Top 10 Educational Days Out for the Family this Half Term

Lessons are by no means only learned in the classroom

In fact, recent research, carried out by Oxford Home Schooling, revealed that nearly half (46%) of parents think that days out, like school trips, can teach their children more than time studiously spent on the curriculum.

The study, conducted by the online home education provider, found that parents generally have a positive attitude towards school trips, with over a third (34%) thinking that there should be more available for school children. Nearly two in five (38%) believe that it’s still important for children to go on them.

‘Discovering new experiences across the UK brings out the creativity in your child and helps them develop new skills,’ says Dr Nick Smith, principal at Oxford Home Schooling.

‘These days out will help bridge the gap between education and hands-on experience. They provide immersive learning experiences, spark imagination and offer unique opportunities to create lifelong memories as a family.’

‘If your children think they’ve seen it all, they’re wrong! So, get out and about with your children this half term and see what the UK has to offer.’

Oxford Home Schooling have put together its top 10 educational attractions in the UK for the family this autumn, so there really are no excuses for having nowhere to go on the rainy day that will without doubt loom its soggy head at some point over the next few weeks…

1) The Dramatic One: Shakespeare’s Globe, London

Education is at the heart of Shakespeare’s Globe, with family tours available to help people discover his incredible theatrical world. A range of special storytelling events are running over half term help bring it alive and encourage children to explore their own creativity.

2) The Scientific One: Eureka!, Halifax

This National Children’s Museum features six interactive zones where children can learn about everything from the human body to deserts! Enrol your kids in Ghoul School to enjoy a lesson from one of the terrifying teaching staff this half term, and check out Dr. Frankenstein’s science class, develop survival skills with the resident werewolf or cast spells and potions with Eureka’s wicked witch.

3) The Historical One: Titanic Museum, Belfast

The Titanic experience extends to over nine interactive galleries, with rides and full-scale reconstructions. Explore the shipyard, travel the depths of the ocean and uncover the ship’s infamous history.

4) The Atmospheric One: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Explore the rich history of Edinburgh Castle with its amazing architecture and various attractions. A guided tour will give you lots of fascinating information and tales to bring the past to life. Discover the Great Hall, with echoes of royal celebrations and ceremonies, the Stone of Destiny and the prisons that lie beneath.

5) The Tasty One: Cadbury World, Birmingham

Discover the chocolatey zones at Cadbury World in a self-guided exhibition tour. The unique experience offers a fascinating insight in to the heritage of Cadbury chocolate. Find out how chocolate is made, ride on a Beanmobile and have fun choosing from a selection of backdrops for a green screen photo experience.

6) The Intergalactic One: The National Space Centre, Leicester

For an out of this world experience, the National Space Centre includes six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium and the iconic 42m high Rocket Tower.

Come face to face with astronauts, spacesuits and take a journey through the Solar System. Watch a show at the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium and be immersed in a full 360° dome experience featuring the latest video technologies.

7) The Medical One: Beamish Museum, Newcastle

Explore the world famous open-air museum and dive into the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s and 1940s. This October half term, take a look at the history of healthcare, learning about different herbs and remedies, the NHS and the dangers of Edwardian dentistry.

8) The Horticultural One: Eden Project, Cornwall

Receive a warm welcome at The Eden Project and enjoy the fun-packed seasonal events designed to entertain and educate throughout the year. The largest indoor rainforest in the world offers lots of opportunities for combining fun with education.

9) The Industrial One: The National Waterfront Museum, Wales

This museum offers stacks of fun and imaginative activities designed to appeal to all members of the family. It tells the inspiring story of Wales’ contribution to past, present and future innovation and industry.

10) The Technological One: The Centre for Computing History, Cambridge

Discover the story of the Information Age through the history of personal computing. With a collection of vintage computers on display and exciting exhibits, the centre can help create a level of confidence and creativity when using information and digital technology.

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