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

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

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

Want to enjoy a leisurely swim or a splash with the family? You can find an array of incredibly fun activities for all the family at a Leisure Centre including tennis, badminton, roller skating, aerobics, gym, dance classes and many more! Whatever takes your fancy, they have it! 

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres

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

Ever imagined galloping along a beach?  Maybe you're more of a fantasy fan or just enjoy spending time with animals, either way horse riding might be for you. A great outdoor activity for the whole family with children able to start from as young as 4. It is an amazing way to take in local scenery, connect with nature, have a little adventure or enjoy at a relaxing pace.   

Horse Riding

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

The UK is the home of the amazing steam train! This integral part of our lives and history means we are lucky to still have many running steam railways and transport museums and attractions.  Why not experience the romance of a steam train ride in the Welsh mountains or across Bodmin and try out a railway or transport attraction on your next holiday.  

Railway and Transport 

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

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

In the heart of Cumbria lies the pretty market town of Penrith, a great location to head to and stay if you want to explore the gems of the Lake District National Park and the beautiful countryside of the Eden Valley and the Pennines.  

Penrith

Cumbria is a predominantly rural county in the North West of England and is home to the breathtaking Lake District, one of the most beautiful regions of the UK.  The Lakes - as it is known -  is world renowned for stunning stretches of water and mountain fells and is visited all year round by hikers and holiday makers looking for an adventurous and exhilarating break - watersports, mountain climbing and hiking are all on offer in abundance.  Cumbria also encompasses the pretty Eden Valley - a mix of lush green countryside, traditional towns and handsome villages, some dating back to Viking times - and the stunning landscape of the North Pennines, an area of Outstanding National Beauty.   There is also a stretch of coastline in Cumbria too.  Between the Lake District fells and Morecambe Bay lies the Furness Peninsula, a stunning area of lush farmland, small villages and market towns, nature reserves and historical buildings.  Barrow-in Furness on the Irish Sea coast is one of the popular towns to explore.   A small part of the Yorkshire Dales national Park also lies within Cumbria.

Cumbria, North West England, UK

Blackpool, North West England, UK

Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire, North West England, UK

Lancashire, North England, UK

Liverpool, North England, UK

Manchester, Lancashire, North England, UK

Merseyside, North West England, UK

With the cities of Blackpool, Liverpool, Manchester and Merseyside to discover as well as the beautiful Cumbrian Hills, the North West of England is an incredible place for adventures and exploring!

North West England

East Midlands

East of England, UK

London, UK

North East England

South East England, UK

South West 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.

Discover Penrith
In the heart of Cumbria lies the pretty market town of Penrith, a great location to head to and stay if you want to explore the gems of the Lake District National Park and the beautiful countryside of the Eden Valley and the Pennines.

Things to do in penrith

Cycling

Canoeing and Kayaking

Climbing

Lidos

Parks and Playgrounds

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres

Indoor and Soft Play Areas

Horse Riding

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

Railway and Transport

Ski Areas and Resorts

Tours and River Cruises

Sign up to our email to stay updated

Discover PenrithIn the heart of Cumbria lies the pretty market town of Penrith, a great location to head to and stay if you want to explore the gems of the Lake District National Park and the beautiful countryside of the Eden Valley and the Pennines.

Things to do in penrith

Cycling

Canoeing and Kayaking

Climbing

Lidos

Parks and Playgrounds

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres

Indoor and Soft Play Areas

Horse Riding

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

Railway and Transport

Ski Areas and Resorts

Tours and River Cruises

Sign up to our email to stay updated

Discover Penrith
In the heart of Cumbria lies the pretty market town of Penrith, a great location to head to and stay if you want to explore the gems of the Lake District National Park and the beautiful countryside of the Eden Valley and the Pennines.