By Parkdean Resorts on 07/10/2019
A family holiday in the UK isn’t complete without a couple of trips to the pub, whether it’s to sample a scrummy Sunday lunch or simply enjoy a couple of drinks whilst relaxing with your loved ones.
Why not give yourself a chance to really unwind and ensure the kids are kept entertained at the same time? We’ve come up with a definitive guide to some of the best child friendly pubs around the country, all featuring a fantastic play area for them to explore.
Pubs with Outdoor Play Areas
The Beehive, Whitley Bay
- Where is The Beehive? Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE25 0SZ
- Great if you're staying at: The Beehive is under a 10 minute drive from Whitley Bay Holiday Park.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.5 stars
Within view of the iconic St. Mary’s Lighthouse and golden sands of Whitley Bay Beach, the award winning Beehive is a must-visit family pub if you’re holidaying in the North East. Renowned for being one of the best pubs with an outdoor play area near Newcastle and boasting countless positive reviews on Trip Advisor, this Grade II listed building dates all the way back to the 18th century. The low wood beam ceilings and cosy ambience give it a traditional country pub feel. Serving up a scrumptious menu of pub food favourites and thirst-quenching craft ales, you may even be lucky enough to catch some evening entertainment.
The kids’ play area at The Beehive, otherwise known as The Secret Garden, provides a truly exciting experience for little ones. Step through the door at the side of the carpark and you’ll enter a fully enclosed space with a wooden playground, surrounded by picnic benches where parents can supervise nearby. You’ll even hear music playing through hidden speakers around the garden! Once they’ve blown off some steam, let them refuel with some tasty options from the kids’ menu – the fish goujons come highly recommended.
Image courtesy of The Beehive
The Chequers Inn, Rookley
- Where is The Chequers Inn? Rookley, Isle of Wight, PO38 3NZ
- Great if you're staying at: The Chequers Inn is approximately a 15 minute drive from both Lower Hyde and Landguard Holiday Parks.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
Formerly a Customs House back in the 1700s, The Chequers Inn is nestled in the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside and is well worth a visit if you’re staying on the island and are on the hunt for a pub with a children’s play area. A traditional family pub atmosphere, you can expect a whole variety of delicious options on their menu from old favourites like fish and chips and Sunday carveries, to more unique dishes like goat’s cheese and red lentil nut roast. All of their beef and lamb dishes also benefit from being sourced from local farmers.
The Chequers Inn benefits from a large outdoor play area, including a Wendy House and a separate play area for under 9s. There is even an indoor barn with various games on offer if you’re visiting on a rainy day. The pub is also dog-friendly, meaning you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind!
Image courtesy of The Chequers Inn
The Sportsman's Rest, Peterston-super-Ely
- Where is The Sportsman's Rest? Peterston-super-Ely, Glamorgan, CF5 6LH
- Great if you're staying at: You can drive to The Sportsman's Rest from Trecco Bay Holiday Park in under 40 minutes.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
Planning a family holiday in Wales? Situated in the small village of Peterston-super-Ely, a trip to The Sportsman’s Rest is sure to whet your appetite. This child friendly country pub serves up all sorts of delicious meals from traditional, home-made favourites like steak and ale pie to grilled skewers and flavoursome curries. They even offer a fish and chip takeaway service seven days a week and various other special offers throughout the month, such as chef’s pie night and mid-week lunchtime deals.
Featuring a large outdoor play area with plenty of seating and a generously sized kids’ menu, children are always welcome at The Sportsman’s Rest. And if you’re staying at the nearby Trecco Bay Holiday Park, their fun doesn’t have to end – one of the biggest holiday parks in Europe, the kids can take full advantage of two fantastic outdoor play areas and even an indoor soft play area!
The Sun Inn, Pooley Bridge
- Where is The Sun Inn? Pooley Bridge, Cumbria, CA10 2NN
- Great if you're staying at: Limefitt Holiday Park is approximately an hour's drive from The Sun Inn.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
If you’re heading on a holiday to the Lake District and are on the hunt for a cosy, family-run pub with an outdoor play area, look no further than The Sun Inn at Pooley Bridge. Converted from a row of 18th century cottages, the pub offers a varied menu of home cooked British food, ranging from sandwiches and small snacks to mouth-watering mains. If you’re popping in for a quick refreshment, their wide drinks selection provides award winning ales and an assortment of local gins.
Hosting a large beer garden with ample outside seating, the kids will love whiling away the time playing in the fort themed play area until their food arrives. Surrounded by greenery and spectacular views of the Lakes, you can sit back and relax in the sunshine whilst the kids are kept entertained. You can even bring your pooch along as dogs are permitted in the garden and bar area.
Image courtesy of The Sun Inn
The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe
- Where is The Jolly Sailors? Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk, PE31 8BJ
- Great if you're staying at: Both Manor Park and Heacham Beach Holiday Parks are under half an hour's drive from The Jolly Sailors.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.5 stars
Voted the nation’s favourite family pub in 2015, a visit to The Jolly Sailors is essential if you’re looking for a pub with a play area in Norfolk. Set in the heart of a typical 18th century coastal village, the pub has received high praise on Trip Advisor for its welcoming atmosphere and top notch food. Serving home cooked meals ranging from Texan inspired smokehouse treats to local seafood and stone baked pizzas, you’re bound to find something to suit all the family.
Step outside and you’ll discover an enclosed beer garden complete with an outdoor play area, including a treasure chest and Jolly Roger pirate ship. There is plenty of seating and deckchairs for grown-ups where they can sit back and enjoy a real ale from the pub’s very own microbrewery. During the summer months, there are even traditional beach huts providing ice-cream and other treats the kids will love!
Pubs with Indoor Play Areas
The Honeypot Inn, Filey
- Where is The Honeypot Inn? Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9TA
- Great if you're staying at: The Honeypot Inn is approximately a 15 minute drive from Cayton Bay Holiday Park.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
Built in the 1800s and formerly a Victorian village school, The Honeypot Inn in Filey is definitely worth a visit if you’re on holiday in Yorkshire. A family-run country pub with an open fire and homely atmosphere, their extensive menu caters to both adults and kids alike. Serving up locally sourced meat and veg, succulent Sunday roasts and real ales, many customers on Trip Advisor have praised the pub on its large portions and reasonable prices.
If you’re looking for a pub with a play area in Yorkshire, the indoor soft play is perfect for when you want to give both yourself and the kids a break. For just £2 an hour, they can run wild before settling down to one of the many child friendly options on the kids’ menu. The pub is also dog-friendly, meaning your canine companion doesn’t have to miss out on all of the family fun!
The Best of Both
The Whitehouse Inn, Truro
- Where is The Whitehouse Inn? Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9LQ
- Great if you're staying at: The Whitehouse Inn is conveniently located near several of our holiday parks in Cornwall, the closest being Holywell Bay Holiday Park which is under a 15 minute drive away.
- Trip Advisor rating: 4.0 stars
For the ultimate family experience, The Whitehouse Inn is one to tick off your list if you’re planning a holiday in Cornwall. Set in the picturesque Cornish countryside, you can expect all sorts from their wide ranging food menu comprising juicy burgers and hearty carveries, which can be washed down with one of their many local cask ales or premium lagers. The extensive children’s menu includes all the familiar favourites from sausage and mash to fish fingers.
Regarded as one of the best pubs with play areas in Cornwall, the kids are guaranteed to be kept amused, as it features both a newly refurbished indoor play area and a large outdoor play area with slides and climbing frames. There is even a crazy golf course and go-karting if they’re feeling particularly adventurous and a sand pit with mini diggers for under 5s.
Are there any other family pubs with play areas you would recommend? Share your favourites on our Facebook page!