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.
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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.