Family on the Malvern Hills, Herefordshire
© VisitBritain
Family on the Malvern Hills, Herefordshire

Reviews of UK holidays and breaks

A perennially popular choice for family holidays and breaks, the UK remains as attractive an option as ever, with the benefit of minimal travel costs. Our family travel experts, many of whom live or repeatedly holiday in the places they write about, have got the UK covered, whether it's child-friendly self-catering properties, from cottages to standard or luxurious tents or farmstays, or welcoming country-house hotels where the kids get their own amenities including play areas and activity programs. We also bring to you a range of city-break write-ups showcasing the best of urban Britain when it comes to families, and reviews of family breaks in some of the country's classic seaside resorts.

A Family UK Camping Break at Wild Canvas, Bedfordshire

United Kingdom, England, Bedfordshire
Rhonda and teens escape into nature with wild swimming, yoga and more at a pop-up campsite with a festival vibe.

A Family Break in Lincolnshire

United Kingdom, England, Lincolnshire
Rhonda and family discover the retro delights and big skies of this lost-in-time county.

A Family Glamping Break in the Lee Valley, Hertfordshire/Essex

United Kingdom, Essex, Hertfordshire
Rhonda and family learn to go with the flow in the 42km-long, riverbank Regional Park.

A Family Break at Forest Holidays Cropton Cabins, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire
Rhonda and family venture into ‘Gruffalo’ territory.

A Family Break at The Bivouac, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire
Rhonda and family rate a sustainable venue in northern England.

30 Amazing Family Glamping Sites around the UK

Europe, United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Jersey, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Cornwall, Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, New Forest, Kent, Lancashire, Norfolk, Staffordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Yorkshire, Scotland, Perthshire, Wales, Pembrokeshire
We round up the best places around the country offering 'camping for softies'...

Offer of the week

5* Family Holiday to Costa Rica during the Easter Holidays - £9,754 for a family of 4*

Find out more

Best Farmstays with Kids Around the UK

United Kingdom, England, The Cotswolds, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Isle of Wight, Lancashire, Wiltshire, Scotland, Wales
We round up our favourite family holiday venues where you’ll never hear the words: ‘Get off my land!’

Free Things to Do in Wales with Kids

Wales, Cardiff, Snowdonia, Cardiganshire, Gwyneth, Pembrokeshire
Nick tells us about family holiday options and excursions in Wales on a tight budget.

Top 10 Family Campsites in Wales

United Kingdom, Wales, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire
We round up some of the best places to pitch a tent, to take your campervan or to go glamping in Wales.

Best Places for Surfing and Bodyboarding with Kids in the UK

United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Guernsey, England, Cornwall, Devon, Yorkshire, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Berwickshire, Wales, Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire
We look at the finest spots in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to take the family on a surfing break.

A Family Camping Break in Pembrokeshire, Wales 

United Kingdom, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Rhonda and crew seek out some blissful isolation – and some coasteering action – in a remote spot right on the coastal path.

A Extended-Family Camping Break in Weymouth, Dorset

United Kingdom, England, Dorset
Rhonda enjoys a budget getaway by the seaside with her family, parents and step-siblings.

Best Places for Canoeing and Kayaking with Kids in the UK

United Kingdom, Channel Islands, England, Cornwall, Cumbria, Dorset, Manchester, Merseyside, Liverpool, Northumberland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
We share the top spots to take to the water in England, Scotland and Wales, from lochs dotted with deserted islands to the open sea.

Best UK Walking and Hiking Destinations with Kids

United Kingdom, England, South East England, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, New Forest, Kent, Somerset, Suffolk, Sussex, Eastbourne, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales, Snowdonia
We look at great walking and hiking spots in England, Scotland and Wales with kids of all ages, from tots in child-carriers to reluctant teens.

A Family Break on the Isle of Man

United Kingdom
Rhonda Carrier and family walk goats, brush up on their mountain-biking skills and spot seals on the British Crown dependency in the Irish Sea.

Best Places for Cycling and Mountain-biking in the UK with Kids

United Kingdom, England, South East England, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Dorset, Kent, Norfolk, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
We round up the best places around the UK to take your kids cycling or mountain-biking, whether for a day out for a short break.

The Spookiest Sights in Edinburgh with Kids

Edinburgh
We find out why the Scottish capital is one of the best places to bring ghoulish-minded kids.

Best UK self-catering family holidays

United Kingdom
Recommendations for UK self-catering family holidays.

Luxury family holidays inspiration

Africa & Middle East, Asia, Australia & Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, North America, United Kingdom
Get inspired by our hand-picked luxury family holiday options in the UK, Europe and around the World

Top 10 Free Days Out in Norfolk

Norfolk
Deborah and her crew scour the child-friendly destination for the best free family attractions, natural and cultural.

Best Experience and Activity Days for Families

Our favourite activity days for families, carefully chosen by us, for you.

Best Theme Parks for Families

United Kingdom
Enjoy our carefully chosen selection of the best thrill-seeking theme parks for the family

Great Family Campsites in England

United Kingdom, England, Devon, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Yorkshire
Our pick of the top places for a camping holiday with kids in Norfolk, Devon, Kent and elsewhere.

Best Holiday Parks for Families in the UK

United Kingdom
Browse our selection of the best holiday parks for families in the UK, crafted for your family.

Best UK Luxury Family Holidays

United Kingdom
Enjoy our hand-picked selection of the best UK luxury family holidays

Best UK Pet and Child Friendly Self-Catering Holidays

United Kingdom
Our carefully selected best pet- and child-friendly self-catering hotels in the UK.

Best Pet-and Child-Friendly Campsites and Holiday Parks

Europe
The very best pet-and-child-friendly resorts for the kids, and your families pet.

Best UK Baby- and Toddler-friendly Resorts

United Kingdom
Our range of the best UK baby and toddler friendly resorts in the UK.

Best self-catering family holidays with young children

Europe
We have selected the best self-catered places for families to stay in the UK and Europe.

Best Family Holidays with Surfing Lessons

Europe
Our favourite places for the family to learn to ride waves hand picked for you.

Best Theme Park Breaks

Europe
Explore our hand-picked selection of family-friendly theme parks to get everyone's heart pumping.

Best UK Seaside Short Family Breaks

United Kingdom
Our favourite short breaks for the family on the UK coast.

Best Family-Friendly Places to Stay with a Spa: UK

United Kingdom
Our favourite places to stay in the UK with a spa - you've earned it.

Best UK Holidays and Breaks with Grandparents

United Kingdom
Our perspective on great places for a UK break with the kids and their grandparents

Best UK Pet- and Child-Friendly Hotels

United Kingdom
Our hand-picked selection of the best child- and pet-friendly UK hotels

Top 20 Eco-friendly Places to Stay around the UK with Kids

United Kingdom, Channel Islands, England, County Durham, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, London, Norfolk, Northumberland, Somerset, Suffolk, Yorkshire, Scotland, Edinburgh, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Rhonda rounds up our favourite sustainable and environmentally friendly family holidays and breaks around the UK.

A Peak District Family Break

Derbyshire
Rhonda and boys enjoy one of Derbyshire's family-friendly cycling trails from a welcoming youth hostel base.

Unusual Places to Stay in the UK with Kids

United Kingdom, England, Devon, Norfolk, Suffolk, Sussex, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales
Our hand-picked recommendations for Britain’s quirkiest places to stay as a family for a UK short break.

Best UK Family Holiday Resorts with Kids Clubs

United Kingdom
A hand-picked selection of resorts in the UK offering childcare.

A Family Break on the Chatsworth Estate, Peak District

Derbyshire, Staffordshire
Rhonda and family take a winter warmer on the Chatsworth Estate.

Top 10 Family Beach Holidays in East Anglia and Kent

South East England, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk
Emma gives the rundown on some of the UK's most family-friendly seaside resorts.

A Family Holiday at Bluestone National Park Resort, Wales

United Kingdom, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Angelina and clan rate the Pembrokeshire holiday village.

A Review of the Children's Spooky Underground Tour, Edinburgh

Edinburgh
Dea and family go underground in Scotland’s capital.

A Wild Camping Holiday with Kids in Scotland

Scotland
Andrew and his teenage kids taste the heady freedom of camping on the Isle of Skye

A Leeds Family City Break

Yorkshire
Guns and gore lure Rhonda and her boys to Yorkshire’s biggest city.

A UK Family Break in the National Forest, Derbyshire

Derbyshire
Rhonda and family discover the Rosliston Forestry Centre with its family-friendly cycle routes.

A Family Cruise Holiday in the Hebrides, Scotland

Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland
Rhonda sees wildlife galore and discovers sustainable communities on a family-friendly cruise around Skye and the Small Isles.

A Parents’ Break at the Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire
Rhonda Carrier checks out an award-winning retreat that’s perfect for a weekend with the kids – but preferably without!

A Kids' Session at Cucina Caldesi, London, and Other Family Cookery Classes

Jordan, Greece, Peloponnese, Ireland, County Kerry, Italy, Tuscany, United Kingdom, England, Cumbria, London, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire
A review of a kids' cookery class in London and round-up of other family cooking experiences in the UK and abroad.

An Edinburgh City Break with Kids

Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Edinburgh
Dea and family revisit a much-loved city.

A Kids' Day Out at Elemental UK Beach Club, Cornwall

Cornwall
Rhonda Carrier waves her sons off on coastal adventures at Swanpool Beach in Falmouth.

A Family Break at Swinton Park, Yorkshire

Yorkshire
Rhonda discovers an oasis of family-friendly luxury – plus kids’ activities galore – in northern England.

A UK Family Break at Ripley Castle, Yorkshire

Yorkshire
Rhonda gives her son the chance to be king for a day.

A Family Break in Alderney, Channel Islands

Channel Islands
Rhonda and crew canoe over Roman ruins and sleep in a Victorian fort on the remote island of Alderney.

A Family Break on Sark, Channel Islands

Channel Islands
Dea and kids find a magical spot for everything from coasteering to sheep-racing.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Museums with Kids

Vienna, Brussels, Prague, Paris, Berlin, Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton and Hove, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff
Georgina looks at ways of making your family day out both cultural and fun.

Top 5 Most Haunted English Heritage Sites Around the UK

Cornwall, Dorset, Kent, Sussex, Yorkshire
We take the family in search of ghostly goings-on and Halloween events at some of Britain's top days out venues.

5 Great Ideas for Christmas Family Holidays or Breaks

Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Europe, Salzburg, Brussels, Denmark, Paris, Rhone Alpes, Lapland, New York, Cornwall, London
Inspiration for taking the kids away for the festive season, whether to visit Santa, hit the ski slopes or bask in the sunshine.

Top 15 Family Rail Journeys Around the World

Morocco, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Sicily, Turkey, Istanbul, Mexico, Peru, Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Scotland
Georgina scours the globe for the best family adventures by train.

A Family Break at Sands Resort Hotel & Spa, Cornwall

Cornwall
Rhonda and family check into – and check out – the award-winning child-friendly hotel.

A Family Winter Break on the Llyn Peninsula, Wales

United Kingdom, Wales, Snowdonia
We appreciate the chance for some family time and beach fun on the Welsh coast.

Top 6 Family Campervan Holidays in the UK

United Kingdom, England, Cumbria, Dorset, Kent, London, Norfolk, Shropshire, Scotland, Wales
Georgina picks out the best places around the country to explore by campervan with kids.

Top 5 No-Bookings Family Campsites Around the UK

United Kingdom, England, Cornwall, Cumbria, Scotland
The best sites that invite you and the kids to just pitch up, without reservations.

A Family Sailing Holiday on the Norfolk Broads

Norfolk
Our cycling expert and his teenage family leave their bikes behind in favour of a boating break.

A Family Break at the Victoria Inn, Holkham Estate, Norfolk

Norfolk
Nick and family enjoy high days and holidays in a classic seaside hotel.

Top Valentine’s and Romantic Breaks with Kids

Prague, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence–Alpes–Côte d'Azur, Alpes Maritimes, Greece, Rhodes, Venice, Andalucia, Mauritius, Mexico, Berkshire, Cornwall
Places where you can combine quality family time with some 'us' time.

Top 10 Places to Meet Santa Around the World

Melbourne, Finland, Paris, Lapland, Sweden, New York, Birmingham, Berkshire, London, Yorkshire
We take a tour around the globe in search of the best places to meet Father Christmas.

18 Unmissable Theme-park Hotels around the World

Dubai, Asia, Japan, Europe, France, Ile de France, Marne-la-Vallée, Paris, Picardy, Italy, Italian Lakes, Spain, Costa Brava, USA, California, Southern California, Los Angeles, Florida, Orlando, United Kingdom, England, Berkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey
Rhonda takes a journey around the globe in search of the best places to stay at some of our favourite theme parks.

A Family Day Out on Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk

Norfolk
Lucy relives childhood beach trips with her family.

An Easter Break at the Bluestone National Park Resort, Pembrokeshire

United Kingdom, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Lucy and family rediscover the joys of the Welsh holiday village.

A Family Break at Metropolitan by COMO, London

London
Rhonda revisits a hip hangout from a parent’s perspective.

Top 10 Christmas and New Year UK City Breaks with Kids

United Kingdom, England, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Manchester, Hampshire, London, Liverpool, Yorkshire, Edinburgh
Rhonda looks at the best festive outings – and top family-friendly accommodation – around the country.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in York

Yorkshire
Rhonda rounds up the city’s best days out, restaurants and accommodation options.

10 Cosiest Cottages for UK Winter Breaks with Kids

Europe, United Kingdom, England, Cornwall, Kent, Northumberland, Scotland, Highlands, Perthshire, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Our favourite child-friendly cottages around the UK, with log-burners, hot tubs and/or indoor swimming pools.

A Review of Kielder Water Lodges, Northumberland

Northumberland
We check out the family-friendly delights of the Kielder Lake region.

A Family Surfing Break in Guernsey, Channel Islands

United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Guernsey
Rhonda discovers a surprising family-friendly surfing destination within a short hop of the UK mainland.

A Short Break at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Surrey

South East England
Rhonda and sons go out of Africa at the themepark, zoo and safari-themed hotel.

A PGL Family Multi-Activity Holiday at Boreatton Park, Shropshire

Shropshire
Rhonda and family rate PGL’s flagship site.

A Day Out on the RIB Herm Explorer, Guernsey

Channel Islands, Guernsey
Rhonda and crew set sail for some wildlife action in the Channel Islands.

A Review of Alton Towers Theme Park and Hotel

Staffordshire
Rhonda and family check out the new and the old at the UK’s biggest themepark

A Family Break at the Old Swan and Minster Mill, Cotswolds

The Cotswolds
Rhonda and crew discover a child-friendly oasis deep in the Oxfordshire countryside.

A Review of the Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds
Rhonda and crew take to the water in central England

A Review of Yotel, Gatwick Airport

Sussex
Rhonda checks out a child-friendly capsule hotel at the UK's second-busiest airport.

A Family Break at One Aldwych, London

London
Rhonda charts a family love affair with the stylish Covent Garden hotel.

A Family Break at Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs Longleat Forest

Wiltshire
We check out the holiday village's Christmas offerings.

A UK Family Break in Haworth, Yorkshire

Yorkshire
Dea takes her kids on a stroll down memory lane.

A Family Break in Southport, Merseyside

Lancashire
Rhonda and family do like to be beside the seaside.

A UK Family Break at Loch Ness, Scotland

Scotland
Ben and family go Nessie-spotting.

A Family Break at Dolphinholme Farm (Feather Down), Lancashire

Lancashire
Rhonda and family experience the realities of life on a working goat farm.

A Family Cycling Break in Suffolk

Suffolk
Deborah and crew load up for family biking holiday

A Family Break at the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Cornwall

United Kingdom, England, Cornwall
Rhonda and son take to the waves with a surfing lesson at a family-friendly hotel on the Cornish coast.

A PGL Family Adventure Holiday, Torbay, Devon

Devon
Rhonda and clan sample an adrenaline-fuelled break at Barton Hall.

Fabulous Father's Day and Year-Round Dads’ Breaks

Europe, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Andalucia, Barcelona, United Kingdom, England, Devon, London, Shropshire, Suffolk, Sussex, Yorkshire, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Rhonda checks out the best solo and family breaks for fathers, for Father's Day or all year round.

A Family Break at Forest Holidays Forest of Dean Cabins, Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire
Lily assesses the pros and cons of a weekend break in forest cabins with extended family.

A Family Glamping Holiday at Cuckoo Down Farm Yurts, Devon

Devon
Abigail and son head to Devon for a blast of bucolic bliss, Mongolian style.

A Harrogate Family Break

Yorkshire
Rhonda and family discover the Yorkshire spa town from a family perspective.

A Mums' Break at the River Cottage Cookery School, Devon

Dorset
Nicole and friend take time out from family life in the quest to become domestic goddesses.

Top 10 Mums' Breaks Without Children: UK and Abroad

India, Bali, Caribbean, Saint Lucia, France, Malta, Mallorca, Maldives, Leicestershire, Hampshire, New Forest, London, Surrey
Rhonda asks what mums really want, and where they can get it.

15 Unforgettable Mums' Breaks with Kids: UK

Latin America, United Kingdom, England, County Durham, Leicestershire, Berkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, Perthshire, Wales, Pembrokeshire
Rhonda tracks down the best places to combine a little ‘me’ time with some family fun.

A Family Break at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, Lake District

Cumbria
Rhonda rates a family holiday that doesn’t forget that parents need a break too.

8 Ways to Make the Very Most of Your Center Parcs Break

Cumbria, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire
A guide on how to make the most of your break

UK Campervan Holidays with Kids

United Kingdom
Georgina gives the lowdown on family campervanning in the UK.

Separate Family Holidays in the UK

United Kingdom, Wiltshire
Annemarie makes the case for divide and rule when it comes to family breaks.

A Day Out at Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey, Channel Islands

United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Jersey
Sarah and family discover the grand and mysterious Channel Islands sight.

A Dads' Break at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, Suffolk

Suffolk
Two Dads, Six Kids, 48 Fun-packed Hours…

A Family Break in Eastbourne, Sussex

Sussex, Eastbourne
Dea and kids tuck into some family feasts on the sunny Sussex coast.

A Family Break at Hollings Hill Farm (Feather Down), Herefordshire

Herefordshire
Lucy takes her tots glamping on a dairy farm with Malvern Hills views.

A Family Weekend Break at Center Parcs Elveden Forest, Suffolk

Suffolk
Suzanne and her family enjoy a fun-filled self-catering getaway at the activity-packed holiday village.

A UK Family Break in Galloway, Scotland

Scotland
Rhonda and family enjoy log cabin life in Scotland's biggest forest park.

A Weekend Break at Woolley Grange Hotel, Wiltshire

Wiltshire
Outdoor swimming in January at a luxury family hotel.

A Single-parent Spring Break in the Peak District

Derbyshire
Georgina and son head off on a self-catering break in the Peak District.

A Family Break at Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire

Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland, Perthshire
Suzanne and kids enjoy some five-star family fun at the famous Scottish hotel.

A Family Day out at The Look Out Discovery Centre and Coral Reef, Berkshire

South East England
Swashbuckling forest adventures within easy reach of London.

A Single-Parent Outdoor Activity Holiday in the Brecon Beacons, Wales

United Kingdom, Wales
Judy and Joe enjoy a sociable holiday including zipwiring and climbing.