The British weather has been doing its record-breaking worst over the past month as 2015 closed with the wettest December since records began.
We Brits are known for making the best of things when the heavens open, determinedly munching on a sandwich on the beach in horizontal rain. There’s no need to suffer though, the country has a fantastic selection of fun, exciting rainy day attractions.
Here’s a top five that’ll keep you and your family entertained this winter and any time the sun doesn’t shine.
1 – Meet Wallace and Gromit in Bristol
Every kid – and most of us adults too – love cheese-obsessed Wallace and his much brainier canine sidekick Gromit. This great British movie success story is the work of Aardman Animations, who at their Bristol base also produce Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Morph and Creature Comforts. Both the M-Shed and At-Bristol museums, in the beautiful harbour, both celebrate the city’s smallest celebrities with interactive exhibits.
Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Park is on the Somerset coast, a short drive from Bristol.
2 – Travel the World’s Climates in Cornwall
The five “golf balls” of the Eden Project hide – and protect from the rain – one Britain’s most fascinating days out. Divided into climate zones, these biomes contain hugely impressive recreations of the world’s climate zones, from lush South American rain forests to aged Mediterranean olive trees. Canopy walks are just one of the exciting extras at this world-beater that’s a must for scientifically inclined kids and which also hosts major music events, including Lionel Richie in June 2016.
Cornwall is packed with great caravan parks, most of which – like Trelawne Manor – are within relatively easy reach of the Eden Project.
3 – Gaze into the Depths in Devon
Plymouth is home to the National Marine Aquarium, the country’s biggest. Stingrays, jellyfish, sharks, they’re all here at this fabulous educational day out, that’ll show you the underwater world as you’ve never seen it before.
Plymouth in Devon is close to some wonderful caravan parks, including Ashvale at Paignton.
4 – Steam Ahead In Yorkshire
We love our trains in the UK. Not the current lot, which are a constant source of complaint, but the historical railways, particularly the steam-powered variety, can inspire devotion to the point of obsession. No surprise then that Britain is home to the world’s largest railway museum – we did invent the things after all. Head to York to the National Railway Museum and see some of the most famous railway engines in history and plenty of modern interactive fun.
There are loads of great caravan parks in big, beautiful Yorkshire, including Blue Dolphin Holiday Park, on the coast at Filey.
5 – Let the Kids Take Control in Liverpool
Liverpool’s Underwater Street, in the famous docklands where you’ll also find wonderful Beatles Story museum, is a very different interactive experience for youngsters. Children from two to 10 years old can take control here, in six zones with craft activities, workshops and shows to keep them engaged and excited. Everything an enquiring young mind could need, with brilliant food for mum and dad too.
For a caravan break in Liverpool, head just up the coast to Southport Riverside.
