Top five 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 – maybe by canyoning or gyhll scrambling in the Lake District, or dipping in and out of the lochs and islands of Scotland. Keep reading to discover our top family activity vacations in the UK.
1. Explore Wales from your own cosy cottage
Do you like adventures under your own steam (with the added steam of the Snowdonia Steam Train?) choose a self catering vacation in Snowdonia, Wales, where the cottage is completely set up for adventure: there’s a lockable bike shed and great mountain biking trails in the area, walking trails from the door, and the quiet setting away from the road means it’s perfect for kids. As for activities: you’re within a twenty minute drive from sea kayaking and a mile-long zip line.
Our top trip: Snowdonia self catering accommodation
See all our trips: Wales vacations
Read more: Wales travel guide and family activity vacations guide
Our top trip: Snowdonia self catering accommodation
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. Multi activity fun in the Scottish Highlands
The magnificent Scottish Highlands are like one giant natural playground for kids (and their adventurous adults). From a base at the Boat of Garten, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, your brood can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife-watching. Learn how to ‘throw a pot’ at a traditional Highland Games, too, and enjoy a classic Burns Supper, with this fun-packed adventure.Our top trip: Scottish highlands family vacation
See all our trips: Scotland vacations
Read more: Scotland with kids travel guide
5. A week in the Lake District
Are your family a competitive bunch, always looking for the next adventure? Spend a week in the Lake District with like minded families and get really stuck into the landscape and the challenges it offers. You could have a day of hiking, a day on the water and a day on the cliffs climbing and abseiling. The trip culminates in a sports day for everyone, featuring raft building, archery and races – with a prize for the winners (that’ll be you lot, of course).
Our top trip: Lake District family activity vacation
See all our trips: Lake District vacations
Read more: Lake District family vacations guide
Our top trip: Lake District family activity vacation
See all our trips: Lake District vacations
Read more: Lake District family vacations guide
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