When you are on holiday, taking a weekend break or even just a night away, the chances are you might want to do something while you're there or explore what's on in the area.  It could be booking a river trip, a visit to a museum or wildlife park, or it could be something a little more wild like white water rafting, axe throwing or a high wires course.  Whatever you fancy, jazz up your trip with something a bit different and have a look a the wide variety of experiences available near the accommodation.

Experiences

A leisure cycle is a great way to get the whole family out and exercising! It allows you to travel further whilst still getting to experience the local area. Why not take your family along the Camel Trail in Cornwall? Or Maybe go and hunt a Gruffolo in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, the possibilities are endless! Whether you are a family who loves biking together on relaxing forrest paths or a serious Wiggins type who prefers fast road cycling, there is no doubt that camping holidays give you the freedom to take your cycling hobby with you, wherever you decide to go in the UK.  Plenty of great campsites are near cycling paths and some may also offer bicycle hire too, showing you the best routes to take for a great day out cycling.  

Cycling

Kayaking and canoeing is a great way to get close to nature and experience lochs, lakes, rivers and canals in the UK. An easy way to start experiencing boat sports and go on an adventure. Kayaking and Canoeing are slightly different! When Kayaking you will be seated with your legs extended and you will use a double ended paddle. When you canoe, you can be seated or kneeling and often use a single paddle.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Climbing is a great way to test your strength, balance and agility. As both an indoor and outdoor sport it can be done whatever the weather! You can try out bouldering, climbing and traversing lower walls (around 3 meters) without the assistance of rope. Bouldering basics can be mastered in a few hours and climbing centers will have graded routes allowing you to start out on the easier paths and work your way up. Rock climbing or high ropes is climbing vertically with the assistance of ropes and using safety harnesses, the walls are around 15 meters tall. You will need a good nerve for heights for this activity! Again, beginner sessions are available as are graded routes.

Climbing

The UK has a huge array of museums and art galleries for you to enjoy. From the big hitters in London, such as the Natural History Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and National Portrait Gallery, to exciting living museums where your family can step back in time (such as the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands or the Highland Folk Museum in the Cairngorms). These Museums let your kids get hands-on with history, attending School and learning about farming, crafts, and much more. Art Galleries are not just for the grown ups! They now have workshops and child-friendly trails to inspire even the youngest artists to start drawing.  So why not try out one of our Museums or Art Galleries on your next holiday?   

Museums and Art Galleries

Weather is too nice to stay indoors? Want to stretch your legs? Children need to run wild?  Then head to one of the UK's fantastic parks and playgrounds on offer and breath in that fresh air!

Parks and Playgrounds

If you decide to take a holiday in the UK to an area you don't know (or maybe you do but want to know more), an excellent way of seeing around and actually getting to see the "best bits" is by taking a tour with a local guide or someone in the know. Walking tours, cycling tours, boat tours, pogo-stick tours (ok maybe not the last one) - whatever suits your family best, can be booked online or at local visitor information centres and make a real difference to your stay.  You can find out the history of a place, local facts or even go on something weird and wonderful like a ghost walk or follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper.  Eek.  An open top bus journey can take away the hours pounding the pavement to look around a large city. Boat trips and river cruises are also a great way of seeing a lot of things in a small amount of time, giving you a completely different aspect of the town you are visiting.  Join a large boat or charter something smaller yourself and follow the river along to get a better look at all the surround countryside.  

Tours and River Cruises

See in 360 degrees for miles on end...  As the landscape shrinks into miniature, a model world appears below and familiar landmarks take on new perspectives. Whether you are close to the ground viewing the fascinating wildlife, up amongst the clouds marvelling at their powdery appearance, or peering down at dramatic cliffs, rolling hills and toy box towns, you will be intrigued by this aerial mystery tour. A hot air balloon flight is a wonderful experience for absolutely everyone. 

Hot Air Ballooning

Feel like royalty and visit one of the UK’s beautiful palaces, castles or stately homes. We are lucky to be surrounded by amazing history and architecture here in the UK, and through several organisations we are able to visit and experience these amazing homes. Learn about the history of the buildings and residents, view the art and walk amongst the gardens. Many of these places also offer plenty of activities and guides for the children too! So why not visit one on your next trip?

Castles and Palaces

Hurrah, it's Autumn! That stunning time of year when the skies are blue, the air is crisp and the trees are turning that beautiful golden orange before-they all-drop-off colour.  Christmas is coming, Bake Off is on the telly and before we all hunker down for the long nights ahead, we have a month or two of wonderful outdoorsy stuff to get out of our system.  And most importantly, it is Pumpkin Season.  Woo Hoo! Who doesn't love those creepily carved orange globes popping up in every window ledge from now until Halloween. This year though, how about this: instead of grabbing a dodgy looking squash from the local supermarket, why not.....pick your own?!  There are hundreds (literally) of places to pick your own Pumpkins all over the UK and it is great fun.  Head off at half term for a rural outing with the kids; there are farms and nurseries everywhere with rows of delicious pumpkins just waiting to be chosen and taken back to their forever home (hmmm, ok, until they are made into a pie or have a spooky face carved into them). So find a farm near you and book in.   Once you've booked and are revved up to go, I've got some tips on how to select your perfect pumpkin: 1. check your pumpkin has a good strong green stem. 2. while we are on about stems, NEVER carry your pumpkin by the stem.  If you drop it, the whole thing will break and worse still, so might toes. 3. make sure it doesn't have any cuts in it or soft patches. 4. get a really lovely orangey one - all over....any green or brown bits might mean it is over or under ripe #carvingnightmare 5. looks aren't everything.  Yes, make sure it is orange but don't go for a perfect globe.  A slightly misshapen one adds way more character to your masterpiece and it won't taste any different. You now have your Squash Diploma Level 1.  Whether you are using your Pumpkin to make delicious wedges and cakes, or you just want to carve out a grotesque toothy face, picking your own is way more fun than buying one.   Check out the Pumpkin Picking farms near you today!       

Pumpkin Picking

Aside from roving funfairs which can pop up in towns and cities for a week before travelling on and are a great bonus if you find one, the UK has many, many fantastic Theme Parks that are open all year round and provide a great day out for everyone in the family.  Even the faint-hearted members who don't want to scream themselves hoarse on Oblivion or the like can take a gentle boat trip or something serene around quite often attractive grounds. These parks are a real treat for kids and grown ups alike.  You might plan your holiday to be near one, visit for the day or just get lucky and find there is one right where you are holidaying.  They often need booking in advance as they do limit numbers to some extent, and the well-known ones such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington are so large that you might need more than one day there!  They can be pricey, especially if you have a big family, so always keep a look out for 2-for-1 deals and vouchers, as you could make a good saving. Many seaside locations  - like Blackpool Pleasure beach - have seafront funfairs which are usually in action all year round (although on a very windy day, given their location, some things might close for safety!) so it is always a good idea to check these out too.  Most of these you can buy tickets on the day.

Theme Parks and Funfairs

Explore the best caves, mines and caverns the UK has to offer! From the calm and the easy-going to the hard-core cave diving and abseiling, there is something for everyone. From Air Raid shelters and coal mining to discovering hidden Ice Age art and cathedrals, there is so much to uncover.

Caves and Mines

Trying to find shelter on a rainy day or enjoy a fun evening filled with laughter and popcorn? Visit one of the 775 cinemas in the UK to catch up on the latest blockbuster film releases!  Or fancy watching some live theatre, a music concert, a ballet, or comedy act? Then head to one of the UK's 1300 theatres!  Whether the West End, London is where you want to enjoy some of the UK's finest productions on offer, or Shakespeare's Globe where you can experience incredible performances and actors. Maybe you want to head to the  Festival Theatre in Edinburgh which stages some of the finest operas and ballets. There is something for everyone and definitely not to be missed!    

Cinemas and theatres

Want to train and practice before hitting the slopes this year? Or are you a newbie who wants to learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding to save time practising at the resort? Whilst the sensation of sliding on fresh snow is hard to beat, the artificial slope provides a consistent environment which is great for learning and practising.   Fun for the whole family, a day out with friends or an adventurous date with a loved one!

Dry Ski Slopes

Ideal for expert, casual or budding fisherman alike, there is something for everyone and a great deal of choice. From expert fly fishing in Scotland, general coarse fishing, specialist carp fishing lodges and lakes on the Cotswold Water Park and Devon and Cornwall to excellent pike & river fishing holidays on the Norfolk Broads. We want to get you and the kids out on Britain’s rivers, lochs and sea to land your own catch of the day. Don't think twice, book today! 

Fishing

Discover the trees like never before. Scramble, climb and jump through high rope assault courses, don't forget to bring your courage!  A great outdoor activity for families and adults alike, and dotted throughout the UK. Why not try the adventure for a day out on your next staycation?   

High Ropes Courses

Whatever your child's age there is always something to enjoy. Get cracking in  a multi-level play area where kids can climb, clamber and slide over all sorts of adventurous obstacles. What’s next? What about a ball pond where your children can dip and dive in a pool full of colourful balls? All of the above would make for serious family fun. Of course parents are not forgotten either as a cafe is never far away. You can relax with a tasty coffee and a slice of cake. What more could you want?

Indoor and Soft Play Areas

These days you need to really hunt for a Lido.  They are out there but you need to know where to look.  And when you find one they really are worth it.  From Devon to Aberdeen to Yorkshire you can find magnificent outdoor swimming pools across the UK, and they combine exercise, mental wellbeing and the wonders of fresh air.  Don't believe me?  Give it a try.  The feeling of outdoor swimming really does wonders for the soul.  Plus some of them have really amazing views too. Most lidos are open in the warmer months only (how very, very sensible) but some are open all year round.  Brrr.  So in this instance pack a wetsuit, ice pick and Bear Grylls survival pack for when you drag yourself out.  Yes OK I'm a fair-weather Lido swimmer.  But this is to my detriment I'm sure.  Studies have actually proven that swimming in colder water helps you sleep better, improves circulation and boosts your immune system.  Plus, you feel like a total hero when you come out of the water and everyone is clapping.  Find a Lido near you and give it a go! 

Lidos

Learn to paint or refine your skills... Painting is a completely inclusive activity for the whole family!  Head to a pottery painting class with your friends and take away a keepsake from your holiday! Or let the kids express their creative side with some hand painting!  Maybe you're already proficient and want to polish your brush technique. Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Painting workshops

Pottery is an ancient craft and great fun! Sometimes a little messy, anyone can have a go at either hand building a pot, or getting to grips with a throwing wheel. You can create something beautiful and uniquely yours in no time at all. Families can enjoy together and kids as young as 2 can play with clay, or have a go at painting a pre-made pot. It’s the perfect wet weather or winter activity.

Pottery

Spend the day creating your very own handcrafted pot, vase, or bowl. Or if you have less time on your hands why not try painting a premade version?  A relaxing, indoor family activity. Perfect for creatives and on a rainy day visit one of the many ceramic cafes for coffee, tea, cakes, and of course, crafting!   

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

Why not consider learning to sail on your next staycation? Take to the sea and harness the wind to discover the joy of sailing.  Unlock new adventures and areas by learning to sail, or even discover more about your local area!  From age 8, children are allowed to participate in RYA learn to sail courses. Why not try sailing on your next staycation. 

Sailing

Santas Grottos are the perfect Christmas experience. A fantastic festive day out for the whole family. 

Santas Grottos

Believe it or not, you can Ski outdoors in the UK! The ski season in Scotland is from January to early April. All the resorts offer nursery slopes so everyone can get started, kids can start skiing from 3 or 4 years old. Visit these beautiful mountains and stay in plentiful local accommodation.  If you can't get to the mountains, why not try one of the UK's indoor snow centres. Open all year round they have ski and snowboarding classes for all ages and are a great way to get your mountain hit even in the summer. 

Ski Areas and Resorts

Located in the heart of Devons glorious countryside and yet only 20 minutes to the World Heritage Jurassic coastline, Exeter is one of the most attractive and historically interesting cities in the UK.  The city centre is dominated by an 800-year old gothic cathedral and is steeped in history dating back to before the arrival of the Romans.  Visit the fascinating medieval underground passages, the Roman Wall and the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum. If history is not your thing, then wander down to the Quayside - one of the prettiest areas in the city - to visit the lively pubs and restaurants, study the architecture or take a boat trip.   Head to the West Quarter and the cobbled lanes of Gandy Street to discover great mix of quirky independent shops and boutiques, cafes and bars. 

Exeter, Devon, South West England, UK

Bideford, Devon, South West England, UK

Brixham, Devon, South West England, UK

Budleigh Salterton, Devon, South West England, UK

Croyde, Devon, South West England, UK

Dartmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Dawlish, Devon, South West England, UK

Exmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Honiton, Devon, South West England, UK

Ilfracoombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Launceston, Cornwall, South West England, UK

Newton Abbot, Devon, South West England, UK

Paignton, Devon, South West England, UK

Plymouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Salcombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Saltash, Cornwall, South West England, UK

Seaton, Devon, South West England, UK

Sidmouth, Devon, UK

Teignmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Tiverton, Devon, South West England, UK

Torquay, Devon, South West England, UK

Totnes, Devon, South West England, UK

Woolacombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Nestled in the southwest of England, Devon is a beautiful coastal and rural county, full of nature and landscapes for you to experience.  With 2 beautiful coastlines, Devon is a great place to take the family for a UK beach holiday, why not try out surfing, kayaking or coasteering?  Head inland to the endless moors of Devon, and visit Exmoor or Dartmoor. Meet wild ponies or try pony trekking through the moors. If you live history why not try one of the steam railways across the moors? All great holiday activities.  If you are looking for a city escape, Devon is home to both Plymouth and Exeter, which make great weekend city breaks.  So why not give Devon a go? With beaches, countryside, moorlands, cities, and villages there is something for everyone in Devon.  

Devon, South West England, UK

Bristol, South West England, UK

City of Bath, South West England, UK

Cornwall, South West England, UK

Dorset, South West England, UK

Gloucestershire, South West England, UK

Isles of Scilly, South West England, UK

Somerset, South West England, UK

Wiltshire, South West England, UK

South West England consists of 7 counties, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire as well as the Isles of Scilly. 
It is one of the nine regions of England with a total population of just over 5.28 million.

South West England, UK

East Midlands

East of England, UK

London, UK

North East England

North West England

South East England, UK

West Midlands, UK

Yorkshire and the Humber, UK

England is a totally unique travel destination, well known for its history, natural beauty, vast range of attractions and beautiful countryside landscapes and coastlines. 

England, UK

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the extraordinary United Kingdom; home to mountains, caves, rivers, dramatic coastlines, medieval villages and vibrant cities.

Places nearby

bideford

brixham

budleigh-salterton

croyde

dartmouth

dawlish

exmouth

honiton

ilfracombe

Things to do in exeter