Looking for ways to make the most of the school holidays and time with the family? Look no further! We’ve got great boredom-busting ideas for fun-packed family breaks to keep kids of all ages entertained, amused and even educated (but don’t tell them that!).
Some of the best days out in Britain are also completely free and, with rooms from only £35 per night, you can treat your family to a short break without breaking the bank.
Family breaks in the UK
Theme Parks in the UK
Our great value hotels near theme parks across the UK turn fun days out into weekend breaks for the whole family!
Most are only a short drive away from these popular attractions, and offer everything you need for great family getaways, from mouth-watering meals to free Wi-Fi and super-comfy beds.
Natural History Museum
See your children’s faces light up at the Natural History Museum as they come face-to-face with full-sized dinosaurs to the tiniest insects.
National Railway Museum
Boys and girls of all ages will have fun climbing onto full-sized and miniature trains at the National Railway Museum in York.
Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
A great Nottingham attraction, Wollaton Hall is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion, brimming with centuries of history and adventure.
Days out with small children
Britain is full of wonderful things for the under 5s - it took us some time to pick our favourites. Here’s our favoruites for pre-schoolers and bigger kids too!
Eureka! Halifax
With over 400 interactive exhibits for kids aged 0-11, this museum in Halifax is the perfect spot for a fun family day out. Explore the museum’s six themed zones – from the Spark Gallery to the Soundspace.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is a fantastic family day out, with over 20,000 varieties of animal to see. There are also lots of talks and exhibitions to inspire the next generation of budding David Attenboroughs.
Days out with teenage kids
Computers and mobiles away – it’s time for action with these thrill-filled days out your teen will love.
Beamish Museum
A working museum in North East England inhabited by costumed demonstrators from Victorian and Edwardian times. Head to the Pit Village, have a go at driving a Beamish tram and bake your own bread!
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is the ultimate short break for families with teenagers. Scream your way through the adrenaline rushes of famous rides like Oblivion and Nemesis.
Rainy day activities for the family
While you can’t always rely on the weather, you can make sure it doesn’t spoil your family fun when you pick one of our favourite places for rainy days.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Wands at the ready, all aboard the Hogwarts Express at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden. Experience the magic of the mindblowing film sets, iconic costumes and even sample Butterbeer!
Madame Tussauds
Mingle with a dazzling variety of stars at one of Madame Tussauds’ famous waxwork museums. Get to pose with royalty and mingle with your favourite celebrities.
Cultural attractions for the family
These great cultural hotspots are so much fun that they won’t even realise they’re learning!
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Often named the best place in the world to see sculpture, every year 400,000 visitors come to Yorkshire’s 500 acre Sculpture Park. Come and combine culture, exercise and fresh air.
The Roman Baths
The centrepiece to any visit to the wonderful City of Bath, the Roman Baths are a fascinating insight into Roman life. There are even actors in costume, ready to bring Roman culture to life.