In recent years, more and more people have been opting for a summer staycation. The ease of travelling within the UK makes this a particularly popular choice for a family holiday, especially those with young children. This alleviates much of the stress of planning and packing as you can simply pack everything into the car and be on your way.

The UK has plenty to offer families from home and abroad. It may surprise you to learn that an estimated 41.7 million tourists visited the UK in 2018. Whilst London accommodated many of these tourists, i wish they knew that other areas of the UK are incredibly popular with British holidaymakers with plenty to offer each member of the family. The following list has been curated because we have fond holiday memories here with our extended family and our nieces and nephews., they have something for everyone aged 5 to 50 and beyond. Here are five of the best destinations to consider when planning a family holiday in the UK.

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1. Lake District

This picturesque region in the North-West of England is the perfect place to experience the UK’s natural beauty and is a particular hotspot for ‘outdoorsy’ families. Windermere, the largest body of water in the Lake District, is a great location for water sports. Snow-capped mountains create a stunning backdrop over the glistening lake, where you can also enjoy a cruise to take in the best of the scenery.

The geography of the area makes the Lake District a great place for a family holiday, with many different trails of varying difficulty to suit all ages and hiking abilities. The Lake District also provides the setting for many of the stories written by popular children’s author, Beatrix Potter. Little ones will love finding their favourite characters around Brockhole’s Beatrix Potter trail and you can even treat them to a day at The World of Beatrix Potter. 

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2. Wales

The beautiful country of Wales has so much to offer in terms of holidays. Scenic Snowdonia is a great choice for active families. The mountain range offers a total of fifteen peaks, with the largest, Snowdon, standing at 1,085ft. Hiking to the summit takes around three hours, although if you have a younger family, you will probably want to save the strain on little legs by taking the Snowdonia Mountain Railway. This is an equally exciting experience for little ones as they take in the views onboard a Victorian style steam train. Wales is also home to a wealth of sandy beaches, perfect for sandcastles and sunbathing when weather permits. 

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3. Jurassic Coast

Stretching from Exmouth to Dorset, the Jurassic Coast spans over ninety-six miles. This imposing coastline has rocks which record 185 million years of the earth’s history. Consequently, the Jurassic Coast became a World Heritage Site in 2001. If any members of the family have an interest in dinosaurs, this is the place to take them for some fossil hunting. The Jurassic Coast is also a great place for simply relaxing on the beach. Take in the tranquillity of Lulworth Cove and visit Durdle Door, or marvel at the red sandstone cliffs of Ladram Bay.

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 4. Cornwall

If you have a budding surfer in the family, Cornwall is the place to be. Beaches here offer the best waves in the UK, with many surf schools and hire facilities to assist novice surfer. The South Cornwall town of Newquay has a complete ‘surfer’ vibe, with funky beach-shack style coffee shops and family bars. The other stunning beaches in Cornwall are perfect for rock-pooling, paddling and a good old bucket and spade. Other family-friendly attractions in Cornwall include the Eden project, Boscastle and Geevor Tin Mine. Any sunny day in Cornwall should be completed with a delicious Cornish ice cream.

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 5. Isle of Wight

Off the South coast of England, the Isle of Wight is home to beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. In fact, half of the island is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are plenty of trails for families to explore and enjoy on foot or by bicycle. The Isle of Wight is also a very popular sailing location. Several facilities for boat hire are available here with a variety of sailing events taking place year-round. Castles always make a great family holiday or day out, capturing the imaginations of young and old alike. The Isle of Wight has four castle attractions to choose from, with the medieval Carisbrooke Castle proving particularly popular. Read my other post on for truly unique experiences in the Isle of Wight

There you have it, a list that will make every family holiday the perfect holiday!