Best free places to visit around Britain
With the summer holidays upon us, for most parents there now looms the challenge of finding activities and entertainment for all the family that won’t break the budget. Keeping the kids entertained whatever the weather can be quite a challenge, however, there are plenty of great ways to make sure that everyone has an enjoyable and action packed summer without spending a fortune. Here are some ideas for free places to visit around Britain this summer:
A local beach – whilst you might think that British beaches don’t really compare to those in Europe or beyond, you’d be surprised how much fun there is to be had making sandcastles and paddling around the UK coast. From traditional pebbly spots, to soft, white sand stretches around the south coast that bear a remarkable resemblance to more exotic climes, there’s a British beach out there for everyone. Find your local beach here.
Free museums – for those days when the weather isn’t quite so bright and sunny, the UK’s plethora of free museums and art galleries provide perfect amusement. From the fascinating Hands on History Museum in Hull, to the range of London options, such as the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, a rainy day is no excuse to sit inside.
English Heritage – whilst history might be a school subject, it certainly doesn’t have to be dull, as the numerous fascinating English Heritage sites around the country demonstrate. Castles and battle sites, Roman mosaics and prehistoric archeological finds provide plenty of fodder for young minds and imaginations, with lots of weatherproof options too. Check out your local English Heritage sites here.
Explore local woodlands – the UK’s woodlands are full of great nature trails, hiking routes, picnic spots and activities such as zip lining and tree climbing, making them the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy during a long, hot summer. Check out your local woodland and see what is on offer near you.
Free festivals – when the weather is fine there’s simply no better place to be than outside in the sunshine enjoying an event like a free festival. The UK has a number of great, free festivals, many of which are very family focused and designed to help parents enjoy themselves whilst keeping kids safe and happy. From Shoreditch Festival and the Notting Hill Carnival, to Norwich Pride and Stockton International River Festival there are events all over the country that kids – and big kids – can get excited about.
Activate sport runs summer camps for kids aged 7-16 across the country in a variety of sports and multi-sport styles, giving children the chance to get healthy, build confidence and pick up some new skills. See our website for more information.
photo credit: steve.wilde via photopin cc