For wannabe wizards: Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour
Head to the capital and take in the locations that provided a backdrop for some of the most iconic scenes in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. This enchanting half-day tour is led by an expert guide who will bring the magic to life. With an itinerary taking in 18 of the films’ locations, this promises to be a spellbinding experience for intrepid Potter fans.
· The three-hour tour costs £28 per adult and £23 per child (aged three to 16) and will be operating with physical distancing and additional hygiene protocols in place for the reassurance of guests. Go to Evanevanstours.com
For knights in training: Warwick Castle
The extensive grounds around this iconic castle provide lots of space for adventure. Explore over 64 acres of gardens, including riverside strolls along the Avon and the famous Peacock Garden with its resident flock. Climb the Conqueror’s Fortress, the highest point on the estate, to capture incredible views of Warwick and the Midlands countryside. Activity kits will be on sale, and takeaway outlets offering snacks, drinks and ice cream will be operating using contactless payments.
· Tickets cost £7 per child (aged three to 11) and £12.50 for adults (aged 12+), and must be booked in advance. Go to Warwick-castle.com
For beach bums: Tenby
Probably the most iconic seaside town in Wales, Tenby on Pembrokeshire’s south coast has three excellent sandy beaches – each with its own character and all facing different directions, so at least one should be sheltered if it happens to be windy. The beaches boast blue flags and lots of space for social distancing, but there’s plenty to discover away from the sand, too. Head to the harbour to see the vibrant fishing community, or go into the town and wander the pedestrianised streets for quirky shops and al fresco dining options.
· For more inspiration and up-to-date information on local attractions, go to Visitpembrokeshire.com
For junior geologists: Jurassic Circular Cruise, Poole
Climb aboard the Jurassic Coast cruise for a leisurely two-hour sail around England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Famous for its outstanding rocks, fossils and landforms, the coast is best discovered from the sea. Sail past the Sandbanks peninsula and the beautiful Brownsea Island, which is a National Trust site. Guests will also get to see the Isle of Purbeck and Studland Bay while the captain gives insightful commentary on the surrounding areas.
· Tickets cost from £15 per adult (17+) and £10.50 per child (aged five to 16), with family packages available and new social distancing and hygiene measures in place. Go to Citycruisespoole.com
For history buffs: Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of times gone by at this open air museum in County Durham. Immerse yourself in what life was like in north-east England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. Kids will love how history is brought to life, and adults can channel their inner aristocrat as parts of the Downton Abbey movie were filmed here.
· Unlimited passes (valid for a year) cost £19.50 for adults and £11.50 for children (aged five to 16), with concessions and family packages available. Beamish is following all government and public health instructions around the coronavirus. For the latest updates and to book tickets, go to Beamish.org.uk and check Thisisdurham.com for local area information.
For future artists: The Yorkshire Wolds
Surround yourself with a living canvas as you follow in the brushstrokes of David Hockney on a self-guided tour of the Wolds. The British artist called East Yorkshire home for many years and immortalised many of the local landscapes and landmarks in his famous works. Explore the area around the village of Warter – the inspiration behind Bigger Trees, his largest work of 50 canvases – and Thixendale, where he created The Three Trees of Thixendale. You can also unlock Yorkshire’s hidden art with virtual art gallery Secret Art, which uses an app to discover artworks and poetry “floating” in the landscape (Yorkshirewoldssecretart.co.uk).
· Go to Visithullandeastyorkshire.com for details