The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Published: 2nd April 2025
Julie Graham is an actress and writer, known for Shetland, Survivors, Benidorm and The Bletchley Circle. Doctor Who fans will recognise her as Ravio in the episode Ascension of the Cybermen.
This year she has been wowing audiences in This City Is Ours, the gripping new BBC drama where she stars opposite Sean Bean as Elaine Phelan — a steely, sharp-witted matriarch at the heart of a Liverpool crime family.
With a screen career spanning over 30 years, Julie has become a beloved and versatile presence. Unafraid to speak her mind, she’s a fierce advocate for better representation of working-class voices and older women on screen. Whether tackling comedy or drama, she’s funny friendly, generous and a true national treasure .
We grabbed a few minutes to ask her about her Best Days Out.
As a kid I loved Madame Tussauds. In particular the Chamber of Horrors. I was quite a macabre child! I loved the thrill of being scared.
Who would have guessed young Julie would grow up to become an actress?
An Italian restaurant called Pinocchio’s in Brighton. Super family friendly! We’ve had most family birthday’s/celebrations there since our kids were tiny. Delicious food. Classic!
Brighton! It really does have everything for a lovely family day out. The beach, the Pier, a great outdoor pool and play park, ice-cream and the best fish and chips!
The Lanes; The Pavilion; The Beach; The SeaFront & The Pier
I also love The Jurassic Coast and the New Forest for camping and wild swimming.
The South Bank in London – tons to do!
Camping anywhere…And….Cornwall – for the beaches!
Beach-loving Julie found it easy to make friendships as a kid!
Bus!!!!
Two iconic red buses on Westminster Bridge
London libraries have beautiful reading rooms if you want to get away from the hurly burly (and great toilets)
