Trips to take now the kids are back at school

The kids are back at school, and all of a sudden, touristy spots across the UK are quiet again… It’s the perfect opportunity to go and have some adult fun (not that kind. OK, maybe that kind, you do you) at some hotspots that are usually overrun with kiddos. Time for the grown-ups to live their best lives…

Brighton

London-by-the-sea out of season is a dream. Get yourself on the iconic Brighton Pier, and play all the arcade games and 2p machines without feeling guilty about kids queuing behind you. Eat too many of the fresh fried donuts and make yourself sick on the rollercoaster. Clamber around the Upside Down House. Get some chips, but keep an eye out for the seagulls – they get extra violent when there are fewer tourists to pray on. Then ride the Volts electric railway to the Marina, and play a round or two of glow-in-the-dark dinosaur-themed minigolf at Globalls. You can even have a cocktail on your way round. And if you’re feeling brave, have a good splash in the sea. Perfect.

London

So, yeah, the capital is always quite busy, but with the kiddos back at school you’re more likely to be able to enjoy a quieter experience at some of the best spots in the city. Like hanging out with penguins and lions at London Zoo, or marvelling at the T-Rex at the Natural History Museum. Pretend to be a bus driver at the London Transport Museum, fly on the London Eye, pose with celebs at Madame Tussauds… basically run around town having an absolute ball. Then go for a gleefully themed afternoon tea, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at One Aldwych, or Peter Pan at Aqua Shard. Never grow up.

Windsor

Head to the Royal Borough for a grand old day out. Enjoy the beauty of the Long Walk in Windsor Park without a million bored and tired kiddos throwing tantrums. Explore the castle, and take your time admiring Queen Mary’s magical little doll house. Take tea somewhere twee. And then go to Legoland Windsor. OK, there might be a few rides you’re too ‘big’ for (boo), but you can more than make up for it by riding plenty of rollercoasters, shooting some lasers, building your own Lego creatures, and exploring the incredible collection of mini global monuments built from Lego. Then play some mini golf and have a Pirate Burger. Arrrg!

York

Yes, York is famous for Vikings (and you’ll definitely want to head to the Jorvik Centre), but it’s also known as the home of chocolate. This is where the iconic Chocolate Orange was born, as well as the KitKat. Apparently, if the wind blows the right way, you can still smell the sweet stuff on the breeze. As you can imagine, the choccy-themed tourist attractions are packed with children in the school hols, so take advantage of a quieter period and give yourself a spectacular sugar high. York Cocoa House is a working chocolate factory, where you can learn about production and have a go at making (and eating) your own bars. York’s Chocolate Story is a deep dive into the history of chocolate, particularly in York, and even has lessons on how to taste chocolate like an expert. If you’re not sick of sweet things when you’re done, head to Betty’s for a Fat Rascal. Not a euphemism.

Lake District

Probably one of the most stunningly beautiful places in the world, no wonder the Lakes get overrun of a holiday. But in off-season, the roads quiet down, the tiny villages have space to breathe, and while the weather might not be the best, the scenery remain stunning. Enjoy the space to take long, relaxing walks, to float along on a boat trip, or to take yourself on the water with some paddleboarding or kayaking. And if Beatrix Potter was a big part of your childhood, now’s the time to visit her house, not far from Ambleside. Without kids under your feet, you can take your time to appreciate the space that inspired Potter – and spot a few familiar friends in the garden, too.

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