If you’re thinking of family-friendly places to take the kids on holiday this year, look no further than the UK.
The thing we love the most about holidaying in the UK is that there are so many fun things to do. Sandy beaches, exciting cities and soothing forests… they’re only a short car or train ride away!
Whether your kids want an action-packed week of adventure or a laid-back sunny beach holiday, a trip in the UK will lead to lots of smiles and fantastic memories.
Fancy a UK family holiday this year, but aren’t sure where to go?
We’ve put together a list of our favourite places to help you decide.
1. North Wales
Are you looking for a staycation with breathtaking scenery and lots of places to explore? If the answer is yes, North Wales is the place to be for family holidays! If your tribe loves nothing more than hiking or walking, Snowdonia is a must. Not only will you find Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, but Velocity 2, the longest zip line in Europe.
There are lots of castles and scenery in North Wales for those who prefer a more relaxed UK family holiday, including Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Castell Dinas Brân. Wrexham is home to a monthly street carnival and lots of yummy places to eat for those who want a lively day out.
Finish your visit to North Wales with a trip to Criccieth for a walk on the beach and a delicious ice cream!
2. The North Yorkshire Moors
With over 26 miles of coastline, the North Yorkshire Moors is a brilliant place for a UK family holiday as there are so many different places to go! Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors railway and wind your way through all the little towns and villages, before ending up in Whitby for fish and chips.
Kids with lots of energy to burn will feel right at home at Dalby Forest. Whether they go cycling, forest Segway or treetop climbing, there are plenty of exciting activities to try.
If you’re looking for fun in the sun when it comes to a UK family holiday, the North Yorkshire Moors has lots of beach towns to visit. Your little ones can investigate the rock pools at Robin Hood’s Bay, search for crabs at Sandsend or go up and down the cliff tramway at Saltburn.
3. East Anglia
From Cambridge to Cromer, East Anglia is full of beautiful seaside towns, lively city centres and ancient buildings. A family holiday to East Anglia is sure to be one you won’t forget.
If your family loves the seaside, Norfolk has many sunny beaches to try, from lively Great Yarmouth to scenic Sheringham. If you have budding pirates or mermaids in your brood, a day trip on the Norfolk Broads is a must!
For little ones that love museums, the city of Cambridge makes for a fantastic day out. Finish off your visit to this popular university city with a fun punting tour on the River Cam or a visit to the Botanic Garden.
Looking for a rural UK family holiday with a difference? The Fens is full of stunning scenery, wildflowers and vast open spaces. Take the dog for a walk, explore the nature reserves and relax with a home-cooked meal in a local pub.
4. Northern Ireland
If you’re looking for a UK family holiday with plenty of things to do, Northern Ireland caters for families of all ages! From Ballymena to Derry, there’s something for the old and young.
Book-loving kids will feel right at home in Belfast, with a Gruffalo Trail and a square dedicated to CS Lewis, the Belfast-born author of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Older kids will love exploring the Titanic experience and walking the decks of the SS Nomadic, the last White Star ship in the world. If you want a holiday with lots of fun activities, Northern Ireland has rope bridges, mountain biking and pony trekking galore.
Finally, Giant’s Causeway is a must-see if you’re in County Antrim. Take in the fantastic views, pose for photos and say hello to the cows on the inlet!
5. Peak District National Park
With lots of gorgeous scenery, fun walking routes and exciting attractions, the Peak District has everything you need for a week away you’ll remember forever!
There are loads of hiking and cycling routes, many ideal for the littlest of legs. If you’re looking for an idyllic view, hop on a cable car to the Heights of Abraham or take a walk to the popular Monsal Head. We recommend taking a Peak District family holiday photo when the sun sets!
Thrill-seekers can enjoy the rides at Gulliver’s Kingdom and Alton Towers or abseil down the Millers Dale Viaduct. There are also plenty of farms and wildlife parks for animal lovers, where your tribe can feed the alpacas and walk with the goats and sheep.
6. South Wales
South Wales is full of fantastic attractions that will keep the kids (and parents!) entertained.
Swansea is home to Plantasia, where kids can experience the sights and sounds of a real rainforest and even interact with some lovable meerkats. The LC waterpark is also nearby if you and your clan fancy a day of waterslides and lazy rivers.
If your little ones are crazy for trains, the Bridgend Miniature Railway lets them ride on several different types of miniature trains. Bring a picnic and take in the beautiful scenery while you wait for the next train to come along.
Don’t forget to visit the iconic Barry Island while you’re on your South Wales family holiday for fish and chips, fairground rides and a trip to the beach!
7. Cornwall
With its stunning coastline, sleepy fishing villages and historic castles, Cornwall looks a lot like a picture in a storybook and is the perfect location for a UK family holiday!
Little ones can have fun building castles on Cornwall’s beautiful beaches, while teenagers can have a go at wakeboarding, paddleboarding and water-skiing. If you’re looking for a vibrant city to explore, Truro has lots of shops and restaurants to check out.
Cornwall family holidays are perfect for exploring with lots of landmarks to investigate. Tintagel Castle is rumoured to be the birthplace of King Arthur, while Land’s End is the most South-Westerly point in Britain. Hopping on a boat and travelling to the medieval castle on St Michael’s Mount is a must too.
At the end of the day, you can all huddle around and watch the sunset while enjoying some delicious locally-caught seafood or a Cornish cream tea – jam first, of course!
8. Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is the perfect option if you want to take your family on a rural retreat. There are plenty of waterfalls to explore, caves to check out, and nature trails to navigate on a Yorkshire Dales family holiday. Why not pack a picnic and spend the day wandering around?
Little ones will love the Emsbay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, especially when Thomas the Tank Engine makes a guest appearance!
Knights, princes and princesses will love exploring all the castles in the Yorkshire Dales, like Skipton Castle, Middleham Castle and Bolton Castle. Fountains Abbey and Jervaulx Abbey also have lots of ruins to discover and investigate.
Last but not least, Lightwater Valley will keep your brood entertained with theme park rides, adventure golf and treetop trails.
9. Heart of England
Covering many counties, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Staffordshire, there’s a lot to discover in the Heart of England!
The Heart of England is well known for its beautiful scenery, making it a wonderful place to make memories with loved ones on a UK family holiday. Whether you walk through the Malvern Hills or check out the Stiperstones, you’ll love exploring the countryside with your nearest and dearest.
Warwick Castle is a must-see, with archery and bird of prey shows for your oldest warriors, and adventure mazes and playgrounds for the littlest knaves.
Harry Potter fans will love exploring Oxford and spotting all the famous locations that were used when filming the well-loved movie series.
Finally, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy visiting Cadbury World in Birmingham, and perhaps grab some sweet treats to take home after your Heart of England family holiday!
10. Cumbria and the Lake District
Whether you’re climbing mountains or taking a trip on the water, it’s no wonder Cumbria and the Lake District is a popular UK family holiday destination.
Travel to Windermere and take a boat on the lake or visit the World of Beatrix Potter, which celebrates the popular children’s author and her time spent in the lakes.
There are plenty of child-friendly walks, which will let you and your loved ones explore the best parts of the Lake District. If you’re lucky, you might even see a red squirrel or a deer!
If the weather is a bit grim, make your way to the Rheged Centre, which has a 3D cinema, play area and lots of shops and cafes!
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the top UK family holiday destinations. No matter what part of the UK you decide to visit, you’ll be guaranteed an amazing time! See the Wilderness Reserve come to life on video for more inspiration.
Where will you take the kids on holiday this year?
