Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
There are few things in life that are more enjoyable than a family holiday, and they can create happy memories that will stay with your children throughout their lives. Having a great holiday doesn’t have to cost you a great deal of money, however, or involve long distance travelling, as increasing numbers of families are finding that they can have a great time whilst staying right here in Great Britain. There’s plenty to see and do on a British city-based staycation, so let’s have a look at how to make the most of these holidays, and at some of the great cities that will reward exploration by you and your family.
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Getting A Great Deal On A British Holiday
It pays to plan ahead when getting ready for a British staycation. If there are museums or attractions that you particularly want to see, then have a look at their website, as there can often be vouchers and special offers just waiting to be snapped up. It also makes sense to consult a specialist website. They have travel tips and discount codes for locations across the United Kingdom and beyond, so your holiday money can go just that bit further. The only difficulty can be deciding just where you want to spend it, so here are five cities that are ideal for family fun days out.
Edinburgh
London is a must-see for any British staycation, but we’re going to take a look a little further afield to find hidden gems, and there’s no better place to begin than the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. The most striking thing about the city is its incredible architecture, rightly earning it the title of the ‘Athens Of The North’, but it also has plenty of attractions for all the family. It really comes alive in summer when it hosts its world famous festival and fringe, but whilst vibrant and colourful it can also be extremely busy at these times, so you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance.
Leeds
Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire, and it makes a great base from which to explore England’s largest county. The city itself has exciting museums including the Royal Armouries where you can watch jousting contests among other delights. Just a short drive away are the Pennine Moors to the west and the Yorkshire Dales to the north, offering spectacular scenery and a perfect place to relax or go for an invigorating hike. The moorland town of Haworth, once home to the Brontë sisters, can easily be reached from Leeds and is a popular choice for a family day out.
Manchester
Manchester is the other great northern city, this time located on the west side of the Pennines. It’s a growing metropolis, thanks to companies like the BBC making it their base. If you love shopping, you’re sure to love Manchester as it has something for everyone, from the expansive Arndale Centre to the exclusive designer brand shops of King Street. Manchester is also famous, of course, for its football heritage, with both United and City among the world’s most acclaimed clubs. If you want to find out more about the beautiful game, then you must visit Manchester’s National Football Museum; it’s sure to be appreciated by sports-mad kids.
Liverpool
Manchester isn’t the only city famous for its football, as just 40 miles to the west is Liverpool. It’s a city rich in history and heritage and has a character all of its own. You’re sure of a friendly welcome when you’re in Liverpool, and locals will proudly point out the great things to see and do in their city, from the imposing Liver Building to the Cavern Club once frequented by The Beatles. The dockside area of Liverpool is a great place to eat, drink, and people watch, and just a short hop away are the beaches of Crosby and New Brighton, offering a taste of the season that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Windsor
Windsor really knows how to do spectacle, as we saw at this year’s stunning royal wedding. If you and your family love pageantry and history then you are sure to love Windsor, and a visit to the Castle and its grounds is a great day out on its own. Another must-see attraction in Windsor, however, is tailored to the younger generation, and that’s the Legoland Windsor Resort. It’s a vast theme park that youngsters will never tire of, and it’s great if a little tiring, fun for adults too.
There’s so much to see and do in this great country of ours, and Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Windsor all have unique attractions that appeal to people of all ages. Don’t forget to look on specialist websites before you travel to get the very best deals, and of course, it also makes sense to pack a raincoat or too, whichever season you’ll be travelling in.
Disclaimer: This is a guest post. Photos credited to the author
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