The Great Escape: Screen-Free Half-Term Breaks for Families
3 April 2025
Parents know the struggle all too well: peeling children away from tablets and phones can feel like an impossible task.
With digital distractions at every turn, carving out time for meaningful, screen-free family moments has never been more important. This Easter, trade in Wi-Fi for wild spaces, and scrolling for exploring, with UK family escapes designed to reconnect families with nature, creativity, and each other. From hands-on outdoor adventures to relaxing wellness experiences, these screen-free holidays offer the perfect antidote to screen fatigue.
Timeless Family Fun in Sussex
With its medieval charm and secluded coastal setting, Bailiffscourt Hotel offers a storybook-perfect escape for families looking to unplug. With vast grounds and a prime coastal setting, children can roam free - daring to explore the exciting underground tunnel, swinging from hidden ropes in the woods, or playing a seaside game of snakes and ladders on the beach just a stone's throw away. Tennis matches, croquet, and giant Jenga spark friendly competition, while family swim times in the heated outdoor infinity pool offer a welcome pause from the action. Evenings are for hot chocolate and card games by the fire, where laughter takes centre stage. With a choice of family-friendly rooms, cottages, and flexible dining options, Bailiffscourt is a UK family escape where parents and children alike can unplug, unwind, and embrace the magic of a truly screen-free holiday.
Adventures in the Scottish Highlands
Set in the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms offers an enchanting escape where families can trade screen time for spectacular outdoor adventures for kids during the half-term break. The hotel turns young guests into bold explorers through foraging workshops and creative art sessions, and treasure hunters can conquer special quests throughout the property, with prizes for successful adventurers. When darkness falls, families can venture to remote Cairngorms spots for a guided star-gazing session (with hot chocolate!) under Scotland's dazzling night sky – creating memories no digital experience can touch. The lively Family Room offers board games and activities that spark genuine laughter and connection - proving memories are made when devices power down and real adventures begin.
Creativity & Relaxation in The Cotswolds
One of the best UK family escapes, Calcot & Spa offers a thoughtfully curated programme for children and parents alike. The hotel’s dedicated kids’ club hosts craft workshops, nature explorations, and even mocktail masterclasses, ensuring young minds stay engaged away from screens. The adventure playground provides the perfect outlet for energy, while parents can unwind in the award-winning spa. Family bike rides through the Cotswolds countryside round out the experience, offering a chance to explore nature together at a leisurely pace before retreating to the warmth of a cosy fire-lit lounge.
Imagination & Fun in Cheltenham
Nestled in the rolling Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park embraces the spirit of a classic country retreat. The hotel can arrange horse riding sessions for guests at Noverton Farm Stables, offering families the chance to experience the countryside from the saddle; or, if you prefer to stay on foot, picturesque walking trails wind through the estate. This Easter, children can stay and dine for free and enjoy fairy-lit teepees and Yoto players in the room, and the iconic children’s breakfast buffet and Milkshake bar. Parents will appreciate the cosy lounges, where they can enjoy afternoon tea by the fire while the little ones engage in storytelling sessions or board games, ensuring a well-rounded screen-free holiday experience for all.
Wilderness Exploration in Devon
Set within Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is a paradise for families who thrive on action-packed escapes. Falconry displays captivate children and adults alike, offering close encounters with majestic birds of prey, while the on-site archery sessions let kids test their aim under expert guidance. The 275-acre estate provides endless opportunities for adventure, from Dartmoor tours, bee keeping sessions and off-road driving experiences to meeting the friendly farm animals on-site. Families staying in the private lodges can enjoy self-catered flexibility while still indulging in the hotel’s five-star hospitality, making it an ideal option for extended stays.
Surf’s Up in Cornwall
For an Easter break by the sea, The Headland in Cornwall offers an unbeatable combination of beachside adventure and relaxed luxury. Families can swap screen time for surf lessons on the iconic Fistral Beach, while younger explorers will love uncovering marine life during guided rockpooling excursions. A stay in one of the hotel’s seaside cottages provides the perfect balance of independence and comfort, making it an ideal choice for extended Easter family breaks.
History & Nature in North Wales
For families who appreciate a touch of history alongside outdoor exploration, Bodysgallen Hall’s stately setting in North Wales provides an idyllic retreat. Children can wander through the enchanting gardens to discover hidden follies and historic features, and encourage curiosity about the local flora and fauna. The hotel’s serene atmosphere and luxurious spa makes it an ideal choice for parents looking for a restorative getaway amid their UK family escape. Families can also take day trips to nearby Eryri National Park, where hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters await, ensuring an Easter break filled with both relaxation and adventure.
Short Stories
For families looking to extend their adventures beyond Easter, PoB Hotels’ Short Stories collection brings together the most family-friendly hotels in the portfolio. Each property offers its own unique take on screen-free holidays, whether through countryside retreats, coastal adventures, or hands-on activities that inspire young imaginations. With a carefully curated selection of exceptional hotels across the UK, families can plan unforgettable UK family escapes throughout the year.
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