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It is no secret that when you’re organising a family gathering, there are plenty of ideal destinations in the UK that tick all the boxes. Living in British metropolises, it is easy to forget that the UK is home to awe-inspiring coastlines that rival the beaches of southern Europe and beyond, as well as stunning natural vistas in the form of mountain ranges and endless plush green fields.
In this blog, we rundown the best places in the UK to take your extended family for your next celebration or large scale get together.
1. Lake District
Often referred to as Wordsworth Country due to the poet’s long affiliation and love affair with the region, the Lake District is home to an abundance of forests, mountains and, of course, lakes. Foodies will be pleased to know that it’s also regarded as one of the best places to eat in the UK..
Things to do
The area’s National Park is the most visited in the UK thanks to its many attractions. Partially explore Pennine Way (the path is 268 miles long and stretches from the Peak District, to the Lake District, to Scotland), take a boat ride to Cat Bells or tunnel through Honister Slate Mine – the last of its kind in England. Active families will relish opportunities to mountain bike, kayak, canoe and climb – so pack your outdoor gear!
Places to see
The Lake District is a thriving wildlife habitat; younger members of the clan will love to spot all the different kinds of animals that roam the area, and they’ll be enchanted by Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s home. There are also plenty of great spots to observe the mighty Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.
Places to stay in the Lake District
Explore our family group stays in the Lake District.
2. Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is a land full of natural wonders, including 186 miles of coastline. Yet, it’s also an area steeped in history, with hundreds of ancient landmarks and over 1,600 listed buildings.
Things to do
Tenby – a quaint seaside town – is a great place to make base. Amble down the Pembrokeshire Coast Path – a National Trail – or take a boat out and see if you can spot any seals (or even dolphins) who make the surrounding sea their home. Daredevils won’t want to miss the Pembrokeshire Wake Park, Oakwood Theme Park or Blue Lagoon Water Park in Narberth.
Places to see
Pembrokeshire has some of the best beaches in Wales, including Barafundle Bay and Whitesands. History buffs must visit the UK’s smallest city St Davids, the castles of Pembroke and Carew and Caldey Island, a monk settlement off the coast of Tenby with an impressive abbey and monastery, selling exclusive chocolate and perfume.
Places to stay in Pembrokeshire
Plan an unforgettable family holiday in the Pembrokeshire.
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3. Dorset
53% of Dorset is a delegated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is partially thanks to its jaw-dropping Jurassic Coast. A geographically diverse county, almost every known type of rock can be found here and it’s also home to major UK towns like Bournemouth.
Things to do
There are many sandy beaches in Dorset such as can be found at Lyme Regis, Gundimore, Mudeford and more! Swimmers can also take a dip in the deep aquamarine of The Blue Pool. But it’s not all about swimming and coastlines in Dorset: catch a lift on the nostalgic Swanage steam railway, wander through Moors Valley Country Park and Forest or absorb the history of Lulworth Castle and Park. Corfe Castle is great, too – and it even has a model village version!
Places to see
Lulworth Cove and its limestone archway Durdle Door are sites of incomparable natural beauty, while the Isles of Portland and Purbeck make for a stellar day out. Don’t forget to see the swans at Abbotsbury Swannery or tuck into fish and chips at Chesil Beach.
Places to stay in Dorset
Discover superb family accommodation in Dorset.
4. Cornwall
Cornwall has long been one of the UK’s most popular family holiday destinations. Tourists are endlessly attracted to its unique culture, hundreds of sandy beaches and the charming Cornish Riviera made up of harbour villages like Falmouth.
Things to do
Indulge in the local cuisine: cream teas, pasties and ice cream; spend some time in the Tate Cornwall and Barbara Hepworth museums; get lost in The Eden Project; thrill the children at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Watersport fans, rejoice! There’s no shortage of seaside resorts here; the most exciting being Newquay, St Ives and Bude.
Places to see
Tick Land’s End – the UK’s most westerly point – off your bucket list before you mistake Polkerris Beach for the Meditteranean. Porthcurno is also stunning: spend the afternoon here before catching a performance at the Minack Amphitheatre which lies above the bay. For more cultural delights, see Truro (Cornwall’s only city) and the mythical Tintagel Castle (thought to be the birthplace of King Arthur).
Places to stay in Cornwall
Explore amazing group stays for your next family getaway in Cornwall.
5. Sussex
Made up of the counties of East and West Sussex, this area of southern England is a region renowned for more than just its Duke and Duchess – its culture and coasts, and ease of access from London, make it the perfect destination for your next family gathering.
Things to do
There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Sussex that deserve a mention, including Seven Sisters, West Wittering and the aptly-named Beachy Head. For an outdoors experience to remember, Go Ape Crawley gets you up among treetop canopies, following rope trails and whizzing across zip wires. Alternatively, a day excursion to Brighton – one of the country’s most culturally exciting destinations – is well worth a visit, while Eastbourne and Worthing are also lovely seaside towns.
Places to see
Families of all ages will love exploring Ashdown Forest, especially when they find out it’s the setting of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Other unique landmarks in Sussex include The Long Man of Wilmington, the important cathedral city Chichester and the site of the Battle of Hastings.
Places to stay in Sussex
Discover incredible properties for your next big family holiday in Sussex.
6. Cotswolds
A picturesque rural area in south west England, the Cotswolds are known for medieval villages built from Cotswold stone and miles of rolling hills. Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth, it also neighbours larger towns like Bath and Cheltenham.
Things to do
Explore the area’s rich Roman heritage by visiting their baths, villas and pathways, walk the Cotswold Way National Trail or visit Hayles Fruit Farm and pick ripe, delicious berries. There are also plenty of market towns and hidden gems to discover.
Places to see
The Cotswolds is home to plenty of gardens in bloom including Sudeley Castle’s secret garden and Westonbirt, the national arboretum. Cotswold Wildlife Park has roaming rhinos and giraffes, while Broadway Tower and Cleeve Hill are rife with photo opportunities.
Places to stay in The Cotswolds
Explore wonderful group stays in the Cotswolds for your next big family holiday.
7. Scottish Highlands
This sparsely populated and physically remote area makes for a much quieter family getaway. The Highlands’ mountain ranges and lochs make a tranquil backdrop for a relaxing retreat.
Things to do
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Kids will adore the 84-mile round trip on a Jacobite steam train that crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter franchise. As they do so, maybe some of the adults can slip away to one of the Highlands’ famous whiskey distilleries…. Then all can reconvene for the wonders of Smoo Cave or to see the castles at Dunrobin and Cawdor.
Places to see
No trip to the Highlands is complete without visiting Loch Ness and trying to locate the famous Nessie! If you’ve not got any luck here, perhaps go to Glencoe Valley to watch the deer among the waterfalls, or try spotting dolphins in the Moray Firth. Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest peak – can also be found in this region.
Places to stay in the Scottish Highlands
Find amazing group stays in the Scottish Highlands for your next family getaway.
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8. Peak District
Despite its namesake, the Peak District actually lacks peaks, instead being home to limestone valleys and lush green hills as well as the UK’s first national park and the beginnings of Pennine Way.
Things to do
Leap across the stepping stones at Dovedale before climbing into a cable car to whirr the family up to The Heights of Abraham. This truly is a destination for thrillseekers: cycle trails, rock climbing, paragliding and caving are all extremely popular here. Once you’ve got your heart racing, treat yourself to an authentic Bakewell tart.
Places to see
Mam Tor, Thor’s Cave and Ladybower Reservoir are among the well-travelled natural sites here, however Chatsworth House and Buxton spa town are also must-see man-made landmarks. Poole’s Cavern – a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave – will truly blow your mind.
Places to stay in the Peak District
Plan your next big family getaway in the Peak District.
And those are the UK family holiday destinations that GroupAccommodation.com recommends, proving that the best getaway can be found right on your doorstep! For access to all the best properties in the UK and abroad, sign up to our newsletter today.
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