Six weeks of school holidays stretch ahead. Whether you're planning a single trip or multiple escapes, here's your complete guide to family-friendly activities in Brighton, Watford, and Leicester—plus accommodation that actually works for families.
The school summer holidays present both opportunity and challenge. Six weeks of freedom for children; six weeks of "what are we doing today?" for parents. Strategic trips break up the marathon, create memories, and give everyone something to look forward to. Here's how to maximise family fun across our locations.
Brighton with Children
The seaside has entertained British families for generations, and Brighton remains the gold standard.
- Pack proper beach mats (pebbles demand comfort)
- Water shoes make shoreline walking painless
- Beach toys travel easily; bring favourites
- Ice cream is non-negotiable
SEA LIFE Brighton The world's oldest operating aquarium houses sharks, rays, turtles, and hands-on rockpool experiences. Air-conditioned respite when beach days overheat. Book online for discounted rates.
Brighton Palace Pier Rides, arcades, and fairground atmosphere. Budget warning: arcades eat coins. Set limits beforehand or keep walking through to the end for sea views and fresh air.
British Airways i360 The observation tower rises 450 feet for panoramic views. Children enjoy the experience; adults appreciate the bar. Sunset flights are particularly special.
The Royal Pavilion The exotic palace fascinates older children with its extravagant history. Younger ones prefer the gardens outside—space to run and peacocks to spot.
- Volks Railway: Britain's oldest electric railway runs along the seafront
- Paddleboarding: Several operators offer family sessions
- Brighton Marina: Bowling, cinema, and casual dining
- Escape rooms (several in the Lanes)
- Bowling at Hollywood Bowl
- Cinema at Duke of York's or the Marina
- Museum and gallery browsing (free!)
Watford with Children
Harry Potter provides the obvious draw, but Watford offers genuine family appeal beyond the studios.
The main event for many families. Essential planning:
- Book weeks (ideally months) ahead for summer
- Morning slots suit younger children's energy
- Allow 4+ hours minimum
- Butterbeer is extremely sweet—perhaps share one
- The shop at the end is enormous—set expectations
Proper preparation matters: watch films beforehand, discuss favourite characters, build anticipation.
190 acres of green space including:
- Excellent playgrounds (multiple areas for different ages)
- Paddling pools (seasonal, check opening)
- Miniature railway (summer weekends)
- Woodland walks and wildlife
- Café for necessary parental caffeine
Perfect for burning off energy before or after studio visits.
- St Albans (15 mins): Roman museum, cathedral, and child-friendly restaurants
- Whipsnade Zoo (30 mins): Open zoo with car safari options
- Paradise Wildlife Park (25 mins): Big cats, dinosaur exhibits, and splash park
Under 20 minutes to Euston opens all London attractions. Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Tower of London, and more—all accessible as day trips from your Watford base.
Leicester with Children
The East Midlands city surprises families with its range of genuinely excellent attractions.
Leicester's flagship family attraction delivers:
- 42-metre rocket tower (genuinely impressive)
- Planetarium shows throughout the day
- Interactive exhibits for all ages
- Space history and future exploration
Allow half a day minimum. Excellent café on-site.
Sprawling parkland featuring:
- Boating lake (pedalos and rowing boats)
- Multiple playgrounds
- Abbey ruins to explore
- Summer events and activities
Free entry makes this a low-stakes choice:
- Dinosaur gallery (always popular)
- Egyptian collection
- Ancient history exhibits
- Enough art to satisfy adults briefly
Introduce children to Indian cuisine at its best. Many restaurants accommodate young diners, and the variety means fussy eaters can find something. Shared dishes encourage trying new things.
Leicester City FC offers behind-the-scenes tours. Football-loving children (and adults) enjoy pitch access, changing rooms, and Premier League atmosphere.
Family Accommodation Essentials
What families actually need differs from adult trips:
Children need room. Toys need surfaces. Parents need somewhere without toys. Multiple-bedroom apartments with living areas prevent everyone climbing walls.
Picnic preparation. Quick breakfasts. Snacks on demand. Post-bedtime wine for parents. Kitchens transform family trip economics and sanity.
Children create laundry. Extended summer stays require washing. Don't let dirty clothes dictate packing volume.
Smart TVs for evening wind-down. Games for competitive families. WiFi for tablet time (let's be realistic). Our Brighton properties include pool tables and multi-game tables—immediate entertainment without leaving the property.
Family travel means car travel means luggage, beach gear, pushchairs, and miscellaneous stuff. Free parking isn't luxury—it's necessity.
Planning Your Summer
Mix locations across the holidays—Brighton for beaches, Watford for Harry Potter magic, Leicester for something different. Each offers distinct experiences worth the journey.
Browse our family-friendly properties and start planning summer.
