Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

Family Travel Ideas England

From historic houses, museums and art galleries to nature reserves, visitor centres and theme parks, England plays host to an incredible range of visitor attractions, perfect family travel ideas in England. 

But which ones pull the greatest crowds? And which see families with kids vacation time and again?

We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 paid family travel visitor attractions in England. You may notice our inclination for history and heritage or our affection for animals, as well as the popularity of gardens and parks for vacations with kids in Great Britain. But most of all that we simply love having fun…

Click on the links below to find out more about England’s Top 20 Attractions...

1.  British Airways London Eye
2.  Tower of London
3.  Pleasureland Theme Park, Southport
4.  Pleasure Beach, Great Yarmouth
5.  Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo, Yorkshire
6.  Legoland, Windsor
7.  Windermere Lake Cruises, Cumbria
8.  New Metroland Theme Park, Newcastle
9.  Eden Project, Cornwall
10. Chester Zoo
11. Drayton Manor Family Theme Park, Staffordshire
12. Canterbury Cathedral
13. Kew Gardens, London
14. Westminster Abbey, London
15. Windsor Castle
16. London Zoo
17. Roman Baths, Bath
18. Tatton Park, Cheshire
19. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
20. St Paul's Cathedral, London

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

You may choose from the best Irish & British B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, inns in Ireland, unusual manors and even the most elegant Irish castles to form your perfect vacation! We have 3 star relaxed castles to 5 star elegant ones.

Other websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Irish Cottage Rentals or Irish Castle, Vacation Villas

Enjoy the freedom of your own personal Ireland cottage, manor house or castle in Ireland. We have cozy whitewashed houses that sleep two, up to grand baronial ones that sleep 18. Irish cottages and castles, private manor homes, Ireland cottages and vacation villas, thatched homes, Irish house rentals. Perfect for a honeymoon, summer-long getaway, or family vacation. You have the whole house, castle, cottage, or lodge in Ireland to yourselves. Our elegant Irish country houses and castles are scattered throughout the countryside, decorated to reflect the individual tastes of the owners. Our Irish vacation rentals may also be rented for a Christmas vacation, a family reunion or at any time of the year. Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

Australia Travel Master

Ireland Travel Expert

Scotland Travel Master

Itinerary - London with Children

Itinerary - London with Children

If you are intending to come to London with your children, here are some ideas on what to do, so that the kids can have fun too. For more ideas go to www.kidslovelondon.com Day 1 Morning Board a 30 min flight on the British Airways London Eye, Europe’s tallest ferris wheel, and admire London from the great height of 135m in one of 32 capsules. For a tour with a difference, take the family on the London Duck Tour - London’s only amphibious vehicle, which takes you round London’s most famous landmarks and down the river Thames. Lunch Make your way to the Natural History Museum at South Kensington and have a packed lunch or a snack in the museum’s picnic area/café. Afternoon Make friends with the dinosaurs and explore the wonders of the natural world inside the Natural History Museum. In the Science Museum next door you can touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years. Evening Have dinner at the Hard Rock Café, the very first restaurant Hard Rock restaurant. Go to London’s famous West End to see a musical - The Lion King and Mary Poppins are both great for kids and half-price tickets for many shows can be bought on the day from TKTS in Leicester Square. Day 2 Morning Mingle with the famous at Madame Tussauds' world-renowned collection of wax figures. Enter the Chamber of Horrors if you dare! Lunch Behind Madame Tussauds is Regent’s Park - the perfect place for a picnic. Afternoon Make your way across Regent’s Park to London Zoo where you can learn about the animals and their natural environment. Watch feeding time for the penguins and don’t miss the bird display. You should just have time for a bit of shopping before dinner – the kids will love Hamley’s in Regent Street - a 7 floor store devoted to toys. Evening Eat in the Rainforest Café, Piccadilly - a fantastically recreated rainforest with cascading waterfalls, thunder and animated wildlife! Day 3 For a different and exciting day out take the train to Windsor and Eton from London Paddington and spend the day at LEGOLAND Windsor, where there are over 50 interactive and fun attractions, rides and shows to entertain all the family. Or Morning Take the Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich and visit the Royal Observatory where you’ll find the Greenwich Meridian Line and some fantastic views over London. Lunch Picnic in Greenwich Park or eat in one of Greenwich’s historic pubs or many restaurants. Afternoon Take the Docklands Light Railway to Stratford, then change to the Central Line for Bethnal Green. Here you’ll find the Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green, part of the V&A. It’s a whole museum dedicated to toys, puppets, dolls, games and children’s costume and furniture and explores the history of childhood from the 16th century to the present day. Evening As you are already in the East End of London go to Brick Lane for a curry. Try Café Naz or Bengal Blues for a good value for money meal. Watch out though - the food can be spicy! Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com> Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners Australia Travel Master Ireland Travel Expert Scotland Travel Master

Irish Cottage Rentals or Irish Castle, Vacation Villas

Irish Cottage's to Castles
Whether you are searching for a cozy retreat and living a simple life in a cottage far off the beaten track or going back to the Medieval era and living like a Royal in a Castle-Lynott Tours has tours to suit all.                                                       Rent a cottage or a castle in Ireland or Britain. When you'd like to be on your own, in a village of 8-10 identical cottages with other vacationers from around the world. Walk to the local store, cook your own meals for that finicky eater, and have your own home away from home for a week or more. Enjoy the freedom of your own personal Ireland cottage, manor house or castle in Ireland. We have cozy whitewashed houses that sleep two, up to grand baronial ones that sleep 18. Perfect for a honeymoon, summer-long getaway, or family vacation. You have the whole house, castle or cottage to yourselves. Our elegant Irish country houses and castles are scattered throughout the countryside, decorated to reflect the individual tastes of the owners. Our Irish vacation rentals may also be rented for a Christmas vacation, a family reunion or at any time of the year. A car is yours for the week, so you can go sightseeing, get off the beaten path, shop for groceries in the village down the road—whatever you please! We have vacation homes and Ireland cottages located throughout the country.

We recognize that traveling with a family requires a different type of vacation. If you are traveling with young children we recommend choosing a base area which has everything from historical parks to wonderful kid friendly beaches or indoor waterparks. Explore the country by car and only unpack once!

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours, a tour operator in Ireland and Great  Britain.   www.lynotttours.com

Family fun with a Bike Tour from Lynott Tours

Family fun with a Bike Tour from Lynott Tours

Lynott Tours Inc has been providing families with action packed tours of Ireland for over 35 years. For the more athletic families amongst you, or just the adventure driven who want to experience the great outdoors why not try one of our many bicycling tours around Ireland.

Whether it's being guided on an escorted tour or biking independently, this program is a unique and rewarding opportunity.

How does cycling around the breath-taking scenery of Ireland sound? Stumbling across special spots, far away from the tourist traps, taking the day as it comes whilst your luggage is whisked away in a car and will meet you at your next hotel.

Our family tours are specially designed with ALL the family in mind. The tour revolves around the county of Clare in the heart of Western Ireland. Our Family Safari takes in the more spectacular parts of our Clare tour. On the rest days there are opportunities to visit the beautiful Aran Islands, visit the Ailwee caves, explore the Burren on a wonderful walking tour or just relax on one of the many beaches. We have reduced the mileage to make the

Family toursare a little easier on the legs, but there are opportunities to stretch your limbs on longer routes each day.

We also have a family cycling tour of Connemara, through the Delphi Valley to Killary Harbour. With the options of going fishing, kayaking, pony trekking, windsurfing or simply just relaxing and taking in the spectacular views.

"The popularity of this program lies in the fact that you do not need to be athletes or experienced bikers to benefit from this travel opportunity. The terrain is suitable for both advanced and intermediate riders." Ellen McNulty, President of Lynott Tours

Lynott Tours has many other Biking tours available for the more

advanced bikers, for escorted or self led tours, or if you simply

just want a vacation in Ireland and rent a bike.

We able to arrange a customized program for you or your clients,

whatever their needs or desires.

Visit Lynott Tours' website at www.lynotttours.com. For more

information or reservations, please call Lynott Tours, Inc. at

1(800)221-2474, fax(516) 248-3496, E-mail:lireland@lynotttours.com.

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Irish Names & Pronunciation

Diapers are nappies and a baby bed is a cot, not a crib

A day care or nursery is a creche

I'll bet you never though of saying it that way:

ÁINE (pr. Awn-ya)

AISLING (pr. Ashling)

AOIFE (pr. Ee-fah)

FIONNUALA (pr. Finn-oola):

GRÁINNE (pr. Graw-inn-ah)

MÁIRE (Moyra), MÁIRÉAD (Moyr-ade)

NIAMH (pr. Neeve

SÍLE (pr. Sheila)

SINÉAD (pr. Shin-ade)

SIOBHÁN (pr. Shivawn)

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours, a tour operator in Ireland and Great Britain.  www.lynotttours.com

Irish Melody Tour by Lynott Tours is still America’s favourite Irish vacation.

After 35 years, the Irish Melody Tour by Lynott Tours is still America’s favourite Irish family vacation Lynott Tours,Inc introduces it’s 2007 brochure next month. The specialists in one of a kind travel to Britain and Ireland have put together special tours, tours seeing the REAL Britain and Ireland. With so many vacations to choose from, each one as enticing as the next it may seem a little daunting at first. So why not take past travelers advice and go with ‘An Irish Melody’

This very special tour combines enriching experiences in the heritage towns of Ireland with some extraordinary accommodations at guest houses, hotels, and inns and even a stay in a romantic castle. Enjoy the music of magical evenings. Listen to a tale well told, a song well sung, applaud a dance well done. Fun adventures include boat trips, bicycling, horse back riding, dolphin watching and traditional music. Activities for all. Join in and take part.

You’ll return home with great memories of the adventures and new friends you made along the way.

Prices start at $1827 and include first-class accommodation for 9 nights, a hearty breakfast every morning, a driver/guide throughout, all entrance fee’s and all taxes and service charges. Airfare can be added at an extra charge.

For reservations and information please contact Lynott Tours at 1(800)221-2474 or visit us at www.lynotttours.com

Bring your wands and broomsticks

Bring your wands and broomsticks, pack your Monster hunting gear and prepare your battle armour. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the new Scottish Clan tour from Lynott Tours.

(New York, Monday October 23rd ) - In Gaelic, the word clan means family or children. Lynott Tours has put together the perfect Scottish vacation for you and your clan, combining enriching experiences and fun adventures. www.lynotttours.com. For more information or reservations, please call Lynott Tours, Inc. at 1(800)221-2474, fax(516) 248-3496, e-mail:britain@lynotttours.com.

Starting in the most beautiful city in Britain - Edinburgh, an inspiring capital. See the sights with a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour, followed by an excursion to Alnwick-the second largest inhabited castle in England. The ‘Muggles’ amongst you can see the castle that was used extensively for the Harry Potter movies, and the exact location used for the infamous Quiddich games. Young wizards and witches will get hours of entertainment racing down embankments on broomsticks. Afterwards, enjoy the upbeat energy of a traditional Scottish music show and get caught up in all the singing and dancing. The next day you will be off ‘Monster Hunting’. Will you be lucky enough to spot the Loch Ness Monster? Nearby, the sights of the native Caledonian Pine forest will take your breath away.

See how Scotland would have looked 500 years ago, the same location used in the film ‘Last of the Mohicans’.

Mid-week you’ll be taken back into the world of Harry Potter on the West Coast Railway Company’s Jacobite Express. The route crosses the 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct seen from the air in The Chamber of Secrets. Glenfinnan is also where the soul sucking dementors stop the train in the latest film. That same day you will go from the magic of Harry Potter’s world to the legends and myths of the Vikings. You will head to Skye by ferry and stand on the battlements of timeless castles.

The last day of your adventure will take you to the mystical mountains of Glencoe, and an over night stay in a 13^th century castle.

The Scottish clan tour includes airport transfers, all transportation, a driver/guide, first class accommodation for 5 nights, 5 hearty breakfasts, 1 dinner and all taxes and service charges. Prices start at $1866 land only. Children under 12 are $1616.

"A totally flexible, fully guided tour - an adventure you’ll never forget!" Ellen McNulty - President of Lynott Tours Inc

Visit Lynott Tours website at

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Family-favorite Irish vacation

The Irish Melody tour from Lynott Tours is still a family-favorite Irish vacationLynott Tours, Inc. introduces their 2007 brochure next month. The specialists in one-of- a kind travel to Britain and Ireland have put together special tours, tours seeing the REAL Britain and Ireland. With so many vacations to choose from, each one as enticing as the next it may seem a little daunting at first. So why not take past travelers’ advice and go with ‘An Irish Melody’

(New York, October 23) --

Lynott Tours is offering an 11 day coach tour of Ireland with activities for children as young as five. This unusual tour features interesting visits for parents and grandparents as well.

 

This very special tour combines enriching experiences in the heritage towns of Ireland with some extraordinary accommodations at guesthouses, hotels, and inns, and even a romantic castle. Fun adventures include boat trips, bicycling, horseback riding and traditional music.

"It is hard to find a coach tour that will allow children. We saw a need for a coach tour where children are kept busy, not one where the kids are so bored that they are running up and down the center aisle of the coach. We planned the Irish Melody tour to include kid-friendly activities, as well as fun things for the young-at-heart. The tour was formulated after doing research with AOL members who had traveled to Ireland previously, to determine their favorite places in Ireland. We combined that information with our experience in planning family vacations. It has proven to be a winner in the past five years that the tour has been offered", according to Ellen Mc Nulty, President of Lynott Tours.

The Irish Melody tour visits the Dingle Peninsula, the quaint seaside town of Kinsale, medieval Kilkenny, Dublin, and Westport in rugged Connemara. A visit to Westport is planned for Thursday, market day in the town to give tour members a taste of local shopping.

Other highlights include a trip to the rural Aran Islands, and a stay in at Cabra Castle. Its halls and courtyards once echoed to the footsteps of Oliver Cromwell and James II. Set in 100 acres of parkland, Cabra Castle’s rooms offer unique antiques and paintings. Leisure facilities include a 9 hole golf course, enclosed gardens and Lady’s Lake and walks through the forest park. The last two nights are spent in Doolin, the home of Irish music.

A unique feature on this tour for a party of 6 or more on one departure, is that they can have their own departure with a minibus and driver/guide. There is no need to share the coach with other travelers. The itinerary can be modified to meet the group’s needs. Lynott Tours even has Irish genealogists to research clients’ Irish roots and plan a meaningful visit to the family homestead or farm in Ireland as well.

The price starting at $2239 adults, $1827 child 5-11 includes airfare from New York or Boston on Aer Lingus, coach transportation with driver/guide, accommodations for 9 nights, breakfast daily, some dinners, all sightseeing and entrance fees, baggage handling and tax.

Lynott Tours was founded in 1970 and specializes in travel to Ireland and Britain. They offer motorcoach tours, self drive vacations with B&B’s and castles, as well as personalized travel planning. For more information or reservations, please call Lynott Tours, Inc. at 1 (800) 221-2474, fax (516) 248-3496, e-mail:

ireland@lynotttours.com.

Visit Lynott Tours' website at www.lynotttours.com.

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