Best Family Friendly Holidays in the UK

With a staycation, you can still explore new places and create memories with family without the hassle of catching a flight. Whether you're fascinated by historic castles or eager to try surfing lessons, catch a train with CrossCountry and explore the best family holiday spots across the UK.

Cambridge

Cambridge beckons with its ancient history, tranquil countryside, and excellent shopping opportunities, making it one of the top UK family holiday destinations. For example, a punting tour along the River Cam is a must. It’s not just a fun and unique way to take in landmarks, like the famous Mathematical Bridge and Trinity College, but it’s also a chance for everyone to get involved – the whole family can try their hand at steering the punt, with a few giggles as you avoid falling in! If you do fancy a swim, be sure to check out Jesus Green Lido. Perfect for water fights, as well as unwinding in the sauna.

Cambridge is also known as a scholarly city and offers fantastic opportunities to inspire and nurture curiosity. Stop by the Cambridge Science Centre or the Fitzwilliam Museum, both offering interactive exhibits that will interest the whole family. Round off your visit with a trip to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden for a beautiful medley of plant species, each more colourful and interesting than the last.

You can train directly to Cambridge Station from origin stations such as Leicester and Birmingham New Street. If you’re travelling from further afield, you can change at Birmingham New Street from a wide range of CrossCountry services.

Falmouth, Cornwall

Falmouth is tucked away on Cornwall’s beautiful south coast and it's the perfect family staycation for those with a bit of wanderlust. Gyllyngvase Beach, one of our favourite Cornish seaside spots, is ideal for all ages, whether splashing in the gentle waves, trying paddleboarding for the first time, or building towering sandcastles. You're also sure to enjoy exploring the rock pools at Swanpool Beach, who knows what fascinating creatures you'll discover?

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is the perfect place to learn about the sea and its history. Discover stories of pirates, surfing, sea rescues, and even mysterious monsters of the deep. Don’t miss the flotilla of small boats, each with an amazing history, from daring rescues to finding new lands. Pendennis Castle is another family favourite, offering epic views, wide-open spaces for picnics, and a chance to step back in time with reenactments that make history fun and engaging.

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Weston-super-Mare is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and it's ideal for a getaway. The iconic Grand Pier is a huge hit with families, thanks to its mix of arcade games, rides, and food stalls. Then there’s the beach itself, perfect for sandcastle building and flying kites. Marine Lake is a little hidden gem too, offering a safe spot for paddling and swimming.

For a change of pace, head to Puxton Park, a nearby farm attraction where kids can meet the animals, ride tractors, and enjoy the outdoor play areas. Weston-super-Mare also hosts plenty of seasonal events along the promenade, so there’s always something happening.

Getting here is super convenient, with CrossCountry trains connecting Weston-super-Mare to key stations like Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton. The seaside fun starts as soon as you arrive.

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Right on the border between England and Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a quiet town perfect for quality time with the family. With plenty of rural walks in the surrounding area, this is an ideal staycation destination to slow down the pace of life and make family memories. Berwick-upon-Tweed offers a dual seaside and riverside location, meaning you can enjoy the varied natural environment and reconnect with British wildlife at its best. Little Beach is also a prime spot for fossils – so watch out for ammonites to take home as a souvenir.

We also recommend a day trip to Lindisfarne, a holy island with a deep history. Famous for being a pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Cuthbert, a visit to Lindisfarne is like stepping back in time. The untouched, rugged landscape provides a breath of fresh air and the opportunity to learn about the history of the area.

Berwick-upon-Tweed is accessible by train from Scottish and English origin points, using the CrossCountry network. Whether you start at Edinburgh or Wakefield, sit back and enjoy a relaxed train journey.

Edinburgh

Packed with history and scenic spots, Edinburgh has long been a favourite for staycations in the UK. Start your trip at Edinburgh Castle, where kids can explore ancient rooms, watch the firing of the One O’Clock Gun, and learn about Scotland’s storied past. For outdoor fun, a hike up Arthur’s Seat is the best way to get great views of Edinburgh and if the kids don't fancy the climb, there's plenty of space to play in Holyrood Park.

Head to Portobello Beach to enjoy sandcastle-building, seaside walks, and treats from local cafés. Wrap up your weekend with a trip to the National Museum of Scotland, where you can learn about science and technology, the natural world, world cultures, and more.

Begin your staycation by travelling to Edinburgh Waverley with CrossCountry, conveniently connecting you from key stations across Scotland, including Glasgow Central, Dundee, and Aberdeen.

The Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons in Wales is the perfect place to slow down, soak up the scenery, and make family memories. There are plenty of gentle trails that even the littlest hikers can manage, like the magical walk to Henrhyd Falls - a waterfall straight out of a storybook. Families can also enjoy a peaceful day by the Usk Reservoir, where you can spot wildlife like herons and otters. At night, the kids will love stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the UK.

If your family craves a bit more adventure, Llangorse Multi Activity Centre is a great choice. It’s packed with exciting options like indoor climbing, pony trekking, and zip-lining that’ll keep older kids and teens grinning from ear to ear. The Brecon Mountain Railway is another favourite, offering a scenic and nostalgic steam train ride through the stunning Welsh countryside.

To get to the Brecon Beacons, CrossCountry trains can take you to Cardiff Central, where local connections will get you closer to the action.

Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly feel like a slice of paradise, just off the Cornish coast. St. Mary’s, the largest of the islands, is perfect for exploring as a family. You can hop on bikes to cycle the peaceful lanes, wander through ancient ruins, or take a boat trip to spot seals and puffins.

On Tresco Island, the Abbey Garden is a must-see. It’s full of exotic plants and crumbling ruins to explore in a real-life treasure hunt. The beaches here, like Pentle Bay, are safe and calm, making them perfect for little swimmers and snorkelers. There's something special and a bit magical about these islands, and they've been the backdrop for memory-making for generations.

Getting to the Isles of Scilly is part of the fun! Take a CrossCountry train to Penzance, then hop on the Scillonian ferry or take a scenic flight to the islands. The journey sets the tone for an unforgettable trip.

If you’re looking to book a staycation for the whole family, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.