Yahoo Finance 12 amazing places to take the kids before they grow up
Swapping the family holiday abroad for staycation with the children instead? Or looking for the perfect half term treat? We've rounded up the explore the best places to take the kids in the UK.
You won't be disappointed with the attractions on offer up and down the country, either. Kids can immerse themselves in 1,000 years of history, sword fights and heroic knights at medieval castles like Warwick Castle and the Tower of London.
Whether you're looking to combine a weekend away with kids with arts and crafts projects or restaurants where children can eat for free, we've got you covered with our fun ideas for days out across the country.
In Scotland, there's the majestic Edinburgh Castle to explore, as well as the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, a wacky and informative exhibition, where kids can get involved with mirror mazes and spinning tunnels.
Wildlife lovers will adore the plethora of zoos and nature parks around the UK too, with Chessington and Paultons Park offering fun rides as well as animal experiences.
Over in Cornwall, the Eden Project provides interactive exhibits and thrilling outdoor adventures, including England's longest zip wire, while Wales is home to Bounce Below, a super-cool trampolining experience found in 180ft-deep underground caves.
We've rounded up some of the best places to take the kids before they grow up for a fun-filled family day out in the UK - because there are some things that should be seen through the wonder of a child's eye. You'll also find our selection of places to stay if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight experience...
The Eden Project, Cornwall
Nestled in a huge crater in Cornwall, The Eden Project is an incredible attraction that connects us with the living world. You'll find massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, plants, exhibitions and year-round family events.
Kids will love the Rainforest Canopy Walk, where the rope bridge stretches 23 metres across the canopy between two of the tallest trees in the 50 metre-high Biome.
For older kids (from ages 8 and up), there's plenty of exciting outdoor adventures like Big Air (a giant airbag jump), SkyTrek (a high ropes adventure course), and the SkyWire, England's longest and fastest zip wire, covering 660 metres and travelling at speeds of up to 60mph.
Best age to visit: All ages, from toddlers to teens, are catered for.
Where to stay: Fowey Hall hotel is a gorgeous family-friendly hotel just five minutes' walk from the sandy Readymoney Cove and a 15-minute drive from the Eden Project.
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Soak up 1,000 years of history at majestic Warwick Castle, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. There are plenty of family activities, and kids can look into a world of heroic knights and epic battles. There's a Horrible Histories adventure maze, and Knight School, where children under 12 can learn tactical defence skills with Warwick Castle's resident Knight.
In winter, there's a spectacular ice rink, and there's a host of live shows throughout the year. Don't miss the Dungeon experience for a fun and scary thrill.
Best age to visit: Ages 4 and up.
Where to stay: You can cosy up in Woodland Lodges for a totally unique way to spend the 'knight' at Warwick Castle Knights Village, nestled in the grounds of the historic castle itself. All stays include a hearty breakfast in the Knight's Village restaurant, one-day entry tickets to the castle, car parking and exclusive evening entertainment.
The Tower of London, London
The Tower of London, the Queen's historic 1,000-year-old castle on the banks of the River Thames, is a brilliant place to take kids. They'll love meeting the famous Yeoman Warders (known as Beefeaters), the ravens and seeing the dazzling Crown Jewels, with 23,578 gemstones.
Go on a Yeoman Warders guided tour and enjoy gory stories and sites of executions (Anne Boleyn was executed here). You can see the traitor's gate, live re-enactments, changing of the guards, and walk the battlement walls.
Best age to visit: Kids aged 8 and over will get the most from the experience.
Where to stay: For a clean, comfortable and relatively affordable stay, the Novotel London Tower Bridge is just a five-minute walk from the Tower of London.
Warner Bros Studio Tour, Leavesden
Eyes will widen in wonder at this incredible place to take the kids. The Warner Bros Studio Tour invites you inside the wizarding world of Harry Potter for a truly magical day out.
It's fabulous to visit with kids at any time of the year, where you can taste Butterbeer and 'fly' on Harry's Nimbus 2000. There's also the chance to explore Professor Sprout's Greenhouse, step aboard the Hogwarts Express and see the magical 'Hogwarts in the Snow' over the festive season.
Best age to visit: All ages will love this excellent UK attraction for kids.
Where to stay: Child-friendly Mercure St Albans is on the edge of the charming cathedral city, and is just a 10-minute drive from the Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Often described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle near Maidstone is a fantastic day out for kids. Packed with history – a castle has stood here since the 9th century – it has been home to seven medieval queens, including Catherine of Aragon, the first of Henry VIII's many wives.
There are several exhibitions in the castle, including the Dog Collar Museum, a historic collection of canine collars, and Her Castle, a cinematic experience where the seven queens explain their time at Leeds. You can also conquer the maze, watch a birds of prey display or take a boat ride on the Black Swan ferry which circles the moat. However, the highlight for most nippers is the Knights' Stronghold adventure playground, which has a medieval-style castle tower and drawbridge.
Best age to visit: All ages from tiny toddlers to teenagers, but under 13s will enjoy it most.
Where to stay: Live like medieval royalty and stay overnight at Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard B&B. Set in the grounds, a stay includes a fine breakfast in the oak-beamed restaurant, free entry into the castle and after-hours access to the gardens.
Cadbury World, Birmingham
For a truly delicious day out with the kids, head to Cadbury World, located in the historic village of Bourneville, where chocolate has been made for more than a century. The self-guided tour is wonderfully interactive, with a Cadabra ride and a host of dressed-up characters who will whisk you away on a journey to the 4D cinema, Crunchie Rollercoaster and Cadbury Creme Egg airship.
Treats galore await in the Cadbury World shop, while the cafe ensures there's something on the menu for the day other than chocolate. You can even enjoy a themed afternoon tea in the company of the Cadbury characters.
Best age to visit: All ages from tiny toddlers to teenagers, with children aged 2 or under entering for free.
Where to stay: Old Farm Hotel is a lovely village-style spot with 12 simple single, double or family rooms. There's a large private garden to enjoy too.
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