10 T e Travel Guide Making a splash
Five new reasons for families to return to the British seaside this summer, from pools to rides. Words: Rhonda Carrier
Entertainment in Blackpool T e Showtown Museum of Entertainment’s opening has been delayed until later this year, but families can still get a taster at the Showtown Activity Hub. As the town is Strictly Come Dancing’s ballroom home, children can expect drop-in performances from the stars of the show, and ‘Showtots’ sessions, alongside activities such as seaside postcard-making. T e Gruff alo & Friends Clubhouse has also recently launched on the seafront and the attraction includes soft play and 3D zones featuring characters from Julia Donaldson’s books.
showtownblackpool.co.uk
Vintage fun in Margate Reinvented for the 21st century, this north Kent seaside town is home to a cluster of indie boutiques and its retro theme park, Dreamland, continues to draw families. In 2023, a new Rock ’n’ Roller family coaster, crazy golf and a revamped Mirror Maze were added to Dreamland’s roster of attractions. Long-time favourites include the Scenic Railway, which is the UK’s oldest wooden coaster, and the roller disco. T ere’s also a busy calendar of events, concerts, outdoor screenings and art installations.
dreamland.co.uk
Treetop explorations in Rhyl Rhyl is home to Zip World, a thrilling outdoor adventure and activity resort that’s fi lled with zip-wires, quarry karting and an underground challenge course. Rhyl is also home to a water park and an air show each August.
zipworld.co.uk
Walking & biodiversity in Dorset Last year, family-friendly celebratory events were hosted along the newest sections of the 2,700-mile England Coast Path, so be sure to look out for what’s to come.
nationaltrail.co.uk
Featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine June 2023
Swimming in Brighton T e East Sussex beach town has long been a favourite with open-water swimmers, but Brighton’s 165ft-long open-air Sea Lanes pool is game-changer for families. T e pools add to the area’s other family-friendly attractions, including Yellowave Beach Sports club and cafe, traditional rides on the Palace Pier; and the Brighton i360 moving observation tower.
sealanesbrighton.co.uk
Promotional Content • Saturday 27th January 2024
The Dorset coast PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY
Brighton Pier PHOTOGRAPH: ALAMY
Practical packing
These handy products and gadgets make getting ready for your next trip a breeze and give you peace of mind while on the go. Words: Farida Zeynalova
Horizn Studios H5 Cabin Luggage
T is suitcase makes travel as seamless as possible: it’s kitted out with a removable smart charger (cabin approved for all airlines and made to last up to fi ve days), a TSA-approved lock and 360-degree spinner wheels, plus an in-built compression pad and laundry bag. Made with 100% vegan materials. £360.
horizn-studios.co.uk
Larq Bottle PureVis
Larq claims this is the world’s fi rst self-cleaning water bottle. It’s all thanks to a UV-C LED light that claims to eradicate up to 99% of bio contaminants from both the bottle and the water inside, making life easier during long journeys. T e vacuum-insulated stainless-steel bottle keeps drinks cool for up to 24 hours and warm for up to 12. £99.
livelarq.com
Salter Digital Luggage Scales
Ensure the weight of your luggage is within your airline’s allowance with this portable kit. Simply fi t the strap around the suitcase handle, press a button and check the weight on a digital screen. With the average charge for overweight luggage around £65, the scales are a must for frequent travellers. £16.99.
salter.com
Gomatic Medium Packing Cubes Make the most of your luggage allowance with Gomatic’s durable packing cubes. Available in three sizes, they keep your belongings organised and use a zippered compression system to maximise space by 50%. T e mesh material allows travellers to easily spot what you’re looking for, too. £25.99.
gomatic.co.uk
Rakuten Kobo E-reader
Elipsa 2E Kitted out with a 10.3in, glare-free screen, this gadget saves readers space when on the go. Scribble notes on eBooks, edit documents and listen to audiobooks for hours, thanks to a long-life charge and 32GB of storage. T e exterior is also made from 10% ocean-bound plastic. £349.99.
kobo.com
Tile Pro Tracker
Make losing your belongings a thing of the past with this nifty little tool, created with both Android and iOS users in mind. Controlled via an app, the Pro Tracker has a 120-metre Bluetooth range and a ringer loud enough to hear from that distance. Place one in your bag or attach one to your travel essentials and keep an eye on their position using their last logged location. £29.99.
tile.com
Featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine June 2023
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