Best Family Friendly Places for a UK Short Break

Short breaks can be just as delightful. And you’re in good company, as family friendly getaways across the UK are more popular than ever. With just a few hours’ drive, you can escape to nature for the weekend or a few days and start creating unforgettable memories together. Whether you’re after windswept beaches or winding woodland trails, the UK is packed with destinations to delight every member of the family, from toddlers to teens (and grown-ups too).

How do I choose a family holiday in the UK? 

Choosing a family holiday in the UK starts with understanding what kind of getaway suits your family. Consider everyone’s interests—whether it’s beach days, countryside walks, or a true back-to-nature adventure—and take into account the ages of your children and other family members. Younger kids may need more gentle activities, while teens might enjoy more adventurous days out. Also, think about the time of year and how far you’re willing to travel, especially if you’re planning a shorter break.

What should I consider when planning a family holiday?

When planning a family holiday, it’s important to balance relaxation with entertainment. Begin by setting a realistic budget and selecting travel dates that suit everyone, especially for shorter getaways. Look for accessible locations with activities that appeal to different age groups, from toddlers to teens. Accommodation makes all the difference. That’s why we love welcoming families to our holiday parks for short stays. Our parks are perfectly placed near top attractions and packed with family-friendly features, like play areas to keep little ones happy.  Build in some flexibility.  A few chill-out days or indoor activities for rainy weather can make all the difference in keeping stress levels low and spirits high.

What are the best family holiday destinations in the UK? 

Whether you’re looking for seaside fun, outdoor exploration, or something a little different, there’s a perfect spot nestled away somewhere, just for you. Here are some of the top UK destinations for families, so you can switch off, reconnect, and create lasting memories.

1. Coastal Escapes: Sun, Sand, and Sea

The UK’s coastline is a treasure trove of family fun. From surfing lessons to sand dune strolls, coastal getaways have endless appeal, even before you factor in the fish and chips. Cornwall tops the list with its golden beaches, charming fishing villages, and family attractions like the Eden Project, Newquay Zoo and Padstow’s famous Seven Bays. To the east lies Norfolk, known for its wide open skies, rolling sand dunes, and thriving seal colonies, especially visible during the winter pupping season. It’s a peaceful stretch of coast, perfect for nature lovers and walkers alike.

2. National Parks & Countryside Adventures

Green Hill Farm Holiday Village enjoys a unique location with direct access to the world famous New Forest National Park, where guests can step straight from their accommodation into ancient woodland and open heathland, perhaps even spotting a wild pony or two. All of our holiday park locations offer a back-to-nature feel. Whether you’re visiting Norfolk, Cornwall, or the New Forest, each park is close to National Trust properties and surrounded by beautiful coastal and countryside walks.

3. Historic Cities & Cultural Hubs

For families who enjoy a little culture with their getaway, UK cities are brimming with activities that both entertain and educate. While our locations offer a mix of coastal and countryside settings near popular towns in the South of England.

Waxham Sands Holiday Park is situated close to Norwich, a historic medieval city known for its well-preserved Norman cathedral, ancient city walls, and status as one of England’s most important medieval trading centres. In Cornwall, our four parks are set in scenic rural and coastal areas near Padstow, St Ives, and Mawgan Porth, locations steeped in history and culture, from ancient fishing villages and crumbling castles to smuggler’s coves, tin mines, and vibrant artistic communities, all within easy reach of Truro and Falmouth. Then there’s Salisbury, close to the New Forest, renowned for its stunning medieval cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in Britain and houses one of the best-preserved original copies of the Magna Carta,

4. Family friendly accommodation

From spacious lodges perfect for lounging with all the family to enchanting glamping getaways, your nature-filled holiday begins with finding the ideal place to stay. Choose from cosy holiday homes, roomy lodges, safari tents with a secret bedroom and play den or a glamping pod with skylights for stargazing. All of our holiday homes, lodges, and glamping pitches come with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Expect a well-equipped kitchen (safari tents have a 4-ring hob), a bathroom with shower, TV in the lounge, superfast Wi-Fi, and cosy beds made up on arrival. We also include bed linen, towels, a hair dryer, eco-friendly cleaning products, tea towels, and a welcome pack with tea, coffee, and biscuits. If you’re booking with children, kids’ packs will be ready and waiting for you, along with unlimited access to our games library. 

5. Family-Friendly Holiday Parks

When it comes to easy, all-in-one family holidays, nothing beats a well-equipped holiday park. No passports, no palaver. With everything you need right on your doorstep, we make short stays feel effortlessly special. From the Cornish coast to the Norfolk Broads, we offer hand-picked locations where nature and comfort come together. Children can make new friends at on-park play areas, join nature trails, or take part in family-friendly events, while adults unwind in stylish lodges—many featuring hot tubs and fully equipped kitchens. Whether it’s a stroll into Padstow from Padstow Holiday Village, a peaceful wildlife escape at Green Hill Farm in the heart of the New Forest, or a beachside stay at Waxham Sands, just moments from the Norfolk coast and Broads, each of our parks brings something special to your family break. As a proud B Corp, we believe holidays should be good for people and the planet, so you can relax knowing your stay supports local communities and helps protect the natural beauty that surrounds you and your family while you’re with us.

Ready to Plan Your Next Family Adventure?

Discover the comfort, freedom, and family-first fun of a UK break with us.  Explore Lovat Parks’ family friendly locations and book your next short break today.

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