- Holiday ideas
SS Great Britain, Bristol, Somerset© VisitBritain
Chatsworth House, Peak District© VisitBritain and Visit Peaks & Derbyshire
Picnic at Broadstairs, Isle of Thanet, Kent© VisitBritain and Thanet District Council
Holkham Beach, Norfolk© VisitBritain
Malvern Hills, Herefordshire© VisitBritainBeautiful countryside dotted by castles and country houses, dynamic cities rammed with fantastic attractions, and a seaside that can’t be beat for its family appeal… it’s no wonder many Brits choose to remain England for their family holidays and breaks. Travel costs are generally minimal, while the wide choice of self-catering properties help you keep within a family-sized budget.
| Capital City | London |
|---|---|
| Timezone | GMT |
| Local Currency | GBP |
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Next Things to do
Things to do with kids in England
London
The British capital offers hundreds of family-friendly attractions and a busy program of events, from world-class museums to the latest West End shows.
East of England
Within easy reach of the capital, Eastern England (part of which is still sometimes known as East Anglia) includes Norfolk and Suffolk with their wonderful beaches, superb forests and unspoilt landscapes.
South East England
Also easily accessed from London, this region includes the lovely ‘garden of England’, Kent, with more quirky seaside towns and some great castles. Brighton and Eastbourne are further family-friendly seaside towns; Sussex, of which they are a part, has lovely rolling countryside punctuated by castles, battlesites, castles, palaces, Roman villas and gardens. Next up is Hampshire, with the buzzing maritime cities Portsmouth and Southampton but also most of the glorious New Forest.
South West England
Still on the subject of seaside fun, South West England offers up Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Often overlooked, Somerset also offers beautiful beaches, stunning inland countryside, plus historic Bath, Glastonbury and Wells, while Wiltshire is home to world-famous Stonehenge, Avebury and Old Sarum, plus stately homes and glorious gardens.
Cotswolds
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds (covering parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire) is touristy yet low key, offering lots of farms and other outdoor venues, historic gardens, books and arts and crafts shops, and welcoming pubs and inns.
West Midlands
The focal point of the West Midlands is Birmingham with its incredible industrial heritage and awesome modern shopping, but this is also a good region for themepark aficionados.
East Midlands
The highlights of the East Midlands for families are Derbyshire, home to most of the Peak District National Park, Rutland, focussed around Rutland Water with its watersports, and Lincolnshire with its traditional seaside resorts, timeless Wolds, atmospheric Fens and beautiful historic city Lincoln.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Lincolnshire extends into Yorkshire and the Humber, where you’ll also find the historic county of Yorkshire with its three national parks, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and three Heritage Coast areas, plus superb cities York and Leeds.
North East England
North East England’s highlight is Northumberland – a great alternative for family holidays by the sea for those who find the likes of Cornwall and Norfolk over-subscribed, plus a landscape dotted by Roman ruins and impressive castles.
North West England
North West England similarly offers idyllic landscapes, especially in Cumbria with its gorgeous Lake District. But there are also some great family-friendly cities here, with wonderful museums (many free) and other excellent attractions – especially Manchester and Liverpool.
Eat
Seasonal local produce, often organic, is one of the highlights of holidays and breaks in England. If you're self-catering, local farmers' markets and farm shops are worth seeking out, but there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants, cafés and pubs all over the region.
By Rhonda Carrier
Next Accommodation
When to go to England
With its world-class cities and indoor as well as outdoor attractions, England is a year-round destination.
How to get to England
As a major tourist destination, England is well endowed with international and regional airports as well as generally efficient domestic transport networks.
Cost
Family holidays and breaks in England will vary wildly in price depending on your chosen location and form of accommodation but there are plenty of very affordable options all around the country.
Previous Accommodation
Family friendly places to stay in England
From child-friendly country-house hotels to seaside campsites, from luxury city apartments to back-to-basics farmstays or action-packed holiday villages, England offers an incredible wealth of accommodation choices for family holidays or breaks whatever your budget.
Key:
Self-catering
Hotel
Editors favourite
Kids Club
Park Plaza County Hall London, London
A hotel on London's Southbank where kids are treated like royalty and facilities include in-room kitchenettes.
Fowey Hall, Cornwall
Great service and family-friendly facilities at the place that inspired Toad Hall, located on the south Cornish coast.
Moonfleet Manor, Dorset
Family-friendly, laidback and quirky, this country house in Dorset is located on the coast and is full of family treats.
The Rosevine, Cornwall
Luxury family holidays and breaks in Cornwall with a flexible twist – stay on a B&B basis, self-cater, or do a bit of both.
The Athenaeum Hotel, London
A 5-star hotel with luxury family apartments, just a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus.
Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Cumbria
Set in lovely woodland on the edge of the Lake District, popular for activity-based, weatherproof family holidays or breaks.
The Cornwall Hotel, Spa and Estate, Cornwall
A luxury family-friendly hotel set within woodlands in Cornwall and just a short drive from a selection of beaches.
Lipley Farm, Shropshire
A peaceful haven where you can relax and enjoy a luxury family camping holiday or break in the Shropshire countryside.
Readyfields Farm, Nottinghamshire
A Feather Down Farm Days site, surrounded by fields as far as the eye can see, whilst not being far from Sherwood Forest or Newark.
Upper Shadymoor Farm, Shropshire
An ideal location for large families, with all 6 tents face inwards, giving you a sense of community, and a barn on site which is great for social feasts and gatherings.
Lower Rodhuish Farm, Somerset
A family holiday and break with both rural and coastal benefits and surrounded by so many attractions and places to see, you may find yourself booking another stay here.
Rosliston Forest Lodges, Derbyshire
Furnished lodges sleeping up to 10, with outdoor space and fresh air on tap.
Park Farm, Littleworth, The Cotswolds
Family holiday or break away from modern life and electricity.
New Barn Farm, North Bedfordshire Wolds, South East England
A great place to relax and toast marshmallows on warm summer evenings whilst the kids run free.
Mount Pleasant Farm, Woolland, Blandford Forum, Dorset
A family camping experience with home comforts thrown in.
Warren Farm, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Explore or relax - you can do as much or as little as you want at Warren Farm.
College Farm, Aldeby, Norfolk
Guests have access to a private lake shore - ideal for a warm sunny day.
Lunsford Farm, Pett, Hastings, Sussex
You are sure to experience a luxury glamping farm experience with the family.
East Shilvinghampton Farm, Portesham, Weymouth, Dorset
Cosy camping, with a wood-burning stove, comfy beds and eggs fresh from the coop.
Midgham Farm, Fordingbridge, New Forest
Funky family camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Sunninglye Farm, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Simple yet glam camping in the Garden of England.
Sands Resort Hotel & Spa, Cornwall
Friendly hotel overlooking beautiful beaches in Cornwall with a great range of activities and childcare.
The Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk
Within a National Trust property in Suffolk, you get the feeling of grandeur whilst being completely family-friendly.
Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall
A great family hotel and resort for older kids and teens, who can take advantage of the excellent surfing tuition in Cornwall.
Gurnard Pines, Isle of Wight
Holiday park on the Isle of Wight with childrens play areas and fun family activities and indoor and outdoor pools.
Captain Cook’s Haven, near Whitby, Yorkshire, Yorkshire
A quiet self-catering family holiday and break location on the North Yorkshire Coast, with indoor pool and playground.
Haven Perran Sands, Cornwall
Located on the Cornish coast, with direct access to the beach and its own surf school, making this holiday park a hit with all the family.
Dolphinholme House Farm, Lancashire
A family-run dairy farm within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire, with family-friendly glamping facilities.
Hollings Hill Farm, Herefordshire
A working dairy-farm in Herefordshire where you get treated like one of the family, whilst staying in your own luxurious tent and get to enjoy the on-site hot tub.
Feather Down Farms, Boswarthen Farm, Cornwall
Family-run dairy farm, just a ten minute drive from the north and south coasts in Cornwall.
Feather Down Farms, Billingsmoor Farm, Devon
Traditional organic dairy farm with views of rolling countryside and further stretching views of the Devonshire coastline.
Feather Down Farms Aller Farm, Devon
350 acre dairy farm in Devon perfect for family glamping holidays, only 20mins from the beach and local towns just a few miles away.
Feather Down Farms Knaveswell Farm, Dorset
A family-run dairy farm in Dorset, with acre up on acre of land to explore and not too far from attractions and beaches.
Manor Farm, Hampshire
A 400 acre traditional family farm, with crops, livestock and Llamas. Hard to believe its only 1 hour from London!
Feather Down Farm, Howbeck Lodge, Cumbria
A lovely beef and sheep farm at the foot of the Skiddaw range in the Lake District National Park.
West Sussex Feather Down Farm, Canfields Farm, Sussex
A family-run farm in West Sussex, with luxury canvas tents, surrounded by woodlands and cycle routes and only 25mins from Brighton.
The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire
A luxury family-friendly country-house hotel in Hertfordshire with a spa and kids club, whilst not being far from the capital.
Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Activity-based, weatherproof family holidays or breaks with something for all the family, from grandparents to tots.
Center Parcs Longleat, Wiltshire
Located in Wiltshire, this is the prettiest of the four Center Parcs sites around the UK.
Center Parcs Elveden Forest, Suffolk
This family-friendly holiday park in Suffolk is ideal for activity-based, weatherproof family holidays or breaks.
Butlins Bognor Regis, Sussex
A family-friendly holiday park on the south coast of England with plenty of activities for children and adults.
Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall
Stylish hotel for family holidays and breaks in Cornwall, ultra-child-friendly and also eco-friendly.
Citadines Apart'hotel Trafalgar, London
Apartments in a great location near Trafalgar Square, London, perfect for large families adn each with a kitchenette.
The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Yorkshire
A luxury boutique hotel in North Yorkshire, with a fabulous spa and welcoming to families with young children.
Mortons House Hotel, Dorset
Luxury family hotel in Dorset, close to the coast and many family-friendly attractions.
Splash Landings Hotel, England
Perfect for family breaks, with waterpark, golf course, kids play areas and within the grounds of Alton Towers Resort.
Alton Towers Hotel, England
A world of fantasy and wonder in this family hotel within the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire.
Holiday Inn Chessington, South East England
Family-friendly hotel within the grounds of Chessington World of Adventures.
Aparthotel Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool
City centre apartments in Liverpool, sleeping 4 people and with a kitchenette, ideal for family breaks.
The Crash Pad, South East England
On-site family-friendly hotel rooms in container-style cabins; ideal for short breaks at Thorpe Park in Surrey.
Next When and How
Family friendly organised trips in England
Key:
Self-catering
Hotel
Editors favourite
Kids Club
Global Boarders Family Surf Vacations
Fully tailored & expertly guided award-winning, low impact, high quality Family Surf Trips.
Lake District Summer 6 nights
7 days of mountains & lakes with fun family activities, and 3 star hotel accommodation.
Next When and How
Family friendly organised days out in England
Key:
Self-catering
Hotel
Editors favourite
Kids Club
Go Ape!
Tree top adventures for ages 10+, in 28 woodland locations around the UK.
London Theatre - Mamma Mia
The ultimate feel-good show, especially popular with mums and daughters.
Pleasure Beach Blackpool
A longstanding favourite on the northwest coast, with rides for all ages, live shows and more.
Tate Modern
Modern and contemporary art from around the globe, presented with an eye for families and free to boot.
Stonehenge
This UNESCO-listed ancient site retains its power to intrigue young and old alike.
Eden Project
An iconic Cornish venue where where you can expand your knowledge of nature through exhibits and interactives.
Chessington World of Adventures
A family-favourite theme-park, animal park and sealife centre a short hop from London.
London Eye
The best views over the British capital are offered during a 30-minute ‘flight’ on the iconic London Eye.
Alton Towers
The biggest themepark in England, with attractions for everyone from tots to thrill-seekers.
London Theatre - The Lion King
Disney's famous tale comes to vivid life on the London stage.
Tatton Park
A place worthy of a big day out, with a farm, an adventure playground, lovely gardens and a vast estate to explore by bike or other means.
Museum of London & Museum of London Docklands
Two free museums charting the fascinating history of London in general and as a port.
Science Museum
Fun and learning are inextricably mixed at this enormous free venue in London's 'Museumland'.
Windsor Castle
A unique royal residence accessible to families via audio-tours and trails.
Tower of London
Bloodcurdling history comes to the fore at this atmospheric one-time royal dwelling.
London Zoo
A long-established and respected if smallish zoo in the plum surrounds of London's Regents Park.
Whipsnade Zoo
One of the biggest conservations zoos in all Europe, showcasing wildlife from near and far.
Thorpe Park
A thrill-seekers' paradise not far from London, with a few rides for younger visitors too.
World Museum Liverpool
One of Britain's most wide-ranging museums, exploring everything from world cultures to bugs and sealife.
Kew Gardens
A London institution, brilliant for introducing kids of all ages to the wonders of the natural world.
British Museum
A vast repository of artefacts from cultures around the world, free to visit.
London Transport Museum
Plenty of interactives to get kids engaged by London's transport systems past, present and future.
Natural History Museum
London's vast Natural History Museum is an astonishing free resource for anyone interested in our planet.
Knowsley Safari Park
A fab day out, with a safari drive, fairground rides and a high-ropes course.
Legoland
The younger kids' themepark, with rides and attractions for children up to 12.
Chatsworth House
The 'jewel of the Peak District' offers masses of fun for younger visitors.
Next When and How
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