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...
Wondering what the best UK holiday destinations for families in 2026 are? Then you’ve come to the right place!
From rolling countryside and charming villages to lively seaside towns and historic cities, the UK has everything you need for a brilliant family break. Whether it’s paddling on a Cornish beach, spotting wildlife in Scotland or walking through a national park, there’s more than plenty of fantastic UK holiday destinations for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Family holidays made up over 26% of all bookings in 2025, and more than 45,000 families have already booked their holiday with us in 2026. To make planning a little easier, we’ve analysed our most booked family-friendly spots for the year so far, highlighting the destinations that holidaymakers have been loving the most!
Keep scrolling to discover the 10 best UK family holiday destinations for 2026…
Family holidays aren’t just about getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they’re also about reconnecting and spending quality time with your nearest and dearest.
With everyday routines often packed full of school runs, work deadlines and household chores, it can be hard to find the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax. Taking a break, even just for a few days, creates space to slow down, talk, laugh and share new experiences as a family.
Time away from home can also have lasting benefits. Whether it’s building sandcastles on the beach, exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying a meal without distractions, these moments help strengthen relationships and create shared memories that stick.
The charity Time Away, which supports families caring for a child with a serious medical condition, often struggling financially and emotionally, by providing a holiday or short break, highlights just how valuable this time can be. In their 2024 impact report, they found that 100% of families taken away with them felt that their family relationships had improved since the break, a powerful reminder of just how meaningful even a short holiday can be.
In short, it’s not just about where you go… it’s about being together!
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 4500 bookings for families already secured for 2026!
Over on the Isle of Anglesey, you’ll find a slower pace of life and some great coastal spots for families. Beaumaris is perfect for a gentle day out, with its impressive castle and scenic waterfront, while Rhosneigr offers sandy beaches and is a popular place for rock pooling and bodyboarding.
Back on the mainland, Snowdonia National Park is all about big views and outdoor fun. Betws-y-Coed is a great base for walking trails and waterfalls, while Llanberis gives you easy access to Snowdon via the mountain railway… ideal if little legs aren’t up for the climb.
Alternatively, the region’s main coastline can also make for a wonderful place to stay, being home to classic seaside towns such as Llandudno and natural landmarks like the Great Orme.
With a mix of coast, countryside and character, North Wales has everything you need for a memorable family escape.
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 in Bowness-on-Windermere, 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.
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 2026 is no different, with over 3500 family holiday bookings so far!
With wild coastlines, picture-postcard harbours, sandy beaches and a warmer climate than most of the rest of the country, 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.
Alternatively, for those of you looking for somewhere a bit quieter, then the village of Crantock can be a wonderful option to consider!
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.
Northumberland is perfect for families in search of space, scenery and a bit of adventure. Known for its quiet beaches, ancient castles and wide-open countryside, it’s a brilliant choice if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.
Kids can let off steam on the golden sands of Bamburgh or Alnmouth, while grown-ups soak up the coastal views. Days out are easy to plan, with favourites like Alnwick Castle, an iconic filming location for the Harry Potter series, and the magical Farne Islands, where you can spot puffins and seals on a boat trip.
For inland adventures, head to Kielder Forest for walking, cycling and stargazing in Europe’s largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Park… perfect if you’re hoping to have a free day out! Whether it’s your first time here or your fifth, Northumberland has something new to uncover every time. Still wondering what is the best holiday destination for kids? With beaches, castles, wildlife and stargazing, Northumberland ticks every box for an unforgettable family break.
From rugged coastlines to ancient forests and lively cities, Scotland is a brilliant all-rounder for family holidays.
The Highlands are perfect for those wanting fresh air and freedom, with plenty of walking trails, lochs and wildlife to discover. Over on the Scottish Islands, you’ll find peaceful beaches and a slower pace of life, making it the ideal location for families looking to switch off. Try the Isle of Skye for dramatic landscapes or the Isle of Mull for its boat trips and chance to spot dolphins and puffins.
Central Scotland offers a mix of history and outdoor fun, with castles, cycle routes and national parks all within easy reach. And if you’re after a family city break, Edinburgh ticks the box with its castle, museums and climbable Arthur’s Seat… all packed into a walkable city centre.
Wherever you end up, Scotland offers just the right balance of adventure, nature and culture to keep all ages happy.
Dorset is a brilliant choice for a family break in the South West, offering a mix of sandy beaches, rolling countryside and historic towns.
Coastal towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth are firm favourites for families, with their long seafronts, classic amusement arcades, fossil hunting hotspots and shallow waters that’re perfect for paddling. Just inland, Dorchester provides a more relaxed pace, with museums, cafés and green spaces to explore. It’s also a great base for visiting local attractions like Monkey World or the Tank Museum.
No trip to Dorset would be complete without seeing Durdle Door, the iconic limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast. It’s a popular spot for a coastal walk or picnic, and older kids will love the sense of adventure it brings.
Whether you’re staying in a quiet village or a bustling seaside town, Dorset delivers a balanced mix of fun and fresh air.
If you’re after a quieter family escape with room to roam, then Mid Wales is a brilliant option to consider. Known for its wide valleys, rolling hills and slower pace of life, it’s a great place to switch off and spend quality time together.
The county of Powys covers much of the region and is packed with walking trails, wildlife and peaceful picnic spots. You’ll also find a number of traditional market towns dotted throughout the area, ideal for picking up local produce or enjoying a relaxed lunch in one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the UK.
Along the coast, Aberystwyth makes a great day out with its classic seafront, cliff railway and long pebbled beach. There’s also a castle to explore and a promenade that’s perfect for a relaxed evening stroll.
Mid Wales might be less talked about than some other parts of the UK, but that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding place to visit with the family.
Few places offer a mix of countryside and coastline quite like the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Coast. It’s a brilliant choice for families who want to balance outdoor adventure with seaside fun.
Inland, the North York Moors provide miles of open space to explore, with walking and cycling trails that are ideal for all ages. You’ll find steam railways, nature reserves and family-friendly pubs scattered throughout North Yorkshire’s picturesque villages and valleys.
Over on the coast, seaside towns like Whitby and Scarborough are packed with things to do. From crabbing on the harbour walls to tucking into fish and chips on the beach, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy. For something a little quieter, East Yorkshire’s Bridlington is great for traditional seaside charm without the crowds.
Whether it’s climbing to the top of Whitby Abbey or paddling on Bridlington’s golden sands, this stretch of the country has all the ingredients for a great family break.
Without a doubt, the county of Devon is a brilliant all-rounder for family holidays. Offering a mix of coast, countryside and easy-going charm, its no wonder that nearly 2000 bookings have already been secured here for the year ahead!
With plenty of things to see and do across both of the county’s beautiful coastlines, it’s no surprise it remains one of the UK’s most popular family holiday spots.
In North Devon, you’ll find long, sandy beaches and classic seaside fun. Woolacombe is perfect for bodyboarding and beach games, while Westward Ho! offers wide open space for kites, picnics and paddling. Over in Ilfracombe, there’s a charming harbour, an aquarium and plenty of spots for crabbing and ice cream.
South Devon is home to picture-perfect coves, boat trips and scenic coastal walks. Towns like Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham are great for a relaxed day out, with waterfront cafés, traditional pubs and family-friendly beaches to explore.
From wild moorland to hidden beaches, Devon offers just the right mix of freedom, fun and fresh air to keep all ages entertained.
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.
All findings in this article are based on internal booking data from Sykes Holiday Cottages.
We analysed family bookings for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to determine how many families have travelled with us and how many have booked as of 24th October 2025. We also calculated the percentage of total bookings that included families.
To identify the most popular regions for families in the UK in 2026, we calculated bookings per property for the calendar year by comparing the number of family bookings with the number of available properties in each region. We then analysed the top three most-booked locations within each region to compile a list of the most popular family destinations.
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!
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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