Best places to stay for families

Finding the right location for your UK break with the kids

When it comes to planning a family holiday in the UK, finding the perfect place to stay can make all the difference. From beautiful countryside retreats to classic seaside breaks, the UK offers a wide range of options for families looking for a memorable holiday, without jumping on a plane. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or a combination of both, there are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options to choose from, set in prime destinations.

Looking for inspiration? Join us as we dive into the best places to stay for families in the UK - along with activities and attractions to enjoy in the area - ensuring your next family break is filled with magical memories and incredible experiences.

Top destinations for UK family holidays

These are the top 7 destinations booked with Hoseasons for family stays in 2024:

• Exeter

• Great Yarmouth

• Newquay

• Bude

• Rhyl and Prestatyn

• Skegness

• Cheddar

Exeter, Devon

Kicking off our list of the best places to stay for families in the UK, we have the vibrant city of Exeter. Situated in the stunning county of Devon, Exeter is a fantastic choice for families seeking a mix of culture, history and outdoor adventures. With its rich heritage and city-centre buzz, Exeter offers a plethora of attractions to explore, making it easy to plan a fun family day out!

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Exeter:

• Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM): A great place for families to discover art, history and natural history through engaging interactive exhibits. The museum often hosts workshops and family-friendly activities, particularly in school holidays

• Crealy Theme Park & Resort: An adventure park with rides and attractions to suit all ages; perfect for a full day of family fun. You can even stay onsite with Hoseasons (keep reading!)

• Exeter's Underground Passages: Take a guided tour through Exeter's medieval underground tunnels - not something you can do just anywhere! It's an engaging way for both kids and adults to gain a unique insight into the city's history

• Exeter Quayside: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Exe at the picturesque Exeter Quayside, stopping off at one of the many pubs or cafés to enjoy a family meal by the water. This is also one of the best places in Devon to go kayaking or paddleboarding

• Exeter Phoenix: Keep an eye on the calendar for family-friendly shows, film screenings and workshops at this vibrant arts venue in Exeter city centre

• Dartmoor National Park: For families who are itching to get out and about, Exeter is only a short drive from Dartmoor National Park. Unleash your adventurous side by hiking, cycling or even pony trekking through this stunning landscape. It's a fantastic location for family-friendly walks in Devon

Family-friendly places to stay in Exeter:

• Crealy Resort: Stay right onsite at Crealy Theme Park & Resort (mentioned above) at this family-friendly holiday park just outside of Exeter, just a stroll away from the rollercoaster rides and attractions

• Woodbury Woods: Part of our exclusive Bouja collection, these super-stylish caravans offer the perfect home-away-from-home for your family holiday in Exeter, with plenty of outdoor space to run and play

• Castle Brake Holiday Park: Make memories to last a liftetime on a classic caravan holiday in the Devonshire countryside. The site has nature walks, a games room and a children's play area to keep little ones entertained

• Webbers Country Park: A great base for exploring East Devon with the kids, this rural caravan park has beautiful views of Dartmoor whilst being only 25 minutes' drive from Exeter

• Fingle Glen Lodges: Treat the family to a log cabin getaway in one of these beautiful Scandinavian lodges. There's the option of a private hot tub for the adults, and the kids will love the small onsite farm where they can feed goats and chickens

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Second on our list, we have the beloved coastal town of Great Yarmouth, which has long been a favourite holiday destination for families. Nestled on the Norfolk Coast, Great Yarmouth offers a bubbling blend of seaside fun, entertainment and natural beauty that the whole family can enjoy. With its sandy beaches, amusement arcades and lively promenade, the seaside resort is a paradise for kids and adults alike.

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Great Yarmouth:

• Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach: A classic seaside amusement park featuring thrilling rides, arcades and entertainment for the whole family, all set against the backdrop of the beach. You can also visit the neighbouring Pleasure Beach Gardens, where you'll find beautiful green space for picnics and games

• SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth: Explore the wonders of the underwater world with interactive displays and a variety of marine life, including sharks, seals and tropical fish. Kids (and adults) are sure to be amazed by a walk through the tropical ocean tunnel

• Merrivale Model Village: Wander through the beautifully crafted miniature scenes of this must-visit model village, complete with crazy golf and a sensory garden

• Britannia Pier: Head to Great Yarmouth's historic Victorian Pier for a range of family-friendly entertainment, including shows, amusements, and classic seaside treats like ice cream and fish and chips. All while soaking up lovely views of the North Sea!

• St George's Theatre: Catch a variety of family-friendly shows and performances in this historic venue, which showcases everything from pantomimes to live music

Family-friendly places to stay in Great Yarmouth:

• Hemsby Beach Holiday Park: The perfect choice for active families - which is why it's part of our Go Active collection - this action-packed holiday park has direct access to a sandy beach, as well as loads of fun for all the family

• Eastern Beach Caravan Park: Stay right on the beach at this coastal caravan park, just 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Great Yarmouth

• Waveney River Centre: A dreamy riverside escape with contemporary caravans and lodges, this is a great option for families who prefer a more tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of town, whilst still being only 30 minutes' drive from the action

Browse our full choice of Great Yarmouth holiday parks and lodges.

Newquay, Cornwall

A very close third on our list, we now set our sights on the stunning coastal town of Newquay. Situated in the ever-beautiful county of Cornwall, Newquay offers a wealth of adventure, relaxation and memorable experiences that are sure to leave a smile on every family member's face - even the dog! Let the little ones' imaginations run wild as they discover the wonders of the coast, while parents can unwind and soak up the sun.

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Newquay:

• Fistral Beach: Well-known for its sweeping sands and fantastic surf, Fistral Beach is one of Newquay's top spots for sandcastle building, beach games and watersports. There's loads of facilities which is why it's so great for families, and there's even a surf school if you and the kids fancy some lessons!

• Newquay Zoo: Take a walk on the wild side at Newquay Zoo, home to a variety of animals from around the world. It's a fun day out for the whole family, with interactive exhibits, activities and special events during the school holidays

• Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay: This one's for the marine life lovers. Head to Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay to explore the fascinating underwater displays and captivating sea creatures that live here

• Trenance Gardens: When the sun is shining, head to Trenance Gardens, a beautiful park offering lovely gardens, a boating lake and play areas. Pack a picnic and make the most of a free day out in Newquay with the family

• Pirate's Quest Adventure Golf: An entertaining indoor attraction - so a great family activity to do in the rain - this pirate-themed crazy golf course offers a swash-buckling good time in Newquay!

Family-friendly places to stay in Newquay:

• Piran Meadows Resort: With more onsite activities than you can shake a stick at (just be careful if you're doing archery), Piran Meadows Resort is the ideal base for an active family break in Newquay. Choose from classic caravans and luxurious hot tub lodges

• Hendra Holiday Park: Stay just 10 minutes' drive from Fistral Beach at this family-owned holiday park, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, children's playgrounds and family entertainment

• Porth Beach Holiday Park: Stroll out of bed and straight onto the beach at this coastal caravan park in Newquay. The sandy shores and inviting waters of Porth Beach are some of the safest in Newquay so are ideal for a family beach break

• Newquay Bay Resort: This family-friendly holiday park has everything you need for a fun family getaway in Newquay, including an indoor heated pool with a separate children's pool, regular family entertainment and a nearby beach

Explore even more holiday parks and lodges in Newquay.

Bude, Cornwall

Next up, we have the charming seaside town of Bude - another Cornish gem. Tucked away on the picturesque North Cornwall coast, Bude is a great destination for families who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Spend a day exploring the stunning beaches and coastline, where you can try your hand at surfing, paddleboarding, or simply soak up the sun while the kids build sandcastles. If you prefer a more relaxed day out, take a leisurely stroll along the Bude Canal or venture into the lush countryside on one of the many scenic walking trails.

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Bude:

• Summerleaze Beach: Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Cornwall, Summerleaze Beach is a beautiful sandy beach within walking distance of Bude town centre. It's great for building sandcastles and playing in the surf, and there are lifeguards on patrol in the summer months for extra peace of mind

• Bude Sea Pool: Located at Summerleaze Beach, this unique natural tidal pool offers a safe spot for swimming, which is ideal if you're travelling with little ones

• Bude Canal: Enjoy some fresh air as a family with a bike ride or walk along the picturesque canal, where you can also spot wildlife. Boats and pedalos can also be hired from Bude Wharf if you want to get out on the water

• The Castle Bude: The town's award-winning heritage centre, home to galleries and exhibitions that bring local history to life. Keep an eye on the calendar for events and activities designed to educate and entertain kids, like the free fossil fish trail

• Tintagel Castle: Around 30 minutes' drive from Bude, you'll find a Cornish attraction not to be missed, especially if your kids love myths and legend! After all, this medieval clifftop fortification is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur

Family-friendly places to stay in Bude:

• Sandymouth Holiday Resort: With amenities including a splash pool, indoor play area and children's club, and activities like raft building, snorkelling and archery, there's never a dull moment at this action-packed resort on the Cornish coast

• Widemouth Bay Caravan Park: Situated just a stone's throw from the beautiful sandy shores of Widemouth Bay, this coastal caravan park offers impressive sea views and family-friendly facilities like an indoor pool, crazy golf course, amusements and children's play areas

• Pentire Coastal Holiday Park: If you want to pack in loads of family fun in Bude, whilst having somewhere peaceful to come home to, then consider Pentire Coastal Holiday Park. This scenic caravan and lodge park is just 10 minutes' drive from town, and even has an adventure play park on site

Check out all of our Bude holiday parks and lodges.

Rhyl and Prestatyn, North Wales

In at number 5 on our list of the top destinations for family holidays in the UK, we have the pretty Welsh coastal towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn, which often go hand in hand. Nestled along the stunning North Wales coast, these two destinations offer a wealth of family-friendly experiences that are sure to create lasting memories.

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Rhyl and Prestatyn:

• Rhyl Beach: A sandy stretch perfect for building sandcastles, enjoying a picnic or soaking up stunning views of the coastline. There are also loads of handy facilities along the promenade for kids and parents, like cafés, ice-cream stalls, crazy golf and the aquarium

• Prestatyn Central Beach: Only a 10-minute drive from Rhyl Beach (in case you fancy visiting both), Prestatyn Central Beach is known for its wide sandy shores and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and beach games!

• SeaQuarium Rhyl: Make your trip to the seaside even more magical with a visit to this engaging aquarium along the seafront, showcasing a variety of fascinating marine life through interactive exhibits

• Rhyl Miniature Railway: This historic and iconic steam railway has been transporting visitors on a 1-mile journey around Marine Lake, a boating lake near the promenade, for over 100 years, and is still going strong today. You can even bring the dog! The site also offers nature trails, a play area and crabbing

• Knightly's Fun Park: A traditional seaside funfair just along from Rhyl Beach, filled with rides, arcades, go karts, dodgems and more - ideal for a day of thrills and laughter with the family

Family-friendly places to stay in Rhyl and Prestatyn:

• Talacre Beach Resort: So you fancy a fun family beach break in North Wales? Well, Talacre Beach Resort is ready to deliver! This multimillion-pound complex is not only right by the beach, but it also has loads of onsite facilities and activities to keep the whole family entertained, like an indoor heated pool, beach bar, amusement arcade and children's activity play area

• Marine Holiday Park: Little ones will no doubt love this pirate-themed, family-focussed holiday park close to the centre of Rhyl, from the Shipwreck Bay pool and the Mermaid Café to the Mariners Club Entertainment Bar and the Treasure Island Playground. What more could you want?

• Golden Sands Holiday Park Rhyl: If you want to roll out of bed and straight onto the beach (almost) then look no further than Golden Sands Holiday Park Rhyl. Not only does it have direct access to a large sandy beach, but it's also got a fantastic family entertainment programme, an adventure playground and a fish-and-chip shop

Explore more of our North Wales Borders holiday parks and lodges.

Skegness, Lincolnshire

Given the summer holidays are a prime time to go on holiday as a family, we're not surprised to see another coastal destination on this list. Skegness in Lincolnsire, known for its stunning sandy beaches and bustling promenade, was the sixth most-booked destination with Hoseasons for family holidays in 2024, and is a much-loved location for a fun-filled holiday by the sea.

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Skegness:

• Skegness Beach: Probably the first place you'll visit, and for good reason! This long sandy beach is the perfect spot for splashing, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and enjoying traditional fish and chips

• Fantasy Island: Skegness's iconic amusement park, with thrilling rollercoasters, nostalgic rides, amusements, live shows, and a huge shopping market; ideal for a fun family day out

• Skegness Pier: A lively pier offering arcades, rides and classic family entertainment, making it a great spot for young and old to enjoy the quintessential British seaside experience

• Skegness Natureland: A unique attraction dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured seal pups along the Lincolnshire coast - you can learn all about it at one of the feeding sessions. There are also meerkats, penguins, reptiles and farmyard animals

• Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve: If you're itching to stretch your legs and burn off some energy away from town, then Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve is a beautiful area for walking and birdwatching as a family. Just 10 minutes' drive from Skegness, there's plenty of wide open space for little ones to roam and explore

Family-friendly places to stay in Skegness:

• North Shore Holiday Park: Stay just a short walk from Skegness Beach at this charming caravan park, complete with tennis courts, 9-hole pitch and putt course, children’s play area and amusements

• Skegness Fields: If you want to limit the liveliness to the beach, then check out Skegness Fields for your next family holiday. The contemporary lodge and caravan park is only five minutes' drive from town, but offers a more peaceful respite for you to come home to after a busy day out and about - ideal if you want the best of both worlds

• The Chase Holiday Park: A great option if you want to visit Fantasy Island - it's only a short walk away - this classic caravan park hosts its own family entertainment, and has both indoor and outdoor play areas

Browse our full collection of Skegness holiday parks and lodges.

Cheddar, Somerset

Not only do Hoseasons guests love this next destination for family holidays, but we're willing to bet the famous cheese they produce here is also a firm family favourite! We're of course talking about the Somerset village of Cheddar, on the southern end of the Mendip Hills. One of the biggest draws here is undoubtedly the magnificent Cheddar Gorge (we'll tell you more about that below), alongside the fantastic outdoor pursuits that are sure to keep little and big adventurers happy on holiday!

Family-friendly activities and attractions in Cheddar:

• Cheddar Gorge and Caves: Visit one of the UK's most specactular natural landmarks at this famous limestome gorge, where you can admire the dramatic cliffs, take a tour of the underground show caves and even try rock climbing

• Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company: Visit the cheese shop and dairy for a taste of the world-famous cheese produced here. Take a tour and learn all about its history and traditional production methods - an educational and delicious day out!

• Mendip Hills: One giant playground for children and adults alike, the Mendip Hills is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with breathtaking views and far-reaching open grasslands, plus numerous cycling and walking trails to suit all ages and abilities

Family-friendly places to stay in Cheddar:

• Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa: Set in a tranquil woodland location just outside of the town centre, this resort offers luxury hot tub lodges amidst a range of first-class facilities and activities. From the indoor swimming pool and children's play area to the on-site restaurant and spa, Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa has everything to ensure a memorable family holiday

• Bucklegrove Holiday Park: Just 10 minutes' drive from Cheddar Gorge, this scenic lodge and caravan park is surrounded by beautiful views of the Somerset countryside. Onsite, there's an indoor pool, children's play area, and a bar and restaurant, and the Mendip Hills are right on your doorstep

You can also check out our holiday cottages in Cheddar.

Your fun family holiday awaits

And that's a wrap on our top UK destinations for family holidays - which one takes your fancy?

Find more inspiration for your family holiday with our handy blogs below, or check out our full collection of UK family breaks.

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