The top family vacation destinations and sights include Giant’s Causeway, the Lake District, the Isle of Wight, the Cotswolds, the Scottish Highlands and excellent spots in Yorkshire. However, the true tourism and exploration experience depends on your preferences, ease of access to the location and overall budget for travel and accommodation of all members onboard. 

Thanks to the rich cultural heritage, historical sites and modern contemporary art scene in the United Kingdom, there is a magical experience travelling around the country with your loved ones. All the destinations are spread across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which make up the entire sovereign state of the United Kingdom. Let’s have a look at the best destinations that you can visit today with your group of family.

Top Destinations To Travel In England

  • Lake District: One of the rarest and UNESCO World Heritage recognised destinations in England, Lake District surely feels like out of the world with its rolling hills and stunning lakes.
  • London: London can not be missed when it comes to family vacation plans. With a variety of museums, nature parks, and famous landmarks, the capital, London, is famous for catering to all age groups.
  • Cornwall: A surprising beach on the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall stands out for its outdoor tourism appeal and outstanding views of the stretching landscape. You can even get a chance to enjoy the St. Ives and Newquay resorts for an ideal family time.
  • Peak District: Ideal for families, this destination offers both a unique sightseeing experience as well as adventure activities. Some of the top attractions include Blue John Cavern, Chatsworth House and the Heights of Abraham cable car.
  • Cotswolds: Remember those storybook villages with peaceful, nice endings? That is exactly how Cotswolds feels like with its mixture of quaint outdoor cycling and walking activities, to picnic plans with your group. Or if you want to go a bit further with the adventure, there is a Cotswolds Falconry Centre that will make your experience highly rewarding.

Where To Travel In Scotland For Family Tourism?

  • Edinburgh: One of the rare yet highly creative cities in Scotland, Edinburgh invites every family member to enjoy Gothic architecture and mysterious cobblestone streets. Do not forget the Edinburgh Castle and all the spectacular landmarks that represent the neoclassical style.
  • Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness: The Scottish Highlands are not short of family-friendly opportunities with their magnificent peaks, lochs and exciting road trips. Especially, you should not ignore the mystery of Loch Ness by booking a tailored exploration package along with a good picnic on a sunny day, right in the Highlands.
  • Loch Lomond: If you love good outdoors, then Loch Lomond boat rides are never an exception. After Loch Ness, this loch is the second best in terms of the natural landscape it surrounds and its breathtaking habitat.
  • Stirling Castle: Another Royal castle in Stirling, Scotland that has been fortified since King Alexander I. With extensive painted interiors, beautiful gardens and rolling hill views from above, Stirling Castle is an open invitation for all age groups.
  • Isle of Skye: Think of rugged landscape with mighty peaks, green lochs and coastline at the same time. That is exactly what the Isle of Skye offers to create a magical and dramatic environment, which can easily make your travel a memorable experience.

Best Places In Wales For Family Tourism

  • Snowdonia National Park: The dramatic landscape of Snowdonia is something that you can see once in a lifetime. So make sure to book a good transport like a minibus or a large coach to arrive at this National Park and peacefully soak in the adventurous experience the destination has to offer.
  • Pembrokeshire Coast: The coastal side of Wales is as beautiful as the sunrise over the Scottish Highlands. From singing sea, sunny days to ancient cliffs telling a variety of stories, the Pembrokeshire Coast is a beautiful sight to explore with your loved ones and kids.
  • Cardiff Castle: Every country in the United Kingdom is known for its castle highlights. Just like Edinburgh Castle, Wales welcomes visitors to enjoy the open spaces and seasonal events. There is even a wartime tunnel that provides great insights into the WW2 era with several interactive exhibits.
  • Folly Farm: Definitely a top family-friendly destination, Folly Farm is an award-winning destination with various attractions available for kids and families to enjoy together. There are multiple experiences like feeding different animals like giraffe, rhino, penguin and even lions. (with expert guidance)
  • Porthmadog: Love yourself some natural outdoor activities? Porthmadog has a lot to offer for large family groups. From scenic views, railway rides to Black Rock sands and the unique village of Portmeirion, there are endless opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends.

What You Should Visit In Northern Ireland With Family?

  • Giant’s Causeway: A top highlight in Northern Ireland, this causeway is a perfect geological and outdoor sightseeing destination. You can also visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle to make the most out of your stay at one of the best coastlines in the United Kingdom.
  • Titanic Belfast: Just because London hosts more museums, it does not mean Northern Ireland does not have any. The iconic Titanic Belfast is an awe-inspiring sight to see for both its architecture and the exhibitions inside.
  • Marble Arch Caves: Dating back hundreds and millions of years, these caves offer a guided tour showcasing the interior formations and their unique features. The tour even provides a short boat ride, making the overall experience comfortable and educational for everyone.
  • Carrickfergus Castle: Castles are a staple in the United Kingdom’s landscape, stitched by city to city. That is why we strongly recommend visiting Carrickfergus Castle to enjoy the medieval backdrops and learn about its important military influence in the region.
  • Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens: This museum invites tourists from all over the world to enjoy some of the creative exhibits you can find all across the United Kingdom. The museum even hosts specialised tours, events and workshops that are a decent family fun.

How To Plan Your Perfect Family Holiday In The UK?

Now, who does not love visiting all the famous places in the UK? However, it all boils down to planning the number of destinations you can visit per day, the duration of your vacation, the type of transportation, accommodation, and budget. The last thing that you want to go through is a stressful experience because of an unplanned transport or accommodation.

  1. Make sure to book a reliable transport, like a minibus hire, for your family instead of public transport. With private transportation, you will not only be able to reach all kinds of destinations, but also ensure the safety and comfort of all members, along with the luggage.
  2. A good UK itinerary requires 7 - 10 days to enjoy all the major highlights of different regions without rushing. Factoring in the stop-bys for kids and hours of travel, you do not want to miss out on the true experience the United Kingdom has to offer and settle into each new location.
  3. Always book your transport and accommodations ahead of time. Most travellers make the mistake of last-minute bookings, which leads to higher quotes and cancellations. Confirm all of your travel plans, accommodations and number of passengers at least a week in advance to keep a safe side from last-minute hassle.
  4. Also, prioritise destinations that are easy to access and within your budget. Make sure the activities you choose are child-friendly, safe and affordable for your overall budget. Look for the attractions or exhibits that are free, which will allow you to save money for other paid sightseeing opportunities that are paid.
  5. Pack your luggage for the unpredictable UK weather. Whether you are travelling in the summer or autumn shoulder season, the weather can change dramatically from sunshine to rain. That is why you should pack waterproof jackets, an extra pair of shoes, umbrellas and layers for a safe and comfortable travel between destinations.

All in all, the United Kingdom offers a plethora of opportunities for family vacations that blend natural beauty with decades-old history and relaxing visuals. You just have to research different options of destinations and even local festivals to better enjoy the vacation experience together with your family.

Hamza Ali
Written by

Hamza Ali

Hamza Ali is a marketing executive & author at Hire A Minibus With Driver, bringing years of experience crafting content & impactful marketing campaigns.