Inspirational Excursions For A Memorable Day Out This Summer

It seems as though 2024 won’t be remembered for its glorious weather, but there’s still time to pack in some memorable trips out! Here are some top suggestions for a fun day excursion for families, individuals and groups. If you are organising a coach hire, check out the package deals when booking your tickets as many venues will offer a discount. 

Visit the Emmerdale set

The long-running soap opera Emmerdale is filmed at a purpose-built set on the Harewood House Estate to the north of Leeds in West Yorkshire, where the likes of Downton Abbey was also filmed. The Emmerdale set is a replica of the village of Elshot, which is about a half hour drive to the west.  

The village features a real pub called the Woolpack, which was originally called The Commercial, because the soap was originally filmed there between 1977 and 1997. The fictional town of Hotton that features in the soap is filmed in the nearby town of Otley. It’s possible to visit these locations and the present-day set on the Emmerdale tour.

During the 80-minute tour, you will be shown around all of the iconic outdoor places where the action takes place by an experienced guide. You will also have the opportunity to meet a mystery cast member, so come prepared for some serious selfie action!

Tatton Park, Cheshire

Tatton Park in Cheshire is a short drive away from the leafy suburbs of south Manchester, and it’s an interesting place to visit for the whole family. It’s particularly beautiful in the summer, when the 50 acres of garden and scenic parkland are in full bloom. From 17-21 July this year, you can visit the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park. 

This is a popular annual event with floral installations, show gardens, markets, stalls, and gourmet food and drink including Fortnum & Mason picnic baskets. There are also loads of fun family activities including nature trails and arts and crafts workshops. Elsewhere, there’s a neo-classical mansion and a working 1930s style farm to explore. 

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is one of the largest and most visited zoos in the UK, and there are often exciting events and courses running during the summer months. There’s over 37,000 animals and 128 acres of gardens to explore, and the zoo also acts as a wildlife charity and works closely with conservationists, botanists, scientists, vets, and more. 

The zoo was founded in the 1930s by George Mottershead, and his philosophy was to be “Always Building.” The zoo has taken this ethos to heart, and recent developments include an authentic African zone with lodge accommodation, and a new snow leopard habitat. Besides thousands of animal and wildlife habitats, there are many award-winning gardens. 

Bath Skyline Walk

The historic city of Bath is the perfect place for a day trip at any time of year, with the astonishingly well preserved Roman baths that date back to the year 43 AD. There’s also elegant Georgian architecture everywhere you turn, from the famous Royal Crescent to the halls and houses once graced by Jane Austen.

There are also many outdoor attractions in and around the city that are perfect for families at this time of year. For example, the National Trust’s Bath Skyline Walk is a six-mile circular walk with high vantage points offering panoramic views across the city and the surrounding Avon Valley. There’s also a woodland play area packed with fun things for little ones to do.

A short drive from Bath, there are many other attractions such as Longleat Safari Park, Wookey Hole Caves, and Cheddar Gorge. 

Weymouth

Weymouth is regularly voted one of the best seaside towns in the UK, and it’s not hard to understand why. There’s a three-mile long sandy beach with safe shallow waters for tots to paddle in, and the opportunity for a huge range of watersports for some fun in the sea. 

There’s much loved traditions such as donkey rides and bouncy castles, and of course Punch and Judy. When you have had enough of building sandcastles, there’s the nearby Sea Life Centre, where you can explore the Ocean Tunnel, take an exclusive tour, or roam the 13 different zones to take in the many wonders of the aquatic world.