8 month old and 11/12 year old

[Neverhappyalwayshopeful]

Hello,

We have 2 children with a really big age gap. Our 11 almost 12 year old is very mature for his age. We are struggling for things to do/places to visit that are baby friendly as well as enjoyable for my older son. I'd be really thankful for any recommendations you might have- we are based in Yorkshire but often travel up and down the country so please do give us general suggestions as well as specific places you think we would like.

Thank you in advance for your help.

would it be best just to ask your son what he'd like to do and see if baby can fit it with those plans? I have a much smaller gap of 4.5 years eldest now a teen and we're having difficulties with this age gap now. Eldest doesn't want to do anything suggested wheres youngest still up for most things its hard.
for you I do think it's best to please your eldest as baby is still only very young and won't care to be honest what he/she is doing.

I have tried this but it doesn't work as the eldest often wants to do things like cinema, high ropes, go karting and trampolining which don't work with an 8 month old unless we split up and one of us does something with the older child and the other does something with the young one. We do, do this regularly but I also would like to do some things together as a family. X

To be honest the reality is there is unlikely to be much that will appeal to your 11 year old that baby would also enjoy so splitting up is probably the most logical option so the eldest gets to do things they want to.

Other than a trip to the zoo, wildlife park or aquarium etc their ages mean it's very unlikely activities will be something they simultaneously find fun.

Camping. Outdoorsy stuff - walking, swimming maybe?
I think at this age you either split the parents or you go places where you have enough space to take things with you to amuse the baby.
It's actually a lovely age gap once baby gets a little bit bigger. We had a baby with an 11 and 13 year gap (3 kids). The older kids quite enjoyed having a little one around and baby had lots of attention and love.