Family holidays are an occasion we all look forward to, and whether you're jetting off somewhere sunny or staycationing in the UK, you deserve to head somewhere beautiful with your loved ones. You might lean towards rest and relaxation or something a little more adventurous, but whatever style of family holiday you want, the UK has a destination for you.
So whether you're planning your summer holiday, or looking for a last minute half term break, your next family holiday could be on your doorstep. From the rolling hills of Somerset to Cornwall's twinkling turquoise coastline, you don't have to travel far to find picture-perfect landscapes. If your tastes tend more towards culture and activity, the UK's cities offer up action-packed city breaks, while outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with National Parks, coastline and mountains. We've rounded up the best UK holidays for families, with destinations across the country that offer scenery, adventure, beaches, culture, history and so much more.
Cornwall
Best for beaches
With its sandy beaches and wild coastlines, it's no surprise that Cornwall is a popular choice for families looking for a family beach holiday in the UK. Although the weather can't be guaranteed compared to the likes of Spain, with gorgeous locations from St Ives to Newquay, you'll truly be spoilt for choice. Whether wandering through the winding lanes of tiny fishing villages, stopping for fish and chips on the harbour, or making sandcastles on miles of golden sands, Cornwall never disappoints. The accommodation here is equally varied, and Cornwall boasts some of the best family holiday parks in the UK as well as cosy cottages and luxury hotels.
North Wales
Best for dramatic coastlines
Incredible mountain scenery and masses of ancient culture and heritage make North Wales a must to visit for your family, especially if you like exploring the great outdoors. Why not stop by the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Conwy and Caernarfon, walled towns with castles between mountains and the sea. Or what about the unspoilt landscapes of Betws-y-Coed and Snowdonia - the highest peak in England and Wales?
Dorset
Best for budding geologists
Gorgeous beaches, stunning countryside, history and heritage plus an array of attractions and activities all over, Dorset really does have it all. Be sure to visit the spectacular Jurassic Coast - an incredible stretch of 200 million-year-old shoreline that has been designated a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its outstanding geological make-up. Inland, you'll find rolling hills, vineyards and historic gems, including one of our favourite National Trust sites for kids, Corfe Castle.
The Cotswolds
Best for idyllic countryside
Famous for its quintessentially English market towns and villages built from honey-coloured stone, the Cotswolds covers almost 800 square miles as well as running through five different counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Like something out of a storybook, all of the areas have their own distinct features for you to get to know with lively market towns and some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses. You can also amble down 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways.
Lake District
Best for watersports
A place of natural beauty, the Lake District is full of activities and attractions suitable for the whole family. From vibrant Windermere to the gorgeous Langdale valley, there are historical sites, houses and gardens to visit or for the more adventurous amongst you, you can go swimming, biking, boating and much more.
Scottish Highlands
Best for climbers
A natural playground that just begs to be explored, the Scottish Highlands is home to majestic mountains and mysterious lochs as well as a rich history that includes some of the most romantic castles you could dream of. Watch dolphins frolicking off the Moray Coast, marvel at the sensational seascape of the North Highlands or explore the stunning islands and stretches of coastline.
The New Forest
Best for nature enthusiasts
Get close to nature and fall in love with the majestic surroundings of the New Forest’s idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors and cliff top walks with your family. Though it's just 90 minutes from London, your everyday life will feel a million miles away as you pull on your walking boots and hike through the woodlands. You can even take your little one to Peppa Pig World so they can get their fix of their favourite characters and some theme park adventure.
Devon
Best for outdoor adventures
A diverse county with two coastlines and two National Parks, Devon is best known for its coastal resorts, dramatic cliffs and award-winning beaches which regularly top polls as some of the best holiday destinations for families in the UK. It's not all about the sandcastles and surfing though, don't forget biospheres, Geoparks and nature reserves for bird spotting and scouting out the region’s wildlife. There's cute chocolate box villages, cream teas and harbour towns where kids can watch the fishing boats coming in with the day's catch.
London
Best for culture and museums
Boasting some of the best museums in the UK for families, as well as art galleries, playgrounds, and so much more, London is one of the best family breaks in the UK if you're looking for endless entertainment and activities. From Madame Tussauds to the London Dungeons, the London Eye to the Cutty Sark, there's no end to the historic sights that will fire up little ones' imaginations. The lively South Bank is a great place to base yourself - check out Sea Containers for indulgent family-friendly accommodation that's within walking distance of the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek's Adventure!, Shakespeare's Globe, The London Eye and The Paddington Bear Experience.
If you're travelling to London, why not leave the car at home? You can save money on your days out by travelling by rail, with a 1/3 off or 2-for-1 entry to some of the top London attractions, including Shrek's Adventure, the London Eye, and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. And to save even more money, a Family & Friends railcard can get you 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids fares!
Northumberland
Best for historic castles
Home to Alnwick Castle, which Harry Potter fans will recognise as the location for many scenes in the films, Northumberland is a scenically diverse and picturesque region of the UK. From Bamburgh Castle to Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, there's plenty here to spark kids' imaginations. Make time to stop at Barter Books, a cute secondhand bookshop with a children's room and cafe, housed in an old railway station, and stroll along wide, windswept beaches before cosying up with hot chocolates in your Airbnb.
The Peak District
Best for walkers
Whatever age your kids are, if their little legs are up for a walk there are few places that beat the Peak District. Dramatic hills tumble down towards sparkling lakes, drystone walls cut across flower-filled fields, and quaint market towns offer up delicious pastries and reviving country pubs as well-deserved rewards at the end of a hike. Kids will love bumping into the sheep that amble across the hillsides but if they're after a little more adventure, Alton Towers is just south of the Peaks so you can always persuade them with the promise of a trip to Cbeebies Land.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.