A few days away with family can give you memories you’ll cherish forever. And where better to entertain both adults and kids than one of the UK’s beautiful, bustling cities?
We’ve compiled a list of the best city breaks for families in the UK to make your choice easier. Read on, and you just might find the spot for your next family trip!
York
York is an exciting destination for families because it offers opportunities to explore so many eras of history – in fun and unique ways. Jorvik Viking Centre makes the city’s Viking age real, and the York Castle Museum lets kids step into a Victorian street and other recreated historical environments. Braver family members (over the age of 8) can even venture to the top of the Minster’s Central Tower!
York’s Roman walls also provide a scenic walk for adults and some exciting exploration for younger ones. Train buffs both young and old will love the National Railway Museum, and who wouldn’t love a chocolate-making tour? Plus, kids who are fans of historic or fantasy stories will love strolling along the Shambles, York’s quirky medieval street.
Bath
Bath is another city that has strong historical roots in more than one era. Are your children fascinated by ancient Rome? Or perhaps they’re fans of Regency stories?
Either way, they’ll love Bath – a destination that has plenty of attractions specifically tailored to under-18s. Two of its greatest hits are, of course, the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre. Teens might also love Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, an interactive museum and experience exploring this famous Regency story and its writer.
Outdoor beauty is another great appeal of Bath. Adults will enjoy wandering along the beautiful Circus, a row of elegant houses. And all the family can have fun at the Bird of Prey Project, where visitors can handle real owls, hawks and falcons. Why not also plan a picnic or walk through one of Bath’s many beautiful gardens, like Royal Victoria Park?
Lastly, we couldn’t miss mentioning the Egg – a theatre especially for young audiences.
London
Naturally, London has to be on any list of the best UK city breaks for families. Since there are so many museums to choose from, there’s bound to be one to fascinate your kids – whether it’s the Natural History Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum. You’ll probably also want to visit other famous sights like the Tower of London and the London Eye.
But you can also take a more relaxed approach and simply wander through some of the city’s parks and gardens, or go for a boat ride down the Thames. And, of course, there are always lots of family-friendly plays and theatrical performances to choose from.
Portsmouth
For all things nautical, take a family break in Portsmouth – an island city brimming with things to do.
You’ll want to make sure you see the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – a top attraction with loads of appeal for all ages. You can spend all day here visiting the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, the Submarine Museum and much more. Top off your day at the harbour by taking a boat tour!
There are plenty of other activities and sights to see as well, like castles and fortifications, play areas, a skate park and a model village!
Cardiff
The range of different attractions available in Cardiff undoubtedly makes it one of the best city breaks for families in the UK.
Get your fill of historical sites with Cardiff Castle and the fanciful Castell Coch. At St Fagans National Museum of History, you can explore a variety of attractions illuminating Wales’ past, going back to the Celtic era. There’s a 16th-century house, a number of historic buildings and exhibitions of traditional crafts – although you should check what’s open when you’ll be visiting. Best of all, St Fagans is completely free!
More interactive fun is available for kids and adults in locations like the Rhondda Heritage Park Welsh Coal Mining Experience, the Techniquest Science Discovery Centre and Taff Valley Quad Bike and Activity Centre.
Our top tips for planning the best city break for families
The UK’s National Trust and English Heritage manage many historic properties that you might encounter. So, if you’re planning to visit several castles and ancient sites, check to see whether you can buy a pass from one or both of these organisations to save money on individual tickets.
In fact, whenever you’re planning a family outing or holiday, you’ll want to research your destination and itinerary thoroughly – especially if you have young kids who will need naps or feeding at certain times.
However, at the same time, it’s important to be flexible. Sometimes plans go awry when children are involved – so just go with the flow if kids are feeling too energised for the museum on a particular day.
If you’re going on a trip with a larger family group, you can maximise your relaxation and quality time together by choosing a holiday let rather than a hotel. That way, you can unwind together by soaking in a hot tub, swimming in a pool or just watching a film together in your cinema room.
Choosing a holiday cottage a few miles out from the city centre typically gives you more space to spread out, plus more amenities and grounds to make your break truly luxurious.
Book your family break in the city with kate & tom’s
The best UK city breaks for families aren’t just about the location. With kate & tom’s, you can find luxurious, central accommodation that makes your city break truly unforgettable.
When you’re gathering family together and carving out time for a break, you want to make the most of every minute. At kate & tom’s, we’re here to help you do exactly that with a large, luxury retreat that keeps everyone under the same roof.
Take a look at our holiday homes in towns and cities across England and Wales. Or if you have any questions, just reach out to us at [email protected].
