Days out to remember

With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, you won’t be the only person beginning to look for things to do that’ll keep the kids occupied and entertained over the next couple of months. And although we love going for walks in the sun and picnics out at the park, sometimes it’s fun to do something a little unusual now and again. There’s nothing better than capturing some lovely moments on the family camera and knowing we’ll never forget those days.

So, with that in mind, here are some of the wonderfully weird and weirdly wonderful activities and days out for a family to look forward to this summer.

World Pooh Sticks Championships

A real childhood favourite gets (a little) serious on 7th June when kids big and small will race their Pooh sticks down the River Windrush, Oxfordshire. Just thinking about heading out to see this oddly charming sport take place makes me feel all nostalgic. It’ll be such a magical day out if the weather is nice.

The Gnome Reserve and Wild Flower Garden

If you enjoy seeing your children’s eyes light up with wonder (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), this four-acre spot near the Cornwall-Devon border is the perfect place to visit. There’s lots for everyone to enjoy from the woodland and stream to 30-yard pond, meadow and garden, 250 species of wild flowers (all labelled so you can remember your favourite) and, of course, the 1000+ gnomes and pixies. You can even rent your own gnome hat and fishing rod for free!

Knaresborough Bed Race

We all know how difficult it can be to get up and get out some days, but these geniuses have managed to turn being in bed into a sport in Knaresborough, Yorkshire. The picturesque village is well worth a visit on any day, and especially so on 13th June. It’s a truly exciting event to watch, with most people speeding down and across Knaresborough in fancy dress before finishing the race with a 20-yard swim over one side of the River Nidd to the other.

Image by  Terry Madeley

Cuckooland

It might not be ideal for every family but if you’re into visiting peculiar museums then you surely can’t do much better than this one? There are 300 years of cuckoo clock history on show, so you’ll have a good old time of it if nothing else!

The Forbidden Corner

The final choice is not meant to scare you. In fact, it’s really quite a friendly place to visit. Hidden away in North Yorkshire, an incredibly interesting selection of randomness welcomes you within the grounds of Tupgill Park Estate. There are even four delightful, modern cottages to rent inside the estate.

Hopefully this list has given you lots of inspiration for a summer packed full of fun for you and the little ones this year. Have you come across any other quirky places and activities for the whole family to enjoy? If so, please let me know… you can never have too many ideas up your sleeve as a parent!