The best UK family travel destinations for every month of the year
At this time of year, I always start thinking about holidays. With Christmas behind us, the next break is much needed. During 2018, we probably won’t venture much further than the UK. And it’s easy to think that a UK holiday could be ruined by the weather. But whatever time of year you go, UK family travel bloggers have some suggestions for the perfect UK destination.
January
Ayrshire: “I’d suggest Ayrshire in January. It’s the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs and get out in to the fresh air. We just loved our rambles on the beach, cycling around distant islands and bowls of hot sticky toffee pudding as a treat afterwards.” Review – global mouse travels.
Edinburgh: “You can choose from Hogmanay, New Years, Burns night celebrations (the National Museum does family friendly versions), and the Christmas market is open until 7th January.” Review – have kids will travel.
February
Butlins, Minehead: “We loved Butlins in February purely because it doesn’t matter that the weather is dull and grey as there’s SO much to do inside. My daughter constantly asks when we can go back as she loved it so much.” Review – Twinderelmo.
March
Cornwall: “I would recommend Cornwall in March, particularly if you are travelling with a dog. There are some amazing beaches in the far South West of England but families with a pooch will find it difficult to access some of the most beautiful ones during the peak holiday season. Aside from the coastline, Cornwall has some brilliant family attractions and you’re less likely to be battling the crowds at Easter than in the summer.” Review – Tin box Traveller.
Peak District: “We love visiting the peaks in spring. There are so many beautiful walks that are perfect to walk in spring. There are also plenty of indoor activities for rainy days like visiting the national trust Hardwick Hall or Chatsworth House, good in any weather. And why not indulge in a Bakewell tart in the picturesque town of Bakewell??” Review – wandermust family.
April
Barmouth Bay, Wales: “The weather has always been good for us in April. Portmeirion is stunning and there’s loads to do, including beautiful beaches and walks.” Review – That British Betty.
May
Coombe Mill, Cornwall: “Living on a working farm and helping with the new baby animals was such a magical experience.” Review – Edspire.
Loch Ness, Scotland: “Warm and mostly dry and before the midges hit. We found so much to do from the Loch Ness monster, dolphins, battles and waterfalls to a Harry Potter train.” Review – My boys club.
Scottish Islands: “It’s the driest time of year in Scotland (from experience) and you can enjoy some amazing (and quiet!) beaches.” Review – Monkey and Mouse.
Scotland: “We visited Scotland in May and it was the perfect time. There were hardly any midges, the weather was perfect – it was dry for the majority of our road trip. We visited Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and Arisaig. The beaches were stunning, (we even managed to get in the sea!) it was relatively quiet too and so much to see and do. We loved every minute of our visit.” Review – Otis and us.
Perthshire, Scotland: “The weather in May was perfect for the duration of our holiday. The area is stunning and the self-catering accommodation we stayed in was second to none.” Review – Plutonium Sox.
Ross on Wye, Herefordshire: “We had a May break at Mad Dogs Glamping in Ross on Wye and if was lovely and quiet in a beautiful setting for spring adventures.” Review – side street style.
June
Weymouth: “All the fun of the seaside without all the crowds.” Review – Mum of 2.5.
Bridlington, Yorkshire: “We love Bridlington in June. It’s always warm enough to be out and about but you don’t experience the over crowding that July and August bring.” Review – our bucket list lives.
Lindisfarne, Northumberland: “It’s a part of the country I’d never visited before, but it was such a beautiful area we’ll definitely head there again. Whilst we were there, we spent a day on Lindisfarne Holy Island. This fascinating island has great historical significance and the coastal views are stunning.” Review – Plutonium Sox.
July
Hoburne, Devon Bay: “The swimming pool, the entertainment and the sound of the steam train choo-chooing across the bay…” Review – Confessions of a crummy mummy.
Dorset: “We loved Dorset in July. The weather was perfect – hot and sunny, so we were able to go swimming in the sea, and have fab days out at places like Brownsea Island. The beaches are gorgeous in Dorset – a lot of them are shingle, but they are relatively quiet – even in the school holidays. We went to West Bay where Broadchurch was filmed, Brownsea Island, Weymouth and drove along Jurassic Coast Drive, stopping off at bays and beaches whenever we fancied. Everywhere we went, there were people swimming in the sea, people out and about on boats – it was honestly like being abroad!!” Review – Kiddieholidays.
August
Newquay, Cornwall: “For it’s variety of beaches and waves!” Review – My monkeys don’t sit still.”
Butlins, Bognor Regis: “It’s almost always sunny, right by the beach everything within walking distance and plenty to do for all the kids (plus very breastfeeding friendly!) we’ve been for the last 9 years in a row.” Review – The mummy toolbox.
Whitby, Yorkshire: “We love a visit to Whitby any time of year but it’s a perfect place to visit in August. It’s full of character, history and charm. All against the backdrop of the stunning Whitby Abbey. On a warm day we can spend hours on the beach playing in the sand, taking a donkey ride, or eating fish and chips from paper. Toward the end of August, the Whitby Folk Festival is on and there are loads of free, live street performances.” Review – Yorkshire Tots.
Dumfries and Galloway: “There are fewer midges than further north in Scotland, and summer’s a great time for exploring the Galloway Forest Park’s 373 square miles of unspoilt beauty. Wild rabbits, red kites, deer and even badgers and hedgehogs are fairly easy to spot at this time of year. The Scottish Alternative Games – the Lowlands’ answer to the Highland Games – are held at the beginning of the month, in New Galloway, where you can watch locals battling it out with a gird ‘n’ cleek, or heaving tractors along using their bare hands. The area’s a bit of a hidden treasure, and even in August, it still feels quiet, calm and very peaceful.” Review – the pigeon pair and me.
Kielder Forest, Northumberland: “This is the perfect destination for disconnecting from technology. There’s no phone signal for miles around, so the whole family is forced to put down their devices and get back in touch with nature instead.” Review – Plutonium Sox.
September
St Ives, Cornwall: “We love St Ives throughout the year, but our last trip in September was just perfect. You still have great weather and can enjoy the beach, but without the crowds of high summer.” Review – Hot pink wellingtons.
The Cotswolds: “The Cotswolds in early autumn are so beautiful. Take long country rambles and explore the pretty villages. And Autumn’s crisp evenings are perfect for cosying up in a country pub.” Review – untold morsels.
The Isle of Wight: “The perfect place to go with both children and dogs. So many places are dog friendly and there is plenty for children to do. It’s a stunning island and we could happily live there.” Review – Plutonium Sox.
October
Centerparcs: “Centerparcs in October was perfect for us! The weather wasn’t great but having that autumnal feel was quite magical and we were still able to walk around in the woods without getting too cold or wet!” Review – Me, him, the dog and a baby.
Bosinver Cottages, Cornwall: “Autumn in Cornwall is less crowded than the summer months but there is so much to do. We lucked out with the weather and had blue skies and crisp, dry days mainly.” Review – Hello baby blog.
Peak District: “The whole area looks stunning in the autumn.” Review – five adventurers.
Snowdonia: “We went to Snowdonia and Portmeirion this October and loved it because it was so quiet and peaceful.” Review – side street style.
Blackpool: “I’m sure you’ve all heard about Blackpool illuminations, maybe it was from your parents talking about turning the lights off like it was mine. They really are pretty spectacular and worthy of a visit, your little ones will be in awe! Lights aside, there is so much to do, you’ll be hard pressed to fit it all into a weekend.” Review – Have kids will travel.
November
Centerparcs: “I love Centerparcs in November for Winter Wonderland. The whole place has lights, decorations and is SO festive. There is Father Christmas’ Grotto and REAL REINDEER!” Review – Katy Kicker.
Bluestone, Wales: “There is nowhere better than Bluestone to get outdoors and active in the Winter. Every booking includes a visit to Santa’s Kingdom of the Elves, which young children will love. There’s plenty to do indoors if the weather is awful too, including the swimming pool, spa and adventure centre.” Review – A Winter visit to Bluestone – Plutonium Sox.
The Lodges at New House Farm, Sussex: “We stayed at The Lodges at New House Farm in November but any winter month would be great as all lodges have log fires. You get a delicious warm pastry basket delivered each morning and in the Summer, there is an outdoor pool and hot tub (which will be covered for all year use soon).” Review – Emmy’s mummy.
Christchurch and the New Forest: “To make the most of the last bit of autumn as the leaves are dazzling.” Review – Have kids will travel.
December
Bluestone, Wales: “This is a perfect place for December. Even if South West Wales doesn’t seem that appealing in Winter, Bluestone is full of Christmas cheer as it turns into the Kingdom of the Elves. Packed with festive program , an indoor fun pool and activity centre it’s fun for all ages.” Review – Zena’s suitcase.
Northumberland: “A cottage break in Northumberland is perfect over Christmas – roaring fires, brisk coastal walks on unspoilt beaches, fish and chips in the car looking out to sea, winter wildlife and country pubs to hide away in.” Review – North East Family Fun.
