Family breaks/trips in the UK
Discussion
Probably not going to manage a foreign holiday this year due to having to be UK based on call (can still take annual leave but need to be in the UK due to business needs).
Having just seen the Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, im probably going to book that with an overnight stay. Im glad the oether poster mentioned it because i didnt know it existed!
Any other wonderful short breaks, day trips or similar that are available? Probably going to do a few days in London and check the London Eye, Madam Tusauds and the like as the kids have never done that.
Theres 6 weeks of summer holidays so looking to do something once a week.
(kids are 15, 12 & 10)
Having just seen the Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, im probably going to book that with an overnight stay. Im glad the oether poster mentioned it because i didnt know it existed!
Any other wonderful short breaks, day trips or similar that are available? Probably going to do a few days in London and check the London Eye, Madam Tusauds and the like as the kids have never done that.
Theres 6 weeks of summer holidays so looking to do something once a week.
(kids are 15, 12 & 10)
Day boat hire on the Norfolk Broads - although if mobile signal is a requirement then maybe not. A lovely day out, nice pubs and things for food, and generally a lovely quiet relaxing day out, and anyone can drive the boat while you sit back with a beer. Can be a long journey to get there though.
Watatunga was me! 
Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.
It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
Consigliere said:
Any other wonderful short breaks, day trips or similar that are available? Probably going to do a few days in London and check the London Eye, Madam Tusauds and the like as the kids have never done that.
Theres 6 weeks of summer holidays so looking to do something once a week.
(kids are 15, 12 & 10)
If you are planning on the London Eye and Tussauds then check out the cost of an annual Merlin Pass. It will be a big initial cost, but you get entry to both as well as most of their theme parks for the rest of the year - Alton Towers/Chessington/Thorpe Park/Legoland/Sea Lifes.Theres 6 weeks of summer holidays so looking to do something once a week.
(kids are 15, 12 & 10)
Some of my friends have Merlin passes and they might go to Thorpe Park, find it horrendously busy and decamp to Chessington at no extra cost. Getting a Merlin Pass might depend on where you live.
You could also join up National Trust/English Heritage as family membership as your kids go free.
We sometimes join places for a year - we did this last year with Eden Project - as we went on separate occasions with the Vikingettes. Normally visit 2 or 3 times and you get your money back.
One of the many attractions of Merlin passes of annual memberships is that you don't feel compelled to rush and see everything and you can pop back in if you have a spare afternoon.
Edited by vikingaero on Wednesday 15th July 13:58
vikingaero said:
Watatunga was me! Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.
It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
Just looking at dates, hoping to do the twilight one! Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
vikingaero said:
Consigliere said:
Any other wonderful short breaks, day trips or similar that are available? Probably going to do a few days in London and check the London Eye, Madam Tusauds and the like as the kids have never done that.
Theres 6 weeks of summer holidays so looking to do something once a week.
(kids are 15, 12 & 10)
If you are planning on the London Eye and Tussauds then check out the cost of an annual Merlin Pass. It will be a big initial cost, but you get entry to both as well as most of their theme parks for the rest of the year - Alton Towers/Chessington/Thorpe Park/Legoland/Sea Lifes.Theres 6 weeks of summer holidays so looking to do something once a week.
(kids are 15, 12 & 10)
Some of my friends have Merlin passes and they might go to Thorpe Park, find it horrendously busy and decamp to Chessington at no extra cost. Getting a Merlin Pass might depend on where you live.
You could also join up National Trust/English Heritage as family membership as your kids go free.
We sometimes join places for a year - we did this last year with Eden Project - as we went on separate occasions with the Vikingettes. Normally visit 2 or 3 times and you get your money back.
One of the many attractions of Merlin passes of annual memberships is that you don't feel compelled to rush and see everything and you can pop back in if you have a spare afternoon.
Edited by vikingaero on Wednesday 15th July 13:58
Went with some friends and our respective offspring to Paradise Wildlife Park somewhere just off the A10 north of London.
Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
Every day a journey said:
Went with some friends and our respective offspring to Paradise Wildlife Park somewhere just off the A10 north of London.
Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
I have driven past the signs for this place for decades, the location had me putting it down as a makeshift vanity project lol. Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
Going to visit with the other half now.
Really enjoyed Lord Baths place with no kids, name escapes me, thought it was a great spontaneous trip.
Got in car Friday night with no plans other than to head west, no bookings made, ended up in a pub hotel somewhere near, thought why not, enjoyed it.
Doesitdrive said:
Every day a journey said:
Went with some friends and our respective offspring to Paradise Wildlife Park somewhere just off the A10 north of London.
Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
I have driven past the signs for this place for decades, the location had me putting it down as a makeshift vanity project lol. Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
Going to visit with the other half now.
Really enjoyed Lord Baths place with no kids, name escapes me, thought it was a great spontaneous trip.
Got in car Friday night with no plans other than to head west, no bookings made, ended up in a pub hotel somewhere near, thought why not, enjoyed it.
Nowadays it's Hertfordshire zoo. A shame as Coldplay obviously filmed a scene for their Paradise video at the zoo so the song always reminds me of the zoo and vice versa.
As noted, it seems a nice, well kept zoo, though not that big.
If interested in animals and zoos, Yorkshire Wildlife Park have a hotel with zoo views, as does Chessington (been too many times). ZSL London and Whipsnade both have on site lodges.
Pairi Daiza in Belgium, one of Europe's bigger zoos is hugely impressive (went last summer) and have a large selection of accommodation including rooms with windows looking into enclosures such as the Tigers and Polar Bears.
andy118run said:
Doesitdrive said:
Every day a journey said:
Went with some friends and our respective offspring to Paradise Wildlife Park somewhere just off the A10 north of London.
Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
I have driven past the signs for this place for decades, the location had me putting it down as a makeshift vanity project lol. Superb place. Very much a big cat speciality place and part of global breeding programs for the most endangered species.
White Lions, white Tigers, Snow Leopards as well as some more mainstream stuff.
From memory the price was reasonable, not massively busy and very educational.
Do not confuse it with Paradise Park in Newhaven which is a crappy garden centre with some fibreglass dinosaurs littered about the place.
Going to visit with the other half now.
Really enjoyed Lord Baths place with no kids, name escapes me, thought it was a great spontaneous trip.
Got in car Friday night with no plans other than to head west, no bookings made, ended up in a pub hotel somewhere near, thought why not, enjoyed it.
Nowadays it's Hertfordshire zoo. A shame as Coldplay obviously filmed a scene for their Paradise video at the zoo so the song always reminds me of the zoo and vice versa.
As noted, it seems a nice, well kept zoo, though not that big.
If interested in animals and zoos, Yorkshire Wildlife Park have a hotel with zoo views, as does Chessington (been too many times). ZSL London and Whipsnade both have on site lodges.
Pairi Daiza in Belgium, one of Europe's bigger zoos is hugely impressive (went last summer) and have a large selection of accommodation including rooms with windows looking into enclosures such as the Tigers and Polar Bears.
London and Whipsnade I was a very regular visitor to in my childhood and youth, my most recent visits have disappointed, not what they were.
Watatunga booked for the twilight tour in a fortnight, looking to do London sights week commencing 24th August.
I'm likely to book an Airbnb, but require two things (i guess most people has this also) - due to travelling with a disabled passenger which location will be best to look for an airbnb that I can park my vehicle (doesnt need to be immediately outside the premises but nearby) and secondly near a tube station within 10 mins walk?
Ill be travelling from the midlands if that makes any difference.
I'm likely to book an Airbnb, but require two things (i guess most people has this also) - due to travelling with a disabled passenger which location will be best to look for an airbnb that I can park my vehicle (doesnt need to be immediately outside the premises but nearby) and secondly near a tube station within 10 mins walk?
Ill be travelling from the midlands if that makes any difference.
Consigliere said:
Watatunga booked for the twilight tour in a fortnight, looking to do London sights week commencing 24th August.
I'm likely to book an Airbnb, but require two things (i guess most people has this also) - due to travelling with a disabled passenger which location will be best to look for an airbnb that I can park my vehicle (doesnt need to be immediately outside the premises but nearby) and secondly near a tube station within 10 mins walk?
Ill be travelling from the midlands if that makes any difference.
A lot of tourists stay out of Central London and travel in these days.I'm likely to book an Airbnb, but require two things (i guess most people has this also) - due to travelling with a disabled passenger which location will be best to look for an airbnb that I can park my vehicle (doesnt need to be immediately outside the premises but nearby) and secondly near a tube station within 10 mins walk?
Ill be travelling from the midlands if that makes any difference.
You won,t want to go South from your starting point, North tube lines are old and not all have step free access. Parking can be problematic anywhere in London, even with a blue badge.
I would heas East, near the Elizabeth line to get you in. Anywhere on the line in South Essex , parking will be easier too.
Plenty of nice places to visit around Essex too, plenty of village and country pubs serving great food.
Doesitdrive said:
A lot of tourists stay out of Central London and travel in these days.
You won,t want to go South from your starting point, North tube lines are old and not all have step free access. Parking can be problematic anywhere in London, even with a blue badge.
I would heas East, near the Elizabeth line to get you in. Anywhere on the line in South Essex , parking will be easier too.
Plenty of nice places to visit around Essex too, plenty of village and country pubs serving great food.
Brentwood would be ideal.You won,t want to go South from your starting point, North tube lines are old and not all have step free access. Parking can be problematic anywhere in London, even with a blue badge.
I would heas East, near the Elizabeth line to get you in. Anywhere on the line in South Essex , parking will be easier too.
Plenty of nice places to visit around Essex too, plenty of village and country pubs serving great food.
Literally next to the M25 so great access, fast modern train on Elizabeth line takes you into Central London.
There are nice country pubs/eateries scattered around, plus the Secret Nuclear Bunker is a popular tourist site if you have a few hours to kill.
Downside: High street is TOWIE country, but easily avoidable
Consigliere said:
Watatunga booked for the twilight tour in a fortnight, looking to do London sights week commencing 24th August.
I'm likely to book an Airbnb, but require two things (i guess most people has this also) - due to travelling with a disabled passenger which location will be best to look for an airbnb that I can park my vehicle (doesnt need to be immediately outside the premises but nearby) and secondly near a tube station within 10 mins walk?
Ill be travelling from the midlands if that makes any difference.
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/742063922710227355?adults=3&children=1&infants=0&pets=0&wishlist_item_id=11004379145768&source_impression_id=p3_1785447107_P320XG4lYvpsmE8W&previous_page_section_name=1000I'm likely to book an Airbnb, but require two things (i guess most people has this also) - due to travelling with a disabled passenger which location will be best to look for an airbnb that I can park my vehicle (doesnt need to be immediately outside the premises but nearby) and secondly near a tube station within 10 mins walk?
Ill be travelling from the midlands if that makes any difference.
How about this Air Bnb? In Wembley, 2 car Drive way, decent reviews, available week commencing 24th August.
Haven't tried it myself but I'm a seasoned user of Air Bnbs (I'm sitting in one in Scotland right now!) and this is one saved on my London 'wishlist' which I quite like the look of.
(not sure that link is working but its title is 'Home in London' and then 'wembley arch view', 4 bedrooms, 4.87 rating)
chip* said:
Doesitdrive said:
A lot of tourists stay out of Central London and travel in these days.
You won,t want to go South from your starting point, North tube lines are old and not all have step free access. Parking can be problematic anywhere in London, even with a blue badge.
I would heas East, near the Elizabeth line to get you in. Anywhere on the line in South Essex , parking will be easier too.
Plenty of nice places to visit around Essex too, plenty of village and country pubs serving great food.
Brentwood would be ideal.You won,t want to go South from your starting point, North tube lines are old and not all have step free access. Parking can be problematic anywhere in London, even with a blue badge.
I would heas East, near the Elizabeth line to get you in. Anywhere on the line in South Essex , parking will be easier too.
Plenty of nice places to visit around Essex too, plenty of village and country pubs serving great food.
Literally next to the M25 so great access, fast modern train on Elizabeth line takes you into Central London.
There are nice country pubs/eateries scattered around, plus the Secret Nuclear Bunker is a popular tourist site if you have a few hours to kill.
Downside: High street is TOWIE country, but easily avoidable
If you are around at the weekend, the Black Bull Fyefield is tops for Sunday Roast, you definitely won't leave hungry and probably with a take away.
Fish is great too if anyone is not in the mood for a roast.
The large mixed roast is a challenge, especially if you add cauliflower cheese, probably best shared, more than enough pork, beef ,lamb and chicken on that plate.
Need to book in advance,
vikingaero said:
Watatunga was me! Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.
It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
I thought this mini-safari would be fun while on our glamping in Norwich later this month, and it's literally fully booked up (except the trailer) to 23/8!!!??? Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
Have put myself on the waiting list for the days we are around so fingers crossed. chip* said:
vikingaero said:
Watatunga was me! Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.
It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
I thought this mini-safari would be fun while on our glamping in Norwich later this month, and it's literally fully booked up (except the trailer) to 23/8!!!??? Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
Have put myself on the waiting list for the days we are around so fingers crossed. Every day a journey said:
chip* said:
vikingaero said:
Watatunga was me! Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.
It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
I thought this mini-safari would be fun while on our glamping in Norwich later this month, and it's literally fully booked up (except the trailer) to 23/8!!!??? Just to note as you have 3 kids and presumably a partner that you will need to book the 6 seater buggy which is slightly more expensive as you have an unused seat. But saying that there were loads of couples booking a 4 seater buggy and having 2 unused seats.It's an amazing reserve created around a lake from a massive old quarry site and it looks like you are in Africa! The guides are so enthusiastic and engaging that you will have a brilliant time. Just be aware that they yak so much that you will run over the allotted end time, just in case you need to be somewhere afterwards.
Have put myself on the waiting list for the days we are around so fingers crossed. Found an Airbnb near Wembley stadium that is very close to one of the tube stations (Wembley Park) and parking on a driveway for the duration. Booked for 3 nights, just need to figure out what to do. We have been recommended Lion King at the Lyceum. A bit pricey at £300 for a theatre show but weve been told its worth it.
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