For Teens

Image is all important to these emerging adults.  South East England is great for teenagers, with a great selection days out to be had, with everything from shopping to outdoor adventure . . .

Image of a family looking out from the Spinnakar Tower in Portsmouth

As many a parent will remember, one of the most important things about being a teenager is looking cool.  The outlet stores at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth in Hampshire provide all the right labels at affordable prices.  It’s all here, you can dress yourself from head to foot, feed yourself from dawn to dusk and party till the sun goes down.

Image of the shops at Gunwharf Quays

Let’s see if we can tempt you when it comes to fashion - with so many stores on offer, you could easily spend the whole day here. If you want to grab something to eat, there’s a great selection restaurants to choose from.  Gunwharf Quays is just as busy when the shops shut with many entertainment options, like bowling and cinemas.

Image of a boy in the tree at Go Ape!

And now for something completely different - ever fancied launching yourself from the tree-tops in a high-wire adventure?  Go Ape has six locations in the South East where you can do your Tarzan bit.  It’s all done with wires and ladders and walkways and bridges.  You’ll be hooked up and harnessed and given the safety low-down before you swing down from on high. Go Ape! course are open from February - November.

Image of a girls swinging from the trees at Go Ape!

Go Ape! locations include: Woburn Safari Park, near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, Alice Holt Forest in Surrey, Leeds Castle in Kent, Moors Valley Country Park in Hampshire, Swinley Forest in Berkshire, Wendover Woodland Park in Buckinghamshire and Bedgebury in Kent. Make sure you check out the restrictions such as height and weight, whilst under 18s must be supervised by a participating adult.

Image of a group of children learning to surf on the beach

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground - visit Thanet in Kent for a day at the seaside that is sure to be little on cost but big on memories.  Thanet is made up of the three main sea-side towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and a multitude of bays.  The beaches are so good they have won themselves ten Blue Flag awards - making them some of the best in the world. Hire a beach hut, enjoy the sun, unwind, go for a paddle, relax on the sand and then head home tired but happy.

Find out more about attractions & family holidays in England’s south east here