10 Best UK Weekend Breaks for Families

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Since my son arrived four years ago, we’ve stumbled upon an unexpected passion: the art of the weekend break. What started as a practical solution to the chaos of travelling with a toddler, is now one of the best parts of family life.

Let’s be honest – long-haul adventures can feel like a gruelling marathon with little kids. Weekend breaks, on the other hand, are (dare I say it) almost enjoyable. They’re short and sweet, and break up the monotony of rainy Saturdays at the park and screen-time battles.

For us, these little getaways have massively helped to punctuate the relentless routine of work, school runs and early mornings. They’ve given us a chance to reconnect, recharge and make those ‘core memories’ that everyone talks about.

Having now explored a fair share of what the UK has to offer, I’ve pulled together a guide to the best UK weekend breaks for families. From the storybook villages of the New Forest, to the pebble beaches of East Sussex, here are our tried-and-tested favourites that prove you don’t need to travel far to make an adventure feel special.

10 Ideas for Best UK Weekend Breaks for Families

1. Whitstable, Kent

Where to stay: We stayed in this beautiful Airbnb just off the high street, which set the tone perfectly for the whole trip. It was stylish, cosy and dangerously close to all of the town’s amazing shops.

Coming in at the top of the charts for best UK weekend breaks for families is Whitstable, Kent.

I’ll admit, I have just come back from a long weekend here, so it is fresh in my mind. But genuinely, we had the best time here and completely fell in love with the town (me for its coastal charm, my son for the ice-cream parlour).

Just an hour outside of London via St Pancras on the train, Whitstable is one of those places we’d heard about, but never quite managed to visit. Within minutes of arriving, however, we wondered what had taken us so long.

Whitstable packs a real punch for such a small town. It’s brimming with independent shops, coffee spots, colourful fishermen’s cottages and some of the best seafood you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Some of our favourite shops in Whitstable – specifically on the High Street and Harbour Street – included Harbour Books (we visited three times), Anchors Aweigh Vintage (great for a rummage), Buttercup (full of gorgeous kid’s stuff), and The Offy, where we picked up some great bottles of wine.

For a bit of seaside sparkle, The Pearl Shop was also amazing, and my son absolutely loved staring at all the coral and pearl creations.

Aside from the shops, Whitstable has plenty to offer – especially for kids.

Obviously, my son made a beeline for the beach and we could have stayed there for hours. He loved pebble collecting, throwing stones into the sea and wading out to look for oysters and cockles. If you’ve got a bucket and line, the harbour wall is also a brilliant spot for some crabbing.

Whitstable Castle was another hit, especially its castle-themed play area. When we visited, they also had a salsa festival on and lots of food stalls – giving it a surprisingly buzzy atmosphere.

Another cool thing we did in Whitstable was to hire bikes and cycle partly down the Crab & Winkle Way – which leads from Whitstable to Canterbury. We went as far as the Blean Woods RSPB reserve, but if you keep going you’ll eventually see Canterbury Cathedral rise above the ancient woodland.

We hired our bikes from here – the daily rate for adults was £34 and our child seat was £22.

While in Whitstable, definitely also take a walk along ‘The Street’ – Whitstable’s natural strip of shingle and sand that only appears at low tide and stretches far out into the sea.  However, do be careful and check tide times before you head out – the sea comes in faster than you think.

Whitstable also has an endless supply of incredible foodie spots. This Kent town is famous for its oysters and there are countless places to try them, from simple seafood shacks to fancy restaurants (definitely try Birdies, Land + Sea and the Lazy Lobster).

If your kids (like mine), don’t fare will sitting in nice restaurants for very long – then just grab some fish and chips from The Forge and eat them on the pebbled beach. Follow this by a quick pint of Whitstable Bay Pale Ale at The Old Neptune pub, as the sun sets.

2. Margate, Kent

Where to stay: we stayed in this amazing Airbnb – it was perfect for families and very close to town.

Up next on our list of the best UK weekend breaks for families: fun and cheeky Margate.

Another Kent coast favourite, this town – just 30 minutes from Whitstable – has an entirely different character to its well-heeled neighbour. Where Whitstable is all oysters and boutique bookshops, Margate is well, playful.

It’s a mix of slapstick seaside fun with an undercurrent of cool: incredible coffee shops, independent stores, a brilliant contemporary art gallery, and, of course, the country’s most iconic amusement park – Dreamland.

I took my son, along with my niece, to Margate earlier this summer, and it turned out to be the best family weekend break. Unlike Whitstable, which was about mooching around bookstores, Margate involved lots of candy floss, teacup rides, sandcastle competitions and (even) a Punch & Judy show.

A firm favourite was definitely Dreamland – which is free to enter (although you do need to buy tokens to go on the rides). We’d actually visited Dreamland a few years ago, before kids, and had the best time – so were really excited to return with our four year olds in tow.

We spent a sunny morning here, riding the miniature train, running around the Hall of Mirrors and playing the slot machines – before collapsing in some deckchairs to watch a film on the giant screen found inside the park.

Another great place for kids in Margate is the Turner Contemporary. This gallery is surprisingly family-friendly and includes a great ‘family room’ where kids can draw on the floor, get involved in workshops and have a little rest in the reading corner.

The cafe is also a lovely place for a slice of cake -and  there’s lots of books to borrow, to keep the kids amused.

In terms of places to eat with kids in Margate, we found so many great places. This included the fantastic cafe found on a retired double decker bus, GB Pizza Co, Forts Coffee (a very popular spot) and The Captain Digby pub, found in nearby Broadstairs (great views and a soft play).

Our kids absolutely loved their weekend in Margate and we spent a lot of time simply just grabbing coffees from the shack along the beach, before settling down for a day of sandcastle making and stone skimming.

It was the perfect UK break for a family.

10 BEST Things to do in Margate with Kids (2025 Guide)

3. East Sussex

Where to stay: we stayed in this amazing house, close to Rye, via Classic Cottages.

We absolutely love East Sussex and have visited several times.

This beautiful area of the country makes for a fantastic UK family weekend break, offering a little bit of everything: gorgeous beaches, storybook towns, outdoor adventures and plenty of cosy tearooms.

For seaside fun, Camber Sands is unbeatable. Unlike the Kent Coast, which is mostly shingle, Camber Sands has golden dunes, shallow waters and endless space for sandcastle building, kite flying and picnics.

Another underrated spot in East Sussex is Hastings. Although it can be a little rough around the edges, this is an increasingly cool spot to explore – with some great independent creative spaces and coffee shops. It also has all the usual traditional amusements on the seafront, alongside quirky attractions like the Smuggler’s Adventure caves and the funicular railway, that whisks you high above the clifftops.

If you’re after a fairy tale experience, Rye is hard to beat (we’ve actually visited on five separate occasions). This picture-perfect town boasts cobbled lanes, medieval towers and crooked houses – perfect for curious kids and adults who love a bit of history (or ghost story!)

Definitely stop by Knoops for an incredible hot chocolate and drive down to Rye Harbour (don’t make the same mistake we did and walk – it’s a long way). The Harbour is famous for its nearby wetlands – making it a haven for birds and wildlife. Visit in early spring and you might just get to witness a stunning starling murmuration.

One super cute thing to do in East Sussex with kids it to explore the nearby Ashdown Forest: the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100 Acre Wood. Here you can head to Pooh Stick Bridge, take the ‘Pooh Walk’ (you can find a map at the nearby Pooh Corner cafe) and of course, head to this cosy cafe for Winne-the-Pooh shaped toast, cake and vintage Pooh Bear memorabilia.

For something a little, well, bleaker – why not also take a visit to the wilderness that is Dungeness. A vast expanse of shingle beach – filled only with a decommissioned nuclear power plant, the skeletons of old fishing ships and Derek Jarman’s famous Prospect Cottage.

However, it’s not entirely depressing. Delve beneath its slightly eerie exterior and Dungeness is actually a lot of fun – not least because of its miniature steam railway, that takes you through the washing lines of the nearby houses and along the coast to Hythe.

8 Best Things to do in East Sussex

4. New Forest

Where to stay: we stayed in the Old Post Office, via New Forest Cottages, and it was perfect.

When it comes to the best UK weekend breaks with kids, it’s hard to beat the New Forest.

Nestled in leafy Hampshire, the New Forest is a Hansel & Gretel inspired sort of place; one filled with dark, magical forests, roaring fires, stone cottages and of course – roaming, ponies.

We’ve visited many times now and honestly never get bored of this area of the UK. It always feels like there’s something new to explore, or another pub to sit in with a glass of wine (and some colouring for the kids).

Our most recent trip took place over Halloween; making for a very atmospheric week. We stayed in one of the area’s many little villages – Emery Down, near to the lovely towns of Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and the magical village of Beaulieu.

We spent a week exploring the area’s misty forests, alongside visiting its (underrated, in my opinion) Wildlife Life Park and the New Forest Reptile Centre. Family friendly walks we really enjoyed included the Bolderwood: Jubilee Grove trail, the Reptile Centre Discovery Trail and the Blackwater Heartwood Trail.

As it was Halloween when we visited, we also stopped by Exbury Gardens, who had put on their very own ghost train. Granted, the (then two year olds) were mildly traumatised by this experience, but the rest of Exbury Gardens were genuinely lovely. It had an incredible gift shop, lovely gardens and a great play area.

Of course, close to the New Forest is also every kid’s dream – Peppa Pig World found at Paultons Park. We took our kids here and they had the time of their lives (as did we). Paultons Park is a surprisingly lovely theme park – with manicured gardens, immaculate grounds and plenty of other rides, outside of Peppa Pig World.

While Peppa’s kingdom was, admittedly, quite overstimulating (thanks to the constant theme tune playing), it was genuinely great quality and the rides were very sweet (and gift shop very expensive!)

Another big hit with my son was the National Motor Museum, found in Beaulieu. While there’s obviously an impressive number of rare, vintage and luxury cars here to view, there’s also plenty for kids. These include ‘Little Beaulieu’ (a large park), the chance to go on a monorail and ride a vintage bus, and a lovely walk around its grounds.

You can also visit Palace House; the estate’s resident home belonging to the Montagu family since 1538. It’s gorgeous inside and very serene – with fires burning and the scent of woodsmoke hanging in the air.

Of course, you can’t visit the New Forest and not head out on a horsehide. During our own weekend break there, we visited Brockenhurst Riding Stables, who offer kids aged 2 and over the chance to enjoy a short pony ride through the neighbouring fields (a one hour trail ride costs £60).

I have such fond memories of visiting the New Forest and I’d definitely vote it one of the best UK weekend breaks for families.

9 Reasons Why Paultons Park is the Best Theme Park for Toddlers

5. Yorkshire Dales

Where to stay: We were invited to stay here at the incredible Brownber House.

Last May, we visited the Yorkshire Dales and stayed in the magnificent Brownber House. While the accommodation was incredible, the location was even better (Kirkby Stephen)- sitting just between the wilds of the Yorkshire Dales and the mountains of the Lake District.

There was tons to do in these two areas and we really were spoilt for choice.

One of our best memories was taking the Settle–Carlisle Railway, a scenic line full of viaducts and tunnels, which our kids absolutely loved.

For a mix of cuteness, nature and fun, there are also plenty of day trips in this area.

An easy drive takes you into the Lake District, where you can visit Hill Top House – Beatrix Potter’s former home. Here, children can see the house as she left it, dress up in costumes and explore her vegetable gardens. It is the most gorgeous place and so cosy – they even light the stove inside the cottage, just to give it that really homely feel.

For chocolate lovers, there’s also a great chocolate factory in Orton (Kennedys Chocolates).  Here you can watch the chocolate be produced, enjoy sweet treats straight from the factory floor and indulge in a very decadent mug of hot chocolate – perfect for a rainy afternoon.

If your children are up for something a bit more wild, the Forbidden Corner is worth a visit. It’s a maze-garden full of follies, tunnels, surprises and weird architecture – and fits somewhere between a theme park and a fairy-tale.

For your fix of the great outdoors, the Ingleton Waterfalls trail was another favourite day out of ours: filled with lush woodland, dramatic waterfalls and incredible scenery. If you’d rather curl up inside, however, then definitely stop by the town of Sedbergh, full of book shops and cosy cafes.

Best Luxury & Boutique Accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales

6. Arundel, West Sussex

Where to stay: Olea, via Boutique Retreats, in the village of Amberley.

Another best UK weekend break for families is the fairy tale town of Arundel.

Nestled in the heart of West Sussex, Arundel feels like a storybook: featuring over 1,000 years of history, winding lanes, a castle and beautiful scenery all around. The town also has a rich cultural life (think art galleries, boutique shops, cafes) and plenty of historic landmarks.

Staying just outside in a little village like Amberley – as we did – also adds to the charm.  This little spot was filled with pretty thatched cottages, the smell of wood smoke and lovely tea rooms.

For active and nature-loving families, there’s lots to do in and around Arundel.

Arundel Castle is definitely a must-visit: its gardens, gatehouse, kitchen gardens and old glasshouses are just so lovely – and our son loved running through its now-empty moat. Now he’s a bit older (4) I think he’d enjoy it even more, especially the stories of the castle and its many knights and soldiers.

The Arundel Wetland Centre was also an excellent afternoon out. We spent ages enjoying the reed walks, bird hides and butterfly garden, and there were outdoor activities that really engaged our son (like bug hunting).

The nearby Swanbourne Lake also offered more time outdoors, and we spent an hour or so feeding the ducks, enjoying ice creams and taking in the views of Hiorne Tower.

Another unexpected hit with our son was Amberley Museum. Spread across an impressively large site, this outdoor museum is filled with vintage vehicles, interactive exhibits, a narrow-gauge railway and a craft-village style setup, where kids can touch and try things out (we tried our hand at letterpress printing).

Of course, you can’t visit this area and not visit the South Downs National Park. There are plenty of gentle walks here for kids and it’s a great place to bring a kite and a picnic.

Finally, Arundel is (thankfully) close to the seaside.

Nearby beaches like Littlehampton, Climping and Elmer offer day trips to the coast. There’s also quite a lot on locally in this area, including farmers markets on certain Saturdays, independent stores to browse (toy shops, gifts, tea boutiques), vineyards (!) and plenty of child-friendly National Trust properties.

11 Best Things to do in Arundel

7. Suffolk

Where to stay: we stayed in the incredible Boat House in Felixstowe Ferry – a place we’ll honestly never forget.

Next up on our list of best UK weekend breaks for families: scenic Suffolk.

Suffolk might not shout as loudly as some of the UK’s other seaside stars, but that’s exactly what makes it such a wonderful family weekend break.

Firstly, if you can, please stay at the Boathouse in Felixstowe Ferry.

Once an Edwardian boathouse (a place to store boats), it’s now a homely and very special retreat with river views, space for the whole family and plenty of character. Its wide porch is the perfect place to soak up those big Suffolk skies and the sunsets you’ll enjoy there are out of this world.

The river and shingle beach are right outside your door, making crabbing, skimming stones and boat watching very easy. Near the Boat House, there are also plenty of great places to eat. Fresh crab sandwiches at Winkles, fresh fish straight from the nearby shack, or hearty pub food at the Ferry Boat Inn. There’s even a retro American-style diner a stone’s throw from your front porch.

Just a five minute car journey from Felixstowe, we loved exploring the Martello Towers and running along Felixstowe’s long beaches (complete with pastel coloured beach huts).

There are also plenty of other places worth exploring, close to Felixstowe.

We spent a morning in the pretty market town of Woodbridge and fell in love with its riverside walks, independent bookshops and a working tide mill. Nearby, the sleepy village of Orford has its own castle and smokehouse (and even more crabbing opportunities), while Sutton Hoo is a great place to let your kids step back in time to Anglo-Saxon Britain.

Suffolk, more widely, is also the ideal UK family break.

The Africa Alive Reserve in Kessingland is brilliant and features giraffes, lemurs, lions and meerkats.  For something a little different, Redgrave and Lopham Fen offers gentle boardwalk trails through wetlands where children can spot dragonflies, frogs and birds in their natural habitats (our son loved it here).

For a seaside day out, Southwold is always Suffolk’s biggest hitter, thanks to its colourful beach huts, a pier with rides and games and wide sandy stretches perfect for paddling.

The Most Beautiful & Unique Family Accommodation in Suffolk

8. North Norfolk

Where to stay: we always stay in our friend’s lovely holiday cottage.

Is there a better place on earth than North Norfolk? Probably not. Those huge skies, golden beaches and cosy pubs always offer such a great escape and definitely make for one of the best UK family breaks.

ChatGPT said:

Firstly, a visit to the (royal) Sandringham Estate is ideal with kids, featuring extensive woodland walks, trails, a fab park area and a few different cafes. Families can also tour the Palace Gardens and parts of the House for a fee, but a visit to the Sandringham church is free along with the lovely trails.

Another highlight is Pensthorpe, a nature reserve with something for all ages. From wetlands and lakes for bird spotting, to the Glade Sculpture Garden, there’s plenty here to fill an afternoon.

However, our favourite bit is definitely its multiple play areas – including the indoor wooden play area – Hootz House – and the outdoor areas, including Wild Root with zip-wires, slides and wooden play structures.

For a more relaxed pace, Burnham Overy Staithe and Holkham Hall (and Beach) are great places to spend a sunny Saturday.

Burnham Overy Staithe has gorgeous creek views, estuary walks and beautiful skies – perfect for evening strolls or bird-spotting. Holkham also has plenty to do – including  deer parks, beaches and the option to hire bikes or trailers for children.

13 Best Things to do in Norfolk for Families (2024)

9. Northumberland

Where to stay: we stayed in the super cute Cookie Jar hotel in Alnwick.

Northumberland is a fantastic destination for a family weekend getaway, offering a mix of history, nature and adventure. We visited in November and were blown away by just how stunning this northerly corner of the UK is (and how cosy).

Start your trip, as we did, at Alnwick Castle, a majestic fortress featured in the Harry Potter films, where kids can even try broomstick training. Just next door, the Alnwick Garden showcases the world’s largest Japanese cherry tree orchard and come spring time, is the perfect spot for family photos (the poison garden is also super spooky around Halloween time).

Northumberland is a great place to visit if you are the outdoorsy sort – and Kielder Water & Forest Park offers countless activities for families. From cycling and hiking, to wildlife spotting, there’s enough here to fill a couple of days. Also, as Northumberland has some of the darkest skies in Europe, definitely make sure you head to the Kielder Observatory, where guided stargazing sessions are held (perfect for kids).

You can’t visit Northumberland and not see Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site – complete with ancient fort and interactive exhibits. Nearby, the Vindolanda Roman Fort also offers a great hands-on archaeological experience, allowing children and adults alike to engage directly with Roman history.

Finish your Northumberland adventure in our favourite village of Bamburgh, home to an iconic castle and jaw-dropping beaches. Families can build sandcastles, enjoy fresh seafood and soak in the stunning coastal views (and even take a boat over to mystical Lindisfarne if you want).

Northumberland is a fantastic UK weekend family break and honestly, one of the most beautiful places in our country.

11 Best Things to do Northumberland

10. Lincoln

Where to stay: we stayed in this modern and comfortable house, via Classic cottages.

Lincoln was an unexpected gem of a weekend break for us – blending history with some activities for little ones.

Our standout attraction was Lincoln Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Our son loved the expansive grounds, especially the large dragon sculptures that are dotted around.

The Medieval Wall Walk around the city provides panoramic views of Lincoln Cathedral, and is perfect for little legs. Nearby, the cathedral is well worth a visit, with its towering spires and intricate architecture. You can actually explore the main atrium for free, with optional paid tours available for a more detailed experience (we decided to skip this bit).

One afternoon we loved in Lincoln was when we visited The Kinema in the Woods, a boutique cinema located about a 40-minute drive from Lincoln. Although we actually went to see the Peppa Pig movie (groan), this charming venue helped to offset our pain – with an interval during the film, buttery popcorn ready and waiting, and even an organist on Saturday evenings.

Exploring Lincoln’s independent shops was also a highlight of our trip. Steep Hill, a cobbled street in the city centre, is lined with unique stores such as Mouse House Cheese Shop, The Shambles Antique Centre, Goodies traditional sweet shop, Follie homeware, and The Little Pottery Shop. These shops offered everything from local delicacies to handcrafted items, perfect for finding little gifts.

For dining, Ole Ole Tapas had a great, vibrant atmosphere with authentic Spanish cuisine. Here we enjoyed dishes like vegetable paella, potato croquettes and crusty bread – and it felt like a really family-friendly place to eat.

Although perhaps not always considered a great UK family break, Lincoln is a really lovely spot to visit – especially for a weekend – and we had a brilliant time here.

A Family-Friendly Weekend Guide to Lincoln, UK (2024)