Family Memories - Travel - May 2025

May 17, 2025

 

Dear Reader,

What makes a memory? Often, our family tapestries are woven with threads like accidentally burning sausages at a family barbecue, the intense focus of a sandcastle competition, giggles and sticky skin as ice lollies melt down fingers and arms, or the quiet awe of watching a sunset together.

This is all to say the snapshots that live longest in our brains – those joyous tidbits encapsulating the unique rhythm of our families – are rooted in the unplanned, the unexpected, the unscripted. Of course, the most memorable family moments are made on holiday, and we’re huge proponents of the Great British family staycation.

This familial togetherness is where it all starts for PoB Hotels, a carefully curated collection of the very best independent hotels, home to the finest restaurants, spas and authentic regional experiences across the British Isles. Each independently owned property boasts its own unique collage of memory making, past, present and future.

Here are eight ways to make memories as a family across the UK this summer.

Enjoy,

Making Family Memories In Summer 2025

1. Family Staycation

Whether it’s a countryside adventure, coastal retreat, or cultured city escape, there’s a PoB Hotel adventure waiting for every member of your tribe. The PoB Hotels collection is made for family moments you’ll never forget: think sandy toes and ice cream smiles, muddy boots after wild adventures, and cosy nights in a grand country retreat. We all know family time is precious, which is why PoB Hotels go out of their way to make every minute of your stay memorable, whichever corner of the UK you choose to explore. And the collection indeed spans each and every corner, from the Scottish Highlands to the Channel Islands. Start planning your next adventure with PoB Hotels today. Here are four ideas to get you started.

BOOK IT: Plan your family break at pobhotels.com

2. Park Fair

Returning to The Great Tew Estate in Oxfordshire this June, this three-day boutique festival (20–22 June) is filled with food, shopping, wellness, fairground rides and more. While the grown-ups catch chef demonstrations and take part in yoga and sound healing workshops, little ones can get involved with silent discos, arts and crafts and dance classes.

BOOK IT: Tickets can be booked at parkfair.uk

3. Family Race Day

When it comes to racedays, there’s nowhere better than Ascot Racecourse – and their family-friendly days are a cut above. Think complimentary face painting, balloon modelling and roaming entertainment all sprinkling joy and delight across the site. The Summer Mile Weekend kicks off at 11am on both 11 and 12 July. And best of all, all under 18s go free when accompanied by an adult.

BOOK IT: Find out more and book at ascot.com

4. Run Away To The Circus

Eastnor Castle’s annual Circus Skills extravaganza (27–31 July) is back for 2025, inviting energetic youngsters to clown around with Thomas Trilby and his interactive circus throughout the day. Tucked at the foot of the Malvern Hills, you can also enjoy the woodland play area, Knight’s Maze, deer park, lake and ice cream parlour all summer.

BOOK IT: Tickets can be booked at eastnorcastle.com

(CGI)

5. Night At The Zoo

Looking for a late summer adventure the kids will never forget? From August 2025, Chester Zoo will be welcoming overnight visitors for the very first time, with more than 50 new lakeside and giraffe side lodges coming with exclusive, out-of-hours access and behind-the-scenes experiences, with proceeds funding species-saving work in Kenya and Uganda.

BOOK IT: The Reserve will be open from August 2025, with bookings open at chesterzoo.org

6. Camp Bestival

This is the very best of child-friendly festivals. Taking over Dorset’s Lulworth Castle this summer (31 July–3 August), expect a festi-holiday brimming with music (from Tom Jones to the Sugababes), wellness, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures and more – perfect for families looking to swap screens for shared adventures.

BOOK IT: Tickets, including family bundles, can be booked at dorset.campbestival.net

7. Al Fresco Art

More than 30 permanent and site-specific sculptures from renowned contemporary artists (think Tracy Emin, Rachel Maclean, Antony Gormley) are scattered across the Jupiter Artland site, just outside of Edinburgh. Budding adventurers can find new wonders around every corner.

BOOK IT: Jupiter Artland is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and advance tickets can be booked at jupiterartland.org

(© Kirsty Jane Russell)

8. Summer Celebration Of Speed

A summer garden party – with added cars. Held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House, the Festival of Speed (10–13 July) features F1 superstars, classic cars and motorsport legends, all in one place. Families can enjoy a dedicated zone featuring Scalextric, tot cars, face painting, and much more – all with a viewing terrace so you don’t miss a moment of the action. Kids under 12 attend for free.

BOOK IT: Find out more and book at goodwood.com

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