Top children’s attractions by the canals and rivers
If you’re struggling for ideas on how to keep the children entertained, you need look no further for inspiration than Britain’s fantastic array of canals and rivers.
There's a wide range of waterside attractions out there that are fun, educational, and often cheap. What’s more, many of these great destinations are situated within beautiful countryside or exciting city surroundings – ideal for creating fond memories that will last forever.
Don't forget our Wonderfully Wild Competition is open to children throughout summer 2009. Take a photo or draw a picture of any wildlife and you could win £50 of vouchers!
London Canal Museum, Regent’s Canal
A firm favourite with both children and adults, the London Canal Museum is a charming little place that delves into the history of the canals as well as the ice cream trade. Regularly offering boat trips along the pretty Regent’s Canal, and children’s fun days during the holidays, it is easy to see why this museum is so well loved.
London Zoo, Regent’s Canal
London Zoo is now world-renowned for its conservation efforts, and every child deserves at least one trip to this fantastic place. Kids will be enchanted by the sheer amount of stunning and unusual animals on show, such as tigers, reptiles, insects, and monkeys. Make a day of it and take a short stroll to Regent’s Park afterwards for a picnic and a spot of duck feeding. Or take advantage of your pleasant waterside location with a waterbus trip along the Regent’s Canal. These trips run from the zoo to Little Venice or Camden Lock Market, and are a brilliant way of getting out on the water and seeing London from a different perspective.
London Aquarium, River Thames
Children are sure to be captivated by a trip to the London Aquarium - taking the escalator down into this beautiful riverside venue is like entering a different world. Kids will gasp in amazement at a wide array of gorgeous fish, colourful reptiles and unusual jellyfish. Gather round the stingray tank for your chance to stroke their backs, or visit the shark tank during feeding time if you fancy a more thrilling experience! Outside the aquarium, visitors are met with amazing views across the River Thames, as well as plenty of restaurants, cafes and galleries.
National Sea Life Centre, Old Turn Junction
Situated at the junction of the Birmingham Canal Main Line and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, the National Sea Life Centre takes centre stage at the heart of Birmingham. Surrounded by a wide range of restaurants and shops, and close to bustling Gas Street Basin, there’s loads to do before you even reach the aquarium. Once inside, children can interact with an array of sea life, including otters, crabs, and turtles.
Cadbury World, Worcester & Birmingham Canal
There’s probably not a child on earth that wouldn’t love a trip to a chocolate factory, so you can’t really go wrong with a day at Cadbury World. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about how chocolate is made and packaged, and be sure to keep a beady eye open for free samples!
The Shiverpool Ghost Tour, River Mersey
The Shiverpool Ghost Tours are a great way of keeping older children and adults entertained, with guided ghost walks around some of Liverpool’s most haunted spots. The tours are based at Albert Dock and feature the city’s most sinister tales and darkest history, all vividly brought to life with theatrical performances. All of the stories are based on real historical evidence as well, making the tours educational as well as a fun day out.
Windmill Animal Farm, Leeds & Liverpool Canal
This farm is perfect for families with small children, with a special Children’s Pet Area and plenty of opportunities to feed, touch, and play with the animals. Those children that still have energy left after riding the tractors and miniature steam engine, will love getting to grips with the ball-pit and slides in the indoor play barn.
Platts Lane Lake, Leeds & Liverpool Canal
A combination of beautiful countryside, lakes, and abundant wildlife make Platts Lane Lake an enchanting place to visit for a relaxed family day out. Kids will love the wide open spaces, and taking part in walking trails, fishing or cycling. For a cheap and truly hassle-free day out, head to the nearby Leeds & Liverpool Canal for a stroll along the towpath and a canalside picnic.
Westport Lake Nature Reserve, Trent & Mersey Canal
Situated right next to the Trent & Mersey Canal, Westport Lake offers a pleasant day out for families looking to get back to nature. Whether you enjoy wildlife spotting, cycling or taking a healthy canalside walk, a trip to Westport Lake is the perfect opportunity for some good, old-fashioned family bonding.
Somerset Space Walk, Bridgwater & Taunton Canal
The Somerset Space Walk cleverly uses the towpath of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal to show the Sun and its planets at their proportionally correct size and distances apart. Starting from Maunsel Locks, kids can embark on a journey of discovery for six miles, viewing models of the planets and stars within our solar system. Boat trips along the canal are also available.
Falkirk Wheel, Forth & Clyde and Union canals
Take the kids to see the attraction that everyone’s still talking about; the world’s first and only rotating boat lift. Experience the lift for yourself with a boat trip along the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, then afterwards visit the Irn Bru Fun Factory in the visitor centre.
Original Loch Ness Monster Visitor Centre, Loch Ness
Learn about the legend of the elusive Loch Ness Monster through photographs and movie clips, then see if you can spot the beast yourself with an underwater boat trip on Nessie Hunter.
The Great Glen Water Park, Caledonian Canal
Explore the breathtaking Caledonian Canal and its mountainous surroundings in the best way possible, with a trip out on a boat. Then if you're feeling brave enough, try your hand at some water sports.
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