Family day out? Find the hidden gems along the East Coast Main Line

Things to do…

Highlight: Show the iPad generation the way it used to be at the Museum of Childhood at the V&A. Explore the 20^th century history of Lego, still going strong today, and all manner of retro toys.

Budget: Tire them out at Coram’s Fields. This 7-acre playground in central London has sandpits, climbing frames, zip wires and more.

Splurge: Explorer Robert Ripley defined ‘strange but true’. Explore hundreds of oddities and artefacts at Ripley’s Believe it or Not. 

Places to eat…

Highlight:Under-10s eat free at the cool Hixter Bankside. The informal, open-plan layout is perfect for noisy family dining while mini-steak burger or boiled eggs and soldiers are vote winners.     

Budget: Little ones can play while they eat at Full of Beans. Great food and coffee meets soft play and toys at this Highbury play café.

Splurge: Bowling and burgers meet at All Star Lanes. Think classic American diner food with 10-pin bowling between courses. Retro.

Where to sleep…

Highlight: Aloft London Excel offers swimming pools, goodie-bags and free food for under-5s. They can even ‘camp out’ for the night in the Savvy Suites.   

Budget: Stay near Buckingham Palace and other SW1 attractions at the family friendly (and family run) Luna Simone Hotel.

Splurge: A-listers with kids must stay at The Athenaeum hotel. A children’s concierge, nannies and babysitters are all on hand.

Things to do…

Highlight: Folksy family fun awaits at Dalkeith Country Park. Explore treehouses, climbing walls and secret tunnels at the playground or hire bikes for a family ride with miles of rural paths.

Budget: Clamber up World Heritage Site Calton Hill for majestic views of Edinburgh and monuments worthy of Ancient Greece.

Splurge: Take on spinning tunnels and mirror mazes at Camera Obscura. Don’t miss the 19^th-century rooftop periscope.   

Places to eat…

Highlight:Pizza is the perfect dinner for the family who can’t agree. Bustling, family-run La Favorita serves award-winning, wood-fired pizza from the back streets of Venice. Flustered families will fit in.

Budget: Find juicy gourmet burgers straight from the American Dream at Burger Meats Bun. Hand-wrapped for a retro diner vibe.

Splurge: Tuck into Michelin Guide pub grub at The Scran & Scallie. Seasonal Scottish food in a cosy, family-friendly setting. 

Where to sleep…

Highlight: Bed down in 5-star luxury at The Knight Residence serviced apartments in the Old Town. Expect a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, as well as Wi-Fi, TVs, cots and high chairs.

Budget: Find stunning views, central location and some great child-friendly policies (free breakfast) at the Braids Hill Best Western. 

Splurge: One of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. The Scotsman is packed with period charm – wood-panelled rooms and roaring fires.

Things to do…

Highlight: The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat are children’s book legends. Find out how they were written at Seven Stories – the national centre for children’s books.

Budget: Cows, sheep and a pair of pigs called Thelma and Louise await at Ouseburn Farm – a city farm set up by locals. It’s free too.

Splurge: Football fans? Take a tour of Newcastle United’s St James’ Park – sit in the dressing room and walk down the tunnel.

Places to eat…

Highlight: Chicken cooked over open flames and slathered in 1 of 23 sauces – the simple things are done well at Coop Chicken. No kids’ meal deals – just ask for an extra plate and ‘divvy up’ yours.

Budget: Local culture vultures love the café at Tyneside Cinema.  It’s big on brunch and burgers, and there’s a great kids’ menu.    

Splurge: Tuck into a top-class pub lunch on the terrace of Twin Farms – a child-friendly country pub just outside the city.

Where to sleep…

Highlight:Sleep amid the Georgian grandeur of Grainger Town with the Citybase apartment on Grey Street. One of many listed buildings nearby, the apartment is opposite the Theatre Royal.

Budget: With splendid scenery and discounts for families, the Best Western New Kent Hotel is perfect for parents with little ones.

Splurge: Lord it up at Malmaison with storm-force showers and chic interiors. Extra beds can be put in the room for your kids.