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The United Kingdom is home to many beautiful regions, with stunning natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and various exciting attractions. For families who love exploring the outdoors, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to holiday destinations in the UK.
Amble through the rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, take scenic bike rides around picturesque Lake District villages or relax on the sunny beaches of Cornwall. The opportunities for adventure are endless!
To help you plan the ultimate family holiday in the UK, we’ve created a list of the best destinations on offer. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or a trip packed with activities, you can be sure to find something for the whole family to enjoy.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are a stunning area in Northern England famous for their charming villages, rolling valleys and scenic walking routes. If you want to take your family on a trip that blends natural beauty with fun attractions, the Yorkshire Dales are the perfect setting.
Venture to quaint northern villages to learn about Yorkshire’s diverse history. Hawes is a picturesque market town known for its delicious Wensleydale cheese. Situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Hawes is surrounded by stunning green moors where families can enjoy outdoor adventures like cycling, caving and hiking. Explore the Dales Countryside Museum to see beautiful artworks, or sit in a cosy cafe in the town centre for a slow-paced afternoon.
There are plenty of attractions in the Yorkshire Dales for adults and kids alike. If you’re travelling with older children, enjoy hikes through Malham Cove for stunning panoramic mountain views, or venture to the limestone caves of Ingleborough for an exciting day out.
For a touch of magic, venture to The Forbidden Corner Theme Park in North Yorkshire, where visitors can explore winding labyrinths, woodland treasure hunts and towering castles!
Lake District
The Lake District is a National Park in the northwest of England and is renowned for its serene lakeside attractions. Take a peaceful boat ride on Lake Windermere to see the region’s vast green hills, or if you’re travelling with teenagers, why not try out kayaking or paddleboarding in Ullswater for an afternoon of family fun?
The beauty of the Lake District was a source of inspiration for Beatrix Potter, a famous British author who based her magical tales of Peter Rabbit on the landscapes of the Lakes. For children who love reading, ignite their imaginations in Beatrix Potter World in Bowness-On-Windermere for an exciting literary adventure.
The Lake District is teeming with vibrant flora and fauna, and families who love the outdoors can embark on scenic nature trails. Whinlatter Forest Park is especially famous for its elusive red squirrels or bird-watching enthusiasts can spot soaring Ospreys in Bassenthwaite Lake.
Cornwall
Cornwall is the southernmost county in the United Kingdom and is characterised by its incredible coastal beauty. Home to numerous sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, Cornwall offers families a perfect seaside escape.
Enjoy family-friendly beaches like Fistral or Porthcurno, famous for their Caribbean-esque blue waters and fine white sand. If you’re travelling in the summer, take a dip in the sparkling waters and spend a memorable afternoon building sand castles. If the kids want a splash of adventure, why not sign up for surfing lessons? This will be sure to leave the whole family in buckets of laughter.
The Eden Project is a world-famous ecological attraction in Cornwall near the town of St Austell. Celebrating biodiversity, the site features an indoor rainforest and outdoor gardens for children to learn and play. Spend the day exploring tropical plants from the Amazon or fragrant herbs from South Africa.
After an adventure-packed day, settle down in a traditional Cornish cottage in front of a log-burning fire. There are some incredible last-minute UK accommodation deals in Cornwall, and families can find unique lodgings with child-friendly amenities and cosy interiors for a comfortable stay.
North Wales
North Wales is a beautiful and diverse region of the UK renowned for its expansive rugged mountains dotted with charming towns and ancient castles. If your children love learning about history, visit Caernarfon or Conwy Castle for an immersive journey into Wales’ medieval past. Complete with fortresses, turrets and bridges, the castles are magical spots where kids can learn and explore.
The outdoor adventures in North Wales are unmatched, with Snowdonia National Park offering exhilarating zip lining, mountain climbing or cycling activities. There are many small group tours on offer in Snowdonia, with many routes for various ages and abilities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful journey through flatlands or epic off-road mountain trails, there’s something for every family to enjoy on a cycling holiday in North Wales.
There’s also plenty of fun to be had on Wales’ sandy shores. Venture to the enchanting Italian-style coastal village of Portmeirion, where colourful pastel buildings meet wildflower gardens and winding streets for a unique day out. Sit in one of the village’s cosy cafes for a spot of lunch as you look out across the cobalt Irish Sea.
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are a vast stretch of beautiful landscapes that extend from Helensburgh to Stonehaven in the Northern regions of Scotland. Famous for their mythical legends and otherworldly beauty, the highlands offer a unique experience for families on a UK getaway.
Explore the infamous Loch Ness on an enchanting boat tour, learning about the lore of Nessie as you sail along the peaceful lake waters. For more fairy-tale magic, venture to the Isle of Skye to see the enchanting Fairy Pools, a series of cool blue waterfalls set against the backdrop of staggering cliffs.
Nature-loving families can explore the vast highland wilderness for incredible wildlife-spotting opportunities. Venture to Glencoe to spot elegant red deer and golden eagles, or Moray Firth for a chance to see jumping dolphins.
If your kids are Harry Potter fanatics, be sure to ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train for a truly magical journey. Follow the tracks that Harry took to get to Hogwarts as you admire the stunning views of Scotland’s rugged moorlands along the way.
Summary
The United Kingdom is a treasure trove of stunning destinations, perfect for a family holiday packed with adventure, magic and bucket loads of fun. Whether it’s a cycling tour with teenagers through the valleys of Snowdonia or a peaceful amble with youngsters through Yorkshire’s woodlands, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
We hope this article has given you some inspiration, and when you embark on your travels make sure to include some of the brilliant destinations mentioned above for an unforgettable family getaway.
