Days out with a difference
Book an LNER Family Return for cheap train tickets to your summer staycation.
With the summer holidays coming there are only so many times you can take the family swimming or to the park. The LNER Family Return makes it even easier for up to two adults and up to four children to get out and explore together. Why not explore some of the more unusual things to see and do along our glorious east coast? Here’s our guide.
Glorious mud
Jump off the train at London King’s Cross and head south for a walk through Deptford Creek.
When low tide approaches, the river water disappears and leaves behind a kilometre of riverbed to explore. The creek is home to 120 species of wild flowers and wildlife including birds and butterflies. This is one of the most historic waterways in London, just a stone’s throw from regal Greenwich. The walks are organised by the Creekside Discovery Centre. There are a whole host of activities across the summer including crab catching and duck racing. So pull on your waders and discover what lies beneath the water.
Cost: £12 for adults, £8 for children
Up on the roof
Grab your high-vis and your hard hat and climb to the top of St James’ Park in Newcastle for a unique view of the pitch as well as the city below.
If you haven’t got a head for heights, keep your feet on the ground instead with a tour of the stadium, where you see the all the backstage areas you normally wouldn’t have access to. You can even take a seat in the manager’s chair in the dug-out.
Cost: From £20 for adults, £15 for juniors
The fat of the land
This summer you can avoid the supermarket and put the kids to work in the fields at Balloon Tree Farm Pick Your Own, just outside York.
Grab a basket and fill it with a whole host of seasonal fruit. Choose from strawberries, raspberries, peas and plums to name a few. The farm also has animals you can feed as well as a playground.
Cost: Free entry, just pay for what you pick!
They don’t know they’re born
Show the kids what it was like back in the days before tablets and apps took over playtime.
Step back in time at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh and discover how the children of yesterday used to live and play. Take a walk down memory lane as you see the toys you and generations before you grew up with, and confuse the kids with retro games such as Jacks and Spacehoppers.
Cost: Free
Who dunnit?
Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes as you explore Peterborough on a murder mystery treasure trail.
The trail takes you across town as you look for clues on buildings and monuments. Eliminate the suspects as you try to track down who committed the crime. Crack codes and keep your eyes peeled, and if you correctly identify the murderer, you will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win £100!
Cost: £6.99
Get away with the family for less
The LNER Family Return ticket is a great way to enjoy a trip with your family along our glorious East Coast route for less. This fare offers return travel for up to two adults and four children for one great fixed price.
Find out more about the LNER Family Return ticket , including where and when you can travel.