Great family days out, recommended by parents

You’ve made the sandwiches, stocked up on snacks, packed the raingear and the suncream (you never know) and got everyone on the road. Now what you’d really like is a brilliant family day out – guaranteed! That’s where TheSchoolRun’s interactive Great Family Days Out Map comes in. These are the country parks, city farms, National Trust properties, castles, zoos, beaches and forests other parents love, so if you’re in the neighbourhood, why not give them a try? For example:

Escot at Ottery St Mary, Devon
This is a Country House garden, with lovely walks through the woods, play areas, trees and natural statues. There is a huge hedge maze (which we failed to solve), there are animals to see (the otters were a favourite), a falconry display and play areas. The restaurant is great as well. We easily spent a full day here.
by Fredd

Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge is between the village of Grindleford and the A6187 road, Derbyshire.
It’s an ancient wood of mainly oak and ash, with a stream either trickling or roaring below, depending on the weather. A cheap day out if you take a picnic. Kids can paddle, build dams etc. Walks in beautiful countryside – one of our family's favourites!
by Krog

Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens
We went here in June and it was absolutely brilliant. It seems really open and the animals don’t seem caged in at all. You feel like you are walking round with the animals. You can actually walk round with the lemurs. Great train ride, gorgeous gardens, lovely play area, nice cafe
by Miss Poppins

The Ginger Pop Shop
The "Ginger Pop Shop" has recently opened along Poole Quay, Poole in Dorset. It is a short walk from the town centre and is not only a shop but also a mystery to solve! It features the works of Eileen Soper who did the illustrations for Enid Blyton's books (particularly the Famous Five). There are clues to follow including a mirror maze. Once you've solved the mystery, you can spend time as a 1940s/50s child including playing Meccano and with other toys of the age. There's also a mocked up Gypsy Caravan with dressing up and a campfire, a nature area and a 1950s Parlour with Piano.
It really is a wonderful day out! My kids loved having the quiz sheets and solving the mystery and enjoyed the role play part at the end too. We spent a few happy hours here.
Oh yes – the staff are really helpful and enthusiastic too!
by feefeegabor

Talland Bay
In South East Cornwall –between Looe & Polperro. You can get here by walking on the Coast Path or by car. Talland Bay is just beautiful, with its twin beaches, decorated with pink and green rocks and two seasonal cafes. It feels slightly lost in time.
By Rosiej154

Blaise Castle Estate
I live in North Bristol, and a lovely, FREE day out is at Blaise Castle Estate. Beautiful walks, a hidden castle and a great play park for the kids!
By Pinkblossom28