Edinburgh is the glorious capital of Scotland. The city is home to endless incredible architecture that ranges from Old Town to Georgian, medieval to elegant. Scattered with beautiful greenery and tranquil parks the city has so much to offer you’re likely to love any trips you take to the glorious city.
8 reasons to visit
Get immersed in Scottish history.
The people are incredibly friendly.
Theres great food to be had.
You can do a lot for free!
Its a walkable city for those who like to be on their feet.
Places to visit
The city is devided into twelve different neighbourhoods, each with their own unique charm to win you over…
The Royal Mile – a beautiful street with plentiful architecture, shops and cafes for you explore.
Arthurs Seat- a more scenic setting and possibly your only chance to sit on the edge of an extinct volcano.
The Scott Monument- if heights dont bother you this is an incredible place to see the city aswell as the incredible gothic architecture.
Price rating
Things to do
Visit and wonder Edinburgh Castle, which has recently been voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards.
Revel at the culture in the Scottish National Gallary of Modern Art, for those with and without a passion for art.
Enjoy an interesting and cost free day out in the National Museum of Scotland, a great choice for the whole family.
Places stay
Ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre, St Andrew Square.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh- The Caledonian
Dakota Edinburgh
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Weather guide
Edinburgh, much like most of Scotland, tends to have temperate temperatures and is no stranger to the rain no matter what time of year. So dont forget an umbrella!
Essential Information
Edinburgh is often considered as one of the safest cities in the world but its always best to be catious.
Getting around
Luckily most things are within walking distance in the city so be sure to pack your walking shoes! Another great alternitive to walking would be to use their cycle routes and cycle your way around.
Map of Edinburgh:
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As both a national park and a region in Cumbria, the Lake District is the perfect place for a tranquil and peaceful get away. You can stay in market towns such as Kendal, Keswick or Ambleside and explore the beautiful area, while experiencing a great atmosphere and traditional inns.
8 reasons to visi
1. Endless adventure and activities to be enjoyed, climbing, walking, cycling, kayaking and mountain biking.
2. Breathtaking scenery.
3. Endless photo opportunities!
4. Some wonderful places to eat and drink.
6. An opportunity to slow down if you’re used to the city.
7. Its a family friendly destination.
8. Bring your fury friends on a pet friendly holiday.
Places to visit
1. Derwentwater; look into the “jaws” of Borrowdale.
2. Scafell Pike: brave the walk up England’s highest mountain.
3. Keswick, a market town favourite!
4. Buttermere with gentle paths perfect for the whole family.
5. Windermere.
6. Ambleside.
7. Kendal.
8. Coniston.
9. Ullswater.
Price rating
Hotel accomodation – Booking.com Ranging from £70 to £630
Attend a play at Theatre By The Lake, a highlight to any visit.
Enjoy one or two at The Drunken Duck, a truly gorgeous pub.
Visit the Old Stamp House and indulge on some of their locally sourced food.
Places to stay
Another Place, The Lake
Lindeth Fell Country House
Applegarth Villa & Restaurant
Weather guide
Essential Information
Getting around
Map of the Lake District:
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From gastropubs to those that have been around for centuries, if you don’t visit a pub whilst in London, you’re missing out on the local experience.
Neighbourhood diversity, from pockets of luxury, to multi-cultural areas, London is as diverse as it gets.
Vintage clothes, antiques, food, bric-a-brac, fashion from up-and-coming designers: you name it, you’ll find it somewhere in London.
Places to visit
Hyde Park.
By @LondonNPC #NationalParkCity – https://www.flickr.com/photos/134898965@N04/19967301255/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=104213312
Westminster.
Camden.
The London Eye
By Khamtran – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6418599
Shoreditch.
Hampstead Health.
Baker Street.
Price rating
London is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world so unfortunately the great experience does come at a cost.
Things to do
Visit Harry Potter world.
Go on the incredible London Eye.
The Thames Cruise.
Walk down Baker Street where the iconic Sherlock Holmes lived in the series.
By David Johnson [1] – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2501476
Places to visit
1. St Ives
In the 20th century St Ives evolved from a fishing harbour to possibly England’s prettiest seaside resort.
This has much to do with the abundance of heavenly beaches close by.
The choice is almost dumbfounding, but Porthminster and Porthmeor and their soft golden sands and natural seascapes are the cream.
By waterborough – photo shooting, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1087056
2. Newquay
For most people the name “Newquay” immediately conjures images of surfing.
This is surf central for the UK, blessed with six superb beaches for riding waves.
But the reason for Newquay’s fame is the Fistral, with a beach break that causes tall, hollow waves that will test the skills of seasoned surfers and give newcomers the ideal intro to the sport.
By a.froese – originally posted to Flickr as Fistral Beach, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11323843
3. St Austell
Like the best towns in Cornwall, St Austell has hilly, scurrying lanes enticing you to explore.
China Clay was the big industry here in the 1800s, and embedded in a former clay pit is the Eden Project, a mind-blowing botanical project that was unveiled for the new millennium.
By <a href=”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:A1personage” class=”extiw” title=”en:User:A1personage”>A1personage</a> at <a class=”external text” href=”https://en.wikipedia.org”>en.wikipedia</a> – <span class=”int-own-work” lang=”en”>Own work</span>Transferred from <a class=”external text” href=”https://en.wikipedia.org”>en.wikipedia</a>, Public Domain, Link
4. Penzance
As England’s most westerly town Penzance has had a lot of maritime visitors, some friendly, some not so much, like Barbary corsairs or foreign fleets like the Spanish Armada in 1595. It’s a handsome port, with lot of granite-built regency and Georgian architecture.
By The original uploader was Marktee1 at English Wikipedia. – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Leoboudv using CommonsHelper., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7134794
5. Falmouth
Lots of things contribute to Falmouth’s fame as holiday getaway.
First is the Fal River estuary, widening into the third-deepest natural harbour on the planet.
You can’t beat this place for hikes, and on the water you can hop from village to village on boat trips that you’ll remember all your life.
By EvaK – Private collection, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=660515
6. Bude
In the far north of Cornwall, Bude is like Newquay as it faces the Celtic Sea, which is essentially the Atlantic Ocean.
The two main beaches, Crooklets and Summerleaze, are broad, windswept and have awesome conditions for surfing on the right days.
By Manfred Heyde – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3521418
7. Truro
A dinky city, Truro is smaller than many market towns but doesn’t suffer for its size.
The cultivated Georgian and Victorian architecture in the centre dates to the time tin mining was a way of life, putting Truro on the map as the centre of political power.
The cathedral was built at this time, in the gothic revival style at the end of the 19th century, and is pretty unusual for having three spires.
By Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2271727
8. Bodmin
In tin-mining country at the heart of Cornwall, Bodmin’s streets are furnished with bold granite architecture funded by this historic industry.
The County Court in its neoclassical splendour conveys Bodmins standing in centuries past.
By Michael Pierce, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13765951
What’s the local cuisine
Cream tea
Cornish Yarg
By Tristan Ferne from UK – Wild Garlic YargUploaded by Diádoco, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10086181
Stargazy pie
By Jonathunder – Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35080947
Pilchards
Saffron Bun
Cornish mead
Hevva cake
Newlyn crab
What attractions are there in Cornwall
1. Trebah Garden ·
2. The Lost Gardens of Heligan ·
3. Pendennis Castle ·
4. The Eden Project ·
5. Cornish Seal
By MortimerCat – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1702136
Fun facts you may not know
Cornwall has the longest coastline of all England’s counties.
Cornwall only has 1 city – Truro.
Pasties contribute £150million to the local economy.
Times to visit
Summer for the amazing beaches.
Price rating
Expensive.
Things to do
Surf, eat and relax.
Places stay
The Headland Cornwall
St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
Essential Information
Be safe and cautious when exploring the coast and be sure to check the advice of the RNLI Lifeguards.
Getting around
A car is the preferable way to travel around and get to see all Cornwall has to offer.
Over 150,000 walkers make the ascent of Ben Nevis every year
The North Face is a popular spot for rock climbers
The mountain is an ecological hotspot
Hiking Ben Nevis is a bucket list activity
By Thincat – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=232593
Places to visit
Loch Linnhe at Corpach
Corpach Sea Lock
Neptune’s Staircase
By aeroid – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63138688
B9004 between Banavie and Gairlochy
The Commando Memorial
The Mamores
By Rmaclean3 – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5978775
A861 between Achapuilbil and Treslaig
Price rating
Climbing Ben Nevis is free but to stay the night in a nearby hotel you’re likley to pay between £40-£50 a night.
Things to do
The most notable is to undertake the adventure of climbing Ben Nevis.
Visit the Ben Nevis Distillery.
By Agne27 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30335208
Give the Nevis Range Snowsports a go!
Consider a boat trip or even hire one to take out exploring yourself.
Places stay
Lovesgrove Country Guest House
Weybourne Guest House
Lord Nelson
St Davids Cross Hotel
Giltar Hotel
Weather guide
The top of Ben Nevis is very cold with a maximum daytime temperature: -2 degrees Celsius; Minimum night time temperature: -5 degrees Celsius. So don’t forget to layer up!
Essential Information
Due to the extreme nature of climbing Ben Nevis you will need to read the mandatory equipment necessary prior to doing so. Sadly people have lost their lives at Ben Nevis so extreme care and caution should be taken.
Getting around
Exploring Ben Nevis by foot can be wonderful and allow you to see all it has to offer but if you’re an inexperienced climber please consider getting a guide to prioritize your saftey.
The UK is highly saturated with an abundance of amazing places and attractions for families, from learning experiences with days at museums to active days getting muddy in an enchanted woods. Some UK attractions for families are so magical, they really have to be seen through a child’s eyes. Here’s some magic for the whole family.
Hobbledown Farm, Epsom, England
They describe themselves as a ‘mystical adventure’ and it has more than enough for a packed day out with the whole family. With a huge indoor play barn its an ideal venue for rainy days, with farm animals, an aerial adventure course and gigantic jumping pillows are just a small selection of the outdoor features its home to. In addition, if you would like you can get up close and personal with the animals, even meet and greet 17 magnificent birds of prey at the Raptor Centre.
Price: Tickets start from £18 in the morning, £16 in the afternoon
Eden Project, Cornwall, England
This haven of lush greenery and nature is perfect for a detox from all the technology in modern life and a great opportunity to enjoy a day with the family. Walk through the largest indoor rainforest in the world, being home to over 1000 species of plants and even see how rubber is tapped from trees to make the wellie boots your likely to be wearing. If you consider yourself a thrill-seekers, then soar above the Eden Project on the zip wire or the high flying giant swing on offer.
Price: £75 for a family ticket (two adults, two children)
By A1personage at en.wikipedia – Own workTransferred from en.wikipedia, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17254898
St Fagan’s Natural History Museum, Wales
This unique gem in the heart of Wales offers an incredible insight into traditional Welsh life hundreds of years ago. Take a wander through the recreated rural village and try your hand at pottery on the outdoor wheel at Wales’ most popular heritage attraction. Local craftsmen demonstrate their trade around the museum and the grounds of the beautiful Grade I listed castle is the perfect place for a picnic.
Price: Free entry
By Chris Gunns, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13055537
Corfe Model Village & Fairy Garden, Dorset, England
This gem is nestled at the base of historic Corfe Castle, it’s model village that gives visitors a to-scale idea of what the fort would have looked like before its ruin. Its bound to be a fascinating and thrilling day out for the whole family. Kids will love the lawn games and enchanted fairy garden, willow shelters and even a tipi where they can let their imagination run wild. While the adults marvel at the Dorset apple cake, its not to be missed!
Price: £13.50 for a family ticket (two adults, up to three children)
Woodlands Park, Devon, England
A family friendly theme park. Not only this but also the largest family theme park in England, with everything you need for a fantastic day out. Little ones are bound to love the zoo farm and water slides, while others can get all the fun they desire on the theme park rides. Every spring, look out for their Easter Extravaganza where there are thousands of chocolatey treats to be discovered by you and your family on the engaging Easter hunt.
Price: From £30 for a family ticket
Legoland, Windsor, England
We all know how much kids love lego. So why not treat them with a huge pile of Lego to play with? Take them on the ultimate brick adventure with themed rides, an around-the-world Lego experience featuring iconic buildings from around the globe. Not only this but theres even an awesome splash park for you to enjoy on those wonderful summer days. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can accept Lord Vampyre’s invitation to the Haunted House Monster Party and get your scare on.
Price: From £35 per person over 110cm
By Rob Young profile – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19425200
Knockhatch, Hailsham, England
Knockhatch has everything you’d want for a family day out, it has a farm, soft play, waterpark and small theme park. Visit the owl sanctuary, take part in a hands-on little critters show or ride on the carousel. When your shattered from all the play go grab some lunch at the cafe and if the kids are still running around let them enjoy one of the two indoor play centres, in the meantime the adults can enjoy a coffee.
Price: From £14.99 (2yrs+)
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh, Scotland
Theres so much fun to be had, you can immerse yourself in optical illusions at Edinburgh’s historic Camera Obscura. It’s a museum that has has been attracting visitors for over 150 years, with its mind-blowing effects, tricks and puzzles. There are five floors that hold interactive exhibits where your kids and you will enter an altered visual reality. A great blend of art and history, you and your kids can also learn all about the intriguing history of the camera’s invention.
Price: £11.25 for children, £14.85 for adults
By Christian Michelides – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42890094
Techniquest, Cardiff, Wales
This is a fan favourite and for good reason. This science museum is perfectly set up for children and adults to enjoy hands-on experiments all day long. Test your reflexes, try and make a hot air balloon float and get messy with giant bubbles in the light and airy museum. You can enjoy it all together and make a family day of it. There are even Teddy Bears’ Picnic days for the toddlers and a Planetarium for want to be astronauts.
Price: £28 for a family ticket (two adults, two children)
By Dan Ketteringham – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107779534
Hever Castle, Kent, England
This is the fascinating childhood home of Anne Boleyn, it’s a fun-filled visit for children and parents. See where Henry VIII slept, explore a miniature medieval village, get lost in the wooden playground or try to avoid the jets in the water maze. There’s enough to keep you all entertained for the whole day. If the suns out you may even want to go and hire a rowing boat and take in the beautiful surroundings from the lake.
Price: From £42.75 for a family ticket (two adults, two children or one adult and three children)
By Christoph Matthias Siebenborn – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50371831
