Travelling with toddlers and young children is both challenging and immensely rewarding. The wonder of seeing the world anew through their eyes is a special experience, but let’s face it, hardly a relaxing one. The good news is, having a young family means you’re lucky enough to travel when you wish, without having to wait for half term or the summer holidays. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the attractions when they are quieter. If you’re planning a trip, take a read through our guide to the best UK destinations with the specific needs of families with toddlers and young children in mind, focusing on places with genuine kid-friendly attractions, easy accessibility, and a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities.
Short Breaks with Toddlers
There are so many great little breaks to be had in the UK. Toddler-friendly holidays will ideally offer a variety of experiences, from gentle countryside walks, to animal encounters, to first trips to the seaside.
1. The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest is a fantastic location to visit with a young child. It has wide open spaces, gentle walking trails, and the famous free-roaming ponies that children love to spot. There are so many things to do in the New Forest, making it a fantastic destination for families with toddlers.
- New Forest Wildlife Park: This park is a hit with children. Its interactive exhibits and friendly animals are also a plus. Under 3s are free.
- Lyndhurst’s Reptile Centre: An exciting spot for little ones to see snakes, lizards, and other reptiles up close.
- Pepper Pig World: Outdoor play with iconic characters, fairground rides and splash pads.
2. Cotswolds, South-West England
The Cotswolds is another UK break to consider visiting with a toddler. The picturesque villages have gentle walks perfect for little legs. The area boasts a range of family-friendly attractions, such as wildlife parks and interactive museums, which are sure to captivate young minds. The abundance of green spaces, riverside spots, and safe play areas provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of the most unique places to stay in the UK.
- Cotswold Wildlife Park: Toddlers can experience hands-on feeding sessions, get an up-close look at farm animals, enjoy mini-train rides, and play in the dedicated under-5s area.
- Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway: There are special events for children throughout the year, including a journey to the ‘North Pole’ on the Santa Express.
- Chipping Norton Lido: Take a dip in a fantastic outdoor pool. It’s heated, lifeguards are on duty, and there is a snack bar with ice cream for a treat, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your little ones.
3. Pembrokeshire, South-West Wales
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With stunning coastlines and gentle walks perfect for little legs, Pembrokeshire is ideal for a staycation. With its beautiful beaches, the area boasts a range of family-friendly attractions, such as adventure farms and interactive visitor centres. The abundance of sandy shores, coastal trails, and safe play areas provide plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
- Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo: Toddlers can enjoy a day of fun with animal feeding sessions, vintage funfair rides, and a giant indoor play barn. Under 2s are free, and there’s pushchair hire if you want to avoid bringing your own.
- The Bug Farm: With indoor and outdoor exhibits, the team showcases the wonders of creepy crawlies. Let the kids get up close and personal with them or run off some steam in the play barn.
- Tenby’s North Beach: A beautiful sandy beach with rock pools, perfect for paddling and building sandcastles, and nearby cafes for treats.
4. Lake District, Cumbria
The Lake District features picturesque lakes, gentle walking paths, and scenic boat rides that are perfect for little ones. It’s a great place to introduce toddlers to the joys of the great outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Plus, you can take the whole family, with plenty of exciting dog walks. Take care to check that these are buggy-friendly before setting out!
- World of Beatrix Potter Attraction: A delightful experience where children can see classic characters come to life. There’s also the famous afternoon tea party.
- Child and Buggy-friendly Walks: There are over 40 laidback and easy walking routes, ideal for families.
- Lakes Aquarium: With the UK’s most extensive collection of freshwater fish, you start by arriving at the aquarium by boat or steam train.
5. Inverness, Scotland
Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, is a fantastic destination for families with toddlers, wth accessible outdoor spaces and plenty of activities tailored for younger children. The city’s compact size makes it easier to explore on foot, and numerous parks, museums, and entertainment cater to young families’ needs.
- Whin Park: A peaceful haven with several outdoor play areas, suitable for different ages. You could also feed the ducks, take a picnic, or take a ride on the Ness Island Railway.
- Loch Ness: A short drive from Inverness, offering beautiful views and gentle walking paths, or take a boat trip where little ones can search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
- Aquadome: A small outdoor and two larger indoor swimming pools with waves, flumes, a lazy river, jets, geysers and a toddler pool.
6. County Down, Northern Ireland
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County Down is a hidden gem for families with toddlers. It offers a mix of scenic coastal spots, beautiful gardens, and enticing activities. The area’s natural beauty, historic sites, and outdoor attractions provide a wonderful setting for family adventures.
- Mount Stewart Gardens: Expansive gardens with themed areas are perfect for a leisurely stroll with little ones. Accessible buggy-friendly paths around the lake and gardens lead up to the Natural Play Area.
- Exploris Aquarium: Discover tropical fish, jellyfish, and sting rays, as well as interactive touch pools and a soft play area. There’s also a seal sanctuary.
- Crawfordsburn Country Park: Provides easy walking trails through a wooded glen with a waterfall, picnic areas, and two beaches, perfect for a family day out.
7. York, North Yorkshire
York is a charming historic city. Its compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy for families to explore. York has interactive museums, beautiful gardens, and many points of interest catering to younger visitors. It is a perfect destination for a city break with toddlers.
- National Railway Museum: A hit with train-loving toddlers, featuring miniature railways, model train sets, and hands-on exhibits. In the play area, you can build your own train or sell tickets for a train ride.
- Murton Park: This park has a great play area, cafe, barns with tractors and farming equipment, a small indoor soft play area for under 5s, some animals, a nature trail, a small fairy area and troll bridge, and some amazing living history areas.
- Piglets Adventure Farm: Tractor rides, mini golf, adventure playground and a play barn where toddlers can bounce around. The biggest draw is seeing lambs and piglets with petting and feeding times.
8. Bath, South-West England
Bath is a wonderful destination for young children. The city’s beautiful architecture and green spaces provide a picturesque backdrop for a family holiday, while the range of child-friendly interests ensures something for everyone.
- Egg Theatre: A dedicated theatre for children with an excellent café. There are often shows and storytelling for toddlers.
- Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park: With over 200 animals, a Dinosaur Valley and a fantastic array of adventure play, it’s a great day out for families with small kids.
- Westonbirt: A beautiful place to explore, with activity trails and a play area with a wooden ship, ladders and slides.
9. Ilfracombe, Devon
Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town that offers a mix of outdoor adventures and toddler-friendly attractions. Its sandy beaches, coastal walks, and tourist attractions make it ideal for a laid-back family holiday. Need more inspiration, see our holiday guide to Devon and Cornwall.
- Ilfracombe Aquarium: This small, child-friendly aquarium is in the Old Lifeboat House on the harbour. It features interactive displays and local marine life.
- Borough Farm Dog & Falconry Displays: From June to September, there is a sheepdog show every Wednesday, demonstrating the amazing skills of the farmers’ dogs, as well as falconry and birds of prey displays.
- Watermouth Castle: A family theme park and castle with gentle rides, play areas, a fairy museum and a variety of shows.
10. Newquay, Cornwall
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Newquay is a lively seaside town known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. With miles of golden sand, dog-friendly beaches, and numerous family-oriented entertainment options, it’s a fantastic destination for a fun-filled holiday with young children.
- Newquay Zoo: Most of the zoo is accessible by pushchair. See over 130 animal species, interactive exhibits, and a toddler’s play area with swings, climbing frames and slides.
- Blue Reef Aquarium: Home to a variety of marine life, with an underwater tunnel where you can see a giant octopus, turtles and sharks. Steps are available for tots who want to climb up and see the fish swimming in their tanks.
- Lappa Valley Steam Railway: This has miniature steam train rides, outdoor play, soft play, and regular free activities.
Baby Friendly UK Holidays
Planning ahead is key to a memorable family holiday with toddlers and young children – but so is flexibility. Book your accommodation as early as you can, take advantage of special offers on family-friendly activities, but try to go with the flow when things don’t unfold exactly as you planned. With so many fantastic UK holiday destinations, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories with your little ones.
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