Planning a weekend away with the kids? I think it’s always nice to organise something extra-fun to do together as a family when you do get a chance to go away for the weekend, with camping and theme park visits among my personal favourites. To help give you a few ideas for your next trip, I’ve put together a list of the top five weekend family holiday options – I hope it gives you a little inspiration!
1) Camping in Wales
My first suggestion is camping in Wales. This part of the UK is an absolutely amazing place for a weekend in the great outdoors, thanks to its gorgeous landscapes and variety of activities. Snowdonia National Park is my favourite spot to head to, since I like tackling mountain walks, but there are plenty of less strenuous activities for families too.
For instance, you can hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a tranquil trip to the top of the famous peak. Alternatively, if the weather is wet you can head indoors at Electric Mountain in Llanberis to learn all about this vast power station and take an underground tour.
2) Theme park adventures
If your family loves fast-paced attractions, theme parks are likely to be right up your street. In my opinion, a day never feels quite long enough to enjoy them to the fullest, which is why I think staying somewhere like Alton Towers for the whole weekend is such a good idea.
Of course, staying over has the advantage of allowing you to arrive at the park at opening time without getting up at the crack of dawn! And at Alton Towers, there are some brilliant themed rooms you can stay in that are heaps of fun, like the Chocolate Room.
3) Skiing sojourns
If you’re planning a long weekend away – say four to five days – then there’s scope for heading a little further afield. Families who love skiing or snowboarding could therefore have a quick jaunt to a French resort like La Plagne, Tignes or Les Arcs. This is an particularly fun option if you’re hoping to travel with friends and their children, since you can have a short group skiing holiday that’s really sociable – especially if you book a big chalet to share.
4) City stopovers
A city break might, at first glance, seem like the perfect getaway for adults, but they can also work really well for families. Personally, I think it’s entirely down to the city you choose. For instance, if you visit somewhere like Cardiff, there is a huge number of child-friendly attractions that are bound to delight all ages.
Cardiff Castle is probably the most obvious option, and this often hosts special events, so keep an eye on the attraction’s calendar when planning your break. The Doctor Who Experience is another, and is a must-visit if you and your kids are fans of the Time Lord and his adventures.
5) Cottage capers
My final suggestion is to hire a cottage in the countryside – the Cotswolds, for example. Hiring a cottage is a lovely choice since it means you can create a cosy, home-from-home atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.
Choosing the Cotswolds gives you a good balance between countryside and urban attractions. Exciting cities like Bath and Oxford are part of this region, so there’s always scope for days out exploring historical buildings and having relaxing boat rides.
