Planning family holidays from the UK is really tricky at times. We are working around school terms, trying to avoid airports at silly o’clock and constantly checking the weather forecast. We want sunshine but not the kind that turns toddlers into puddles. We want fun but not chaos. And we want memories that feel special without needing a spreadsheet to organise them.
So here is a proper UK friendly guide to the best family holidays for every age. Whether you are dreaming of a staycation, a sunny beach break, a Greek island that is warm but not scorching, a cruise that keeps everyone happy or a Christmas escape to the Canaries, this list has you covered.
Holidays for Babies and Toddlers
Staycations That Actually Feel Like a Holiday
When you have tiny ones, convenience is everything. You want short journeys, easy food options and places where you can still enjoy yourself even if nap time goes rogue.
Cornwall is a classic for good reason. Soft sandy beaches, calm coves and family friendly towns like St Ives, Falmouth and Perranporth. You can potter, paddle, build sandcastles and grab a cream tea without needing a military style plan. But it can be a long journey if you live up north like me.
Northumberland is another gem. Wide open beaches, castles to explore and a calmer pace than the south west. Bamburgh Beach is surprisingly pushchair friendly and little ones love the space to run.
If you want something with structure, Center Parcs are brilliant for toddlers. Everything is walkable, the pools are warm and you do not need to pack the entire house. But they can be very expensive in school holidays. So perhaps look at Haven, for a fun caravan break. My two loved our mini-trips to Wales to stay at a caravan.
First Adventures Abroad
Portuguese Beaches and Greek Islands Without the Heat Stress
I took my son to Greece in May at 8 months old and my daughter around 9 months old. Timing is everything. Avoid August. Honestly, just skip it. May half term and October are perfect for warm sunshine without the meltdown inducing heat.
Portugal is ideal for this age. The Algarve has shallow beaches, family friendly resorts and short flights. Alvor, Lagos and Carvoeiro are great bases. The sand is soft, the sea is calmer than many Mediterranean spots and restaurants welcome kids with open arms.
Southern Greece is another winner in May and October. Crete and Rhodes are your best bets for warm weather outside peak summer. You get beautiful beaches, gentle seas and that relaxed Greek charm. Kids love the little tavernas where they can try chips with everything while you enjoy proper Greek food.
Cyprus is a dream for families too. Paphos and Protaras are especially good for younger children. October is still warm enough to swim and the beaches are perfect for paddling.
Holidays for Primary School Kids
When They Want Pools, Ice Cream and a Bit of Adventure
This is the golden age for family holidays. They are old enough to enjoy things but young enough to still think you are fun. They will happily spend hours in the pool, make instant friends and get excited about absolutely everything.
Greek islands shine here. Kos, Corfu and Crete have brilliant family hotels with splash parks, kids clubs and beaches where you can actually relax for a moment. May and October are still your best friends for warm weather without the heatwave drama.
Portugal continues to be a strong contender. Praia da Rocha and Albufeira have loads going on, but if you want something quieter, Tavira or Burgau are lovely.
Majorca is a UK family favourite. Alcudia is perfect for kids thanks to its long shallow beach and calm water. Puerto Pollensa has a relaxed feel and loads of family friendly restaurants. You can do boat trips, waterparks or just beach days on repeat.
Menorca is the quieter sister island and ideal for primary school kids who like exploring but do not need nightlife. Cala Galdana and Cala’n Bosch are gorgeous, safe and easy to get around. The beaches look like postcards and the sea is shallow enough for confident paddling.
Turkey is fantastic for families too, especially if you want great value and big resort facilities. Lara Beach and Side are brilliant choices. The hotels are huge, the pools are amazing and the kids clubs are some of the best in Europe. The weather in May and October is warm without being overwhelming.
If you want to stay closer to home, Jersey is a lovely option. It feels like going abroad without the faff. Beautiful beaches, easy walks and loads of family friendly attractions.
Winter Sun and School Holiday Saviours
The Canaries for Christmas or Easter
If you want guaranteed warmth without long haul flights, the Canary Islands are your answer. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura all work beautifully for families.
Christmas in the Canaries feels special. Warm sunshine, festive lights, beach days and no cooking. Easter is also a great time with temperatures in the low to mid twenties.
Lanzarote is great for younger kids thanks to its calm beaches. Tenerife has loads of activities for older ones including Siam Park which teens adore.
City Breaks for Older Kids and Teens
When They Are Ready for Something Bigger
Once your kids hit around eleven, city breaks suddenly become amazing. They can walk further, stay up later and actually appreciate what they are seeing.
New York City is unbeatable for this age. My two absolutely loved it. Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the High Line and the ferry to Staten Island. It is exciting, fast and full of wow moments.
Closer to home, Barcelona is brilliant. Beaches, food markets, cable cars and Gaudí buildings that look like something out of a storybook. My son also loved Berlin, from the zoo to the place named after him, Alexander(platz)
Rome is another great choice. Pizza, gelato and gladiator stories. What is not to love.
Cruise Holidays for All Ages: Family Ships That Make Life Easy
Family cruising has become incredibly popular and it makes perfect sense. You unpack once, everything is on tap and the kids are entertained from morning to night.
For UK families, the best options are:
P&O Iona and Arvia
Perfect for families. Huge kids clubs, splash zones, relaxed dining and loads of entertainment. Iona sails from Southampton which is a massive win if you hate airports.
Royal Caribbean
Big, bold and full of energy. Surf simulators, climbing walls, ice skating and parades. Kids love it and parents love the fact the kids love it.
Disney Cruise Line
If you want magic, this is the one. The kids clubs are next level and the entertainment is incredible. It is pricier but unforgettable.
Cruises work for toddlers, primary kids and teens because everyone gets something out of it. And you get to drink a coffee while it is still hot.
Final Thoughts
Family holidays do not need to be complicated. Choose the right destination for the right age and the whole thing becomes easier. Avoid the hottest months, pick places with simple travel and do not underestimate how much kids love a good pool.
Whether you are staying in the UK, hopping over to Portugal, exploring Greece, trying a cruise or heading to the Canaries for winter sun, there is a perfect family trip waiting for you. Remember, the time you have with them before they become adults is absolutely precious and it flies by! Make those family memories.
Recomended Tours/Excursions
Berlin: https://gyg.me/2hokMyjL
New York: https://gyg.me/2hokMyjL
Rome: https://gyg.me/O97cgi6Q
Rhodes:https://gyg.me/4fKRvWhc
Lanzarote: https://gyg.me/WtHwiTOG
Thailand:https://gyg.me/oUWN0wKp