Whether you want to come face-to-face with Vikings, see stardust that is older than our solar system, experience our planet’s different climates, or watch sharks swim above you, there’s something for every member of the family.
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Here are 10 of the best UK family attractions that kids should experience before they grow up.
1. The Eden Project, Cornwall
Read reviews and see more photos on TripAdvisor.
The Eden Project is a world-renowned ecological attraction situated 5km from St Austell.
The Project consists of two colossal, bubble-like enclosures housing Tropical and Mediterranean Biomes. Its Tropical Biome is the largest indoor rainforest in the world, covering 3.9 acres and housing over 1,000 plants from across the globe.
At the Eden Project, families can experience the world’s diverse ecosystems, temperatures and plant life, while learning about the importance of our planet’s natural habitats. Children will enjoy playing on climbing frames or ice skating in winter. The Eden Project also boasts England’s longest and fastest zipwire. Their café offers a range of freshly-prepared, sustainable food.
Website: The Eden Project
2. Cadbury World, Birmingham
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Has your family got a sweet tooth? Then head to Cadbury World in Bournville Village, Birmingham.
Families can explore the 1,000-year-old origins of chocolate by weaving through Cadbury’s Aztec Jungle. There’s an exciting 4D simulated experience, where families can take a ride on the Crunchie Rollercoaster and Crème Egg Airship from the comfort and safety of motion seats. Kids can grow their own cocoa tree or dance in chocolate rain within Cadbury’s interactive Purple Planet area. There are also special play areas for younger children.
Before you leave, check out the world’s largest Cadbury shop, ideal for buying tasty souvenirs.
Website: Cadbury World
3. Corfe Model Village & Fairy Garden, Dorset
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
Read reviews and see more photos on TripAdvisor.
This model village and enchanted fairy garden is set in the heart of Corfe Castle Village on the Isle of Purbeck.
The site houses a 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and the surrounding village as it was in 1646, before the castle was destroyed during the English Civil War. Kids will love finding miniature villagers going about their daily activities and can explore the enchanted fairy garden. There are also fun, giant board games including draughts and jenga that the whole family can play.
Website: Corfe Castle Model Village
4. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
Read reviews and see more photos on TripAdvisor.
Rated by TripAdvisor as the sixth-best thing to do in Edinburgh, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is the perfect activity for children of all ages.
The attraction has over 100 captivating optical illusions that you can wander through or interact with. There’s a dizzying vortex tunnel and winding mirror maze for kids to enjoy. If you have children under five, check out the Teeny Tiny Toddler Fest that houses sensory light exhibits, interactive games and animal-themed mirrors, all tailored to younger children.
Website: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
5. BeWILDerwood, Norfolk
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
Read reviews and see more photos on TripAdvisor.
Just 10 miles north of Norwich lies BeWILDerwood, a woodland area turned into a creative adventure park that’s great for families.
Your children will go wild for its mazes, climbing frames and zipwires. Activities like den-building require families to work together and fully immerse themselves in nature. The park also hosts storytelling sessions in the woods and a magical evening lantern parade with colourful lights to enchant your kids.
Need a bite to eat? Have a picnic in the woods or try one of BeWILDerwood’s cafés.
Website: BeWILDerwood
6. JORVIK Viking Centre, York
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
Read reviews and see more photos on TripAdvisor.
Travel back 1,000 years and experience what life was like during the Viking Age at the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre, situated in the heart of York.
This educational centre brings the story of the Vikings to life and is a fantastic attraction for children, and parents, interested in history. Take a ride through a replica Viking Age settlement, complete with talking animatronic Viking villagers and thousand-year-old smells. The centre also boasts a glass walkway positioned over the archaeological remains of a real Viking settlement, enabling you and your children to, quite literally, see Viking history beneath your feet.
Website: JORVIK Viking Centre
7. Natural History Museum, London
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With over five million visitors each year and 80 million specimens, the Natural History Museum in London’s South Kensington is one of the most famous museums in the world.
Its artefacts showcase billions of years worth of the earth’s history and are guaranteed to fascinate and educate you and your children. See gem-filled meteorites and stardust older than our solar system in the museum’s space exhibit. Explore our planet’s deep, dark oceans or learn how humans evolved over millions of years.
Here, you can see real, fossilised dinosaur bones and a huge animatronic, roaring T-Rex. The museum hosts many children’s events, including Dino Snores, where kids aged between 7 and 11 sleepover in the museum and take part in fun activities.
Website: Natural History Museum
8. The Forbidden Corner, Middleham
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
Read reviews and see more photos on TripAdvisor.
The Forbidden Corner in Tugpill Park Estate, North Yorkshire, is a mysterious and magical family attraction.
Cross over stepping stones and weave through outdoor areas to discover weird and wonderful carved statues, including dragons and giants. Follow the paths that lead to nowhere, and see the glass pyramid and the spectacular fountains. Make sure you check out their seasonal events, including a Halloween special with spooky witches and monsters hiding around the grounds – only for the brave!
Website: The Forbidden Corner
9. SEA LIFE, Brighton
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Directly opposite Brighton beach and pier is the world’s oldest aquarium, SEA LIFE Brighton.
First opened in 1872, the aquarium features thousands of underwater species including sharks, jellyfish and turtles. See if your kids can spot Lulu, the largest turtle living here that weighs 28 stone! Children will love trekking through the aquarium’s hot and humid rainforest, looking for anacondas and poison dart frogs.
A recently installed 750,000-litre display will capture your children’s imaginations as they experience the wonder of a coral reef and bio-florescent tropical shores.
Website: Sea Life Brighton
10. St Fagans Natural History Museum, Wales
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A popular Welsh heritage attraction, St Fagans Natural History Museum lies on the grounds of the historic St Fagans Castle.
Its galleries explore the history and traditions of Wales and include the remains of a young, ten-year-old Neanderthal boy who lived in Wales 230,000 years ago. Your children will be intrigued to learn how different his life was all that time ago compared to theirs today. On the grounds are gardens and woodland that families can also explore.
Website: St Fagans Natural History Museum
These are just some of the best UK family attractions but there are many more. Which ones do your kids love?
