Family holidays are all about adventures: discovering somewhere new, spending quality time together and making memories in the great outdoors that will last a lot longer than a short break. With stunning destinations and plenty to explore right here in the UK, you don’t have to wait until the summer to start planning your next family getaway.
To help you enjoy the ultimate staycation, we have put together a series of informative guides to some of the best days out with kids across the UK. Whether you’re a family of thrill-seekers, history hunters or woodland walkers, where will your next holiday take you? Find your fit with our regional guides to the best things to do with kids or jump straight into our collection of family-friendly holiday cottages in the UK by clicking the button below and get ready for adventure...
Family holiday cottages
Days out with kids in the South West
Home to some of England’s most enchanting spots, a family holiday in the South West is sure to be a huge hit with the kids. In Devon, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained with a treasure trove of family-friendly activities scattered along its 450 miles of coastline and across the wild countryside of the Exmoor National Park.
Days out with kids in Cornwall
A sandcastle builder’s dream, Cornwall is home to golden, sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. Grab a paddleboard and dive into a world of seaside fun or make the most of the bountiful family attractions on offer in Cornwall, from thrilling theme parks to mystical gardens.
Days out with kids in the Cotswolds
Renowned for its picture-postcard rolling hills and quaint chocolate-box villages, the Cotswolds is a popular choice for UK family holidays. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers an array of things to do for kids, including wildlife parks, museums and outdoor adventure centres.
Days out with kids in Wales
Encompassing the spectacular mountains of the Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, the sweeping beaches of Pembrokeshire, and the dazzling waterfalls of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales is a special place to enjoy a family staycation. Zip-line through underground caverns, chug through snow-capped peaks on vintage steam trains and climb the turrets of mighty castles.
The best days out for kids in Wales
Scotland
From the excitement of the wild Highlands to the hubbub of the southern towns and cities, Scotland is blessed with seemingly endless child-friendly things to do and places to go on family holidays. Soak up the history of Edinburgh Castle, see if you can get a glimpse of Nessie at Loch Ness, and look out for golden eagles, red deer and even humpback whales amongst the breathtaking scenery.
The best days out for kids in Scotland
The North of England
Sandy beaches, vast open moors and glassy lakes await intrepid young explorers in the North of England. Yorkshire is a great choice for family breaks, whether you prefer the outdoor playground of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park, the traditional seaside resorts of the Yorkshire Coast, or the abundant attractions in the vibrant city of York.
Days out with kids in the Lake District
The Lake District is jam-packed with adventures for kids, with water sports on its lakes, activity trails through fells and forests, and lots of heritage sites to uncover. Peter Rabbit fans will also be in their element with a host of attractions celebrating the national park’s famous children’s author.
Days out with kids in Northumberland
Tiny tots to teenagers will be spoilt for choice with myriad family-friendly days out in Northumberland . Visit a castle featured in Harry Potter, spot the Milky Way from an astronomical observatory, and hop aboard a boat trip to the Farne Islands to see puffins, seals and dolphins.
The East of England
If you want a family holiday by the sea, then pack your bags and head to Norfolk. With charming beach resort towns and traditional fishing villages, this is the perfect spot for budding young sailors and practising pirates. Enjoy the rides of Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, avoid the exploding canons at Pirates Island Adventure Golf, and meet over 2,000 sea creatures at Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary.
The best days out for kids in Norfolk
The South Coast
Did you know that England’s South Coast is the sunniest place in the UK? Add to this, miles of golden beaches with foaming waves for little legs to jump over and it’s not hard to see why it’s a top spot for family getaways. Kent and Sussex offer a multitude of entertainment from amusement arcades to zoos, and there’s plenty of educational days out too in National Trust properties and English Heritage sites.
Days out with kids in the New Forest
Feeling brave? The New Forest is the place to go if your family thrives on adrenaline. There are the renowned treetop adventure courses at Go Ape as well as an assortment of waterparks, theme parks and country parks. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the iconic free-roaming New Forest ponies, sure to be a highlight for the kids.
The best days out for kids in the New Forest
Book one of our family cottages
A family holiday at one of our self-catering cottages is a perfect way to enjoy some of the best visitor attractions in the UK. Find a place to stay from our collection of family cottages by clicking the button below.
Family cottages