The school holidays are approaching, and you are wondering what type of UK family breaks you’d want to spend your money on this year. Do you go for a relaxing spa break, a theme park break, or a caravan holiday by the sea? Whatever the location, it’s all about creating amazing holiday memories and spending quality time with your family.
So without further ado, let’s kick off our holiday search!
Caravan Holidays
Why you should choose a caravan holiday…
Caravan holidays are affordable family breaks in the UK that are popular among many families. People love caravan park holidays because it gives your family and friends the chance to have some true quality time together. Caravan parks offer multiple facilities that allow parents to relax & chat while their kids can safely play. They often have playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants, beaches, fields, and other fun activities depending on the park. It’s also like going camping, but with all the luxuries you would have at home and a lot less of the bug-biting.
Here are some of the best caravan holidays in the UK…
Ladram Bay, Devon
This 5-star, award-winning park offers amazing facilities, sea view lodges & caravans, a camping site, glamping pods and a private beach! Some of the lodges even have hot tubs, how cool is that? The kids will love splashing about in the kids pool as well as the exciting evening entertainment. Don’t forget to book yourselves a table at the Pebbles restaurant and munch down on a delicious restaurant meal or head to the site’s fish & chip shop. It’s the perfect answer to your UK family break prayers. Check it out here.
Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Wales
You are invited to one of the UK’s largest holiday parks, Trecco Bay! Soak up the sun on Blue Flag Beach, conquer your fear of heights on the high ropes, lose yourself in a virtual reality experience, and finish your night with some good-old fish & chips. These are just a few of the amazing facilities on offer at this UK family break. Your little ones will be occupied for hours and hours while you relax and catch up with other family members. Check it out here.
Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire
Located on a stunning bay, this UK family break has lots of fun family entertainments like the dance disco, archery coaching, bike coaching and more! There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in the sea, rock pooling, cliff top walks and historical places nearby to explore. We love this caravan park as you get great value for money, with prices of a 4 night stay ranging from £69 – £129 for the whole family! Check it out here.
Beach Holidays
Why you should choose a beach holiday…
If you are tired of city living and need a break, swap out the loud beeping sounds of traffic for the gentle sounds of crashing waves. You should choose beach holidays, especially in the Summer, as there is so much to do and explore! Everyday will be spent outside, breathing in the fresh sea air. Warm up your cockles in sea view pubs, get a 99p flake from the nearest ice cream shop, and unload your coppers in the local arcades. Have your net and bucket at the ready as you peer into the shallow rock pools. Childhood memories made during beach holidays. How can you say no to the sun, sand & sea on a UK family break?!
Here are some of the best beach holidays in the UK…
Luxury Beach Cabin, Scotland
Up to 8 People can stay in this charming beach cabin for 3-4 nights. With clear views of starry nights, animals, the sun and sea, it’s a no brainer to book this family friendly cabin in the Summer as a UK family break. Check it out here.
Victorian Cottage, Tenby
If you love cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, colourful bustling harbours, cafes, bars, Art Galleries, and restaurants, then you NEED to stop over at the Victorian Cottage in Tenby. This delightful home has a garden you can watch the Summer sunsets in before nipping down to sample the local fayre. UK family breaks don’t get much better than this! Check it out here.
Eddington Lodge, Cornwall
Fancy a stargazing holiday by the beach? Fill your days with outdoor activities on the Cornish coast or uncover the local historical sites like Tintagel Castle. Spend your nights staring into the dark vast skies in the site’s Observation pods. With astrological tours and courses available too, it is a truly unique place to stay by the sea whilst enjoying a UK family break. Check it out here.
Twenty One, Bournemouth
Bournemouth is one of the best English beach holidays to choose from as it has the warmest sea temperatures in the UK! This seaside cottage is only a 12 minute walk from the nearest beach, Mudeford Quay… the ultimate UK family break. You can catch the ferry over to the Sand Spit and visit the popular Beach Café & Bar. Add the New Forest National Park to your adventure list, as it is also a short distance away from the cottage. Check it out here.
Mariner’s Watch Apartment, Cornwall
This is a must-visit UK family break! This apartment is in a phenomenal location with spectacular sea views of Porthcurno beach. It is just a 4 minute walk away from the world famous Minack Theatre and the coastal footpath is within a few minutes walk from the front door. Swim, sunbathe, surf and build sand castles all day long! Check it out here.
Forest Holidays
Why you should choose forest holidays…
What better place to enjoy a UK family break than in the arms of nature? Lot’s of family forest holiday sites include a broad range of activities & entertainments. If you are looking to keep your family active, occupied and fulfilled forest holidays are for you. Stop over in a pod, a treehouse, a rustic cabin or even a tent, the choice is yours.
Here are some of the best forest holidays in the UK…
Oakdene Forest, Hampshire
Set against the stunning scenery of the New Forest, this impressive forest experience ticks every box in terms of UK family breaks. Take a relaxing swim in the outdoor heated pool, laugh your socks off at family entertainment shows, have a cheeky bev (mum & dad) at the bar while the children play in the play area, mingling with other kids. Craving some family activities? There’s archery classes, crazy golf, table tennis and so much more. If you feel like venturing out for the day Peppa Pig World and Go Ape are within 20 miles of Oakdene too! Check it out here.
Center Parcs (multiple locations across the UK)
Let’s roll out the red carpet for the royalty of the UK family breaks, Center Parcs. This great family holiday destination has a wide range of fun, adventurous and creative activities available for the whole family to try out. In the UK, there are multiple Center Parcs locations which you can check out here.
Golden Oak Treehouse at Keldy, North Yorkshire
For an authentic forest experience, stop over at the Golden Oak Treehouse in North Yorkshire. Sleep in a tree-top bedroom and wake up to the sweet chirping of birds. You’ll be able to absorb the wonders of the leafy North York Moors National Park, as you bathe in the outdoor hot tub. The treehouse has a log burning stove and barbeque too, what’s not to love about that? For a perfect UK family break, choose the Golden Oak Treehouse. Check it out here.
Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland
Kielder Water & Forest Park is home to England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe. It’s also a haven for wildlife and the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can stop over in Scandinavian style lodges or their popular caravan & camping site. Go wild and explore the nature reserve, discover the Dark Skies park, go horse riding, mountain biking or swim in kielder water activities. Check it out here.
Luxury Perthshire Family Lodge Stay, Loch Monzievaird, Scotland
Who said you could only be at one with nature in a tent? Ditch those poles and complex instructions and stop over in a luxury lodge! This adorable Scottish lodge sleeps up to 8 people and has over 40 acres of parkland to explore. Discover nearby attractions including the GlenTurret Distillery and Drummond Castle at this UK family break. Check it out here.
Theme Park Holidays
Why you should choose theme park holidays…
If you are a family of thrill seekers who need a UK family break with non-stop fun, then theme park holidays are for you! It can be hard to explore everything a theme park has to offer all in one day, so stopping over for the weekend is a real game changer. Lots of theme parks now offer immersive and magical hotel experiences, often carrying their themed attractions with them in the design of each hotel, lodge and pod on site. Your kids will be captivated by all the new and exciting features they have never seen before. What was once just a day out activity, has been transformed into a sleepover in wonderland!
Here are some of the best theme park holidays in the UK…
Alton Towers Resort, Stoke
Imaginative and eccentric, the Alton Towers Hotel has an array of dazzling features to create that extra-special family experience. You are guaranteed ‘rocket-loads of giggles’ in your themed accommodation. Take a stroll down to the bewitching Secret Garden Restaurant and experience the hotel’s super-special Dragons Bar and Atrium. Restaurants, shows & access to the theme park make this a perfect place to spend the weekend with your family. Did you know Alton Towers has a waterpark too? Why not buy some tickets for that as well, for the complete Alton Towers experience!
West Midland Safari Park, Staffordshire
Feel as if you were an explorer on the plains of Africa when you stop at the West Midland Safari lodges. Take your pick of six unique & chic lodges. There’s the Elephant Lodge, Red Panda Cottage, Giraffe Lodge, Cheetah Lodge, Rhino Lodge, and Tiger Lodge! Enjoy panoramic views of cheetah’s in the Cheetah Lodge, wake up to views of the Red Panda in the Red Panda Cottage, or why not stop over in the Giraffe Lodge where you will come eye to eye with the charismatic giraffes… Overnight stays are available at each of these luxury lodges. There is nothing like this in the UK which makes it so much more of a special family experience.
Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Stop over in the Knights village for a magical experience with the kids! Sheltered within a secluded woodland grove, the Knight’s Village is home to twenty-four standard Woodland lodges and four larger Knight’s lodges. Your Knight’s Village package will include: one-day Warwick Castle entry tickets, additional themed evening entertainment, complimentary cooked or continental breakfast & lots more! Live like medieval nobility for the weekend, making amazing memories that will last a lifetime. For a thorough first-count review check our blog, A Medieval Adventure At A Knight’s Village.
Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
Now although this isn’t a theme park, Bodmin Jail is still a themed experience. Its hair-raising, eerie & fascinating history will leave you wanting to spend more than just one day there! So, how would you like to stop over in the prison cells of infamous Cornish criminals? Don’t worry you won’t be sleeping on a stone floor with a bail of hay for a pillow. The Jail cells have been turned into a boutique hotel, complete with multiple reception rooms, a bar, and a restaurant! The boutique hotel is booked & run separately from Bodmin Jail which you can find here.
Family Spa Holidays
Why you should choose a family spa holiday…
Nothing beats the feeling of a luxurious cotton gown on your skin, with those fuzzy white flip flops to match too. Spa retreats, make you feel as if the whole world is on pause, and the only thing that matters is calm. If you have older children who need to take a break too, spa resorts are great. Taking mindful breaks away from exams and coursework will have great benefits for your teen. After all, who wouldn’t love a massage or facial? Who could resist the soothing warmth of an outdoor hydra pool or heated pool? Cleanse and unblock those pores in the saunas and steam rooms as you smell notes of cedarwood and lavender…
Here are 3 sensational spa hotels in the UK…
Bannatyne Spa Day
Does Duncan Bannatyne ring a bell? He was one of the Dragons on Dragon’s Den and opened a chain of Bannatyne Spas around the UK. These swanky spas can be found at discounted prices on websites like Wowcher, so get booking now!
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa
Located in the dreamy town of Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa may be on the top end of your budget with spa sessions from £200 per person for 2 days. While this may seem like a lot of money, you will get access to five-star facilities such as a vitality pool with massage jets, relaxation pool, Himalayan salt infused sauna, steam inhalation room, relaxation room and fully equipped fitness suite. This could be one to consider for special occasions. Check it out here.
Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa, Cheshire
Get your cap, it’s time to go golfing at the manor! Let all your worries melt away in the serene steam rooms. Get your endorphins popping in the hotel’s gym, or get a fresh manicure in the nail salon. Book in your much needed spa wrap before an evening of fine dining and wine drinking. All your work and family stresses will fall away as you give your body a well needed rest. Crabwall Manor has multiple affordable packages to choose from, so you can enjoy a night or more of tranquillity. Check it out here.
Cottage Holidays
Why you should choose a cottage holiday…
Cottages are full of character and history which provides a unique holiday experience. Whether you want a cottage on a rugged Scottish hillside, one overlooking the sea, or a hidden gem nestled in an ancient forest, there’s a cottage holiday to suit everyone! Just picture yourselves cosying up by a log fire in the middle of Winter, or dancing on a cottage patio in the Summer while the barbeque burns. Feel free to check out our Unique Holiday Cottages blog for the best holiday cottages around the UK and Ireland.
Great websites to look for holiday cottages are Airbnb, Hand Picked Cottages, Sykes, Holiday Cottages, Premier Cottages, and Independent Cottages.
City Break Holidays
Why you should choose a city break…
City breaks are great for short holidays & bank holiday weekends. Every city in the UK is unique and vastly different which is what makes it so exciting! You can explore the culture of a city through its food, museums, landmarks, buildings, art, pubs, markets and so much more. A great time to visit a city is if they have any festivals or exciting events. For example, in Edinburgh, they have the Edinburgh Film Festival & the Fringe Festival (a celebration of the arts). Or maybe you are after something quirkier like the Look-A-Like Tribute Festival in Bath, where parody groups of Oasis, Abba & Queen perform. Either way, each city in the UK has lots to explore!
Websites like Tripadvisor, Laterooms, Expedia, and Booking.com are great for finding either last minute or cheaper hotel rooms. If you are looking to stop in an apartment or house Airbnb is always the go-to!
Here are some great places & to visit in each capital city …
UK Family Breaks: London
UK Family Breaks: Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Film Festival
- Fringe Festival
- Science Festival
- Scottish Hogmanay (New Year)
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- Edinburgh Castle
- The Jacobite Steam Train (Harry Potter train!!!)
- Blair Street Vaults
- Dynamic Earth
UK Family Breaks: Cardiff
UK Family Breaks: Belfast
We hope you’ve found the perfect holiday for you and your family! For more holiday or short breaks, and inspiration check out our other travel blogs!