Family trips offer time for parents, children and loved ones to explore new places and make incredible memories. The UK is a treasure trove of destinations that are ideal for families, from the rolling Yorkshire Dales to the sunny south coast and even vibrant city centres!
If you’re seeking a helpful guide to plan your next family adventure, look no further! Dive in to discover some useful travel tips, activity ideas and destination recommendations for a fun-filled getaway that’ll keep all ages entertained!
Choosing Where To Visit
The United Kingdom is a diverse and beautiful place, with many different regions to choose from. When you’re deciding where to visit, it’s important to consider what kind of holiday you’re seeking, whether it’s a countryside escape or a city break.
There are plenty of rural destinations in the UK, each offering stunning natural scenery and plenty of fun activities. In the North of England, the Scottish Highlands are popular for their serene lochs and valleys, and Northumberland is ideal for historic beaches. Further down south, the Cornish Coast is especially popular for surfing, with iconic beaches such as Fistral and Polzeath.
The Lake District in the North West is especially popular for hiking, home to the iconic Helvellyn Ridge and Scafell Pike, as well as peaceful villages and lakes like Grasmere and Windermere for a slower pace.
The Yorkshire Dales is another great National Park that offers fantastic walking routes for families, as well as being a designated Dark Sky reserve offering fantastic views of the cosmos! There are some incredible luxury lodges for sale in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for families seeking a home away from home.
If you’d prefer a city break, Edinburgh is filled with history and plenty of things to see and do for children, like the Dungeons or Edinburgh Zoo. Further south, Brighton is brilliant for fun days spent by the sea, and an ideal destination to travel into London for the day to explore the Natural History Museum!
Booking Accommodation
When you’re planning your family getaway, it’s important to find group accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Many holiday homes dotted across the country offer family-friendly facilities, such as spacious rooms, changing facilities, playrooms and outdoor play areas.
Holiday homes are a great choice for family getaways, providing a comfortable and private space that allows for a more relaxed travel experience. With kitchens, multiple bedrooms and often gardens or patios, they are the ideal setting for families to spend quality time together.
Other options include hotels, B&BS or even hostels, which you can find across the country at various price points. Be sure to look into the options available in your chosen region, ensuring that they offer the facilities that you and your little ones might need.
Planning Fun Activities
Planning fun activities lies at the heart of a successful family trip. Booking in advance can save you time and money, so be sure to explore what’s going on in the local area and secure your space ahead of time!
Whether it’s a boat tour of the coast, a challenging hiking trail through the mountains or a visit to a history museum, there are plenty of exciting things to look forward to. In rural areas, planning a walk is a great way to get outdoors, with plenty of trails mapped out online so you don’t get lost! Perhaps your little ones would enjoy a boat tour across Windermere, or adventurous teens might prefer to scale a mountain!
Watersports are especially popular in the UK, with beaches, lakes and lochs on offer for exploration. From kayaking in the Lake District to surfing in Cornwall or snorkelling in Wales, there are lots of places to splash and play! For something a little different, Zip World in Wales takes you out of the water and into the air for high-altitude zip-lining adventures!
The UK is brimming with a fascinating history, and there are plenty of places to learn about it. Many UK museums offer family deals or reduced fees for children, including the Natural History Museum in London, Beamish in County Durham, and the Museum of Illusions in Edinburgh.
Packing the Essentials
Once you’ve planned your trip and activities, it’s time to pack! Here’s a handy list of essentials you don’t want to forget for a seamless journey that keeps everyone entertained and prepared.
- Weather appropriate clothing like waterproof jackets and comfortable shoes.
- Phone chargers & power banks to keep you charged and connected.
- Reusable water bottles, which will save money and are environmentally friendly.
- Snacks and entertainment for longer train rides or car journeys, like books, puzzles or iPads.
- Universal travel adapters if you’re travelling from outside the UK.
- Physical maps for areas with poor signal.
- Booking confirmations, printed or digital, like accommodation or attraction passes.
Summary
We hope this article has showcased the diversity of the UK and its many regions, many of which make for fantastic family getaways! From hiking through the Highlands to kayaking in Cornwall and learning about history in London, there are plenty of things to see and do with your loved ones during a trip to the UK. Follow these top tips and recommendations for a fun-filled getaway where you can make memories, explore and most of all, have fun!
