Top 5 Destinations for Family Holidays in the UK

The UK is a fantastic destination for family holidays with a mix of stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions and exciting activities for all ages. Whether you’re a British family enjoying a staycation, or an international family looking for a quintessential British experience, these top five destinations promise unforgettable family adventures.

1. Cornwall

Cornwall is known for its stunning coastline, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns, making it ideal for a relaxed yet adventure-filled family holiday.

Top Things to do with Kids:

  • Eden Project– Explore the world’s largest indoor rainforest and learn about sustainability through interactive exhibits.
  • Tintagel Castle – Discover the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and enjoy stunning coastal views.
  • Newquay’s Beaches & Surfing Lessons – Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay are perfect for surfing and sandcastle-building.
  • The Lost Gardens of Heligan – A magical botanical garden filled with hidden sculptures and woodland walks.
  • Sail in Falmouth - With its deep sheltered harbour, Falmouth is a great place to learn to sail.

2. London

The busy capital may not seem an obvious choice for families, but London is packed with world-famous museums, family-friendly attractions, theatres, shops and markets to appeal to all ages.

Top Things to do with Kids:

  • The Natural History Museum – A must-visit for dinosaur lovers, this museum features interactive exhibits and impressive specimens, including the iconic blue whale skeleton.
  • The Science Museum – Engaging hands-on displays and the Wonderlab make this a hit with kids.
  • The Tower of London – A step back in history with tailored activities for kids.
  • ZSL London Zoo – Located in Regent’s Park, this zoo is home to over 750 species of animals.
  • Harry Potter Studio Tour – Just outside of London, this experience is magical for fans of the wizarding world.
     

3. The Lake District

The Lake District is an outdoor paradise for families, with stunning landscapes, lots of water-based activities and a wide choice of scenic walking trails of varying difficulty.

Top Things to do with Kids:

  • Lake Windermere Cruises – Enjoy a boat trip across England’s largest lake.
  • The World of Beatrix Potter– Step into the magical world of Peter Rabbit and friends in Bowness-on-Windermere.
  • Grizedale Forest – A fantastic place for walking, cycling and treetop adventures at Go Ape.
  • Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway – A scenic steam train ride through the countryside.
  • Brockhole on Windermere– An adventure playground with canoeing, archery and zip lines.
     

4. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is packed with history, culture and activities for families. Its compact size makes it easy to access and explore the surrounding areas by car.

Top Things to do with Kids:

  • Edinburgh Castle – Discover Scotland’s royal history and stunning city views.
  • Dynamic Earth– An interactive science museum with exhibits on space, volcanoes and the environment.
  • Edinburgh Zoo – Home to the UK’s only giant pandas and a large penguin enclosure.
  • Arthur’s Seat – A relatively easy hike for a picnic with panoramic views of the city.
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions– A quirky attraction filled with optical illusions and interactive displays.
     

5. The Cotswolds

Visit the Cotswolds for picturesque countryside with charming villages, nature reserves and water parks to entertain all the family.

Top Things to do with Kids:

  • Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens – Encounter rhinos, giraffes and other animals in a beautiful park setting.
  • Birdland Park & Gardens – Home to penguins, flamingos and many rare birds.
  • Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village– A miniature version of this charming Cotswold village.
  • Sudeley Castle & Gardens – A historic castle with stunning gardens and a play area.
  • Cotswold Farm Park – A hands-on farm experience where kids can feed and pet the animals.
     

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