Gunners Pool Bridge in Castle Eden Dene / Photo by Les Hull

The Castle Eden Dene national nature reserve is a perfect location for a family day out. With twelve miles of rough paths and steep banks the wooded valley is a sure-fire hit for all the family. If twelve miles is only a short day out for you then the beautiful Hamsterly Forest is perfect. With two thousand hectares of horse riding tracks and cycling routes it’s another great family day out.

If it’s not the outdoors you’re after then try the National Railway Museum. With a variety of different locomotives on show, various special events throughout the year and guided tours it’s the perfect indoors activity. If this sounds a bit unexciting to your family then Diggerland will be right up your street. With over 15 rides, it gives adults and children the chance to drive real construction vehicles including the astounding JCB racing!

County Durham isn’t just a picturesque location; you’ll also find cinemas and theatres’ showing great shows all throughout the year. If it’s shopping that’s your kind of entertainment then you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice with small boutiques and large shopping centres in great supply, there’s something to satisfy every shopping desire.

When it comes to eating out in County Durham you may be pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of choices on offer. If you’re looking for a unique restaurant in County Durham then Blagraves House in Barnard Castle will definitely be on the ‘menu’. In a room with oaks beams and a crested ceiling you can eat where Cromwell once did…you can’t find much more unique than that!

Accommodation in County Durham is another area you won’t be short of choices in. No matter what your budget there’s something for everyone; with accommodation ranging from hostels right up to five star luxury hotels. If a hotel isn’t your style then there’s an extensive range of camping and caravanning sites which make them ideal locations for those looking for an ‘outdoors’ break.

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Shrewsbury / Samluke777

Shropshire has much to offer when it comes to family holidays, from the beautiful scenery to the fantastic activities such as walking in the Shropshire hills or biking along some of the UK’s most beautiful bike tracks.

Shropshire is situated quietly alongside the Welsh border, with many local attractions such as “Iron Bridge Gorge” (the birthplace of the industrial revolution). The town of Shrewsbury, one of the best preserved medieval towns in the UK, which includes Shrewsbury Abbey, Shrewsbury Castle and the ancient St Mary’s church.

Shropshire is the home to “Snailbeach Mines”, the biggest lead mine in Shropshire, rumoured to yield the greatest volume of lead per acre in Europe. Originally developed by the Romans, Shropshire county council now run the mine as a tourist attraction. Guided tours are available for those people interested in history.

If you are into walking & rambling Shropshire has some of the best countryside walks available, take advantage of the Shropshire hills or take a stroll down the Shropshire Union and Llangollen canals. Shropshire boasts over 3500 miles of walkways and nature trails, it truly is a ramblers paradise.

Shropshire Union Canal / Tim Regan

If mountain biking is more your thing Shropshire also has some of the best bike tracks in the UK. Shropshire has hundreds of miles of National Cycle Network routes along quiet lanes, old railways and waterways, and for the more extreme mountain biker there are plenty of off road bike tracks which will test your mountain biking skills to the limit.

The nearby Eastridge woodlands offers a picturesque location for picnics and family days out, with stunning views across the surrounding countryside.

Also situated in Shropshie is RAF Cosford, once a year Cosford put on an Air Show, which attracts thousands of people of all ages each year. They provide aerobatic displays along with hundreds of aircraft which are grounded for people to look round and enjoy.

There are many traditional English pubs in the local area, offering a traditional pub food and local ales. If you are a real ale drinker there are plenty of beers to try.

So Why Shropshire?

Shropshire is a beautiful destination for people looking for self catering holidays that don’t cost the earth. There are many self catering cottages available to choose from, ranging in size with some as small as single bedroom accommodation to others as large as 5 or 6 bedrooms sleeping up to 10 people. Shropshire offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages, plan your trip to see some of the best this county can offer.

Andy Morley is a freelance writer currently working on behalf of Fernside Cottage, a beautiful self catering cottage in Shropshire.

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