Image from Flickr
Harry Potter Studios Tour
If you haven’t heard of this day out, then I can only assume you’ve been living under a rock! Since Warner Bros opened the Harry Potter studios to the public, it’s quickly become one of the most popular attractions in the UK. Here, your kids will go wild when they get to walk past theactual Hogwarts Express, or look around Dumbledore’s actual office. The three-hour tour is sure to fascinate you and your children, and give you a fresh perspective on these timeless films. Buying direct from the studio is a little pricey, but you can get reduced tickets and deals from sites such as Trip Advisor.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
If you’ve never been to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, then I suggest you change this as soon as possible! Full of rides that will suit the whole family, along with some great restaurants and incredible live shows, coming here is a sure-fire start to a fantastic day out. If you or your partner were never that crazy about rollercoasters, just keep looking forward to the homely bars that are scattered along the beach. Of course, if you go to this popular tourist spot for a whole day out, the price can quickly begin to stack up. You can mitigate the cost somewhat by buying your park tickets in advance. If Blackpool’s a bit of a drive, then you can buy a “rainy day” ticket. This gives you free re-entry the next day if it rains for three consecutive hours.
Free London Museums
Image from Wikimedia
If there’s one place which is great for budget days out, then it’s London. The National Gallery, British Museum and British Library are all in the city. Although I find these three fascinating, your kids might find the whole thing a bit dry to put it lightly! To get around this problem, go to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. Built right next to each other, the curators of these museums have certainly had a good go at making education more interesting. The Natural History Museum is full of life-size dinosaur fossils and models, and displays about our early ancestors which really get you thinking. The Science Museum has all kinds of tech and interactive displays, ensuring your kids don’t go into full-blown screen withdrawals! Entry is completely free, though a small donation is kind of a given.
Another great idea is camping, even if it’s in your back garden! Kids will love the novelty of sleeping in a tent and it’s dirt cheap once you’ve invested in some camping gear.
Any one of these solutions will make a great day out for less. Keeping your days off both fun and affordable may feel tough, but it’s certainly not impossible!
