9 Fun Days Out With the Grandkids This Spring

We’ve rounded up 9 top ideas for fun things to do with the grandchildren.

Some of them have discounted entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train, and you can save on your fares with a Railcard, too. Enjoy!

1. Wander the maze at Belton House

Ready to get a little lost in a good way? Bring the grandchildren to Belton House(external link, opens in a new tab) and prepare yourself for no shortage of twists, turns and plenty of dead ends in its maze. Your step counter will be over the moon.

The National Trust estate is also home to a garden, a deer park, a miniature train ride and an adventure playground, as well as a gift shop and a cafe (which has an outside area).

Nearest station: Grantham

2. Spot wildlife at the Arundel Wetland Centre

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Introduce your grandkids to goslings, ducklings and tadpoles this spring at the Arundel Wetland Centre(external link, opens in a new tab). From meeting the pelicans to taking a guided boat safari through the reed beds, there’s lots to do – and, with our 2FOR1 offer, it’s a bargain, too.

Don’t miss the duck feeding tank, where you can watch ducks dive underwater for lunch at noon. And if that has you feeling peckish, you can head to the Water’s Edge Café, which overlooks the lagoon.

Nearest station: Arundel

3. Explore works of art at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Burn off excess energy and fire up little imaginations with a visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park(external link, opens in a new tab). With buggy-friendly paths, free admission for kids and plenty of amazing large-scale sculptures, this is an outdoor art show everyone can enjoy.

There are trees to climb, world-class sculptures from artists like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth to discover, and indoor galleries with free activities. The park’s Kitchen Café serves up plenty of kid-friendly bites, too.

Nearest station: Wakefield Westgate

4. Enjoy a scenic stroll on the Mawddach Trail

Suitable for pushchairs and bikes, the flat Mawddach Trail(external link, opens in a new tab) in Southern Snowdonia is perfect for grandparents and grandkids. This trail starts in Dolgellau and runs 9 miles to Barmouth, offering stunning estuary views.

There are plenty of picnic tables en route and when you cross the bridge into Barmouth, you can reward the youngsters with ice cream. Later catch the bus back to Dolgellau or a train to Pwllheli for more adventures.

Nearest station: Morfa Mawddach

5. Step back in time at Beaumaris Castle

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Turn fairy tale castle magic into reality with a trip with the grandkids to Beaumaris Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) in Wales. Children can discover their inner hero as they try out costumes and take on the Castle Quest in search of hidden installations and mason’s marks.

There are narrow passageways to hidden rooms and 100s of arrow loops to find. Plus, you can get 2FOR1 tickets with National Rail for double the fun.

Nearest station: Bangor

6. Tee up with dinosaurs at Cardiff Golf Centre

Golf and dinosaurs may not seem like a match made in heaven, but Cardiff Golf Centre’s Tee-Rex(external link, opens in a new tab), an 18-hole dinosaur-themed golf course, certainly makes a good case for it. Here you and your grandkids can whack golf balls through a prehistoric cave, past a waterfall volcano and over a raft – and, of course, a number of T-Rexes.

For really young grandkids, there’s also a Tee-Rex soft play area at the golf course. Handily, there’s child-friendly food served on-site, too.

Nearest station: Cardiff Queen Street

7. Discover natural bling at Treasures of the Earth

Rock up to Fort William’s Treasures of the Earth(external link, opens in a new tab) with your grandkids for a giant jewellery box of crystals, ammonites and fossil delights, where you can explore the extensive private collection through pretend caves, caverns and mining scenes.

Highlights include the colour-changing ultraviolet cave, fascinating stories like that of the biggest ever gold nugget found and, of course, the gift shop where your grandkids can take home their own gems.

Nearest station: Fort William

8. Have an adventure at Newhailes House & Gardens

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

If you’ve got grandkids with lots of energy to burn, head to the Weehailes Adventure Playpark at Newhailes House & Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) (and get 2FOR1 entry when you travel by train). It has fire poles, bridges, turrets, slides and more to keep kids busy while you enjoy a hot coffee or tea.

You can also explore the historic mansion and learn all about the Dalrymples – generations of their family called Newhailes House home. There’s also a lovely shell grotto to find in the garden woodlands.

Nearest station: Newcraighall

9. Spark your curiosity at the Glasgow Science Centre

It’s a non-stop frenzy of creativity at the Glasgow Science Centre(external link, opens in a new tab). From transfixed wonder in the planetarium to running in circles on the giant hamster wheel, this is a full day of fun for grandkids of all ages.

There’s also an optical illusion room, games to play against robots, and explosions from boffins at the science show. You will also find plenty of science-based books and toys in the gift shop.

Nearest station: Exhibition Centre Glasgow