1. The Eden Project, Cornwall
The extensive, lush greenery of the Eden Project provides the ideal digital detox for adults and kids alike. In the world’s largest indoor rainforest, you’ll discover over 1,000 types of plants, on the ground or via the way-up-high canopy walkway. Real daredevils can soar even higher on the zip wire, or the Giant Swing.
Where to stay: The charming Best Western Fowey Valley is only a six-mile drive from the Eden Project and provides an ideal base to explore gorgeous Cornwall.
2. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens is a botanical enthusiast’s dream, though there’s plenty to keep young children and Sunday picnic-ers entertained, too. With over 50,000 plants from all over the world to discover, a handful of eateries, and dramatic beehive recreation known as The Hive to visit, you’ll be hard pressed to pack in everything Kew has to offer in one day.
Where to stay: A 10-minute drive or a pleasant 50-minute walk from the Gardens is the stunning Best Western Chiswick Palace & Suites – the perfect spot to enjoy the bustling London life and the peaceful surrounding countryside.
3. Via Ferrata, Cumbria
When you think of the Lake District, you may think of everything from gentle ambles to huffing, puffing hikes through its expansive, wild landscape. But what about experiencing it from 2,000 metres above, clipped to a mountainside at Honister Slate Mine? A ‘via ferrata’ is a series of steel ladders and bridges built into the rockface, and this is the UK’s first. Those with a terrible fear of heights need not apply.
Where to stay: The Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa BW Premier Collection by Best Western, located in the idyllic centre of the Lake District.
4. Paragliding, Surrey
Got nerves of steel and a penchant for soaring 500 feet above ground as the North Downs unfold beneath you? Then try your hand at paragliding in beautiful, leafy Surrey. Breathtaking as it is, it’s not for the faint hearted, but you needn’t have any previous experience to enjoy the ride. Simply book a tandem trip and leave the hard work to the pros. Under 18s are more than welcome to climb on board with parental consent.
Where to stay: The London Croydon Aerodrome, BW Signature Collection by Best Western is located conveniently close to the Green Dragons Airsports Centre – the perfect spot to relax after a hair-raising flight.
5. Foraging adventure, Suffolk
Take the adrenaline down a notch and opt for a wild food tour. Expect nettle nibbling, fungi foraging and finding out all about where the greens on your kitchen table come from, all with the backdrop of Suffolk’s dreamy, leafy Thetford Forest. Once your basket’s full, you’ll learn how to transform your findings into delectable treats like wild pesto and elderflower champagne.
Where to stay: The cosy and convenient Best Western Heath Court Hotel in Newmarket is an enjoyable 30-minute drive from Thetford Forest.
6. The Cinder Track, North Yorkshire
Go back to basics and take to The Cinder Track for a family cycling tour around stunning North Yorkshire. The 21-mile trip starts and ends in Whitby and Scarborough respectively, and takes you past various cracking picnic spots along the coast including May Wyke Hole and Cloughton Wyke. Stop off at the ultra-colourful Robin Hood Bay, once beloved by smugglers for its winding, narrow streets.
Where to stay: A 30-minute drive along the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors you’ll find the elegant but inviting Best Western Forest and Vale Hotel in Pickering – the ideal spot to rest your legs after your epic adventure.
7. Bewilderwood, Norfolk
If it’s a day out with a difference you’re after, you can’t do much better than Bewilderwood in beautiful Norfolk. This mystical outdoor adventure experience has been called the ‘anti-theme park’, and focuses on a connected, holistic adventure that reacquaints children and parents alike with the beauty of nature. Explore treehouses, brave rickety bridges suspended in the air and meet the magical creatures of the forest.
Where to stay: Continue the fairy-tale at quaint and convenient Best Western Annesley House Hotel Norwich, a 20-minute drive from Bewilderwood.
8. Hobbledown Farm, Epsom
A self-described ‘mysterical adventure’, Hobbledown Farm in Epsom is a dream day out for families with little monkeys to entertain. With animals including majestic birds of prey to meet and greet, an aerial adventure course and a gigantic jumping pillows ideal for tiring out little legs, you’re sure to have a day out to remember.
Where to stay: The Best Western Ship Hotel, 17th century former coaching inn, is a short 20-minute drive away in cheerful Weybridge.
