Hadrian's Wall is one of the country's most dramatic Roman ruins, its 2000-year-old procession of abandoned forts, garrisons, towers and milecastles marching across the wild and lonely landscape of northern England. What to do: Whippersnappers can board heritage ships like HMS Victory and hear accounts of the swashbuckling battles that were fought on these decks. Or even glorious Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and the rest. Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area's hot springs, Bath hit its stride in the 18th century when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city's reinvention as a model of Georgian architecture. Its amazing to think what was achieved 5,000 years ago with just man and ox-power, ropes and stones. The result is a strong sense of historical context, with dignity and mystery returned to an archaeological gem. A popular beach holiday spot for Londoners, Brighton has the boardwalk atmosphere of Atlantic City, and the eccentricity of Venice Beach, with a touch of British charm thrown in the mix. However, in our opinion, the best way to get around England is by car. If you want to break away a little, theres the scenic little railway line that runs down to St Erth and back; while Carbis Bay and Gwithian, just east of St Ives, are best for surfers. Heres where the Lonely Planet team is planning to go in 2023, 10 things Liverpool locals want you to know before you visit, Local tips to know before traveling to England. NoTwenty9 in Burnham has rooms, better suited to those with a baby, Gunton Arms is a classic gastropub-with-rooms at Thorpe Market while The Harper, which opened in 2021 in the village of Langham, has travel cots and two sets of interconnecting family rooms. Like an Ewok village for children, BeWILDerwood adapts to mature woodland and poses a natural and healthy alternative to indoor play parks. Stay: Linthwaite House has family-sized rooms and hot tubs on a hill overlooking the lake, while Storrs Hall (with its Potter-themed afternoon family tea) and Low Wood Bay are right on the water. Why youve got to go: There isnt a child that hasnt dreamed about space exploration, and this attraction will make the dream a little more real. After that, some may want to experiment at The Potions Cauldron (Unicorn Essence for the kids, cocktails for adults) or the Hole in Wand mini golf. Thats one of the perks at Forest Holidays self-catering cabins at Keldy, located on the edge of the North York Moors. Why youve got to go: Six floors of puzzles, special effects, games and other interactive craziness at one of Britains oldest attractions. And Norfolk-based Ambers Belltent Camping recently opened a new pitch on a barley farm just inland from the coast. For family holidays, its large enough for several days exploring yet small enough that its never overwhelming. What to do: If everything seems bigger through a childs eyes the cliffs and gnarled rocks of the Jurassic Coast will be a craggy wonderland. Precocious antiquarians can go on a history frenzy as three castles, Dover, Walmer and Deal, flank the cliffs. Or ride Lego-themed rollercoasters like the Dragon, which swoops over the parks plastic block rooftops. Just as memorable for parents: a Bushmills whiskey from the source at trips end. We spent over a month and a half in England and thoroughly enjoyed the food, the culture, and the people we met during our stay in England. But its most well-known for the Roman baths that were created in 60 AD. What to do: The name alone will spark kids active imaginations, but when they see the causeway their sense of awe will be off the charts. Why youve got to go: To scale the labyrinth of spiral stairways and conquer the powerful Eagle Tower. Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap where the secluded beach is a sun-trap popular with locals and walkers. Many museums are free, such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum. Youll meet, care for and get to know the pasts of the giant working horses, which are incredibly gentle despite their size. Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. More info: http://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/. After the outside and inside of the building starred in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has reached out to younger audiences. Our family absolutely fell in love with the country of England. Why youve got to go: Its a UNESCO-listed natural phenomenon, an epic system of basalt columns that look like stepping stones for giants. Depending on the time of year, youll want to make sure youre packed for the weather for your trip. Book one of these Birmingham tours to really get a feel for this unique city: Discovering Birmingham Afternoon Walking Tour, From Canals and Victorians to Todays City: Birmingham Walking Tour, Suggested number of days for your England itinerary: 2-4. Theres plenty of spotting to be had in this historic Cornish port, from dolphins off Pendennis Point to boats of all shapes and sizes from the Star and Garter pub. Take some time to see our wonderful suggestions for an itinerary in England for families. Marloes Peninsula is for rock pools and tidal beaches, while Broad Haven is for safe swims and seaside resort nostalgia; its been in the kiss-me-quick business since the 1800s. These residents are in fact knowledgeable guides who will dish the dirt on this fortified Tudor manor, its role in the English Civil War and all the eerie goings-on that have spooked visitors for centuries. People have been coming to sail on the estuary here since the 19th century (try Salcombe Dinghy Sailing for lessons), a tradition reflected in regatta week every August and in the local Maritime Museum (smugglers ahoy), but you can also take to the water for canoeing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Well deserved one of the best things to do with your kids! It's awash with outdoor opportunities, from lake cruises to mountain walks, but many people visit for the region's literary connections. Perched on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this Welsh market town has traditionally been a stepping stone for energetic walks up Sugar Loaf and other peaks around the Black Mountains. We were unfortunately not able to explore Oxford during our England itinerary, although we did drive through the city. Heres our guide to a dozen places thatll keep the family genuinely happy, once and for all. All the rides, play areas and shows have characters from the cartoon. Like mini gods, kids can pretend to pick people up or smoosh them into the ground, if thats their thing. And Cadbury World is a family-friendly exhibition tour run by the Cadbury Company showcasing the chocolate-making process. Grown-ups can marvel at the museums architecture, while brave kids can confront an animatronic T-Rex and feel what its like to be in an earthquake. To experience Stratford-Upon-Avon, book this tour: City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. But demand is such that the Lake District receives around 20 million visitors each year, so book ahead for popular places like Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere. Before your trip, you and your kids can learn about England and the United Kingdom with this book: The Big Book of the UK: Facts, folklore and fascinations from around the United Kingdom. And families who come to England with kids will enjoy visiting this ancient town. Where to stay Despite its golf credentials, Hotel Fairmont St Andrews is equally polished for families cue a monster pool, indoor soft play, and best-in-class restaurant buffet. Having a lightweight sweater or cardigan may come in handy. Ready for a change? More info: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues some 50 injured pups a year and nurses them back to health. Scramble up the lookout tower at the National Maritime Museum a great all-weather option with an underwater gallery and who knows what youll see. Our time in England was a mix of slow travel and quick trips. And within the city, you can visit museums like the Pen Museum or the more popular Think Tank Birmingham Science Museum. Read our top tips for getting around. Want to explore other parts of Europe? More info: http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/. But away from tried-and-tested classics such as the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (six stories of visual trickery) and Holyrood Palace are lesser known distractions. This guide to visa requirements for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can help you plan what you need. For more, see our guide to the best hotels in Devon. Many are geared towards testing brains and coordination, and helping kids develop while having fun. But if you have more time, Its worth adding a day or two to your England travel itinerary to explore Salisbury on its own. Basic information for your England itinerary, 10 ideas for the best England itinerary for families, 2. Yes Youre having a tablet cone from Jannettas Gelateria. Here are a few of our favourites, From luxury family hotels to bargain seaside spots, these are the top properties for those holidaying with children and the lowdown on what makes them special, Whether you want to take the family to play on a vintage Amstrad, meet Daddy Pig or drive a digger, weve got a great day out to suit you and your clan, whatever their age, Six Nations 2024 Italy v England Three Night Tour. No, From tried-and-tested seaside resorts and holiday parks to sandy beaches, National Trust knockouts and shoreline sights, these are the places to take your clan. The genteel Victorian suburb atop the West Cliff are a clue to Whitby's place as a traditional seaside resort complete with sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers. Why youve got to go: This was the northern boundary of the whole Roman Empire, a titanic wall between the civilised world and northern tribes. Polish off the day with a pint in one of Cambridge's many rustic pubs. You can take a tour of one of the homes at No. 16 of the best places to visit in England - Lonely Planet The best places to eat in the world, according to top London zero-waste chef, What travelers should know about the UK's new entry fee, How to get around Scotland, from the highlands to the islands, Traveling to London for the royal coronation? What to do: Alton Towers has a menu of gravity-defying rollercoasters pitched at adolescents and young adults. Visit world-class museums such as the British Museum, Natural History Museumand the Science Museum, and be dazzled atart galleries, including Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the National Gallery, all of which are free to visit. You can make your own animations, delve into the history of video gaming and track the latest Internet trends. Roleplay at KidZania. 12 of the most beautiful places in England - Times Travel We unfortunately did not have time in our own England itinerary to visit the Lake District. Where to stay With lodges, apartments, caravans, and room for campers, Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park also comes with a heated pool, kids play area, mini golf and yoga classes. Thorpe Park is the big name when it comes to rollercoasters, but what about the rest? Your email address will not be published. We had such an amazing time visiting England with kids. Why youve got to go: For King Arthur, who was born right here according to the famous legend. This is by no means an extensive list. Where to stay Opt for The Hollies self-catering forest lodges and log cabins, for the pine setting, farm produce picnic baskets and seedling nursery. Beamish puts kids in touch with the rigours of historic rural and city life in the most direct way possible. Enjoy some of the finest views of York from the old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. You do have time-honoured favourites like the puppet shows on the promenade, amusements at Llandudno Pier and the vast open sands at West Shore Beach. But its certainly a good introduction to England. A historic legal document drafted in 1215, Magna Carta led to the establishment of Parliament and laid the groundwork for documents like the US Constitution. Here are a few things to know before going to Liverpool. What to do: A huge list of family-friendly activities is on offer, from rowing, sailing, swimming and canoeing on the water, to horse riding, climbing, abseiling and walking on the shore. You can also use Booking to find hotels across all budget ranges. The 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route marries beaches and coves for kayaking with sea safaris for spotting seals, dolphins, and seabird colonies. And its all absolutely free to boot. Scotland isn't big but the scale of its mountains, valleys and lochs mean small distances equate to long journeys. Already the UK's most popular national park, the Lake District also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, recognizing its long history of hill-farming but for most people it's the chance to hike the humpbacked fells and drink in the gorgeous scenery that keeps them returning year after year. This historic castle with over 1 000 years of history is hom More info: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorewindermere. Share your England itinerary with me in the comments below. Overlooking the English Channel on England's pebbly south coast, it's a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. Planning to use England as a starting off point for a family gap year? We also feature properties and itineraries from a specially selected list of trusted operators. Many stores in England, especially grocery stores, now charge for the use of plastic bags, so having your own tote bag is helpful. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs is a carefully-maintained heir to that heritage. WebFamily holidays Walk among dinosaurs on a fossil hunting tour or put nerves to the test at a thrilling theme park. What to do: Kids are trivia sponges, and the facts and figures of this site will blow young minds. The big tickets for active families are exploring Alnwick Castle and snorkelling with seals off the Farne Islands and the bits inbetween are best appreciated on a coastal safari hoovering up the beaches as you go. Wonderful, a little weird and occasionally weather-beaten, the classic northern seaside town of Whitby has haunted lanes, fossil-hunting and arguably England's finest fish and chips. Be here in summer when the pony foals promise a cuteness overload. There are places so magnificent and awe-inspiring that they might even bring you closer together, and buildings and museums so fascinating that parents wont help but be engrossed as well. Others, like the UKs biggest theme parks, are the sort of organised silliness and mayhem that all children need now and again. We enjoyed Bourton-on-the-Water, with its shop-lined river running through the village. And if youre limited to a 10 day England itinerary, I wouldnt suggest visiting due to its distance from London. Best place to see the highlights of English history. Yes Why youve got to go: For a marvellous natural wonder that your kids will remember their whole lives. Marshlands and tidal creeks form nature reserves, such as Blakeney Point, frequented by honking geese and myriad bird species alighting from across the water. More info: https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/detail/blaenau-ffestiniog/. What to do: Stare astounded at the towering basalt columns that look like they might have been made by an ancient race of giants. Then there are Game of Thrones locations aplenty for teens. As youre planning your best England itinerary, be mindful of these school holidays so that you know what crowds to expect. And if anyones run out of holiday reading, volunteer to browse the shelves over a pint at Beerwolf. There are always cool workshops and exhibitions in the school holidays and movies at the IMAX screen. 10 destinations we'd recommend for a family staycation, Marseille is the underrated city in the South of France that should be on your summer bucket list, An epic sun-baked road trip across the Peloponnese: one of the last wild parts of Europe, The unsung Spanish island thats waiting to be discovered, The most beautiful lavender fields in the UK, The best carry on luggage for every traveller, UK airport strikes: everything you need to know, 6. Awash with golden stone townhouses, sweeping crescents and Palladian mansions, along with appealing pubs and restaurants, Bath demands your undivided attention. The homes feature prominently in many scenes in Bridgerton. Scenes like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Other London, England itinerary options, Making memories with your England itinerary, The BEST places to visit in UK in summer - Pack and Paint. Why youve got to go: To conquer the immense chalk walls that have been Englands front porch for 2,000 years. Many of the places are accessible by train, or you can book one of the tours highlighted below, which includes transport. Naturally, the seaside towns are terrific and then there are all those beaches. Stay: In a villa at the Californian-style Three Mile Beach, tucked away amid the dunes on nearby Gwithian, with hampers, beach blankets and windbreaks. Unit 1072, Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel As we traveled throughout England with kids, I couldnt help but take note of our favorite parts of this country so that I could share it with you all. We like bringing these jackets along for our trip to England with kids: Columbia Kids & Baby Rainy Trails Fleece Lined Jacket. If youre planning a trip to England for your family, then youll definitely want to read up on our ideas for things to do in England with kids. And trips on the old steamers that criss-cross the water are sure to wow the youngest family members. Even today every monarchs first son has the Prince of Wales title because of this menacing hulk of stone built in the 13th century. And if thats not enough they can blast off on their own space odyssey at the planetarium. For example, if youre trying to plan for a 10 day England itinerary, you can pick three spots to really deep dive into. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. Theres also a new walking trail around the Merchant Adventurers Hall, and longer walks to be had in the surrounding countryside follow the River Ouse, perhaps, or take the Solar System walk that follows the old East Coast railway line, marked out with planets. It has big skies and big beaches, the sands stretching out for miles, tufted by marram grass and pockmarked by hoofprints, with windmills to tilt at on the horizon. Discover London at your own pace with 60 days to access What to do: A former slate quarry is now a fantasy-like subterranean space where bottomless sheer walls are fitted with zip lines, rope bridges, climbing grips and even a massive bouncy net. 1 Guesthouse has tipis and bedtime books for families staying in its Large Guest Rooms. Other crucial sources of entertainment are castles, adventure parks, a model village, steam railway, and a rippling backdrop of dunes and landmark cliffs. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Why youve got to go: To meet, groom and bond with rescued working horses. Once revered then reviled, the UK's coastal hubs are very much back in the ascendancy these days. Theres an immersive 360 movie of the battle, an animated battle table and a roof-top viewpoint of the site. Best for: messing around on the waterOne of the UKs biggest staycation hits over the past two years, the Lake District is awash with the sort of outdoor hijinks that fills the pages of a certain childrens classic though Arthur Ransomes Walker crew sadly never got the chance to try their hand at treetop ziplines. Book this tour of the Lake District to fully experience the beauty of the area: The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour. More info: http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/. As neatly turned out as a pair of Sperry boating shoes, Salcombe is one of the creamiest seaside spots in Devon, with colour-washed houses and the jostle of yacht masts in the harbour if Julia Stiles Riviera ever relocated from the South of France, heres where it would drop anchor. Where to stay: Hotel Meudon is set in its own subtropical valley, with extensive Victorian gardens, paddleboarding and, for 2022, a converted horsebox for ice creams and snacks. Northern Ireland is an amazing destination to visit in the UK. More info: http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/. Before you cast off, visit the V&As new Beatrix Potter exhibition for inspiration. Visiting the country of England with kids is a must for any familys bucket list. At Lonely Planet, we're always planning a trip somewhere. As for the beaches, the one at Holkham is epic: skipping down boardwalks through pine forest until you emerge on the dunes and that great expanse of golden sand. An ultramodern makeover at ancient Stonehenge has brought an impressive visitor center and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland). Why youve got to go: For safe and challenging fun in an extraordinary underground environment. Out of these four countries, England is the largest. What to do: Llandudno has way more than the average beach escape. It's hard not to be infected by a Liverpudlian's love for their own city. What to do: Amble along the gentle grassy trail and look across to France, see the South Foreland Lighthouse where Marconi conducted his radio experiments and put on a hard hat and head torch for a guided tour of the Fan Bay Deep Shelter. Suggested number of days for your England itinerary: 1-2. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and deals from The Times and The Sunday Times. Be inspired to see some of England's highlights 1000 Words / Shutterstock, 16 of the best places to visit in England: from untouched landscapes to culture-packed cities. After kite-flying/swimming/beach cricket take a look at Holkham Hall, a glorious all-year-round destination with Short Stories tours of its estate, cycle trails and playgrounds. It's barely an hour's train ride from the capital, but the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that's completely its own. One, Housesteads Fort, encourages children to dip into the ancient past by clambering over these evocative ruins. But if you have more time to spend in Bath, be sure to visit the Royal Crescent, a set of homes built in the 1700s laid out in a crescent overlooking a well-manicured park. Titanic Belfast. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. My dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place, Carroll wrote in Alices Adventures in Wonderland. Children will have a whale of a time solving problems, and grown-ups will fall in love with the gardens wit and imagination. While it can be wild, there are plenty of villages (that leave no doubt as to their location with next-the-sea names) where you can be assured of a good lunch, a deli or two for provisions. I also suggest buying an England guidebook for your trip. More info: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/. Its all the brainchild of kids author Tom Blofeld and the characters from his books show up to make things even more fun.