Family Days Out Beyond the Clean Air Zones

With new emissions charging zones popping up in many UK cities, finding places to visit with the kids without paying daily fees can be tricky. Here are some great family-friendly attractions easily accessible from London, Birmingham, Manchester and more, that are outside the ULEZ, CAZ and ZEZ boundaries:

Escape to the Sea

The coast always promises fresh air and fun for families. Brighton or Margate make perfect day trips from London, without having to enter the ULEZ. Pack swimsuits and head to the beach, then enjoy amusement arcades and fish and chips by the pier.

Discover Wildlife

Head out of urban areas to connect with nature. Spot wild deer at Richmond Park near London, or flamingos at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, accessible from Bristol while avoiding its impending CAZ. Many National Trust sites like Clumber Park near Nottingham also offer acres of outdoor space, cafes and family activities.

Historic Houses

Majestic estates like Petworth House in West Sussex or Baddesley Clinton near Birmingham provide a day out full of history and gardens. With play areas and trails for kids, they are ideal ULEZ and CAZ-free attractions if you love grand old houses.

Farm Fun

Children love getting close to furry friends on farms. Pick your own fruit at Home Farm near Bristol, meet newborn lambs at Butterfly Farm in St Albans, or enjoy tractor rides and feeding animals at Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, easily accessed from the outskirts of London.

Outdoor Adventure

Zip wires, tree climbing and obstacle courses promise energy-burning fun for kids. Head to Go Ape in Leeds, or Intu Trafford Centre ropes course near Manchester, to enjoy challenging outdoor pursuits away from the city center CAZ zones.

So don’t let the new emissions charges restrict your family days out. With a little planning, you can still access fresh air, nature and excitement, without paying daily clean air zone fees.