Planning a holiday with toddlers is very exciting. Not only will you get the chance to create memories to last a lifetime, but it also gives you and your youngster the chance to explore the wonderful UK. Whether they love running around in the countryside or like to build sandcastles on the beach, there’s so much to do.
Of course, going on holidays with all the family also comes with a unique set of challenges. Kids aged between two and three are generally little balls of energy, which means it’s essential to plan a getaway that provides plenty to keep them entertained.
From beach breaks in Cornwall to family-friendly holiday parks – which come complete with swimming pools, soft play and travel cots – you’ll find a wide range of amenities suitable for young children in the UK. So, if you are looking to spend quality time with the entire family without the worry of entertainment, you’re in for a treat…
At kate & tom’s, we understand that travelling with toddlers requires a unique approach. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best baby and toddler-friendly holidays, featuring destinations across the UK. As well as location ideas, we’ve thrown in a wide range of toddler-friendly attractions the whole family can enjoy. All you need to do is pack the car!
Sandcastles and surf: Family-friendly holidays in Cornwall
Blue Flag beaches and nostalgia-soaked seaside towns make Cornwall one of the best holidays for 2-year-olds, babies and older children. Challenge your little ones to a sandcastle-building competition on the beach before cooling off with a splash in the surf. Not to mention beautiful coastal walks to discover, including lots of pram-friendly options and outdoor play areas.
Big-ticket attractions like the Eden Project promise a fun-filled day, rain or shine. Does your toddler love animals? Take them to meet animals at Newquay Zoo and discover vibrant underwater ecosystems at Blue Reef Aquarium. There’s also plenty of other local attractions you can visit while you’re there.
When it’s time to regroup and recharge, return to your cosy Cornwall cottage for some well-deserved peace and quiet. Put the kids down for a nap and relax out on the terrace. A glass of wine in the sunshine or a dip in the pool is the perfect way to finish your day.
Hunt for fossils in Dorset
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of the best places in the world to hunt for fossils. Pint-sized explorers will love combing local beaches near Charmouth and Lyme Regis in search of ancient relics.
When you’ve had your fix of palaeontology, head to Monkey World in Wareham to come face-to-face with cheeky primates. Or, if your little ones prefer playing in the sea, we’d recommend checking out Weymouth Beach for fun in the (hopefully) sun.
Once you’ve worn yourself and your little explorers out, bring the crew back to your Dorset holiday cottage and wind down for the evening. To keep your children’s bedtime routine, you can pre-book baby baths, changing mats, travel cots, bed guards and high chairs. If you want some extra safety, you can also request stair gates. Dorset is a great place to make unforgettable memories with the whole family.
A baby and toddler-friendly coastal escape to Pembrokeshire
If you prefer rugged coastal seascapes over rolling hills, you’ll love Pembrokeshire in Wales. Check into a luxury cottage near the coast and enjoy windswept beach walks and cosy nights by the fireplace. Watch as your toddler explores the breathtaking surroundings of one of the UK’s most beautiful coasts.
Why not start your day before breakfast? You can grab a bite at a quaint little café in town. Then, once you’re all fuelled up and the baby is fed, take a walk to the park and check out the local attractions and playgrounds. If the weather isn’t playing ball, there are indoor soft play centres you can book to keep the children entertained while the parents have a cuppa.
If you want to go that extra mile, attractions like Pembroke Castle promise hours of entertainment for high-energy toddlers. It’s one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Wales and features a maze of tunnels, passages and stairways just waiting to be discovered. The combination of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions makes Pembrokeshire one of the best baby and toddler holidays in the UK for 2-year-olds.
Discover the magic of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District
The Lake District has enchanted artists and authors for centuries, including beloved English writer Beatrix Potter. Kids and parents love the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, which brings the magic of characters like Peter Rabbit to life.
Beyond Beatrix Potter, the Lakes offer plenty of outdoor activities to keep little ones busy. Enjoy scenic lakeside strolls, go on a Gruffalo hunt in the forest, or set sail on a boat cruise and explore the fantastic adventure playground at Lowther Castle. If you want a day to chill, check out one of the local soft play centres or swimming baths.
But that’s not all; even after your day of discovery has ended, the fun continues when returning to one of our Lake District holiday homes. Once the kiddies are fed and everyone’s in bed, indulge yourself with a dip in the hot tub or enjoy the space the cottage’s large swimming pool. The Lake District is a fantastic destination for young families.
Explore storybook villages in the Cotswolds
From Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water to Cirencester and Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds is dotted with storybook towns and villages. The region is famous for outdoor playing areas and ice cream, making it one of the best holidays for 3-year-olds and babies. For parents, treats like Gloucester Old Spot pork, Bibury trout and Stinking Bishop cheese will have your mouth watering.
Budding animal enthusiasts love meeting giraffes, rhinos and other exotic species at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. If you’ve decided you want to take a break from the norm, why not take the kids to the Diddly Squat Farm Shop – the location of the hit TV show Clarkson’s Farm? Enjoy the beautiful scenery and pick up some fresh produce.
Fancy some downtime? Travelling with a baby and toddler is no easy feat, and sometimes you might want to find some peace and quiet at your holiday abode. Relax and put your feet up at a Cotswolds holiday home – it’s ideal if you each want your own space and time to re-live the day.
Adventure awaits in Somerset
Somerset is another one of the best baby-friendly holidays in the UK. Perfect for toddlers and older children too, why not take a walk on the wild side at Longleat Safari Park? Home to more than 120 species, the drive-through safari park allows you to get up close with cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys, and more. The driving element makes this a fantastic activity for younger kids. Little ones will be in their element at Wookey Hole Caves, a unique family attraction that showcases a hidden subterranean world.
If you fancy doing something different during your family holiday to Somerset, we’d recommend taking the children to The Fleet Air Arm Museum – home to some of the most famous aircraft in the world. You can all learn about naval aviation while also meeting some of the volunteers.
Urban fun: the best baby-friendly holidays in London
What better place to entertain a baby and toddler than London? Chef-driven restaurants come complete with changing tables and high chairs, while trendy bars aren’t the only draw in the capital. However, if you can secure a babysitter for the night, you’re free to explore this side of the city. London is one of the top destinations for baby and toddler holidays, thanks to its abundance of family-friendly activities, including a diverse range of museums in the West End, soft play centres, outdoor play areas in the South, and even outdoor swimming pools in Hampstead Heath.
Be amazed by majestic African lions at London Zoo and watch sharks, turtles and rays cruise through crystalline tanks at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. For an adorable afternoon pre-book the Paddington experience and explore the Pawprint Trail. It celebrates the much-loved children’s book character, Paddington Bear, and takes you past a series of charming sights and attractions.
Finish with a trip to Hamleys, the legendary London toy store, where your little one can purchase their very own Paddington Bear. Whatever your day includes, you and all the family will have a great time in London, you’ll be planning your next family holiday before you even come home!
London isn’t all hustle and bustle. There’s also plenty of space to relax at larger properties just outside of the capital. Reserve your stair gates, bed guards, changing mats, baby baths and any other baby and toddler paraphernalia you might need to make your stay even more enjoyable.
Toddler-friendly activities on the Northumberland coast
If you want to escape reality, Northumberland is a top choice for a family-friendly holiday in the UK. Head to the peaceful Bamburgh beach, which stretches from Bamburgh castle down to Seahouses, providing ample space to find your little corner for your baby or toddler to enjoy. From Seahouses, you can take a boat trip around the Farne Islands, where you’ll see a variety of wildlife, including puffins and seals.
If you’re travelling with older children, be sure to stop by Alnwick Castle nearby too. The majestic building was used as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, most notably the lesson where Harry learns to fly his broomstick!
Northumberland is a baby and toddler-friendly holiday destination that all the family will enjoy. From beautiful forest adventures to long walks to a historic site, you’re little ones (and you) will have a ball.
Plan a toddler-friendly staycation with kate & tom’s
Travelling with toddlers doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort, if anything, it’s a good chance to have a change of scenery and enjoy some quality time together. At kate & tom’s, we’ve selected a range of luxury, toddler-friendly holiday cottages designed to meet the needs of young families with toddlers and babies.
Our large cottages feature spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens and private gardens, making it easy to maintain your routine while you’re away. You can also pre-book baby and toddler-friendly facilities such as high chairs, stair gates and travel cots.
After a day of sightseeing with toddlers in tow, there’s nothing more relaxing than returning to a home away from home. If you have a water baby or a toddler learning to swim, why not book one of our homes with a swimming pool?
If you need any help finding toddler-friendly holidays in the UK, we have a team of staycation experts on hand to help. Email [email protected] today to discuss your needs and learn more about planning the best holidays for toddlers.
