Summer Family Days Out & School Holiday Ideas

Summer Three Newsletter

Make the most of August with our latest roundup of family days out, summer events and school holiday inspiration.

Whether you’re looking for exciting attractions, fun-filled festivals, indoor activities for rainy days or outdoor adventures, we’ve gathered the best ideas to help you keep the children entertained.

London Transport Museum in London

This summer at London Transport Museum, explore the amazing ways electricity has transformed the capital’s transport network. From the 125th anniversary of trams in London to 100 years since the city’s first electric traffic light, families can discover the story of electric travel and enjoy daily hands-on activities throughout the holidays.

Hertfordshire Zoo in Hertfordshire

Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire

Great Yarmouth Racecourse in Norfolk

”More”

Pembrey Circuit in Carmarthenshire

Chepstow Racecourse in Monmouthshire

Chepstow Racecourse’s Bank Holiday Family Fun Day is on August 31st! Enjoy thrilling racing, FREE funfair rides, Paw Patrol live shows, energetic K-Pop entertainment, kids’ disco, face painting, football freestyle, stilt walkers and so much more. Bring a picnic, soak up the atmosphere and create lasting memories. Children aged 17 and under go free with an adult, book in advance and save.

The Deep in East Yorkshire

Uncover the hidden treasures of the Yorkshire coast at The Deep’s Rock Pools & Rocky Shores event! Between 18th July- 6th September, join in for a fun-filled summer where families of all ages can discover more about the fascinating creatures that call UK rockpools home. Plus, every standard admission ticket is an Annual Pass- free return visits for 12 months!

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More Things To Do This Summer...

Attingham Park Canoe Trail 2026

Enjoy canoeing on the River Tern during a family day out at Attingham Park in Shropshire on selected dates until 27th September. Booking is advisable.

Meet the Bees at the National Waterfront Museum

Put on protective clothing and help open a bee hive at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea on selected dates this summer. Minimum age 8 years.

Generic image of Medieval boy holding a shield

Summer Knights’ Quest at Dunster Castle

Jester skills, archery, hobby-horse jousting, wooden sword play and more! Join in the hands-on activities at Dunster Castle in West Somerset this summer.

Dragonfly Festival at Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Dragonfly canoe safaris, pond dipping, water play, giant outdoor games and more! Plan a visit to Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire this summer.

Young girl sitting on her father's shoulders.

Peppa Pig™ at East Lancashire Railway

Meet Peppa Pig and join in family fun including a fun fair, craft activities, petting zoo and face painting at the East Lancashire Railway on 22nd August.

Knight School at Oxford Castle & Prison

Medieval weapons training, jousting and archery! Book the kids into sessions at Knight School in Oxford Castle on selected dates in the summer holidays.

A costumed character watching two children turn a ship's wheel.

August Events at Cutty Sark

Character encounters, storytelling, sea shanties, climbing the rigging, tours and more! Take the children to visit Cutty Sark in Greenwich this August.

The Big Batsford Butterfly Hunt – Batsford Arboretum

Follow the trail at beautiful Batsford Arboretum in Gloucestershire this summer and learn more about butterflies. Lots to discover along the way!

Children interacting at the Roald Dahl Museum

Mr Fox’s Living Landscapes at The Roald Dahl Museum

Take inspiration from Fantastic Mr Fox and create a mini landscape in a container at The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire on 12th, 13th and 14th August.

Dino Adventure at East Lancashire Railway

Grab your explorer hat for a roar-some day out on board a heritage train at the East Lancashire Railway on 7th August! Ideal for children aged 8-10 years.

Girl looking at a glass display case at a museum.

Sportsfest 2026 – Family Trail at REME Museum

Grab your trail pack and learn more about REME's past as you follow the family trail around REME Museum in Wiltshire from 10th January to 13th December.

Dinomania & the Giants of the Past at Plantasia Tropical Zoo

Take a trip back in time to the age of the dinosaurs! Join Dinomania at Plantasia Tropical Zoo in Swansea on Saturdays 29th August and 28th November 2026.

Knights’ Tournament at Kenilworth Castle

Take a trip back in time at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire from 29th to 31st August. Watch the Knights' Tournament and explore the atmospheric castle.

SEND Explore Your Way Day at The Roald Dahl Museum

Great for visitors with SEND and their friends and families, relaxed days take place at The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire on 3rd and 24th August.

Knights on horses at a medieval joust reenactment.

The Berkeley Castle Joust

August Bank Holiday fun in Gloucestershire. Cheer for your favourite knight at the spectacular Berkeley Castle Joust on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August.

Giraffe looking over a wooden fence at a group of people.

Summer Evenings at Marwell Zoo

Explore Marwell Zoo in Hampshire on an after-hours safari on Fridays 19th June and 7th August this summer. Tickets include a relaxed Italian-style buffet.

Summer of Play at Compton Verney

Printmaking, forest school fun, bubble displays, Luminarium, firing rocket cars and more! Find out what's on this summer at Compton Verney in Warwickshire.

Knight School at Pembroke Castle

Enrol the kids in Knight School at Pembroke Castle on selected dates from 31st March to 25th August. A great way to bring history to life for kids!

Zoofest at Marwell Zoo

Get ready for a summer of music, colour and unforgettable family fun as Zoofest arrives at Marwell Zoo from 23 July to 31 August.

Father and son pointing at Thomas the Tank Engine on the platform at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.

Day Out With Thomas™ 2026 at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Join Thomas & Friends™ at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre on three weekends during 2026 and enjoy the fun-filled Let's Rock, Let's Roll Tour!

Steam locomotive and crane on the harbourside at Bristol.

Train, Boat and Crane Trips 2026 at M Shed

Visit Bristol's exciting museum M Shed on selected dates until 1st November and treat the children to a ride on one of the large working exhibits.

Family walking along the meridian line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

August Events at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Find out what's on at the Royal Observatory Greenwich this August. See the monumental sculpture of the Moon by Luke Jerram and join in talks and activities.

Lunt Roman Festival 2026

The past comes to life at Lunt Roman Festival near Coventry on 8th and 9th August. Combat displays, falconry, living history village and have-a-go archery.

two people dressed in a blue alien costume and a pink alien costume

Out of this World Weekend

Blast off for our Out of This World Weekend (14th Aug – 17th Aug!) Meet your favourite intergalactic duo and Chomp the Dinosaur.

Viking Raid: Battles, Stories and Hands-On History at Chiltern Open Air Museum

The Viking age comes to life in Buckinghamshire this August Bank Holiday weekend. Explore the living history encampment and watch re-enactments of battles.

A red panda peeping out from behind trees.

Shaun the Sheep Wildlife Mission at Bristol Zoo Project

Learn more about conservation on this new trail at Bristol Zoo Project from 23rd May until 31st October. Part of Aardman's 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Crowd watching fireworks and waving Union flags at Shuttleworth.

Flying Proms Air Show at The Shuttleworth Trust

Aerobatics and pyrotechnics choreographed to live music and a firework finale at Shuttleworth's Flying Proms Air Show in Bedfordshire on 15th August.

Three women walking along a garden path in summer.

Summer Holidays at Watts Gallery

Families can enjoy a season of creativity, colour, and play, inspired by sunflowers and the sun, at Watts Gallery in Surrey from 22nd July to 31st August.

buses at the Trolleybus museum in Lincolnshire

Events at the Trolleybus Museum

Blues & Twos Weekend, The Sandtoft Gathering and special school holiday opening. Check out the events programme at the Trolleybus Museum near Doncaster.

Medieval Moments – Summer Holidays at Sudeley Castle

From the Civil War Weekend and falconry to the Knight Trail, there's lots going on for kids at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire during the summer holidays!

Three science beakers containing coloured liquids.

Battle of the Bangs – Live Science Show at Techniquest Cardiff

Help decide which of Techniquest Cardiff's fiery exploding demos is the best at this live science show on selected dates from 11th July to 2nd September.

Adult and two children working together on a craft activity.

Stone Age SOS at Cheddar Gorge & Caves

Find out about prehistoric medicine, hygiene and healing on a family day out at Cheddar Gorge & Caves in North Somerset during the summer holidays.

Dinosaur Activities at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

From junk modelling and animal handling to film screenings, there is plenty to engage young dinosaur fans at Thinktank in Birmingham over the summer.

Aerial view of Ludlow Castle in Shropshire.

Summer of History at Ludlow Castle

Heraldry trail, falconry, jester skills workshops, medieval encampment and more! Find out what's on for families this summer at Ludlow Castle in Shropshire.

The Pixel Pals Takeover: Mario & Luigi

The Pixel Pals Takeover! Meet your favourite heroic duo and Chomp the Dinosaur, enjoy dance parties, fancy dress, classic games, and family fun.

Family exploring the Roman Baths on a summer day out.

Summer Quest: Reverse the Curse at the Roman Baths

Ancient history meets adventure and family fun at the Roman Baths in Somerset this summer! A puzzle-filled Summer Quest runs from 18th July to 31st August.

Mother, father and young daughter looking at a flower.

Wildlife at Sarehole Mill

Learn more about nature and the environment during hour-long sessions for families at Sarehole Mill in Birmingham on selected Fridays in school holidays.

Adult and child looking at an art installation.

August Events at the National Maritime Museum Greenwich

Join in astronomy activities, watch a science show, pick up a family trail and more at the National Maritime Museum Greenwich in London this August.

Summertime at Leeds Castle

Explore the Little People, BIG DREAMS Inspiring Women Trail during an activity-filled summer day out at Leeds Castle in Kent from 22nd July to 31st August.

The SAXONS – Exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum

Take the children to learn about the lives of Saxons in Buckinghamshire at Discover Bucks Museum's exciting new exhibition from 28th March to 1st November.

Father, mother and two children looking at something intently.

Meet the Marchers at Tretower Court and Castle

Join living history group the Marcher Stuarts at Tretower in Powys on four weekends in 2026 and find out what day-to-day life was like in the 17th century.

A man holding a model of a thatched hut.

Peek Behind The Pages at The Roald Dahl Museum

Join the Head of Collections at The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire and see real archive treasures! Available on selected dates in the summer holidays.

Wild Summer at Longleat

Enjoy an unforgettable summer day out packed with animal adventures for all the family at Longleat in Wiltshire from 18th July to 31st August.

Summer at Crealy Theme Park

The South West's only inverted ride, Rotor, opens at Crealy Theme Park in Devon this summer. Make sure you are amongst the first to experience it!

Family on a station platform waving at a steam train.

Summer Fun – Robin Hood and his Merry Friends at the Severn Valley Railway

Join Wise Owl Theatre for an immersive theatre experience at the Severn Valley Railway on selected Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this summer.

Orange and brown still frame of a fox and trees graphic from an animation.

Fantastic Family Animation Day: Make A Fox Film at The Roald Dahl Museum

Create your very own family stop-motion animation during this full-day workshop at The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire on Tuesday 11th August.

Alice at East Lancashire Railway's Wonderland event.

Wonderland Adventure at East Lancashire Railway

Step through the looking glass on the East Lancashire Railway’s interactive Alice-themed train event on 23rd August. Ideal for children aged 8–10 years.

Villain Academy at East Lancashire Railway

Meet rogues like Captain Hook and Cruella and unleash your inner baddie! Board a heritage train at the East Lancashire Railway on 13th August.

Two children running through a woodland garden in summer.

Alice in Wonderland Garden Trail at Hestercombe

Enjoy Wonderland-themed arts and crafts along the trail through enchanting Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset from Thursday 23rd July to Monday 31st August.

Dragonfly Safari at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre

Discover the world of dragonflies and damselflies on a summer day out at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre in Carmarthenshire from 18th July to 31st August.

Child's hand holding a brown teddy bear.

Goldilocks Adventure at East Lancashire Railway

A cute and cuddly trip aboard a heritage train to the fairy tale forest with the East Lancashire Railway on 21st August. Take your teddy or doll along too!

Historical re-enactor dressed up as a Viking.

Viking Re-enactment at Stafford Castle

Take the children to learn more about the Vikings at this two-day living history event in Staffordshire on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August.

Boy at a clay club workshop at Watts Gallery in Surrey.

Clay Club at Watts Gallery

Get hands on and messy with clay in Surrey at Watts Gallery's Clay Club on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 29th July to 28th August.

Six Weeks of Summer at PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm

Adventures, animals and outdoor fun such as a maize maze and Water Wars! PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm in Staffordshire is perfect for a summer day out.

Heritage Bus Rides at Oxford Bus Museum

Enjoy a heritage bus ride and see the collection of heritage buses, cars and cycles at Oxford Bus Museum on selected dates from February half term onwards.

Two young boys sitting in an orange plane on a funfair ride.

August Bank Holiday Family Fun Day 2026 at Chepstow Racecourse

Enjoy thrilling racing, funfair rides, Paw Patrol live shows, a kids' disco, face painting and more at Chepstow Racecourse's family fun day on 31st August.

Fantastic Foxy Summer at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

From trails and storytelling to a whole host of workshops, there's lots going on at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Buckinghamshire this summer.

A piglet at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm in Wiltshire.

Summer Holidays Fun on the Farm – Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm

Dinosaurs, train play, circus show, animals, adventure play and more! Find out what's on at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm in Wiltshire this summer.

NG Road Racing Club (NGRRC) at Thruxton Circuit

Enjoy championships for all sizes, makes and models of bikes when NG Road Racing Club returns to Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire on 22nd and 23rd August.

National Play Day at National Waterfront Museum

Head to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea on 5th August and celebrate National Play Day with free activities such as den building and circus skills.

Men in military uniform watching a triplane in the sky.

Military Air Show at The Shuttleworth Trust

See military vehicles, re-enactments and a thrilling display of iconic military aircraft at Shuttleworth's Military Air Show in Bedfordshire on 29th August.

Cracking Exhibition, Gromit! at M Shed

Discover the brilliant world of Aardman on a family outing to see this exciting exhibition at M Shed in Bristol from 20th June to 13th September.

Two young children having fun in a swimming or paddling pool.

Farmarama – Summer Holidays at the National Forest Adventure Farm

Have a great day out in Staffordshire during the summer holidays. Maize maze, padding pools, sand area, shows, daily foam party, animals and adventure play!

Adults and children walking along a woodland path in summer.

Awesome Animals Village Trail at The Roald Dahl Museum

Enjoy a guided storytelling walk around Great Missenden with The Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre in Buckinghamshire on Tuesdays 11th and 18th August.

Two girls running through grass on a sunny day.

Summer Holiday Activities at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

Have a go at activities such as orienteering and mini beast hunts at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre on selected dates in the summer holiday.

Water Fun at Alderford Lake

Try out the giant inflatable aquapark and hire paddleboards, kayaks and canoes at Alderford Lake in Shropshire on selected dates this summer. Book ahead.

Family looking at a line-up of cars at Shuttleworth.

NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals at The Shuttleworth Trust

Old Warden Park at Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire plays host to the NSRA's second major Hot Rod show of the year on 9th August. Activities for all the family.

Fantastic Mr Fox Digging Machine Workshop at The Roald Dahl Museum

Build a Fantastic Mr Fox-inspired digging machine from recycled materials in this fun, hands-on family workshop - Age 5 and up, £5 per maker + entry fee.

Beneath the Waves – Early Years Exhibition at The Herbert

Imaginative exhibition for ages 0-4 years at The Herbert in Coventry from 11th July to 30th August. Dive into a magical underwater world and explore!

Dinosaurs Are Forever – Exhibition at Blenheim Palace

Take your dinosaur fans to see five huge sculptures of Megalosaurus in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire from 11th August to 1st November.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) at Thruxton Circuit

Watch the country's top riders push to the limit on two wheels as they tackle the layout at Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire on 14th, 15th and 16th August.

A toddler in a yellow jacket standing at an activity table.

Titchy Fox Cubs at The Roald Dahl Museum

Special led sessions for the littlest visitors aged 6 months to 4 years at The Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire on 30th July and 5th August.

Colourful underwater scene with fish and rocks.

Rock Pools & Rocky Shores at The Deep

Seaside fun and learning! Uncover the hidden treasures of the Yorkshire coast at The Deep's Rock Pools & Rocky Shores event from 18th July to 6th September.

Summer Holidays at Berkeley Castle

Archery, falconry, animal encounters, dinosaurs! Check out what's on for families at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire during the summer holidays.

Wild Wednesdays: Animal Handling at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Learn about a selection of furry and scaly animals in the Rainforest room at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Wednesdays from 22nd July to 26th August.

Head and shoulders of a life-sized model dinosaur in woodland.

Dino Encounter at Roves Farm

Travel back to the time of the dinosaurs at Roves Farm near Swindon over the weekend of 15th-16th August. Enjoy interactive live shows and meet & greets.

Boating on the Lake at Berrington Hall

Hire a four-seater rowing boat, explore the 14-acre lake and enjoy the views from the water at Berrington Hall in Herefordshire from 17th to 31st August.

Falconry Sundays at Hampton Gardens

Enjoy falconry displays at Hampton Gardens near Leominster in Herefordshire on Sundays from 19th July to 23rd August. A fun day out for all the family.

Three girls on a summer walk in the countryside.

Outdoor Exploration at Bowood

Den building, fire lighting, game playing and more for kids aged 6-10 years at Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire on selected dates during August.

Steve Backshall’s Awesome Oceans Family Trail

Join Steve Backshall's Awesome Oceans Family Trail at The Historic Dockyard Chatham . Explore ocean zones, complete challenges and become an Ocean Guardian.

Summer Holidays at Haynes Motor Museum

Join in the fun at Haynes Motor Museum in South Somerset this summer. Look forward to hands-on activities such as Scalextric and Open Doors experiences.

Orange and brown graphic of a fox and trees.

Into the Woods with Poet Will Burns: A Family Poetry Adventure at The Roald Dahl Museum

Work together to create your own family poem as you explore the Buckinghamshire countryside that inspired Roald Dahl. Join the workshop on 27th August.

Family Explorer Tours at Weston Park

Join a special family tour of Weston Park in Shropshire on selected dates during the summer. Tours last an hour and bring the history of Weston to life.

Brother Thomas the Cellarer at Tintern Abbey

Brother Thomas will bring the glorious ruins of Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire to life with living history on selected dates from April to December.

Dome Club Planetarium at Aerospace Bristol

A choice of family-friendly planetarium shows inside a 360° immersive digital dome at Aerospace Bristol from 1st to 16th August. Something for all ages.

Two children sitting on a step looking at a sheet of paper.

Summer Holidays at The Commandery

Step back to the past with the Knight's Quest family trail, crafts and Knight School at The Commandery in Worcester on selected dates this summer.

Young child sitting on the floor looking at a book.

Children’s Summer Book Festival at Watts Gallery

Find a fun-filled programme of inspiring author and illustrator events in Surrey. Watts Gallery's book festival for families runs from 23rd to 29th August.

Children dressed as wizards at the East Lancashire Railway.

Wizard Adventure at East Lancashire Railway

Wands at the ready for East Lancashire Railway's Wizard Academy – an interactive train event on 6th August and 29th-30th October for ages 8–10 years.

Clay Foxy Feast at The Roald Dahl Museum

Get creative making a fantastic feast out of clay at the child-friendly Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire on selected dates from 18th to 28th August.

Terrific Tuesdays at Chiltern Open Air Museum

Treat the family to a day out at Chiltern Open Air Museum in Buckinghamshire on selected Tuesdays in the school holidays and join in the themed activities.

Two children looking at something together.

August Family Fun at the Queen’s House

Learn more about art, conservation and the past at the Queen's House in Greenwich this August. Family trails, backpacks and characters from history to meet.

Summer of Play at Waddesdon Manor

Fossils, dinosaurs, animals, pirates, adventure activities, storytelling! Discover what's on at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire this summer.

Summer Voyage: Travel and Trade at JORVIK Viking Centre

How did the Vikings travel, what did they pack and how did they survive the seas? Find out at JORVIK Viking Centre in York from 10th July to 6th September.

Butterfly Trail – Summer Orienteering at Waterperry Gardens

Use a compass and trail map to find the butterflies around Waterperry Gardens near Oxford and earn a special summer prize from 11th July to 6th September.

Girl in a blue and red swimming costume splashing in water.

Summer on the Farm – Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park

Enjoy a full day of summer family fun included in one great-value ticket at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park in Buckinghamshire from 18th July to 31st August.

Summer Holidays – Electric Pioneers at London Transport Museum

Discover the story of electric travel on a summer day out at London Transport Museum from 21st July to 2nd September. Lots of hands-on activities!

Bright emerald green gecko with red markings.

Summer at Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

Families can enjoy a tropical adventure at Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm for less until 1st September with the Government's Summer Saver initiative.

Castle Garrison and Red Dragon Archers at Caernarfon Castle

See the past come to life with activities and fun at magnificent Caernarfon Castle in North Wales on selected dates from 4th April to 20th September 2026.

three people dressed as a cowboy, a cowgirl and a spaceman

The Life-Size Toy Trio At Whitehouse Farm

Saddle up for our Wild West Weekend at Whitehouse Farm on 28th August - 31st August!

Large stone building surrounded by shrubs in summer.

The Make Space at Watts Gallery

Explore multiple themes at Watts Gallery's The Make Space, craft workshops on select days in August. Paint, build, craft and more! Something for everyone.

The bright Sun shining in a cloudless blue sky.

The Science of the Sun with Jon Chase at National Museum Cardiff

Book tickets for this exciting rap-science show for families at National Museum Cardiff and discover the science behind the Sun on Saturday 8th August.

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