We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.
Visitors' Book Faye
The wolves and chatty giant otters were a big hit, the stories of their conservation making for heart-warming reading and the friendly deer that were free to roam around the park added a magical touch.
Places to Go Faye
We decided to work our way back along the beaches of the south coast despite it being a somewhat dreary looking February day
Visitors' Book Faye
A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.
Visitors' Book Emma L
Devon is a big county packed full of things to do in August. Here’s our quick pick to keep you entertained while on holiday.
Things to do Katie Chown
It’s the height of summer in Cornwall and also the height of activities with so many things to do in August you won’t know where to start, so we’ve put a selection together for you.
Things to do Katie Chown
Holidays in Somerset have even more appeal when you get under the skin of local communities and eke out all the events going on throughout the county this August. Fun fairs and train rides, secret gardens and outdoor activities, there’s fun for all the family including the four-legged variety.
Things to do Katie Chown
Dig beneath the surface of Dorset to unearth a host of entertainment and things to do in August.
Things to do Katie Chown
The great Cornish countryside is a veritable playground, crammed to bursting with adventures to be had. Photography by Annabel Elston
Things to do Sian Pickles
These Easter picks guarantee baby friendly activities that can also entertain your other little tykes.
Things to do Becky Bye
Sometimes the travelling really is nearly as good as the arriving.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
If there’s one thing that can be counted on in Cornwall, it’s that you can’t count on the weather.
Things to do Sian Pickles
Looking for an Isle of Wight holiday but unsure how to get there? We can help you with all things ferry (and catamaran and hovercraft). All you have to do is ask.
News & Offers Kayleigh Hardy
I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.
Things to do Faye
Considering it wasn't our location of choice we really surprised ourselves with how enjoyable it was and would highly recommend a visit.
Things to do Faye
The magic of Narnia transformed Killerton House in Devon into a magical family day out to remember.
Places to Go Philip Eley
Longdown is an activity farm where you can visit the animals in the New Forest, an enjoyable day out in Hampshire for all the family.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
Which county started the tradition of cream teas, and more importantly, which county has the best cream teas, Devon or Cornwall?
Classic Fodder Philip Eley
Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.
Things to do Philip Eley
Now theme parks may fill some families with dread – the queues, the food, the prices. But Paultons Park is a great fun day out for the whole family packed full of pleasant surprises.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
Famously there is no entry fee and no car parking charge for visiting the Sanctuary. We’re an open charity and people are welcome to visit 365 days a year. The donkeys are here and need feeding, so we’ll be open!
Places to Go James Chubb
Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.
Things to do Philip Eley
Situated just a few miles from Southampton, this small market town, has lots of hidden gems to keep you and your little ones amused for a day. There are lots of things to do in Eastleigh.
Things to do Kylie Barton
'Raised on adventure stories with sleeping giants, fairies and trolls, it was the sort of place where they could indulge their imaginations to the full.'
Places to Go Philip Eley
The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.
Places to Go Kylie Barton
The pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.
Things to do Tasha H
On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.
Things to do Jonathan C
The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.
Things to do Robbie L
For small children, larger zoos can sometimes be overwhelming, so a visit to somewhere small, quiet and friendly can make a perfect day out. Here's some animal antics to spot in parks across south Devon.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
What do you do with your dog when it comes to your holiday? Well, bring him or her along for the ride! If you don't have a dog, take a look at our list of animal sanctuaries to visit for some furry fun in the south and west.
Places to Go Katie Chown
Philip's poor children were dragged round all the playparks in the area just so he could tell you the top five in south Devon.
Places to Go Philip Eley
The beauty of Longleat is that as an attraction, it never gets old, with something new to delight you with every visit, so it is well worth going back again and again when on holiday in Somerset.
Places to Go Becky Bye
But it’s not just the lively shopping scene that draws the crowds, there are beautiful riverside walks to enjoy, brilliant play parks for kids and plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants ready for when hunger strikes.
Places to Go Abby D
My wife is a city girl; she is happy in these maintained woodlands to know that there are toilets nearby, places to buy good coffee, and well-maintained paths, while I’m happy that we don’t have to actually stay on the paths at all.
Places to Go Philip Eley
The incredible setting and the fantastic facilities mean that it just squeezes into my list of favourite beaches in South Devon.
Places to Go Philip Eley
Bygones is one of those museums that feels like someone else’s dream. There is something terrifically enjoyable about it if you like chaos and eccentricity. In the end it was one of those days that we enjoyed mostly for quirky little odd moments rather than the place as a whole.
Places to Go Philip Eley
There are some places that only get discovered on rainy Wednesdays and we stumbled onto one of them. I’m sure that a visit to a cider farm isn’t a top priority for many families but the destination delivered.
Places to Go Philip Eley
We know because we've been there, but we're also backed up by our guests and Owners - here's some of the best things to do in the New Forest.
Things to do Katie Chown
The historic Black Prince Flower Boat Procession traditionally took place to bid farewell to the winter cold and welcome spring sunshine – little wonder it’s so popular!
Things to do Lizzie H
The house itself is impressive with fantastic period furnishings and beautifully decorated rooms, but the grounds are the star of the show.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.
Visitors' Book Abby D
Famously remembered as the inspiration behind the Hollywood film ‘We Bought a Zoo’, Dartmoor Zoo has a charm all of its own.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
Christmas themed outings from wreath-making workshops to ice-skating safaris!
Things to do Becky Bye
The World of Country Life is a great day out for young children. Even though we went on a Saturday it was surprisingly quiet and we didn’t have to queue for anything which made it all the more enjoyable.
Places to Go Philip Eley
Philip takes his children on a little tour of this south Devon village, from smugglers' tunnels to escaped meerkats.
Places to Go Philip Eley
I read on the leaflet that Becky Falls has been open to the public since 1903. A lot of small feet must have walked its trails in that time but my children really did feel like explorers discovering a strange and magical land for the first time.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
The winner of our holiday competition with Classic Cottages and JojoMamanBebe tells us all about her fab baby-friendly holiday in Winnie's Cottage (1822)
Visitors' Book Melanie E
We are quite a frugal family so the more free things that we can fill our days with, the better. Since we have lived in the West Country we have discovered all sorts of new, free, places to visit and I thought I would share a few of them with you.
Places to Go Gina Caro
We’ve come up with reasons explaining why Classic holidays are perfect for you and your family to set your mind at ease
Visitors' Book Lizzie H
The reassuring flutter of the green flag announces that the road is open (and free from military practice) to wind down the Dorset valley into the lost village of Tyneham. The village appears casually into view and it is only up close that you realise the eeriness of this place.
Places to Go Becky Bye
When we plan to go out together we’re always on the lookout for pram friendly strolls in south Cornwall. Photography by Annabel Elston
Places to Go Sian Pickles
The phrase ‘pram-friendly beach’ is almost a contradiction in terms. If there is any surface designed to test even the most all-terrain of pushchairs it is a beach. But we might've found one...
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
Although it can be frustrating manhandling a pram onto a beach there can be advantages to them once they are there.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
Car parks in Padstow can be busy in the height of August, so I’ve always thought of the Camel Trail as the ideal way to travel there...
Visitors' Book Sadie Phillips
A decent eatery with play areas, well thought out menus and a warm welcome is a fantastic find.
Classic Fodder Sadie Phillips
A trip to the beach with the kids is not always a straightforward affair, there are lots of very important things to consider, take account of and double check
Places to Go Sian Pickles
One of the highlights of a holiday in south Devon has to be a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley
Tips on keeping a calming routine versus keeping them up past sundown. Have your say on which is best...
Stories & Characters Katie Chown
I quite like a rainy walk but my children sometimes need to be convinced.
Places to Go Philip Eley
My daughter and I actually cried with happiness before chasing after my son who was running off to spot the next Raah-fish.
Visitors' Book Philip Eley