How to Choose Your Family Friendly UK Holiday

Planning a family holiday is a chance to press pause on everyday life and explore somewhere new. But it can also feel a little overwhelming. With so many options across the UK, how do you pick the perfect break that everyone will love? Whether you’re looking across the UK for a family friendly holiday, a dog friendly holiday, or a short family friendly weekend break, —interested in building sandcastles or exploring age-old, real castles—the possibilities are endless.

At Lovat Parks, we understand how important it is to create memorable moments for families, big or small—and furry friends too! And we also know how to make things beautifully easy for holidaymakers. So, here’s our guide to choosing the ideal family holiday in the UK. Beaches, bustling market towns, and boundless memories await.

1. Define Your Family’s Needs and Preferences

Every family is unique, so start by thinking about what suits your group the best. How old are the kids? Do you have toddlers, tweens, or teens? Are you after adventure and active days out or relaxing downtime? Maybe you’re keen on museums or exploring nature.

Don’t forget the dog! Many of our parks welcome four-legged family members, so if your dog’s coming along, make sure your location is just as family and dog friendly as you are.

2. Set Your Budget and Duration of Stay

Next, consider your budget. UK family holidays offer something for every wallet, including holiday parks with all the bells and whistles. Decide how long you want to be away: a weekend escape or a longer holiday? There are pros and cons to both durations (although both provide the same healing respite of nature). 

3. Research Potential Destinations and Activities

The UK is packed with fantastic family holiday spots. Coastal towns offer sandy beaches and fresh sea air, whereas countryside breaks provide space for nature spotting. Look for activities suited to your children’s ages and interests. Our holiday parks are perfectly placed for exploring beautiful natural surroundings and enjoying fun-filled days. Whether it’s choosing from our board game library, joining ranger activities at our New Forest park, or splashing around in the pool at Cornish Meadows, there’s something for everyone.

4. Consider Accommodation Options

Where you stay when booking a UK break can make all the difference, and holiday parks like ours are a brilliant choice for families. We offer spacious lodges and holiday homes to book and buy, and thoughtful amenities designed with families in mind—think play areas for little ones and treat stations for your four-legged friends. Your pets stay with you! If you’re looking for a truly family and dog friendly holiday in the UK, our parks offer plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options, so no one gets left behind.

5. Factor in Travel and Logistics

Getting there and back should be part of the adventure—a fun add-on. Think about how you’ll travel—by car, train, or coach—and how long the journey will take. Many of our guests choose to drive, and we recommend it, as our parks are set in peaceful rural locations. To make things even easier, we have EV chargers in all our parks, perfect for topping up before a day out or ahead of the journey home. Shorter journeys can be more manageable for little ones, especially if it’s a weekend break. Packing smart helps too: bring along everyone’s favourite snacks, games, and comfort items (pillow, blankets, teddies) to keep everyone content on the road.

6. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

Nothing beats hearing from other families who’ve been there before. Each of our parks has a TripAdvisor page as well as our group Feefo page where you can check our glowing reviews, plus you can ask friends or parenting groups for their favourite spots. At Lovat Parks, we’re proud of the positive feedback from families who return year after year. Earning the Feefo Gold Award in our first year shows our dedication to exceptional service and outstanding guest experiences.

7. Plan for All Weathers and Contingencies

The UK weather is famously changeable. Pack for sun, rain, and everything in between. Having indoor activity options at your destination means the fun doesn’t stop when the heavens open. At each of our parks, you’ll find board game libraries and plenty of rainy-day activity suggestions in our handbooks. And when the sun shines, there’s endless natural beauty to explore, along with back-to-nature experiences like Big 5 wildlife spotting and ranger-led activities in the New Forest.

With so many family friendly holidays UK options, and family friendly weekend breaks UK available, the perfect trip is just a booking away.

Ready to start planning your next family adventure?

Choosing the right family holiday in the UK means knowing what works for you, setting a budget, and picking a destination that meets everyone’s needs—including your pets. If you’re looking for a welcoming place that ticks all the boxes, explore what we have to offer here at Lovat Parks. From stunning locations to dog-friendly lodges, we’re here to help your family create memories that last. Discover our fantastic range of holiday parks in secluded rural locations and book your next unforgettable holiday with us at Lovat Parks today.

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