UK day trips: 6 places to explore in summer
From hidden surf spots to historic castles, we’ve got you covered when it comes to UK day trips
Image: Rest Bay
Exhausted all your ‘day out’ ideas last summer? We’ve rounded up a selection of six day trips that are a little less well known, and well worth discovering.
North Yorkshire Water Park, Scarborough
Image: North Yorkshire Water Park
Near to the coastal town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire Water Park is the ultimate northern destination for fishing, kayaking, pedalos and paddle boarding. It’s had a total revamp, and now boasts a new changing rooms, a cafe, and a wakeboarding line. Plus, if it’s warm enough, open water swimming will also be open to the public!
Nottingham Castle, Nottinghamshire
Image: Tracey Whitefood and Nottingham Castle Trust
Its doors have been shut for three years, but after a £30m transformation, Nottingham Castle will be back to welcoming visitors on the 21st June 2021. Tech enthusiasts will love the immersive Robin Hood Adventures. Its interactive gaming spaces give visitors the chance to fire digital longbows, or wield a quarterstaff and spar with Little John. Visitors can also head underground on a guided tour of the castle’s cave network, where dark stories will be told, and dire dungeons uncovered. A day out that will truly bring history to life!
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford
Image: Mark Waugh
This newly opened garden is quickly earning its place as a top attraction in the North West. Marvel at the abundance of crops in the Kitchen Garden, take a moment to reflect on one of the benches surrounding the Paradise Garden’s immense lily pond, and take pictures of the beautiful blue poppies as you stroll through the authentic Chinese Streamside Garden. Plus, kids will love climbing the low ropes in the woodland play area.
Stonor Park and Tumblestone Hollow, Oxfordshire
Image: Suzanne Fossey
If spending a Saturday strolling the grounds of a stately home sounds idyllic, then head to Stonor Park near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. With its spectacular gardens, huge deer park, and many cycling and walking routes in the picturesque Stonor Valley, it makes for an active family day out. But best of all, the kids will love Tumblestone Hollow; the brand new state-of-the-art adventure playground set within the grounds of the estate. A great way to break up the day, young ones will love exploring the high level walkways, climbing nets, and look-out decks and bridges.
Rest Bay, South Wales
Image: Rest Bay
Just a three-hour drive from London, Rest Bay in Porthcawl is the UK’s best-kept surfing secret, and the perfect coastal destination for adventure seekers. Head to the new watersports centre for stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding and more. Then move on to conquering Europe’s second highest sand dunes on a fat bike. Led by a local expert, take in the picturesque views as you skim across the beach and cross rocky crags on your guided fat bike tour.
Shelter Hall, Brighton
Image: Shelter Hall
All about supporting Sussex talent, head to Shelter Hall to dine on the delights from one of the seven unique kitchens which are all run by local chefs. Then enjoy listening to the city’s best musicians and singers perform live. With wine by the glass, and local craft beers on tap, the sunny Shelter Hall terrace provides just what’s needed after a blissful morning on the beach.