The UK has a huge array of museums and art galleries for you to enjoy. From the big hitters in London, such as the Natural History Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and National Portrait Gallery, to exciting living museums where your family can step back in time (such as the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands or the Highland Folk Museum in the Cairngorms). These Museums let your kids get hands-on with history, attending School and learning about farming, crafts, and much more. Art Galleries are not just for the grown ups! They now have workshops and child-friendly trails to inspire even the youngest artists to start drawing.  So why not try out one of our Museums or Art Galleries on your next holiday?   

Museums and Art Galleries

Spend the day creating your very own handcrafted pot, vase, or bowl. Or if you have less time on your hands why not try painting a premade version?  A relaxing, indoor family activity. Perfect for creatives and on a rainy day visit one of the many ceramic cafes for coffee, tea, cakes, and of course, crafting!   

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

The UK is the home of the amazing steam train! This integral part of our lives and history means we are lucky to still have many running steam railways and transport museums and attractions.  Why not experience the romance of a steam train ride in the Welsh mountains or across Bodmin and try out a railway or transport attraction on your next holiday.  

Railway and Transport 

If you decide to take a holiday in the UK to an area you don't know (or maybe you do but want to know more), an excellent way of seeing around and actually getting to see the "best bits" is by taking a tour with a local guide or someone in the know. Walking tours, cycling tours, boat tours, pogo-stick tours (ok maybe not the last one) - whatever suits your family best, can be booked online or at local visitor information centres and make a real difference to your stay.  You can find out the history of a place, local facts or even go on something weird and wonderful like a ghost walk or follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper.  Eek.  An open top bus journey can take away the hours pounding the pavement to look around a large city. Boat trips and river cruises are also a great way of seeing a lot of things in a small amount of time, giving you a completely different aspect of the town you are visiting.  Join a large boat or charter something smaller yourself and follow the river along to get a better look at all the surround countryside.  

Tours and River Cruises

Discover what lies at the depths of the ocean...Your Aquarium visit will take you on a journey around the different zones of the world’s Ocean, from the local waters, all the way to the tropical seas of the Great Barrier Reef and everywhere in between!  A great indoor activity for the whole family to explore...

Aquariums

Kayaking and canoeing is a great way to get close to nature and experience lochs, lakes, rivers and canals in the UK. An easy way to start experiencing boat sports and go on an adventure. Kayaking and Canoeing are slightly different! When Kayaking you will be seated with your legs extended and you will use a double ended paddle. When you canoe, you can be seated or kneeling and often use a single paddle.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Whatever your child's age there is always something to enjoy. Get cracking in  a multi-level play area where kids can climb, clamber and slide over all sorts of adventurous obstacles. What’s next? What about a ball pond where your children can dip and dive in a pool full of colourful balls? All of the above would make for serious family fun. Of course parents are not forgotten either as a cafe is never far away. You can relax with a tasty coffee and a slice of cake. What more could you want?

Indoor and Soft Play Areas

These days you need to really hunt for a Lido.  They are out there but you need to know where to look.  And when you find one they really are worth it.  From Devon to Aberdeen to Yorkshire you can find magnificent outdoor swimming pools across the UK, and they combine exercise, mental wellbeing and the wonders of fresh air.  Don't believe me?  Give it a try.  The feeling of outdoor swimming really does wonders for the soul.  Plus some of them have really amazing views too. Most lidos are open in the warmer months only (how very, very sensible) but some are open all year round.  Brrr.  So in this instance pack a wetsuit, ice pick and Bear Grylls survival pack for when you drag yourself out.  Yes OK I'm a fair-weather Lido swimmer.  But this is to my detriment I'm sure.  Studies have actually proven that swimming in colder water helps you sleep better, improves circulation and boosts your immune system.  Plus, you feel like a total hero when you come out of the water and everyone is clapping.  Find a Lido near you and give it a go! 

Lidos

Have you ever made your way up to the top of a lighthouse? If your answer is no, then you're seriously missing out!  From Portland Bill Lighthouse in Dorset, which as well as incredible views,  also  features fun and interactive maritime displays to Flamborough Head Lighthouse in Yorkshire and Start Point Lighthouse near Dartmouth which includes daily guided tours.  There are more than 60 lighthouses dotted around the UK and many of these lighthouses maintain the safety of seafarers to this day! 

Lighthouses

Learn to paint or refine your skills... Painting is a completely inclusive activity for the whole family!  Head to a pottery painting class with your friends and take away a keepsake from your holiday! Or let the kids express their creative side with some hand painting!  Maybe you're already proficient and want to polish your brush technique. Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Painting workshops

Pottery is an ancient craft and great fun! Sometimes a little messy, anyone can have a go at either hand building a pot, or getting to grips with a throwing wheel. You can create something beautiful and uniquely yours in no time at all. Families can enjoy together and kids as young as 2 can play with clay, or have a go at painting a pre-made pot. It’s the perfect wet weather or winter activity.

Pottery

Hurrah, it's Autumn! That stunning time of year when the skies are blue, the air is crisp and the trees are turning that beautiful golden orange before-they all-drop-off colour.  Christmas is coming, Bake Off is on the telly and before we all hunker down for the long nights ahead, we have a month or two of wonderful outdoorsy stuff to get out of our system.  And most importantly, it is Pumpkin Season.  Woo Hoo! Who doesn't love those creepily carved orange globes popping up in every window ledge from now until Halloween. This year though, how about this: instead of grabbing a dodgy looking squash from the local supermarket, why not.....pick your own?!  There are hundreds (literally) of places to pick your own Pumpkins all over the UK and it is great fun.  Head off at half term for a rural outing with the kids; there are farms and nurseries everywhere with rows of delicious pumpkins just waiting to be chosen and taken back to their forever home (hmmm, ok, until they are made into a pie or have a spooky face carved into them). So find a farm near you and book in.   Once you've booked and are revved up to go, I've got some tips on how to select your perfect pumpkin: 1. check your pumpkin has a good strong green stem. 2. while we are on about stems, NEVER carry your pumpkin by the stem.  If you drop it, the whole thing will break and worse still, so might toes. 3. make sure it doesn't have any cuts in it or soft patches. 4. get a really lovely orangey one - all over....any green or brown bits might mean it is over or under ripe #carvingnightmare 5. looks aren't everything.  Yes, make sure it is orange but don't go for a perfect globe.  A slightly misshapen one adds way more character to your masterpiece and it won't taste any different. You now have your Squash Diploma Level 1.  Whether you are using your Pumpkin to make delicious wedges and cakes, or you just want to carve out a grotesque toothy face, picking your own is way more fun than buying one.   Check out the Pumpkin Picking farms near you today!       

Pumpkin Picking

Plymouth is home to some of the most stunning and well known attractions throughout the UK. The coastline to either side of Plymouth into Devon and Cornwall is peppered with some of the country’s most envied beaches and romantic hidden coves... Plymouth has an interesting and varied history, and there are some fascinating local sites to be visited in the area dating from the 15th century onwards such as the famous Mayflower steps where the pilgrims set sail. Within Plymouth there are currently 37 ancient monuments including boundary stones, milestones and other markers which add great interest to the local heritage landscape. Taking a break doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down the pace, and for those looking for excitement and adventure, Plymouth has plenty of exhilarating activities that will guarantee an action-packed stay. Take to the ski slopes at Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre, or take a dive at the Plymouth Life Centre - an official pre-Olympic Games training camp for the Canadian diving and Lithuanian swimming teams. Enjoy getting wet and wild? The Mount Batten Centre caters for all water sports. Or if you enjoy a spot of fishing, take a guided fishing trip around Plymouth's incredible coastline!  There are sports centres offering kayaking, windsurfing, coasteering, rock climbing and much more.. Make this a family trip to remember!

Plymouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Bideford, Devon, South West England, UK

Brixham, Devon, South West England, UK

Budleigh Salterton, Devon, South West England, UK

Croyde, Devon, South West England, UK

Dartmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Dawlish, Devon, South West England, UK

Exeter, Devon, South West England, UK

Exmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Honiton, Devon, South West England, UK

Ilfracoombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Launceston, Cornwall, South West England, UK

Newton Abbot, Devon, South West England, UK

Paignton, Devon, South West England, UK

Salcombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Saltash, Cornwall, South West England, UK

Seaton, Devon, South West England, UK

Sidmouth, Devon, UK

Teignmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Tiverton, Devon, South West England, UK

Torquay, Devon, South West England, UK

Totnes, Devon, South West England, UK

Woolacombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Nestled in the southwest of England, Devon is a beautiful coastal and rural county, full of nature and landscapes for you to experience.  With 2 beautiful coastlines, Devon is a great place to take the family for a UK beach holiday, why not try out surfing, kayaking or coasteering?  Head inland to the endless moors of Devon, and visit Exmoor or Dartmoor. Meet wild ponies or try pony trekking through the moors. If you live history why not try one of the steam railways across the moors? All great holiday activities.  If you are looking for a city escape, Devon is home to both Plymouth and Exeter, which make great weekend city breaks.  So why not give Devon a go? With beaches, countryside, moorlands, cities, and villages there is something for everyone in Devon.  

Devon, South West England, UK

Bristol, South West England, UK

City of Bath, South West England, UK

Cornwall, South West England, UK

Dorset, South West England, UK

Gloucestershire, South West England, UK

Isles of Scilly, South West England, UK

Somerset, South West England, UK

Wiltshire, South West England, UK

South West England consists of 7 counties, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire as well as the Isles of Scilly. 
It is one of the nine regions of England with a total population of just over 5.28 million.

South West England, UK

East Midlands

East of England, UK

London, UK

North East England

North West England

South East England, UK

West Midlands, UK

Yorkshire and the Humber, UK

England is a totally unique travel destination, well known for its history, natural beauty, vast range of attractions and beautiful countryside landscapes and coastlines. 

England, UK

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the extraordinary United Kingdom; home to mountains, caves, rivers, dramatic coastlines, medieval villages and vibrant cities.

Top

Accommodation

Drake's View Campsite

Dartmoor Domes

South Devon Wild Camping

Brixton Caravan & Camping Park

The Sea Forts Cornwall, Wild Costal Camping

Plymouth Sound Caravan And Motorhome Club Site

Brixton Caravan & Camping Park

Sunridge Glamping

Pilgrims Rest Certificated Site

Mount Edgcumbe Shepherd's Huts

Ancarva

Maker Camping

Dartmoor Caravan Park

Hooe Lake Scout Campsite

Gilwood Scout Campsite

Plymouth Sound Caravan and Motorhome Club Site

Shepherd Huts at Mount Edgcumbe

Smithaleigh Caravan & Camping Park

Riverside

KH Caravan Hire (Devon Cliffs, Holiday Park, Caravan Hire)

Activities & Experiences in plymouth

Plymouth Miniature Steam

Saltram House and Gardens

Mount Edgcumbe

Buckland Abbey

National Marine Aquarium

The Plymouth Mystery Treasure Trail

Super Tramp Plymouth

Smeaton's Tower

Plym Valley Railway

ClayArt

Plymouth Ski Centre

Tinside Lido

Crownhill Fort

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Player Ready Plymouth

Merchant's House Museum

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Mount Wise Swimming Pool

Drakes Den

Tenpin Plymouth

Places nearby

bideford

brixham

budleigh-salterton

croyde

dartmouth

dawlish

exeter

exmouth

honiton

Things to do in plymouth