → Monkey World Near Wareham in Dorset, Monkey World rescues chimps, orangutans and other primates from mistreatment worldwide. Many families know it from the long-running TV series. Seeing rescued apes thrive in big groups is genuinely moving. Bring a brolly, as it's mostly outdoors. See Monkey World → Crocodiles of the World Near Carterton in Oxfordshire, this place is all about crocodiles, alligators and their scaly relatives, with a serious conservation mission. Keeper talks are packed with jaw-dropping facts. Brave kids absolutely love it. Nervous grown-ups might pretend otherwise, mind. See Crocodiles of the World → Shaldon Wildlife Trust Pint-sized but mighty, this little Devon zoo concentrates on rare small primates and other critically endangered creatures. It's perfect for an hour or two, then hop on the passenger ferry across the Teign to Teignmouth. See Shaldon Wildlife Trust → Peak Wildlife Park On the Staffordshire moors near Leek, Peak Wildlife Park lets you walk among the penguins and lemurs in open enclosures. Wide moorland views add to the charm. Go early on bright days, as it gets busy. See Peak Wildlife Park → Trentham Monkey Forest Barbary macaques roam freely through woodland near Stoke-on-Trent while you follow a path right through their home. It feels wonderfully wild. Trentham Gardens and its shopping village sit right next door. Little ones should keep snacks tucked away, as curious monkeys notice everything. See Trentham Monkey Forest → Birds and bird parks Flying displays, wetland hides and owls blinking at you from the shadows: perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Birdworld Near Farnham in Surrey, Birdworld is one of the country's largest dedicated bird parks, with penguins, flamingos, owls and hundreds more. Shady gardens and gentle paths make it relaxed for grandparents and small children. Wrap up and bring binoculars. See Birdworld → Secret Owl Barn Tucked away in Pembrokeshire, this specialist centre focuses on owls and their rescue. It's small and intimate, so visiting arrangements can vary. Get in touch first, then pair it with a Pembrokeshire coast walk. Owl fans won't regret it. Hawk Conservancy Trust Near Andover, the Hawk Conservancy Trust is famous for jaw-dropping flying displays where eagles, vultures and owls swoop just above the crowd. Sit near the front, keep your sandwiches covered and enjoy the show. Wildflower meadows surround the site. See Hawk Conservancy Trust → National Centre for Birds of Prey In the grounds of Duncombe Park beside Helmsley, this centre puts on flying demonstrations with a huge range of raptors. The market town of Helmsley and the North York Moors make it a lovely countryside day. See National Centre for Birds of Prey → WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre Founded by Sir Peter Scott beside the Severn, Slimbridge is a haven for ducks, geese, swans and flamingos. Winter brings wild swans by the hundred. Hides and canoe safaris make it a brilliant all-day outing. See WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre → Safari parks Load up the car, close the windows and let the animals come to you. These are the UK's classic safari drives. Longleat Safari Park Near Warminster in Wiltshire, Longleat's drive-through safari loops round a grand stately estate. Lions, wolves and the cheeky monkey drive-through are the legends here. Leave time for Longleat House and its gardens too. Its walk-round areas add even more animals to tick off. West Midland Safari Park Near Bewdley in Worcestershire, this park pairs a long drive-through safari with a walk-round section and family rides. It makes a full day for mixed ages. Bewdley's riverside makes a pleasant stop for tea afterwards. See West Midland Safari Park → Knowsley Safari Park Just outside Liverpool, Knowsley's safari drive runs for around five miles. The baboons are legendary for clambering over cars, though there's a route to avoid them if you love your wing mirrors. A walk-round foot safari area adds even more animals once you've parked up. See Knowsley Safari Park → Woburn Safari Park Bedfordshire's safari winds through historic parkland where bears, wolves and lions roam. A walk-round section adds smaller creatures and keeper talks. Woburn village and the abbey grounds round off the day nicely. Allow a full day, as there's lots to see. See Woburn Safari Park → Port Lympne Reserve Above Romney Marsh near Hythe, Port Lympne's truck safaris carry you across huge paddocks of rhinos, giraffes and more. Gorillas are another big draw. Overnight stays let you wake up to wildlife on the doorstep. See Port Lympne Reserve → Blair Drummond Safari Park Near Stirling, Scotland's favourite safari park has drive-through reserves plus a boat trip round chimp island. Adventure play areas keep kids busy. Stirling Castle is only a few minutes away. It's an easy drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, so it suits a day trip. See Blair Drummond Safari Park → Animal sanctuaries and farm parks Not everything needs to be big. Smaller rescues and farm parks give little ones a gentle introduction to animals. Folly Farm Adventure Park Near Kilgetty, Folly Farm mixes a proper zoo, a working farm and a fabulous indoor vintage funfair under one roof. Lions and rhinos sit alongside lambs and goats. Old rides and amusements make it a dream rainy-day plan. See Folly Farm Adventure Park → Dartmoor Otter & Butterfly Sanctuary At Buckfastleigh on the edge of Dartmoor, otters tumble about in their pools while tropical butterflies flutter through a warm glasshouse. The South Devon Railway's steam trains depart right next door, so it's an easy combo day. Shepreth Wildlife Park Near Royston, Shepreth began as a rescue centre and has grown into a friendly park with tigers, monkeys and lots of smaller animals. Its welcoming, unhurried feel makes it a favourite with younger visitors. Cambridge is close by too. See Shepreth Wildlife Park → Cuckoo Ridge Wildlife Park In Cornwall, this small rescue-minded park concentrates on native wildlife and birds. Expect a quieter, local feel rather than headline exotics. Always check ahead before you set off, as smaller centres change visiting arrangements. Bird lovers will be in their element. Gambia Wildlife Trust / Regional Centres Not one gate to walk through, but a reminder that some UK animal charities support field projects in West Africa through smaller regional centres. Look out for their stalls and talks at bigger zoos on this list. Plan your zoo day out Book online where you can, because many parks give better deals ahead and some cap numbers in school holidays. Arrive at opening and head to the far end first, while everyone else crowds the entrance. Keeper talks and feeding times are well worth planning around, so grab a map on arrival. Pack layers, waterproofs and decent shoes, as most parks are mostly outdoors. Picnics are welcome at many sites, which keeps costs down. For safari drives, fill up with fuel and leave the convertible at home. Planning a bigger trip? Our aquarium guide and family days out guide have loads more ideas. More Spin Raiders guides UK Aquariums & Sea Life guide UK Family Days Out guide All zoos and wildlife parks

Golf was born on these shores, and you can feel it the moment you step on to a proper British links. Wind in your face, firm turf under your feet, a pot bunker swallowing your ball and the sea glinting just over the dunes. Brilliant, maddening, unforgettable. This guide covers 50 of the finest courses in the UK, from the Old Course at St Andrews to the heather and pine of Surrey and Berkshire, the wild dunes of Northern Ireland and the clifftop drama of Wales. Lincolnshire gets a shout too, because Woodhall Spa is one of the great inland courses anywhere. Many of these are private members' clubs with limited visitor times, so always check the club's own booking rules, dress code and handicap requirements before you plan a trip. Get that sorted and you're in for the round of your life. Championship links in Scotland Scotland is the spiritual home of the game, and its coastline is lined with legendary links. Pack waterproofs, practise your bump-and-run and prepare to be humbled. St Andrews (Old Course) The Home of Golf. The Old Course in Fife has hosted the Open more times than anywhere else, and walking over the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th is a moment you'll never forget. It's a public course, with a ballot system for some tee times, so plan well ahead. Muirfield Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield at Gullane in East Lothian is a regular Open venue famed for its fairness. Its clever layout runs in two loops, so the wind keeps changing direction. Visitor days are limited, so book early. Royal Dornoch (Championship) Way up in Sutherland, Royal Dornoch is the far-flung links that golfers rave about. Raised greens, gorse and miles of empty beach make it magical. It's a long drive, but make a holiday of it by exploring the Highlands and the North Coast 500 too. Turnberry (Ailsa) Turnberry's Ailsa course hugs the Ayrshire coast, with its lighthouse and views to Ailsa Craig. It was the setting for the famous 1977 Duel in the Sun between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. Expect a luxury resort feel and jaw-dropping clifftop holes. Carnoustie (Championship) Carnoustie in Angus has a reputation as perhaps the toughest Open venue of all, earning the nickname Carnasty. The Barry Burn twists through the closing holes and has broken many hearts, most famously Jean van de Velde's in 1999. Bring your A-game. North Berwick (West) North Berwick's West Links is pure joy, with stone walls, quirky blind shots and views of the Bass Rock. The 15th, Redan, has been copied by course designers around the world. A short train ride from Edinburgh makes it easy to reach. Royal Troon (Old) Royal Troon in Ayrshire is home to the Postage Stamp, a tiny par-three 8th that has ruined plenty of scorecards. It has hosted several Opens, including 2016's epic Stenson versus Mickelson battle. The back nine into the wind is a real test. Kingsbarns Just along the Fife coast from St Andrews, Kingsbarns opened in 2000 but looks like it has always been there. Every hole seems to have a sea view. It's a brilliant partner to the Old Course on a golf trip to the Kingdom of Fife. Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands) Overlooking the Moray Firth near Inverness, Castle Stuart is a modern links with wide fairways and big views. Now part of Cabot Highlands, it's a fun, playable course that suits golfers of all levels. Combine it with Royal Dornoch for a Highland adventure. Royal Aberdeen (Balgownie) Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie course is one of the oldest clubs in the world, with a front nine weaving through towering dunes. The coastline just north of the city centre is wild and beautiful. Make a weekend of it and explore the Granite City too. Explore Aberdeen → Cruden Bay (Championship) Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire is all about huge dunes, hidden greens and blind shots that make you grin. It's a course with bags of character and stunning North Sea views. Golfers who play it tend to call it their favourite secret. Machrihanish (Championship) Out on the Kintyre peninsula, Machrihanish starts with one of golf's most famous tee shots, across the beach towards the fairway. It's remote, but that's the point. Getting there is part of the adventure, and the peace when you arrive is wonderful. Prestwick Prestwick in Ayrshire hosted the very first Open Championship in 1860, and history drips from every corner. Blind shots, walls and the Himalayas hole make it endlessly entertaining. Lunch in the clubhouse is a tradition in itself. Western Gailes Squeezed between the railway and the sea on the Ayrshire coast, Western Gailes is a narrow strip of classic links. The wind is almost always a factor, and the greens are superb. A must-play on any Ayrshire golf trip alongside Troon and Prestwick. Scotland's inland classics Not every great Scottish course is by the sea. These inland beauties offer a different kind of drama, with mountains, moorland and lochs. Gleneagles (King's) The King's course at Gleneagles, designed by James Braid, rolls across Perthshire moorland with the Ochil Hills as a backdrop. It's part of the famous Gleneagles resort, so you can add a spa day or falconry for the non-golfers in the group. Gleneagles (Queen's) Gleneagles' Queen's course is shorter and slightly gentler than its big brother but every bit as scenic. Lochs, woods and heather make it a feast for the eyes. A great choice if you want a lovely round without too much stress. Loch Lomond Loch Lomond Golf Club sits on the banks of the famous loch, with Ben Lomond towering above. It's a very private members' club and has hosted the Scottish Open, so visitor access is rare. If you ever get the chance, grab it. English links classics England's coastline is home to some of the world's great links, from the Lancashire dunes to the Kent coast and the wild beaches of Devon and Cornwall. Royal Birkdale Royal Birkdale in Southport is a regular Open venue, with fairways running through valleys between giant dunes. It's widely seen as one of the fairest championship tests in the country. After your round, enjoy Southport's seafront, pier and Lord Street. Explore Southport → Royal St George's At Sandwich in Kent, Royal St George's is the only current Open venue in the south of England. Huge dunes, blind shots and a giant bunker on the 4th make it memorable. Collin Morikawa won the Open here in 2021. Royal Lytham & St Annes Royal Lytham is a links with no sea view, surrounded by houses and a railway, but it's absolutely packed with bunkers and a serious test. Seve Ballesteros won the first of his Opens here in 1979. Lytham's windmill and green make a lovely stroll afterwards. Explore Lytham St Annes → Burnham & Berrow (Championship) Burnham & Berrow on the Somerset coast is a hidden gem among English links, with fairways threading through big sand hills. It's a proper test without the crowds of the more famous names. Afterwards, wander along Burnham-on-Sea's seafront. Explore Burnham-on-Sea → Rye (Old) Rye Golf Club sits among the dunes on the East Sussex coast near Camber Sands. It's famous for its tough par threes and the President's Putter, an amateur event held every January, whatever the weather. A true golfer's course with old-school charm. Royal Cinque Ports Royal Cinque Ports, along the coast at Deal in Kent, has hosted the Open twice and is a classic, wind-blown links. The closing holes along the shore are tough. Pop into Deal afterwards for its pier, seafront and Georgian streets. Explore Deal → Saunton (East) Saunton's East course sits among the dunes of Braunton Burrows in North Devon. Big sand hills and rolling fairways make it a joy. It's close to the surfing beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe, so the whole family can enjoy a coastal holiday. Formby Formby on the Merseyside coast combines links and pine woods, giving it a unique feel. It's quieter than its Southport neighbours, but just as good. Formby's nature reserve, home to red squirrels, is close by for non-golfers. Hillside Hillside sits right next to Royal Birkdale in Southport and is arguably just as good. The back nine through towering dunes is spectacular. Play both on a Southport golf break and you'll understand why this coastline is so highly rated. Explore Southport → Royal West Norfolk Royal West Norfolk at Brancaster is a links where the access road can flood at high tide, so check tide times before you go. Old-fashioned, characterful and surrounded by salt marsh. A brilliant addition to a North Norfolk coast break. St Enodoc (Church) St Enodoc's Church course in Cornwall is named after the little church in the dunes, where poet John Betjeman is buried. Its Himalaya bunker on the 6th is legendary. Combine it with a trip to Padstow across the Camel Estuary. Silloth on Solway Silloth on Solway in Cumbria is a superb links with views across the Solway Firth to Scotland and the Lake District fells. It's a little remote, which keeps it peaceful. The town itself has a lovely green and a quiet seafront. Explore Silloth → Hunstanton Hunstanton Golf Club on the North Norfolk coast is a classic links with firm fairways and fast greens. The dunes and sea views are gorgeous. Afterwards, enjoy Hunstanton's striped cliffs, the beach and a stroll along the front. Explore Hunstanton → Heathland and parkland gems Away from the coast, the heathland belt of Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire is packed with gorgeous courses lined with heather, pine and silver birch. Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire hold their own too. Sunningdale (Old) Sunningdale's Old course in Berkshire is heathland golf at its very best, with heather, pine and silver birch framing every hole. The halfway hut is famous for its sausage sandwiches. A bucket-list round for any golfer in the south of England. Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin) Woodhall Spa's Hotchkin course in Lincolnshire is one of the finest inland courses anywhere. Huge, deep bunkers and heather-lined fairways make it a real test. It's home to England Golf, and the sister Bracken course is worth playing too. Sunningdale (New) Sunningdale's New course was designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s and some say it's even better than the Old. More open heathland and big views. Play both in a day if you can for the ultimate Sunningdale experience. Swinley Forest Swinley Forest in Berkshire is a quiet, understated Harry Colt course hidden among pine trees. It's a private club with a famously relaxed approach. If you get an invite, take it, as it's one of the most charming rounds in England. Ganton Ganton in North Yorkshire is an inland course with a links feel, thanks to its sandy soil and gorse. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 1949. Combine a round with a trip to Scarborough on the coast just down the road. Walton Heath (Old) Walton Heath's Old course in Surrey is wide-open heathland where heather lines the fairways. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 1981 and James Braid was its professional for decades. A real test in the wind. Its sister New course is no slouch either. St George's Hill (Red & Blue) St George's Hill in Surrey is a dramatic Harry Colt course with heather, pine and big elevation changes. The views across the hills make it special. One of the prettiest heathland rounds in the country. Weybridge is close by for lunch. Alwoodley Alwoodley in Leeds was the first course designed by Alister MacKenzie, who went on to create Augusta National. Heather, clever bunkering and firm turf make it a gem. Pair it with Moortown next door. Harrogate is a short drive away for tea and a wander. Explore Leeds → Hankley Common Hankley Common in Surrey is heathland golf at its wildest, with heather and sand everywhere. The closing hole across a gully is memorable. A real treat for golfers who love natural, rugged courses. Bring plenty of balls and a sense of humour. Notts (Hollinwell) Notts Golf Club at Hollinwell near Kirkby-in-Ashfield is a rugged heathland course with gorse, heather and an old holy well that gives it its name. It's a proper test, with plenty of elevation changes. Sherwood Forest is close by for a family day out. Explore Kirkby-in-Ashfield → West Sussex West Sussex Golf Club near Pulborough is a beautiful heathland course with heather and pine. Its par threes are especially admired. Pair it with a visit to the South Downs for a perfect day out. Arundel is a short drive away for a pub lunch. Moortown Moortown in Leeds hosted the first Ryder Cup held in Britain in 1929. Heather, gorse and moorland give it a rugged feel. Play it with neighbour Alwoodley for a cracking Yorkshire golf break. Leeds city centre is close by for an evening out after. Explore Leeds → The Berkshire (Red) The Berkshire's Red course near Ascot is famous for its unusual layout of six par threes, six par fours and six par fives. Pine woods and heather make it a lovely walk. The Blue course is excellent too. Woking Woking Golf Club is one of the pioneers of heathland golf in Surrey. Strategic bunkering and heather-lined fairways make it a thoughtful test. A classic course with a relaxed, old-fashioned clubhouse. Several other famous Surrey heathland courses are just a short drive away. Explore Woking → Liphook Liphook in Hampshire is a charming heathland course with heather and pine woods. It's quieter than some of its Surrey neighbours but just as lovely. A real hidden gem for golfers in the south. The South Downs and Petersfield are close by for an afternoon wander. Wales and Northern Ireland Don't overlook Wales and Northern Ireland. Some of the most dramatic golf in the UK is found on their coasts. Royal County Down (Championship) Royal County Down in Newcastle, County Down, sits beneath the Mountains of Mourne and is often ranked among the best courses in the world. Gorse-topped dunes and blind tee shots make it unforgettable. A must for any serious golfer. Royal Portrush (Dunluce) Royal Portrush's Dunluce course on the Antrim coast brought the Open back to Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2025. Clifftop holes and stunning views make it spectacular. Combine with a trip to the Giant's Causeway nearby. Explore Portrush → Pennard Pennard on the Gower peninsula near Swansea is called the links in the sky, set high on clifftops above Three Cliffs Bay. Wild, quirky and beautiful, with the ruins of Pennard Castle on the course. Bring a windproof and a camera. Explore Swansea → Royal Porthcawl Royal Porthcawl on the South Wales coast is a classic links where you can see the sea from every hole. It has hosted major amateur and senior championships. Enjoy Porthcawl's seafront afterwards. Bring a jumper, as the wind off the Bristol Channel can bite. Explore Porthcawl → Aberdovey Aberdovey in Gwynedd is a classic links squeezed between the dunes and the railway on the Welsh coast. The writer Bernard Darwin loved it dearly. A peaceful, charming course with lovely estuary views. The village itself is lovely for a seaside stroll after. Planning your golf trip Most of these courses are private clubs that welcome visitors on certain days, so always book ahead and check the rules on handicaps, dress codes and tee times. Some of the most famous courses get booked up months in advance, especially in summer. Links golf is all about the weather, so pack waterproofs, layers and a hat, even in summer. Hire a caddie if you can, as local knowledge is priceless. And remember, the best golf trips combine great rounds with great places to stay and eat, so build in time to explore the towns and coastlines along the way. More Spin Raiders guides UK Fishing Lakes guide UK Family Hotels guide Plan a trip

Sometimes the best day out isn't about rides, queues or a car park the size of an airfield. It's a stone bridge over a shallow river, a pub with a fire going, a green with sheep wandering past and a tea room that does a scone the size of your fist. Britain is stuffed with places like that, and this guide rounds up the cracking ones. We've grouped the villages by region, so you can plan a weekend around a cluster rather than zig-zagging across the country. You'll find Cotswold showstoppers, Lake District poetry country, Yorkshire fishing coves clinging to cliffs, Highland harbours, Welsh mountain bases and a few spots in Northern Ireland that most people drive straight past. A couple of entries are really landscapes rather than villages, and we've said so. Where there's a castle, garden or cave worth adding to the day, we've slotted that in too. Pack your walking boots and off you go. Cotswolds villages Honey-coloured stone, mullioned windows and rivers you could paddle across: the Cotswolds is chocolate-box England at full volume. Go early or out of season if you can, because the famous ones get busy. Castle Combe Tucked into a wooded valley in Wiltshire at the southern tip of the Cotswolds, Castle Combe looks so untouched that film crews keep coming back; War Horse was shot here. There's no big attraction, just the market cross, the By Brook and those cottages. Park at the top and walk down for the classic bridge view. Bourton-on-the-Water Nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds thanks to the low arched bridges spanning the River Windrush, Bourton is the lively one of the bunch. Kids paddle in the shallow river, there's a model village of the village itself, and plenty of tea rooms. Brilliant for families, but arrive before mid-morning on sunny weekends. Bibury Arlington Row is the reason everyone comes: a terrace of 14th-century stone buildings, later turned into weavers' cottages, sitting behind a water meadow. William Morris famously called Bibury the most beautiful village in England. It's tiny, so pair it with a riverside stroll along the Coln and a cuppa, and be respectful of residents' front doors. Broad Campden Just a mile or so from Chipping Campden, this hamlet is where you go to escape the coach parties. Expect thatched roofs, a historic Quaker meeting house and lanes so quiet you'll hear the birds before the cars. It's a lovely add-on walk from its bigger neighbour rather than a destination on its own. Chipping Campden Rich wool merchants built this market town, and it shows. The curving High Street is lined with golden stone houses, and the arched Market Hall from the 1600s sits in the middle. It's also the northern start of the Cotswold Way, so walkers can stretch their legs up to Dover's Hill for huge views. Painswick Dubbed the Queen of the Cotswolds, Painswick is built from paler silvery stone than its neighbours. The churchyard, with its clipped yew trees and carved table tombs, is a proper curiosity, and legend says nobody can ever get the yews to number 100. The nearby Rococo Garden makes a fun follow-up, especially in snowdrop season. Lower Slaughter Don't let the name put you off. Lower Slaughter is gentle and pretty, with the little River Eye running right past the cottage doors and a 19th-century watermill at the end of the lane. A footpath links it to Upper Slaughter and on to Bourton, so you can make a cracking circular walk of it. Upper Slaughter Quieter still than its sister village, Upper Slaughter has no shops to speak of, just a ford, a church and stone cottages tumbling down to the stream. It's known as a 'doubly thankful' village because every soldier it sent to both World Wars came home. Bring a picnic and soak up the hush. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens If the kids start flagging after one tea room too many, this park near Burford is the perfect bribe. Rhinos graze in front of a Victorian manor house, the walled gardens are lovely, and there's loads of space to run about. It slots neatly into a day touring the northern Cotswold villages. See Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens → Lake District villages Grasmere William Wordsworth called this place home, and you can see why. Dove Cottage sits on the edge of the village, the poet is buried in St Oswald's churchyard, and the lake is a short stroll away. Don't leave without Grasmere gingerbread from the little shop by the church gate, then walk round the lake towards Rydal Water. Explore the Lake District → Hawkshead Whitewashed cottages, archways and little squares make Hawkshead feel almost Tudor. The centre is pedestrian-friendly, Wordsworth went to school here, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery shows her original artwork. Tarn Hows and Potter's farmhouse at Hill Top are both close by, so you can easily fill a full day. Explore the Lake District → Forestry England Grizedale A few miles south of Hawkshead, Grizedale Forest is famous for the sculptures hidden along its trails, plus mountain bike routes and family walks. It's the ideal antidote to a wet-ish day when the high fells are in cloud. Grab a map at the visitor centre and go sculpture-spotting with the kids. See Forestry England Grizedale → Yorkshire Dales and Moors Drystone walls, stone barns and limestone up in the Dales; red roofs and steep cliffs over on the North York Moors coast. God's own country does villages very well indeed. Grassington Wharfedale's main village has a cobbled square, plenty of pubs and cafés, and footpaths heading off in every direction. Linton Falls is a short walk away, and Grass Wood is lovely in spring. It's a smashing base for the southern Dales, with Malham and Bolton Abbey both within easy reach by car. Dent Technically over the border in Cumbria, but firmly inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Dent is a cobbled, whitewashed hideaway deep in Dentdale. The fountain honours local geologist Adam Sedgwick. Dent station, on the Settle to Carlisle line, is famously miles from the village and very high up, so check your route before walking from the train. Reeth A huge sloping green surrounded by stone houses and pubs gives Reeth its character. It sits where Arkengarthdale meets Swaledale, and the hills fold together right around it. The small Swaledale Museum tells the story of lead mining and farming life. Walkers love the riverside path to Grinton and back. Muker Visit in early summer and Muker's upland hay meadows burst into colour, with wildflowers running between drystone walls and field barns. It's a tiny Swaledale village with a tea shop, a pub and a church, and the walk up past Kisdon to Keld is one of the Dales' finest. Wear decent boots; it's proper countryside. Stump Cross Caverns Between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, this show cave takes you underground into winding passages full of stalactites and rock formations. It's a top plan B when the Dales weather turns, and children enjoy the sense of adventure. Combine it with a Grassington lunch for an easy, varied day. See Stump Cross Caverns → Staithes Squeezed into a ravine where a beck meets the sea, Staithes is all narrow alleys, fishing cobles and stacked cottages. A young James Cook worked in a shop here before going to sea, and the place later inspired a group of painters. Park at the top, wander down, and check the tide before fossil hunting on the scars. Robin Hood's Bay Smugglers once moved contraband through this tangle of steep lanes, and stories of hidden passages between houses still do the rounds. It's the official finish of Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk. At low tide the rock pools and fossil beds are brilliant for kids, but the hill back up to the car park is a leg-burner. Runswick Bay Red-roofed cottages tucked into a sheltered crescent make Runswick Bay one of the prettiest spots on the Yorkshire coast. Unlike its rocky neighbours, it has a proper sandy beach, ideal for sandcastles and paddling. Walk along the shore at low tide towards the caves, keeping a close eye on the incoming water. Cornwall, Devon and the South West Harbour villages, moorland castles and one very cheeky chalk giant. Clovelly There are no cars on Clovelly's cobbled high street; goods are dragged down on wooden sledges instead. The privately owned village tumbles down a wooded cliff to a tiny harbour, and you pay an entry fee at the visitor centre. Wear grippy shoes, and if the climb back up feels too much, a Land Rover service usually runs from the quay. Explore Clovelly → Polperro Between Looe and Fowey on Cornwall's south coast, Polperro is a maze of whitewashed cottages wrapped around a tiny working harbour. Smuggling tales are part of its fabric, and there's a small museum about it. Cars stay at the top car park, so enjoy the downhill wander, a pasty on the harbour wall and the coast path views. Dunster On the edge of Exmoor, Dunster's main street runs from a castle on its wooded hill down to an octagonal Yarn Market built for wool traders. There are tea rooms, old inns and a packhorse bridge on the river. The West Somerset Railway stops nearby, and Minehead's seafront is only a few minutes away by car. Dunster Castle and Watermill Looming over the village, Dunster Castle has centuries of history inside, subtropical gardens on its slopes and a working watermill at the bottom. It turns a pretty village wander into a full day out. Allow time for the climb, and pick the river walk back down to the mill. See Dunster Castle and Watermill → Cerne Abbas Most people come for the Cerne Abbas Giant, a huge chalk figure carved into the hillside above the village and cared for by the National Trust. Its age has been argued about for years. The best view is from the signed viewpoint, then head into the village for its abbey remains, old pubs and quiet Dorset lanes. South and East of England Medieval wool towns, pony-filled forests, Sussex downland and the big skies of the Norfolk coast. Lavenham Lavenham grew rich on wool in the Middle Ages, and its wonky timber-framed houses lean every which way. The Guildhall of Corpus Christi, looked after by the National Trust, explains the boom years, and Harry Potter fans may spot De Vere House from the films. Leave the car and simply wander; every street has something. Lyndhurst The unofficial capital of the New Forest has ponies wandering the verges and heathland right on its doorstep. Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired Alice in Wonderland, is buried in the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels. Grab a map from the heritage centre and pick a forest walk, but don't feed the ponies. Explore the New Forest → Rye Cobbled Mermaid Street, with its famous old inn, is pure storybook stuff, and Rye's hilltop setting looks out over flat marshes towards the sea. Little bookshops, antiques and cafés fill the lanes. Camber Sands is a short hop away for a beach afternoon, and Rye Harbour nature reserve is perfect for birdwatchers. Blakeney Flint cottages lead down to a quay where kids dangle crab lines at high tide and the salt marshes stretch out under enormous skies. Boat trips from nearby Morston take you out to see the seals at Blakeney Point. Check the tide times, because the quay looks very different when the water drains away. Alfriston Sitting in the Cuckmere valley on the South Downs, Alfriston has ancient timbered inns and a lovely village green. Its Clergy House was the very first building the National Trust ever bought. The South Downs Way passes through, and the Seven Sisters cliffs are a short drive south for a wild, windy walk. Cuckfield Sometimes listed as Cuckmead, this is Cuckfield in West Sussex: a historic village with a high street of independent shops, old coaching inns and views across wooded High Weald countryside. It's a peaceful stop rather than a tourist magnet, handy for nearby National Trust gardens and walks out into the Weald. Peak District and Northumberland Bakewell Yes, this is the home of the Bakewell pudding, and arguing over pudding versus tart is half the fun. The stone market town straddles the River Wye with a medieval bridge, and the Monsal Trail starts just outside. Monday's market brings a bustle, and Chatsworth is a short drive or a pleasant walk away. Chatsworth House Bakewell's big neighbour is one of England's grandest stately homes, with lavish rooms, a vast garden full of fountains and a farmyard and adventure playground for younger visitors. You could easily spend a full day here. Walk in through the parkland from Baslow or Edensor for a free taste of the estate. See Chatsworth House → Longhorsley Being honest, Longhorsley is a small, sleepy Northumberland village near Morpeth rather than a showpiece, and that's the appeal. It makes a peaceful base for exploring the county's open moors, Coquetdale and the coast at Alnmouth and Warkworth. Northumberland's dark skies are superb on a clear night if you head further out west. Scottish Highlands and islands Big mountains, painted harbours and roads that make every journey a sightseeing trip. Glen Coe Glen Coe is a whole glen rather than a village, a dramatic valley of volcanic peaks, including the famous Three Sisters, with a tragic history from the 1692 massacre. The small village of Glencoe sits at its western end. Start at the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre for the story, then drive through slowly and stop at the laybys. Start at Glencoe Visitor Centre → Luss Pretty stone cottages, built for estate workers, line the lanes of this conservation village on the west bank of Loch Lomond. There's a pier with boat trips on the loch, a shingle beach and a lovely church. TV fans of a certain age will remember it as the setting for Take the High Road. It gets busy in summer. Braemar Deep in the Cairngorms, Braemar is famous for the Braemar Gathering, the Highland Games often attended by the royal family. Braemar Castle sits just outside the village, and pine forest and mountain passes surround everything. Walkers can head up Morrone for views, while drivers will love the Cairnwell road south. Mar Lodge Estate West of Braemar, this huge National Trust for Scotland estate protects ancient Caledonian pinewood, rushing rivers and wild Cairngorm landscapes. The Linn of Dee, where the river squeezes through a rocky gorge, is an easy and spectacular short walk. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer on the hillsides. See Mar Lodge Estate → Portree Skye's main town wraps its brightly painted houses around a sheltered harbour, making it the island's most photographed waterfront. It's the natural base for the Trotternish loop, taking in the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Book accommodation and restaurants well ahead in summer, because Skye fills up fast. Tobermory Colourful houses along the harbour front made Mull's capital famous with a generation of children as Balamory. Behind the waterfront, woodland paths lead to the lighthouse along the coast. There's a distillery in town, and boat trips run from the area for wildlife spotting. Take the ferry from Oban or Lochaline. Plockton Sheltered by the Gulf Stream, Plockton grows palm-like cabbage trees along its shoreline, which looks wonderfully odd against Highland hills. The village starred in the TV series Hamish Macbeth. Seal-spotting boat trips leave from the bay in season, and Eilean Donan Castle is a short drive away, so plan both together. Gairloch On the Wester Ross coast, Gairloch is a spread-out village with sandy beaches, mountain views and plenty of space. The local museum tells the area's story, and Loch Maree is close by. Sitting on the North Coast 500 route, it's a natural overnight stop, and Inverewe Garden at Poolewe is well worth the short drive. Scottish Borders and Fife coast Melrose Melrose Abbey's red sandstone ruins dominate this neat Borders town, and the heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried there. The three-peaked Eildon Hills rise behind, with a walking route straight from town. Sir Walter Scott's home, Abbotsford, is nearby, and rugby fans will know Melrose as the birthplace of sevens. St Abbs Perched above a tiny harbour, St Abbs is a fishing village with crystal-clear waters popular with divers. Its offshore waters are a marine reserve. Kids love the rock pools, and the cliffs to the north are packed with nesting seabirds in spring and early summer. Bring binoculars and a windproof. St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve The headland walk from the village takes you past seabird-crowded cliffs, coastal wildflowers and the sheltered Mire Loch. Guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes make a racket in breeding season. The circuit is well marked but exposed, so keep children and dogs well back from the edges. See St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve → Crail The tiny harbour at Crail, surrounded by red-roofed cottages and stone walls, is one of Scotland's most painted and photographed spots. It's the most easterly of Fife's East Neuk villages. Walk the Fife Coastal Path towards Anstruther for fish and chips, then catch the bus back if your legs give out. Pittenweem A working fishing harbour still lands catches here, which gives Pittenweem a genuine, salty edge. It's known for its summer arts festival, when homes and garages turn into galleries. Look out for St Fillan's Cave, a historic shrine in the heart of the village. Anstruther and Crail are each a short hop along the coast. Welsh villages Mountain bases, river gorges, a town built on books and a valley of dams. Wales packs a lot of scenery into a small space. Beddgelert Stone cottages, two rivers meeting under a bridge and mountains all round make Beddgelert a gem of Eryri. The legend of Gelert, Prince Llywelyn's faithful hound, is marked by a grave in a field. Walk the riverside path through the Aberglaslyn Pass, and look out for the Welsh Highland Railway steam trains passing through. Betws-y-Coed Where the Conwy and Llugwy rivers meet, Betws-y-Coed is the gateway village to Eryri, packed with outdoor shops and cafés. Swallow Falls thunders just upstream, Gwydir Forest offers waymarked trails, and the Pont-y-Pair bridge is a classic picnic spot. Great for a rainy day too, when the waterfalls are at their best. Hay-on-Wye Sitting right on the Wales-England border, Hay is the original town of books, with second-hand and antiquarian shops on every corner. The Hay Festival brings big names each spring. Book lovers can lose hours here, while everyone else heads for the River Wye or the Black Mountains just to the south. Elan Valley Not a village at all: the Elan Valley near Rhayader is a chain of reservoirs and grand Victorian stone dams built to supply Birmingham with water. The scenery is wild and open, there's a visitor centre, and the estate is an International Dark Sky Park. Cycle the traffic-free trail or drive the dam road. Llangollen The rushing River Dee runs right through Llangollen, with a heritage steam railway and a canal wharf for horse-drawn boat trips. A few miles away, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the canal sky-high over the valley. Castell Dinas Brân crowns the hill above town, and the International Eisteddfod brings colour every July. Solva Hidden in a narrow, winding inlet, Solva's harbour empties at low tide, leaving boats sitting on the mud. Colourful cottages line the lower village, with independent shops and a handful of pubs. Climb the Gribin headland for the view, and pop to nearby St Davids, Britain's smallest city, for the cathedral. Northern Ireland and across the border Castlewellan Castlewellan's big draw is its forest park, with a lake, an arboretum, a hedge peace maze and the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. The town itself has a broad, tree-lined square. Tollymore Forest Park and the beach at Newcastle are both close by, so it's easy to build a full County Down day. Cushendun Cushendun's white cottages look strangely Cornish, and that's on purpose: they were designed by Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect behind Portmeirion. The village sits at the mouth of a glen on the Antrim coast. Caves at the end of the beach turned up in Game of Thrones, and the Causeway Coastal Route runs right past. Cushendall Called the Heart of the Glens, Cushendall sits beneath the distinctive flat-topped Lurigethan. In the centre stands the red sandstone Curfew Tower, once a prison. It's a busy little village with pubs and shops, and a handy hub for exploring Glenariff, often called the Queen of the Glens, with its waterfall walks. Glandore and Castletownshend Worth knowing: these West Cork villages are in the Republic of Ireland, not the UK, so they're a longer trip. Glandore overlooks a sheltered harbour popular with sailors, while Castletownshend has a steep main street with trees growing in the road. Pair them with the coast around Skibbereen if you make the journey. Planning your village day out The prettiest villages are often the smallest, and that means tiny car parks and narrow lanes. Arrive early, especially on bank holidays and sunny weekends, and use park-and-ride or local buses where they exist. Carry a bit of cash for honesty boxes and car park machines. Check the tide times for coastal spots like Robin Hood's Bay, Runswick Bay and Blakeney, and the weather forecast for anywhere mountainous. Highland and Welsh weather can turn fast, so pack a waterproof even if it's blazing when you leave. Lots of village pubs and tea rooms close one or two days a week outside summer, so ring ahead if lunch is the plan. Most of all, slow down. These places are best enjoyed at walking pace. More Spin Raiders guides UK Hidden Gems guide UK Nature Places guide UK Medieval Towns guide Outdoors days out