Do you and your loved ones want to explore somewhere new? Would you prefer a destination that lies within easy reach of the bright lights and bustle of London’s heart? If so, then perhaps a family trip to Sidcup is in order.
This vibrant corner of southeast London offers easy access to the capital’s most famous attractions, but it also has a number of interesting sights of its own to offer.
Intrigued? Read on to find out more, and start planning your fun-filled family vacation in Sidcup today.
Find The Ideal Accommodation
Finding somewhere to stay in Sidcup won’t be a challenge, as there is a wide range of accommodation options available, catering to all tastes and budgets. These vary from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering holiday rentals that vary in size, from cottages to large houses with several bedrooms apiece. If need be, you can even find pet-friendly options, if you are keen to bring your beloved pooch along with you for your Sidcup family getaway.
Check The Weather Before You Travel
Holidaymakers in the UK have a thorough understanding of the vagaries of the weather and how important it is to be prepared. To help ensure your visit to south east London is as enjoyable as possible, be sure to check the Sidcup weather in advance, using World Weather Online. You can see the 7, 10, and 14-day forecasts, as well as a range of other helpful weather-related information for your destination. Utilise tools like these to help you pack for the weather and any activities you have planned.
Things To Do With The Kids In And Around Sidcup
Sidcup is home to a number of family-friendly attractions. As the location is in Bexley, it means you also have access to the bright lights of the big city. As a result, there are a wide variety of indoor and outdoor hotspots for you to visit, including some breathtaking natural attractions where you and your family can reconnect with nature – despite your proximity to the hustle and bustle of central London. Not sure what destinations to include on your itinerary? Here are some suggestions for unforgettable family activities to try while you’re visiting Sidcup.
Explore Foots Cray Meadows
If you and your family are fond of scenic country walks, then you should pay a visit to Foots Cray Meadows while you are in Sidcup. This sprawling 97-hectare expanse offers a blend of picturesque woodlands, wetlands, and wildflower meadows, complete with some eighteenth-century buildings belonging to the original estates of North Cray and Foots Cray. While you are exploring the nature reserve, you should keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, in particular, an array of resident and visiting bird species such as mute swans, cormorants, sparrowhawks, tawny owls, and colourful ring-necked parakeets. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive, sinewy form of a grass snake, or spy some great crested newts in the water.
Venture Into The Historic Caverns of Chislehurst
Just a short drive from Sidcup, you will find the district of Chislehurst, and its famous man-made caves, which form an underground maze that winds over an area spanning six hectares. Dating back hundreds of years, these eerie underground tunnels were used to excavate chalk, which was a key ingredient in both brickmaking and lime burning. They have also, at different periods in history, served as a munitions storage, an air-raid shelter, and a venue for concerts and dances.
Get The Adrenaline Pumping With Combat Lasers
If your kids are keen on a little family-friendly warfare, then you may want to try your hand at combat laser quest. Laser quest is an adrenaline-fuelled activity that can be great fun for children, and adults! There are combat laser game opportunities to choose from. Each one is located in a carefully designed outdoor laser tag play area. Children can don their fatigues, shoulder their highly accurate weapons, and practice playing fun-filled war games amongst the trees. Essentially, it’s just like paintball, just without the attendant mess and bruises. Most of all, it allows parents and children to bond in a fun activity, one that they can reminisce on long after the holiday is over. Finding activities that tire their children out is a top priority for any parents, as it means they can unwind after a long day of travelling and activities.
Eat And Drink In Sidcup
While central London offers plenty of enticing options when it comes to dining out – such as the global flavours of Camden Market and a truly mind-boggling abundance of restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops – Sidcup boasts some appealing dining venues of its own. These include traditional pubs, chic restaurants dishing up an array of continental delicacies, and cafes serving hearty comfort food as well as coffee and tea.
Noted local favourites include Pascal Bistro on Station Road, which specialises in filling French delicacies; Cedrus, offering up a menu of flavourful Lebanese dishes, including both hot and cold mezze and shawarma; and El Iberico, dishing up a menu of Mediterranean specialities from Italy, Spain and Portugal. Of course, if you would like to enjoy some pub grub and a cask of ale or two, there are several popular pubs in Sidcup; among them, you will find Ye Olde Black Horse and The Alma. A visit to one of these popular pubs could be the ideal way to finish off an activity-packed day.
In Conclusion
As you can see, Sidcup has plenty to recommend it as a family holiday destination, particularly for families who want to experience London without staying right in the heart of the capital.
Besides its local indoor and outdoor attractions, and the easy access it provides to London’s vibrant streets, Sidcup also provides a gateway into the natural world as a result of its proximity to picturesque nature reserves. These include Scadbury Park, Crossness Nature Reserve and Ruxley Gravel Pits. As a result, you’ll never be short of something interesting to see and do during your stay in Sidcup. Above all, you and your family can enjoy making some magical holiday memories to cherish for a long time to come.
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