Where to take kids for a few days in summer?

[simpleminds6]

I’m thinking of taking the dc away for a few days by myself in summer. Dh will be working a lot and we have a family holiday abroad already booked, but I’d like to do a couple of days in the UK too. Kids are tricky as one is 5 and the other 13 so different needs to cater to. I would like somewhere fairly quiet where we can walk about and see some nice views, maybe a little historical town like Haworth or somewhere in the Peak District like Matlock. Maybe a caravan by the sea. Just somewhere we can have a change of scenery, a few things to do but nothing too full on.

We are in the midlands and an 2 hour drive away would be my limit probably. Any tips gratefully received!

Bump

Would the kids enjoy somewhere quiet with views and nice walks ?

for the mixed ages I would think some where livelier like Scarborough would give you more scope

Is North Wales (Snowdonia) within 2 hours? There are a lot of historical points of interest such as castles which would interest both children and some beautiful scenery to see/take short walks in.

Another vote for snowdonia you’ve got Greenwood adventure park there and things like be forest coaster plus caenarfon castle and the harbour for crabbing. You could also do the steam train that runs round that area. Plus if weather is good there’s some beautiful beaches.

Bit far but castles etc would be good. With the big age gap there aren’t that many activities we can do together anyway so walks, picnics, castles, parks, museums etc are all good. It would only be a few days for a change of scenery and some time together.

Hay/Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Cotswolds? There are lovely glamping places and walks, things like Ludlow Castle/Croft Castle/Hampton Court Gardens or in Cotswolds all the farm park/wildlife park/water park/all things wild/birdland etc.

Maybe Ironbridge (plus Stokesay castle) if Snowdonia is too far? Not such a picturesque part of the world but some nice parks etc to visit.

Snowdonia, waterfalls, gorge walk, easy or more difficult route options for mountains and lakes and if you wanted a treat day out there's zipworld/bounce below

The Dales or Lake District. Agree with Wales too.

Llandudno is lovely with plenty for both ages and for you too.

Holiday park/village where there are lots of activities for all ages. Find the right one and you can also explore local areas with ease.

We enjoy Haven parks, all DCs enjoy them including 14 yo, there are activities for all ages plus joint like ones like pedalos, kart hire, family bike hire.

We very rarely bother with the evening entertainment, choosing to find local places to eat but it’s there if we choose.

Have you thought of doing a cottage search on Sykes, Cottages.com and the like? If you can manage with two bedrooms, it opens up quite a lot of possibilities in the sort of places you mention and the smaller properties are often reduced in price as the summer holidays get nearer.

Bakewell area is nice, you could spend a day at Chatsworth House they usually have different events on during the summer, another day hire bikes and ride along the Monsal Trail

Hunstanton, tradition seaside town with some lovely beaches nearby.