Summer Sorted: The best UK attractions and days out

Make this summer your best ever with these incredible trips out for the family.

Whether you’re looking for a summer holiday, a weekend break, a day trip or even just a couple of hours of fun, there is something for everyone!

The UK has some amazing sights to see - and even if you’re a big explorer, there’s sure to be something on the list that you have never discovered.

So dive in - and get this summer sorted!

Perched on a seaside clifftop, Gara Rock is among the most luxurious hotels in East Portlemouth near Salcombe. Surrounded by picturesque countryside and the glimmering South Devon coast, you’ll have everything you need for a luxury hotel break, be it with loved ones, family, or good friends.

Get away to one of the best hotels near Salcombe and make yourself at home in South Devon. At Gara Rock Spa Hotel in Devon, you’ll be a world away from the everyday!

Find out more and book here: gararock.com

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail offers over four miles of sculptures at Beechenhurst, in the heart of England’s ancient woodland. For nearly 40 years, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust (FODST) and Forestry England have provided a home to artworks by some of the world’s leading artists. On the trail, which is free to access and open daily (you will need to pay for parking), visitors will encounter iconic highlights from early phases of the trail, including Cathedral by Kevin Atherton and sculptures by Peter Randall-Page and Cornelia Parker, alongside more recent artworks by Natasha Rosling, Kristina Veasey and Julian Wild.

The Speech House Hotel is a former 17th-century hunting lodge set in the heart of the idyllic Royal Forest of Dean. Nestled in the centre of a tranquil forest environment, The Speech House Hotel is a family-run business, and offers the perfect combination of original charm, modern hotel, and wedding venue facilities. The hotel has 35 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, several with impressive antique master four-poster beds. For dining, there is a delicious brunch, a varied lunch menu with seasonal specials that change daily, afternoon tea and evening dinner. Outside, there is breathtaking scenery, ideal for exploring with the dog, finding a pretty picnic spot or challenging yourself to more adventurous activities.

With more than 90 acres of woods, scenic walks and beautiful lakes, the River Dart Country Park is the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. With more than 25 park attractions, children can rough-and-tumble over space nets, swing through trees on jungle ropes, or even capture a wooden pirate ship surrounded by water! Toddlers aren’t left out either with the Toddlers’ Beach and Playground (Lilliput), just perfect for tiny explorers. For the more adventurous, during select dates and at extra cost, “Dare Devils” offer instructor-supervised activities on-site, including mega zip wire, high ropes course, canoeing, and more.

The Box is a social space for people, art, ideas and experiences. They preserve the city’s cultural collections and share extraordinary stories to explore the pressing issues of our age. The Box nurtures and supports individuals to be creative and curious about the world around them, exploring the past in order to imagine new futures. Explore the immersive exhibitions - for not only a fun and interesting day out, but to learn something new.

No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary - a tranquil corner of the Jurassic Coast where hundreds of donkeys are waiting to meet you. This free-to-visit, award-winning attraction has something special to offer, whether you’re looking for quality time with the kids, or somewhere calming to kick back with a coffee and cake. And there’s more than just the donkeys - explore award-winning gardens, scenic coastal path walks and engaging exhibits.

Step into a world of adventure at Watermouth Castle! Race down the Toboggan Run, splash through the Big River Ride, fly your own plane on the Junior Aviator, or explore the magical Fairy Museum. Enjoy mini golf, a traditional hedge maze, and the spooky Castle Dungeon - all set within 17 acres of beautiful, dog-friendly gardens with stunning coastal views over Watermouth Cove. Watermouth Castle offers a relaxed atmosphere, classic family rides and attractions for all ages - making it the perfect place to create lasting memories together.

Quince Honey Farm is a working honey farm in North Devon offering a great day out for all the family, including your four-legged friends! From engaging guided tours & activities, to indoor soft play, beautiful gardens and stunning sculptures, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy. There are also exclusive beekeeping experiences: Beekeeping Introduction Course and An Hour with the Bees for those who want to dive deeper into the world of bees. And of course there are plenty of honey products for you to take home.

Dunster Show is the premier Agricultural Show in West Somerset and one of the major one day Shows of the West of England. Taking place on the lawns below Dunster Castle the dramatic backdrop is a perfect setting for a magical family day out.

The popular food and craft marquee, plentiful trade stands, selling everything from a new Land Rover to beautiful jewellery, along with captivating main ring entertainment make Dunster Show a permanent fixture in the diary of local people and a must visit for holiday makers. Dunster Show also boasts a competitive showing atmosphere with a wide range of classes for horses, cattle and sheep, attracting competitors from all over the country.

Tee It UP is a premier indoor golf facility featuring two state-of-the-art bays, fitted with Foresight Falcon laugh monitors. Perfect for golfers of all skill levels to practise and play in any weather and fun for all of the family. Complementing the golfing experience, the on-site kitchen serves delicious food throughout the day and evening. We also offer a wide range of beverages, including hot drinks and refreshing soft drinks, making Tee it up the ideal spot to not only enjoy great golf but also to come and have a coffee with a friend!

Dunster Country Fair is West Somerset’s biggest Country Fair, offering fun and entertainment for the whole family!

The fair is held in the picturesque setting of Dunster Castle Lawns, with main ring attractions throughout the entire day, including falconry, a vintage tractor parade, pony club games and a BMX display.

In addition to the main ring attractions, the Village Green also has lots of demonstrations and interactive displays, there’s a large number of trade stands, and there arer wonderful Craft Tents plus plenty of food and liquid refreshment on offer!

Dunster Country Fair is on Wednesday July 29 2026, gates open at 8am, (Show starts at 10am).

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is a multi-award-winning family theme park in Devon. Just outside Exeter, the Park is home to more than 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular entertainment, live shows and animals galore. What's more, you can extend your Devon stay with award-winning family holiday accommodation!

Crealy isn’t just for those based in Devon – it’s less than an hour’s drive from parts of Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset too, making it the perfect choice for families right across the South West.

Want to work on your swimming skills this summer? You don’t need to go far - Mount Kelly Swim Centre in Tavistock has everything you need, no matter your level.

The first of the two pools in the centre is the Olympic Legacy pool, which is 50m long and has eight lanes. It features Olympic starting blocks, underwater 5m sprint markings, and a pool pod to aid with accessibility. This pool is perfect for confident swimmers who want to increase their stamina or just enjoy the exercise.

The second pool is 25m long and has four lanes, and this pool is suitable for those who are learning to swim or who are less confident. Build your skills in this pool and by the end of the summer, you’ll be getting into the Olympic pool!

Both pools have anti-wave lane lines and there are always lifeguards in attendance. Find out more and book your session here: mountkelly.com/swim-centre/

Situated at the very heart of the historic town of Tavistock is the ancient Pannier Market. The Market was granted its Royal Charter in 1105 and has survived without a break for more than 900 years.

Today, this wonderful indoor market attracts customers from far and wide, all revelling in the quality and variety of products on offer.

Tavistock Pannier Market has a great selection of five-day traders who are always present in the market, these being mostly found around the perimeter of the market. In addition, many of the remaining stalls change throughout the week to reflect the different daily themes.

Find out more here: tavistock.gov.uk/council-services/pannier-market

Nestled in a Devon valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect. The garden is rich in horticultural heritage and could be said to have two faces: one designed more recently by the RHS and the other created over time.

As a visitor, you will experience the newest areas first, beginning with the multi-faceted Formal Garden and then the Stream Field and Lake to the north. These in turn lead toward the South West and Devon Orchards and the very popular Fruit and Vegetable Garden. Walking through the Underpass you discover the contrasting original garden of Lady Anne Berry, which consists of many garden ‘rooms’ that blend seamlessly into one.

Find out more here: rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

Looking for your new favourite restaurant? You don’t need to look far! Ruyi Pho in Newton Abbot is an authentic Chinese and Vietnamese fusion restaurant, offering a variety of modern and traditional Asian cuisine. With an option of set menus or a la carte orders, there is sure to be something for everybody. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as seafood and meat-based meals.

Find out more and book your table here: ruyipho.com

High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands the impressive National Trust property, Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th-century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Explore the castle and discover its history on a day out full of fun and interest.

Outside, the Lutyens-designed garden is colourful in all seasons, with plenty of flowers in bloom throughout summer, and there are miles of pathways to explore in the Teign Gorge.

Find out more and plan your visit here: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo

Step back in time this summer at the National Roman Legion Museum and explore life in a far-flung outpost of the mighty Roman Empire. Caerleon was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain, and the museum lies inside what remains of the fortress. The ruins include the most complete amphitheatre in Britain and the only remains of a Roman Legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe, making this a unique and memorable day out for your whole family!

Plan your visit here: museum.wales/roman

Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings.

Plan your visit here: museum.wales/bigpit

Welcome to the Waterman’s Arms, a charming riverside restaurant and bar located at Bow Bridge inTotnes, Devon. Here, you can find comfortable and thoughtfully-designed accommodation for your summer getaway.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing drink, a light lunch, or a romantic candlelit dinner, this 17th century Inn offers a stylish and inviting atmosphere. Indulge in a variety of dishes made with the finest seasonal produce sourced from Devon. Our extensive selection of wines and drinks perfectly complement the outstanding food and service.

Find out more here: the-watermans-arms.co.uk

Explore the Dean Forest Railway this summer!

Climb aboard a traditional steam train with your family and ride along the old Severn & Wye Railway lines. Enjoy a relaxing journey through the scenic forest route, and maybe even grab a bite to eat while you’re on board. Once you’re done with your journey, you can explore the museum at the main station and find out about the history of the railway lines, which were first built more than 200 years ago.

Steam train services run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the railway also runs lots of evening specials, including Evening Fish & Chip Suppers, Dining Trains, Murder Mysteries and Gin Trains.

Find out more here: deanforestrailway.co.uk

Discover the beautiful architecture and engaging history of Exeter Cathedral this summer.

Exeter Cathedral has been at the heart of Devon for nearly a thousand years, being a hub for the community and preserving the history within its walls.

Now, as then, it offers a refuge for reflection, a place for prayer and a stage for artists, performers and musicians. It remains home to a living faith, a place for learning and a retreat for relaxation. Exeter Cathedral is, at once, a centre of innovation and of ancient treasures; telling stories of the past while carefully conserving them for the future, innovatively sharing its secrets to welcome a new generation.

Find out more here: exeter-cathedral.org.uk

If you’re searching for a beautiful and unique memento from this summer, stained glass pieces from artist Jo Snowdon are the perfect solution. With a wide variety of hanging pieces and windows available, you are sure to find something that catches the sun perfectly.

And if you fancy trying your hand at creating your own piece of art, Jo even teaches classes in the various construction methods used for stained glass. Jo is based in the Forest of Dean, with a studio in the Lydney Park Estate.

Find out more here: josnowdon.com

Experience sensational five-star entertainment at the Savoy Theatre in Monmouth this summer!

The Savoy is a beautiful Grade II listed building which stands on the oldest known theatre site in Wales, with a programme that includes a mixture of feature films, live entertainment and special cinema events. Make sure that the Savoy is part of your visit to Monmouth - you won’t be disappointed!

Find out more here: monmouth-savoy.co.uk

If you’re visiting the Forest of Dean this summer, make sure that Coleford is on your list of stops to make.

Coleford is known for its Town Centre Conservation Area, with listed buildings mainly dating from the Georgian period, but perhaps it is even better known for Puzzlewood, a gorgeous section of the forest which has often been used for film and television.

Local services include independent shops, tourism businesses, including the Dean and Wye Valley Tourist Information Centre, and a focus in the Market Place for events like the Transport and Music Festivals. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer the Coleford Country Market is held from 10am - 12pm. The market showcases home baking, produce and craft items.

Find out more here: colefordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Looking for a Cornwall, Devon or Dorset holiday cottage? Experience a break in the superb South West and discover the wonders of the West Country with Helpful Holidays. Whether you’re after seaside strolls or scenic walks through the countryside, these South West holiday cottages are the perfect base for your next adventure.

A stay in one of these South West holiday cottages provides a relaxing getaway with something for everyone. On warmer days, you can take advantage of the region’s stunning Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks, whereyou’llfind hiking and cycling trails aplenty. There are also historic sites, striking peaks and charming country pubs to enjoy along the way, ideal for refuelling after a long day outdoors.

Find out more and book your holiday here: helpfulholidays.co.uk/

Exmoor Zoo offers an ideal family day out with activities throughout the day, tons of animals to see - and even the Exmoor Beast, the only black leopard that can be seen in the UK.

Activities include handling sessions, talks and displays, which happen at regular half hour intervals. In these sessions, you can stroke and feed wallabies, hold a snake or hairy spider, and see singing dogs, meerkats, cheetahs and the Exmoor Beast being fed.

Exmoor Zoo is a family-run attraction which supports worldwide conservation and houses endangered species.