10 of the best places to stay with kids in the UK

Days out, Family, Destinations

Posted by Kate A on 9th May 2022

Family holiday at the UK coast

Family holidays are all about reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying new experiences together. Wild adventures in the countryside, picnics on the beach, exploring ancient landmarks and visiting thrilling theme parks and farm parks; a UK staycation offers the chance to create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for the best places to stay with kids in the UK, we have chosen ten of the best and found some exciting experiences to look forward to while you’re there. From water sports in the Lake District to fossil hunting in Dorset, discover the Great British outdoors in some of our favourite family holiday destinations.

And if you simply cannot wait to start browsing our accommodation, then take a look through our family-friendly holiday cottages in the UK by clicking the button below.

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Family holidays in Devon

Devon: best place to stay for sandcastle building

From rock pooling in vast sandy bays to myriad thrilling attractions, Devon is a veritable playground for families. This vibrant county in the South West is one of the best places to take kids in the UK if you like to be outdoors, with 450 miles of sparkling coastline ripe for sandcastle building, and two national parks home to waterfalls, heather-strewn moorland and mysterious heritage sites.

Traditional seaside resorts such as Torquay, Paignton and Woolacombe offer amusement-backed beaches, water sports and boat trips, while scattered inland is a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions, including Crealy Theme Park, Exmoor Zoo and Kents Cavern.

Highlights

Family-friendly cottages in Devon


Family holidays in Cornwall

Cornwall: best place to stay for learning to surf

Home to some of the best family-friendly beaches in the UK, it’s no wonder that Cornwall has made our list of the top places to go with kids. If your little one fancies experiencing this coastal county’s world-famous waves, then there are myriad surf schools dotted along its 400 miles of shoreline.

Some of the top surfing beaches for beginners can be found in Bude, Newquay and St Ives. And, when you’re all surfed out, why not make the most of Cornwall’s huge selection of family-friendly days out? You’ll find everything here from maritime museums to indoor rainforests.

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Family-friendly cottages in Cornwall


Family holidays in Dorset

Dorset: best place to stay for fossil hunting

Follow in the mighty footprints of the dinosaurs in one of the best family holiday destinations in the UK for fossil hunting. Scattered along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast are ancient souvenirs from a time when the T-Rex still ruled the land. Budding palaeontologists could unearth fossilised plants, curious crustaceans and even dino bones here.

Lyme Regis, Lulworth and Charmouth are a few good places to start looking. And, when you’re not combing the beach for these natural treasures, there are so many other brilliant days out for kids, including Monkey World, Swanage Railway and Corfe Castle.

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Family-friendly cottages in Dorset


Family holidays in Somerset

Somerset: best place to stay for exciting attractions

Whether you fancy a traditional seaside holiday or a peaceful countryside getaway, Somerset is one of our favourite family destinations in the UK. Enjoy a bucket and spade day out at Weston-Super-Mare with its donkey rides and bustling pier or delight in some outdoor adventures in the Exmoor National Park or Quantock Hills.

If that’s not enough, delve into the past at the Somerset Rural Life Museum, venture deep underground into the network of mysterious caverns at Wookey Hole or be amazed at the atmospheric ruins of Glastonbury Abbey – with so many brilliant things to do, a family holiday in Somerset is never boring!

Highlights

  • Cheddar Gorge – Britain’s biggest gorge where you can explore stunning stalactite caverns 
  • Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – admire over 100 species of animals and enjoy interactive keeper talks
  • Brean Theme Park – the UK’s largest free-admission theme park with over 40 rides

Family-friendly cottages in Somerset


Family holidays in the Cotswolds

Cotswolds: best place to stay for some history

Amidst the rolling green hills and golden, picture-postcard villages of the Cotswolds lies a wealth of fascinating places that will delight all ages. If you’re looking for UK holiday destinations for kids that combine history with fun, then this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty should be top of the list.

Tour historic houses like Blenheim Palace and Berkeley Castle, wander traditional villages and picnic by a babbling stream, or experience the magic of a heritage steam train on the GWR Steam Railway. Not to mention the abundant museums, art galleries and ancient monuments that are just waiting to be explored.

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Family-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds


Family holidays in Norfolk

Norfolk: best place to stay for outdoor adventures

With mile upon mile of countryside and coast to roam, Norfolk is one of the best places to visit in the UK with kids if you enjoy a good dose of fresh air. Look forward to scenic boat trips along the waterways of the Norfolk Broads, spot seals at Blakeney or venture along the Norfolk Coast Path, discovering hidden, sandy coves along the way.

For an adrenaline rush, experience the zip wires, sky maze and jungle bridges of BeWILDerwood or, if you’re feeling competitive, navigate the exploding canons at Pirates Island Adventure Golf. There are so many brilliant days out for kids in Norfolk.

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Family-friendly cottages in Norfolk


Family holidays in Yorkshire

Yorkshire: best place to stay for cycling

The long, winding lanes through patchwork dales and moors, peppered with a cornucopia of iconic landmarks make Yorkshire a mecca for families who love exploring on two wheels. Some of the best family-friendly cycle routes in the UK can be found here – the varied terrain has even inspired the creation of the popular road race: the Tour de Yorkshire.

The North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks are two of our favourite Yorkshire holiday destinations with kids, with their sweeping valleys and great swathes of moorland hiding waterfalls, castles and family farm parks within their verdant folds. And then there is the Yorkshire Coast, perfect for a classic family day out at the seaside!

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Family-friendly cottages in Yorkshire


Family holidays in the Lake District

Lake District: best place to stay for water sports

Home to 16 magnificent lakes, it’s no surprise that the Lake District National Park is one of the best places to visit in the UK for families who love to be on the water! Whether you fancy a gentle cruise, a thrilling kayaking adventure or even a wild swim, there is plenty to keep all ages entertained.

Back on dry land, why not make the most of all the action-packed days out for kids across the national park? Explore intriguing National Trust houses, discover the beautiful places that inspired children’s author Beatrix Potter, or monkey around at one of the Go Ape! adventure centres.

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Family-friendly cottages in the Lake District


Family holidays in Wales

Wales: best place to stay for castles

From romantic ruins to mighty strongholds, there are over 400 castles in Wales, meaning this is one of the best places to visit with kids who revel in a good game of knights and princesses. In the north, Conwy Castle rules the kingdom while, in the south, Raglan Castle casts an imposing shadow over the land. Which fortress will you visit first?

Wales is also bursting at the seams with entertaining family attractions, a plethora of outdoor pursuits within its national parks, and ice cream-fuelled days along its sandy coastline. This is a place where adventure awaits around every corner.

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Family-friendly cottages in Wales


Family holidays in Scotland

Scotland: best place to stay for wildlife

Whether spotting seals, dolphins and humpback whales off the coast, red squirrels in fragrant pine forests, or regal red deer in the glens, Scotland is hard to beat if you’re looking for places to stay with kids surrounded by wildlife. Look up and you might even spy a majestic golden eagle soaring over the mountains and lochs – a magical sight little ones will never forget.

Or why not see if you can catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness Monster? Add to this an endless choice of beauty spots, beaches, historic sites, castles, national parks and a bounty of family-friendly days out, and you simply couldn’t wish for a better spot for a staycation.

Highlights

Family-friendly cottages in Scotland


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Stay in a family-friendly holiday cottage in the UK

Make special memories this year in one of our family-friendly cottages in the UK. From fun-filled farmhouses in the countryside to sea-view retreats along the coast, our collection of self-catering accommodation is sure to delight all ages.

Discover a few of our top family-friendly cottages, be inspired by our For All The Family Showcase Collection, or click the button below to browse our full collection.

Family-friendly cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.