Top six UK family adventure vacations
We’ve sorted through our booking stats and rummaged through our reviews… and the results are in for our best family activity vacations in the UK. Considering the long and ever-changing coastline of this island nation, there’s no surprise that you’ll probably end up on the water at some point – either pushing off from the sandy surf beaches of Devon, coasteering along the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales, or dipping in and out of the lochs and islands of Scotland. Keep reading to discover our top six family activity vacations in the UK.
1. Explore South Wales by horse, kayak & board
The south-west corner of Wales is a wild coastline of bright gold beaches and sheer cliffs. Ever-changing scenery equals ever-changing activities, so you can try coasteering, surfing, sea kayaking, horse riding, hiking and orienteering. Some vacations let you choose your speed, too: action-packed… or action and relax, where you get a day or two to kick back and take it all in.
Our top trip: Family adventure vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and family activity vacations guide
Our top trip: Family adventure vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and family activity vacations guide
2. Get active in the Lake District
Activity vacations in the Lake District usually single out a lake to explore. Derwentwater and the Borrowdale Valley is a popular spot, where the Catbells fells surround the “Queen of the Lakes” – a scenic springboard for climbing, scrambling, hiking, abseiling, sailing and canoeing. Many vacations put you up in Keswick, with its cosy, kid-friendly pubs and independent shops.Our top trip: Lake District family activity vacation
See all our trips: Lake District vacations
Read more: Lake District travel guide
3. Cruise the lochs of West Scotland
With its wild sea lochs, mysterious island castles and whale-friendly seas, the west coast of Scotland is an exhilarating backdrop for a family cruise. Tailor made sailings let you pick your activities, including eagle watching, fishing, swimming and guided beachcombing. Vessels range from tall ships to transformed lifeboats that can slide into narrow lochs without disturbing the resident otters.
Our top trip: Scotland family cruise vacation
See all our trips: Scotland family vacations
Read more: Scotland travel guide and Scotland small ship cruises guide
Our top trip: Scotland family cruise vacation
See all our trips: Scotland family vacations
Read more: Scotland travel guide and Scotland small ship cruises guide
4. Sea kayak in Devon
Devon has some of the best beaches in the UK – and everyone knows it. Family activity vacations here steer you away from beautiful but busy beaches like Croyde and Saunton Sands, and instead explore soft sands and smuggling caves you can only reach by water. The accommodation is a large part of the charm: a converted barn in a 15th-century orchard.Our top trip: Family sea kayaking vacation in Devon
See all our trips: Devon vacations
Read more: Devon travel guide
5. Paddle in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Dedicated kayaking vacations are great for families with a range of abilities – expert instructors will teach or improve your kayaking skills, no matter what level or age you are. You’ll then follow your guides out to sea in places like Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales, where towering sea stacks, secret coves and bird colonies are waiting.
Our top trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and sea kayaking travel guide
Our top trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Wales
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and sea kayaking travel guide
6. Go on a family adventure around the Cairngorms
Harry Potter, Treasure Island: if Scots write the most imaginative books for children, it’s because their scenery provides the inspiration. Ride the ‘Harry Potter’ steam train to Fort William, then go off exploring deserted islands in the lochs that might have served as inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson. After you’ve canoed, gone mountain biking, and had a treasure hunt on a family adventure vacation in Scotland, you’ll probably be too exhausted for any bedtime reading.Our top trip: Family adventure vacations in Scotland
See all our trips: Family vacations in Scotland
Read more: Scotland travel guide
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