Favourite Family Holiday Destinations

I thought I’d sum up some of the best places we have been to as a family.  It can be difficult to find good places to take the children on holiday: somewhere the whole family can enjoy and have fun visiting and exploring together.  If you are looking for ideas for your next child-friendly holiday, my list here is a good place to start.  For now though, here are some of the main highlights from our 12 years of family travel.

Thailand

Unforgettable really.  We took H when he was just 10 months old and they loved him – I think they just love children.  People would stop cars and mopeds in the road to take a look at our baby boy.  The waitress would take him into the kitchen for a little visit while we ate our meal – he was a real favourite with the hotel staff.  That said, we struggled to use the pushchair as the pavements were a bit patchy and uneven, so one to do while they are still in the baby carrier or able to walk themselves.

Florida

Just so much do there as a family and such a range, there really is something for everyone. We’d do the Space Centre one day; break things up with a beach day; and then a day in a theme park.  You can go theme park mad or find out more about the wildlife and see the ocean.

My best holidays as a child were those in this country and we have been to some great places in the UK over the years.

Carbis Bay

A short train ride from bustling St.Ives where you can do all the traditional seaside town things, but Carbis Bay is a bit quieter with a nice sandy beach.  Very family friendly and stunning views.

Perthshire

Stunning scenery, but plenty to do too.  We based ourselves in Blair Atholl near to the magnificent Blair Castle and spent a lot of time hanging out in Dunkeld too, in particular in the Beatrix Potter Exhibition in nearby Birnam.

Barmouth

We have made so many trips to Barmouth over the years. It’s partly because it’s one of the closest seaside places to Birmingham, so it’s our dash to the coast spot.  We’ve been there for the day and for longer trips.  There are stunning views, beautiful walks, sandy beaches, lovely places to eat and drink, and lots of great places to visit nearby.

The Isles of Scilly

I have to say the Isles of Scilly were one of the best places we’ve ever visited.  It does feel like going back in time because on a lot of the islands there are no cars. Kids can wander around more freely either on foot or on their bikes.  You are always very close to the sea because the islands are so small and even the largest one can be easily walked round in a day.  The weather is often a bit warmer than the rest of the UK too, so that’s a bonus too.