Here’s our top 10 summer holidays attractions around the UK with something for all the family

Staycations and theme park trips in the UK have never been so much fun! Here’s our top summer holiday picks.

The summer holidays are in full swing! We’re loving spending days in the park, riding bikes, kicking a ball about and enjoying the huge array of days out right here in Merseyside. If however, you’re looking to plan a special treat further afield for you and your family, we’ve got some fab ideas.

Pack up your picnic, book your tickets online and head out around the UK to make some memories. We’ve got amazing zoos, phenomenal views and even a little Harry Potter magic on offer. The only question is, where will you go first?

Staying closer to home? Check out 60 things to do with the kids this summer in Merseyside here.

Here’s 10 top UK family attractions to plan a day out or staycation this summer….

1 – Blackpool

It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the seaside and Blackpool is bursting with family fun. Get yourself a Blackpool Big Ticket and save on entry to 7 huge attractions including SEA Life Blackpool, Madam Tussauds and The Blackpool Tower Circus. Fish & chips, lots of ice-cream and unrivalled views of the North West coastline make for a fabulous family day out.

How to get there: Northern Rail run services from Liverpool Lime Street and it’s just over an hour in the car. Sat Nav FY1 4BJ

More information: Head to www.theblackpooltower.com or head this way to check out the Blackpool Big Ticket.

2 – Knowsley Safari

There’s more than 80 brand new animals to spot at Knowsley Safari this summer! The LEGO Brick Safari gives kids (and big kids like us) the chance to get up close with colossal creatures made entirely from LEGO adding a whole new adventure to the 5 mile safari drive, fair rides, play parks and foot safari featuring Amur Tigers!

How to get there: Knowsley Safari is just a 20 minute drive from Liverpool City Centre. Sat Nav L34 4AN.

More information: Book tickets and find out more at www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk or head this way.

3 – Southport

There’s SO much to do on a visit to Southport this summer. The beach, the Victorian pier, all the ice cream, Pleasureland for the thrill seekers, Marine Lake for the wanderers and Kings Garden Park for a go on the swings before home time. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

How to get there: Merseyrail runs regular services direct from Liverpool Central to Southport, plan your journey here. It’s just a 50 minute drive from Liverpool city centre to Southport centre. Sat Nav PR8 1RX

More information: Head to www.visitsouthport.com or head this way to see what we love most about summer in Southport.

4 – Bounce Below, The Llechwedd Slate Caverns

Bounce Below, ZipWorld. Photo credit: Bounce Below Facebook

This incredible visitor attraction is located deep beneath Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Snowdonia National Park. The enourmous, underground net adventure is suitable for kids age 7 up and involves bouncing and sliding your way through a disused slate mine!

How to get there: Okay so it’s roughly a 2 hour drive to Bounce Below but we think well worth it. Stop for fish n chips in Betws-y-Coed of Llandudno on the way back. Sat Nav LL41 3NB

More information: Head to www.zipworld.co.uk for more info and to book your bounce session online.

5 – Gulliver’s World

Is it even the summer holidays if you don’t have a little trip to Gulliver’s World? A firm favourite with scouse families, this Warrington based theme park offers all the fun of the fair for younger kids. With splash rides, special guest appearances and train rides galore, it’s definitely worth a trip down the M62.

How to get there: Gulliver’s World is located near Warrington, just a 25 minute drive from Liverpool City Centre. Sat Nav WA5 9YZ

More information: Head to www.gulliversfun.co.uk to see what’s on this summer holidays and to book online tickets.

6 – Flamingo Land

If you’re looking for a theme park that has it all, it has to be Flamingo Land Resort. Nestled in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside this theme park, zoo and resort is home to more than 140 different species, rides for all ages and a range of accommodation too. Oh and real live flamingoes of course!

How to get there: Flamingo Land Resort is located near Kirby Misperton, approx 2.5 hour drive from Liverpool city centre. Sat Nav YO17 6UX.

More information: For more information head to www.flamingoland.co.uk 

7 – Chester Zoo

Another staple day out that never fails to thrill and delight visitors of all ages is Chester Zoo. More than 26,000 animals call Chester Zoo their home and with 125 acres to explore, there’s so much to entertain the kids. The butterfly house, the adorable marsupials and a brand new baby taipur await your little explorers.

How to get there: Merseyrail runs regular services between Liverpool Central, James Street and Chester where you can jump on the zoo shuttle bus, plan your journey here. If you’re driving, Chester Zoo is just a 30 minute drive from Liverpool City Centre. Sat Nav CH2 1EU.

More information: To see what’s on this summer at Chester Zoo, head to www.chesterzoo.org

8 – Alton Towers

School trips to Alton Towers were the best when we were kids, but now it’s even better! Alongside the rides we know and love (Nemesis, Oblivion & Rita) Alton Towers is now home to Cbeebies Land and its very own indoor/outdoor waterpark too. Something for everyone, rain or shine.

How to get there: Alton Towers is located near Stoke on Trent, about an hour an a half drive. Sat Nav ST10 4DB

More information: To book tickets, fast track passes and see what’s on this summer, head to www.altontowers.com

9 – The Making of Harry Potter

A must-do for any Harry Potter fan. The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour London offers Hogwarts lovers the chance to walk the film set that made the magic come alive. From costumes to incredible, detailed sets, props and more, check out the summer programme of attractions and relive the magic all over again.

How to get there: It’s a 3.5 hour drive to Warner Bros Studio’s in London, Sat Nav WD25 7LR. We suggest checking out trains from Liverpool Lime Street too.

More information: To see what’s on this summer holidays at The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour London and to book your tickets head to www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

10 – Legoland Resort Windsor

If you’re kids are build-aholics, treat them to a theme park experience filled with millions of LEGO bricks! Legoland Resort Windsor is a fab park aimed at younger kids. From the epic model villages and cities (can you spot astronauts, Harry & Meghan and a big old crocodile?) to life sized ninjas, pirates and more? You can even get your own LEGO driving license!

How to get there: It’s a 3.5 hour drive to Windsor from Liverpool City Centre. Sat Nav SL4 4AY

More information: To see what’s on this summer holidays at Legoland Resort Windsor and to book your tickets online head to www.legoland.co.uk

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