Roadtrip ideas for family holidays: Shakespearean adventures and woodland playgrounds around the UK

Mums Tips

Travel with kids

Published on Wednesday, 13 February 2019 16:06

Last Updated on 13 February 2019

Monica Costa

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Car rental specialist, Europcar, has compiled a list of half-term activities to keep the kids busy. Perfect for a UK staycation, car hire from Europcar gives parents the convenience and flexibility they need for family trips without putting extra miles on the family car. And without breaking the bank. Here are some roadtrip ideas for family holidays including Shakespearean adventures and woodland playgrounds around the UK. 

Skiing in Manchester

For active families, Manchester’s Chill Factore offers indoor, real-snow slopes for skiing, snowboarding and sliding, as well as a climbing wall.

Motoring Down to Beaulieu

Meanwhile, for anyone interested in motoring, Beaulieu, nestled in the heart of the New Forest is home to the motor museum. This year, the museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with an exhibition of props and costumes from the film. Budding inventors can also get up close to the film’s machines, as well as making a few of their own at workshops and activities.

Indoor Activities for Thesps and Toy Makers

Unsettled weather doesn’t have to spoil the half-term fun.  Take a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford Upon-Avon for the family exhibition of 100 years of theatre, The Play’s the Thing. The RSC also hosts workshops for kids of all ages wanting to explore and appreciate Shakespeare.

Or the National Trust Museum of Childhood in Derbyshire could be just the thing for a rainy day for families in the Peak District. Kids get a chance to climb a chimney and visit a Victorian schoolroom. The toy exhibition also features Daleks and film props from Harry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Go Wild

A host of the UK’s country houses now include natural play areas, so kids and parents can get muddy in the great outdoors. The Bath Skyline at Claverton Down includes seesaws and wobble beams, as well as a high-tech treasure hunt using geocache apps via a smartphone – ideal for kids who can’t put their devices down.

In Pembrokeshire, Coldby Woodland Garden includes rope swings and den-building, as well as campfire cooking. Make sure to pack the wellies for the stepping stones and dam-building in the stream.

Step Back in Time

For kids with an interest in history, Kenilworth Castle brings the world of the Tudors to life with Knights and Princesses. Kids can experience life as a Tudor, including brushing up on their sword skills.

In Chester’s Roman Fort and Museum, it’s time to see if the kids could make it as a Roman soldier, with a chance to perform Roman marching drills and handle Roman objects and armour.

“The first half-term of the new year can often be challenging for parents”, said Gary Smith, Managing Director, Europcar Mobility Group in the UK. “Budgets are still tight after the big expense at Christmas and the weather often doesn’t play ball.  But the UK has plenty to offer active and inquisitive families indoor and out, with everything from nature walks to climbing walls and living history events.

“Europcar aims to take the stress out of half-term travel for families, with a wide range of vehicles across a range of budgets. And parents can upgrade to make sure there’s room for the luggage and the dog, with space to spare for friends.

“Whether it’s making like a Roman soldier or just messing about in the woods, Europcar has a car to suit with the added peace of mind of 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra cost.