Bounty feature

Out and about

Enjoy the seaside, city or countryside this weekend whether you’re expecting or have kids in tow. Check out what’s on near you with our pick of some of the best days out and short breaks all over Britain

If you’ve had a great day out somewhere, tell other Bounty parents about it here

Castles and gardens

Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex
Always lots to do over the summer months and bank holidays. Or, if you prefer the quiet life, simply take a stroll through the gardens and take in the views of the South Downs. Handily placed if you’re visiting the West Sussex seaside.

Dinefwr, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, South Wales
Stunning landscape park with gorgeous woodlands and regular activities for all the family.

The Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall
Way more than a ‘green’ theme park, this enchanted domed garden is all about protecting and preserving the environment and helping us discover a thing or two about the wonders of nature. Oh and it’s a brilliant day out for all the family. Unmissable if you’re in Cornwall for a holiday.

Hever Castle, Hever, near Edenbridge, Kent
Beautiful setting and plenty to do all year round. There’s an adventure playground for children up to 14 (including an area for little ones), plus you can splash out in the fun water maze.

Kew Gardens, Surrey
A day at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew is a great escape from city life. Visit the newly opened Kew Palace, be one of the first to see the stunning new Sackler Crossing over the lake, and let the kids wear themselves out at the excellent Climbers and Creepers activity zone.

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent
A stunning location and a fun day out, with the castle to explore, acres of grounds to run around in, and a lake to picnic by.

Royal Horticultural Society Gardens
If you’re thinking about planting a few pots, or getting the kids interested in gardening, get some unrivalled inspiration and have a great day out by taking a turn around one of the gorgeous Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens www.rhs.org.uk or the National Botanic Garden of Wales www.gardenofwales.org.uk The gardens welcome families and there’s lots on for kids of all ages.

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
Beautiful stately home in the heart of the Cotswold hills with wonderful views. Follow your visit with a scrummy Cotswold cream tea in one of the tea shops on Winchcombe’s sweet little high street.

Animal attractions

Bocketts Farm, Fetcham, Surrey
This farm has it all - adventure playgrounds, tractor rides, mega sand pits, decent café, and lots of lovely farm animals too of course.

Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire
Great, big, brilliant zoo that kids of all ages will love. The adventure park and family picnic area add to the appeal.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, Oxfordshire
From gambolling lambs to creepy tarantulas, you’ll find creatures great and small at this sprawling park in the pretty Cotswold countryside that’s packed with things to do for kids of all ages.

Easton Farm Park, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Lovely riverside farm where springtime feels really special - tots can feed the lambs and even visit the chick nursery - how cute is that? For the grown ups, there’s a monthly farmers’ market - the next one’s on 22 April.

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole, Dorset
Animals big and small, plus… a bouncy castle! What more could a kid want from a day on the farm.

London Aquarium, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1
Perfect for a rainy day, this underwater world is really magical, the sight of colourful, tropical fish both soothing and dazzling. Little ones will love dipping their fingers into the ray touch pool, while older kids zone in on the sharks, piranhas, and six foot long conger eels.

Newquay Zoo, Newquay, Cornwall
This seaside zoo is set in sub-tropical gardens a stone’s throw from Newquay Bay. Wear the kids out in the Tarzan Trail, children’s play area and Dragon Maze, then watch the wild animals the zoo is helping to conserve.

Take to the water

You can’t help but take it esy on a boat trip along one of Britain’s rivers, lochs or canals. Meander along at a leisurely pace, stopping wherever takes your fancy. Perfect for couples, groups and older families, a boat trip combines a bit of exercise with a fun break. Go to www.hoseasons.co.uk

If you’re in London for a break, take in the sights without the leg work by going on a cruise down the Thames. Or try a quirkier trip along London’s canals.
www.londontown.com/London/Organised_River_Tours
www.citycruises.com
www.canalmuseum.org.uk/boat-trip.htm

If the forecast’s looking good, pack your bucket and spade and head for the seaside. Even if it’s not sunbathing weather, there’s something about sea air that has a major feelgood effect. Enjoy a walk on the sand, have an al fresco lunch and let the tots dig, paddle and collect sea shells. Just a few of those voted this year’s best British beaches by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign are: Aberdyfi in Gwynedd, Ainsdale on Merseyside, Brightlingsea and Martello Bay in Essex, Bournemouth in Dorset, Cromer in Norfolk, Filey and Whitby West Cliff in North Yorkshire, Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire, Sennen Cove in Cornwall, and West Wittering in West Sussex. Remember to pack your sun protection cream along with your swim things, especially for the kids – check out the advice at Sun Smart www.newquayzoo.org.uk

If you can’t face the journey to the beach on a hot day, take a trip to an open air pool or lido, which are open now for the summer months. There are dozens around the UK, from Aldershot (amazing waterslides) to Woburn (within earshot of the elephants at the nearby wild animal park), many of them heated. To find one near you, go to www.lidos.org.uk

A taste of the action

Alton Towers, Alton, Staffordshire
Make a stay of it at the Alton Towers Hotel and help celebrate its 10th anniversary. Football-mad kids will love the Soccer Academy, thrill-seekers will go wild for the scare-raising rides, and there’s plenty to appeal to younger members of the family too.

Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham
Take in the scrummy sights and irresistible aromas of Cadbury World, including tempting new attraction, Essence. A multi-sensory experience – learn about, taste and shop for your favourite chocs.

Chessington World of Adventures, Chessington, Surrey
Fun-packed day out whether they’re three or 13. Lots of white-knuckle stuff for the teens, but plenty for the younger kids too, including two new rides.

Gulliver’s
Great-fun theme park for younger kids - tots under 90cm get in free. Choose from three sites - Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes - each with special Easter events.

Legoland Windsor
Heaps of all-action, primary-coloured fun for kids aged two to 12 and four new attractions – Spellbreaker 4D show, Digger Challenge, remodelled Miniland London and The Secret of Scorpion Palace.

The Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly, North Devon
Lots of indoor and outdoor fun for younger kids and animal lovers (amazing birds of prey displays and the unforgettable flying ferrets) in a picturesque location.

Thorpe Park, Chertsey, Surrey
It’s not all thrills and screams - there are loads of rides and activities for young families too, plus cute and cuddly animals at Thorpe Farm. You can even hire a buggy if their little legs can’t stay the course.

Ice Space, Potters Fields, Tooley Street, London SE1
For families with older children (over fives), take a trip to the Arctic, right by the River Thames. Ice Space is a 300ft x 70ft deep frozen zone where everything is made of, you guessed it, ice. You’ll get a special suit to wear to keep the chill off and can ice skate, play ice games, see amazing ice sculptures and look out for the Snow Queen. How cool is that?

Eureka! Museum for Children, Halifax, Yorkshire
There’s heaps to do at this brilliant, hands-on museum for kids up 11, including the Bending it Like Beckham event for half term week, giving kids five and over the chance to match David’s moves on a free kick simulator.

Break away

Why not make a weekend of it and stay overnight somewhere beautiful? If you’re expecting your first baby, it’s a great opportunity to indulge yourself before becoming a mum.

With 13 country and seaside hotels throughout England and Wales, there’s a Warner break not too far away. Prices start at just £96 per person and you could win a Warner break for two by entering the competition on site. www.warnerbreaks.co.uk

If you’re not so far along in your pregnancy that you can still fly, book a break to a destination that’s not too far flung so you get to enjoy more time there. Get some culture and Mediterranean sun in Barcelona, chill out in Reykjavik, go shopping in Milan or come over all romantic in Paris. Cresta holidays has some great deals www.crestaholidays.co.uk

Cottages 4 U
If an escape to the country or a bolthole by the sea is what you’re after, run away to a romantic cottage, elegant villa or spacious chateau in the UK, Ireland or Europe. Packed with detailed information on properties to suit two or 20, this site makes it easy to choose your ideal accommodation for a special holiday or short break.

If you fancy a weekend that’s more lively than languid, take time out in a smart city-centre hotel, and take in the sights of your chosen destination. The classier chains have a choice of style-conscious hotels with sumptuous bedrooms, spas, and top cuisine. Or, if you want to get away with your little one too, go for one of the larger hotels with family rooms. Try www.hilton.co.uk or www.devere.co.uk/Specials

Downe Cottages, Hartland, North Devon
Whether you’re after a romantic break or a weekend away from it all with your new addition or toddler, set your sights for North Devon and check into a Downe holiday cottage. These beautifully converted barns are a cut above your average self-catering affair. Designed with young families in mind, they’re stylish but cosy with pristine, well-equipped kitchens, proper wooden cots, and for the ultimate indulgence, a spa literally on your doorstep.