The half-term break is approaching for many families across the country and with it comes the constant problem of what to do with the kids when the weather turns bad. On the positive side, the beach is rarely a realistic option at this time of year – unless a windy (wet) walk is what you’re after.
So it’s worth checking out some of the best indoor attractions around the country. From discovering tricks of the trade in the magical world of the Harry Potter films to experiencing the UK’s only underground bouncy net in a disused Victorian slate mine in Snowdonia, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained without getting wet and away from their tablets.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Portsmouth
Starring Nelson’s HMS Victory and the wreck of the Mary Rose, Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard is a must for children this term. You can also explore Worlds Beneath the Waves and learn about the Royal Navy’s work on the oceans, or explore the Mary Rose excavations with Dive the Mary Rose 4D.
How to: Tickets start from £24 (child) and £34 (adult). Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (023 9283 9766, historicdockyard.co.uk). Double rooms at Portsmouth Village Hotel start from 73p. Read our review here.
Warner Bros Studio
London
Warner Bros. His studio reveals some of the filmmaking tricks behind the magic and spectacle of the Harry Potter movies. Visitors will be able to witness their favorite scenes brought to life, such as the disappearing effect of the invisibility cloak, the infamous fireplace letter scene, and how Mrs. Weasley delivers an origami howler to her son in Chamber of Secrets.
How to: Tickets for Warner Bros Studio London (wbstudiotour.co.uk) start from £53.50 for adults; £43 child; under four free; reservations must be made in advance. Double rooms at Number One Port Hill cost £130p. Read our review here.
Mail World
Llechwedd, Snowdonia
Located deep underground in a disused Victorian slate mine, the UK’s only underground bouncy net experience is the perfect rainy day solution for anyone over the age of seven. Unleash your inner thrill seeker in this massive underground adventure park by jumping and sliding through six layers of bouncy nets, rooms, tunnels and slides.
How to: Tickets (zipworld.co.uk) from £25 adult; £20 kid. Rooms at Plas Dinas start from 128 pence. Read our review here.
Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions
Edinburgh
Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is Scotland’s capital’s oldest purpose-built visitor center and is a magical, family-friendly option come rain or shine. There are five floors of more than 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits, including a variety of optical illusions, a mirror maze, and a vortex tunnel. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of Edinburgh from the rooftop terrace.
How to: Tickets (camera-obscura.co.uk) cost £22.95 for adults; £17.95 child; Under fives are free. Double rooms at the Rutland Hotel (therutlandhotel.com) start from 140p. Read our review here.
Cooling Factor
Manchester
With snow all year round, this indoor snow resort just outside Manchester is home to the UK’s longest ski slope. Experienced skiers can learn new tricks, while beginners can perfect their snow shoveling skills. Obstacles include rails, boxes and a jump.
How to: Tickets (chillfactore.com). An eight-hour lift ticket costs £54 per person and a two-hour group ski lesson costs £68 per person. Working hours are from 9 am to 10 pm. Double rooms at Native Manchester start from 109p. Read our review Here.
Natural History Museum
London
If your kids are Jurassic fanatics or are excited to see a life-size blue whale, the Natural History Museum is home to a variety of wonders, from complete dinosaur skeletons to meteorite exhibits. February semester events include talks, tours, activities and workshops in the Family Discovery Zone.
How to: Free entry (nhm.ac.uk). Double rooms at Hotel Indigo London – Kensington start from 132p. Read our review here.
Immersive Game Box
Liverpool, Yorkshire, Manchester, Essex and London
Immersive Gamebox is an indoor interactive digital gaming experience designed for families. Combining projection mapping, touchscreen, motion tracking and surround sound, the games include adventures with aliens and the extremely tense Squid Game. Game boxes can accommodate two to six players at a time, with combined rooms for larger parties.
How to: Tickets (immersivegamebox.com). General admission (12+) starts from £26. Juniors (five-11) from £16.
National Botanical Garden of Wales
camarthenshire
The National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire offers nature-based activities such as daily wildlife safari walks, bird feeder workshops and owl pellet review. They know it rains in Wales, so many events are held in secret at Theatr Botanica. Children can also explore incredible tropical plants in the world’s largest greenhouse and visit the British Bird of Prey Center for up-close encounters.
How to: Tickets to the Botanic Garden of Wales (botanicgarden.wales) start from £19 for adults; £10 child; Under two years old is free. Double rooms at Mansion House, Llansteffan (mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk) cost £203p. Read our review here.
Blue Badge Tourist Guides
London
Blue Badge Tourist Guide Sarah Ciacci regularly works with families and children to tailor her unique art and history tours accordingly. Sites include the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Portrait Gallery and East End Street Art Tours. Sarah enjoys the challenge of engaging young people to bring history, art or historic buildings to life
How to: Questions for Sarah Ciacci (sarahciacci.com/student-family-tours-london). Room rates at the child-friendly Ampersand Hotel start from 247p. Read our review here.
