8 best apps for family days out

Looking for a cafe that's open now - with a loo to nip into? Desperate for a petrol station before you run out? Use this app to search for places to eat, shop, or relax. You can also read reviews from an active community of locals in the know. Great news too, it's free!

Download from the App Store or from Google Play.

Trip Advisor - free

An oldie but a goodie. A great place to go for recommendations on eateries, hotels, places to go and holiday itineraries. Use the forums if you have any special requirements.

Download now for free from the App Store or Google Play

Live Train Times - £2.99

Don't ever let a late train spoil a family day out again. This highly-rated live train times app allows you to find out when your next train is, so you can spend your maximum amount time with the family having fun, before hot footing it to the train station.

Download from The App Store

Pocket Phonics - £4.99

There are lots of apps to keep your children busy, or distract them if you need to, but we especially love this gem. It's won a few awards and is apparently used in over 300 schools.

Download from the App Store

Viator Tours & Activities - Free

Another award winning travel app. Not only will this app give you lots of local information about where you are visiting, but it will also give you e-vouchers and local reviews. You can even book activities from your phone. Pretty good value we think.

Download free from the App Store or Google Play

Touchnote - Free

A genius idea from Touchnote. Send your family and friends real postcards using your iPhone photos, printed and then posted for you. A holiday isn't a holiday without the good old fashioned postcard! Right?

Download free from the App Store and Google Play

BBC Weather - free

This easy-to-read BBC Weather app will give you short term and longer range forecasts, meaning you can plan for a an hour in the park or a day trip later in the week. This could become your very best friend!

Download for free from the App Store or Google Play

Bus Checker UK - £2.49

Planes, trains and automobiles....nearly! The bus might be the most direct or thrifty option when out and about. No studying the timetable at the bus stop and learning you just missed the last bus! Plan ahead from home and save time. It includes live and scheduled bus times.

Download free from the App Store and Google Play

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