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London museums and landmarks

Best for: Museums, famous sights and older children Ideal trip length: One to three days

London gives families a broad choice of free museums and paid attractions. Children can see dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum, explore space and engineering at the Science Museum or visit the animals at ZSL London Zoo.

A sightseeing route can include Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the South Bank and Tower Bridge. Choose one part of the city for a day trip rather than crossing London between distant attractions. Younger children may tire after long walks and crowded Tube journeys.

Family highlights

• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• Tower of London
• London Eye
• Thames river cruises

Book tickets for major attractions before you travel. School holidays can bring long queues, and some free museums ask visitors to reserve an entry time.

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Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon

Best for: Castles, history and short journeys from the Midlands Ideal trip length: One day or a weekend

At Warwick Castle, families can climb towers, watch seasonal shows and learn about medieval life. The steep steps and large grounds make comfortable shoes a useful choice.

Stratford-upon-Avon sits within reach of Warwick and suits families who want to extend the trip. You can take a riverside walk, visit Shakespeare-related attractions or hire a boat during the warmer months.

A combined Warwick and Stratford tour can feel rushed if you want to explore the castle in depth. Give Warwick Castle a full day with younger children. Use a weekend for both destinations.

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A Cotswolds village and countryside tour

Best for: Scenic walks, gardens and relaxed family breaks Ideal trip length: One or two days

The Cotswolds suit families who enjoy short walks, traditional villages and picnic stops. Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold rank among the best-known locations, though busy periods can bring traffic and limited parking.

Children may enjoy Birdland Park and Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswold Farm Park near Guiting Power or one of the area’s heritage railways. A village-only route may hold less interest for young children, so pair scenic stops with an attraction.

Summer visitors can add a flower farm to the itinerary. Read our guide to the best lavender fields Cotswolds.

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Bournemouth beach and family attractions

Best for: A classic seaside day out Ideal trip length: One day or a weekend

Bournemouth offers a long sandy beach, a pier and attractions within walking distance of the seafront. Families can build the day around paddling, sandcastles and a picnic without planning a packed schedule.

The Oceanarium gives you an indoor option near the pier. Bournemouth Gardens provide space for a walk away from the beach, while older children may enjoy seafront activities during the summer season.

Pack sun protection, spare clothes and a light waterproof layer. British coastal weather can change during the day. Coach travel also removes the need to search for parking near the seafront.

Families travelling from the Midlands can read our Bournemouth beach day trip from Birmingham guide before choosing a date.

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Cornwall coast and landmarks

Best for: Beaches, coastal scenery and multi-day holidays Ideal trip length: Three days or more

Cornwall rewards families who give the journey enough time. Long travel times from Birmingham and Walsall make a short break more suitable than a single-day tour.

St Ives combines beaches, harbour views and art attractions. Newquay suits families seeking surf schools and larger beaches. The Eden Project gives children a chance to explore vast indoor biomes and learn about plants from different climates.

West Cornwall offers several striking landmarks, including St Michael’s Mount, Land’s End and the Minack Theatre. Families with small children should check walking distances, tide times and access information before visiting coastal sites.

Our Cornwall landmarks itinerary guide can help you plan a route through the region.

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Isle of Wight family escape

Best for: Beaches, fossils and island adventure Ideal trip length: Two to four days

A ferry crossing helps turn the journey into part of the holiday. On the island, families can visit beaches, animal attractions and historic sites within a compact area.

Dinosaur Isle appeals to children with an interest in fossils. Blackgang Chine combines rides with themed areas, while Osborne offers history, gardens and views across the Solent. The Needles provides one of the island’s best-known coastal scenes.

Allow time for ferry check-in and road traffic during bank holidays. Families travelling without a car should check bus routes before booking accommodation, since several attractions sit outside the main towns.

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York history and railway tour

Best for: Trains, Vikings and city exploration Ideal trip length: One or two days

York packs several major family attractions into a walkable centre. The National Railway Museum attracts train enthusiasts, while the JORVIK Viking Centre introduces children to the city’s Norse history.

Families can walk part of the city walls, explore The Shambles or take a cruise on the River Ouse. York Minster may suit older children who enjoy architecture and history.

The city centre includes cobbled streets and narrow routes. Families using pushchairs should plan step-free alternatives around parts of the walls and historic quarter. Reserve tickets for the JORVIK Viking Centre during school holidays.

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Lake District outdoor tour

Best for: Boat trips, gentle walks and nature Ideal trip length: Two to four days

The Lake District gives families room to choose their own pace. You can take a boat across Windermere, visit lakeside towns or follow a short trail with picnic stops.

Brockhole on Windermere offers outdoor activities and access to the lake. Younger children may enjoy The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. Families with older children can choose longer walks after checking the route, weather forecast and daylight hours.

Mountain conditions require sound preparation. Carry water, warm layers and a paper map on rural walks. Choose marked routes that match the youngest walker’s stamina.

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Edinburgh castle and city tour

Best for: History, city views and a longer family break Ideal trip length: Two or three days

Edinburgh Castle gives families a clear focal point for their first visit. From the castle, you can walk down the Royal Mile and explore museums, closes and historic buildings.

The National Museum of Scotland offers free entry and covers natural history, science and Scottish culture. Dynamic Earth uses hands-on exhibits and films to explore the story of our planet. Edinburgh Zoo provides another full-day option outside the centre.

Steep streets and stone surfaces can make the Old Town tiring for young children. Build rest stops into your route and avoid scheduling several large attractions on the same day.

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North Wales castles and adventure tour

Best for: Castles, mountain scenery and active families Ideal trip length: Two to four days

North Wales combines coast, countryside and historic sites. Families can visit Conwy Castle, walk around Conwy’s town walls or spend time on the beaches near Llandudno.

Eryri National Park offers walking routes for a range of abilities. Choose a route that suits your group and check mountain conditions before setting out. Families can also take a heritage railway journey through the landscape.

Adventure attractions across the region offer activities for older children and teenagers. Check age, height and weight restrictions before booking. Some activities require sturdy footwear and advance reservations.