‘Adventures with a touch of magic’: readers’ favourite family days out in the UK

The tour, priced at an accessible £15 for adults and £11 for under-12s, gracefully navigates past the hallowed grounds of Portora Royal School, an institution with a remarkable literary legacy. This historic boarding school proudly counts among its alumni two titans of English literature: Oscar Wilde, the renowned playwright and wit, and Samuel Beckett, the Nobel laureate and modernist playwright. The vessel glides by, offering a glimpse of the impressive gothic-revival architecture and the serene setting that once nurtured such extraordinary minds, now continuing its educational mission as Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

A highlight of the voyage is the essential stop at Devenish Island, home to a remarkably preserved sixth-century monastic settlement. Founded by Saint Molaise, Devenish stands as a testament to Ireland’s early Christian heritage, its ruins whispering tales of faith, scholarship, and resilience. Visitors disembark to explore the remnants of an Augustinian abbey, two ancient churches, and several high crosses, all overshadowed by a magnificent 12th-century round tower, one of the finest examples in Ireland. This architectural marvel, standing over 30 metres tall, served as both a bell tower and a refuge during Viking raids. The atmosphere here is profoundly peaceful; the silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of the lough and the calls of birds, is an almost tangible entity, a rare commodity in the modern world that truly has to be experienced to be believed. It invites introspection and a deep connection to a bygone era.

Lough Erne itself is a masterpiece of nature, its beauty undiminished regardless of the prevailing weather. The vast expanse of water, dotted with over 150 islands, creates a dynamic canvas of light and shadow, reflecting the ever-changing Fermanagh skies. As the local saying goes, "if you don’t like the weather, just give it 10 minutes," a testament to the region’s famously changeable, yet often surprisingly clement, climate. This adaptability adds an element of delightful unpredictability to any visit, ensuring that every boat tour offers a unique perspective of the lough’s timeless charm. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the boat tour also serves as a vital component of County Fermanagh’s tourism economy, supporting local businesses and preserving the historical and natural assets that make this corner of Northern Ireland so special.

A fun-packed day on Glasgow’s riverside. Glasgow, a city forged in the fires of the Industrial Revolution, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a powerhouse of shipbuilding and heavy industry to a vibrant cultural capital. At the heart of this renaissance lies its rejuvenated riverside, a testament to thoughtful urban planning and architectural innovation. Among its crowning jewels is the Riverside Museum, a multi-award-winning attraction that offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich technological and industrial past, and is a beacon for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum building itself is a work of art. Its striking, zinc-clad, zigzagging roofline, reminiscent of a wave or the movement of the Clyde, won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2013 and has become an iconic landmark on the city’s waterfront. Entry is free, aligning with the UK’s commitment to cultural accessibility, and ensuring that Glasgow’s heritage is available to all. The museum’s extensive collections are housed within its dramatic interior, featuring a diverse array of vintage vehicles – from classic cars and motorcycles to powerful locomotives, trams, and even skateboards – meticulously displayed to tell the story of transport and innovation. Visitors can wander through recreated Glasgow streets from different eras, complete with period shops and subway stations, offering an immersive, nostalgic experience for adults and a fascinating educational insight for younger generations.

What truly sets the Riverside Museum apart for families are its interactive displays. Children are invited to engage directly with history, trying out various controls, dressing up in period costumes, or operating models, making learning an exciting, hands-on adventure. The museum regularly hosts a dynamic programme of pop-up events, holiday activities, and workshops, ensuring there’s always something new and engaging for all age groups. Adjacent to the museum, the magnificent Tall Ship Glenlee, one of only five Clyde-built sailing ships still afloat, offers a further exploration of Glasgow’s maritime heritage, with visitors able to step aboard and experience life at sea.

For those seeking an active outdoor experience, the museum boasts a purpose-built urban skateboarding spot, providing a contemporary contrast to the historical exhibits and catering to the city’s youth culture. And just a short, scenic stroll over the elegant Govan footbridge – itself a symbol of renewed connectivity across the Clyde – lies the recently opened Maple Leaf artisan bakery. This culinary gem has quickly garnered a reputation for producing what many claim are Scotland’s finest croissants, offering a perfect, delectable reward after a day of exploration. For those wishing to extend their cultural immersion, the world-renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is also nearby, offering an astonishingly diverse collection spanning art, natural history, and ancient artefacts. Together, these riverside attractions embody Glasgow’s spirit of innovation, heritage, and contemporary vitality, promising a fun-packed and enriching day for every visitor.

Bowled over by Bolsover in Derbyshire. Nestled on a ridge overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale in Derbyshire, Bolsover Castle presents a fascinating departure from the typical medieval fortress. This English Heritage property, with its rich tapestry of gardens, intriguing ruins, and an utterly unique ‘Little Castle,’ offers a captivating day out for visitors of all ages, from the youngest explorers to seasoned history buffs. Having lived a mere 30 minutes away for over three years, one family’s decision to finally visit, prompted by the need to entertain visiting parents and nephews (aged from two to 75), proved to be a stroke of brilliance.

Unlike the defensive strongholds of its contemporaries, Bolsover Castle was conceived as a fantastical pleasure palace by Sir Charles Cavendish in the early 17th century, and later elaborated upon by his son William, the 1st Duke of Newcastle. Built on the site of an earlier Norman castle, its architectural style is a whimsical blend of medieval romanticism and Renaissance grandeur, designed more for lavish entertainment and aristocratic display than for warfare. The centrepiece, the ‘Little Castle,’ is a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring exquisitely painted ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and intimate chambers that evoke the luxurious lifestyle of its former occupants. Visitors can ascend its spiral staircases, marvel at the intricately carved panelling, and imagine the courtly life that once unfolded within its walls.

The site encourages active exploration. Families can wander through the extensive grounds, which include the remains of the Fountain Garden, an ambitious creation once adorned with elaborate water features and statues. A walk along the castle wall provides panoramic views of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside, offering a sense of scale and connection to the landscape. For the more adventurous, the opportunity to ‘climb’ the castle offers a hands-on engagement with its structure.

What truly enhances the visitor experience, especially for younger guests, are the interactive activities woven throughout the site. The basement chambers, with their dramatic acoustics, particularly captivated one young nephew, who was wide-eyed at how his voice echoed through the ancient stone, transforming the space into an impromptu sound laboratory. English Heritage, which meticulously maintains Bolsover, ensures that history is brought to life through engaging exhibitions, costumed interpreters, and family-friendly trails that encourage discovery. Prices, starting from £15.38 for adults and £7.65 for children, offer excellent value, especially for English Heritage members who enjoy free entry, making it an affordable and enriching multi-generational adventure. Bolsover Castle is not just a building; it’s a journey into the imaginative world of 17th-century aristocracy, made accessible and entertaining for everyone.

A wetland wonder in London. In the bustling heart of London, where urban sprawl typically dominates the landscape, lies a remarkable sanctuary of biodiversity and tranquility: the Walthamstow Wetlands. This colossal nature reserve, a true treasure, remains surprisingly unknown to many Londoners despite its profound ecological significance and its prime accessibility, located just 20 minutes from the city centre by tube via Tottenham Hale station. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for a free, immersive family day out, connecting city dwellers with the wonders of the natural world.

Spanning an impressive 211 hectares, Walthamstow Wetlands is one of Europe’s largest urban wetland reserves. Its origins trace back to the 1860s when the site was developed as a series of ten operational reservoirs to supply clean drinking water to London. Today, these reservoirs, managed by Thames Water, London Wildlife Trust, and Waltham Forest Council, have been transformed into a mosaic of diverse habitats, earning it the prestigious designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This status underscores its critical importance for wildlife, particularly its role as a vital haven for migratory birds and overwintering waterfowl.

For families, especially during the spring and summer months, the Wetlands become an open-air classroom and an adventure playground. One enthusiastic visitor, Nigel, recounts how he often spends entire days there with his children, meticulously preparing a picnic, grabbing a bird guide, a flask of tea, and a pair of binoculars for each family member. This simple preparation, combined with "a sense of curiosity and appreciation," is all that’s required for an unforgettable outing. The reserve boasts a comprehensive network of circular bird walks, numerous viewing platforms, and strategically placed hides, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe a rich array of species. From majestic grey herons and cormorants to rare vagrant birds, the diversity is astounding, captivating both novice and experienced birdwatchers. Teenagers, in particular, find themselves drawn to the thrill of spotting unusual wildlife, engaging in quiet observation that fosters patience and a deeper understanding of ecological systems.

Beyond birdwatching, the Wetlands offer a variety of activities including cycling routes, walking trails, and a visitor centre housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century engine house, which often features exhibitions and educational resources. The reserve also regularly hosts guided walks and talks led by experts, providing deeper insights into the resident wildlife, conservation efforts, and the site’s unique history. These events offer an invaluable educational component, inspiring a sense of stewardship for the natural environment. Walthamstow Wetlands stands as a powerful example of successful urban conservation, demonstrating that wild spaces can not only coexist with a metropolis but thrive within it, offering a much-needed respite and a vibrant learning environment for all.

Inspired by a family reading of Laurie Lee’s As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, a family embarked on a delightful walking day in the Cotswolds, uncovering the timeless beauty and charm of this quintessentially English landscape. The region, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is renowned for its gentle, rolling hills, distinctive honey-coloured limestone villages, and an intricate network of ancient pathways that invite leisurely exploration. The experience, traversing the picturesque stretch from Broadway to Bourton-on-the-Water, proved to be brilliant for all generations, from youngsters to grandparents, offering both ease on the feet and endless visual delights.

Laurie Lee, though perhaps more famously associated with his childhood memoir "Cider With Rosie," vividly captured the essence of rural England in his writings. Following in his literary footsteps provides a unique lens through which to appreciate the pastoral idyll of the Cotswolds. The paths here are exceptionally well signposted, ensuring a stress-free walk where the focus remains on the breathtaking scenery rather than navigation. The gentle undulations of the landscape make it accessible for varying fitness levels, allowing families to enjoy a shared outdoor adventure without strenuous effort.

The true magic of a Cotswolds walk lies in the serendipitous discovery of its charming villages. Straying slightly from the main paths leads to hidden gems like the Slaughters – Lower and Upper Slaughter – which live up to their picturesque names with their immaculate village greens, meandering streams, and the iconic honey-coloured stone cottages that glow under the sun. These villages offer a delightful opportunity to pause, perhaps enjoy a traditional pub lunch or a cream tea in one of the quaint tea rooms, and soak in an atmosphere that feels little changed by time. Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" due to the River Windrush flowing through its centre under low bridges, provides another enchanting stop with its unique charm and bustling village life.

The family’s itinerary was further enriched by visits to two exquisite National Trust properties, Hidcote Manor Garden and Upton House and Gardens. Hidcote, a masterpiece of 20th-century garden design created by American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston, is famous for its series of "outdoor rooms," each with its own distinct character, rare trees, shrubs, and herbaceous borders. It’s a sensory feast, offering inspiration and beauty in equal measure. Upton House, meanwhile, combines a beautiful country house with an impressive art collection, including Old Master paintings and porcelain, alongside delightful terraced gardens that cascade down to a tranquil lake, offering magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. These stately homes provide a cultural and historical counterpoint to the natural beauty of the walks, creating a perfectly rounded day out that celebrated both literature and the timeless allure of the Cotswolds.

Be inspired by Isaac Newton in Lincolnshire. Tucked away in the serene rural landscape of Lincolnshire lies Woolsthorpe Manor, a National Trust property that holds immense significance as the birthplace and childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton. This unassuming manor, far from being just a historical building, offers a unique blend of history, science, and tranquil beauty, making it an absolutely brilliant outing for families and curious minds of all ages. One visitor, Laura K, praises it as a favourite stop off the A1, highlighting its ability to pack a punch despite its modest size.

The manor’s most historically pivotal period occurred during the Great Plague of London in 1665-1666. Forced to retreat from Cambridge University, a young Isaac Newton returned to Woolsthorpe, embarking on what historians refer to as his "annus mirabilis" or "year of wonders." It was during this intensely productive period, isolated from the world, that he laid the foundational work for his groundbreaking theories on optics, calculus, and, most famously, universal gravitation. The house meticulously tells this extraordinary story, with exhibits and displays designed in a fascinating, family-friendly way that transports visitors back to the 17th century, allowing them to imagine Newton’s intellectual awakening within these very walls.

At the heart of Woolsthorpe’s legend, and a major draw for visitors, is the famous apple tree in the manor’s garden. While the exact moment of inspiration remains somewhat anecdotal, the story of a falling apple prompting Newton’s thoughts on gravity is deeply ingrained in scientific folklore. Remarkably, a direct descendant of that very tree still stands proudly in the garden today, a living link to one of humanity’s greatest intellectual leaps. The gardens themselves are a beautiful and peaceful spot, perfect for enjoying an ice-cream or a picnic, providing a contemplative setting adjacent to this iconic piece of scientific history.

Beyond the historical house and the legendary tree, the Discovery Centre at Woolsthorpe Manor is a vibrant hub of interactive learning. It features a range of hands-on activities and experiments that brilliantly bring Newton’s principles to life. Budding scientists, young and old, can engage with concepts of light, motion, and gravity through practical demonstrations, fostering curiosity and inspiring a new generation of innovators. The National Trust’s dedication to making complex scientific ideas accessible and enjoyable ensures that every visit is both educational and entertaining. Woolsthorpe Manor truly offers a lovely day out, proving that even a small site can deliver a powerful and inspiring experience, celebrating one of the greatest minds in human history amidst the tranquil beauty of the Lincolnshire countryside.

A quirky destination in the Yorkshire Dales. On the eastern edge of the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, lies a truly eccentric and unforgettable attraction: The Forbidden Corner. This unique folly, situated within the sprawling Tupgill Park estate near Leyburn, offers a day of unparalleled mystery, surprise, and playful adventure that stands in delightful contrast to the traditional Dales experience. Susanna B described it perfectly as "wonderfully quirky and just as entertaining for adults as for children."

The Forbidden Corner is no ordinary garden or historical site; it’s a labyrinthine world of tunnels, secret doors, peculiar statues, and hidden passages, all meticulously crafted to ignite the imagination and challenge the senses. Originally conceived as a private folly for the owner of Tupgill Park, Colin Armstrong, it proved so popular with invited guests that it was eventually opened to the public, much to the delight of those seeking something genuinely different. As visitors navigate its intricate pathways, they encounter an array of fantastical creations: giant hands emerging from the ground, strange faces carved into stone, optical illusions, and unexpected water features that add to the sense of enchantment and playful trickery. Every turn presents a new discovery, encouraging exploration and a spirit of curiosity.

The experience is designed to be interactive and immersive, ensuring