Summer Fun in the South West: Activities and Ideas for Families
As the school year draws to a close and summer holidays begin, parents often find themselves wondering how to keep their children entertained and engaged. Fortunately, the South West of England offers a plethora of activities, places to visit, and creative ideas to keep both teenagers and younger children busy. We explore exciting things to do, family-friendly destinations, craft projects, and cookery ideas that are perfect for the summer break. Please feel free to add your own suggestions over on our facebook page.
Exploring the South West: Top Places to Visit
Dartmoor National Park (Devon)
Dartmoor offers vast, open spaces perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Children can enjoy discovering the park’s wildlife and the historic sites like stone circles and ancient ruins. Find out more
The Eden Project (Cornwall)
Located in Cornwall, the Eden Project is both educational and fun. It features massive biomes housing plants from around the world, interactive exhibits, and a range of activities suitable for all ages. Find out more
Bristol Zoo Project
Bristol Zoo Project is a fantastic day out for families. With a wide variety of animals, educational talks, and interactive exhibits, it’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Find out more
Longleat Safari Park (Wiltshire)
Longleat combines a safari park with a stately home and gardens, offering a full day of fun. Drive through the safari to see lions, tigers, and giraffes up close, then explore the maze and adventure playground. Find out more
Stonehenge (Wiltshire)
A visit to the iconic Stonehenge is a must. The visitor centre offers interactive exhibits and a close-up view of the ancient stone circle, making it a fascinating educational trip. Find out more.
The New Forest (Hampshire)
The New Forest offers beautiful woodlands, open moors, and charming villages. Activities include cycling, horse riding, and exploring the wildlife, with plenty of family-friendly trails to follow. Find out more
Cheddar Gorge and Caves (Somerset)
Cheddar Gorge provides dramatic scenery and exciting cave tours. Families can enjoy cliff-top walks, rock climbing, and learning about the prehistoric past in the interactive museum. Find out more
Beaches of Devon and Cornwall
The South West is renowned for its stunning coastline. Beaches such as Woolacombe, St Ives, and Fistral Beach offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, sandcastle building, and rock pooling. Find out more
Salisbury Cathedral (Wiltshire)
Salisbury Cathedral, with its stunning architecture and the tallest spire in the UK, is a great place for a family visit. Kids can enjoy the Tower Tour and the Magna Carta exhibition. Find out more
Paultons Park (Hampshire)
Paultons Park is home to Peppa Pig World, which is perfect for younger children. The park also features thrilling rides and beautiful gardens, making it suitable for all ages. Find out more
Winchester Science Centre (Hampshire)
Winchester Science Centre offers hands-on exhibits and a planetarium, making it a fun and educational day out for children interested in science and space. Find out more
Wookey Hole Caves (Somerset)
Wookey Hole Caves offer a magical underground experience. Kids will love the animatronic dinosaurs, fairy gardens, and the traditional paper mill. Find out more
The Roman Baths (Somerset)
Located in Bath, the Roman Baths provide a fascinating glimpse into history. Interactive exhibits and costumed characters make it an engaging experience for children. Find out more
Highclere Castle (Hampshire/Berkshire border)
Highclere Castle, famous as the setting for “Downton Abbey,” offers beautiful grounds and an interesting look at history. Children can enjoy exploring the gardens and learning about the castle’s past. Find out more
Windsor Castle (Berkshire)
Windsor Castle, a royal residence, provides a magnificent day out. Children will be captivated by the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Find out more
Legoland Windsor (Berkshire)
Legoland Windsor is a perfect destination for families with younger children. With rides, shows, and Lego-building activities, it offers endless entertainment. Find out more
Craft Ideas to Keep Creative Minds Busy
DIY Nature Collages
Take a walk in your local park or garden and collect leaves, flowers, and twigs. Once home, let the children create beautiful collages using their finds. This activity encourages creativity and an appreciation for nature
Homemade Bird Feeders
Using recycled materials like plastic bottles or milk cartons, children can craft their own bird feeders. Hang them in the garden and enjoy bird watching all summer long.
Painted Rocks
Collect some smooth stones from the beach or a riverbank and transform them into colourful pieces of art using acrylic paints. These can be used as garden decorations or gifts.
Paper Plate Animals
Using paper plates, paint, googly eyes, and other craft supplies, children can create their favourite animals. This simple craft is perfect for younger children.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts
All you need is some plain white t-shirts, fabric dye, and rubber bands. Children can create their own colourful designs and wear their creations all summer long.
Homemade Slime
Mix together glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to create homemade slime. Add food colouring and glitter for extra fun. This activity is great for sensory play.
Bottle Cap Magnets
Collect bottle caps and let the kids decorate them with paint, stickers, or small drawings. Glue a magnet to the back, and you’ll have unique fridge magnets.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix salt, flour, and water to create a dough. Children can shape the dough into ornaments, bake them, and then paint them. These can be used as decorations or gifts.
Cardboard Box Castles
Save up those cardboard boxes and let the kids use them to build their own castles. They can decorate them with paint, stickers, and other craft supplies.
Scrapbook Journals
Encourage children to document their summer adventures by creating scrapbook journals. They can include drawings, photos, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia.
Cookery Ideas for Budding Chefs
For Younger Children
Fruit Kebabs
Ingredients:
- A variety of fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, grapes, melon)
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Let the children thread the fruits onto the skewers in any pattern they like.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.
Mini Pizzas
Ingredients:
- English muffins or pitta bread
- Tomato sauce
- Grated cheese
- Various toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Spread tomato sauce on the muffins or pitta bread.
- Sprinkle with cheese and add toppings.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For Teenagers
Smoothie Bowls
Ingredients:
- Frozen berries
- Banana
- Greek yogurt
- Toppings (e.g., granola, nuts, fresh fruit)
Instructions:
- Blend the frozen berries and banana with a little yogurt until smooth.
- Pour into a bowl and add toppings of choice.
- Serve immediately.
Homemade Pasta
Ingredients:
- 200g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Place the flour on a clean surface and make a well in the centre.
- Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork.
- Gradually mix the flour and eggs together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then roll out and cut into desired pasta shapes.
- Cook in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until al dente.
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Fun Activities for All Ages
Outdoor Treasure Hunt
Organise a treasure hunt in your garden or a local park. Create a map and clues to lead the children to hidden treasures. This can be a fantastic way to get them excited about outdoor play.
Family Board Game Night
Choose a selection of board games suitable for different age groups and have a family game night. This can be a great way to bond and enjoy some screen-free time together.
Camping in the Garden
Set up a tent in the garden and have a mini camping adventure. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy a night under the stars without leaving home.
Check out our activities section on our blog as well for lots more ideas of places to visit here
