The Best UK Destinations for Summer Family Escapes

The UK is packed with family-friendly summer destinations, so you won’t have to travel far for a fun-filled summer break with the kids. From enjoying scenic hikes at the Lake District to frolicking at the golden sandy beaches of Cornwall, the UK offers the perfect setting for a fun-filled family getaway. Below, check out the best UK destinations for summer family escapes.

• The Lake District

Set in the heart of Cumbria, the Lake District is famous for its majestic mountainous fells and beautiful lakes, making it a top choice for families who love to explore the great outdoors. Here, you can enjoy cycling, hiking, and different water sports. 

Lake District is also home to many bustling towns and villages with numerous pubs, restaurants, and cafes. Some family-friendly attractions in the Lake District are the Grizedale Forest,  Brockhole on Windermere, and the Lake District Wildlife Park. You can also hire a boat to visit the other major lakes within the national park.

• The Peak District 

The Peak District is the oldest National Park in the UK and makes for an idyllic summer holiday for the family. There’s plenty to explore in the park and tons of activities to delight adults and kids, from canoeing to wild swimming, seeing wild animals, and even riding old trams!

As one of the UK’s top destinations for families, there are many excellent family-friendly accommodations in the Peak District, giving you plenty of self-catering options, whether you stay here for the weekend or spend a week or more.

• Cornwall

If you want to spend your summer at the beach, take the kids to Cornwall. With its breathtaking coastal scenery and wide range of attractions, you will surely enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday in this historic county. 

Aside from enjoying fun days at the beach, Cornwall offers a range of family-friendly attractions, from zoos to theme parks. Those looking to try something unique can take a ride on the Bodmin Steam Railway or explore the many castles in the area. Families who love wildlife will find plenty of animal sanctuaries and wildlife reserves for a fun day out with the kids.

• Wales 

Wales is one of the UK’s hidden gems, an ideal place for summer family escapes. The country boasts historic castles, stunning natural scenery, and a variety of outdoor pursuits. Best of all, it has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

To truly enjoy everything Wales has to offer, consider spending several days and book the best accommodation for your family. If you are a big family, there are plenty of party rental houses in Wales, ideal for large groups. Staying in these properties is the perfect way to unwind and spend quality time with the people you love without sharing the space with other guests.

• Dorset

Dorset is another place in the UK that many families love to visit, especially in the summer, and it’s easy to see why. With over a hundred miles of coastlines and stunning natural attractions such as the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, everyone is sure to have a lot of fun in Dorset. 

Dorset is especially charming in summer when the weather tends to hover between 19 to 22 degrees, perfect for spending time at the beach. It also gives you plenty of time to spend outdoors and take scenic walks or hunt fossils at the famous Charmouth Beach.