Ideas needed for a short break / day trip with kids on a budget!

BedsMummy

Hi, like the title says i am looking for ideas for day trips and short breaks in the uk for as little money as possible (ideally under £30 for a day trip and under £80 for a 1 night stay).
The trips would be for myself, my oh, a son aged 6, and 2 daughters aged 4 and 18 months.

We live in Bedfordshire so ideally any day trip ideas would need to be within a 3hr drive however we would be willing to travel further for an overninght trip.

Last year we went mostly to clacton-on sea, the local castle ruins and cassiobury park in Watford as the kids love the splash pools there.
However this year we would like to go to some new places but unfortunately i just can't think of anywhere new to go! Ideally we would like something outdoors like a sandy beach (don't like pebble beaches), parks, woodland areas, free museums etc with a nice spot for a picnic nearby.

Any reccomendation of places to go would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Mrs_Soup

I've just booked one night at Travelodge in Telford (£36 but could be had for £27 if no flexibility) in the school holidays plus £14 worth of Tesco clubcard vouchers to get £70 of days out tickets so we can go to Ironbridge. I think Paultons park with peppa Pig world is in the same area but can't recall how I got cheaper tickets for that a couple of years. ago.

mumonashoestring

How about Hunstanton in Norfolk? It's about a 2 hour drive from Bedford, has gorgeous, clean sandy beaches, picnic areas, a nice little nature reserve near the beach, traditional seafront, and some really lovely B&Bs (Rose-Fitt House do family rooms for under £40 a night in peak season). The heritage centre is free and open on Fridays and weekends, there are two RSPB reserves nearby and if you have a little spending money spare there's a sea life sanctuary, boat tours and a fairground.

mum26

For days out Stanwick Lakes and Salcey forest might be worth a try. The river festival is on in Bedford again this year. Have you been to the forest centre at Marston, the walks round Stewartby Lake are nice (and doable with a pushchair) and there is a nice little park at the forest centre itself.

I work for the new centerparcs and we get great perks including day passes so a job there is worth thinking about lol!

BedsMummy

Thank you so much for all of your replies.
I will definitely look into all the places you have suggested.
I haven't taken the children on a forest walk before so that'd definitely be something interesting for us to try and Hunstanton sounds great as i know the children love a good day at the beach.

Any more suggestions please keep them coming!

good_advice

I have just started using Tesco clubcard Boost days out vouchers. Very good value @ using £2 in clubcard vouchers to get £10 off a attraction.

I do lots of research on the web before we go anywhere. Then they have to be dog friendly.

Look for voucher codes/money off vouchers.

Walks with a picnic. Nature reserve/ woodland trust.