All aboard the good ship Britannia for kids’ holidays in the UK
If you want to take your kids on holiday somewhere in the UK, you’ll have plenty of terrific holiday spots to choose from, whether you’re looking for a lively resort with hundreds of attractions to keep the youngsters occupied, or somewhere in the countryside to introduce them to the great outdoors. Having a toddler in tow brings its own set of unique challenges – so good luck with that – but there really is something for everyone in the UK when it comes to finding the right holiday home.
Traditional UK holidays for kids
Cornwall and Pembrokeshire have inviting sandy beaches surrounded by spectacular cliffs – ideal for body boarding and poking around in rock pools. In the north east, Northumberland often slips under the radar, but it’s great for vast sandy beaches and atmospheric castles – including the one at Alnwick, better known to Potterheads as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Of course, nothing beats the traditional British seaside resort, where you can introduce the next generation to the charms of ice cream on the pier. Grab a bucket and spade for the kids and deck chairs for the grown-ups and you’re set for the day.
Tips for taking toddlers on holiday
Toddlers can be a right handful on holiday, with the travails of travelling – followed by broken routines once you arrive – driving many parents to distraction. Booking a self-catering holiday home in the UK can reduce the stress in more ways than one, because you won’t have to negotiate an airport and flight with a tired toddler in tow, plus you can stick to familiar foods and regular bedtimes. And if you head somewhere with loads of tot-friendly attractions nearby, you’re surely on to a winner.
Enjoy some of the top UK attractions for kid
What could your kids make with 80 million Lego bricks? Legoland Windsor is a theme park full of colourful delights, from miniature cities to fairground rides. And if you want to get your children hooked on history, you can check out the medieval Warwick Castle with its regular jousting tournaments and a Horrible Histories maze. London’s Natural History Museum is always a hit with youngsters, who love the dinosaur skeletons and meteorites from space. And for Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros Studio Tour lets you explore the sets and see how the movies were made.
Luxury UK family holidays
There are some truly jaw-dropping holiday homes around the UK where you can live like royalty and keep your little princes and princesses happy. Maybe you’ve set your heart on spacious, lavishly furnished rooms with private terraces and spectacular views. For the youngsters, a spacious garden is a big plus – especially if it comes with a swimming pool and/or a hot tub. Throw in a games room and a home cinema and you’re pretty close to kid heaven.
Cheap UK family holidays
If you’re banking on keeping the costs down on your family holiday, staying in the UK can certainly save on travelling expenses. Every part of the country, from Essex to Orkney, offers kid-friendly holiday rentals with fully equipped kitchens, so you can cook your own meals and stick to your budget. Being tied to the school holidays doesn’t help when you’re looking for a bargain, but last-minute deals can save you a few quid. Or, if you’d rather have something safely booked, think about an Easter or half-term break, when prices are usually lower than in the peak summer hols.
Unusual family holidays in the UK
Do you dare to be different when it comes to booking a family holiday? Away from the UK’s well-known resorts and attractions, there are some truly unique holiday homes for you and your kids to fall in love with. Whether it’s a windmill in Norfolk or a castle in Scotland – or even a treehouse – they’ll go back to school with some rare tales to tell. If your family are animal lovers, you might want to consider staying on a working farm where the children can help feed the animals and you’ll be surrounded constantly by chickens and goats.