Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Europe, the UK is a fascinating land, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. For such a small country it has an outsize cultural impact, partly due to its storied history and a treasure trove of myths and legends.
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are places where magic comes alive, which makes the UK an absolutely ideal destination for families looking for adventure with a dash of mystery and fantasy thrown in for good measure.
So if you’re jumping on a Southampton last-minute cruise, take some time to explore this amazing land and discover knights, dragons, wizards, and damsels in distress around every corner, with a range of family shore excursions that are too good to miss.
Step into the Wizarding World: Harry Potter Studio Tour
If your family is a fan of the wizarding world of Harry Potter, then a trip to experience the magic of the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, just outside of London is a must. If you are coming from London head to Kings Cross, grab a photo at Platform 9 ¾, and jump on the Hogwarts Express which will take you straight to wizarding heaven, no muggles allowed!
You can lose yourself in the costumes, props, and fantastic sets where the series was filmed like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest.
Explore Fairytale Castles: From Knights to Dragons
Everywhere you go in the UK you will find yourself confronted with ancient fortresses and remarkable castles that have been pulled straight from the pages of a fairytale. With stunning medieval architecture and rich tales of knights, maidens, kings, and queens, you can walk in the footsteps of the age of chivalry and roleplay adventures with your family.
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is one of the most impressive historic castles in the entire British Isles, a dramatic chunk of stone walls, imposing drawbridges, and flying buttresses. With lush, beautiful gardens and even a hedge maze, it is a fantastic day out for all the family.
Warwick Castle is another great option. Closer to London, it gives you a live taste of medieval magic, with jousting shows and live falconry displays giving a realistic, immersive taste of the times.
Discover Mythical Landscapes: Enchanted Forests and Legendary Lakes
If your family loves the natural world then the UK is the place for you – for such a small country it has a serious embarrassment of riches when it comes to natural beauty.
From mystical forests like Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean or the Dark Hedges in Ballymoney to Loch Ness in Scotland, home of the famous Monster, there are an incredible amount of beautiful, mythical landscapes to discover.
One spot that blends dramatic natural beauty with ancient legend is Tintagel Castle, in Cornwall, said to be the birthplace of the mythical King Arthur, and certainly the seat of ancient British kings and Cornish lords. The winding coastal paths that take you up and over sheer cliffs combine with the bleakly beautiful ancient ruins, making this a fantastic and exciting spot for kids and parents alike.
The UK boasts wonderful landscapes, fascinating history, and a rich seam of myth, legend, and magic that runs through both. As a result, it is a dream destination for families, offering contemporary thrills via Harry Potter movie sets and ancient wonders in the shape of castles, monsters, and Arthurian legends.
Wherever you go in the UK there’s a new story waiting to unfold, so embrace the land of myth and mystery with these brilliant shore excursions next time you travel!
Two Jersey Moms, a pediatric occupational therapist & elementary school teacher, providing fun and simple activities to get your little ones learning through play.