insideKENT Magazine Issue 70 - January 2018 | Page 102

GETAWAYS START PLANNING YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY cont. THE LAKE DISTRICT The Lake District in Cumbria is not just hiking trails and walking boots, although if that’s what you’re going there for you certainly won’t be disappointed. There is much more to the UK’s largest national park including the stunning Grizedale sculpture trail, a trip to Beatrix Potter’s Ambleside home, plenty of water sports including kayaking and canoeing, and a fun steamer cruise along Ullswater. Of course, this is also the home of the Kendal mint cake, so sampling the various local versions of this homemade treat is a must-do on your to-do list. Jersey Elizabeth Castle, Jersey JERSEY Another exciting hop across a small body of water – the English Channel this time – and you can find yourself in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. The journey can be undertaken via boat or by plane, so how you get there depends upon how much time you’re happy to spend travelling – the ferry takes between four and 10 hours, depending on where you sail from, and the flight is about an hour and a half from London. However you get there, once you do arrive there are some great attractions for the whole family to enjoy...even if the entire island is only nine by five miles in size! Jersey Heritage is a fascinating attraction that tells the story of Jersey through interactive displays, events, and museum pieces. This is where you can see the world’s largest hoard of gold coins, learn how to float a ship, and where you can visit a working 15th-century farm. Don’t miss Elizabeth Castle, which is a fascinating glimpse into the past – at low tide you can get there on foot, but at high tide you either have to wait or take the tiny ferry, which is an adventure in itself. Why not throw in a visit to Jersey’s newest attraction, Tamba Park, too? Great fun, you can walk the dino trail, or try your hand at sailing on the boating lake there, as well as explore the adventure playground and the birds of prey centre. You can even run around in the indoor playzone, which has been designed to a rainforest theme. Europe If you want to leave the UK, but don’t fancy too long a trip, Europe has plenty of family friendly summer holiday destinations that are perfect for you. Assisi, Umbria UMBRIA, ITALY Taking the children to Italy is always something that will work out well for you, them, and anyone you happen to meet while you’re out there. The Italians love children, and you won’t have to worry about them running about, making noise, or generally being seen and heard because there will be no tutting, no frowns, and no heavy sighs. In fact, Italy is just the kind of place where kids can be kids, and parents can finally get a little relaxation time. 102 Umbria is particularly perfect because it has plenty to do for people of all ages. Explore some of the quaint Umbrian villages and meet the locals who will be only too happy to give you a tour or a brief history of the place, or head off to the beach for some traditional bucket-and-spade fun. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and the children are old enough, why not indulge in some adrenalin- pumping water sports such as jet skiing? The town of Orvieto – perched on top of a sheer cliff – must be seen to be believed; there is a cathedral there and a weird and wonderful alternative underground city. For nature lovers, you can enjoy the natural park just outside Perugia, La Città della Domenica, where you’ll find not only forest walks, but a miniature train and adventure playground too. If you go in July, don’t miss the hot air balloon festival that takes place in the town of Todi each year.