Best Family Breaks in the UK

These family breaks in the UK include fun, interesting places in the United Kingdom, that you can enjoy with your partner and children.

There are a whole range of different activities to do and places to visit in destinations across the UK. From vibrant cities and towns to the peaceful countryside, there’s plenty on offer to satisfy even the pickiest of family groups.

That’s why we’ve set out some of the best things to do in various parts of the country, to hopefully making planning for any future family getaways in UK that little bit easier!

Best Family Breaks in the UK

London

Where better to start than in the very heart of the UK — London. 

In terms of city breaks it’s hard to beat the sheer variety of things on offer in the nation’s capital, from iconic landmarks to world-class museums.

The Tower of London is an obvious choice for a visit. Have a chance to peek at the Crown Jewels and explore many years of fascinating history. A trip to the tower’s armoury should impress anyone with an interest in weapons, especially as the hands-on experience lets visitors try waving a sword or firing a cannon.

A stroll along the South Bank takes you past plenty of landmarks to stop and admire, including the iconic London landmarks like London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Shakespeare’s very own Globe Theatre. 

The cultural tour can continue to some of the city’s many museums, although the Natural History Museum is our particular standout, with its dinosaur exhibits and scientific focus. Explore the hidden gems in London, pick up food at Borough Market and then enjoy the many free things to do in London, ideal for those visiting England on a budget.

If your little ones are Harry Potter fans, also make sure to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter whilst on your trip! This is a behind-the-scenes Harry Potter studio tour, taking you through the sets and sharing props from the movies.

Cornwall

If you’re looking for a sunny seaside getaway in England and opportunities for relaxation, then a Cornish escape could be for you.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, Cornwall has been drawing in visitors for decades with its array of beautiful beaches. 

Younger members of the family can easily occupy themselves with building sandcastles or exploring rockpools while you take the opportunity to catch some sun. 

But it wouldn’t really be a visit to Cornwall if you didn’t at least give surfing a try. 

Many of the beaches up and down the Cornish coast offer surfing lessons for those who haven’t taken to the waves before. Or, if that’s a little daunting, you can always give paddleboarding a go and navigate your way across the gentler waters of one of the county’s harbours or bays.

Away from the coast, the Eden Project is a sight that simply shouldn’t be missed. 

With its distinctive bubble biomes containing a tropical jungle and Mediterranean landscape, your family can get the feeling of being on an even more exotic holiday.

Exploring towns like Padstow, Falmouth and St Ives creates the chance to experience more of the local culture and to sample fresh seafood, Cornish pasties and locally-made ice cream. 

The Lake District

One of the UK’s designated national parks, the Lake District is a destination full of outdoor adventure and some truly stunning scenery.

The mountainous terrain of the region has inspired plenty of writers and artists, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday. This is also known as one of the most romantic places to visit in the UK.

If you’re looking for an active time away then the Lake District certainly has you covered, with dozens upon dozens of different hiking and cycling trails to choose from. Trails that are friendly to families with smaller members wind around some of the region’s iconic lakes, such as Windermere, Coniston and Derwentwater.

The peaks of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn are waiting for those who want the greatest challenge, as the tallest mountains in the whole of England.

Rock climbing and mountain biking can vary up the itinerary, or even kayaking if you want to see the Lake District’s lakes from a different perspective.

For any animal lovers in the family, keep a look out for some of the native wildlife as you explore some of the area’s woodlands and valleys. Red squirrels, deer and ospreys are all potential sights for observant eyes.

Snowdonia

Another area of beauty is Snowdonia in northern Wales, which boasts higher mountains for intrepid travellers to tackle. 

Mount Snowdon is the highest peak in the Wales, and families can easily spend a day clambering up to its top. But if that’s a bit much for everyone the Snowdon Mountain Railway can carry you all up to the summit to enjoy the views without needing to endure the climb.

Wales is often referred to as the country of castles, and there are some great examples to be found in Snowdon. 

Conwy Castle is an impressive and imposing medieval fortress that’s still standing after more than 700 years, with amazing views from the top of its battlements. For a slightly different look, Caernarfon Castle was inspired by Roman forts and the walls of Constantinople.

The area also features the fastest zip line in the world across the former mining site at Penrhyn Quarry, although that’s not an activity for the faint of heart! Visitors can also learn more about the history of the world’s oldest slate quarry on a guided truck tour of the site. 

With its history of conflict and conquest, Wales has many sites that can spark the imagination. Explore legends and myth as well as traditional Welsh culture. Plus, with its connections to King Arthur and fair share of dragons, a Welsh getaway could be an easy hit with the kids.

Isle of Wight

Sitting just off the southern coast of England, the Isle of Wight is a former favourite of Victorian holidaymakers and with good reason. The island features incredible coastlines, pleasant beaches and a tendency towards slightly warmer temperatures than the mainland.

The interior of the island is just as beautiful as the coast, with rolling chalk downs that are ideal for cycling across. A circuit around the entire Isle runs for 65 miles and offers incredible views out over the sea! Don’t worry – it can easily be broken up into more manageable chunks.

History buffs will enjoy a tour around Carisbrooke Castle, where King Charles I was imprisoned during the Civil War. The castle’s resident donkeys are another selling point, who you can meet during demonstrations of their former role in drawing up the well house’s water.

The town of Ventnor has some lovely examples of Victorian architecture to appreciate, as well as a particularly sunny beach to relax on. Thanks to the area’s microclimate you can also see a wealth of exotic plants at the Ventnor Botanic Garden, which hosts species from much warmer countries.

Visit the UK’s oldest amusement park, Blackgang Chine, for an extra dose of adrenaline. The park features several thrill rides, as well as themed areas and attractions for the younger members of the family.

---

That’s just a taster of what the UK has to offer, so in terms of a family getaway, you shouldn’t find yourselves short of things to do. If you can get everyone to agree, that is!