When planning a family staycation in the UK, there are a wide variety of kid-friendly activities and attractions across the country to discover and explore.
With this in mind, we have put together a few suggestions of places and activities to help you create great memories on your next activity holidays UK staycation with children, ranging from outdoor adventures to unique museums and interactive experiences.
Explore national parks and countryside
- Lake District: Go on a nature walk, enjoy boat rides on the lakes, or visit the Beatrix Potter World in Bowness-on-Windermere.
- Peak District: Perfect for cycling, hiking, and exploring caverns such as Poole’s Cavern in Buxton or the Blue John Cavern in Castleton.
- Snowdonia: Ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway or take on family-friendly hiking trails.
- New Forest: Spot wild ponies, enjoy cycling trails, and visit wildlife parks like the New Forest Wildlife Park.
Beaches and coastal fun
- Cornwall: Visit the Eden Project, explore stunning beaches like Porthcurno, and try family-friendly surfing lessons in Newquay.
- Dorset: Explore the Jurassic Coast, which is famous for fossil hunting, or enjoy a day at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
- Northumberland coast: Perfect for rock pooling and exploring castles like Bamburgh, which features in a Netflix series, or Alnwick, which is the backdrop to the film franchise about a certain young wizard named Harry Potter.
Interactive museums and learning experiences
- The Natural History Museum: A favourite for dinosaur lovers visiting London, with interactive exhibits perfect for kids.
- Eureka! The National Children’s Museum: Designed especially for children, this hands-on museum in Halifax offers exhibits on science, art, and more.
- The Science Museum: Packed with interactive exhibitions for young minds, including space exploration and the Wonderlab gallery.
Zoos, safari parks, and aquariums
- Chester Zoo: One of the UK’s largest zoos, featuring over 35,000 animals and immersive habitats.
- Longleat Safari Park: Drive-through safari with lions, giraffes, elephants, and a stately home and adventure park.
- The Deep: This spectacular aquarium in Hull focuses on marine life and conservation, with sharks and rays among the highlights.
- Bristol Zoo Gardens: One of the world’s oldest zoos, great for seeing endangered species.
Castles and historic sites
- Warwick Castle: A medieval castle offering interactive attractions, jousting shows, and even a dungeon experience.
- Edinburgh Castle: A historic fortress with kid-friendly events and dramatic views.
- Tintagel Castle: This dramatic cliffside setting and its links to King Arthur legends make it great for adventurous kids.
Outdoor adventures and nature reserves
- Wye Valley and Forest of Dean: A wonderful area for outdoor activities like canoeing, forest trails, and the Puzzlewood forest, which inspired films like Star Wars.
- The Cotswolds: Family walks in picturesque villages and attractions like the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens or Birdland Park & Gardens.
- Kew Gardens: Explore treetop walkways, play areas, and the giant glasshouses filled with exotic plants.
Railway journeys
- West Somerset Railway: Take a steam train ride through the stunning Somerset countryside.
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Enjoy scenic views on a heritage steam train from Pickering to Whitby.
- The Jacobite Steam Train: Known as the Harry Potter train, it crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
