Last updated June 2026.

If you’re looking for the best UK weekend breaks for families, you’ve come to the right place.

This isn’t a list cobbled together from a Google search: these are the destinations we’ve actually visited with our own kids and places we’ve genuinely enjoyed as a family (and returned to).

We’ve road tested all 10 of these short breaks with babies, toddlers and young children in tow.  All of them have proved that you really don’t need a long-haul flight – or expensive and exotic getaway – to have a genuinely special family holiday.

From the storybook cobbles of Rye, to the wild beaches of Northumberland, here are our favourite UK weekend breaks for families – tried, tested and very much approved by the small people in our lives.

Who this guide is for: families with babies, toddlers and children under 10 looking for short UK breaks that are manageable and memorable (and actually enjoyable for grown-ups too).

13 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.

Whitstable, Kent – Quick Info

• Best for: Foodies, indie shop lovers, beach paddlers
• Distance from London: 1 hour by train from St Pancras
• Best age group: All ages, but especially great for toddlers and under-5s
• Best time to visit: May–September for the beach, but year-round for the town
• Getting there: Direct train from London St Pancras (1hr 20 mins) or Victoria (1hr 40 mins)
• Budget guide: mid-range, self-catering from about £150 a night, good value eating options.

Whitstable – Where to Stay

Whitstable has a lovely mix of self-catering cottages, boutique B&Bs and Airbnbs, most within easy walking distance of the beach and high street.

• For a stylish self-catering stay: We stayed in this beautiful Airbnb just off the high street and absolutely loved it. It was cosy, well-equipped and (dangerously) close to all the best shops.
• For a more traditional stay: The Whitstable Castle occasionally hosts events with nearby accommodation options, and there are traditional B&Bs along the seafront worth exploring.
• For a budget-friendly option: Whitstable is compact enough that staying just outside town (in nearby Tankerton or Herne Bay) cuts costs considerably while keeping you close to all the action.

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 this best UK family holidays list is 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 fun, free-spirited and 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.

Margate, Kent – Quick Info

• Best for: Amusement parks, sandy beaches, cool cafes
• Distance from London: 1.5 hours by train from St Pancras
• Best age group: 2–10 years (Dreamland is brilliant for this age range)
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beach and Dreamland, spring for fewer crowds
• Getting there: Direct train from London St Pancras (1hr 25 mins)
• Budget guide: Very affordable – Dreamland entry is free (pay per ride)

Margate – Where to Stay

Margate has seen a real wave of cool independent accommodation open in recent years, alongside the more traditional options.

• For a family-friendly Airbnb: We stayed in this brilliant Airbnb – great space, well located and easy for families (although parking is a bit tight!)
• For something boutique: The Walpole Bay Hotel is a Margate institution. It’s a living museum of a hotel with lots of character and a great location.
• For a budget option: Nearby Broadstairs (just 10 minutes away) has great self-catering options at lower prices, and is a beautiful base in its own right.

10 BEST Things to do in Margate with Kids

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.

East Sussex – Quick Info

• Best for: Beaches, fairy-tale towns, Winnie-the-Pooh fans
• Distance from London: 1- 1.5 hours depending on destination
• Best age group: All ages: Camber Sands is brilliant for under-10s
• Best time to visit: year round. Rye and Ashdown Forest are magical in autumn and winter
• Getting there: Train to Rye from London Bridge 1hr 20 mins), drive to Camber Sands
• Budget guide: Mid-range -wide range of accommodation options

East Sussex – Where to Stay

East Sussex offers everything from cosy shepherds’ huts to grand farmhouses – and the area around Rye is especially lovely.

• For a character-filled cottage: We stayed in this beautiful house close to Rye via Classic Cottages – spacious, full of charm and a wonderful base.
• For a central Rye stay: The Mermaid Inn is one of England’s most famous old inns – atmospheric, historic and very child-friendly (although, beware of the ghost stories!)
• For something different: the Camber Sands area has good holiday park options if you’re travelling with very young children who need easy beach access.

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).

Read our full guide to things to do in the New Forest with Kids 

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.

New Forest, Hampshire – Quick Info

• Best for: ponies, woodland walks, Peppa Pig World
• Distance from London: 1.5–2 hours by car or train
• Best age group: All ages – Paultons Park best for 2–8 year olds
• Best time to visit: Spring for bluebells, autumn for atmosphere, Halloween for Exbury Gardens
• Getting there: Train to Brockenhurst from London Waterloo (1hr 45 mins)
• Budget guide: Mid–high range – lots of quality cottage rentals in the area

New Forest – Where to Stay

The New Forest has some of the best self-catering cottage rental agencies in the UK – and staying in one of its little villages is really the way to do it.

• For a cosy village cottage: We stayed in the Old Post Office in Emery Down via New Forest Cottages – absolutely perfect. The agency has a brilliant selection across the area.
• For a hotel stay: The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu is a gorgeous country house hotel, but a treat for a special occasion.
• For a budget option: Camping and glamping sites are all across the New Forest and brilliant in warmer months.

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.

Yorkshire Dales – Quick Info

• Best for: Scenic railways, waterfalls, Beatrix Potter fans
• Distance from London: 3- 4 hours by car or train to Kirkby Stephen
• Best age group: 3 and up – great for curious, outdoorsy kids
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer for walking, autumn for dramatic scenery
• Getting there: Train to Kirkby Stephen from London Euston (via connections – 3.5 hrs)
• Budget guide: Mid- high range, boutique accommodation available

Yorkshire Dales – Where to Stay

The area around Kirkby Stephen – sitting between the Dales and the Lake District – is a brilliant base.

• For a luxury boutique stay: We were invited to experience the incredible Brownber House – a stunning property with lots of space.
• For a self-catering cottage: The Rural Retreats portfolio has some gorgeous properties across the Dales, ranging from barn conversions to farmhouses.
• For a budget option: B&Bs in market towns like Sedbergh or Hawes offer great value and a very warm Yorkshire welcome.

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 (5) 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.

Arundel, West Sussex – Quick Info

• Best for: Castles, wetlands, fairy-tale towns
• Distance from London: 1.5 hours by train
• Best age group: 2 and up, castle grounds great for little legs
• Best time to visit: spring and summer; the South Downs are beautiful in May
• Getting there: Direct train from London Victoria (1hr 20 mins)
• Budget guide: Mid-range – good range of self-catering in nearby villages

Arundel – Where to Stay

Staying just outside Arundel – in a village like Amberley – adds a bit of extra charm to an already lovely area.

• For a luxury self-catering stay: We stayed at Olea via Boutique Retreats in Amberley – a stunning property, beautifully equipped and perfectly located (albeit for a small family!)
• For a hotel in town: The Norfolk Arms Hotel in Arundel is a solid choice – good location, family-friendly and right on the high street.
• For a budget option: Self-catering in Littlehampton (a short drive away) is considerably cheaper and still puts you in easy reach of Arundel, the South Downs and the coast.

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.

Suffolk – Quick Info

• Best for: Unspoilt coast, Anglo-Saxon history, wildlife
• Distance from London: 2 hours by car or train
• Best age group: All ages, particularly lovely for curious 4-10 year olds
• Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn
• Getting there: Train to Ipswich from London Liverpool Street (1hr 10 mins); car for coastal spots
• Budget guide: Mid-range – great for self-catering

Suffolk – Where to Stay

(From our experience), Suffolk rewards those who seek out its more unusual accommodation – and the Felixstowe Ferry area in particular is brilliant.

• For something truly unforgettable: Please, if you can, stay at the Boat House in Felixstowe Ferry – an Edwardian boathouse with river views, a shingle beach on your doorstep and sunsets that will genuinely take your breath away. One of our all-time favourite places to stay.
• For a more central base: Woodbridge has some beautiful B&Bs and self-catering options, putting you in easy reach of the coast, Sutton Hoo and the wider county.
• For a budget option: Ipswich has well-priced chain hotels if you’re using it as a base for day trips – not as romantic, but practical and affordable.

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.

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

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.

Northumberland – Quick Info

• Best for: Castles, dark skies, vast empty beaches
• Distance from London: 3-4 hours by train to Alnwick
• Best age group: All ages – Harry Potter fans will love Alnwick Castle
• Best time to visit: Summer for beaches, winter for a cosy, dramatic atmosphere
• Getting there: Train to Alnmouth from London King’s Cross (3 hrs)
• Budget guide: Excellent value and less touristy than many UK destinations

Northumberland – Where to Stay

Northumberland punches above its weight for quality accommodation (and at prices that would make a London hotelier weep).

• For a boutique hotel: We stayed at the Cookie Jar hotel in Alnwick – a gorgeous converted building, beautifully designed and brilliant value.
• For a self-catering castle-adjacent stay: There are several fantastic cottages within the grounds and estates near Bamburgh and Alnwick – search through Northumberland Cottages for some brilliant options.
• For a budget option: Alnwick itself has good B&B options, and the town is a brilliant base for the whole area.

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.

Lincoln – Quick Info

• Best for: History, independent shops, quirky day trips
• Distance from London: 2 hours by train
• Best age group: 3 and up, great for dragon-obsessed kids (Lincoln Castle)
• Best time to visit: Year-round – the Christmas market in December is magical
• Getting there: Train from London King’s Cross (1hr 50 mins)
• Budget guide: Very affordable – one of the best value city breaks in the UK

Lincoln – Where to Stay

Lincoln is a surprisingly affordable city break and has a good range of accommodation within easy reach of its historic centre.

• For a self-catering stay: We stayed in this comfortable house via Classic Cottages – spacious, well-located and great for a family.
• For a hotel stay: The White Hart Hotel is a beautiful historic hotel right in the heart of Lincoln, just steps from the Cathedral Quarter.
• For a budget option: There are several well-reviewed budget hotels and Travelodge options close to the city centre – perfectly decent bases for a short break.

A Family-Friendly Weekend Guide to Lincoln

11. Unyoked – glamping in Norfolk, Suffolk, Wales or the South Downs

Where to stay: Unyoked have cabins across Norfolk, Suffolk, Wales and the South Downs – use our discount link for 15% off.

We’ll be honest, we visited our Unyoked cabin in Norfolk without the kids and it was one of the most genuinely restorative weekends we’ve had in years.

But, as we wandered through the forest spotting deer and pheasants, lit the fire pit and hunted for ‘the perfect stick’ (yes, really), we couldn’t help thinking: kids would absolutely love this.

Unyoked are an Australian brand who have dotted beautifully designed off-grid cabins across the UK countryside – in Norfolk, Suffolk, Wales and the South Downs National Park. Each cabin offers a step away from screens and noise: there’s no WiFi, no signal, just woodland, birdsong and a wood burner.

The cabins themselves are far from basic: all have giant windows, cosy beds, an outdoor fire pit, a hot shower and a compost loo that’s genuinely lovely (and not smelly).

Prices start from around £154 per night on weekdays, and you can use our discount link for 15% off.

For families with outdoorsy kids who love nature, den-building and campfire cooking, it would be an absolute dream.

Our Honest Unyoked Cabin Review, Norfolk UK

12. Sark, Channel Islands

Where to stay: Stocks Hotel.

We visited Sark without the kids and spent the entire trip thinking about how much they’d love it.

This tiny Channel Island, just a 45-minute flight from Gatwick to Guernsey (followed by a short ferry crossing), is unlike anywhere else in the British Isles. There are no cars, no street lights and nowhere really to be – just tractors, horse and carts, wild flowers, beaches and the most dramatic dark skies you’ll ever see.

For families, it’s a haven. Children can roam freely on bikes, splash in rock pools at Dixcart Bay, hunt for crabs, get lost in the maze at La Seigneurie Gardens and ride the island on an electric bike without a single car to worry about.

The self-catering lodges at La Moinerie Village – a fairytale hamlet that genuinely looks like a French village – are ideal for families wanting a bit more space.

One small not though: some of the cliff paths aren’t suitable for very young children, so it’s worth reading up on accessibility before you go.

But for adventurous families with kids old enough to explore independently? Sark would be perfect.

Sark, Channel Islands – Quick Info

• Best for: Car-free freedom, beaches, stargazing, a truly unique experience
• Distance from London: 45 min flight from Gatwick to Guernsey, then 35–50 min ferry to Sark
• Best age group: 5 and up; some cliff paths not suitable for very young children
• Best time to visit: May–October (tourist season only)
• Getting there: Fly Gatwick or Southampton to Guernsey with Aurigny, then ferry with Sark Shipping Company

Everything you Need to Know About Visiting Sark

13. Luxury Family Hotel Break – Cotswolds

Where to stay: Calcot & Spa – rooms range from cosy family rooms to standalone suites and cottages. Kids stay free mid-week (Sunday to Thursday, excluding school holidays).

If you’re looking for a luxury UK weekend family break where the kids are genuinely catered for, then Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds is, hand on heart, the best we’ve ever experienced.

We visited with our (then) 3 year olds and for the first time in recent memory, actually felt relaxed on a hotel stay with children.

The reasons are almost too many to list: an Ofsted-accredited creche (with four free childcare hours included), separate child dining at 5pm, heated indoor and outdoor pools, an adventure playground, 220 acres of rewilded Cotswolds countryside to roam, baby boxes stocked with everything from sterilisers to bouncers, hot milk delivered on demand in a tiny thermal penguin and room monitors so you can enjoy a proper dinner while the kids sleep.

The family suites are stunning: ours came with a separate children’s annex in the eaves, complete with gingerbread men on arrival and mini dressing gowns on the beds.

Is it expensive? Yes. But is it worth it? Absolutely.

Calcot & Spa, The Cotswolds – Quick Info

• Best for: Luxury family stays, toddlers, babies, parents who want to actually relax
• Distance from London: 2 hours by car, nearest train station is Kemble (1hr 15 mins from Paddington)
• Best age group: Newborn and up – genuinely one of the best hotels in the UK for babies and toddlers
• Best time to visit: Year-round: summer for the outdoor pool, school holidays for the extended Playbarn activity programme
• Getting there: Best by car, although taxi from Kemble station is straightforward
• Budget guide: High-end. Kids stay free mid-week (Sunday–Thursday, excluding school holidays), which makes it significantly better value.

The BEST Luxury Family-Friendly Hotel: Calcot & Spa (UK)

Frequently Asked Questions: UK Weekend Breaks for Families

What is the best UK weekend break for families with toddlers? Whitstable and Margate are both brilliant for toddlers – easy to reach from London, with beaches, ice cream and plenty of gentle activities. The New Forest is another fantastic choice, especially if your little ones are obsessed with animals (specifically wild ponies and grumpy donkeys).

Which UK weekend breaks are best without a car? Whitstable and Margate are both extremely easy to reach by train from London and perfectly navigable on foot once you arrive. Arundel and Lincoln are also very manageable without a car. North Norfolk and Northumberland are harder without one – we’d probably recommend hiring a car for those.

What are the best UK weekend breaks for families on a budget? Lincoln and Margate offer exceptional value – Lincoln in particular is one of the most affordable city breaks in the UK. Margate has free entry to Dreamland (you pay per ride) and miles of free beach. Suffolk is also surprisingly affordable, especially if you self-cater.

How far in advance should I book UK family weekend breaks? For popular summer weekends, we’d recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead, particularly for self-catering cottages in the New Forest, North Norfolk and Northumberland, which get snapped up quickly.

Which UK weekend break is best for older kids (8–12)? Northumberland is brilliant for older children – Alnwick Castle (Harry Potter), Hadrian’s Wall, stargazing at Kielder Observatory and vast beaches for exploring. The Yorkshire Dales is also great for this age group, with the Settle-Carlisle Railway, Forbidden Corner and proper hiking trails for them to tackle.

Are UK weekend breaks worth it for very young babies? Absolutely – some of the destinations on this list are arguably easier with a baby than a toddler. Whitstable, East Sussex and North Norfolk are all very pram-friendly, with flat coastal paths and a relaxed pace.

The New Forest is also lovely with a baby in a carrier and super cosy.

Is Sark suitable for families with young children?
Sark is a magical destination for families, but it works best for children aged 5 and up who are confident on their feet.

The island is car-free and wonderfully safe for kids to roam, but some of the cliff paths and beach access points require a bit of scrambling. That said, Dixcart Bay is easily accessible and the beaches, bike rides, horse and cart rides and chocolate shops at Caragh Chocolates make it an incredibly special trip.

Just be aware it’s a seasonal destination, open March to October only.

What is the best luxury family hotel for a UK weekend break?
In our experience, Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds is the best luxury family hotel in the UK.

It has an Ofsted-accredited creche with four free childcare hours, separate child dining, heated indoor and outdoor pools, an adventure playground, baby boxes for younger guests and room monitors so parents can enjoy a proper dinner.

Kids stay free mid-week, which makes it surprisingly good value for a luxury break.

What are the best UK weekend breaks for families that are a bit different?
If you’re after something a little out of the ordinary, we’d suggest a Unyoked off-grid cabin in Norfolk, Suffolk or the South Downs for outdoorsy families who fancy a proper digital detox, or the island of Sark in the Channel Islands for a truly unique car-free adventure.

Both are unlike anything else on this list – and all the better for it.