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New travel website promoting The Lake District National Park www.bookinglaterooms.com including accommodation, attractions, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, museums and much much more including FREE Days out for the family. Enjoy the Lake District.
New Travel Website within the Lake District National Park. Receive special offers prior to the official launch and join in. Follow on Twitter www.twitter.com/lakesrooms Enjoy the Lakes with LakesRooms.
New travel website within the Lake District National Park promoting FREE Days out for the family.
New travel website within The Lake District National Park... Lake District Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Pubs, Guest Houses, Attractions, Art Galleries, Museums, Restaurants, Cafes, FREE Days Out for the Family and many Special Offers. Enjoy the Lake District.
As any 12-year-old will tell you, the castle at Warkworth is a text book example of a motte and bailey. Set out in 1200 and the favoured residence of the Percy Family from the 14th to the 17th century, the ruin is managed by English Heritage. We love it because there is plenty of scope for children of all ages to use their imagination. Stand in the shadowy passage of the gatehouse and picture missiles being dropped through murder holes on would-be attackers, wander through the buttery, once stacked with beer barrels, or imagine a banquet in the Great Hall. The tiny port of Amble, framed through the ruined windows, is worth a stop for fish and chips at the end of you visit.
english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/warkworth-castle-and-hermitage/
Adults £4.50, children £2.30
Google map: tinyurl.com/3ytugda
Just north of Swanage, on the way to Wareham this castle is one of the most stunning in the Country. ON a hill in a gap of hills you can see why it was built where it was. Blown up by Oliver Cromwell the ruins dominate the town of Corfe Castle, and for me no visit to Dorset is complete without a visit here. The views from the top of the castle of the surrounding country side are amazing, and the history of the castle can be felt everywhere. Once a very important Anglo-Saxon castle most of the ruins that remain are from the time of Henry II. A castle not to be missed.
The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ
nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-corfecastle
Adult £6.20, child £3.10
Google map: tinyurl.com/3ajajub
This castle can easily be seen emerging from the trees on a hillside beside the M4 (junction 32). It has a fairytale appearance even when passing at speed, but entering the castle takes this feeling of enchantment further. Unlike most castles this one is relatively modern (although built on ancient foundations) and is the result of money and Victorian imagination taken to the extreme. It was built as an elaborate holiday retreat for the 3rd marquess of Bute at the end of the 19th century. Its walls are beautifully decorated with intricate paintings of many things, including Aesop's Fables in one room. The furniture and decor is wonderfully over the top and bizarre. There is also Caerphilly Castle 5 minuites drive away, with all the splendor of a decayed ancient castle but Castell Coch brings history to life in a fantastically refreshing way to adults and children alike. It is reasonably priced and also has a lovely, if small, tea room.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, www.castlewales.com/coch.html
02920 810101
Google map: tinyurl.com/38v9hjf
Follow signs from junction 32 of the M4
New Travel Website within The Lake District National Park promoting FREE Days Out for Children. Lake District Hotels - Lake District Restaurants - Lake District Attractions - Lake Art Galleries - Travel information including FREE Days Out for the family. Enjoy the Lakes...
More than a castle, Rye's 13th-century Ypres Tower forms part of the citadel of this ancient town, one of the seven Cinque Ports of Kent and Sussex. It was built in 1249 under the orders of Henry III to defend England from the French who just over a hundred years later raised Rye to the ground, leaving only the fort intact.
Expect to find worn spiral stone staircases, panoramic views and horrific instruments of torture in this castle. You may try on helmets and armour, sample herbs from the medieval garden, or - for the total incarceration experience - lie on a bed in the tiny cramped prisoner's cell of one of the castle's narrow turrets. Children are kept busy with competitions or treasure hunts and outside they can clamber over canons in the Gun Garden.
As a smuggler's stronghold Rye has a colourful history, and local author John Ryan's Captain Pugwash adds humour to the stories told in the castle and museum. Although the fort remained standing when the town was looted in 1377, the church roof fell and its bells were stolen. In keeping with their fierce character, the men of Rye sailed to France, set fire to two Norman towns and recovered many of Rye's stolen treasures.
At the top of the turret I found a purring local cat sitting on a wicker chair, watching over a relief model of the naturally reclaimed coastline. Unlike other areas of Britain the sea is retreating here, exposing marshland and miles of deep shingle, England's only "desert" wilderness. If you strain your eyes from the ramparts you might just see the sea, but when it was first built the water came to the foot of the hill on which Rye is perched.
With its cobbled lanes, ancient buildings and 900 year old church, huddled together with the castle inside the citadel, Rye is an impressive and beautiful historic town.
www.ryemuseum.co.uk/
Open daily 10.30am to 5.00pm
Adults £3.00, concessions £2.50. Children free when accompanying family
Google map: tinyurl.com/3y7dhbz
The museum is open
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.30am to 5.00pm
Adults £2.50 Concessions £2.00
Family visits: Children free when accompanying family
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
A joint ticket for both sites costs £5.00, Concessions £4.00.
Family visits: Children free when accompanying family.
This is a largely unknown gem, just 7 miles north of Cardiff. As well as being one of the best examples of medieval castle architecture, it's the second largest castle in the UK (after Windsor), with a leaning tower which out-leans Pisa, and the most amazing water defences – so much more than a moat, trust me. Small children will love it, and boys especially will adore the life-size working replica medieval siege engines which get fired on special days in the summer. Buy some of the famous cheese in the town after your visit, the place has seen better days and could sorely do with your custom.
Five miles north of junction 32 on the M4, in the town of Caerphilly.
www.caerphillycastle.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/34p84su
In terms of location, you really can't beat Bamburgh Castle. Set in a unique whinstone outcrop elevated above the sea by volcanic activity, it is one of the largest inhabited castles in England. It never fails to amaze both children and adults, with its stunning sea views of the Northumbrian coastline, atmosphere, legends, tales, ghosts and special events.
Bamburgh Castle,
Bamburgh,
Northumberland
01668 214515, bamburghcastle.com
Adult £8, child £4
Google map: tinyurl.com/345fp5d
A 15th century castle shaped like a ship on the shore of the Firth of Forth. Steep and scary ruins, rugged and rocky, perfect for clambering around with small children (really!). A small jetty projects into the river and there are fantastic views to the Forth Bridges.
Four miles northeast of Linlithgow
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/2vv5xmv
A summer only day trip starting with a ferry from John O'Groat's to Orkney, followed by a coach tour of Orkney including stops at Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel and Kirkwall. Fantastic value at £42 for the basic trip. On the way back whales were spotted and the ferry stopped so that passengers could get a good look.
www.jogferry.co.uk
John O’ Groats Ferries Limited,
The Ferry Office,
John O’ Groats,
Caithness, Scotland,
KW1 4YR
+44 1955 611353
Google map: tinyurl.com/39v93s7
Cycle down to Springfield Park for a morning cup of tea at the Springfield Marina. Then continue along the River Lea. You can follow it all the way, alongside Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes past Lea Bridge and Millfields park. There are various pubs along the way, and lovely open fields with farm animals. Cycle all the way to the Olympic Stadium - and then around it on the pedestrian path if you wish - then continue along the Hertford Canal, alongside Victoria Park and the beautiful canal path to Old Ford Lock.
Turn right again along Regent's Canal, and come out to finish at Broadway Market for a cold drink or a cup of coffee. If that's all too tiring, refresh with a dip in Hackney Fields Lido.
In perhaps the most urban borough in London, it's the most beautiful and relaxing canal-side walk/cycle ride you can imagine, and with the added bonus of a tour of the new Olympic Stadium. Makes for a brilliant day out for all. An undiscovered gem of a park as well.
Take your bikes on the train to Clapton, Stamford Hill or Stoke Newington, and go down to Springfield Park from there. Springfield Park, Spring Hill, N16.
Google map: bit.ly/c2RKDD
I'm a huge fan of Stonehenge, but much prefer Avebury for a day out as you are still allowed to touch the stones. Although it was all but destroyed in the 17th century by local farmers encouraged by the church, Alexander Keiller the marmalade magnate, used much of his money to resurrect many of the stones during the 1930s. He also left an interesting museum, just outside the stone circle, which is well situated as a starting point for an informed day out. Various skeletons maintain enough interest for the ghoulishly inclined, particularly the one of a mediaeval barber, replete with scissors, who must have been crushed by a falling stone. Avebury village lies at the centre of the site so after a mystical hour or two spent walking and touching stones, it's possible to buy sandwiches and snacks from Avebury Village Post Office if you forgot your packed lunch, or there are several places to purchase an indoor meal. The Red Lion is at the heart of the village and is reported to be the most haunted pub in England according to Wikipedia, largely due to the well in the middle where several murders are alleged to have taken place. People in fine walking fettle may also like to venture further afield to climb the nearby Silbury Hill (at 130ft it's the largest man-made hill in Europe) or walk to West Kennett Long Barrow where it is now possible to access the chambers. The entire area is National Trust owned. This trip provides an energetic day's walking, historical interest as well as food for the imagination.
The clearest route to Avebury is by car. It is easily accessible from the M4 motorway, located along the A4 (Bath Road) at the junction of the A4361 and B4003, about 6 miles west of Marlborough. There is local signposting to a tourist car park situated just off the A4361 a little south of the circle. It is worth accepting the tourist car park as the parking which is available in the village has restrictions for non-residents.
The nearest train stations are 10 miles away in Pewsey or in Swindon which is 11 miles away. Avebury is on many bus routes going out of Swindon the number 5 Wilts and Dorset and the number 6 Salisbury-Swindon, amongst others.
Google map: bit.ly/b3dSnA
The Gower is a fantastic place for a free family day out. A footpath from the village of Pitton leads through a National Trust-owned grass valley to the secluded Mewslade Bay. Although it isn't the best for swimming, this beautiful, sandy beach has plenty of caves and rockpools for children to explore. The dramatic clifftop footpath which continues towards Rhossili Bay is dotted with old forts and there are more caves marked on the map, so children can be kept entertained with stories of smugglers and pirates.
Mewslade Bay near Rhossili, The Gower Peninsula, Wales
Google map: bit.ly/9B5SEi
The lovely quirky features, such as the giant wire teapot which recycles fallen leaves into compost, make these gardens a fun day out for all ages. The map collected on entry illustrates push and wheel chairs routes as well as child-friendly activities such as the bamboo pirate ship, logness monster and log maze.
The bird hide provides amusement and the modern day planting in the main borders offers plenty of inspiration for keen gardeners. There is a fair bit of walking, which means indulging in one of the onsite Betty's tea rooms is a must!
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Harrogate HG3 1QB
Google map: bit.ly/bwKIur
www.rhs.org.uk/Home
Outdoor heated pool close to the railway station in this Peak District village. We enjoyed a lovely, semi-private family swim on a drizzly early July weekday morning, followed by fabulous fish and chips in the pretty cafe. There's a grassy area for relaxation on warmer days. Explore Hathersage and arrive by the scenic rail route for a relaxing outing for all. Not suitable for total non-swimmers but fine for a five-year-old happy in the water.
Hathersage, Hope Valley, S32 1DU
01433 650843
www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/36h3u9m
If you start a day trip to Greenwich at Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs (easily and enjoyably reached on a driverless Dockland light railway trip from Stratford), you can walk through the historic 1902 victorian foot tunnel to reach all the attractions of Greenwich. It has beautiful wooden lifts to take you into the tunnel complete with lift attendants, historical in themselves. The tunnel drips to add excitement for the children to remind them of the river above, although I hope this is just condensation! Once through the tunnel you arrive right in the heart of Greenwich with a choice of river boat trips, the beautiful painted ceiling at the Old Royal Naval College (activity sheets for children to explore the paintings too), Martitime museum, Royal Observatory and massive beautiful park for wonderful picnics all within 5a five minute walk. No one in the family ever says no to a trip like this as there is something for everyone and can be adapted to anything the British weather may throw your way.
www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/LeisureCulture/Architecture/GreenwichFootTunnel.htm
Google map: tinyurl.com/3635krq
An easy and varied day out for the family.
Leamington has something for almost everyone and all in easy reach of London, Birmingham and all towns in the Shires.
Enough shopping and food not to be thought of as a "hick town" , two decent parks with paddling pool, river, swings and general prettiness. The town is Regency period with the Pump Rooms art gallery and museum with children's activities section as well as a Damien Hirst and Mark Quinn and current Halfway to Heaven iconic photography exhibition.
Take the Chiltern Railways off peak train from Marylebone and arrive an hour and a half later.
Select from the above but my personal recommendation is to visit the Pump Rooms, then hire a boat if it's not raining and then walk up the Parade to Rhubarb for lunch and then explore the little independent shops in Regent and Warwick Streets.
Hire a rowing boat or kayak or pedalo and picnic on the River Leam. If you get as far as the Radford Road allotments ( you can only go one way because of the weir) admire the Russian style riverside dashas and envy those who have been around long enough to get a riverside plot.
Walk up the Parade which is the main shopping street with the ususal chains but cut off along Regent Street to find smaller independent shops such as Cologne and Cotton for lovely colognes and cottons, and independent coffee shops like Corleones (pretty garden at the back.)
Park Street, running north linking Regent and Warwick Streets has posh end shopping as well as a Fair Trade shop and cafe. Roots shoes is good.
Rhubarb for lunch or tea or even dinner if you decide to book in to the dirt cheap Travel Lodge situated right by the Town Hall.
www.chilternrailways.co.uk/
www.leamboatcentre.com/
Mill Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 1BE, 01926 889928
www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms
The Parade, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
CV32 4AA, 01926 742700.
www.rhubarbleamingtonspa.co.uk/
50 Warwick Street, CV32 5JS, 01926 425005
Google map: tinyurl.com/39pphte
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