Britain offers a wealth of family-friendly caravanning destinations, both coastal and inland, with plenty of activities and natural beauty to keep all ages entertained.
Here are some of the best places to consider for a family caravan holiday, if you’re thinking of booking one last minute caravan holidays UK destinations currently on offer, or if you’re planning a break or two next year.
Coastal locations
Cornwall
Why it’s great for families: Cornwall’s beaches are ideal for bucket and spade fun, rock pooling and water sports such as surfing and paddle boarding. The coastal paths are open for walks with children and attractions such as the Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount are educational and entertaining.
Places you must visit: Newquay for its family-friendly beaches, Looe for crabbing and boat trips, and the scenic Minack Theater for outdoor performances.
Norfolk Coast
Why it’s great for families: Soft sandy beaches and traditional seaside resorts such as Cromer and Hunstanton are perfect for children. The nearby Norfolk Broads offer boat hire and family-friendly nature trails.
Places you must visit: Seal tours from Blakeney, Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary and Wells-next-the-Sea beach.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Why it’s great for families: This coastal national park offers safe, clean beaches, castles to explore and wildlife adventures such as dolphin-watching boat trips.
Places you must visit: The family-friendly beaches of Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for scenic walks.
The Yorkshire coast
Why it’s great for families: Destinations such as Scarborough and Filey offer traditional British seaside fun with arcades, donkey rides and fish and chips. Whitby adds a touch of history with its abbey and stories of Dracula.
Places you must visit: The Scarborough SEA LIFE Center and Flamborough Head for coastal walks.
Isle of Wight
Why it’s great for families: A short ferry ride gives a sense of adventure. The island is full of kid-friendly attractions waiting to be explored.
Places you must visit: Shanklin Beach, the Needles and Dinosaur Isle.
Inland locations
The Lake District
Why it’s great for families: Beautiful scenery, family-friendly hiking trails and plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling. Boat trips on Lake Windermere are always a hit with children.
Places you must visit: Brockhole on Windermere (with treetop adventures and soft play), Beatrix Potter World and Tarn Hows for an easy family walk.
The New Forest
Why it’s great for families: Children love spotting wild ponies, exploring the forest trails and visiting the many outdoor attractions in the area. It’s also a great place for cycling, thanks to its dedicated family-friendly trails.
Places you must visit: Paultons Park (home of Peppa Pig World), Beaulieu Motor Museum and family-friendly cycle routes through the forest.
Peak district
Why it’s great for families: The national park is perfect for exploring caves, hiking and visiting historical sites. There are plenty of gentle trails for little legs and adventure parks nearby.
Places you must visit: Chatsworth House and its farmyard, Heights of Abraham (a cable car ride away) and Dovedale for its famous stepping stones.
The Cotswolds
Why it’s great for families: Idyllic villages, family farms and wildlife parks make the Cotswolds an ideal inland retreat. The slower pace of life is great for younger children.
Places you must visit: Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bourton-on-the-Water (also called “Venice of the Cotswolds”) and Bibury Trout Farm.
Snowdonia, Wales
Why it’s great for families: The dramatic landscape is perfect for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, ziplining or steam train rides. There is a mix of rugged outdoor fun and child-friendly attractions.
Places you must visit: Snowdon Mountain Railway, Bounce Below (a giant underground trampoline park) and Llanberis Lake Railway.
