From historic cities to dramatic coastlines and stunning national parks, there is no better place than the UK to enjoy a family getaway.
But with so many incredible places to choose from, selecting the best destination can be daunting. If you need suggestions, refer below for the best UK destinations for a family getaway.
- Cornwall
Cornwall has plenty of exciting things to offer for fun family getaways – from several miles of stunning coastline lined with beautiful beaches and secluded coves and creeks to a thriving seaside community with museums, fantastic gardens, and an arts centre.
Keep the little ones entertained in Falmouth, where they can take a boat trip or marvel at the breathtaking views from Pendennis Castle. Of the many beautiful beaches in Cornwall, Maenporth and Swanpool are the most popular with families, especially those with young kids, since the water is shallow.
- Dorset
Famous for the incredible Jurassic Coast, stunning landscapes, and charming towns of Shaftesbury and Sherbourne, Dorset is an ideal destination for a family getaway in the UK. In addition, Dorset has some of England’s best beaches, where you can enjoy scenic walks and fun water sports.
Begin exploring east of Dorset, where you’ll find the picturesque resort towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Bournemouth has beautiful sandy beaches, delightful seafront accommodations that cater to families, and family-friendly attractions, including the Bournemouth Oceanarium. Meanwhile, Poole’s Sandbanks is a lovely place to visit, with its long sandy beach featuring gentle waves.
- Shropshire
Home to UNESCO-listed sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty, Shropshire is a landlocked historic county along the West Midlands region. It offers many fun activities for families, from exploring the Ironbridge Gorge to rambling through the Shropshire hills.
What’s great about visiting Shropshire is that it has some excellent self-catering family holiday rentals, the perfect choice for a family break. These accommodations have all the facilities that families need for a relaxing stay.
- Scotland
Scotland is a breathtaking destination for families, especially those interested in adventures in the great outdoors. Whether climbing through the giant ear canal at the Science centre of Dundee, exploring the castles of Shropshire, or dog-sledging in the Cairngorms, Scotland offers the perfect setting for a fun-filled family adventure.
Explore the medieval streets of Edinburgh and admire the majestic Edinburgh Castle looming over the city. Head to Glasgow and take the kids to the Glasgow Science Centre and Riverside Museum of Transport and Tall Ship.
- The Lake District
The Lake District is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most stunning regions, offering something for visitors of all ages. Best of all, many family attractions here are free, from hiking up the hills to exploring the shores.
Enjoy a lovely hike at the Lake District National Park and try numerous adventure activities, such as horse riding and mountain climbing. Check out the scenic Windermere and the South Lakes and go on a cruise towards the southern tip of the lake before riding the train at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.
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