Get inspired with short breaks in the UK with family
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy some quality family time, you can find an array of excellent destinations in the United Kingdom for kids and adults alike. From fascinating museums and zoos to unique attractions and outdoor excursions, find tips and inspiration for short breaks in the UK with family to plan your trip.
City breaks
From fascinating museums to rare attractions, the UK’s cities offer plenty of opportunity for a memorable experience. Learn all about the top destinations for a city break in the UK with the kids and plan your trip.
London
Home to famous attractions like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, London offers an exciting and fun-filled short break with the kids. You can explore the city to see the iconic landmarks or take some time to wander the museums to learn about art, history, culture and prehistoric times. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in London, whether you’re looking for attractions for young ones or teenagers.
Bath
Bath is one of the UK’s most fascinating destinations. It not only boasts spectacular historic sites and museums like the Roman Baths & Museum and the Victoria Art Gallery, but it also has interesting hidden gems like Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum and the Bath City Farm. For older kids, you can explore the Fashion Museum and the Bath Abbey, a stunning medieval building with a preserved Gothic interior.
Edinburgh
Whether they’re young or old, you can give kids the experience of a lifetime in Edinburgh. The city has plenty of kid-friendly attractions, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the Edinburgh Zoo, but it’s also home to some unique attractions. You can take the kids on a tour of the Edinburgh Castle to learn about Scotland’s storied past, climb to the summit of Arthur’s Seat for spectacular city views or discover the mysteries of Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions.
Country breaks
With attractions like millennia-old dinosaur fossils, working farms and amusement parks, a country break in the UK offers a little of nature and the city rolled into one. Find out more about the top country breaks in the UK and what they have to offer.
Jurassic Coast
Home to magnificent beaches and charming seaside areas like Dartmoor, Devon and Exmoor, the Jurassic Coast is one of the top spots for a family break. In addition to the seaside areas, one of the Jurassic Coast’s biggest draws is its rich natural history. The stretch of coastline boasts numerous stack rocks, pinnacles and arches left over from millennia ago, as well as fossilised remains of creatures that once called the area home. In Charmouth, you can find out all about the geology and wildlife of the Jurassic Coast at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Lake District
Home to the largest national park in the UK and an array of indoor and outdoor fun, the Lake District is a great option for a short break with the kids. Lake Windermere is one of the most popular destinations in the district, especially for outdoor and water-sport enthusiasts, but there’s no shortage of things to do with young children. You can visit the Lake District Wildlife Park, take in the sights on a heritage ride on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway or test your skills at the Lakeland Maze Farm Park. For a unique experience, visit Alpacaly Ever After to get close to adorable alpacas and learn about their care.
Pembrokeshire
Boasting a spectacular and varied coastline, Pembrokeshire is home to many beautiful outdoor spaces, such as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Barafundle Bay. A prime destination for a family trip, Pembrokeshire also has an array of kid-friendly attractions, including the Oakwood Theme Park, Pembroke Castle and Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. Young children will also like the Manor Wildlife Park, which is home to an amusement centre and zoo exhibits, and the Dinosaur Park, a vibrant theme park with a dinosaur trail.