You’re undoubtedly eager to start travelling again as soon as possible. When the kids are off school, you’ve usually got the perfect excuse to jet off to countless locations that have activities for everyone. But which British destinations offer the best combination of fun and education?
There’s no reason to stop thinking about the places you might explore when the opportunity arises. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the best places to take the kids for an educational staycation.
London
Let’s kick off with the obvious: the Great British Capital. London is one of the world’s greatest cities, and you don’t need to deplete your savings to learn a thing or two. Most of the best museums are free, such as the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum and the British Museum.
You can also look at architectural marvels without spending a penny by venturing around London. Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Palace of Westminster are all about 20 minutes or less from each other on foot.
Cornwall
If you want a relaxing retreat that’s got plenty to offer in the way of education, you should visit Cornwall, a gorgeous region with a long coastline and plenty of beaches. Because of its deep sense of heritage, Cornwall is a marvel to explore, with creativity hidden around every corner. One of the most impressive family attractions is the Eden Project, where you can look at plants from across the globe inside two otherworldly biodomes.
The Lake District
The Lake District is another one of England’s most beautiful natural regions. With its rolling hills, fells, mountains and countryside vistas (not to mention some of the country’s largest lakes), the Lake District has everything you need to get the kids moving. There’s plenty of wilderness to explore and study. And, the area boasts a rich history and plenty of museums that detail it.
Some of the most popular museums in the Lake District include The World of Beatrix Potter, The Lakeland Motor Museum and Dove Cottage, which was William Wordsworth’s home from 1799 to 1808. For an immersive educational experience, ride the miniature steam train at the Ravenglass Railway Museum.
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is home to some of the UK’s most breathtaking countryside scenery. And its many castles only add to its visual and historical appeal. If you want to take the kids on some epic adventures, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Highlands is home to Britain’s largest national park (Cairngorms) and mountain (Ben Nevis). The little ones will also love looking for Nessie at Loch Ness.
Inverness Museum is one of the best places to learn about the history of area. It’s also regarded as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, meaning there’s plenty of restaurants and activities to keep the family well-nourished and entertained.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is stunning from just about every angle, full of architectural gems such as the Palace of Holyrood, St Giles’ Cathedral and Hopetoun House. History buffs will also love sights like Edinburgh Castle and the Old Observatory House. With no shortage of museums, Edinburgh makes for an educational staycation the kids certainly won’t forget. Some of the most popular museums include the National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery and The Queen’s Gallery. Try Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for something a tad different.
Make sure to check our range of fantastic tours from London for more great educational holiday options in the UK.