4 Of The Best Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations In The UK
The summer half-term is fast approaching, and you might be considering booking a UK holiday for a family getaway before the summer rush begins in earnest. We are lucky to be blessed with so much choice, from traditional pram-friendly seaside towns with sandy beaches, to beautiful countryside and purpose-built family theme parks.
Getting organised and packed can be a challenge with little ones, but the delights of introducing them to new places will make all of the effort worthwhile. Here are some of the best locations in the UK that have something different to offer for young families.
Snowdonia
If you are the outdoors type, then Snowdonia in north Wales is a mecca. It is bursting with family-friendly activities, particularly if your kids are slightly older and love action and adventure. From kayaking to surfing to rock climbing and zip lining, it’s a giant adventure playground, with authentic castles and caves to boot!
There’s mountains to climb (or you could get the train to the top of Snowdon if your tots are too tiny for the long climb). If you are into hill walking and your baby is over six months old, you can also transport them in a secure baby-carrier backpack. Make sure that the carrier fits you well and supports your child comfortably.
It should be marked with the relevant British or European safety standards and be made of durable materials with wide padded shoulder straps and a broad waist band. This will help to distribute the baby’s weight evenly, reducing the strain on your back and shoulders.
If you are heading up a mountain, remember that the weather can change quickly, so you will need to pack spare warm clothes for yourself and the children. If you are carrying a baby on your back, bear in mind that they won’t be moving and will feel the cold more quickly, so even if the weather is mild they should be well wrapped up.
South Devon
For a break in the beautiful south west of England, South Devon is a favourite family destination. It’s packed with attractions geared towards young children and families, and it is slightly less crowded than the ever-popular neighbour of Cornwall.
The town of Paignton is a popular destination, with a sandy beach, a steam train and plenty of activities close at hand. There’s a zoo, with over 2,000 animals and exotic plant species set across 80 acres of parkland. For rainy days, there are some fun and educational indoor activities and a soft play area and eating places.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort near Exeter is another fun family day out, with roller coasters, live shows, and exotic animals. There’s plenty to do indoors if the weather is wet.
Blackpool
The Lancashire coastal town of Blackpool has undergone a renaissance in the past decade, and it retains much of the charm of its Victorian and early 20th century heyday, combined with upgraded facilities. The town first flourished as a tourist destination with the advent of the railway in the 1840s, which led to a host of new attractions and hotels.
The town boasts three piers, a promenade, a pleasure beach, The Winter Gardens, The Empress Ballrooms, and of course the world famous Blackpool Tower, said to have been the inspiration for its humble Paris rival, the Eiffel Tower (or possibly the other way around…).
Blackpool went into a long period of decline as foreign holidays became more accessible and affordable in the latter part of the 20th century, but today it is thriving, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to family attractions. Besides the famous Pleasure Beach, there’s Sandcastle Waterpark, which is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark.
Pembrokeshire
If you are looking for a coastal area with a quieter and more understated charm, then the tranquillity and beauty of Pembrokeshire in west Wales will fit the bill perfectly. There are dozens of pristine beaches with literally miles of flat clean sand; absolutely perfect for children to play.
Whitesands Bay is a great example, with rock pools to explore and toilets and a cafe, yet it never seems to be too crowded. The Wales Coastal Path has many accessible points that are well-surfaced and a robust buggy or pram will be able to cope with the terrain. There’s also a number of inland attractions, such as Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Begelly.
