The United Kingdom is an excellent vacation destination for families, offering a wide range of landscapes, cultures, and attractions to explore. From bustling cities like London and Edinburgh, to picturesque towns and villages like Bath and York, there is something for every family to enjoy.
These 20 destinations were chosen for this list because they offer a variety of activities and attractions that are suitable for families, including museums, parks, landmarks, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. In addition, they are all easily accessible by car or public transportation, and offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you are looking for a beach holiday, a city break, or a rural retreat, there is sure to be a destination on this list that will suit your family’s needs.
London
London is a vibrant and exciting city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Museums: London is home to some of the world’s best museums, many of which offer free admission and have special exhibits and activities for kids. Some popular options include the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
- Parks: London has many beautiful parks and gardens to explore, including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. These are great places to have a picnic, play games, or just relax in the open air.
- Landmarks: London is home to many iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower Bridge, which are all worth a visit. Some of these landmarks offer special tours or activities for families.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a charming and historic city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Castles: Edinburgh is home to two stunning castles, Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle, which offer tours and activities for families.
- Festivals: Edinburgh is known for its many festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. These festivals offer a range of performances and activities that are suitable for families.
- Outdoor activities: Edinburgh is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Glasgow
Glasgow is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Museums: Glasgow is home to many excellent museums, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art. These museums offer a range of exhibits and activities that are suitable for families.
- Parks: Glasgow has many beautiful parks and gardens to explore, including Kelvingrove Park, the Glasgow Necropolis, and Pollok Country Park. These are great places to have a picnic, play games, or just relax in the open air.
- Landmarks: Glasgow is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Clyde Walkway, the Glasgow Cathedral, and the Glasgow School of Art, which are all worth a visit. Some of these landmarks offer special tours or activities for families.
York
York is a historic and charming city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: York has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as York Minster, the York Castle Museum, and the Jorvik Viking Centre.
- Shopping: York is home to many shopping districts, such as the Shambles and the Coppergate Centre, which offer a range of stores and stalls.
- Outdoor activities: York is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Bristol
Bristol is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Science: Bristol is home to the We The Curious science museum, which offers a range of exhibits and activities for families.
- Culture: Bristol has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore.
- Outdoor activities: Bristol is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Birmingham
Birmingham is a bustling and cosmopolitan city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Museums: Birmingham is home to many excellent museums, such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Thinktank Science Museum, and the National Sea Life Centre. These museums offer a range of exhibits and activities that are suitable for families.
- Parks: Birmingham has many beautiful parks and gardens to explore, including Cannon Hill Park, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and Sutton Park. These are great places to have a picnic, play games, or just relax in the open air.
- Landmarks: Birmingham is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Bullring shopping center, the Library of Birmingham, and the NEC, which are all worth a visit. Some of these landmarks offer special tours or activities for families.
Oxford
Oxford is a historic and charming city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Oxford has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Oxford University, Christ Church College, and the Ashmolean Museum.
- Culture: Oxford has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore.
- Outdoor activities: Oxford is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a historic and charming city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Cambridge has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Cambridge University, King’s College, and the Fitzwilliam Museum.
- Culture: Cambridge has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore.
- Outdoor activities: Cambridge is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Liverpool has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Liverpool Cathedral, the Royal Albert Dock, and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
- Culture: Liverpool has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also the birthplace of the Beatles, and there are many sites related to the band to visit.
- Outdoor activities: Liverpool is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Manchester
Manchester is a bustling and cosmopolitan city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Manchester has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as the Manchester Cathedral, the Manchester Art Gallery, and the People’s History Museum.
- Culture: Manchester has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to two of the country’s biggest football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City.
- Outdoor activities: Manchester is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Newcastle upon Tyne has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as the Castle Keep, the Blackgate, and the Discovery Museum.
- Culture: Newcastle upon Tyne has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the famous Quayside, which offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Outdoor activities: Newcastle upon Tyne is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Leeds
Leeds is a bustling and cosmopolitan city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Leeds has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Leeds Castle, the Leeds Art Gallery, and the Royal Armouries.
- Culture: Leeds has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the Leeds Festival, a popular music festival that takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Leeds is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Southampton
Southampton is a vibrant and exciting city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Southampton has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Southampton Castle, the Southampton Maritime Museum, and the Mayflower Memorial.
- Culture: Southampton has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the Southampton Boat Show, a popular event that takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Southampton is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Cardiff
Cardiff is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Cardiff has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the St. Fagans National Museum of History.
- Culture: Cardiff has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the Cardiff Bay, which offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Outdoor activities: Cardiff is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Brighton
Brighton is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Brighton has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.
- Culture: Brighton has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the famous Brighton Pier, which offers a range of rides and games.
- Outdoor activities: Brighton is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Bath
Bath is a charming and historic city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Bath has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as the Roman Baths, the Bath Abbey, and the Holburne Museum.
- Culture: Bath has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the famous Bath Christmas Market, which takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Bath is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Nottingham
Nottingham is a lively and vibrant city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Nottingham has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Nottingham Castle, the Nottingham Industrial Museum, and the Galleries of Justice Museum.
- Culture: Nottingham has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the famous Robin Hood Festival, which takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Nottingham is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Leicester
Leicester is a vibrant and exciting city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Leicester has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Leicester Castle, the Leicester Guildhall, and the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery.
- Culture: Leicester has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the famous Leicester Comedy Festival, which takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Leicester is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Exeter
Exeter is a charming and historic city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Exeter has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and the Exeter Quayside.
- Culture: Exeter has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, which takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Exeter is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
Norwich
Norwich is a charming and historic city that is full of attractions for families to enjoy. Some popular options include:
- History: Norwich has a rich history, and there are many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Norwich Castle, the Norwich Cathedral, and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.
- Culture: Norwich has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues to explore. It is also home to the famous Norwich Food and Drink Festival, which takes place each year.
- Outdoor activities: Norwich is surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is great for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. There are also many parks and gardens in the city that are perfect for picnics and playing games.
