5 Family friendly days out in the UK

It’s that time of year again. It’s cold outside, most probably raining and the festive spirit is running dry.

Finding fun things to do with the kids during the winter months can be a challenge, but there are plenty of places to take them all around the UK – you just need to know where to find them! Izzy – a blogger, has created this guide to 5 rainy day road trips in order to help you get the most out of your time with the kids.

National Trust, various locations

With so many grand buildings, beautiful gardens and iconic monuments dotted around the country, there is bound to be something near you. National Trust properties are great for fun, active and educational family days out, and – with kids under 5 going free – it’s great for the little ones too!

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Even the rain can’t put a dampener on National Trust visits, with houses to explore and activity packs to get the kids involved. The Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Carmarthenshire, Wales, get you well and truly out of the wet by taking you on an underground adventure.

Afterwards, stop off for some tea and sandwiches in the cafe, while the kids – if you can face the washing – get their wellies on for a spot of puddle jumping!

The Sea Life Centre, various locations

What better way is there to spend a grey day than by finding Nemo and his friends? With 12 Sea Life centres all over the UK, you can take the kids on an underwater adventure; discovering tropical fish and standing just a few feet away from some awesome creatures. At the London Sea Life centre, the new Shark Reef Encounter has just opened to grown-ups who are brave enough to come face to face with these amazing creatures.

If that’s not quite your cup of tea, then why not visit the penguins? Get up close and personal with them in an icy landscape at the London Sea Life centre. You’ll get to learn about the Gentoo penguins, watch them being fed, and experience a bit of what life is like in the Antarctic. Just don’t forget your wooly hats!

The Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project boasts the world’s largest captivated rainforest, beautiful waterfalls and eye-catching sculptures. There’s even an education centre, called the Core, where kids (and adults!) can learn about how the Eden Project was built, discover what leaves do for us, and whizz down the slide. Turn the handle of the giant nutcracker and learn everything you need to know about energy.

The Eden Project is perfect for older kids who are eager to learn exactly how everything works. It’s a great day out for the whole family, as you escape the British weather for something a lot more tropical.

The World of Beatrix Potter, Cumbria

Enter the magical world of Beatrix Potter at this attraction in the heart of the Lake District. Explore The Peter Rabbit garden, visit Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s kitchen and look out for Mr Jeremy Fisher on his lily-pad.

There’s arts and crafts, a virtual walk and more for the kids to enjoy here. With a tearoom to refuel in, a shop to find the perfect gift and stunning views everywhere you look, there is so much to do here that you won’t want to leave!

The attraction will be closed for maintenance between 7th January 2013 – 9th February 2013. Plan your visit when it reopens and it’ll be even more magical!

The National Space Centre, Leicester

With a 3D SIM ride, six interactive galleries and the UK’s largest planetarium to discover, you better set out early for this one. The National Space Centre makes science fun, with over 150 hands-on games and challenges for the kids to complete, there’s no chance of getting bored.

The planetarium will take you through a 360 degree tour of our solar system which will amaze even mum and dad. Combining education with fun, interactive games, a day out here might just inspire your little astronauts.

This guest content was written by Izzy Guarella who loves exploring new places on her days off.

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