Feeling the Pinch but still want to get out and about with your children?
Outings with the family certainly do seem to fall into the ‘nice-to-have-but-not essential' bracket, as trips to some of the UK's top attractions, theme parks and zoos can cost a fortune - hefty admission fees, expensive food on-site and petrol to get there can quickly add up.
A recent survey by The Art Fund however has found that there has been a huge increase in visitor numbers to free and cheaper attractions like museums and galleries as families shun more costly entertainment. Days at the beach, walks in local forests and picnics in nearby parks can also be an inexpensive way to keep the whole family entertained.
Rebecca Honey has some great ideas to keep both your kids and your purse happy!
Visit Brighton's beach, pier and parks
Brighton on a budget is easier than you think if you forget the expensive fairs, restaurants and shops. Go back to basics and start out with the underclifff walk stretching from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, where many fossils have been found in this area of special archaeological interest. Head to the famous Victorian pleasure Pier where entrance is free, and then perhaps to one of ninety or so parks for a relaxing picnic. The Brighton Marina has up to 1600 boats berthed at any one time, and is great for an afternoon stroll with a Mediterranean inspired feel. Enjoy an ice cream and admire the glorious cruisers and yachts. See www.visitbrighton.com for loads more ideas and information to help you plan the perfect day.
See one of the England's most striking castles at Bodiam
Just as a castle should look! Bodiam has medieval battlements, ramparts galore, an original wooden portcullis and a beautiful moat and is set amongst glorious countryside about 30 minutes away from Tunbridge Wells. The exterior is virtually complete, and enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life. Children will love exploring the spiral staircases and trying on armour (in school holidays only). Standard entrance charge of £13.00 for a family, see
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Climb the 73 steps at South Foreland Lighthouse
A striking landmark on the White Cliffs of Dover, this beautiful and historic building was the first to have an electrically powered signal and was used in experiments by Faraday and Marconi. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse free of charge and enjoy views across east Kent and the Channel. Children will enjoy spotting ships in the distance, and counting the stairs as they climb! Built on the stunning St Margaret's Bay, the nearby Coastguards Pub & Restaurant is a great pit-stop for exceptional yet reasonably priced seafood. Great walks, stunning views and within an hour of Tunbridge Wells make this a real winner. See www.thecoastguard.co.uk and www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Join the battle at the Imperial War Museum
The London branch of the Imperial War Museum explores how the history of modern conflict affects us all, from the front line to the home front. Older children in particular will be able to see tanks, aircraft and weapons used in many battles, then take a close look at examples of Victoria Cross and George Cross medals earned by the bravest soldiers of our times. With over six floors of exhibitions and displays, including a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Holocaust, this is a ‘must-see' museum. Sited on the Lambeth Road in London, entrance is free of charge. More details can be found at www.iwm.org.uk
Picnic amongst the wild deer at Knole Park
Knole Park surrounds the beautiful Knole House, a National Trust property in Sevenoaks. The house itself boasts an array of paintings by Gainsborough, Van Dyck and Reynolds, as well as important 17th-century tapestries. However, let's be honest, these aren't going to keep children entertained for long! The 1,000-acre deer park surrounding the house will. We suggest bringing a picnic, finding the perfect spot and watching the herds of wild deer roaming freely. Buggy friendly pathways, a pretty tea room and loads of parking are also part of the attraction. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Small car parking charge only, access to the park is free.
Explore Hastings Old Town and Beach
Thought you knew Hastings? Think again! Beyond the amusement arcades and slightly run down centre, the Old Town is a real gem waiting to be discovered. Wander around the cobbled back lanes to find quirky shops and restaurants, including the fabulous Judges organic bakery, owned by Jo Fairley, a co-founder of Green & Blacks chocolate (the brownies are world-class!). Then, head down to the pebbled beach to see the trawler boats coming in with their catch, pick up some fresh fish from Johnny Swann's hut to take home for supper, or buy some chips to scoff there and then! The Blue Reef Aquarium is also on your doorstep, plus the miniature railway to take you for a fun ride along the beachfront. Finally the Fisherman's Museum is well worth a visit and is also free of charge. Have a look at www.judgesbakery.com and www.ohps.org.uk/fishermens_museum for more details.
Cycle the nature trails at Bedgebury Pinetum
A one-off car parking charge of £7.50 is payable on arrival at Bedgebury Pinetum near Goudhurst, but that gives you access to around 350 acres of forest, play areas, nature trails and cycle tracks. The sand covered pirate ship play area in particular is a sure fire hit with children of all ages! Bring bikes with you and pack a picnic to really keep the cost down (although bikes can be hired on site and there is a good refreshments hut at the visitor centre). Enjoy a full day exploring all Bedgebury has to offer. See www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk.
Walk with the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
Entrance to the Natural History Museum in London is completely free of charge and this attraction comes particularly highly recommended. The entrance hall on arrival is impressive in itself, with a vast dinosaur skeleton setting the scene for the Dinosaur Zone. Be terrified by the roaring T-Rex, see real dinosaur remains and explore the 160 million years of the dinosaur era. The museum also has many other exhibitions including mammals, the Earth, bugs and birds. See www.nhm.ac.uk for more details including opening hours and location.
Set sail at the National Maritime Museum
All aboard for a fun packed day in Greenwich! The National Maritime Museum's collection contains over two million items relating to seafaring, navigation, astronomy and time measurement, and is situated in beautiful parkland providing a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. The museum includes boat simulators, Nelson's Trafalgar uniform, the biggest telescope in the UK and the meridian timeline. Entrance is free. More information can be found at www.nmm.ac.uk.
Build sandcastles and run wild in the dunes at Camber Sands
Camber Sands is a vast expanse of beautiful beach just beyond Rye, and is well worth a trip on a hot summer's day when you just have to be near water. Popular with surfers, dog walkers, sandcastle builders, horse riders and kite flyers alike, this beach is justifiably popular but the 7-mile expanse of sand means you never feel crowded. The soft sandy dunes at the back of the beach provide a sheltered spot for eating lunch or simply sunbathing. See www.camber.east-sussex.co.uk for more.
Whatever you choose, we are sure your children will love it...as will your bank balance! Enjoy!
Article written for Summer 2009 issue by Rebecca Honey
