Top 10 family breaks in the UK
Finding the right place for a family break is easier than it sounds. The UK might be short of sunshine this year, but it's not short of kid-friendly attractions. Just read on
Northern star
Edinburgh is packed with children's attractions. Explore the wondrous Edinburgh Castle with its moat, myriad rooms and mighty hilltop position. Listen out for the 'one o'clock gun', fired daily (except Sundays) and climb the 200?foot Scott Monument to Sir Walter Scott for picnics and city views.
Back to nature, the 80-acre Edinburgh Zoo is home to the world's largest penguin colony so check out those happy feet for yourself. Endangered species include red pandas, pygmy hippos, poison arrow frogs and Siberian tigers.
And not forgetting Dynamic Earth, the imaginatively interactive science centre that re-enacts the Big Bang while you experience volcanoes erupting, polar ice chills and the drench of a tropical rainstorm.
West Country bliss
The Eden Project in Cornwall is a genuine marvel, its three biomes representing three world climates, humid tropics, warm temperate and roofless, which all house a fascinating variety of plant and exhibits. There are also children's play areas, shortcut routes such as swingy rope handles and stepping stones and a storytelling area.
Three miles away is the town of St Austell and the Porthpean Activity Centre, where you can book numerous family activities from kayaking and sailing to indoor climbing and archery.
Large, flat, family-friendly sandy beaches are plentiful. Try Par Sands Beach in St Austell's Bay or Pentewan, four miles away. Crinnis Beach (also called Carlyon Bay) is another favourite for its privacy and range of watersports facilities.
Broaden the horizons
Taking the family on a boating holiday is a great way to holiday - and a change from taking the car. Plus, you're outdoors and the kids get to travel via narrowboat, a guaranteed novelty factor. The Norfolk Broads is Britain's largest protected wetland area, with 200 kilometres of lock-free river and shallow lakes, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and home to some extraordinary wildlife like the swallowtail butterfly.
Nearby, the farm, crafts centre and fun fair at Wroxham Barns is great for children, while in Norwich itself, there's the Puppet Theatre, one of the UK's only dedicated puppet venues. Other attractions include the Inspire Discovery Centre, a hands-on interactive science centre and chariot rides at Norwich Castle.
Lakeside
Best thing about the Lakes is that the views are free...and this beautiful northern England region also enjoys top kids' attractions.
Beatrix Potter's house at Hill Top Farm, Sawtrey is where the author penned many of her renowned children's stories - kids will love the 3D Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle. Close by is the Windermere's Aquarium of the Lakes which houses the UK's largest freshwater fish collection including the ominous pike, giant carp and otters. There's an underwater tunnel with diving ducks, Morecambe Bay shark and ray displays, seashore discovery zone and children's quiz trail.
Or travel in olde-worlde style on the restored narrow-gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and relax with the family as the train chugs its way through the western Lake District.
Back to nature
Active families can run amok in South Wales' Brecon Beacons National Park which is packed with lakes, mountains and waterfalls to explore, plus castles, forts and the narrow gauge Brecon Mountain Railway. Eastwards is Caerphilly Castle, a perennial favourite with families, its 30 acres making it Wales' biggest castle (and the largest in Britain with Windsor and Dover) while westwards lies Swansea where you will find Plantasia, the enormous garden pyramid housing a collection of exotic plants. The attraction is also home to Maze World and Wild Walk. Across in West Glamorgan, you'll find the WWT National Wetland Centre Wales where an amazing array of ducks, geese, swans and flamingos gather.
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