Yes I know it’s still October but I like being prepared and I’m feeling a bit left out as the rest of the blogging world seem to be circulating their Christmas gift guides already. I thought I’d do one for those who love days out and travel.

I don’t know about you but for me Christmas is a time where we get inundated with yet more ‘stuff’. Don’t get me wrong, the children love getting new things, but with four lots of presents from Santa Claus, the potential is there for being buried under a pile of pink plastic, hair gadgets, and yet more loom bands. By the way, if anyone buys us any more loom bands I shall not be responsible for my actions.

If you prefer to give something more experiential than space-consuming, why not buy your favourite family a day trip instead?

Here’s my top five suggestions for alternative Christmas gifts for a fun-seeking family.

Go Ape!

We LOVE Go Ape! (yes, it is necessary to use all those !!!!) Read our review of Go Ape! Treetops Junior adventure – Go Ape! is a forest adventure where you use ropes to explore the trees. If you like a zip wire, then Go Ape! have plenty. It’s a fantastic team-building activity and fun for all the family.

You can buy a gift voucher which can be redeemed online for a treetops experience at one of 28 locations around the UK. Junior adventures for smaller apes are available at 14 locations. Over 10s can have a Segway adventure at 11 locations.

Paulton’s Park and Peppa Pig World

A trip to Paulton’s Park is a must for fans big and small of TV’s most annoying well-loved cartoon pig. Paulton’s Park is a great theme park for families already but the addition of Peppa Pig World has made it a firm favourite with pre-schoolers too.

You can book a short break through Paulton’s Park. Highly recommended as you will probably need two days to get round everything. Don’t forget your dinosaur. Rawwwwwrrrr!

See our review of Paulton’s Park and Peppa Pig World

Sea Life Centres

For little fish lovers, trips to a Sea Life centre is a must – there are 12 locations around the UK. With a range of sea life including fish, penguins, turtles, and otters, Sea Life provides a wealth of education and entertainment.

An annual pass is a fantastic gift and will provide great value days out for all the family.

See our review of Sea Life London Aquarium and Sea Life Manchester

English Heritage

If your family like exploring castles and places of interest around the UK, then an English Heritage family membership is ideal. An adult membership is currently £50, and joint adult membership is £88. Up to six children go free with an adult, which is brilliant!

You can visit all sorts of places from world-famous attractions such as Stonehenge, to smaller places of interest such as Conisbrough Castle

Try discount code WR52 to get 20% off gift memberships

The National Trust

Like English Heritage, the National Trust run an annual membership scheme. The National Trust manage dozens of sites of natural and national interest across the UK. An annual membership will allow you free entry into those with an entrance charge, and to park for free at those sites with car parks. You also get a member’s handbook, and a pair of binoculars (if you pay by direct debit) – essential equipment for little eyes.

A family membership for two adults plus dependents under 18 starts at £104 per year

You can read our review of Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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Do have a look at each others and lets share some Christmas inspiration!