The United Kingdom has long been a famous European tourist destination, with more than 40 million international visitors expected to visit the islands in 2019. You can easily move from harsh heathland to sparkling beaches in just hours because of UK’s manageable size and great transportation infrastructure.
However, with so many attractive places to see, deciding where to go may be difficult. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite UK attractions for families who want to take in everything the nation has to offer.
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Why Go Out With Family?
Traveling brings our tiny family closer together in a way that nothing else can. You may relax and enjoy being with each other instead of racing to get ready for school or to finish another project. When we’re on the road, it’s as though everyone in our family reverts to their best selves — our genuine selves are freed once more. It’s beautiful to reconnect with family every few months and connect on a level that doesn’t always happen at home. Visit the best UK attractions for families and you won’t regret it.
10 best UK attractions for families
Here’s the list of 10 best UK attractions for families:
Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the best destinations to visit in the UK if you want to enjoy a beach break, with more than 480 kilometers of coastline. The scenic county, located on England’s rocky southwestern corner, is home to untamed moorland, fishing towns, and smugglers’ coves. It also has over 300 lovely beaches, the best renowned of which being Fistral in Newquay. During the summer, this area transforms into a crowded surfer’s paradise. Indeed, the rolling Atlantic waves make it one of the greatest spots to surf in the United Kingdom.
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a terrific destination to visit in the UK if you appreciate the great outdoors, with valleys and moors, rivers, and streams. The Dales have a very diversified topography that’s ideal for adrenaline enthusiasts who want to go caving, rock climbing, or abseil down waterfalls. Meanwhile, guided walks provide a more relaxed method for guests to take in the landscape. If you’re searching for adventure, the Three Peaks Challenge is always a good option. This challenging trek, which spans more than 36 kilometers and includes the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, provides stunning vistas.
Skye
The Scottish island of Skye is one of the most fascinating destinations to visit in the UK, with breathtaking landscapes. The soaring Cuillin Hills and the spectacular Old Man of Storr, one of the most photographed vistas in the world, are among its many renowned natural features. Skye is also a top-notch trekking and climbing destination. There are several climbs available for those who are up for the task. Make sure to tackle the stunning Trotternish Circuit, an 80-kilometer round around the island, for the full Skye experience. This path links various sights while providing breathtaking views of Skye and the surrounding area.
Devon
Devon is the gem of the South West, known for its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and the world-famous Devonshire Cream Tea. Nature enthusiasts will be in their element in this gorgeous county, from the lovely Mediterranean-like beaches of Salcombe and the stunning white cliffs of Lyme Bay to Dartmoor National Park, one of the last remaining wildernesses in the UK. Lundy Island, off the shore, has been nicknamed “Britain’s Galapagos” by some. If you spend a few nights on this rugged outcrop, you’ll almost certainly see seals, seagulls, puffins, and basking sharks.
Causeway Coast
The stunning Giant’s Causeway is located on Northern Ireland’s north coast, on the surreal Causeway Coast. 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt boulders extend along the coast of this UNESCO World Heritage site. These were created some six million years ago by volcanic activity and are now one of Northern Ireland’s most well-known tourist attractions. At the visitor’s center, you can learn about the history of this natural wonder. You should, however, bring some waterproofs with you because it may get rather rainy and windy up there!
The Lake District
The Lake District, England’s biggest National Park, is one of the greatest locations to visit in the UK if you want to get away from it all. It’s easy to understand why this UNESCO World Heritage Site has inspired so many great writers throughout the years, with Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak, and Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. Indeed, the region was home to both William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. The area also provides an abundance of outdoor activities, with craggy moors, glacial ribbon lakes, and rolling green valleys. There’s something for everyone, from canoeing and lake cruises to cycling and mountaineering.
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are arguably one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in the UK, with huge, unspoiled landscapes, lovely villages, and lush flora. This distant location has served as the setting for several well-known films. The peaks of Glen Etive, for example, can be seen in the James Bond film Skyfall, while Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express can be seen speeding through the spectacular 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. As a result, movie enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate walking in the footsteps of their favorite Hollywood actors and discovering the Highlands’ rough grandeur.
Norfolk
Consider sandy beaches, scenic waterways, relaxed villages, and bustling market towns. Norfolk is all of these things and more. This tranquil region of England, located on the east coast, is often disregarded by travelers – but it shouldn’t be. The man-made Broads have 200 kilometers of lovely waterways that may be explored by boat, canoe, kayak, or bicycle. There are also beautiful beaches, superb seafood (try the famed Cromer Crab), and an abundance of wildlife along Norfolk’s northern coast. You may also take a boat journey to Blakeney Point, where England’s largest Grey Seal population can be found.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park, home to mountain vistas, glacial formations, and Wales’ tallest mountain, is unquestionably one of the best UK attractions for families at any time of year. Mount Snowdon, which stands at 1,085 meters, is the show-stopper here. While there are various ways to get to the summit, many daytrippers prefer to use the famous railway. Since 1896, tourists have been transported up Snowdon Mountain by the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds’ rolling hills and picturesque villages are scattered over six English counties, so there’s much to see and do. This rural region provides spectacular scenery, and a real sense of England from bygone eras, with stately residences and castles, recognized reserves, and arboretums. Nearly 5,000 kilometers of footpaths and bridleways run across the area, including the 164-kilometer-long Cotswold Way walking track. And no matter where you go, you’ll find a comfortable bar serving the best beers on tap.