Staycation swaps: Family-friendly attractions

Because you don’t need to splash out on a water park

Move over the Middle East it’s time to head South West, of England that is, and to Splashdown Quaywest. The UK’s largest outdoor waterpark gives Dubai’s Aquaventure World – the largest waterpark in the world – more than a good run for its money.

There’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping rides here. With twisting tyre rides, slippery waterslides, and for the most hardcore exhilaration hunters, why not test your nerve on Devil’s Drop? The 65ft near vertical drop is the nation’s highest and fastest flume ride.

And that’s not all. New for 2024, is Shipwreck Island, an aqua-play arena especially designed for under 12s. The scaled down slides and pools make the perfect playground for younger members of the family and less adventurous adults too.

Stay: Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel Sure Hotel Collection

The Colosseum is a must-visit for people all over the world, and rightfully so. The ancient amphitheatre has captured many a traveller’s imagination, but will kids really appreciate its wonder? Probably not.

Forget flying to Rome and find the M40 instead, for a child-friendly trip at Warwick Castle. The fortress has stood on the banks of the River Avon since 1068 and hosts a wide range of activities for all the family to enjoy. Get up close to a jousting spectacular at the War of the Roses Live, see falcons take flight at the UK’s largest birds of prey display and if that wasn’t enough you can even try your hand at archery too.

For your chance to really immerse yourself and get lost in the medieval fun, make sure you try and navigate the much-loved Horrible Histories Maze.

Stay: Birmingham North Moor Hall Hotel, BW Premier Collection by BW or Weston Hall Hotel, Sure Collection by Best Western

With it’s Blu Lagoon and family resorts, Turkey has become a popular destination with Brits booking a beach break. If you’re looking for something similar but closer to home, you might just find it in Wales.

The country has more Blue Flag beaches per mile than anywhere else in the UK, that’s beaches that meet the highest standards for cleanliness, safety, and amenities. And if it’s national parks like Oludeniz that you crave, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ticks all the right boxes.

The Blu Lagoon in Turkey may be one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean, but Tenby’s North Beach claims to be the most photographed beach in the UK and for good reason.

Stay: Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa

Swap the Masai Mara for Merseyside

A safari of the scouse kind

How many parents dream of whisking their kids away to Africa for a chance to experience a safari? Long flights and expensive tickets mean the dream rarely becomes a reality. But don’t lose all hope of your kids seeing their Serengeti favourites not when Knowsley Safari is an option.

The 550-acre site off the M57 is home to a five-mile safari drive taking in camels, rhinos, lions and much more. Explore the site by foot where you’ll get up close to real life Paddington bears from the Andes and meet Miron, the park’s very own Amur Tiger.

If you want the full safari experience without sacrificing your windscreen wipers, why not book your place on the Baboon Bus? The two-hour long ride takes in Knowsley’s most inquisitive residents, with ropes fixed to the windows for the stars of the show to swing into action.

Stay: Heywood House Hotel, BW Signature Collection by Best Western or Best Western Frodsham Forest Hills Hotel

Swap Hollywood for Hertfordshire

Get closer to Hogwarts from home

Hollywood may have the glitz, the glamour and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter but every muggle knows that Watford’s Warner Bros Studio Tour is where the magic really happens.

Step into incredible sets including Hogwarts’ famous Great Hall and Diagon Alley, explore authentic props used in the movies and see the original Hogwarts Express on platform 9¾, all without fishing out your passport.

A look behind the scenes rather than a theme park experience, nothing feels closer to a term at Hogwarts than a trip to Harry’s Hertfordshire home. This one’s for the hardcore Potter heads in the family, don’t let them miss out.

Stay: Best Western White House Hotel