The best day trips to take with the family across the UK

With summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to take a trip out for the day with the family. Whether it’s enjoying a decadent afternoon tea, or a thrilling skydive, there are experiences all across the UK which you can experience all together. And there’s no need to hang around for special occasions each year either - these experiences can be enjoyed together year-round!

Afternoon Tea with a Twist

It’s fair to say that the afternoon tea market is overly saturated, but there are afternoon tea experiences in a number of cities and towns across the UK which offer a twist on the traditional. Fancy afternoon tea on a traditional London bus? Hop aboard a vintage routemaster bus and spot the iconic sights of London whilst you tuck into colourful cupcakes and finger sandwiches on Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. 

Continuing on the transport theme, hop on Peak Rail in Matlock For Afternoon Tea on a Steam Train. You’ll get to enjoy the rolling hills of the Peak District as you both indulge on sandwiches and homemade scones. If you’ve got a Beatles fan in the family, then they’ll be thrilled with the Beatles-themed afternoon tea at the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool. You’ll be surrounded by original Beatles album artwork and memorabilia as you sip on your tea - or champagne if you’re really pushing the boat out! 

Finally, you can tumble down the rabbit hole at Manchester’s Richmond Tea Rooms where you’ll find their late night Mad Hatters Tea Party, hosted by Manchester’s superstar drag queens. Far from your traditional afternoon tea, you’ll be entertained by party games and sing-a-longs, deep into the evening! Bear in mind that this one’s for the adults, as it’s over 18s only.

Get an adrenaline rush

If you’re a family that likes a thrill, there are a number of attractions across the UK which offer the opportunity for an adrenaline rush. 

Fancy riding the fastest zip line in the world? Velocity 2 is set in Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, and is a 1.5 kilometre zip line which can reach speeds of up to 100mph. You’ll experience breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park as you zoom through the quarry at high speeds.

If rocketing down a huge slide at impressive speeds is more your thing, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the one for you. Experience the most spectacular views of London 80 metres above the ground, before you’re set down the 178m long slide with 12 twists and turns. If you can catch your breath, you’ll be spoiled with views of the Olympic Park and London’s skyline through the transparent sections, before plunging into darkness. Do you dare?

If you’ve got smaller daredevils in your pack, why not try a family white water rafting experience in Scotland? ACE Adventures offers an introductory package to white water rafting, perfect for family groups. Non-swimmers need not worry, as you’ll be with a trained guide and full safety equipment is provided. You’ll enjoy views of the Scottish Highlands as you work your way down the River Findhorn.

Spend some time up close and personal with animals

Spending a day with animals is sure to improve the well-being of the entire family! Although zoos are great days out, go one better and get up close and personal with the animals, instead. Take a trip to Northampton to go llama trekking. Meet the llamas and learn all about them before you head off on your trek. They’ll walk with you as you enjoy the beautiful English countryside using bridleways, farm tracks and country lanes before you head back to the farm for a picnic.

Come face-to-face with one of Africa’s big 5 at Port Lympne Reserve, where you can choose to embark on a 2-hour safari adventure with either black rhinos or critically endangered Rothschild giraffes. Meet these endangered species up close and learn more about the conservation efforts in place at the reserve. With the ranger’s approval, you may even have the opportunity to hand feed them.

Head out onto the open seas near the White Cliffs of Dover in an official RIB boat to go seal spotting. You’ll venture past Deal Pier, through Sandwich Bay and to Pegwell Bay where you’ll find the ‘secret’ seal colony. With the engines off, you’ll drift by in silence as you observe these intriguing creatures in their natural habitat. End your day with an exploration of Dover and some traditional fish and chips.

Spend an afternoon in a vineyard

English wines are becoming more and more popular as the years go on, thanks to an increased number of British winemakers with excellent growing expertise. Therefore, trips to our European neighbours in France, Italy and Spain are no longer required for those of us wanting to spend an afternoon in a vineyard. Although the kids might not enjoy this one so much there’s nothing to say that a day out with the parents for those of us who are adults ourselves isn’t worthwhile, too.

Head to Dorset and visit Langham Wine Estate where you’ll be enticed by their delicious wines and low environmental impact. A tour guide will take you on a walk around the vineyard and winery, followed by a tutored tasting of 3 of their award-winning wines. You can treat the parents to a vineyard lunch picnic for an additional fee, which you can enjoy before the tours start.

Yorkshire Heart is an award winning vineyard and brewery, based near Nun Monkton village, between York and Harrogate. The vineyard tours are hosted by owners Chris and Gillian and you’ll start with a glass of their sparkling wine before heading off on your tour around the vineyards and winery. You’ll finish off by tasting some of their wines accompanied by a plate of nibbles.

How we can help!

However, you choose to spend your time as a family, cherish the time together. Make sure no one is nominated as the designated driver and let us help! 

At Coach Hire Comparison, we can put you in direct contact with reliable minibus hire to find you the best option suiting all your needs. Get dropped off at your designated location and enjoy your day exploring before being picked up at the end of your day! Leaving no worry for awkward parking or designated driver duties.