Relaxation Hub: The Sights and Sounds of a Staycation
Welcome to Sykes’ Relaxation Hub! A staycation offers the perfect chance to unwind and spend quality time with your...
by Jack Price / Families
Wondering where might be the best place to holiday for families? Look no further than our guide to the best UK holiday destinations for families in 2025!
With bright city lights to dramatic coastlines, there is no better place than the UK to enjoy a family holiday. From the breathtaking scenery of the Welsh mountains to the sub-tropical climate of Cornwall, the possibilities are endless.
We know it’s often difficult to decide where the best place to go on holiday as a family in the UK is, as nothing compares to a UK family holiday! To help, we dug through our bookings for families in 2025 so far and have narrowed down the list based on the amount of bookings per propety.
Read on to discover our guide to the best UK holidays for families in 2025…
First on the list of the best UK holidays for families in 2025 is the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The Scottish Highlands and Islands offer breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of family-friendly activities.
This region has a wealth of unspoiled landscapes, glistening lochs, and some of the best Scottish beaches, which provide an idyllic backdrop for outdoor adventures for the whole family. Families can embark on hikes suitable for all ages, explore iconic sites like Loch Ness, or take in the dramatic vistas of the Isle of Skye.
For attractions to do in the Scottish Highlands, look no further than the UK bucket list attraction, the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, made famous for the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is known around the globe for its appearance in the Harry Potter film series.
If you are a family who loves history, then visit a wide range of incredible Scottish castles in this area, from Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle, with both offering stunning views. Urquhart Castle lies alongside the legendary Loch Ness. Can you spot Nessie while you are there?
Or why not try Scottish Island hopping; from the Isle of Skye to the Isle of Mull, all the islands offer picturesque views, walks and a plethora of wildlife, including the Storr mountain on the Isle of Skye and the Iona Abbey and Nunnery on the Isle of Mull.
With its blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, the Scottish Highlands and Islands promise a truly magical holiday for families in 2025.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our free Scotland Travel Guide for ideas.
Carved by rich history and culture, North Wales is without a doubt one of the best UK holiday destinations for families. It seems that people agree with us, with over 4000 bookings for families already in 2025!
The region plays host to some of the best castles in Wales, including Gwrych Castle, famed for being the 2020 location for I’m a Celebrity and the Wrexham gem of Chirk Castle. Alternatively, you could stick to the coastline to explore the abundance of North Wales coastal walks, home to a number of lighthouses, idyllic seaside towns and miles of beaches that you must visit.
Located in this region is the Snowdonia National Park. Referred to as the ‘Adventure Capital’, here you can climb Wales’ highest mountain, experience the world’s fastest zip wire at Zip World or head underground to unleash your inner thrill seeker at Bounce Below.
During a family holiday here, you can also find a plethora of things to do with the family, free things to do and things to do indoors. Whatever you are looking to do, North Wales is sure to have something for the whole family.
Start planning your next holiday to North Wales with the help of our handy North Wales travel guide.
With exceptional wild swimming opportunities and beautiful waterfall walks, the Peak District National Park is one of the best UK holidays for families!
Spend your UK family holiday exploring the varied landscape spanning 555 square miles, with a wide range of things to see and do. From easy Peak District walks to dog-friendly Peak District walks, there’s no better way to soak in the rural landscapes.
As well as great outdoor opportunities, the Peaks has incredible historical landmarks that the whole family will love! From Chatsworth House to Haddon Hall and Poole’s Cavern, there is a plethora of great things to do in the Peak District National Park.
Families will also be delighted to find an array of towns and villages to visit, including the market town of Bakewell. Best known for its delicious Bakewell Tart, this town also has plenty of tempting activities that all ages will enjoy. You could meander the specialist shops, stroll along the banks of the River Wye or photograph the striking medieval five-arched stone bridge.
Other places to visit include the highest town in England, Buxton, the exciting town of Matlock or the wind through the cobbled streets of Ashbourne.
Find even more romantic things to do with our free Peak District travel guide.
Next up on our guide to the best UK holidays for families in 2025 is Southern Scotland. Offering history, natural beauty and countless engaging activities, we’re excited to see this region become more popular among families!
The region is home to a variety of historical landmarks, such as the majestic Drumlanrig Castle and the fascinating ruins of Melrose Abbey, where families can dive into Scotland’s storied past. Be sure to pay a visit to Hermitage Castle, a 13th-century castle isolated along the hilltops with a history full of murder, treason and much more. If your family are into your history, this is a must visit!
Those looking for a UK family holiday are sure to love Southern Scotland thanks to its rolling hills verdant forests, and which provide the perfect backdrop for exciting outdoor adventures.
Families can enjoy cycling along the picturesque trails of the Tweed Valley, kayaking on Loch Ken, or simply strolling through the lush Galloway Forest Park a designated Dark Sky Park due to its stunning stargazing opportunities. For younger families, head to the fabulous Dalkeith Country Park, with its Fort Douglas Adventure Playground, Go Ape challenge and woodland trails, this is a fun spot for the whole family.
If your family are into motorsport, then don’t miss visiting the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, showcasing the life of one of the best racing drivers Scotland and the UK has ever seen. A two time F1 world champion and Indy 500 winner, view cars associated with Scotland’s first world champion as well as having a go on one of the simulators and testing your skill behind the wheel. For sports fans, this is not to be missed.
Southern Scotland is a perfect family-friendly destination in 2025, offering something special for every generation.
Longing for more holiday activity ideas? Check out our free Scotland Travel Guide for ideas.
It’s no surprise that Cornwall is one of the best UK holidays for families! For years, this independent peninsula has been a family favourite UK holiday destination, and 2025 is no different with over 2000 family bookings for 2025 so far.
With wild coastlines, picture-postcard harbours, sandy beaches and a sub-tropical climate, it is no surprise that families flock from all over to holiday in Cornwall. A popular choice amongst families is the coastal town of Newquay, which rests on the Atlantic coast. Here, you will find five sandy beaches, including Towan, Great Western, Lusty Glaze, and Tulane, all reasonably safe for wild swimming in Cornwall, whilst Fistral Beach is famous for boardmasters’ surfing championships.
Other things to do in Cornwall for families include Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium, and the Lappa Valley Steam Railway, which offers a ride through some of Cornwall’s most spectacular scenery. Alternatively, you could head further along the coast to discover the most enchanting fishing villages and harbours of Perranporth, Portreath, St Ives and Penzance for a memorable stay by the sea.
Scattered across Cornwall are a number of gardens that are sure to be a hit with a family of all ages and tastes, including Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Alternatively, head inland and immerse yourself in the moorland countryside by visiting Bodmin Moor, which is grazed by moorland ponies and houses numerous archaeological remains that are awaiting your discovery.
Are you dreaming of this UK family getaway? Check out our Cornwall travel guide for more holiday inspiration.
Sixth on the list of the best UK holidays for families in 2025 is the area of Mid Wales. This region’s stunning landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration and family bonding.
From the pristine beaches of Cardigan Bay to the gentle walks through the Elan Valley’s scenic reservoirs and waterfalls, the possibilities are endless. This is the perfect area for families who love the outdoors, head to the Brecon Beacons where you will find a wide range of fantastic cycling routes, from beginner trails to advanced routes.
For a truly memorable experience with the family, take a ride on one of the heritage steam railways, such as the Vale of Rheidol Railway, where children and adults alike will marvel at the charming journey through the countryside. This UK family destination also boasts a variety of attractions that everyone will love! Bring the whole family to the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth to learn about sustainable living or explore Powis Castle, which has stunning architecture and enchanting gardens that you can get lost in.
If your family loves wildlife, then book a stay on Ceredigion’s coast, where some of the best beaches in Wales, as well as opportunities to spot dolphins and seals, await. The RSPB Ynys-hir nature reserve also offers fantastic opportunities to discover unique birds and other wildlife.
Mid Wales provides a perfect setting for a family getaway in 2025, combining relaxation with adventure in a truly unforgettable way.
Check out our Wales travel guide for more ideas on what to do during a family holiday in the UK.
For city lovers, countryside explorers and coastal seekers, the North York Moors National Park promises to be one of the best UK holidays for families and over 4,000 families so far agree.
Enjoy a breath of fresh air in the North York Moors National Park and walk the vibrant landscape of moorland, wooded valleys and a dramatic coastline before heading to the seaside town of Whitby.
Steeped in history and home to delicious Whitby fish and chips, Whitby is famous for many things and makes for an outstanding destination for you and your family. Here, you will find the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, the Dracula Experience, and the 199 steps that take you up to the ruins of the Abbey to keep you entertained. You will also find a sandy beach with a number of watersport opportunities.
Alternatively, treat your loved ones to a break to the wonders of Runswick Bay, Robin Hood Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the UK, or Scarborough for even more coastal fun!
Begin planning your next getaway with the help of our North Yorkshire travel guide.
Pack the raincoats, dust off your wellies, and set off for an adventure in the countryside that inspired some of Beatrix Potter’s most famous tales. The Lake District is a much-loved UK holiday destination for families. Whether you are bringing small children or teenagers, this part of the countryside promises countless adventures.
Now a World Heritage Site, this national park is home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Alternatively, you could take in the sights from a traditional steamboat that cruises through a number of tranquil lakes.
For active families, spend an afternoon in Ullswater, which is England’s second-largest lake and offers a magnitude of watersport opportunities, including sailing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Soar through the national park on your mountain bike before refuelling with a slice of the famous Kendal Mint Cake.
Younger members of the family will be delighted by The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, where you will be able to bring to life the magical stories of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck, inspired by the beauty of this national park.
From meandering alongside alpacas to visiting the Derwent Pencil Museum, there are plenty of great things to do in the Lake District for families.
For more inspiration, take a look at our extensive Lake District travel guide!
The South Coast of England is an outstanding choice for family holidays in 2025. With a mix of sunny beaches, charming towns, and fun-filled attractions, it’s easy to see why over 500 families have already secured their getaway to the South Coast in 2025!
If you are looking to get away to this area of the UK because of its stunning coastline, then be sure to explore Bournemouth, Brighton, and Weymouth, all famous for their beaches and countless traditional seaside activities; perfect for a classic seaside getaway. Make sure to pack your trusty bucket and spade and prepare to help the kids build the best sandcastle yet!
There are also a wide range of beaches and coves that offer the chance to enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking for the older members of the family. For a unique coastal adventure, the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites kids to hunt for fossils while learning about the area’s prehistoric past, places like Lyme Regis and West Bay are the perfect places for this.
Beyond the beaches, the South Coast offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions and activities. Historic sites like Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, which features the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, enjoy these incredible museums, with interactive displays to entertain the whole family for the perfect day out.
Families who enjoy the outdoors will love to visit the South Downs National Park, with its rolling hills and picturesque villages, there are a wide range of fantastic walks to tick off, so bring your family pet along as well and enjoy the stunning views of this incredible coastline.
The South Coast of England is a perfect destination for creating cherished memories in 2025.
Check out our free England Travel Guide for more ideas on what to do in this top family holiday destination!
Last but certainly not least in the top 10 of the best UK holidays for families in 2025 is Central Scotland. Home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, where families can learn about Scotland’s rich history.
The region is also home to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh one of the best city breaks in the UK. Take the family for a trip to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified locations in Europe. With a long and rich history, from a royal residence to a prison and fortress, the castle has many tales to uncover, and with a number of eateries offered around the castle, there will be no reason for you to leave; just make sure you don’t become one of the prisoners!
Visitors to Central Scotland must also visit Helix Park to marvel at the spectacular Kelpies, this pair of steel horse heads stand 30 metres high and are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The park offers wide open spaces to enjoy as a family together as well as food and drink options and a gift shop to remember your day out.
Nature enthusiasts will find Central Scotland captivating, with a range of outdoor activities that cater to all ages and interests. The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is also within reach, offering plenty more opportunities for family hikes, picnics by the water, and boat trips to explore the loch’s islands.
Whatever kind of trip you are looking for as a family, the area of Central Scotland has it covered!
Plan your family holiday with the help of our free Scotland Travel Guide.
Feeling inspired by our best UK holidays for families guide? If so, be sure to book with us and choose from many family-friendly holiday cottages. If you are looking for further family holiday inspiration, take a look at our top 10 UK holiday destinations!
by Jack Price / Families
I joined the Sykes team in November 2021, helping to produce content for existing and potential owners. I love a good film, tr...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Welcome to Sykes’ Relaxation Hub! A staycation offers the perfect chance to unwind and spend quality time with your...
Looking for fun Easter activities that the whole family can get involved in? If so, use our guide to...
There are plenty of interesting facts about Diwali to discover ahead of the celebrations in October, a time of...
Are you on the phone to our call centre? Your Customer ID is:
Get involved in the Discussion