7 Ideas For Father-Son Bonding

FOR THRILL SEEKERS: Fly A Vintage Plane

Close to Cambridge, Duxford is home to one of the UK’s five Imperial War Museum sites. As well as checking out some of history’s most famous aircraft of the past, this one gives you the chance to take to the skies in iconic fighters like the Tiger Moth and Spitfire. For one-seater flights, one of you will have to watch from the spectator area, but there are plenty of options for two people to enjoy together. Take to the air in a Dragon Rapide to enjoy some local sightseeing, then grab a bite to eat in a local pub and explore the cobbled streets of Cambridge. Just pray for a clear day – otherwise it could be a bumpy ride.
 
Visit Classic-Wings.co.uk
 

FOR AN ACTIVITY BREAK: Dive Into A Weekend Of Water Sports

The quiet Welsh coastal peninsula of Pembrokeshire is a great place to enjoy a weekend of water sports. Its open waters, safe beaches and wildlife attract visitors in droves during the summer months. Dale is a seaside village renowned for its water sports, with a fully certified RYA training centre offering windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and surfing. There are lessons for all levels, as well as courses for juniors to get to grips with the basics. The local area is well equipped with places to stay and eat – the Griffin Inn offers seaside views and alfresco dining, serving up fresh seafood and quality Welsh ales.
 
Visit SurfDale.co.uk

FOR WHISKY TASTING: Head To Glenmorangie House

One for slightly older father-son twosomes, whisky-tasting weekends at Scotland’s famous Glenmorangie House are held periodically throughout the year. They include a two-night stay at the picturesque property, a distillery tour and expert guidance on how to taste whisky properly – there’ll be no downing in one here. Meals and canapés are included, as is a clay pigeon shoot followed by a blind tasting and grand Gala Scottish Dinner on the final night. If you’ve really enjoyed your weekend, they’ll even throw in an extra night for free – the only thing you’ll have to pay for is food and drinks. 
 
Visit TheGlenmorangieHouse.com
 

FOR A DARING ADVENTURE: Try a Bear Grylls Survival Course

Reckon your dad-lad relationship is pretty tight? Put it to the test at one of these intense two-day survival courses. At an extreme location in Snowdonia, the Scottish Highlands or wild Dartmoor, you’ll climb rock faces, dive into deep mine shafts and canoe fast-flowing rivers as you attempt to navigate your way through untamed nature. You’ll need to stick together if you plan on making it to camp for the evening astro-navigation, before continuing on to the finish line, where you’ll receive a certificate and some well-earned tea and cake. But only if you make it.
 
Visit BearGryllsSurvivalAcademy.com

FOR A BIT OF EVERYTHING: Go To Bovey Castle

In the wooded hills of Dartmoor national park, Bovey Castle is a grand destination for a varied weekend getaway. If you’re looking for some shared R&R, its ESPA spa has an impressive pool and whirlpool, alongside a full menu of treatments for a restorative afternoon. Elsewhere on its 275 acres, there’s an 18-hole golf course, archery and rifle ranges, tennis courts, a helipad and the chance to go off-road driving. For younger dad-lad duos, there are falconry lessons and a deer park tour. The nearby village of North Bovey is also worth exploring, in all its 13th-century glory.
 
Visit BoveyCastle.com
 

FOR A TRIP TO THE PAST: Explore the Medieval City of York

York is a sight to behold that quickly immerses visitors in its rich history. The centrepiece of this Roman walled city is its majestic gothic cathedral. Around and about, you can walk the walls and explore the winding, medieval streets that are said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Depending on the ages of your party, other must-see attractions include the Jorvik Viking Centre, the 11th-century Clifford’s Tower and the excellent Railway Museum. Once you’re done exploring, dining options are plentiful. Best of all, perhaps, is Roots, which showcases the imaginative flavour pairings and homegrown produce of Great British Menu winner Tommy Banks.
 
Visit VisitYork.org

FOR HONING YOUR CULINARY SKILLS: Take a Course at Philleigh Way

Ever wanted to learn how to cook with smoke and fire? Or master charcuterie? Don’t be fooled by the state-of-the-art workstations and Le Creuset pots at Philleigh Way. This rustic cookery school on the Cornish coast runs classes that get your hands dirty. It can teach you how to do everything from foraging for wild herbs to catching a flounder in the river Fal. If you fancy bringing your dad or son along, there is bound to be a class suited to your tastes. There’s even a ‘Just for men’ course for those of you who haven’t yet mastered the art of cooking. Accommodation wise, choose from a range of charming cottages and lodges nearby, as well as elegant hotels like Hotel Tresanton a short drive away.
 
Visit PhilleighWay.co.uk