Best family days out in England

From unforgettable bucolic adventures to high jinks on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, uncover fantastic activities for all ages and bring history to life for mini explorers.

Have a Royal Racquet at Hampton Court

Uncover a different side to the sport of tennis and learn the fundamentals of real tennis in one of the country’s most historic settings. While exploring Henry VIII’s striking riverside Tudor palace, take a tour of the historic Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court where visitors can see the oldest court in the world still in use today. Enjoy a talk on the history of the game, an introduction to the rules and a demonstration by professional players. There is also an opportunity for guests to have a go themselves. One of fewer than 50 real tennis courts in the world, three of the walls of the court in use today are from the 17th century, with the other being a Cardinal Wolsey's original.

Serve up an Ace at Wimbledon

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and tour

AELTC/Thomas Lovelock

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and tour of the All England Club is a must for Grand Slam fans of all ages – view the Championships Trophies up close, learn the history of the game, experience the excitement of ‘the Fortnight’ and visit the hallowed turf of SW19. The state-of-the-art museum houses more than 50,000 pieces of tennis memorabilia, and its immersive guides, games and trails will keep families entertained for hours. Kids will revel in the new multimedia attractions, where you can invent a new sport, create a signature Wimbledon ice cream, and even mow the Centre Court grass.

The family activity trails take your little champs on the hunt for two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray around the famous grounds, or follow clues in search of Wimbledon’s resident bird scarer Rufus the Hawk. Gain access to areas where even tournament ticket holders are forbidden to enter. Walk in the footsteps of worldfamous legends and, subject to opening restrictions, maybe you will be lucky enough to set foot on the famous Centre Court, the Millennium Building and the press interview room.

Play Polo at Coworth Park

Coworth Park Polo Academy

The whole family can take the reins at Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park and try to master the sport of kings. The polo experience is held at the Guards Polo Academy— an offshoot of the storied Guards Polo Club, founded by HRH Prince Phillip in 1955 – where you can hone your equestrian skills with practical and fun one-hour polo lessons, half-day masterclasses or bespoke polo days. Under the tutelage of some of polo’s top professional coaches, you’ll get in the saddle, improve your ball skills and learn the rules and history of this noble sport. For younger players, Coworth Park offers smaller mallets, allowing riders of all ages to get into the swing of things.

Sail in St Mawes

Sailing in St Mawes

© Kathy Mansfield

Scoop up your loved ones and whisk them away to Cornwall’s emerald bays and peaceful coves. Set on the edge of the idyllic fishing village of St Mawes, Hotel Tresanton’s elegant sea-view suites provide the perfect coastal retreat on Cornwall’s southern shores. The hotel’s graceful 48-ft sailing yacht, Pinuccia, was built in 1939 to race for Italy, and is available to charter for a leisurely afternoon sail, blissful sunset cruise or whole-day adventure. Explore the glorious reaches of the spellbinding Helford Estuary, paddle in the glassy shallows and stop for a waterfront lunch at a real Cornish inn along the river. Formerly a yacht club, the five-star Hotel Tresanton has an enviable position. They say Cornwall is best seen from seaward, so set sail on an unforgettable adventure.

Journey to Honister Mine

Exploring Honister Mine

Take a private tour of the last working slate mine in England and explore the caverns, tunnels and dark twisting passages while learning about its rich 350-year history. Honister Mine is located at the heart of the Lake District and its underground network of tunnels and caves provides a unique family day out. Learn what life was like for young miners in bygone eras as you venture deep underground with an expert guide. Every tour includes illuminations, special effects and a mock explosion. Those looking for some more adrenalinpacked adventure can also try the Climb The Mine experience, where visitors will complete a series of thrilling vertical climbs, rope bridges, ladders, zip lines and Tarzan swings, and eventually emerge triumphant to a spectacular view of one of England’s highest mountain passes.

Picnic with Fell Ponies

Picnic with Fell ponies in The Lake District

Image credit Graham Wynne

Step back in time to roam the Lake District with rare and beautiful fell ponies. It's suitable for families of all ages; your guide will lead you from base camp at the foot of Windermere through wildflower-carpeted meadows, ancient woodland, fern-clad valleys and springwater brooks, walking alongside the rare breed ponies. Enjoy a oneday trek that follows an old packhorse route, offering spectacular mesmeric views of the Cumbrian landscape and a homecooked artisan picnic in the great outdoors. Your family guides have been breeding and working fell ponies since 1957 and their passion for the Lakes, the fell ponies and their knowledge of the wildlife is imparted as they guide you on the trail.

Discover Dartmoor on Horseback

One of the best ways to discover Dartmoor National Park is on horseback and, for those families who love to saddle up, Dream Escape can create tailor-made luxury riding holidays across this rugged and majestic moorland.

Ride on horseback through the vast and awe-inspiring landscape where you can see Dartmoor’s standing stones and windswept tors up close and enjoy the abundant wildlife of one of England’s finest national parks. Top your riding holiday off with golf, spa, fishing and falconry experiences, and for groups embarking on scenic multiday treks, rest your heads at one of the handpicked deluxe lodges or even combine with a stay at a castle.

WORDS | CHANTAL HAINES