Ideas For A Trip (Uk)

[jd_1984]

Our 8 year old boy has his birthday next month and doesn't want a party, he wants to "go away with mum and dad on an adventure".
We think that is really sweet, but, where to go in the UK, for the weekend in November??
Has to be reasonable in terms of cost with some kind of activity to keep us all entertained. Would be setting off after school on Friday, for 2 nights (setting off from near Liverpool)
I am looking at city breaks but not finding anything suitable?!!

Thanks

[bhg481]

Children seem to like Centre Parcs (spelt correctly). We've no personal experience but neighbours and friends have. Worth a look at their web page.

[Noe-schitt]

Not a city break and a fair distance but may be worth a look
http://www.bluestonewales.com/

[bhg481]

Not spelt correctly - should be Center Parcs.

[jd_1984]

Centre Parcs is approx. £500 for 2 nights excluding additional activities which is a bit pricey

[bhg481]

Sorry jd, i didn't look at prices. As you say, a bit pricey.

[237SJ]

How far do you want to travel?

[EcclesCake]

What interests do you have as a family? Is the boy into sports, history, natural history, outdoors pursuits?

[jd_1984]

Don't want to travel more than 100 miles really.
We like outdoors stuff (but obviously its November!)
The little one has a real thirst for knowledge, so museums are an option
I've looked at York, Chester and some lodge type accommodation in Yorkshire, but cant seem to find anywhere I am drawn too.

[Kiki-frog]

Which weekend in November would you be going? It might be worth looking at regional tourist board websites for special events on in November (e.g. fireworks earlier in the month or pre-Christmas things such as skating later in the month.)

[237SJ]

Shame about the distance. I was going to suggest the SE and a visit to Brooklands Museum

[smurfchops]

At Brooklands he could probably sit in the car while the driver does the wet skidding around the track, but quite pricey. How about GoApe adventure parks, zip wires, etc? And not expensive.

[Sir Alec]

Actually, if you've never been to York, you're missing a treat. The museums are amazing and walking the walls of the Minster would be a great adventure for an 8 year old. I went when I was a 9 year old girl and I've never forgotten it. Also, you don't have to stay in York itself, which can be pricey. Find a B+B in one of the outlying villages and drive, or bus into York.
If you like walking and good views, it's worth a look at Hope, or it's surrounding area. It's even lovely in bad weather, but you'd need transport.

[jd_1984]

Thanks all, Sir Alec perhaps I have been too hasty in dismissing York - cheers.

[Buenchico]

Manchester is only just down the road from you but it's still far enough for an 'adventure' for a child. Go by train (which can be fun in itself if your boy is used to going everywhere by car) and use the Metro services to get around.

Fun places in Manchester:

Museum of Science & Industry:
http://www.mosi.org.uk/
(Totally wonderful for kids. Loads to see and plenty of buttons to press!).

The Snow Park at Chill Factore:
http://www.chillfactore.com/snow-fun-and-climbing/snow-park/

Aquatics Centre:
http://www.visitmanchester.com/what-to-do/sportingevent/MAN-3051_manchesteraquat

National Football Museum:
http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/

Horrible Histories at the Imperial War Museum North:
http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/spring/events/horrible-histories-blitzed-brits-at-iwm-north/

Legoland Discovery Centre:
https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester/

10 pin bowling at Namco Funscape:
http://www.namcofunscape.com/

Play Factore:
http://www.playfactore.com/

Add in an evening cinema visit (or, if the dates match up, even better a theatre trip http://www.visitmanchester.com/what-to-do/dance/MAN-311081_guysanddollsatt ) and you've got just about everything you could want!

[Buenchico]

PS: As others have indicated, York is also great for kids but, once again, I advise taking the train. (Driving around York is no fun!)

[janbee]

Definitely York .

[Mosaic]

Why not see what's going on at Speke Hall? You could have the tour lady in costume do a spooky trail - very adventurous, close by too.

[Jennykenny]

Could you go on the boat to the Isle of Man??

[tonyav]

Don't forget about the railway museum in York.