The British summertime — or winter over here in Australia — is the perfect opportunity to take your family back to the UK. It’s a great chance to indulge in some quintessentially “Pommie” activities to help you reconnect with your British roots.
It could also help your family, who may have never been back to the UK, to experience some of the famous sights, natural wonders, and rich history the country has to offer.
Just remember to pack appropriately for the weather. Expect temperatures north of 30 degrees Celsius on some days and most likely a good amount of rain.
Read on to discover five great things to potentially do with your family this summertime if you choose to head back to the UK.
1. Take a trip to London
If your family haven’t been back in a long time – or if your little ones have never visited the UK –visiting some of London’s famous landmarks can be a great way to experience some quintessentially British, tourist-friendly attractions.
A trip to London could offer up a wide range of activities and places to visit, such as:
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
- The London Eye
- The Natural History Museum
- Covent Garden
- Buckingham Palace
It is also an opportunity to take in London’s array of shops, restaurants and – if there’s someone to look after the kids – its bustling nightlife.
London’s theatre district is world-renowned with some excellent live shows to attend featuring the occasional acting great.
If you’re thinking of taking the kids along, it might be worth considering one of the West End’s many musical productions.
Some great shows worth adding to your itinerary include:
- The Lion King
- Matilda
- Wicked
- Moulin Rouge!
2. Head to the Lake District and relax in the British countryside
Australia has plenty of natural beauty, but the UK has its own wonderous landscapes to visit.
A trip to the Lake District can allow you and your family to take in Britain’s gorgeous scenery from crystal clear waters to rolling hills.
You could opt to go camping or find a cosy cottage to stay in, before taking part in a range of activities, including:
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Stargazing
- Picnicking
The Lake District also has its own historical treasures to visit, being home to many literary greats. You can visit sites linked to British poets and authors, such as William Wordsworth and John Ruskin, while The World of Beatrix Potter experience in Bowness-on-Windermere is a fantastic family destination.
Otherwise, you could opt to go out in search of one of the “Borrowdale Banksy’s” slate sculptures, which have slowly been appearing along hilly paths in the area — an exciting combination of art and mystery.
3. Sail over to the Isle of Wight and enjoy a taste of the British seaside
While Australia is home to some incredible beaches and beautiful ocean waters, the British seaside experience is something different altogether.
It’s a chance for your family to visit one of Britain’s picturesque promenades or piers, while:
- Grabbing a soft serve treat from an ice cream stand
- Indulging in some fish and chips
- Stopping by a local arcade to win some prizes.
A quick boat trip from Portsmouth over to the Isle of Wight on England’s south coast is a great way to tick the British seaside experience off your checklist, while offering up a vast range of other family-friendly activities to enjoy along the British coastline.
Your family could spend a day:
- Watching a pirate battle reenactment at Carisbrooke Castle
- Learning about dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Isle Museum
- Feeling gigantic while wandering around Godshill Model Village.
The sights and sounds of the British coastline can be incredibly nostalgic and fulfilling, as well as an opportunity to form new happy memories with your loved ones.
4. Embrace your inner wizard and discover the world of Harry Potter
Since readers worldwide first discovered “the boy who lived”, Harry Potter has become a huge part of British pop culture and international tourism.
So, if you have children with you, or fancy embracing your inner wizard, then taking part in one of the many Harry Potter-related activities you can find across the UK might be perfect for your holiday adventure.
You could opt to:
- Experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the Warner Bros London studio tour
- Visit platform 9¾ at London King’s Cross station
- Watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End
- Travel up to Yorkshire and explore the Shambles, where many of the Diagon Alley scenes were set
- Take a steam train ride across northern England and parts of Scotland, taking in much of the landscape that formed a backdrop for the Hogwarts Express.
5. Keep things simple with a visit to your local pub
Sometimes simple is best and there’s nothing more low-key or quintessentially British than a trip down to your local pub for a drink.
If you have a quiet Sunday on your schedule, it could be a great chance to take your family for a good old-fashioned Sunday roast and enjoy some Yorkshire puddings, stuffing, and carvery meats.
Whatever you decide to do, take the time to switch off and enjoy yourself. The memories you make with your family will likely last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for further travel recommendations, then check out either:
- The Times’ UK travel guide
- The CN traveller’s 13 best places to visit in the UK.