Family days out in the UK

Photo attribution: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Most of us have a dream to make it across the pond to the UK at least once in our lifetimes whether it’s to trace our ancestry or explore some of the historical towns and cities.  Traveling such a long way with children can be quite daunting, especially if you’re not sure what to do when you arrive.  Follow our guide to the best family days out in the UK.

Anglesey Sea Zoo

This is an aquarium like no other.  With more than 150 species native to UK waters, children and adults alike will enjoy just how close you can get to underwater creatures while remaining completely dry.  A day out here is as informative as it is entertaining with daily talks and feedings with the resident biologists included in the ticket price.  If you’re staying at a Sykes Cottages’ holiday home on Anglesey make the most of your entrance ticket which lasts for seven days.

Alnwick Castle

Not only is Alnwick Castle a wonderful day out for history buffs, this 11^th century Northumberland castle doubles as Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft in the Harry Potter films.  Watch your children’s faces light up as they follow in the footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione while you get stuck into the 1000 years of history on offer in Alnwick.  Children can also dress up as a knight or princess to try out medieval crafts or come face-to-face with a scary dragon.

Longleat Safari Park

Drive through the first safari park to be built outside of Africa and get really close to lions, monkeys and giraffes from the comfort of your car.  This is a great way to get the kids interested in wildlife while keeping everyone safe.  The monkeys live up to their cheeky reputation and have a particular fondness for car windscreen wipers!  There’s also an adventure playground with plenty of activities to keep children of all ages entertained.

Enchanted Forest

Only an hour from London, The Enchanted Forest in Tunbridge Wells is the perfect day out for an active family.  Enjoy the raised walkway through the forest with rope walks, balance beams and a puzzling spiral pathway.  If Mom and Dad aren’t tempted by the giant swings then perhaps they’ll enjoy the more formal gardens at neighbouring Groomsbridge Place.

Start planning your dream holiday to the UK by visiting www.sykescottages.co.uk to view more than 3,500 self-catering holiday cottages across the UK and Ireland.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I am very Irish and so St. Patrick’s Day has always been important to me. It is not a day for me to go out and get drunk but a day I think about where I come from. My dad was born in Ireland, My Grandpa Bill was also born and buried there. I have many relatives that came from Ireland on both sides of my family. I am sure I am like 65% Irish because I have Irish on both sides. I know that my grandma Rose’s great grandparents came over to America on a boat called The Spotted Cow. My dad’s family came over when my dad was a boy. I know that a lot of people are Irish which is cool and if you aren’t St. Patrick’s Day is a day you can pretend by wearing green.

St. PWhen I was little we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. A leprechaun came to our house and brought my sister and me a small gift. We would always look for the leprechaun and come up with schemes to catch him, but we were never successful. I guess the leprechaun was too smart and tricky for us to see let alone catch him.
I think it is important to learn about your family’s heritage and celebrate it. I don’t decorate my house in shamrocks or listen to Irish music all the time, but I am proud of where part of my family is from. I invite you to celebrate your heritage and pass it on to your children. If there are certain traditions, or songs or food, pass it on.

Please have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day.