The UK offers a wealth of family-friendly caravan destinations, both coastal and inland, with plenty of activities and natural beauty to entertain all ages.
Here are some of the best places to consider for a family caravan holiday, if you’re thinking of booking one of the last minute caravan holidays UK destinations are offering right now, or you’re planning for 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 like surfing and paddleboarding. The coastal paths are accessible for walks with children, and attractions like the Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount are educational and entertaining.
Must-visit spots: Newquay for its family-friendly beaches, Looe for crabbing and boat trips, and the scenic Minack Theatre for outdoor performances.
Norfolk Coast
Why it’s great for families: Gentle, sandy beaches and traditional seaside towns like Cromer and Hunstanton are perfect for children. The nearby Norfolk Broads offer boat hire opportunities and family-friendly nature trails.
Must-visit spots: Seal-watching trips from Blakeney, Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary, and the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Why it’s great for families: This coastal national park offers safe, clean beaches, castles to explore, and wildlife adventures like dolphin-spotting boat trips.
Must-visit spots: Tenby’s family-friendly beaches and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for scenic walks.
Yorkshire Coast
Why it’s great for families: Destinations like 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 tales of Dracula.
Must-visit spots: The Scarborough SEA LIFE Centre and Flamborough Head for coastal walks.
Isle of Wight
Why it’s great for families: A short ferry ride adds a sense of adventure. The island is packed with child-friendly attractions waiting to be explored.
Must-visit spots: 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 rides on Lake Windermere are always a hit with children.
Must-visit spots: 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 area’s many outdoor attractions. It’s also a great spot for cycling with dedicated family-friendly paths.
Must-visit spots: 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 historic landmarks. There are plenty of gentle trails for little legs and adventure parks nearby.
Must-visit spots: Chatsworth House and its farmyard, Heights of Abraham (a cable car ride), 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.
Must-visit spots: Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bourton-on-the-Water (dubbed “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, zip-lining, or steamtrain rides. There’s a mix of rugged outdoor fun and child-friendly attractions.
Must-visit spots: Snowdon Mountain Railway, Bounce Below (a giant underground trampoline park), and Llanberis Lake Railway.