By Parkdean Resorts on 05/06/2017
It’s time to start slapping on the sun cream and heading outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Boasting some of the best beaches, National Parks, and woodland in the world, there are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities in Britain.
However, if you don’t fancy spending your summer days doing anything too physical, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you entertained. Here at Parkdean Resorts, we’ve taken a look at some of the best open air attractions in Britain, so you can have fun in the sun without breaking a sweat.
Beamish Museum, Durham
If it’s fun you’re looking for, then a visit to the Beamish Museum in County Durham is a must. Just over 30 minutes from Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, this open air museum tells the story of life in the North East of England during the 19th and 20th century.
Here, you’ll experience first-hand how the Industrial Revolution transformed life in the region. The buildings you’ll see at Beamish are not replicas, they have been brought in, brick by brick, from around the region and rebuilt - giving visitors a truly original feel of what life would have been like all those years ago.
Take a stroll around the 1900s town, where you can see how families worked and lived in the years leading up to WWI. Pop into the cosy farmhouse and find out about wartime family life, or head over to Herron’s Bakery and watch delicious bread, cakes and biscuits being made using traditional Edwardian recipes. Better still, you can purchase these freshly baked goods
Video sourced from kelvrp
Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
Though many people have been to a concert before, how many can say that they saw their favourite band or artist at Europe’s largest open air theatre? Just over 15 minutes from Cayton Bay Holiday Park is Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre; hosting fantastic entertainment all summer.
Located in one of Britain’s most iconic seaside towns, the Open Air Theatre holds 6,500 people. Originally built in the 1930s, the stage sits on an island in the middle of a lake, with fixed seating for the audience opposite. The amphitheatre once drew thousands of people each night, and was well known for the popular It’s a Knockout gameshow - which was regularly performed there in the 1970s. The theatre closed in 1986, but since then it has undergone a huge £3.5 million refurbishment, transforming the venue into a stylish new attraction.
In May 2010, the theatre was officially reopened by the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, and has been the stage for some of the music industry’s biggest stars – including Olly Murs, Elton John, Jessie J and McFly. This year, visitors are in for a treat, as the Open Air Theatre is hosting some incredible acts, including The Jacksons, the Beach Boys, Tom Jones, Little Mix, the Kaiser Chiefs and many more.
Video sourced from Cuffe and Taylor
Luna Cinema, Various Locations
There’s no better way to enjoy a summer’s evening than by sitting under the stars with your loved ones, watching a timeless classic. The concept for Luna Cinema is simple; a great movie on a big screen, shown in a beautiful or prestigious setting.
The Luna Cinema is England’s leading producer of open air cinema events. They use state of the art screens and sound equipment, as well as amazing quality digital projectors to provide you with a cinematic experience. Whether you want to watch a classic in the grounds of a manor house, or in the walls of a beautiful abbey, Luna Cinema can provide you with a unique experience.
If you’re staying with Parkdean Resorts this summer, it’s likely that you won’t be too far from a Luna Cinema experience. These big screens will be popping up near 11 of our holiday parks - including Alnwick Castle, just 30 minutes from Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, Cardiff Castle which is located 40 minutes from Trecco Bay Holiday Park, and Bournemouth Pier Approach, which is less than 30 minutes from Sandford Holiday Park.
Video sourced from The Luna Cinema
Minack Theatre, Cornwall
Malcolm, a local resident, highlights Minack Theatre as one of Cornwall's hidden gems, “You must on one of your trips to Cornwall go to the Minack Theatre, which is an open-air theatre on the cliffs, quite close to Land's End, which is absolutely stunning.” Perched on the cliffs of Cornwall overlooking the sparkling sea is the Minack Theatre, one of the world’s most famous open air theatres. Welcoming more than 150,000 people every year, visitors are drawn to the theatre’s breathtaking views, spectacular shows and fascinating history.
The idea for the theatre came from a woman named Rowena Cade, who lived in Minack House at the top of the cliff. In the early 1930s, she decided to create a stage for local drama enthusiasts to perform Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Over the past 80 years, the theatre has transformed into the amazing venue that it is today.
This summer, the theatre will set the stage for plenty of exciting performances. From Shakespearian classics such as the Twelfth Night and the Comedy of Errors, to modern shows like The Vicar of Dibley and the International Male Voice Choir Festival, there’s something for everyone. Just under an hour from Lizard Point Holiday Park, the Minack Theatre is the perfect place to enjoy a family day out, whether you’re watching a special performance, or simply sightseeing.
Video sourced from Aerial Cornwall
Are you visiting any open air attractions this summer? If so, we’d love to hear about it on our Twitter or Facebook page.