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Summer Activities & Family Adventures

The Start of Summer Newsletter

Summer is here, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this edition of our newsletter, we’re sharing inspiring ideas for family days out, exciting activities, and memorable experiences to enjoy together throughout the season. Whether you’re planning a holiday, exploring local attractions, or simply looking for new ways to keep the children entertained, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to really kick off Summer!

AirHop – locations nationwide

Romans Bath in Somerset

Crealy in Devon

Weald & Downland Museum in West Sussex

Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire

Mercedes-Benz in Surrey

Whether you’re treating a young driver, buying a gift voucher or planning a family day out, there’s excitement around every corner. Enjoy simulator attractions, track and 4×4 off-road Driving Experiences, plus great food and trackside views from the Bistro terrace.

Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire

Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire

If you’re looking for a brilliant family day out this summer, then look no further than the Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire. There’s something for everyone, from gallery trails and storytelling to a whole host of Fantastic Mr Fox workshops for all ages (even you, adults!). Look out for exclusive family animation and poetry workshops too, and outdoor games and waterplay for sunny days.

London Transport Museum in London

Leeds Castle in Kent

Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire

Woburn Safari Park is bursting with summer fun, from cheeky monkeys to towering giraffes ready to make your little explorers gasp and giggle. And with the government’s summer VAT reduction bringing lower ticket prices, families can enjoy even more adventure for less. Big smiles, big memories, brilliant value.

Hertfordshire Zoo in Hertfordshire

Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk

The Trolleybus Museum in Lincolnshire

There’s lots going on at the Trolleybus Museum! The Sandtoft Gathering, with visiting classic cars and buses, is on Sunday 26^th July; on 19/20^th September there’s the Blues & Twos Weekend, with retired emergency vehicles giving demonstrations. The Museum’s also open at the Bank Holiday Weekend and Monday 24th to Friday 28th August for school holiday entertainment!

East Lancashire Railway in Greater Manchester

Enjoy a Day Out With Thomas^TMon 18 – 19 July 2026! The “Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour” is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to the East Lancashire Railway. Enjoy a real steam train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and Rusty and Dusty, play games, make music and more. It’s a fun adventure for the whole family!

The JORVIK Group in North Yorkshire

Summer Voyage: Travel and Trade: Join the team at JORVIK Viking Centre from 10^th July to explore how Vikings travelled, what they packed and how they survived the open seas.

In the gallery, you’ll find a Viking wharf as well as team members to tell you the stories of travel and trade.

For younger visitors, there’s an activity pack full of information and puzzles to make the most of their visit.

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Before you go, check out what’s going on in your region:

Family places to go in & around… Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset | Beds, Bucks, Essex, Herts | Berks, Hants, Oxon, Wilts, Dorset & IOW | Birmingham and the West Midlands | Derbs, Lincs, Notts, Yorkshire | Devon and Cornwall | Edinburgh and Glasgow | Kent, Surrey, Sussex | London | Manchester and the North West | Suffolk and Norfolk | Tyne and Tees Valley

More Things To Do This Summer...

Cluster of stars in the night sky.

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.

A child with a magnifying glass.

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.

Tintern Abbey.

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.

A Roman re-enactor.

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.

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.

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.

Vintage red bus.

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.

Cars on a race circuit.

Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Thruxton Circuit

Don't miss the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire! Enjoy bumper-to-bumper action on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July.

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.

Blue and black dragonfly on a leaf.

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.

Father, mother and two children looking at something intently.

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.

The Gruffalo at London’s Westend

Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of The Gruffalo returns for its 25th anniversary in 2026. A fun-filled family theatre adventure for ages 3+.

A slide at an inflatable aquapark.

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.

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.

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.

Model dinosaur.

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.

Caernarfon Castle.

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.

Knight in armour. Pixabay

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.

Young girl engaged in craft activities.

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.

Military aircraft against a blue sky.

Summer Air Show at The Shuttleworth Trust

Air displays and fantastic free ground activities including a fun fair and interactive Discovery Zone at Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire on Saturday 25th July.

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.

boy running outside

Summer of Play at Waddesdon Manor

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

Generic image of Medieval boy holding a shield

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!

A girl pointing at a map.

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.

family walking down path to picnic

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Outdoor Theatre at Lauderdale House

Pack a picnic and enjoy a magical evening of family-friendly outdoor theatre at Lauderdale House in London on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th July.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Viking reenactment

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.

Child waving in the audience at a theatre show.

Kids Week at London Theatre

Kids go free to top West End and London shows with an adult paying full price. Kids Week runs through the summer holidays from Monday 20 July-31 August.

The Gruffalo at London’s Westend

Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of The Gruffalo returns for its 25th anniversary in 2026. A fun-filled family theatre adventure for ages 3+.

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!

Adult paddling a canoe on a river.

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.

Motorcycles racing on a circuit.

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.

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.

Celebrate Summer at The Paddington Bear™ Experience

An unforgettable family adventure at ‘The Paddington Bear™ Experience’ at County Hall on London’s South Bank, from 7th June - 6th September.

A bearded dragon sitting on a hand.

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.

Children sitting under a tree.

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.

boy in interactive exhibit with father

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!

Girl reaching up to burst a bubble.

Family Day 2026 at Somerset County Cricket Club

Look forward to fun, laughter and live cricket at Somerset County Cricket Club's Family Day in Taunton on Sunday 26th July. Over 30 activities for kids!

Adult and child looking at an art installation.

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!

Windswept children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bird of prey.

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.

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.

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.

Red and black rowing boat.

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.

Two children watching something on the ground amongst tree roots.

Summer Safari Family Trail at the Nature Discovery Centre Thatcham

Learn about the habitats and wildlife at the Nature Discovery Centre Thatcham in Berkshire as you follow the summer family trail from 1st to 31st July.

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.

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!

Head of a model dinosaur.

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.

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.

Windsor Castle in Berkshire.

History Weekends at Windsor Castle

See the past come to life with living history displays at Windsor Castle in Berkshire on three weekends during the summer. A great day out for all ages.

Girl looking at a glass display case at a museum.

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.

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.

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.

Generic image of Medieval boy holding a shield

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.

Things to do with the kids!

Young boy holds hand, walking through colorful, Victoria street

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Party Poppers and balloons around a party of children

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girl jumps on a bouncy castle with blue sky above her

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5 Fun Ways to Get Children Active

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chair-o-plane

Family Days Out Newsletter

Get inspiring family days out, free things to do with kids, school holiday ideas and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox.

family sit outside eating

Stress-Free Family Dining

We've found some great places for you and your family to enjoy a fun dining experience. Dig in!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

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kids go for a woodland walk

Camps, Clubs & Courses

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