If you want s perfect vacation for families with children, Great Britain has many destinations to offer. In England, Wales and Scotland there are beautiful beaches, rolling countryside and dramatic mountains for those who like to explore. The big cities and towns offer numerous family activities and give an impression of their history.
Northumberland
Northumberland is considered the last great wilderness in England with its remote and barren Cheviot Hills, miles of sandy beaches perfect for picnicking and building sandcastles, and rugged islands where you can meet seals and numerous marine bird species. Northumberland’s national parks are the most extensive in England; Kielder Water is Europe’s largest artificial lake. The 42 km long Lakeside Way is ideal for walking, cycling, horse riding and wheelchair users. The national park is also perfect for stargazing because of the clearest skies and the least light pollution. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, one of England’s most significant landmarks. It is among the best place to visit in UK.
Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire has everything you need for a family vacation; Valleys, moors, peaks, national parks and a breathtaking coastline. Even with young children, many of Yorkshire’s natural attractions are easy to reach; The Valley of the Falls in Wensleydale is a series of beautiful waterfalls in the forest, and a level footpath leads along with them. Bolton Abbey Estate is set within 12,140 acres of some of England’s most beautiful countryside, with over 150 miles of stroller-friendly paths along the River Wharfe to the spectacular 12th-century ruins of Bolton Abbey. On a rainy day, the city of York has a lot to offer with the world-famous Jorvik Viking Center and the Railway Museum. Or why not visit York’s chocolate history and learn about York’s connection with some of the world’s most iconic chocolate brands.
The Scottish Highlands
Cairngorms National Park is an ideal place for family vacations all year round. During the summer months, hiking, biking and climbing are the main activities. Still, the Strathspey Steam Railway also takes you on a truly unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands. The Rothiemurchus Estate, the “Gateway to the Cairngorms”, has been voted the best picnic spot in Britain. There is always something to do in Aviemore, from kayaking to clay pigeon shooting.
Pembrokeshire, West Wales
Pembrokeshire, West Wales, is perfect for family vacations with beautiful beaches and seaside resorts like Tenby. Tenby has a beautiful beach, pretty harbour and narrow streets to explore. Pembrokeshire is one of the sunniest corners of Britain, with 20% more annual sunshine than London; it is also Britain’s only coastal national park. Freshwater West Beach is great for surfers, and Harry Potter fans will be delighted that the beach scenes were filmed here. Skomer Island is a significant bird sanctuary globally, where you can take a boat out to picnic among puffins. Pembrokeshire also has numerous castles, historical sites and ancient sites; the Pembroke and Carew castles are some of the finest.
The Lake District
This beautiful area in the northwest corner of England features mountains, plunging waterfalls, lakes and a landscape. There are miles of child and stroller-friendly paths, such as the pretty circular path near Coniston around the mountain lake with a spectacular view and a forest to play with. For older children and teenagers, climbing, canoeing, treetop trekking, and the chance to learn bushcraft skills are just a few of the options. Take a leisurely steamboat ride on lakes Ullswater or Windermere.
Fistral Beach
Known as England’s finest surfing beach, Fistral Beach feels secluded and quiet despite being just a few distances from Newquay. It attracts with its fine, soft sand and impressive, rugged rock formations. The sea is surprisingly rough at times – which are why many people come here to surf on the weekends – but lifeguards are on hand in an emergency.
At the other end of Fistral Beach, you will find excellent restaurants and bars that invite you to a hearty meal and a pint of beer. The Headland Hotel and Spa, for example, offers a beautiful view directly on the beach.
Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth has one of the most beautiful beaches in England, with soft, golden sand stretching for about eleven award-winning kilometres. The English Channel is not exactly known for its warm water temperatures. Still, fortunately, Bournemouth has a microclimate that makes it one of the most generous stretches of water in the UK.
There are many beach-specific activities here, including kayaking and stand-up paddling, and Bournemouth Pier is packed with innovative options such as a zip line and rock climbing wall. All of this makes Bournemouth a beautiful and lively beach resort.
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach is generously wide and offers a seemingly endless view of sand and sky at low tide. In particular, families and surfers frequently visit this beach, and dog owners will find their section where their four-legged friends can let off steam. The summer is very lively here, and there are numerous practice facilities and facilities such as changing rooms, lifeguard stations, restaurants, ice cream trucks and even bouncy castles!
The place itself is on the flank of the lush green hills that frame the beach, giving it an idyllic atmosphere. During a walk along the coast to the next headland, you can discover other rugged bays such as Combesgate Beach and Grunta Beach, which invite you to go on extensive exploration tours.
Whitby
Whitby is an exciting seaside town with wharf arcades, beautiful scenery, and some of the country’s best fish and chip shops. It may be just a tiny place nestling on the coast on the border of the North Yorkshire Moors, but it has an atmospheric atmosphere.
The place is worth visiting all year round, but except in midsummer, the North Sea is usually a little bit very fresh. The village of Sandsend at the end of Whitby Beach is one of the most popular spots for relaxing sunbathing. In and around Whitby, you will find the typical British beach offers, such as donkey rides, ice cream trucks and colourful beach huts during the summer months. This beach is also ideal for surfing, kite flying and looking for fossils.
National Trail
England will have the longest coastal pedestrian path on the planet. The 2,800 mile-long route will connect some existing coastal ways and add more to appreciate the beauty of the English coast better.
