If you have grown bored of visiting the same old boring family attractions, regardless of whether you are from the South Coast or Scotland, there are many attractions for you and your family, that you may not know about yet.
With the options that we have listed, it is usually much cheaper to go online and book in advance, and you might even find attractions that allow tots in for free and discounted private hire minibus to get you there!
1. Dreamland – Margate
This Victorian Pleasure Park has recently undergone an £18m upgrade and restoration which has resulted in a thrilling and exciting amusement park based on the past. This includes Double-Decker carousels from the 1940s, the 1930s Caterpillars, the 1970s Chair-O-Planes, along with a few modern-day white-knuckle rides. I really enjoyed the twirling classic teacups, with each one paying homage to British Street Cultures such as the Hippies, Beatniks, and Mods. The Scenic Railway which is this park’s famous and well-known heritage is set to re-open later this summer.
2. KidZania – Westfield London
This kiddies attraction which is hotly anticipated provides a way for kids to become singers, firefighters, pilots and more thanks to this highly impressive make-believe world. With more than 60 role-play real-life activities to choose from which include fighting crimes as police officers, kids get to learn skills like independence, teamwork, and financial management.
3. Shrek’s Adventure – London Southbank
Climb on board this magical 4D bus ride and allow your favourite and well-loved donkey to take you and your kids on an exciting journey. Shrek’s Adventure goes through the Swamp to 10 different magical lands, where you get to meet Puss-in-boots, Gingy and all the other famous characters, which also includes several other well-known DreamWorks faces. You need to book in advance, as there are only timed-slots made available.
4. HMS M.33 – Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Adding to the notable Portsmouth collection of beautiful maritime antiques, the M.33 is about to join ranks with the HMS Mary Rose and HMS Victory on this Historic Dockyard in August. First launched in May 1915, this ship is the last remaining British Veteran of the Gallipoli Campaign, and the sole British warship from WWI, that will be opened for public viewing in Gallipoli’s centenary year. Children will really enjoy involvement in battle experiences which brings the history of this ship to life, along with stories of men that served on this ship, along with the extensive history of Gallipoli.
5. Chester Zoo Islands – Cheshire
Chester Zoo will be opening an extensive zoo development this July. This includes a highly immersive re-creation of 6 South-east Asian islands along with their biospheres. These islands open up natural climates associated with Bali, Panay, Sumatra, Papua, Sulawesi, and Sumba, along with prehistoric-looking birds, carnivorous plants, along with the Sunda gharial crocodile.
6. Peak Wildlife Park – Staffordshire
This is the latest Wildlife Park in Britain based in Winkhill, close to Leek, where you can view wildlife that ranges from lemurs to wallabies and penguins. There are 4 unique animal experiences that are interconnected which showcase exotic and endangered creatures from 3 different continents. This park is also involved in a few endangered species breeding programs. You can make your booking online at peakwildlifepark.co.uk adult tickets cost £7.95, while kids tickets cost £5.95.
7. New Forest Aqua Park – Hampshire
This is the 1st outdoor aqua-park in the UK and is located over 50-acres of stunning New Forest countryside. This park launched in May and is suitable for children of 6 years and older. The park includes an ice-tower, trampolines, see-saws, and slides. This park is open in summer and this attraction forms a part of many other activities which includes fishing, water skiing, and wake-boarding.
8. Thomas Land – Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Thomas Land has recently undergone a £2.5m expansion and this has resulted in a 40% size growth, with loads of attractions and new rides. The new Sodor Airport complex offers balconies which provide beautiful views across this park. Other additions include the recent opening of the new Thomas VIP rooms.