With the summer holidays in full swing, here are some family day ideas to keep the kids busy (and perhaps get a moment to yourself).
Longleat
When it comes to planning a day full of activity and fun, Longleat is a shoo-in candidate. The safari is over-brimming with opportunities for close-up pictures of ostriches, tigers and lions (perfect for any aspiring photographer).
The landscape surrounding the park also provides some amazing views over the fields surrounding Warminster, assuring that when you’re not marvelling at the magnificent creatures, you’re awe-struck by the nature of Wiltshire.
There is also a nice balance between the safari elements of Longleat and the walking areas, with animals like lemurs and red pandas on display as you explore Longleat House.
There is a wide range of food available, both ice cream and donut stands and restaurants available. Longleat also has an annual light show that they put on around December time and start advertising in the summer of every year.
This year’s light show is due to be packed with prehistoric, educational fun.
Bowood House & Gardens, Calne
Bowood House & Gardens is a firm Muddy fave, thanks to the adrenaline-fuelled Adventure Playground, mile-long lake and fab al fresco events.
Home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, the house is set within 100 acres of landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. But for the kids, it’s all about the vast Adventure Playground with its life-sized pirate ship, scramble nets, ariel walkways and steep slides.
Beaulieu
If your tastes lean more to the mechanical side than the wild, Beaulieu as a potential endeavour for a family day out.
With a motor museum and a Victorian country house to boast, this destination is perfect for any fan of cars or Top Gear.
The monorail stretching a mile-long is perfect for exploring the park from the ideal angle.
This summer, a reconstruction of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car will be on display for all to see, driving around the attraction. There is also the opportunity to book a ride in Mr Toad’s car from Wind in The Willows, giving the little ones an experience to remember.
The Palace House also brings another level to the family attraction (much like how Longleat House does) in the exploration of its history.
What is particularly interesting about how Beaulieu presents this history is in the reconstruction of a Victorian kitchen, with a chef dressed in period accurate clothes showing you what food was popular and would have been cooked.
For any family, it is bound to be an enlightening experience.
For the full list of attractions, click here.
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