12 amazing UK holiday accommodations to visit with kids
Holidaying in the UK is something that has had a real reassurance over recent times. Covid travel restrictions have meant that families who would usually holiday abroad are instead having a family holiday in the UK.
And at the same time, there are plenty of families who prefer to holiday in our homeland of the UK; no airports to contend with and let’s be honest, when you have kids, then the ease of throwing everything into a car without having to check weights is something that every parent appreciates the ease of!
Whether you are a seasoned UK holiday maker or are starting to stay close to home more than before then it can be difficult to know where to go. And when you only have a few precious weeks of holiday a year with the kids you want to go somewhere really special where you can make memories to treasure.
So we have created a round-up of some of the best family self-catering holiday destinations to go to with kids in the UK.
Covering different regions in the UK, with a range of prices and styles; from rustic and quirky to large and luxurious; there is something for every family…..
Let us know where you like to holiday in the UK with the kids…..
1/ Coombe Mill, Camelford, North Cornwall
It doesn’t get much better than waking up and going outside to a view of the trees and the sound of the stream trickling away!
Then you get to take the kids on the morning feed run, collecting eggs, feeding the goats and hunting for deer!
With so many of Cornwall’s most fabulous beaches only a short drive away, its location is remote and yet easy to access days out, beaches and everything you need for a perfect family holiday with kids!
As there are only a handful of lodges on site it feels exclusive and quiet and yet they have all facilities you need to keep kids busy; as well as the farm there is play equipment, mini golf, a well-stocked games room, toys in the lodges and even a fairy garden!
Run by a family who live on site and do the feed runs in the morning, it has a real family feel and Anya and Emma are helpful, friendly and lovely hosts.
2/ Sunridge Geodome, Devon
Set in the midst of the beautiful Yealm valley and surrounded by a picturesque carp fishing lake, Sunridge Geodome is a luxury self-catering 10 metre Geodesic dome, based in the majestic South Hams region in Devon.
Perched on its own near the fishing lake this bespoke and unique geodesic holiday retreat is bursting at the seams with pure luxury! Here you can relax and be completely surrounded by all that nature has to offer but without sacrificing the mod cons of home.
Situated on a generous deck and overlooking a vast sunken valley that drops away beneath the Geodome. And hot-tubbing overlooking the yealm valley whether summer or winter is heavenly!
Sunridge is close to Salcombe Coast and Dartmoor National Park and so a great location to holiday with kids and get out and about.
https://www.sunridgegeodome.co.uk
3/ Osea Island
Oshea is an idyllic haven basking serenely on the Blackwater Estuary, yet remarkably, just a little over an hours drive from the city !
The enigmatic tidal road opens at every low tide for a period of 4 hours when cars can be driven across. At high tide, there’s a river taxi service from the mainland, the boat journey taking about 10 minutes.
Osea doesn’t claim to be a luxury spa resort with uniformed personnel attending to your every whim, It’s really more a force of nature with silence being perhaps its greatest luxury! With only the stars for streetlights and an absence of traffic and aircraft noise you may sleep deeply and wake up refreshed to the sound of bird song.
The Island is a natural playground for children of all ages with lovely child-friendly beaches, countryside and fresh air. There are no shops on the Island the nearest are a 15-minute drive across the causeway.
If you are going with a big family or group of families with kids then Captains house is a beautiful 7-bedroom house which sits directly on the water’s edge with magnificent views along the beach and across the estuary. It has been built in a cool beach house style that’s more reminiscent of the Caribbean or the USA than the UK. It is perfect for a large group getaway or a family celebration.
This beautiful 7-bedroom house sits directly on the water’s edge with magnificent views along the beach and across the estuary. It has been built in a cool beach house style that’s more reminiscent of the Caribbean or the USA than the UK. It is perfect for a large group getaway or a family celebration.
There is a shared heated swimming pool (opening from May to October), a gym and a sauna.
4/ West Lexham Treehouses, Norfolk
Who doesn’t want to sleep in a treehouse- child or adult??
Well at West Lexham you can and they are incredible! West Lexham is a holistic retreat venue set in an idyllic river valley replete with ancient trees and abundant wildlife. Almost entirely powered by renewables. rfect eco-friendly paradise at which to unplug and recharge, away from the hustle of your daily routine.
Waking up at canopy height is a rare pleasure. To be regaled by the dawn chorus as you wake. To sleep amid the swaying branches, cosy and embraced by the tree that is your temporary home. To stargaze from your perch and watch the owls swoop and hunt. Teaming with nature and wildlife, the forest welcomes you. With six treehouses to accommodate groups big and small, you can bring the whole family or extended gang for the treehouse experience.
There is also cottages and glamping available for accommodation.
5/ Down on the Farm, Aberdeenshire
Open all year, ‘Down on the Farm’ combine their busy working farm, ‘Stonebriggs’, with unique accommodation, guided tours and tasty treats all in a beautiful coastal setting!
This family-run farm is on the north east coast of Aberdeenshire and has cows, sheep, peacocks, hens, ferrets and dogs. So plenty to keep kids who love animals happy!
There are various accommodation options; one of the options is the delightful ‘Hobbits’, which retain all the ambience of a camping holiday and offer a great stay-dry, and roomier, alternative to the tent.
6/ Blackberry Wood Camping, Sussex
Blackberry Wood Camping, Glamping and Treehouses, is a small, family-run campsite situated in the small hamlet of Streat at the foot of the South Downs National Park.
It has quirky, quality glamping accommodation ranging from cosy private clearings in the woodland through to elaborate hand crafted treehouses. All have their own private spot for a roaring campfire. Their ethos is to encourage all children (and adults) to enjoy and develop a love of the woodland and nature. All camping pitches are accessed via paths through the woodland or meadow with all cars parked in a separate parking area to keep the site traffic free.
The Campsite has around 20 camping pitches which are situated in cosy little private woodland glades.
There is also a very cool Fire Engine, a Holiday Bus, a romantic Gypsy Caravan, a Helicopter, a lovely Curvy Cabin, a Cosy Cabin and amazing Treehouses for rent.
The setting is gorgeous and with some fantastic walks, pubs and countryside all around, it’s a great site for some outdoor holiday fun that kids will love!
https://www.blackberrywood.com/
7/ Highland Club, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Scotland
Sitting at the foot of the famous and mysterious Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, is the Highland Club, providing self-catering holiday apartments in a unique and beautiful environment.
The Abbey has been creatively and beautifully renovated from a fort into 109 holiday apartments. Highland Club Scotland caters for many different requirements; our holiday homes are tastefully decorated, and also well furnished and fully equipped.
The renovation of the former St Benedictine’s Abbey has retained many of its original features since the monks first acquired it. Additionally, the location is steeped with history dating back as far as 565AD.
The Highland Club and Loch Ness do not attract so many visitors by chance! We are neatly located in arguably the centre of the Scottish Highlands. Consequently, the Highland Club is within easy reach of so many attractions which include Ben Nevis, The Caledonian Canal, Urquhart Castle and many more.
It is right on the banks of the Loch Ness and there is a super restaurant that overlooks the lake.
There is also a swimming pool on site with sauna which can be booked for private family sessions.
In summer you can hire bikes and do spectacular walks. In Winter, the snowy mountains and winter activities are all within easy reach!
8/ Uig Bay , Island of Lewis and Harris
Staying in Scotland, but even higher on the breath taking Island of Lewis and Harris is an incredible cottage; Beach Bay Cottage. Nestled exquisitely on the edge of the clean, white sands of Uig Bay, surrounded by the incredible natural scenery of the Island of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
This stunning, eco-friendly holiday home was designed by renowned architect Stuart Bagshaw, and is the proud winner of the 2012 Outer Hebrides Design Award. Coupled with the designated National Scenic Area of Uig Bay, you’re guaranteed the most uniquely spectacular views, whether you’re inside or outside!
Beach Bay Cottage is built into the hillside, designed in Neolithic style from natural stone, and features a turfed roof to blend beautifully with its windswept surroundings. Sleeping up to four people, the cottage promises lovingly unspoilt tradition, blended with the very best of contemporary luxury throughout.
https://hostunusual.com/categories/host-unusual/beach-bay-cottage/
9/ The Old Station, Allerston, North Yorkshire
This unique accommodation provides an excellent base from which to explore North Yorkshire’s countryside, coast and attractions. And is ideal if you have kids who love trains!!
Allerston is situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Dalby Forest, just 12 miles from the coast.
The accommodation includes three carriages, all ex BR Mk2 First Class Corridor stock, which were built in Derby during 1968-9. They are now exceptionally well equipped for self catering, having undergone a comprehensive conversion.
Each carriage has central heating and an air extract system throughout; oven, hob, microwave and fridge; TV, DVD and radio; bath with shower attachment.
The carriages stand in train formation but are not interconnected. You book an entire self contained carriage providing kitchen/diner, lounge, 2 or 3 bedrooms and bathroom/wc.
There are two acres of grounds providing space for children to play, with open countryside beyond. Each carriage has a picnic table and BBQ’s are available. There is also children’s toys, games and bicycles provided making it ideal for a family getaway.
https://www.theoldstationallerston.co.uk
10/ Lighthouse getaways
Ever fancied sleeping in a lighthouse?! There are various lighthouses set up as self-catering accommodation all over the UK. All are former lighthouse keepers’ cottages and each cottage has been fully refurbished and modernised with every modern convenience.
Set among some of the UK’s most beautiful coastal scenery with stunning views, the cottages provide a great family holiday accommodation that is a bit different!
https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouse-cottages
11/ The Salty Dog Rock Lobster, Camber sands, East Sussex
Just the name makes you want to stay here! And the fact that is just minutes from the Camber sands beach makes it a perfect, easy holiday accommodation with the kids.
With amazing beaches, countryside, a steam railway to visit and a castle locally it has everything you want from an easy, yet active holiday, exploring with the kids.
https://www.awaywiththekids.co.uk/accommodation/the-salty-dog-rock-lobster
12/ Callow Top holiday park, Derbyshire
Callow Top is an award winning family holiday park. Within easy reach of Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton, Callow Top is a picturesque location for your caravan, motorhome or self catering holiday in the Derbyshire & Staffordshire Peak District.
This is an award winning, family friendly camping and caravan site which is surrounded by green fields, yet within 20 minutes walk of Ashbourne, Derbyshire. There are lots of facilities on-site, including a pool.
It is within easy reach for some great local attractions for kids, this holiday park is a great choice for families who want something on a smaller scale but with facilities and ease for kids.
FIND MORE IDEAS AND SHARE YOUR FAMILY EXPERIENCES….
We’d love to know your favourite holiday spots with the kids. Why not join our free Facebook group and let us know about them…
You might also like to read about best attractions to visit with your kids before they are 12Â
You might also like to read a bucket list ideas for 50 activities to do with the kids at homeÂ
