Great Days Out UK

Easy-to-use links connect users with hundreds of websites showcasing places to visit and things to do across the whole of the UK.

Users can search or browse the Great Days Out UK directory by location or type of activity. There are Regional pages, County and Town or City pages which can all be accessed though an interactive map, logical menu structure or interactive search facility.

The 12 Main Days Out Categories are:
Adventure Activities
Animal & Wildlife Parks
Arts & Crafts
Family Attractions
Historic Houses & Castles
Museums & Galleries
Outdoor Activities
Parks & Gardens
Play Centres
Sport & Leisure
Transport, Trips & Tours
Water Activities

Background History

In August 2006, Gloucestershire Head Teacher, Nigel Steele was working on his computer when he was inspired with an idea that became part of the move to change the way people search for information on the web.

The “graphical directory” started with the idea that an imaged-based presentation of information – organised simply on one screen page – could be a new and exciting way of searching for information. Colourful logos and images could be used to connect consumers, quickly and easily, with a large number of local websites, just through the simple click of the mouse.

The initial ideas were developed around the setting up of a gardening directory providing links to a wide range of gardening businesses in one county – Gloucestershire. Very quickly it was realised that these ideas could be developed across a diverse selection of topics such as restaurants, pets, weddings … and also county by county. And so Quoakle.com – the graphical directory was born!

Move on 7 years to Autumn 2013 and the Quoakle team followed up the launch of its graphical Restaurant Directories (e.g. gloucesterrestaurants.co.uk) with the development of its ‘flagship project’ – a graphical Days Out Directory for families … Great Days Out UK.

The team drew on the valuable experience gained through the development of Quoakle. Over the last 12 years, they have continued to develop the Great Days Out UK directory with new branding, improvements to usability and enhancements to navigation. They have extended the provision for businesses advertising to include a subscription model as well as various affiliate programmes.

Probably the most exciting recent development was towards the end of 2023 when the team launched a sister directory providing important accessibility information – Accessible Great Days Out UK.

With Great Days Out UK, finding the perfect day out has never been easier!