Best Tourist Places Near Me: Family-Friendly Attractions Across the UK

Searching for the best tourist places near me to visit with the kids? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re after jaw-dropping national parks, world-class museums, ancient castles or totally unique experiences the little ones will talk about for years, the UK is absolutely packed with incredible family-friendly attractions — and we’ve rounded up the very best, region by region.

From Scotland’s wild highlands to the rugged coastlines of Cornwall, Northern Ireland’s geological wonders to the cultural buzz of London, there’s a brilliant day out waiting for every family, no matter where you are in the country.

Quick tip: Use our things to do search to find family-friendly tourist attractions near you by postcode or town — perfect for last-minute plans!

• Tourist Places in Scotland
• Tourist Places in the North East
• Tourist Places in the North West
• Tourist Places in the Midlands
• Tourist Places in the South East & London
• Tourist Places in the South West
• Tourist Places in Wales
• Tourist Places in Northern Ireland
• Tips for Planning Your Family Day Out

Scotland is one of the most spectacular places to take the family in the entire UK. With dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and a handful of genuinely world-class attractions, it punches well above its weight for family days out.

Cairngorms National Park

The UK’s largest national park is an absolute must for families who love the outdoors! Covering an enormous 4,528 square kilometres, Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species, ancient Caledonian pinewoods, mountain plateaus and some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever set eyes on.

What to do with kids:

• Hire bikes and explore the many family-friendly cycling trails
• Spot red squirrels, ospreys and red deer in their natural habitat
• Visit Landmark Forest Adventure Park for zip lines, water rides and a massive indoor soft play
• In winter, head to the Cairngorm Mountain ski area for snow fun!

Good to know: The park is open year-round and entry to the park itself is free. Individual attractions within it vary in price.

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

Did you know the Royal Family used to have an official floating palace?! For over 40 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia served as a royal residence and clocked up more than one million miles at sea. Now docked permanently in Leith, Edinburgh, you can explore all five decks and get a real feel for life aboard one of the world’s most famous ships.

Kids absolutely love the engine room and the royal bedrooms, while adults tend to be fascinated by the stories of state banquets and royal honeymoons. Top it off with a visit to the Royal Deck Tea Room for a well-earned treat!

• Location: Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
• Opening times: Daily (times vary seasonally, check ahead)
• Tickets: Adults from £18.50 | Children from £9.25

Find out more about The Royal Yacht Britannia

Edinburgh Castle

You simply can’t visit Scotland without seeing Edinburgh Castle! Perched dramatically on volcanic rock right in the heart of the city, this iconic fortress dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most visited paid tourist attractions in the whole of Scotland. Kids will love the Crown Jewels, the historic cannons and the One O’Clock Gun — if you’re there at the right time, the bang will make even the bravest little ones jump!

Family tip: Book tickets in advance online to skip the queues, especially during school holidays.

The North East of England is seriously underrated as a family destination! With stunning coastlines, world-class museums and some genuinely unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else, it’s well worth exploring. Looking for things to do in the North East with kids? Here are our top picks.

Alnwick Castle and the Poison Garden, Northumberland

Alnwick Castle is one of the most recognisable castles in England, famously used as a filming location for the early Harry Potter films — so it’s an absolute winner with young fans! But the real hidden gem here is the Alnwick Garden’s Poison Garden, a unique attraction found nowhere else in the UK.

Behind black iron gates, over 100 toxic plants are kept under lock and key, accessible only by guided tour. You can’t smell, touch or taste anything in there — but the stories behind each plant are absolutely fascinating, and kids are gripped from start to finish!

Family tip: Combine both attractions for a full day out. The broader Alnwick Garden also has a brilliant treehouse restaurant and a huge water feature the kids will love.

• Location: Denwick Lane, Alnwick, NE66 1YU
• Opening times: Check the Alnwick Garden website for seasonal times

Explore Alnwick Castle on Day Out With The Kids

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Yorkshire

Art meets the great outdoors at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park — one of the most unique family-friendly tourist attractions in the north of England! Set across 500 acres of stunning historic parkland, the park features over 80 sculptures by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, displayed permanently in the open air.

It’s free for under-18s, and the combination of wide open space to run around in, plus genuinely thought-provoking art, makes it a brilliant day out for families of all ages.

What kids love most:

• The giant, larger-than-life sculptures perfect for photos
• Wide open parkland to explore freely
• Seasonal exhibitions and indoor galleries for rainy days
• The café and picnic areas for a relaxed lunch stop
• Location: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG
• Tickets: Adults £6 | Under-18s free

The North West is home to some of the UK’s most loved family attractions, from world-famous zoos and theme parks to stunning national parks. Whether you’re searching for family tourist spots near Manchester, or planning a trip to the Cheshire countryside, there’s no shortage of brilliant options. Browse all things to do in the North West for even more ideas!

Chester Zoo, Chester

Chester Zoo is THE destination for animal-loving families in the North West — and honestly, one of the best zoos in the entire country! It’s the most visited zoo in the UK, welcoming over two million visitors a year, and it’s easy to see why.

With more than 20,000 animals across 500 species, spread over 128 acres of beautifully landscaped islands and habitats, you could easily spend a full day here and still not see everything. Conservation is at the heart of everything Chester Zoo does, which makes it an educational visit as well as an incredible one.

Family highlights:

• Dinosaur Safari — a walk-through experience with life-size animatronic dinosaurs
• Islands of Southeast Asia — a stunning immersive habitat for orangutans and Sumatran tigers
• Lantern Festival (seasonal) — a magical illuminated trail in winter evenings
• Play areas and splash zones for little ones
• Location: Moston Road, Upton, Chester, CH2 1EU
• Opening times: Daily from 10:00 (closing times vary seasonally)

Book Chester Zoo tickets on Day Out With The Kids

Lake District National Park, Cumbria

One of the most beautiful places in all of England, the Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for families who love the outdoors. With 16 major lakes, dramatic fells, charming villages and endless walking trails for all abilities, it’s a destination that genuinely has something for everyone.

Top family activities in the Lake District:

• Take a boat trip on Windermere, England’s largest natural lake
• Visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead — perfect for little ones who love the stories
• Try low-level family hikes to Tarn Hows or around Grasmere
• Zip World Windermere for older kids and thrill-seekers

Family tip: Many of the most spectacular viewpoints and walking trails are completely free — pack a picnic and make a full day of it!

The Midlands is brilliantly central, which means wherever you’re based, you’re never too far from an amazing family day out. From medieval castles to chocolate-themed wonderlands, here are the best family tourist attractions in the Midlands to add to your list. See our full guide to things to do in the Midlands for even more inspiration!

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

If there’s one attraction that delivers a truly epic family day out in the Midlands, it’s Warwick Castle. This magnificent medieval fortress has over 1,000 years of history packed into its walls, and it does an incredible job of bringing it all to life for families.

Think live jousting tournaments, fire-breathing dragon shows, and the Castle Dungeon — a theatrical journey through the castle’s grisliest moments that’s brilliant for older kids (and slightly terrifying for younger ones!). There’s also the brilliant Zog Playland, with a zip rope, Princess Pearl’s Tower and plenty of slides and swings for little ones.

Family highlights at Warwick Castle:

• Live-action shows and duelling performances throughout the day
• The Castle Dungeon (best for ages 8+)
• Zog Playland for younger children
• Glamping pods and lodges if you want to stay overnight!
• Afternoon tea in the castle grounds
• Location: Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH
• Opening times: Daily 10:00–16:00 (extended hours in peak season)
• Tickets: From £20 per person | Children under 3 go free

Cadbury World, Birmingham

Calling all chocolate lovers — Cadbury World is a seriously fun family day out in Birmingham! This unique attraction takes you on a journey through the history of chocolate, from the ancient Aztecs right through to the Cadbury factory of today. There’s a 4D cinema experience, a chocolate-making demonstration, and of course, plenty of free samples along the way!

Family tip: Pre-book your tickets online — Cadbury World sells out frequently, especially during school holidays. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the West Midlands for families.

• Location: Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU

Book Cadbury World tickets here

Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire

For a genuinely fascinating slice of British history, Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It’s a brilliant destination for curious kids who love learning through exploration — there are 10 museums spread across the gorge, covering everything from Victorian town life to tile-making and coalport china.

Good to know: The famous Iron Bridge itself is free to visit and makes for a brilliant photo opportunity!

London and the South East are home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world — and many of them are brilliant for families! Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting from further afield, the sheer variety on offer here is staggering. Browse our complete guide to things to do in London with kids for the full picture.

The Natural History Museum, London

One of London’s absolute crown jewels, the Natural History Museum is a free family day out that genuinely blows children’s minds! With over 80 million specimens spanning billions of years of Earth’s history, it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

The famous blue whale skeleton in the central hall is a showstopper, and the dinosaur gallery — featuring a life-size animatronic T. rex — is an absolute must. The museum also runs brilliant family events and hands-on activities throughout the year.

Family tip: Entry is completely free (though some special exhibitions charge). Book a timed entry slot online during school holidays to avoid long queues at the door.

• Location: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD
• Opening times: Daily 10:00–17:50
• Tickets: Free (special exhibitions may charge)

Tower of London

Few places in the world pack in as much history as the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution — and the Yeoman Warder tours bring every gruesome, fascinating story to life brilliantly for families.

Don’t miss:

• The Crown Jewels — genuinely dazzling and the kids will be awestruck
• The Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tours — theatrical, funny and informative
• The medieval palace rooms with interactive displays
• The famous Tower ravens — legend has it the kingdom will fall if they ever leave!

Book Tower of London tickets

Drusillas Park, East Sussex

For a brilliant family-friendly tourist attraction in the South East outside of London, Drusillas Park in East Sussex is a fantastic choice! This award-winning zoo and theme park combines over 100 exotic animals with thrilling rides and immersive play areas.

Kids go wild for the meerkats, sloths and red pandas at the zoo, then burn off all that energy on the rollercoasters and adventure play areas. The SPARK attraction uses cutting-edge technology for a genuinely unique play experience you won’t find anywhere else.

• Location: Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS
• Opening times: Daily 10:00–17:00
• Tickets: From £22 per person (ages 2+)

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

One of the UK’s most beloved family theme parks, LEGOLAND Windsor is perfect for families with younger children aged 2–12. With over 55 rides and attractions, live shows, a water park and the incredible Miniland where famous landmarks are recreated entirely in LEGO bricks, it’s a full day out (and then some!).

Family tip: Buying tickets in advance online is significantly cheaper than on the door. Check out our LEGOLAND Windsor tickets for the best available prices!

The South West of England is a wonderland for families — dramatic gorges, Roman history, stunning coastlines and some of the most unique natural landscapes in the country. Whether you’re planning a holiday to Cornwall, Devon or Somerset, here are the family-friendly tourist places we think are absolutely essential. Explore all our things to do in the South West for a full region guide.

Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Somerset

Cheddar Gorge is one of the UK’s most spectacular natural landmarks and an absolute must for adventurous families! England’s largest gorge carves through the Mendip Hills in Somerset, with towering limestone cliffs rising up to 138 metres on either side. It’s designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the dramatic scenery alone is worth the trip.

But go underground and it gets even more exciting! The show caves at Cheddar are home to some of Britain’s most impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and they’re also where Cheddar Man was discovered — Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, estimated to be around 10,000 years old!

Family activities at Cheddar Gorge:

• Explore Cox’s Cave and Gough’s Cave on a guided tour
• Climb Jacob’s Ladder — 274 steps up to the clifftop lookout tower
• Walk the 3-mile clifftop gorge walk with breathtaking views
• Visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company for a tasting session
• Location: Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QF
• Opening times: Daily 10:00–17:00 (caves)

The Roman Baths, Bath

Step back 2,000 years at The Roman Baths — one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around the only natural hot spring in Britain, this extraordinary site gives families a real window into how the Romans lived, relaxed and worshipped.

Kids are fascinated by the ancient thermal water system, the Sacred Spring (still bubbling at 46°C!), and the reconstructed Roman temple. The audio guide is available in a children’s version, which makes the history much more accessible for younger visitors.

• Location: Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BA1 1LZ
• Opening times: Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 | Sat–Sun 09:00–18:00
• Tickets: Adults from £17.50 | Children from £10.00

Book Roman Baths tickets

Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project is unlike anywhere else on Earth! Built inside a former china clay pit in Cornwall, this extraordinary attraction features two giant biomes — the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a Mediterranean biome — packed with thousands of plants from around the globe.

Beyond the biomes, there are outdoor gardens, zip lines, live music events and seasonal attractions that make it a brilliant day out across every season. It’s educational, awe-inspiring and genuinely fun for the whole family!

Family tip: The Eden Project is a full day out, so arrive early to make the most of it. Parking is included in

Wales is a treasure trove of castles, national parks and natural beauty — and it’s brilliantly set up for families! From the wild peaks of Snowdonia to the medieval walls of Conwy, there’s so much to discover. See our full guide to things to do in Wales with kids for even more family-friendly inspiration.

Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), Gwynedd

Wales’s largest national park is an absolute gem for outdoor-loving families. Home to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) — the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres — Snowdonia offers everything from gentle lakeside walks to exhilarating mountain hikes, and the views from the top are simply unforgettable.

Don’t fancy the hike? The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs from Llanberis to the summit and is brilliant for families with younger children — it’s one of the most scenic railway journeys in the whole of the UK!

Top family activities in Snowdonia:

• Ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit
• Visit Zip World Velocity — the fastest zip line in Europe!
• Explore the Llechwedd slate caverns for an underground adventure
• Walk around the stunning Llyn Padarn lake in Llanberis
• Spot red kites, peregrine falcons and wild ponies
• Location: Snowdonia National Park, Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6LF
• Opening times: Park open year-round | Individual attractions vary

Conwy Castle, Conwy

One of the most impressive medieval castles in Europe, Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a genuinely spectacular family day out. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, this towering fortress features eight massive round towers, a 125-foot Great Hall and a circuit of town walls stretching over three-quarters of a mile — guarded by 22 towers.

The views from the battlements across the mountains, the estuary and the sea are breathtaking, and kids love exploring the winding staircases and hidden chambers. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture anywhere in the world.

• Location: Rose Hill Street, Conwy, LL32 8AY
• Opening times: Mon–Tue 10:00–16:00 (check for extended seasonal hours)
• Tickets: Adults £11.10 | Children £7.80

Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire

For a brilliant all-in-one family day out in South Wales, Folly Farm combines a fantastic zoo, a fairground and a farm all in one place! It’s one of the most popular family attractions in Wales and is particularly brilliant for younger children.

Family tip: Folly Farm is great value for money and regularly features in lists of the best family days out in Wales — well worth the drive if

Northern Ireland is one of the UK’s most underrated family destinations — and we think that’s about to change! With dramatic coastal scenery, world-famous natural wonders and some truly exceptional visitor attractions, it’s a brilliant place to take the family. Here are the standout tourist places for families in Northern Ireland.

Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

One of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Northern Ireland’s only natural World Heritage Site. Created by a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago, the result is a breathtaking landscape of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that seem to form stepping stones out to sea.

The legend says the causeway was built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill to walk to Scotland — and with the columns stretching towards the Scottish coast, it’s easy to see why! Kids absolutely love the story, and the site itself is spectacular in every season.

Family highlights:

• Explore the Wishing Chair, the Harp and the Giant’s Boot formations
• Walk the Causeway Coastal Route — one of the world’s great scenic drives
• Visit the award-winning Visitor Centre for interactive exhibits and the legend of the giant
• Spot rare seabirds nesting in the cliffs
• Location: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU
• Opening times: Causeway stones open year-round (Visitor Centre times vary)
• Tickets: Adults £9.00 | Children £4.50 (Visitor Centre access)

Titanic Belfast, Belfast

Titanic Belfast is one of the world’s leading visitor attractions and absolutely deserves its reputation! Built on the very slipway where the RMS Titanic was constructed, this extraordinary museum takes you on a journey through the ship’s creation, its ill-fated voyage and the discovery of the wreck on the ocean floor.

Nine interactive galleries use special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and immersive technology to bring the story to life in a way that’s genuinely moving and fascinating for the whole family. Older children in particular find it deeply compelling.

Don’t miss: The ride through a reconstructed Titanic shipyard — you glide through the sights, sounds and smells of turn-of-the-century Belfast. It’s one of the most memorable experiences in any UK visitor attraction.

• Location: Queens Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, BT3 9EP
• Opening times: Daily 10:00–17:00
• Tickets: Adults £21.50 | Children (5–15) £10.00 | Under

Finding the perfect tourist attraction near you for families is just the start — here’s how to make sure the day itself goes smoothly!

How to Save Money on Family Attraction Tickets

Days out can add up quickly, but there are some brilliant ways to keep costs down without missing out on the fun:

Money-saving tip	How it helps
Book online in advance	Most attractions offer cheaper tickets online vs. on the door
Check for family ticket deals	Often significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets
Visit on weekdays	Shorter queues and sometimes lower prices outside weekends
Look for free attractions	Many museums, national parks and beaches are completely free
Use a discount membership	Our Day Out With The Kids VIP Pass saves families hundreds of pounds a year

Best Times to Visit UK Attractions

• School holidays: Busiest periods — book well in advance and arrive early
• Term time weekdays: Quieter, shorter queues, often the same price
• Shoulder seasons (April/May and September/October): Great weather, smaller crowds
• Winter: Many attractions run special seasonal events (Christmas trails, lantern festivals etc.)

What to Pack for a Family Day Out

No matter where you’re heading, a few essentials make the day much smoother:

• Snacks and a water bottle (saves a fortune vs. attraction food courts!)
• Sunscreen and a raincoat — this is the UK, after all!
• A portable phone charger
• Comfortable walking shoes for everyone
• A small first aid kit and any medications

Bear with us here! We know packing a bag sounds obvious, but forgetting the snacks on a day out with hungry kids is basically a national emergency. Pack the snacks. Trust us!

Find More Family Tourist Attractions Near You

We’ve covered the highlights, but the UK has thousands more incredible family-friendly tourist places just waiting to be discovered! Use our search tools to find the best days out near you:

• Things to do near me — browse by location
• Family-friendly tourist attractions UK
• Theme parks and funfairs
• Zoos and wildlife parks
• Museums and art galleries
• Castles and palaces

Whatever you’re looking for — a free day out on a budget, an action-packed theme park adventure, or a culturally rich trip to a world-class museum — the UK has something amazing in store for your family.