England Family-Friendly Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

recommended places to visit and things to do with children in England


Beale Park

Reading

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specialising in captive breeding of rare birds and providing a relaxing environment with extensive playground areas and a miniature ride on train

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peaceful island with diverse wildlife, including the famous red squirrels and with spectacular views across the harbour

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  • free admission
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the Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain, around 350 still live free on Exmoor

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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

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  • seasonal opening
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the edge of the lovely town of Grassington in the heart of Wharfedale, with large car park and picnic facilities

Heddon Valley

Barnstaple

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dramatic West Exmoor coast, favourite landscape of the Romantic poets with spectacular coastal, moorland and woodland walks

Jesmond Dene

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  • nature reserve
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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an historic park in the heart of suburban Newcastle. It is a peaceful haven for residents, visitors and wildlife alike

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Kielder Castle is the visitor centre for Britain's biggest forest with over 250 square miles to explore with exhibitions about forestry and conservation

  • nature reserve
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  • tourist railway
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • transport
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  • trains
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set around Rudyard Lake, this narrow gauge railway runs throughout the year. The Lake is a family centre for picnics, sailing, boating, walking and fishing

  • farm park
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meet the farm animals, watch a falconry display, or become a farmer for a day at this friendly family country park

  • nature reserve
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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sanctuary and working farm home to 500 donkeys in need of care, where visitors can meet the donkeys

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spot kingfishers, hand feed geese at World Wetlands and stroll gentle, quiet paths to watch wildlife. Stunning views and children's play area

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internationally important wetland site, with up to 40,000 ducks, geese and swans visiting each year with five hides on the site for watching the wide range of wildlife that visit the reservoir

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unique colony of nesting Mute swans which were established in the 11th century by monks to provide food for banquets and now a cage free sanctuary for free flying swans

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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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185 acres of extensive conifer woods and moorland with forest walks and viewpoints including a summit of 266m above sea leavel

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enjoy magnificent views, woodland walks, and open heathland. Discover the rhododendron labyrinth and the many unique wooden sculptures. Children’s play area with a hazel maze and log train in the Natural Play Area

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Europe's largest collection of otters, owls and other with animal encounters, feeding sessions and keeper talks throughout the day

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surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor, with a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Outdoor children's playground

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79 acres woodland reserve five miles north of Kingsbridge - mainly composed of oak, birch & beech trees - diverse flora of bilberry & ferns - supports a good bird population - also large numbers of dormice - two circular way-marked trails

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with something for everyone and boasting an outstanding collection of conifers, this large pinetum is a beautiful setting for family picnics

Birdworld

Farnham

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a wide variety of birds in wonderful surroundings. Discover the Forest Lodge Garden Centre and children's farm

  • natural landscape
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admire the panoramic vista across the water and the wide variety of wildlife from the Wildlife Centre reached by a boardwalk

Go Ape

Buxton

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set in the beautiful Peak District National Park, this leafy course is beautiful in all seasons – a lush green tunnel high up in the tree tops

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a great family day out with British and Asian Short Clawed Otters and wallabies. Muntjac and Fallow deer roam the 21 acre grounds and enjoy a woodland walk with conservation activities

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largest area of woodland in West Cornwall with 9 miles of paths from easy going to more challenging set in 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes. Picnic area

Batsford Arboretum

Moreton-in-Marsh

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large private collection of trees and shrubs set in 50 acres with many rare and unusual trees

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beautiful landscaped area surrounding an impressive collection of 66 owls from around the world. Visit the creepy crawlies & flying displays

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home to a variety of wildlife with 500 plant species and 200 species fo birds set on a limestone promontory with 200 feet high cliffs

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set on the north side of the River Blyth with a picnic area and children's play area, as well as pleasant horse and nature trails. The park covers 57 hectares of woodland and grassland.

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introducing the birdlife of Northumberland and the North East. Tours with friendly guides who share their knowledge of local birds with infectious enthusiasm

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visitors can enjoy the lake, arboretum, woodland & adventure trails & the chance to go horse riding in this attractive complex of country parks

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collection of unusual birds from all over the world. The centre also has a hospital room where sick or injured birds can be treated

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over 40 different species, from tiny field mice to magnificent red deer including badgers and hedgehogs. All the natural wild life to be found in Britain, with informative displays and a conservation project to visit

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  • free admission
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this country park includes a picnic area, forest walks & wildlife observation.

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three flying displays each day with different birds in each - hawks, owls, falcons, vultures & eagles - other birds & animals - playground - picnic area

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visitor centre highlighting the work of the hatchery - promotes the sustainability in fisheries & aquaculture - resident giant lobster - displays a wealth of information about lobsters, the fishery & marine conservation

  • natural landscape
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  • free admission
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  • open year round

ancient woodland, at least a thousand years old, with an unusual soil mixture, giving rise to this unique forest with mosses, fungi & insects.

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • National Trust
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Step back in time to an authentic Fen, to one of the oldest nature reserves in the country, virtually the last of its kind left in Britain

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