Family holidays reachable by train
Family Learning and Activity Holidays
Thumbs up! We found a tree!
From the jagged Snowdownia to the rolling Exmoor downs, there is so much waiting to be seen and explored in our natural world. These family activity holidays will take you by surprise while holding you by the hand, showing your kids how to be bat detectives and letting you in on the fun. Not only are they set in absolutely stunning locations, from Wales to Devon to Surrey, but they really get you out there, knees in mud, discovering and learning about the flora and fauna.
Adventurous Activities in Wild Wales
One thing's for sure: you'll have plenty to share by the campfire at the end of each day with this adventure deep in the Snowdonia landscape. Scale mountains, clamber up gorges, trek through the woodland and learn the secrets of bushcraft while exploring the dark and beautiful Wild Wales.
Price: Adult: £299. Child £199
Duration: 6 days
Departures: 06 August 2011 to 12 August 2011
Full listing and booking details: Adventurous Activities in Wild Wales
Another beautiful morning in SomersetFamily Exploration in West Somerset and Exmoor, England
The Lyn Valley, the Dunkery Beacon and the Dunster Castle are only a few of the mesmerising sights that your family can discover on this rich and varied trip. Somerset's woodlands and rocky shores while taking part in a myriad of exciting and fun activities.
Price: Adult: £170. Child: £135
Duration: 4 days
Departures: 08 August 2011 to 12 August 2011
Full listing and booking details: Family Exploration in West Somerset and Exmoor, England
Shropshire Wildlife Safari for Families, England
A safari in Shropshire? Well, yes: this adventure into the wild side will show you the area's big game but also its minibeasties. Exploring ponds, grassland, streams and woodland (bush hats optional) you'll peer through the undergrowth to discover and learn about the various creepy crawlies. No quarry is too small for this trip into the wild.
Price: Adult: £180. Child: £140.
Duration: 4 days
Departures: 15 August 2011 to 19 August 2011 or 22 August 2011 to 26 August 2011
Full listing and booking details: Shropshire Wildlife Safari for Families, England
Minimonsters looking for minibeastsMinibeasts, Mice and the Mole for Families, Surrey, England
The Mole Vally bears its name well: a vibrant landscape filled with all varieties of small and furry creatures waiting to be discovered under every unturned stone or bush. Young children can learn the area's natural history and see its inhabitants up close. Runs in conjunction with the Wild Arts and Crafts course for older children.
Price: Adult: £107. Child: £82
Duration: 2 days
Departures: 03 June 2011 to 05 June 2011
Full listing and booking details: Minibeasts, Mice and the Mole for Families, Surrey, England
- Art Adventure: Nothing better than the raw energy of nature to bring out that latent artist and these holidays aim to do just that. Working with the environment as raw material, both figuratively and literally these are perfect breaks for developing your children's creative side.
Makes you want to paint your ownFamily Nature Trail in Snowdonia
Could it get more fun than spashing around in rivers and wandering through woodland whilst also finding out about Wales' weird and wonderful wildlife? The expert tutors will help bring the secret world of the undergrowth to life, while the little ones will spend their time pond dipping, exploring woodland, bird watching and hunting for minibeasts.
Price: Adult: £185. Child: £135
Duration: 5 days
Departures: 6 April 2012 to 10 April 2012
Full listing and booking details: Family Nature Trail in Snowdonia
Family Fossil Hunt in Pembrokeshire, Wales
Travel back in time and go hunting for ancient fossils along an array of stunning coastline locations in Pembrokeshire. Once you've made a few discoveries, kids will be able to compare them with marine life found on modern shores, gaining a better understanding of how these creatures once lived.
Price: Adult: £175. Child: £140
Duration: 5 days
Departures: 25 July 2011 to 29 July 2011
Full listing and booking details: Family Fossil Hunt in Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Wet Studying: We know less about the sea than we do about outer space so these watery adventures are sure to teach both you and your kids about what lies beneath the surface.
Kids kitted up for a sea-escapadeSand, Sea and Surf for Families, Devon, England
See the sea like never before on this get away to the beech with your family scrambling over rocks and waves to explore and understand the marine environment . Comb the beach, sample plankton and net for crabs on this wild and wet treasure hunt.
Price: Adult: £360. Child: £270
Duration: 7 days
Departures: 12 August 2011 to 19 August 2011
Full listing and booking details: Sand, Sea and Surf for Families, Devon, England
Family Snorkelling Safari in Pembrokeshire, Wales
Put on that snorkelling gear and get ready to plunge into Wales' salty depths, seeing and learning about the variety of marine creatures that live and thrive in the Marine Nature Reserve, waving at fish on your way. Out of the sea, munch away on picnic sandwiches while watching the waves then as a group go rockpooling on the shore.
Price: Adult: £202. Child: £161
Duration: 4 days
Departures: 04 August 2011 to 08 August 2011
Full listing and booking details: Family Snorkelling Safari in Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Educational Breaks: Of course all of the learning holidays are about learning, but these focus on the big lessons like how the solar system works or what is natural history anyway? Invigorating for both the brain and the body, these breaks will keep up and your kids on your toys with exciting and interactive outdoor lessons.
It's incredible what turns up when you look real real closeFamily Naturalists in South Devon, England
'Natural History' may be a yawn inducing word but the reality is much much more engaging. In the mystery filled Dartmoor, share the experience of learning in the most interactive way possible: being literally in the mud. These on hand experiences are mixed up with quizzes, games and stories.
Price: Adult: £270. Child: £210
Duration: 7 days
Departures: 22 July 2011 to 29 July 2011
Full listing and booking details: Family Naturalists in South Devon, England
Family Wildlife Explorers in Perthshire
It might not compare with the African plains, but Perthshire certainly has its own share of fascinating creatures. Trek through the undisturbed wilds of the Scottish Highlands and discover bats, otters and a host of other animals while also learning the art of mammal trapping and wildlife watching.
Price: Adult: £320. Child: £255
Duration: 8 days
Departures: 27 July 2012 to 3 August 2012
Full listing and booking details: Family Wildlife Explorers in Perthshire
That's underwater for 'cool!'
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