Best UK Holidays for Families

Organising a family-friendly holiday isn’t always straightforward, especially if you’re thinking of travelling abroad. But you can cut down on the stress, expense and travel by exploring what’s on your doorstep and having your family holiday in the UK. From epic seaside holidays on sandy beaches to cosy cottages nestled in award-winning national parks, the UK really does have it all. For the perfect family break with activities that the kids will love, there really is no need to leave the country. 

It’s not always easy to choose where to organise your family travel, especially with so much on offer. To help you out, we’ve curated this list of the best UK holidays for you. Expect everything from exhilarating theme parks to sophisticated art galleries and everything in between! 

If you see anywhere you like, why not make a trip of it, and check out the best UK holiday cottages nearby. If you’ve left everything a little late, but are still dreaming of an unforgettable UK getaway, worry not, just check out our last-minute cottages.

Cornwall 

Best for: Spectacular coast-side strolls

It’s no secret that Cornwall is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in the whole of the UK. With amazing beaches, spectacular scenery and some of the best restaurants on offer in the whole country, it’s definitely not one to be missed. 

If you want to experience the best of British seaside towns, then this is region is ideal. With epic surfing opportunities for the whole family, as well as a bunch of art galleries for older children, Cornwall offers the perfect mix of adventure and culture. 

What to do: Spend the day learning to surf on some of the best waves in Europe in Newquay or head to the famous Eden Project, one of the UKs biggest attractions. 

Where to stay: While near the seaside, why not soak up all things nautical and enjoy your week in a Cornish cottage that is truly Ship Shape. With views of the sea and nautical decor, it’s the perfect place to spend a family break in Cornwall. 

Where to eat: Treat the family to a fine dining experience and head to The Dining Room. It’s one of Cornwall’s most well-known restaurants, and for good reason too! Expect locally sourced, in-season ingredients that the whole family will enjoy. 

See the best Cornwall holiday cottages

Devon 

Best for: Quaint and cosy villages

Devon is a massively popular destination for families, and for good reason too. With some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes and a 400-mile long rugged coastline, it’s ideal for those looking to explore the great outdoors. 

With tens of quaint villages and some of the most well-loved national parks, including Dartmoor and Exmoor, there’s plenty to explore in this scenic yet vibrant county. 

What to do: If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience with the whole family, then head to Crealy Family Theme Park. There are tonnes of long walks in the countryside to be had in Devon, but at this theme park, you’ll get to add a bit of excitement to your trip. 

Where to stay: To experience the real rural side of Devon, we’d recommend this cottage. It’s just 6 minutes’ from the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park, where you and your family will have the chance to see Dartmoor ponies, beautiful landscapes and amazing castles. 

Where to eat: Devon produces some of the best produce in the country. To experience the best of British, head to Fletcher’s Restaurant. It’s famous for its locally sourced meat and innovative vegetarian dishes. 

See the best Devon holiday cottages

North Yorkshire 

Best for: Picture postcard scenery

Head North and experience some of the most breathtaking scenery on offer in the whole of the UK. North Yorkshire is an undiscovered gem for family holidays, but with amazing outdoor activities, historic landmarks and some of the friendliest towns in the country, it won’t be for long. 

Visit Yorkshire to experience the famous northern hospitality and have a pint and classic Sunday roast with your family after an amazing walk across the famous Yorkshire Dales. 

What to do: The Yorkshire Dales offer the perfect opportunity for you to get out and explore with the whole family. From amazing waterfalls to long, winding trails, the dales has something for all ages and walking abilities. 

Where to stay: Situated in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, this amazing cottage is made up of converted barns. With a secluded, south-facing courtyard setting, it’s the perfect spot to explore the Moors from.  

Where to eat: Treat yourself to something special and visit Thirteen, a local restaurant in Leyburn – in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It serves classic British dishes, but don’t expect stale Yorkshire puddings! This restaurant offers a modern twist on old classics in a perfectly relaxed environment. 

See the best North Yorkshire holiday cottages

Cumbria 

Best for: Lucious lakes

Characterised by rugged peaks, magnificent bodies of water and spectacular wildlife, Cumbria is an amazing place for a family holiday. 

It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for adventure. Home to some of England’s largest peaks, including the towering Scafell Pike, it’s the place to go if you and your family enjoy hiking or rock climbing.

It isn’t all rolling hills and remote peaks in Cumbria, the county is also dotted with lots of picturesque towns and villages. 

What to do: Take the kids for a proper family day out and head to the Predator Experience. Here you’ll get the chance to interact with a huge range of animals, and will probably learn a thing or two about the natural world while you’re at it! 

Where to stay: This GIll Barn is set in Butterwick, near Penrith. The luxury accommodation has plenty of space for the whole family and is ideally located to explore the nearby the lakes. In fact, you’ll find several bridleways and trails right on the doorstep. 

Where to eat: Head to 1863 Restaurant, an award-winning pub and bistro nestled in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal after a long walk. However, it’s become a popular spot in this part of the country, so we recommend making a reservation before you arrive in order to avoid disappointment. 

See the best Cumbria holiday cottages

Norfolk 

Best for: Quintessentially English countryside 

With a captivating coastline, Norfolk is an ideal destination for families looking to top up their tans and splash about in temperate seas, at least in summer! While the Norfolk coast is its biggest draw, there’s definitely a lot more to discover in this beautiful part of England.

In Norfolk you’ll have some of the country’s most quintessentially English countryside right on your doorstep. It also offers excellent shopping opportunities and a host of attractions for kids and adults alike.

Norfolk is perfect for those who like to get out and about. You’ll find thick pine forests, expansive heathlands and miles of salt marshes filled with wildlife.

What to do: Head up to the Norfolk Broads and you’ll find yourself in the heart of a National Park, home to over 400 rare species of flora and fauna, including butterflies and moths. It’s the perfect place for a family bike ride. 

Where to stay: Windham’s Barn is perfectly located if you want to get out and   countryside. Its generous size means that you’ll have plenty of space and could even bring some of the extended family with you too. 

Where to eat: If there’s one place in Norfolk that you have to visit while here, then it’s The Old Bank. This bistro is famous across the country for its modern takes on classic British fare. With relaxed interiors, it’s also ideal for those families with younger children. 

See the best Norfolk holiday cottages

So there you have it, our best UK holidays for families. On top of these great options, there is plenty more to be discovered in the UK, from the magnificent Isle of Wight to the scenic Lake District. Whatever it is you’re looking for, there’s sure to be an option here in the UK.