Sam
From bustling cities to dramatic coastlines, there’s no better place to enjoy a holiday with a large family than in the UK. For those who love nature and adventure, you can explore the breathtaking scenery of the Welsh mountains. But if you prefer to holiday somewhere near the coast, head to Cornwall. The possibilities are endless, and let’s face it – nothing can compare to a family holiday in the UK.
Below, we’ve rounded up a list of the best places to go for large families.
Cornwall
Cornwall is not only about surfing and fish and chips. It also has tons to offer for family holidays. The county has miles and miles of beautiful coastline, home to stunning beaches and secluded coves, offering fun water sports, from surfing to bodyboarding and sailing. There are also fantastic gardens, excellent museums, and a thriving arts centre to explore.
Cornwall is pretty compact, so it’s easy to get around. You can stroll through a beautiful garden in the morning, indulge in delectable lunch at a pub, spend the afternoon at a beach, and end your day with a seafood dinner by the seaside restaurant. Cornwall’s beautiful beaches and picturesque villages have a unique charm, guaranteed to delight everyone in the family.
Spend the day at the Eden Project, an eco-attraction in a reclaimed China clay pit close to the town of St Blazey. The kids will love the Lost Gardens of Heligan, with its scenic woodland pathways decorated with fantastic sculptures. Discover St Ives, a haven for artists, home to art galleries and museums, including the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.
Devon
The lovely county of Devon has all the right ingredients for a fun family holiday – especially for large families with kids. It boasts numerous outdoor activities, pristine sandy beaches, and a charming pier where little ones can go crabbing. Devon has a hundred kilometres of coastline with beautiful beaches offering plenty of water-based activities that cater to kids of all ages.
Spend your family holiday frolicking at the beach. Some family favourites include the Bigbury on Sea, famous for its surfing school and Mattiscombe Beach, which has a big, sandy coast. Wander around Dartmoor, one of the untouched areas of England and an ideal place for hiking, canoeing, and horse-riding. Explore the River Dart Country Park, where you could spot some cute ponies, although you will also find plenty of them at the Original Miniature Pony Centre. Venture into Plymouth and go on a boat trip to Plymouth Sound and into River Tamar. Visit the Devonport Royal Dockyards, where you’ll find submarines and frigates.
Devon’s south coast, also called the “English Riviera,” is home to even more beautiful beaches with great restaurants and cafes. Although it can get busy during summer, it exudes a happy vibe with many small children playing in the powdery white sands.
Wales
Wales is another beautiful English county that lures families with its beautiful beaches, including secluded coves and rugged mountains dominating the centre of the county, including Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Park. The bustling holiday resorts of Tenby Llandudno are also a favourite of families, with tiny villages that are fun to explore with the kids.
Wales has an endless supply of beaches, including Barafundle Bay, which gives off a Caribbean charm, dominated by rugged cliffs. For families with active kids who love to surf, head to Newgale Sands. The magical dunes and powdery white sands of Ynyslas are perfect for relaxing. Make your way to Cardiff, which has a historic city centre home to a beautiful castle. Visit Cardiff Bay and marvel at its regenerated docks, home to cosy waterfront cafes and the Millennium Centre arts complex, featuring an attractive bronze facade.
Families into mountaineering can go up Mount Snowdon, although it’s not suitable for amateurs. For families with little kids, take the mountain railway to the top where you’ll find the visitor centre. Older kids can choose to walk going down, although it’s not an easy undertaking.
Scotland
Given its breathtaking landscapes, Scotland is one of Europe’s finest playgrounds for outdoor adventures. With so many places to see here, you might want to consider companies that offer tours and trips in Scotland, this way you can see more places in one go. Many activities cater to families, even those with little kids. While the adults treat themselves to local beers, active kids will have plenty to do to keep themselves entertained.
Explore Scotland’s vibrant cities, especially the beautiful Edinburgh, which has a medieval maze of streets and fascinating structures set against the mountains, including the Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the entire city. Glasgow, the country’s largest city, is worth visiting. It’s brimming with art galleries and museums, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly attractions. Take the kids to the Glasgow Science Centre on Clydeside and into the Riverside Museum of Transport. Explore the mini museum for kids in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and marvel at the Victorian Tenement House on Buccleuch Street.
Scotland also has its share of beautiful beaches. The white sandy beaches of Nairn in Invernesshire, which open to the gorgeous views across Moray Firth, are a favourite among local families. It’s a lovely place to chill out on a sunny day.
Norfolk
Norfolk is one of the UK’s top destinations for a family holiday. It has beautiful parks, beaches, castles, museums, and other family-friendly attractions. And if you’re a family who loves history, Norfolk has plenty to offer. This wonderful part of the UK also offers huge party houses with indoor pools to rent, perfect for the whole family to relax and play whilst staying here.
Discover the unspoilt beaches of the resort town of Hunstanton. The beaches here are clean and not too crowded. If you happen to come here during low tide, there are plenty of sandy areas to build sandcastles. It’s also a fun place to go crabbing in its shallow rock pools. The iconic Wells Beach is famous for its colourful beach huts. You and your little ones can splash around in the shallow water.
Norfolk is also home to a few small theme parks that kids will love to visit. The enchanting Bewilderwood is one of these, where kids can play dress-up and go on a boat ride across Scaaaary Lake. Meanwhile, Pettitt’s Adventure Park is a fun place for families with active kids. It has fun rides and playgrounds where your little ones can run around.
