Whether you're making the most of your day, a holiday weekend, or a brave Friday afternoon 'dentist visit', taking your kids on a short break maximizes their free time and saves money. Kid-friendly doesn't necessarily mean water slides and wall-to-wall roller coasters, although we have them here. Many of these getaways are also on the adults' bucket list, with walks, nature, and weather-bare coastlines. So pack your hiking boots or bikinis to enjoy the most fun escapades of your life. Sometimes the best things come in small packages.
Featured photo: Resting at Wroxham Barns in Norfolk
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1. Cornwall
No one can question natural beautyCornwallCoast: These beaches have inspired countless box games, but the county can be busy for that reason. Avoid it entirely by staying at Three Mile Beach right on the sand (no car needed), where surf schools congregate, tea houses smell of baked scones and cakes, and plenty of picnic spots. Three Mile Beach is actually a collection of modern holiday homes set on three miles of Gwythian Beach, each with a hot tub, outdoor sauna and wood-fired pizza oven. You can use the fully equipped kitchen or take away from the street food truck and outdoor bar on site. It is also a short train journey from St Ives and Carbis Bay.
- The best hotels in Cornwall
- The best spa hotels in Cornwall
- The best beaches in Cornwall

2. London
Whether they are learning about Victorian or Roman times, town planning or politics,Londonthis is the place to bring the school curriculum to life. And if you add an extra day to the weekend (as opposed to a popular public holiday), you can save a lot from Sunday night hotel stays. Stay in East London for maximum wow factor and minimum crowds, where you'll find Young V&A, London Docklands Museum, Square Mile skyscrapers (including Shard, Walkie Talkie and Gherkin) and fashionable Shoreditch. and Hoxton, all linked by the Thames Clipper or DLR. Town Hall Hotel is housed in a stunning Edwardian redevelopment in Bethnal Green.
- The best budget hotels in London
- The best dog friendly hotels in London
- The best free things to do in London

3. Bournemouth
There was a time when Bournemouth remembered, shall we say, the 'older generation'. Now, with a thriving university, state-of-the-art Giant Gallery and seafront restaurants (try Rockwater),Dorsets most famous seaside city is trendy and perfect for a family outing. The long sandy beaches are as beautiful as ever, with Blue Flags all over the board, and just off the coast you'll find Threads. This chic boutique hotel offers a Miami-style outdoor pool, its own movie theater, a children's play area and expansive tropical gardens with giant chess sets, hammocks, fire pits and a kiosk where kids can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
- Nici hotel review

4. Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Little ones will love this small coastal town in County Down,Northern Ireland, with ice cream kiosks, merry-go-rounds and game rooms. You'll love miles of photogenic dunes and windswept sands, all of which make up the spa's ultimate natural product: seaweed. Cozy little bathhouses (such as Soak on the waterfront) offer the opportunity to bathe in seaweed, which is said to relieve stress, clear the mind, and soften the skin. And because there are no chemicals involved, children can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Stay at the Slieve Donard, a seaside spa hotel with a family-friendly indoor pool that will soon reopen after refurbishment, or the seaside Avoca Hotel with its quirky shabby chic décor.
- The best hotels in Northern Ireland

5. The Lake District
Beatrix Potter's house and the location of a children's classicSwallows and Amazons, Onlake districtit's as kid-friendly as national parks. And if this is your first trip, Windermere is as beautiful and distinctive as the lakes. Stay close to the water's edge to keep children intrigued, and get easy access to walking trails such as Lake Windermere and Queen Adelaide's Hill Circular (3 miles), with lemonade pubs along the way. It also means you are close to sailing, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding schools. Storrs Hall is on the shores of the lake and takes its little guests as seriously as the big ones, offering Potter-themed Tiny Tots Tea and family rooms of all shapes and sizes.
- The best hotels in the Lake District
- The best things to do in the Lake District
- The best campsites in the Lake District

6. Counties of origin
No childhood memory bank is complete without a trip to the 'amusement park belt' that stretches across Surrey and Berkshire and includes Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland and Thorpe Park. Chessington is the best if you're trying to please all ages, with plenty of hard roller coasters, but also sweet lands of fun for preschoolers. The Miter is a modern yet historic hotel on the banks of the River Thames next to Hampton Court (guests have free entry). It's only a short drive from all three parks, but offers so much more adult character than staying in a theme park hotel.

7. Scottish highlands and islands
At the top of many adults' wish lists, the Highlands ofScotlandthey are often not considered a small territory. Bad bad bad. If you're based on Skye for its highest concentration of historic sites, you've got a dream family break in mind: the best walk, the Old Man of Storr, is only a mile long; they resemble grassy spiers, conical hills and Ewan Castle from Fairy Glenin the garden at nightbrought to life; and the Fairy Pools Trail follows the beautiful river and its neon blue waterfalls. Stay at 57 Nord's Hill House, a glass and wooden hideaway a 15-minute drive from the island over Skye Bridge. It has spectacular lake views and was designed for families by the same architects as the popular Sky House (which is adults-only).
57nord.es
- The best hotels in the Highlands
- The best things to do in the Highlands

8. Parks Centralna
Truly a break the weather can't spoil. Inside the Center Parcs dome you'll find water channels, play areas, wave machines and cabins, all heated to a constant 29 degrees. The rest of the park has a mini golf course, bike paths, pedal boats, climbing walls and amusement parks with zip lines in the treetops. Accommodation options range from family rooms in the main hotel and small two-bed cottages to five-room beachfront cottages with outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Parks can be found in Sherwood Forest Nottinghamshire, Longleat Wiltshire, Whinfell Forest Cumbria, Elveden Suffolk and Woburn Forest Bedfordshire.
centerparcs.es

9. Norfolk
On an idyllic rural plot in betweennorfolkWith some of the most beautiful walking trails in , and only a 20 minute drive from the beach, Hall Farm is the perfect place for a short family getaway. Located in the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve, it offers a variety of accommodation, from affordable glamping in stylish tents to charming cottages (also with disabled access), as well as a Loft with modern rooms with eaves. All cottages are also dog friendly. Hall Farm Lake offers great fishing and is ideal for beginners and children, although there is also indoor entertainment on rainy days - pool table, table tennis, foosball and board games. Nearby, families can visit Bewilderwood Adventure Park (2 miles), Bure Valley Railway (5 miles) and Wroxham Barns (6 miles), where all ages can pet goats and donkeys and bottlefeed lambs and calves.
hallfarm.com
- The best hotels in Norfolk
- The best dog friendly hotels in Norfolk

10. Yorkshire
It makes sense that Britain's largest county also has many national parks, includingyorkshireDales and North York Moors. The latter is ideal for a family holiday due to its stunning coastline where you can see seals by day, gaze at the stars by night, hunt for fossils on the beach or just enjoy the scenery of the Whitby coast with the best of the country's fish and chips in hand. (made). Studford Luxury Lodges is located in the rural idyll of Helmsley, where wooden stilt houses are tucked away in the woods, offering complete tranquility and a private Jacuzzi after a day of sightseeing.
studfordluxurylodges.com
- The best hotels in Yorkshire
- The best family hotels in the UK
- The best holiday destinations for families
- The best family days in the UK
- The best theme parks in the UK
FAQs
Is England family friendly? ›
Visiting the country of England with kids is a must for any family's bucket list. With its rich history and culture, an England itinerary for families is sure to be packed with all sorts of unique and interesting activities. Our family absolutely fell in love with the country of England.
Where do people love to travel in the UK? ›The Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca – are particularly popular with British holidaymakers, as are the Canary Islands.
Where is quiet for a UK holiday? ›North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Devon are the only counties in the UK that have two National Parks in them. This makes them really desirable spots for those who like to surround themselves with wilderness and explore rural and remote places. They offer true peace and quiet to anyone who visits.
Where is the best place to start family in UK? ›...
Which UK locations have the lowest crime rates?
- Bewilderwood. A huge, award winning forest of family fun for days out with the kids and outdoor adventure. ...
- Warner Bros. ...
- Warwick Castle. ...
- A day out at Blackpool. ...
- Ironbridge Gorge. ...
- Eureka the children's museum. ...
- The Forbidden Corner. ...
- Camera Obscura.
Cornwall voted most picturesque county in England
Cornwall is a firm favourite among many UK holidaymakers thanks to its wonderful beaches and rugged heathlands, not to mention its seemingly endless heritage. You can find out more about England's prettiest region by visiting our brilliant Cornwall Travel Guide.
Geographically, the similarities are significant. New York State's land area is approximately 47,000 square miles. England's is 50,000. New York City and London have 8.8 million and 8.9 million inhabitants respectively.
What is the best option to travel in the UK? ›Trains are the fastest way to travel around the UK, especially for long journeys. When you travel by train, you can enjoy the green British countryside through the window and take a picnic for the journey. How to get cheap train tickets: Train tickets are usually cheaper if you buy them online in advance.
What is the most relaxing city in the UK? ›- Dartmouth, Devon.
- Kingswear, Devon.
- Over Haddon, Peak District.
- Reeth, North Yorkshire.
- Croyde, Devon.
- Keswick, Cumbria.
- St Andrews, Fife.
- Bassenthwaite, Cumbria.
- Devon: one of the most relaxing places to visit in the UK. ...
- Cornwall: a destination made for relaxation. ...
- Isle of Wight: a microclimate of calm. ...
- Pembrokeshire: where wild equals relaxing. ...
- Powys: one of the most relaxing places in Wales.
What is the noisiest place in the UK? ›
- 10 of the noisiest places in the UK. Leeds (27,316 noise complaints) Glasgow (20,521) Belfast (20,261) Birmingham (15,643) ...
- 10 of London's noisiest boroughs. Tower Hamlets (2,037 noise complaints) Kingston upon Thames (2,401) Camden (2,614) City of London (2,774)
Plan to budget approximately $2,500 for one person, $3,700 for a couple, and $6,000 for a family of four for an international vacation. Of course, this will vary greatly depending on the destination and your hotel choices.
What is the best length for a family vacation? ›Two weeks is too long, a few days sometimes not enough. And research published in the Journal of Happiness recommends eight days as the optimum length of a holiday. A study says it is the right length of time to fully relax and achieve maximum happiness levels, without getting bored or homesick.
How far in advance should you plan a family vacation? ›Whenever possible, beginning planning 6-12 months in advance will give you time to find the best prices on airfare, lodging, and activities without the stress. If you're planning a shorter, more spontaneous trip, don't panic! Planning 1-3 months in advance should be plenty for less elaborate and inexpensive getaways.
What is the most popular family type in the UK? ›Characteristic | Number of households in thousands |
---|---|
Couple with no children | 7,880 |
Couple with 1-2 dependent children | 5,151 |
One person household (under 65) | 4,103 |
One person household (65 or over) | 4,196 |
Married and civil partner couple families were the most common family type in the UK in 2018, representing two-thirds (67.1%) of all families. Cohabiting couple families were the second-largest family type at 3.4 million (17.9%), followed by 2.9 million (15%) lone parent families.
What is the most common family size in the UK? ›The average household size in England and Wales in 2021 was 2.4 people per household, the same as in 2011; the areas with the highest average household size were Newham, Slough and Redbridge (all 3.0 residents per household).
What is the best country to take kids to? ›- Australia. #1 in Family-friendly. #7 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Canada. #2 in Family-friendly. #3 in Best Countries Overall. ...
- Sweden. #3 in Family-friendly. ...
- Spain. #4 in Family-friendly. ...
- Denmark. #5 in Family-friendly. ...
- Norway. #6 in Family-friendly. ...
- New Zealand. #7 in Family-friendly. ...
- Finland. #8 in Family-friendly.
BBC Children in Need is a charity that provides grants and funding to projects based in the UK that have the aim of helping disadvantaged young people.
What is the prettiest area of England? ›- The North York Moors, Yorkshire. ...
- Grasmere and Ambleside, Cumbria. ...
- Chatsworth and Haddon, Derbyshire. ...
- Bath, Somerset. ...
- Cotswold villages, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. ...
- Jurassic Coast, Dorset and Devon. ...
- Helford and Roseland, Cornwall. ...
- Norfolk coast, Norfolk.
Which American city is most like London? ›
While Boston fought hard to separate itself from British rule in the 18th century, the city undeniably reflects the charm and culture of London.
Where do most British Americans live? ›Predominantly in the South, Northeast and Interior West regions.
Where is more expensive to live UK or USA? ›Overall, the cost of living in the U.K. is 0.49% lower than in the United States. Rent overall is about 22.55% lower in the U.K. You would need $4,700 per month to finance a modest lifestyle in London, compared to $5,822 for the equivalent lifestyle in New York City.
What is the safest form of travel UK? ›Britain's railways remain the safest and greenest forms of land transport, but there is no room for complacency. The independent rail safety body RSSB has published its latest Annual Health and Safety Report for Britain's railways, covering the last financial year 2020-21.
What is the best date to travel to the UK? ›The best time to visit the United Kingdom is in spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November), when it's usually warm and dry. You'll see beautiful spring flowers or the leaves changing hue in autumn, and avoid the much busier summer period.
How long should a UK trip be? ›It is, therefore, possible to get a sense of the country in a five-day England itinerary. However, with so many historical, cultural, and natural sights, the longer you can make your trip, the better. We suggest an English sojourn lasting ten days to two weeks to make the most out of this destination.
What is the happiest town in the UK? ›With some of the best beaches in the country nearby, crystal clear waters that could rival the Mediterranean and an abundance of culture on their doorstep, the happiest people in the UK are the cheery residents of St Ives, in Cornwall.
What is Britain's coolest little city? ›Dundee: The coolest small city in the UK.
What is the proudest city in the UK? ›Residents of Brighton are the UK's proudest citizens, according to new data from YouGov. 91% of Brightonians are proud - or VERY proud - of where they live. Edinburgh followed at a close second, at 90%, and Cardiff pulled in at a close third place with 89% proud.
Where is the happiest and least happy place in the UK? ›It was followed by Worcestershire's Redditch and the upmarket Kent town of Tunbridge Wells as areas where people living there reported being least happy. At the other end of the scale, Torridge, in north Devon, ranked as the UK's 'happiest' area, followed by Pendle in Lancashire and Lichfield in Staffordshire.
What is the loneliest town in England? ›
Stranger still is to come, as you drop down into a fold of the downs and find yourself in the main street of a village whose houses are empty shells. This is Imber, once said to be the loneliest village in England. Its high point, population wise, came in 1851, when 440 people lived there.
What is the quietest town in England? ›- The village of Bassenthwaite in the Lake District is the UK's most peaceful place.
- Small village has topped a list of more than 50 staycation locations in the UK.
Councils can investigate complaints of statutory nuisance to tackle noise produced at any time of day or night. They may also issue warning notices in response to complaints about noise above permitted levels from 11pm to 7am. These warning notices can be used by councils for noise that's not a statutory nuisance.
How much does an all inclusive resort cost per person? ›All inclusive prices vary by resort and location, however the average price for an all-inclusive vacation ranges from $200 to $600/day (remember this usually includes airfare). There are cheaper all inclusive resorts out there, but their quality can reflect the lower price point.
What is a realistic budget for a vacation? ›How much does the average vacation cost? The average vacation for one person in the U.S. costs about $1,919 per week. A vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,838 per week.
Are family vacations worth the money? ›The question of why you should spend more money on family vacations became quite clear: it benefits the entire family for years to come. Children love to spend time with their parents – both one on one time and family time. Time spent with our children pays off tenfold, and more studies prove it every day.
What age group goes on vacation the most? ›This may come as no surprise, but Baby Boomers spend significantly more on vacations than the other generations – especially Gen Z. Those in the newest generation, Gen Z, tend to have just one traveler named on a policy, while the other generations tend to buy plans for at least two travelers.
How often should a family of 5 go on a vacation? ›Families should take vacations at least once or twice a year for at least one to two weeks. While it's common for families to visit relatives or a beach, there are also less expensive vacation options available. All families can get a well-earned rest no matter their budget.
What is the perfect amount of vacation days? ›The study revealed that vacationers need eight days to fully unwind and feel refreshed. However, happiness peaked at eight days and fell dramatically after 11, making seven to 11 days the perfect vacation length.
What not to do when planning a vacation? ›- Don't Opt for Budget Airlines Automatically. ...
- Don't Skip the Insurance When You Plan Your Trip. ...
- Don't Buy a Bunch of Travel-Sized Toiletries. ...
- Don't Exchange Currency Before Leaving. ...
- Don't Blindly Use a Credit Card. ...
- Don't Plan an Overzealous Itinerary. ...
- Don't Pack Too Much.
How far out should you plan an international trip? ›
As a general rule, start planning your next trip at least six months ahead of time. But, it's best to consult with a travel specialist who can help you with the specifics of destinations, seasons, costs and availability.
Is it cheaper to book a vacation last minute or in advance? ›On average, properties are about 13% cheaper when booked 15 days out versus four months out. The biggest difference in pricing comes from high-end hotels, which average nearly 22% cheaper.
What are families like in England? ›British families are traditionally small, with two parents and one or two children. However, this pattern is changing as fewer people marry. Relationships with extended family are different depending on each family. In the UK, it is rare for three generations to live in the same home.
Is London a family friendly city? ›There is so much to do that is child-friendly, educational, and fun in London. There are parks and free museums, historical landmarks and entertainment, enough to keep your family busy for months, maybe years!
Is England a welcoming country? ›In 2022 the UK was ranked 16th out of 60 destinations for Welcome whilst the UK came 6th for Tourism and 3rd for Culture. The UK's Welcome rank has ranged between 10th in 2013 and 18th in 2021 over the last fourteen years.
What is the friendliest country in the UK? ›Glasgow, Scotland
In the 2022 Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, Glasgow scooped the top spot for the friendliest city in the UK.
The middle class in Britain often consists of people with tertiary education and may have been educated at either state or private schools.
What is a middle class family in UK? ›UK. a social group that consists of well-educated people, such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers, who have good jobs and are not poor, but are not very rich: The upper middle class tend to go into business or the professions, becoming, for example, lawyers, doctors, or accountants. Compare. lower class old-fashioned.
How many days to visit London with kids? ›There are so many things to do with kids in London, it is hard to narrow it down to five days. But five days in London is long enough to see a lot in the city and get a very full family experience. And, London with children is easy because lots of Londoners HAVE children and live in the city.
What is the best age to go to London? ›I would say 5+, but depends on the child.
Which area in London is best for families? ›
- 9: Wembley. Wembley. ...
- 8: Islington. Borough of Islington. ...
- 7: Fulham. Fulham. ...
- 6: Kensington and Chelsea. Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. ...
- 5: Chiswick. Chiswick. Safety: 9. ...
- 4: Putney. Putney. Safety: 9. ...
- 3: Sutton. Borough of Sutton. Safety: 9. ...
- 2: Greenwich. Borough of Greenwich. Safety: 8.
Get a UK Visa and Residence Permit
Contrary to popular belief, you need a visa to move to the UK if you are an American citizen. The only exception to this is that if you are visiting with no long-term plans, you can stay in the UK without a visa for six months – but you cannot work during your visa-free stay.
An expat's guide to the U.K. The United Kingdom (U.K.) is a popular choice with many expats from all over the world. As one of the world's top economies, it has plenty to offer those seeking excellent employment opportunities and a high standard of living.
Is England a good place for foreigners? ›Guide to Moving Abroad to the UK From the US
The United Kingdom is one of the top destinations for American expats. The two countries have long-standing historical, political, and cultural ties. As well, the United Kingdom offers Americans superb opportunities for work, travel, and study.
Cornwall voted most picturesque county in England
Cornwall is a firm favourite among many UK holidaymakers thanks to its wonderful beaches and rugged heathlands, not to mention its seemingly endless heritage. You can find out more about England's prettiest region by visiting our brilliant Cornwall Travel Guide.
Cambridge, Brighton and Bristol are among the happiest places to live and work in the UK. The study, conducted by job website Glassdoor's Economic Research team, analysed over 100,000 anonymous employer reviews from 20 cities. Cambridge scooped the top spot, earning a winning score of 78.2% job satisfaction.
Where are the most foreigners in the UK? ›London has remained the region with both the largest proportion of people born outside the UK and the largest proportion of people with non-UK passports. In 2021, more than 4 in 10 (40.6%) usual residents in London were non-UK born, and more than 1 in 5 (23.3%) had a non-UK passport.