Suggestions please for DD 16th birthday weekend. She prefers the countryside to cities

[Whatliesbeneath707]

DD is 16 soon and we are stuck for what to do for the weekend. We have some family meals arranged for in the week, but can't think what to do on the weekend before. The weather is never usually great.
She has autism and so doesn't really like the big cities like London - too loud and overstimulating & full of different smells!
She likes the countryside & animals & meals out. Can anyone suggest any places to visit that might be suitable, please. We are in the east Midlands. Does anyone know of any nice places to stay in the countryside for 1 or 2 nights where there might be things to do ( visiting a farm or activities)? Any recommendations for lodges/Airbnb in a nice setting. She likes hot tubs & the coast, as well as the countryside.

Many thanks 😊

What about a treasure hunt to her destination? I did that for my daughter's 16th and she loved it! It sounds cheesy, but it was a hit.🤗🤗🤗

Northumberland without a doubt

We stayed in a luxury yurt in the peak district (heated floor, wood burner, kitchen, bathroom, hot tub)

They have a few accommodations and the area is beautiful

www.uppergatefarm.co.uk/

Helmsley in North Yorkshire, beautiful market town with great local walks,a lovely Walled Garden, and the National Birds of Prey centre. Lots of lovely pubs, ice cream parlours, tea shops.
We stay at The Black Swan right in the town square.

Being North Yorkshire, there are so many lovely places Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, Sansend for beaches and coastal walks. Dalby Forest is gorgeous miles and miles of wonderful greenery, fantastic for 'forest bathing'!

Peak District. Chatsworth Farm Park, the caves and caverns in Castleton. Buxton and Bakewell.

Highland Cow Safari near Beverley? https://www.dumblefarm.com/

Beverley itself is quite charming- walk on the Westwood and dinner in a pub?

How about alpacas?

https://www.pukkapacas.com/

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/44658615?

Cotswolds, little villages to potter around, lots to visit and do. We happened across the falconry centre and loved it! Lots of different birds of prey and several times of day they do flying shows, different birds flown each time. We ended up staying hours to watch the different shows, the vulture being flown were amazing! Literally skimmed our heads, they're huge!

At Broughton on the water we enjoyed the model train museum, not very big but amazing detailed model railways all set up.

There's loads to do in the area. Put Stow on the wold into google maps then zoom out a bit and you'll see some of the things to do in the area.
Not to long a drive from East Midlands too.

This place is lovely...

Malting Farm

www.maltingfarm.co.uk/

Oooh, oooh, you want Wolves of Wiltshire! I took my autistic DD for her last birthday to walk a Wolf hybrid, and as your DD is over 16, she'll actually be able to meet the full wolves - apparently they love a tummy rub.

I can also recommend a lovely pub very nearby that we stayed in - it had good food and the softest beds I've ever slept in. It's a beautiful part of the world too.

DM if you'd like more information.

I've just done a highland cow experience on Friday (but in Aviemore) and can see a pp upthread suggested one in Beverly - if it's an animal your daughter loves then I'd say this. They l are very calming and friendly. I personally couldn't think of a better way to spend a big birthday ❤️

Whitby- perfection. Fossil hunting and cosy up

Cotswold Wildlife Park is good and does animal encounters like feed the penguins, my asd DS did it and was just him and he loved it. We stayed in Bath but plenty of nice places can stay around there. Longleat is also excellent but bigger and more expensive.

How far could you travel.
Port Lympne reserve in Kent has great accommodation options inside the park, great animals, overlooks the coast and you can drive around the reserve in a golf buggy.
Although you said she doesn't like cities, if she likes animals she might like a night in a lodge inside London Zoo. You get two days around the zoo, an evening of special experiences once everyone has gone home, and the lodges are right next to the lions.

You can also do the same at Whipsnade zoo, which is rural.

Thanks so much everyone. I knew you knowledgeable lot would be able to help. Thank you, we will have a look.

I have a lot of similarities to your daughter and enjoy staying here https://darwinforest.co.uk/

There’s lots of tourist attractions in the area including https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/

Woburn Safari is always a good day out.
It will be very quiet people wise this time of the year.

West Wales, Tenby area. Folly Farm, Anna's Welsh Zoo (Manor Wildlife Park) countryside, coastal.

You've given us some great ideas that I'm going to keep for future trips. Thank you.
We've booked the walking with alpacas + afternoon tea. She will love both of those things. Thanks again.

@Whatliesbeneath707 have a fantastic day all 🎂