The UK has a unique mix of cities, towns and villages, with architecture, atmosphere and landscape to make every trip different from the last. We’ve picked 15 of the best UK holiday destinations for families, ranging from historic villages packed with hidden gems to coastal towns with spectacular views and cities with plenty on tap for the whole family.
Sign up for our free newsletter, stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. It’s free, and it only takes a minute.
The best UK holiday destinations offer a range of activities for the whole family, so whether you’re after a budget-friendly break, want to explore a new corner of the UK, or don’t have time for a longer getaway, one of these could be the perfect solution.
You May Also Enjoy: Take a Trip to the Seaside! 20 of the Best Beaches in the UK
Our Pick of the Best UK Holiday Destinations
Dorset
If you’re holidaying with small children, Dorset is a great spot — its old-fashioned seaside resorts offer plenty of beach fun. Take the kids to paddle in Weymouth and Swanage, visit the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, run free on the wide open beach at Studland or go fossil-hunting on Chesil Beach. Don’t forget the aquariums, Monkey World, and the many National Trust and English Heritage properties nearby.
The picturesque Dorset countryside feels like stepping onto a film set. Beaches sprinkled with fossils and smuggler’s caves offer plenty of adventure, or trace Thomas Hardy’s novels across open heaths and vales. You can relive the Enid Blyton books of your childhood in Corfe (Blyton regularly visited the area, and the castle is said to have inspired Kirrin Castle), then stop in town for a bottle of ginger beer.
The county’s dramatic coastline is like an outdoor sculpture gallery, with arches, stacks and coves, Bronze Age burial mounds and castle ruins. With so many incredible places to visit, Dorset remains a firm favourite for family holidays and staycations alike.
You May Also Enjoy: Adventure is Waiting: Go Glamping in the UK For Your Next Family Trip
Isle of Wight
With chalky white stacks stretching into the English Channel, secluded sandy beaches with clear water and timeless villages, the Isle of Wight is picture-perfect. And with the added bonus of a ferry crossing, it very nearly feels like a trip abroad.
The Isle of Wight makes for a wonderful family getaway, and you’ll see why as soon as you step off your ferry from the mainland. Beach lovers get vast stretches of sandy coast, plus rocky beaches ideal for paddling, and the whole island has a lovely old-fashioned feel.
There’s plenty to do — follow in the footsteps of Charles I and Henry VIII at the island’s castles, or travel back two millennia to Roman villa ruins. Visit Queen Victoria’s private beach, or take in one of the island’s festivals covering pop, jazz and sailing. There are walking and cycling routes galore, and a good number of family-friendly restaurants.
You May Also Enjoy: Summer Fun Guaranteed! Unique Residential Summer Camps in the UK
Norfolk
Norfolk is a firm family favourite, with fantastic beaches and traditional seaside resorts offering plenty of quayside fish and chips. Popular spots along the coast include Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea and Hunstanton. For classic British seaside fun — piers and arcades — head to Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile. Most of the beaches are easy to reach, though it’s worth arriving early on busy summer days.
For less sandy pursuits, try crewing a barge on the Norfolk Broads, walk through fenlands teeming with wildlife, visit the life-sized dinosaur trail at Dinosaur World, or explore Bewilderwood’s treehouses and marsh walks. There are plenty of English Heritage and National Trust properties too, so you can take in some of the finest stately homes England has to offer.
You May Also Enjoy: Terrific Tree Top Adventures in Ireland and the UK for Families
Northumberland
Historical sites to take you back through time, vast landscapes to explore, and wildlife to make you go “aw” — that’s Northumberland. Countless castles jostle for attention here, and we mean proper castles with battlements and portcullises: ghostly ruins guarding endless sandy beaches, and walls that echo with ancient footsteps. Bamburgh’s imposing castle, dramatically positioned beside the sea, is perfect for imagining “the olden days” with your little ones. Alnwick Castle, meanwhile, will delight any Harry Potter fans in the family, thanks to its film history.
There’s plenty for history lovers, hikers, mountain bikers and romantics alike, but one of the best spots of all is the Farne Islands, where dozens of puffins await.
The county is known for its beautiful, clean beaches, and you can take a boat from Seahouses to the Farne Islands or drive over the causeway to Holy Island. At night, look up — Northumberland’s dark skies are some of the best in the country for stargazing.
You May Also Enjoy: 30 Magical Harry Potter Places To Visit
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a brilliant bet for something every family member will enjoy — dales and moors, peaks, national parks and a breathtaking coastline. For water babies, there’s a Sea Life centre at Scarborough, penny arcades and a wide array of family-friendly beaches. Pack your swimmers for a water park visit too, with slides, a water playground and a heated outdoor pool.
Visiting Yorkshire means embracing the great outdoors. Bring your walking shoes for climbs across the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, past castle and abbey ruins that frame the landscape. Afterwards, recharge in a spa town tearoom or family-friendly pub.
One of the best things to do in Yorkshire is amble round historic York, with its gothic York Minster cathedral decked out in stained glass. Get lost in the cobbled passages, or take in ancient forts and bridges on a River Ouse cruise.
You May Also Enjoy: Make Science Fun with a Visit to the Best Science Attractions in the UK
The Cotswolds
How could the whole family not be charmed by yellow-stone Cotswold hamlets, chocolate-box cottages and stately manors perched on rolling emerald hills?
If you love the outdoors, these west-central hills are a real treat for walking. Look out for buzzards sweeping across the hilltops, or get a closer look at species like barn owls and Harris hawks at the local bird parks. Leave time to browse the farmers’ markets for local treats like crumbly Single Gloucester cheese, local trout and heady ales.
Cheltenham is a refined Regency-era town crammed with elegant boutiques and tea shops — but it’s not all grown-up glamour. Known as the cultural centre of the Cotswolds, it also makes a great base for a family break, and it’s not far from the Cotswold Farm Park.
You May Also Enjoy: Magical Fairy Trails in the UK for an Amazing Family Day Out
Tyne & Wear
The North East county of Tyne and Wear is brimming with cultural quayside cities and sandy North Sea beaches like Tynemouth Longsands, where the surf is almost always up.
There are several cosmopolitan cities to explore, including Newcastle and Gateshead, where heritage, culture and art combine with vibrant Geordie life. Head to Sunderland for shopping and landscaped Victorian parks, or Washington to visit the unique wetlands.
If you’re after some action, you can learn to surf, go on a kayak safari, and play on Blue Flag beaches before indulging in some award-winning ice cream and fish and chips. Culture lovers can explore the lighthouse, aquarium, Roman heritage sites, waterpark and castles, plus the region’s bustling weekend markets and lively local events.
You May Also Enjoy: Quirky and Cool: Unusual Places to Visit in the UK
Scottish Highlands
“There’s nothing to do” — said no one on holiday in the Scottish Highlands, ever! With wildlife parks, a mountain railway, outdoor adventure parks (think zip wires, quad biking, climbing walls, archery, clay pigeon shooting, gorge walking and kayaking), plus fishing, grass sledging, indoor play centres, and miles of beautiful trails, this stunning part of the country is perfect for an active family break.
Be inspired by the majestic mountains or take the slopes at Aviemore. Take in the mysterious lochs and search for Nessie, explore Britain’s largest National Park in the Cairngorms, watch for dolphins off the Moray Coast, walk in the shadow of Britain’s highest peak at Ben Nevis, or simply take in the stunning views and vast stretches of coastline.
You May Also Enjoy: Hop On! Exciting Train Rides in the UK For a Fun Day Out
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire, tucked away in South West Wales, is a remote but beautiful corner of the UK, with spectacular coastline on three sides and gorgeous countryside around highly picturesque towns like Tenby, Fishguard and Haverfordwest.
Home to the UK’s only coastal national park, it’s a great spot for an active family break — especially with kids and teenagers who have energy to burn. With awards and accolades for the quality of its coastline, Pembrokeshire is a dream for swimmers, beachcombers, wildlife-watchers, walkers and outdoor adventurers. Explore the coastline along traditional paths, or try a spot of coasteering around St David’s.
Towns and villages are ripe for exploring, and plenty of campsites and family-friendly accommodation make planning easy. Tenby is a top place to stay, with a fantastic beach, National Trust properties, boat trips and a dinosaur park — plus plenty of wet-weather options. Elsewhere, you’ll find the Preseli Hills (source of the stones used to build Stonehenge) and more universally appealing attractions like Oakwood Theme Park, with its rollercoasters and rides.
Budding historians will love the huge number of castles scattered across the county in various states of repair, particularly the imposing Pembroke Castle, whose walls sit on a site occupied since Roman times.
And if that wasn’t enough, Pembrokeshire was also a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — your children may well recognise some familiar sights.
You May Also Enjoy: Go Explore! Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales
Cornwall
A UK holiday round-up that doesn’t mention Cornwall? Impossible. A perennial favourite for families, Cornwall has breathtaking coastline, family-friendly beaches and attractions like Land’s End, the Minack open-air theatre, St Michael’s Mount and the Eden Project.
Hayle is a popular destination, with miles of sandy beaches. Older children can take surfing lessons, while younger kids can explore shallower water and go rock pooling. Be prepared for wide-open skies and plenty of days out to make the most of the (often stunning) weather.
Work up an appetite surfing off Atlantic coves, ambling across granite moors, or striding out on the South West Coast Path, past sandy beaches and wildflower-strewn clifftops. If your family has green fingers rather than sandy ones, potter round Cornwall’s lush gardens at its rambling stately homes.
Whatever you do, make sure to work up an appetite — Cornwall’s cream teas, pasties and ice cream are the stuff of legend.
You May Also Enjoy: Make This Year’s Holiday a Family Staycation in South West England
Lancashire
In the heart of England’s North West, Lancashire is a county of contrasting landscapes, diverse heritage, plentiful food and drink, and a stunning coastline.
The contrast is clear when you compare the unique wildlife of Morecambe Bay in the north with the flat, fertile coastal plains around Ormskirk and the Ribble Estuary in the south. Or travel from the famous seaside town of Blackpool in the west to the rolling fells and moorland of the Forest of Bowland and the well-known Pendle Hill in the east.
Just a short hop from Blackpool and Preston, the Fylde area has everything you need for a great family holiday — pretty villages packed with tea shops, cafés and boutique hotels, plus cycling routes, walking trails and bird-watching spots for the more outdoorsy types.
You May Also Enjoy: Have a Real Adventure! Best Mazes in the UK
Devon
Devon is a stunning county with two beautiful coastlines, two National Parks and five official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Up north, you’ll find the stunning beaches of Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, the cobbled streets of Clovelly and the vast expanse of Exmoor, while down south there’s Dartmoor, Plymouth, Exeter, Salcombe and Blackpool Sands to explore. Cream teas, thankfully, are served north, south, and everywhere in between.
Such natural beauty draws walkers, artists, camping enthusiasts and those who just like to sit and gaze. Families love the range of amusements too, from large adventure parks and farm attractions to traditional seaside fun.
Whether you and your family like to surf, kayak, walk, cycle, paddleboard, sail or fish, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy it in Devon.
You May Also Enjoy: Outstanding Places to See Dinosaurs in the UK
Lake District
The Lake District is always popular, and it’s easy to see why it remains one of the best UK holiday destinations. Home to England’s largest lakes, it offers incredible scenery alongside plenty of great family days out.
Whether you base yourself in the Lake District itself or the surrounding Cumbria area, there’s a wealth of things to see and do, with something to suit all ages. Popular attractions include the Grizedale sculpture trail, a steamer cruise along Ullswater, and a visit to Beatrix Potter’s home in Ambleside. For something more active, there’s mountain biking, climbing, walking, kayaking and canoeing on offer. Or for a slower pace, take a cruise on Derwentwater — and don’t forget the Kendal Mint Cake.
You May Also Enjoy: Animal Parks in the UK You Need to Visit for a Wild Day Out!
Eastbourne and South Downs
Nature never falls short of providing things to do with kids, from hunting for creepy crawlies to spotting wildlife. So if your family loves the outdoors, one of the best UK holiday destinations for you could be the South Downs.
There’s something about the South Downs National Park that puts you in a holiday mood, even for just a weekend. It’s a great place for old-fashioned fun — pond-dipping, blackberry-picking, leaf-collecting, or simply wandering along a peaceful riverbank with the family dog.
The Sussex Wildlife Trust runs great experiences at Friston Forest throughout the year, with wildlife courses, events and talks on everything from bumblebees to birds — perfect for family holidays.
There are plenty of museums and attractions in the area to keep everyone happy on rainy days, along with entertainment throughout the summer to suit a range of tastes. Music lovers should head to Eastbourne, historians will want to check out the Redoubt Fortress, and art lovers should spend a few hours at the Towner Art Gallery.
You May Also Enjoy: Get Some Fresh Air! Fun Family Walks Around the UK
Peak District
There’s a huge variety of family-friendly things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire. Take a cable car ride on the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, with sweeping views all the way to the top. Once you’re at the summit, there’s plenty of fun to explore — amazing caverns, the prospect tower, a great kids’ playground and a café with views to match.
For more fun on a wire, your family might enjoy a visit to Go Ape for a high wire adventure, followed by a spectacular underground journey into the famous Pooles Cavern. Animal lovers can spot otters and owls at the Chestnut Centre, or get up close with lemurs, wallabies, penguins and more at Peak Wildlife Park. For a taste of farm life, check out Matlock Farm Park or Chatsworth Farmyard, both packed with extras to keep the kids happy.
Thrill-seekers will love the theme parks on offer. Gulliver’s, on the hillside at Matlock Bath, suits everyone from toddlers to big kids, with dozens of rides and attractions. More adventurous families will love the white-knuckle rides at Alton Towers, where younger kids can also meet their favourite characters in CBeebies Land — and there are several acres of beautiful landscaped gardens too, a rare treat at a theme park.
You May Also Enjoy: Fabulous Places To Take Kids In The UK This Summer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best UK holiday destination for families with young children?
Dorset and the Isle of Wight are both excellent choices for families with younger children, thanks to their gentle, sandy beaches, shallow paddling spots and easy-going seaside towns.
Which UK destinations are best for outdoor adventure?
The Scottish Highlands, Pembrokeshire and the Peak District all offer plenty of active options, from zip wires and coasteering to mountain biking and high wire courses.
Are any of these destinations good for history and castle lovers?
Yes — Northumberland and Pembrokeshire are both packed with historic castles, while Yorkshire and the Cotswolds offer plenty of heritage sites and stately homes to explore.
Which destination is best for a coastal family holiday?
Cornwall, Devon and Norfolk all offer classic seaside holidays with sandy beaches, rock pooling and traditional coastal towns.
Is the Lake District suitable for families, or just walkers?
The Lake District suits both. Alongside serious walking and climbing routes, there are gentle boat cruises, sculpture trails and family-friendly attractions that make it a great choice for all ages.
Related Articles
- Take a Trip to the Seaside! 20 of the Best Beaches in the UK
- Adventure is Waiting: Go Glamping in the UK For Your Next Family Trip
- Go Explore! Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales
- 30 Magical Harry Potter Places To Visit
- Animal Parks in the UK You Need to Visit for a Wild Day Out!
Save These Ideas For Later
Fifteen destinations is a lot to take in at once — so why not bookmark this page or share it with the family so you can come back to it when you’re ready to plan? Browse our other UK travel guides for more inspiration on where to go next.
Don’t Miss Out
Want more family holiday ideas delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for fresh days-out inspiration, competitions and offers — no spam, just useful ideas when you need them.
