10 places to visit during school breaks

Boasting stunning vistas, beautiful forests, impeccable gardens and spectacular historical houses, the National Trust offers a wealth of opportunities for students looking for a day out. Many of our Host Families have National Trust memberships, and with over 500 properties across the UK, there are plenty to choose from, whether students are looking for a day of hiking, or the chance to learn about British history.

Did you know in the UK you are never any further than 2 hours from the coast? The weather might be less than ideal, but enjoying a day by the sea is a long-honoured tradition. Whether you're enjoying a walk down the famous Brighton Pier, or taking in the sights at the Cliffs of Dover, the British coastline is not to be missed.

Bright World has numerous host families who live in coastal areas and often the home is an easy walk to the beach. This allows students the opportunity of taking in some sea air during their holidays. We do recommend they wrap up warm in the winter as it can be blustery on the seafront.

When it comes to finding the perfect day out, nothing beats a day in London. The capital city is home to so much history and culture, there's something for everyone. World-famous monuments, luxury shopping, museums and so much more, it's fun for students, parents and host families alike.

Younger students on the Bright World Guardianship programme who want to go to London must be accompanied by an adult until they reach 16. At 16 they are allowed to go themselves and with friends as long as they are back home by dark.

Home to some of the most famous theatres and shows in the World, going to the theatre is a real treat. Whether you're heading to a local pantomime, or delighting in a West-End musical in London, there is always something for students to enjoy.

Our musically talented students always appreciate the chance to enjoy live music here in the UK, sometimes never having to venture much further than the town centre. We hear regularly that our host families have organised a concert or theatre evening for their lucky students during their stay.

You don't have to travel far to enjoy one of the many museums here in the UK. Many towns have local museums offering an insight into local history, whilst larger towns and cities are home to some of the most famous museums in the world, such as the Victoria & Albert and the Natural History Museum.

We always encourage our students to visit museums with their host families during the holidays. Entry is usually free of charge and they are fascinating places that can bring school history lessons to life.

We advise our guardianship students to stay fit and healthy throughout their study period. An ideal way to do this and have fun during half terms is to visit their Local leisure centre. It can be a perfect day out for students, offering numerous sporting activities to enjoy, such as swimming, rock-climbing, tennis and squash.

Many leisure centres also offer daily holiday programmes full of activities and hobbies for students to enjoy.

There are over 4,000 castles and 960 historic churches across Britain, so wherever students are spending their holidays, there’s always something fascinating nearby. Some excellent options include:

• Windsor Castle (Berkshire) – The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, still a royal residence today.
• Warwick Castle (Warwickshire) – A fantastic family-friendly site with reenactments, dungeons, and historical displays that make history fun and interactive.
• Durham Cathedral (County Durham) – A masterpiece of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• St Albans Cathedral (Hertfordshire) – A site rich in both Roman and medieval history, perfect for those studying the early spread of Christianity in Britain.
• Edinburgh Castle (Scotland) – Dominating the city skyline, it offers an unforgettable insight into Scotland’s royal past.

We encourage our students to visit these kinds of sites because it can support their studies and also helps them develop a deeper appreciation for British culture and heritage.

For our animal loving students, there's little that can top a day out at the zoo. The UK are renowned for their love of animals and so there are many local zoos, aquariums and farms you can visit that can offer students the chance to spend time with animals. Another popular past time in the UK is horse riding that some of our students enjoy doing at home and, provided their parents are in agreement, we are pleased to help them organise hacking and lessons here in the UK as well.

Studies have shown that spending time with animals can lower stress and anxiety, and boost mood and self-esteem, making it a great choice for a day out.

Taking the time to go to the cinema during the school holidays can be a real treat for students, especially so when so many offer international screenings.

With many cinemas now boasting IMAX screens and the latest major releases, many students are eager to get the chance to see their favourite films and actors during their holidays.