The ideal family holiday for most involves sun, sea and sand or perhaps more frequently sun, a pool and a poolside bar. However, with money being in short supply for many families at the moment not to mention the recovering but still not great exchange rate, people are on the look out for good alternatives.
As anyone with children will know, happy kids make for a happy holiday so it’s worth taking the time to investigate what activities will be on offer for the children wherever you choose to go. Travel time of course is also another consideration, the well known phrase of ‘are we nearly there yet’ can become more than tedious and incredibly stressful on an 8 hour car journey.
One area of the UK that appeals to many is the Lake District. Well served by public transport for those conscious of their carbon footprint and the M6 motorway giving direct access to both North and South Lakes it’s easy to get to and “wow” what a lovely part of the UK. It goes without saying that the scenery is beautiful and there are an infinite number of walks of every grade of difficulty. Fair to say though that this particular aspect of marketing the Lake District is very unlikely to appeal to your little nippers!
Whilst the Lake District cannot offer Mickey Mouse and Sea World, you might be surprised at the number of alternatives that are available for the young and young at heart to enjoy. Hill Top in Sawrey was the home of Beatrix Potter and as you might expect there are plenty of Peter Rabbit themed activities on offer. From a tour of Hill Top itself with a fairly newly added children’s garden trail, to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere. This is the only Beatrix Potter themed attraction in Europe and visitors flock to see their favourite characters bought to life. The Aquarium of the Lakes on the southern shores of Lake Windermere is another really popular family attraction, a day out that can be combined with a Lake crossing on an old fashioned steamer and ride on a steam train.
There are plenty of attractions that will fill your days with things that the children will enjoy. Of course walking is a big thing in the Lakes and there are a number of trails that are great for the kids to try. Nothing better for them than to be out in the fresh air having fun and trying things they wouldn’t do at home – even maybe a little bit of rock climbing. And having spent the day in the fresh air, how soundly they will sleep!
Another fabulous day out for the kids is Blackpool Pleasure Beach – worlds apart from the beautiful relaxing Lake District but not that far away. Less than an hour away you can have a totally exhilarating experience on ‘The Big One’ and other white knuckle rides or, if your children are only small, Beaver Creek is full of entertainment for them.
If the thought of spending a day in Blackpool – the UK’s Vegas of the North - makes you recoil with dread then a beautiful country house hotel may be more inline with your idea of bliss. And yes, even with the children in tow, there are some lovely luxury Lake District hotels offering family friendly accommodation.
As anyone with children will know, happy kids make for a happy holiday so it’s worth taking the time to investigate what activities will be on offer for the children wherever you choose to go. Travel time of course is also another consideration, the well known phrase of ‘are we nearly there yet’ can become more than tedious and incredibly stressful on an 8 hour car journey.
One area of the UK that appeals to many is the Lake District. Well served by public transport for those conscious of their carbon footprint and the M6 motorway giving direct access to both North and South Lakes it’s easy to get to and “wow” what a lovely part of the UK. It goes without saying that the scenery is beautiful and there are an infinite number of walks of every grade of difficulty. Fair to say though that this particular aspect of marketing the Lake District is very unlikely to appeal to your little nippers!
Whilst the Lake District cannot offer Mickey Mouse and Sea World, you might be surprised at the number of alternatives that are available for the young and young at heart to enjoy. Hill Top in Sawrey was the home of Beatrix Potter and as you might expect there are plenty of Peter Rabbit themed activities on offer. From a tour of Hill Top itself with a fairly newly added children’s garden trail, to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere. This is the only Beatrix Potter themed attraction in Europe and visitors flock to see their favourite characters bought to life. The Aquarium of the Lakes on the southern shores of Lake Windermere is another really popular family attraction, a day out that can be combined with a Lake crossing on an old fashioned steamer and ride on a steam train.
There are plenty of attractions that will fill your days with things that the children will enjoy. Of course walking is a big thing in the Lakes and there are a number of trails that are great for the kids to try. Nothing better for them than to be out in the fresh air having fun and trying things they wouldn’t do at home – even maybe a little bit of rock climbing. And having spent the day in the fresh air, how soundly they will sleep!
Another fabulous day out for the kids is Blackpool Pleasure Beach – worlds apart from the beautiful relaxing Lake District but not that far away. Less than an hour away you can have a totally exhilarating experience on ‘The Big One’ and other white knuckle rides or, if your children are only small, Beaver Creek is full of entertainment for them.
If the thought of spending a day in Blackpool – the UK’s Vegas of the North - makes you recoil with dread then a beautiful country house hotel may be more inline with your idea of bliss. And yes, even with the children in tow, there are some lovely luxury Lake District hotels offering family friendly accommodation.
