The summer holidays are upon us and, with the easing of restrictions seeing many places back in the swing of things once again, it’s time to get friends and family together and catch up on some well-deserved fun. In this double feature we take a look at family friendly restaurants close to attractions in the South and the North of England.
THE SOUTH
Berkshire
Where to Go: Legoland Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY
Themed around the Lego brand, with over 55 rides and attractions, as well as shows and entertainment, and two Lego-themed hotels.
Where to Eat: Greene Oak, Windsor
The Greene Oak’s modern bar has a pleasingly laid-back feel and the quirky horsebox tables on the terrace will appeal to the kids, who have their own ‘Little Acorns’ menu. Enticing menus use the best of the British larder; the 45-day aged rare breed steaks are a speciality and the weekday lunch menu is a steal.
Bristol
Where to Go: SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Designed by Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company's Bristol to New York service, the SS Great Britain was launched in 1843; a pioneering technological creation which held the record as the longest passenger ship.
Where to Eat: Gambas, Bristol
Kids will love the location of this tapas bar on bustling Wapping Wharf. If the weather’s good, a seat on the terrace with its lovely river views is a must. The sharing dishes have wide appeal and are a great way to introduce youngsters to Spanish food.
Cornwall
Where to Go: Flambards Theme Park, Clodgey Ln, Helston, TR13 0QA
A multi-faceted theme park with thrill rides, family fun rides, exploration and play areas, and immersive indoor attractions.
Where to Eat: The Square at Porthleven, Porthleven
A great place to visit at any time of the day, this small harbourside bistro opens for coffee and cake, before moving on to a mix of snacks, sharing platters and modern classics. Sit on the terrace looking out to sea – and be sure to pop into their next door ice cream shop before you leave!
Hampshire
Where to Go: National Motor Museum, John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZN
Take in multiple attractions in one place, including the renowned motor museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the grounds and gardens. Afterwards, head out to see the ponies in the New Forest.
Where to Eat: Three Tuns, Romsey
Tucked away in the back streets, the characterfully vintage Three Tuns offers a menu that will appeal to families not only for the choice of dishes available but for the price too. Hearty pub classics include some tempting pies, and there’s a kids menu to tempt the younger guests in your party.
London
Where to Go: Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Rd, London, NW1 5LR
Pose with life-sized wax replicas of celebrities and iconic historic figures in Madame Tussaud’s themed galleries.
Where to Eat: Fischer’s, Westminster
It’s worth heading to this all-day Austrian café and konditorei before your visit to the waxworks, as breakfast is a highlight, particularly the viennoiserie. That being said, the menu is a great all-rounder, so you’ll find something to please all the family, whatever the time of day.
London
Where to Go: The British Museum, Great Russell St, London, WC1B 3DG
Dedicated to human history, art and culture, The British Museum’s collection is the largest and most comprehensive in existence, with over 8 million works – many collected during the reign of the British Empire.
Where to Eat: Rondo, at the Hoxton Hotel, Camden
Rondo is the place for a fun evening out, and the kids will love watching the chefs in the open kitchen which stretches down one side of the smart, bistro-style room. The menu offers something for one and all and the robust, satisfying dishes have global influences.
Oxfordshire
Where to Go: Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford, OX18 4JP
Set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens, the Cotswold Wildlife Park boasts over 260 species of animals in landscaped enclosures.
Where to Eat: Bell Inn, Langford
The Bell Inn’s rustic charm is hard to resist and, when the sun’s out, the terrace is a great place to be. Menus offers plenty of different options, with tasty wood-fired flatbreads and pizzas a popular choice; kids also have their own menu.
Surrey
Where to Go: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington, KT9 2NE
A theme park and accommodation complex comprising rides, a zoo, a Sea Life aquarium, two themed hotels and glamping.
Where to Eat: The Anchor, Ripley
Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its good quality, good value cooking, the 400 year old Anchor offers a concise menu of unfussy dishes, which include some tempting bar snacks, a dedicated children’s selection and a good value set lunch served Tuesday-Friday.
Wiltshire
Where to Go: Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, BA12 7NW
Stroll through wildlife exhibits; jump in the car for a safari drive-through; wander the 900 acres of Capability Brown parkland surrounding Longleat House; and, for the ultimate experience, stay overnight in one of the self-catering cottages.
Where to Eat: Bath Arms, Horningsham
Established in 1736, this stylishly updated country inn is located on the Longleat Estate and boasts a delightful terrace and a suntrap garden. Appealing dishes showcase produce from the Estate and local farms; the wood-fired pizzas and Sunday lunches are a sure-fire hit with families.
