Broadway Tower
With a bit of luck this summer will feel a lot better than last year when it comes to the weather. 2024 ended up being one of the hottest years on record, but most of that heat came overnight (just when you need it least- ugh) and the days were often soaked with rain. I was newly postpartum at the time and keen to do fun things with my little ones but the bad weather made planning anything outdoors feel a bit pointless. This time around, it makes sense to stay flexible and plan for a mix of days out and low key staycation ideas.
Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire is one of those places that feels a bit unreal when you first arrive. The rock formations are huge and strange, scattered across a wide open moor like something from another planet. Some look like balancing mushrooms, others like giant animals frozen in stone. It’s the kind of place that works whether you’ve got kids with you or just want a walk that’s a bit different. If you go early in the day, especially on a weekday, it’s often quiet enough to take photos without people in the background and climb around without feeling rushed. Parking is £6 and there’s no entry fee beyond that. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the rocks, stopping for a snack with a view, or letting kids burn off some energy clambering around. It’s run by the National Trust so the facilities are decent, and there’s usually an ice cream van near the entrance in warmer weather.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
If you're thinking about a bit of a cultural road trip, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of those places that always delivers. I was lucky enough to grow up just down the road and have always loved days out here, grabbing an ice cream, walking along the river and enjoying the many festivals and events they hold here, It’s the kind of spot that works whether you’re into history, markets, or just a good pub lunch. Known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, it’s full of charm and surprisingly easy to reach by car from almost anywhere in the UK. If you’re in need of a vehicle, you could look into getting one with a www.carcashpoint.co.uk/ logbook loan, which can make the whole thing more manageable without the usual hassle. Whether the sun’s out or the rain shows up again, there’s always something to do, from the theatre to tucked away pubs that are perfect for whiling away a wet afternoon.
Longleat Safari Park
Longleat Safari Park is one of those days out that really does stick with you. It’s not just a zoo or a wildlife park, it actually feels like a proper adventure. You drive through the safari in your own car, and there’s this moment when the gates open and you spot the first animals that gets everyone properly excited. The lions are always a highlight, but what really stole the show last time was the giraffes. They came right up close to the car windows, and my daughter couldn’t believe how tall they were. She’s also obsessed with the meerkats, and there’s a brilliant little walk through section where they pop up everywhere, even sitting on the heat lamps like tiny sunbathers. The monkey drive through is chaotic in the best way, though it’s probably wise to skip it if you’re precious about your car aerials. There’s also a little train that runs through the grounds, plus boat rides and play areas, so it ends up being a full day without feeling rushed. It’s all set in the grounds of Longleat House, which is a bit surreal in itself, like you’ve stumbled onto a film set.
Broadway
Broadway is a lovely village in the Cotswolds, it's quintessentially British and exactly how you might imagine it. Broadway has lots of lovely ways to occupy your time for a day or a weekend. There are many small independent shops to explore, cafes, and Broadway Tower. There are also some lovely scenic walks that are perfect for families and lots of opportunities to take photos in the sunshine.
Blenheim Palace
If the UK is known globally for anything, it's the numerous castles, palaces, and history it possesses. Lucky for you all of this is right on your doorstep, all you have to do is hop into your new vehicle and hit the road. Blenheim Palace is a country house in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. You have to pay some parking fees but there is no cost for exploring the scenic Palace and local landscape. You will encounter a fairytale garden maze, flower gardens, and a lovely cafe- perfect for a day trip.
