The best destinations for family trips

16th March 2020

Discover some of the best destinations for family trips during the Easter break and the low down of what to do there.

When travelling by train please check the latest travel advice before you set off and make sure you wear a face covering (unless you are exempt). 

Travel during quieter times and get a Family and Friends Railcard which lets you travel to the same destinations on the same trains all with 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ fares when an adult is travelling with a child.

For just £30 a year, it works on up to 4 adults and up to 4 kids between 5 and 15 years old, meaning that the card will have paid for itself after only a couple of trips.

With so many places to go, where will this Summer take you?

York

Explore the Roman-built city from the Bar Walls to the York Castle Museum and enjoy a history-filled day out. Head to the free National Railway Museum perfect for little train enthusiasts before going back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre as you go on a carriage journey to experience a Viking settlement including sights, sounds and… smells!

Closest station: York

Bristol

The adventure starts here as you take a walk on the wild side at Bristol Zoo Gardens and come face-to-face with the likes of red pandas, gorillas and penguins. Discover what lies in the deep blue sea at Bristol Aquarium, home to thousands of aquatic creatures, including tropical fish, sharks, and seahorses before stepping on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner that changed history.

Closest station: Bristol Temple Meads or Clifton Down

Warwick

Filled with activities perfect for all ages, discover the 900-year-old Warwick Castle for an amazing day out. Choose your path in a Horrible Histories maze, marvel at birds of prey taking flight during displays of aerial acrobatics and explore the castle through daily shows and activities.

Closest station: Warwick

Whitby

Grab your buckets and spades and build sandcastles on the beach before wandering round ‘Dracula’s Castle’, also known as Whitby Abbey, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Enjoy award winning fish and chips at the Magpie Café and learn about Captain Cook at the Captain Cook Museum before heading to the arcade for some fun and games and ice-cream.

Closest station: Whitby

Barmouth

With a mix of countryside and seaside views, head on picturesque walks on the coast and through Old Barmouth. Relax whilst the kids run around Bendi-Gedig, an indoor adventure and soft play centre where they can run, jump, crawl, squeeze, slide and bounce their way through the maze, before crossing the Barmouth Bridge for a steam train ride.

Closest station: Barmouth

Weymouth

Head to the Jurassic Coast and discover a magical underwater world at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park before visiting the seafront Nothe Fort and relaxing on the beach. From “Punch and Judy” puppet shows to trampolines and fairground rides, you’ll find the traditional amusements of the seaside here.

Closest station: Weymouth

Kendal

Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway to the country or are up for something more active, this Lake District town has it all. From cobbled lanes and cake-filled tea shops to hiking up to the ruins of 12th-century Kendal Castle, your little knights will have all the space they need to run around as you enjoy 360-degree views of the town below.

Closest station: Kendal

Brockenhurst

Arrive directly in the heart of the New Forest ready for an amazing cycling experience. Whether you’re planning on hiring a bike or bringing your own, immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes and if you’re lucky, you might even spot semi-wild ponies wandering around town.

Closest station: Brockenhurst

Bowness-on-Windermere

Discover fairytale-like landscapes from the comfort of a lake cruise as you glide past stunning mountain scenery, wooded islands and secluded bays. Experience the enchanting stories of the world of Peter Rabbit and friends at The World of Beatrix Potter as you immerse yourself in the childhood classics.

Closest station: Windermere