DESTINATIONS · Europe Travel · UK Travel ·Oct 21, 2024

12 Absolute Best British Family Holidays Right Now!

If you're travelling with kids, it can be a challenge to find the best British family holidays. The good news is that the UK is among the best choices for family breaks.

The country offers a winning mix of affordable accommodations, a variety of indoor activities to entertain kids, and mesmerising landscapes for busy adults to take a break from the routine.

From seaside paradise in Dorset, and characterful villages in Cotswolds, to the tranquil fells of the Lake District, there's plenty to fall in love within the UK, whether for a weekend getaway or month-long adventures.

So many places, but so little time for us to carefully plan for a perfect family trip. That's why we've picked out 10+ best spots from the bunch for families to visit in the UK at the moment!

12 British Destinations for Family Fun and Adventure

Northumberland
Cornwall
Edinburgh
London
Lake District
Peak District
Dorset
Cotswolds
Yorkshire Dales
Isle of Wight
Blackpool
York

1. Northumberland

Best for: Avid stargazers

Alnwick Castle, where kids can come closer to the Hogwarts magic. Photo by moomusician - stock.adobe.com

No place in the UK can beat Northumberland when it comes to night skies. Boasting International Dark Sky Reserve status, this England county has drawn tons of stargazers during autumn and winter to admire the shimmering show high up above.

Alnwick Castle, which appears in the first two Harry Potter films, is where wanna witches and wizards can live their dreams. There are also miles of unspoilt beaches for families, from Warkworth to Bamburgh to the shores of Holy Island.

If you're looking for more adventures, head to the Farne Islands to snorkel among the inquisitive seals and puffins there.

2. Cornwall

Best for: Seaside holidays

Fishing villages in Cornwall welcome visitors with the best seafood in Cornwall. Photo by Ian Woolcock - stock.adobe.com

The Cornish Coast is undoubtedly one of the best-loved family vacations in the UK. With miles of pristine coastlines, 8 stunning Blue Flag beaches, hidden coves, and rocky cliffs, it's impossible for beach bums not to fall in love with Cornwall.

The North Coast will be a perfect destination if your kids love bodyboarding and surfing. Whether you’re in Fistral Godrevy, Watergate Bay, or Gwithian, chances are you can encounter some of the best waves to ride in the UK.

The biggest draw of Cornwall is, however, the Eden Project. The huge outdoor gardens house the biggest rainforest in captivity. Finally, don't forget to catch a show at Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre with an epic view of the ocean.

3. Edinburgh

Best for: Time travellers and storytelling lovers

Edinburgh - a city known for its incredible literary history. Photo by Fotokon - stock.adobe.com

Visitors to the town find it hard to ignore Edinburgh Castle, which looms over the city against the volcanic backdrop. The fascinating castle has long been connected with royal intrigue, as it's home to the Stone of Destiny and Scottish Crown Jewels. Don't hesitate to sign up for a guided tour if you'd like to have a better look into Edinburgh’s past with a castle steward.

You can also take older kids up to Arthur's Seat - a volcano-turned-hill with nice views out to the sea. Or take them down the Royal Mile if they're old enough to enjoy a humorous ghost tour before wandering around Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens for fresh air.

4. London

Best for: Best city break in the UK

There's too much to check out in London. Photo by Richie Chan - stock.adobe.com

The capital remains our favourite destination for long-standing monuments as well as world-famous galleries and museums. Long queues and skyscrapers are not meant for slow travel, but did you know London also has some green spaces worth visiting?

We're talking about Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden if you’re looking for somewhere to take a break from the crowd. Or, explore the city's artistic side by browsing the works of Andy Warhol at Tate Modern or Picasso at the National Gallery. Of course, there are also landmarks that first-timers shouldn't miss, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

5. Lake District

Best for: Fun on the water

Hit the water to enjoy all the fun of the Lake District. Photo Tomasz Wozniak - stock.adobe.com

The Lake District, which covers an area of 885 sq miles, is the most beautiful region of northwest England and a nation's favourite. A wonderful time at Lake Windermere can begin with a cruise around its 18 islets and an exciting hike along the lake’s gravelly shoreline.

Or take your whole family to Brockhole, nearby. This 19th-century Arts and Crafts villa entertains guests of all ages with pony riding, archery, kayaking, treetop swings, and boat rides.

In Grasmere, you must come and see Dove Cottage, where the English poet William Wordsworth penned some of his greatest works.

The town of Grasmere is also for holidayers who seek a slower pace. Exploring its quaint tearooms, craft shops, and galleries is worth an entire day. And don't leave without trying the famous Grasmere gingerbread!

6. Peak District

Best for: A paradise for hikers and climbers

Peak District is perfect if you want to soak up valleys, hills and pastoral views. Photo by Pawel Pajor - stock.adobe.com

With rolling moors and hills, woodlands and stone villages, and purple heather, the Peak District is one of the best family vacation destinations in the UK.

The national park is also known for its stately homes, notably the Chatsworth House, also called "The Palace of the Peaks". But above anything else, the Peak District draws hikers and climbers alike with an array of terrains and natural beauty.

The White Peak, on the south, has anything from meadow-covered dales, caverns, and gorges to grottos for satisfying adventures in the wild. You can also find Castleton caves, home to the semi-precious mineral Blue John.

Venture north to the Dark Peak, where thrill-seekers can conquer higher moorland and much more dramatic climbs than the White Peak.

7. Dorset

Best for: Beach bums and dinosaur fans

Durdle Door - a must-stop on any holiday to Dorset. Photo by Paul - stock.adobe.com

Dorset is always synonymous with wonderful beach time. It’s hard to beat Weymouth for beach access. Nothing sets the day like having breakfast at the seaside.

Durdle Door is an iconic spot in the town where you can marvel at the rock archway over the sea from the beach. Meanwhile, seaside towns like Lyme Regis, Swanage, and West Bay are for adrenaline-pumping fun, from RIB rides to watersports and dolphin sightings.

Occupying the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast, Dorset is where you can join the crowd for fossil hunting. You can also go on mackerel-fishing trips from the coast of Weymouth or Branscombe.

For kids, Dinosaurland Fossil Museum offers 12,000 specimens to explore, while Undercliffs National Nature Reserve also has diverse geology, fossils, and land-slipped cliffs to discover.

8. Cotswolds

Best for: Charming rural adventures

The postcard-worthy Bibury can steal your heart. Photo by Stuart Monk - stock.adobe.com

Cotswolds is long known for its rolling hills and honey-hued stone cottages. The town is a classic choice for those looking for a peaceful holiday, with some pretty photo opportunities for their Instagram feed.

The villages here are straight out of The Hobbit, including Bibury, often hailed as the "most beautiful village in England" thanks to the charming stone cottages along the River Coln. Then there’s Stow-on-the-Wold—a classic market town—and Bourton-on-the-Water. The latter is known as "The Venice of the Cotswolds," owning to its gently flowing rivers and picturesque bridges.

Beyond scenic spots, there are historic castles like Sudeley Castle to roam the grounds, Cotswold Wildlife Park to spot giraffes and rhinos grazing in front of a Victorian manor house, and many fascinating museums like Cotswold Motoring, where the whole family can have an educated experience together.

9. Yorkshire Dales

Best for: Walking trails and railway rides

A charming place, whether you're exploring it by foot or by railway. Photo by _Danoz - stock.adobe.com

Like the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales are blessed with breathtaking views and Instagrammable villages.

The ruins of Bolton Abbey and Fountains Abbey, set along the scenic riverside, are perfect for bracing walks and exploring the park's historical side. Malham Cove has waterfalls to explore and the four-mile Ingleton Waterfalls Trail to hike.

If you don't fancy walking, hop aboard the Settle-Carlisle Railway or Keighley and Worth Valley Railway to explore the quaint beauty of Yorkshire.

Last but not least, there’s The Forbidden Corner. Originally built as a private garden, it has evolved into a labyrinth with twitsts and turns at every corner. We won’t spoil the fun—you and the little ones must uncover its secrets yourselves. Just be sure to book in advance (and early!).

10. Isle of Wight

Best for: Slow-Paced Family Breaks

You can cruise around the Needles - a landmark of The Isle of Wight. Photo by Alexey Fedorenko - stock.adobe.com

Brits who set sails from England’s southern coast to this tranquil island only for simple joys: delicious local food, classic beach days, and fresh air. You can also visit Queen Vic’s favourite country home - Osborne House to get a glimpse of royal life.

The Isle of Wight was once home to several species of dinosaurs that lived a hundred years ago and is now a sanctuary for red squirrels, seals and all kind of life. The countryside is also recognised as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Go surfing in Compton Bay before jumping onto Steam Railway, which will puff you through the island's countryside for an hour. Don’t sleep on the famous Smoking Lobster at Ventnor to fuel your stomach.

11. Blackpool

Best for: Those searching for British seaside charm

You can’t leave the Blackpool without strolling along its famous Promenade. Photo by alister - stock.adobe.com

Blackpool is among the UK’s favourite seaside resort destinations. In fact, it's the closest beach paradise for the Scots living in the west of the nation. The best news is Blackpool is listed among the affordable seaside spots. You can easily find a great hotel with sea-view rooms without trying to budget.

Blackpool’s Promenade and historic Piers draw beach lovers with sea breezes and miles of sand beaches. Crave some stunning views? Climb to the top of the iconic Blackpool Tower to treat yourself to a panoramic view of the city and ocean then.

Afterwards, head to the Blackpool Tower Circus for some hilarious time with the resident clowns Mooky and Mr. Boo or jaw-dropping moments of high-flying stunts. If there's energy left, remember that Blackpool Pleasure Beach can please the most hardcore thriller-seekers with its terrifying rides (there are gentle ones for kids, too).

12. York

Best for: History buffs

The old and the new co-exist in harmony in York. Photo by Andrew - stock.adobe.com

Did you know York has more attractions per square mile than anywhere else in the UK? This means that there's endless excitement around every corner, and many of these attractions are super kid-friendly.

The best way to explore York is by foot. If you're a first-timer, start by strolling down the Shambles. This ancient cobbled street is possibly the best-known in the city for Tudor-style buildings and its connection with Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Next, check in York Minster - the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe to learn about the city's Gothic history and architecture. Your family can venture also further back to the ninth-century Viking city by visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre.

Burn off any remaining energy at the York Castle Museum - a wonderful time capsule that brings 400 years of York’s past to life.

Find Magic Playgrounds For Kids and Parents!

We've rounded up the best holiday spots for Brits looking for a holiday not far from home. British family holidays are a chance for family bonding, taking a break from the routine and creating long-lasting memories with your loved ones.

With a variety of destinations and characters, these UK holiday destinations are sure to please both kids and adults. Whether you're taking your kids to world-class museums or showing them the beauty of picturesque villages and rugged coastlines, the choice is yours!

KELSEY