UK attractions for older children?

[ptrbryant]

Hello!

We're still in the vague "maybe sometime in 2007 or 2008" mode, but would really like to take a family trip to the UK. It would be DH, DS10 and myself. Before DS was born, DH and I would take annual holidays to England, using London as a base most often, but once Bath and another time Canterbury. We love history, literature, architecture...DS loves Star Wars , Lego (Bionicles specifically) and most things "futuristic" . Obviously, the exchange rate is much worse for us than it had been in the '90's. We used to rent a holiday flat or cottage and would probably do so again to keep costs down.

What I'm unsure of are attractions in London, but also outside of London, that would appeal to DS. So far, I've thought of the London Eye, the London Transport Museum, Tower of London...he wouldn't like Madame Troussaud's (yes, I know I probably spelled that incorrectly, but I'm too tired to correct it!) as he finds waxworks too creepy . I know there's a Legoland near Windsor. We could always wait for him to mature enough that he'd get appreciate the British Museum, etc. but I'm impatient to go back!

Any/all suggestions are welcome!

Karla B.

 

[Disney owl]

At the moment the London Transport Museum is closed so you'd have to check if it will be open in 2007

Kids usuall enjoy the Tower of London which contains the crown Jewels. Also there are lots of fun history interpretations by actors & tours by the Beefeaters. There is space to run around too.

Outside London depends on what you want to see & travel. How about a trip to the Seaside?

If he's a Lego fan then definately legoland but it is geared up to younger children.

 

[ptrbryant]

and thought it was lovely...I just wonder if there are other seaside recommendations more geared towards childrens' activities?

Thanks!

Karla B.

 

[Dimplenose]

My son enjoyed the British Museum when he was 10 - especially the mummy room and the Roman exhibits (he did a project on Roman life that year at school.) but we kept our visit to about 2 hours.
Legoland is good for under 12's.
Hampton Court also interested him (30 minutes outside London by train) as they have guided tours. He also liked the Tower of London (but not the over priced food in the cafe!)
He hasn't had much interest in the seaside since he was about 7.
If you want to travel further afield then Warwick Castle is good especially during school holidays when they have special activities such as jousting.

Libby

 

[fizz13]

For a real slice of northern england and plenty to do, you should try Blackpool and its pleasure beach, plenty of rides and atmosphere

blackpool pleasure beach

For something on the edge of central London, there is Greenwich:
greenwich information

Here you could visit the maritime museum, the Cutty Sark clipper ship, the royal observatory and stand on the meridian line and be in two time zones at once.

If I think of any more I'll let you know,
Claire xx

 

[Queenie]

There is the Science Museum in London which I believe has lots of "hands on" exhibits and stuff you can do aimed at his age group. There's also a similar museum up north in Manchester (The Museum of Science & Industry) and another one up north called Eureka! The first two are free at the moment but Eureka costs.

 

[ptrbryant]

We've never been to the north of England and I'm sure there're lots of things to do there...have to get researching! It's funny, whenever I hear "Manchester" I immediately think of Herman's Hermits...even though I was a toddler when they were at their peak! Always loved oldies, though!

Thanks for the tips!

Karla B.