With school summer holidays fast approaching and many people thinking about taking time off to enjoy the longer days and (hopefully!) warm and sunny weather, now is the time to get planning things to do, places to go and sights to see.
The great news is you don’t have to travel far to find something to suit all ages and interests. Buckinghamshire has it all, from family days out to cultural events, places to explore and activities galore.
Summer is a fantastic time to explore the great outdoors. With miles of rolling countryside all around as well as many picturesque villages and towns, getting out and about on foot or by bike is the perfect way to explore. There are walks and cycle routes for all abilities: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/walk-and-cycle. Bring your own picnic or stop off for refreshments along the way. Alternatively visit one of our country parks where you can wander at your own leisure or take part in a variety of events and activities: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/country-parks
If you want to travel further from home but don’t have access to your own transport or don't want to drive, why not consider taking the bus? Buckinghamshire has a handy network of bus routes running the length and breadth of the county and beyond and can offer a stress free and cheaper alternative to taking the car with many bus companies offering discounted tickets for families or groups. Visit www.traveline.info to plan your journey.
If you use the buses during the school holidays you can get some extra discounts to the following attractions:
10% off tickets to Wycombe Hell Fire caves for anyone showing a valid bus ticket for that day at entry, served by Red Rose Travel’s route 40.
One child goes free when visiting the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury with a valid bus ticket for that day. This is valid for both the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery & Feel the Force Summer Science exhibition.
£2 off tickets to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s family production of Hexwood School of Sorcery. Look out for the posters on board bus routes travelling in and out of Aylesbury to get the promo code you need when booking.
If the weather isn’t quite so summery, indoor activities offer a good way to keep everyone entertained. Buckinghamshire’s libraries host a range of family friendly events and activities throughout the summer and our leisure centres offer fun swimming sessions and a range of sports facilities and some have soft play and climbing facilities. Or you could check out the Wycombe Museum, get creative at the Queen's Park Arts Centre in Aylesbury or take in a children's show at the Wycombe Swan or Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.
There are also lots of free activities and events for families taking place throughout the school holidays. Play Around the Parishes is just one of the schemes running. The initiative brings free play activities to parks and other locations across the county for children aged up to 11: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/events/play-around-the-parishes/
Not sure where to start with your summer plan or simply looking for inspiration? The Visit Buckinghamshire website is a great place to start: www.visitbuckinghamshire.org and also has details for Bucks Open Weekend at the end of July, a bumper few days of interesting activities happening all over the county. If you are looking for specific activities to suit different ages or interests visit the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service where you can filter your search in order to find what suits: www.familyinfo/buckinghamshire.gov.uk/things-to-do.
Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: "There's so much to see and do right here on our doorstep in Buckinghamshire. With many families worrying about how to occupy their children over the summer holidays and not wanting to spend a fortune doing so, it's great to know that their are so many options locally. Whatever your age or interest, I hope everyone gets some time to enjoy and explore the beauty, culture and variety of entertainment and leisure we have in Buckinghamshire.
Clive added: "There are also lots of great and fun alternatives to taking the car which have many benefits for our health and the environment. How about trying an ebike from Aylesbury Parkway to Waddesdon, to avoid the traffic and visit the future of travel?"