10 Family Road Trips Across the UK for Scenic, Easy Adventure

Cornwall lends itself brilliantly to family road trips, with wide beaches for rock pooling, dramatic coastal viewpoints and plenty to do whatever the weather. Build in a day at the Eden Project for rainforest biomes and hands-on trails, then head to Newquay Zoo for close-up animal encounters before rounding things off with fish and chips by the sea.

Where to stay: The Headland Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel designed for all ages. Rooms range from family suites to spacious cottages, and the state-of-the-art AquaClub is home to no less than six pools, including a dedicated children’s splash pool, making it an easy choice for a pre-dinner dip.

For one of the best scenic drives in Britain, head to South Devon, home to sandy coves, gentle coastal paths and picturesque villages. Pair beach time with a day at Paignton Zoo, short clifftop wanders and village pit stops for an ice cream treat.

Where to stay: Thurlestone Hotel is a true family favourite, with rooms and suites that offer bunk beds, cots and connecting options. Families will also get a children’s welcome bag and other extras, while the Big T’s Surf Club runs during school holidays for those aged five to 12.

If you want a reset with big attractions close together, then opt for the South Coast. Visit Brighton’s SEA LIFE, the world’s oldest aquarium, swap the city buzz for Seven Sisters Country Park and add Drusillas Park into the mix when you want both animals and rides. It’s the kind of child-friendly holiday where laughs are guaranteed and the driving distances remain blissfully short.

Where to stay: At Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, located further west along the Sussex coast, families can roam 30 acres of private parkland, spark a little friendly competition with croquet, tennis or quoits, or wander down to Climping Beach.

The New Forest is for families who want time outdoors without anything too demanding: flat cycling, picnic spots, woodland walks and constant pony spotting. Pay a visit to Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum, the ultimate treat for car-mad younger – and older – family members, then keep the rest of the trip simple with trails and snack stops when little legs need a rest.

Where to stay: Perched on the southeastern edge of the forest, The Montagu Arms combines a welcoming atmosphere with a dedicated children’s playroom, workshops, special menus and a Children Stay Free offer on selected breaks.

The quintessential UK adventure break, Snowdonia is one big playground: gentle lake walks for pram-friendly days, bigger thrills for older children and brilliant alternatives for when the weather is unkind. Hop on board the Llanberis Lake Railway, explore the medieval fortress Caernarfon Castle and then head to Zip World Llechwedd for slate cavern expeditions that feel almost otherworldly.

Where to stay: Palé Hall Hotel is a polished base that works wonders for families thanks to its suites and connecting rooms, babysitting, children’s menus and early dinner options. They’re even happy to host four-legged friends, so the whole family, paws included, can come along.

The Lake District offers family days in bite-sized bursts: a boat ride here, a woodland wander there, and views that never disappoint. Build your days around Windermere Lake Cruises, then head to Brockhole for a free adventure playground.

Where to stay: Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa is a 400-acre estate on Bassenthwaite Lake where families can book interconnecting rooms, visit the on-site wildlife park and fill the days with alpaca walks, archery and more. Finish with a splash in the infinity pool (with dedicated children’s swim times.)

For a UK family road trip with plenty of drama, Dartmoor is hard to beat with its granite peaks, stone circles and ancient woodland. Mix in gentle waterfall walks, pony spotting and a stop at a local farm shop for picnic supplies, then balance the outdoors with cosy evenings back at base.

Where to stay: Bovey Castle is a grand Dartmoor escape with all the space children could want. Set across a 275-acre estate, it is ideal for multi-generational breaks, with a family activity timetable and an Art Deco-style indoor leisure pool.

For those who like variety without long drives, the Cotswolds is a winning mix of honey-stone villages, easy countryside walks and family-friendly attractions, from Sudeley Castle to Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens.

Where to stay: Calcot & Spa is a beautifully relaxed and family-focussed Cotswolds base. Here you can book into The Playbarn (its Ofsted-registered crèche) or The Mez for older children, enjoy dedicated family splash times in the indoor pool or even play a game of disc golf.

If you want Highlands’ flavour without going fully remote, steer towards Perthshire and the shores of Loch Lomond. With its opportunities for waterside picnics, forest adventures and wildlife watching, it’s an ideal location for families of mixed ages.

Where to stay: Cromlix is an effortless family escape with a refined country-house feel. For an extra touch of magic, its Children’s Package includes an overnight stay in a suite with an indoor teepee and a host of treats, including a forest-themed care kit. Please note Cromlix is closed until the end of May.