Top 10 UK weekend breaks for families

Planning a short break with the family? This guide brings together the top 10 UK weekend breaks, based on popular lodge destinations that offer the right mix of space, scenery and things to do, whatever the season.

From coastal adventures to countryside escapes, our top 10 locations are well set up for family-friendly stays with plenty to see and do over a long weekend (and just as importantly, places to switch off properly).

Have a browse and get inspired with our family-friendly lodges:

Our top 10 UK weekend breaks for families:

1. Peak District
2. Suffolk
3. New Forest
4. Northumberland
5. Kent and Sussex
6. Yorkshire
7. Lake District
8. Wales
9. Scotland
10. Somerset

1. Peak District

Ladybower Reservoir | Bakewell | The Roaches

The Peak District is a reliable all-rounder for family weekend breaks. It’s easy to reach from many parts of the UK, and once you’re there, everything feels geared towards getting outdoors.

Expect walking trails for all abilities, cycling routes along former railway lines and plenty of family-friendly attractions dotted between market towns and villages. It’s a destination that works just as well for energetic days out as it does for slower, scenic exploring with the family.

2. Suffolk

Southwold | Lavenham | Ipswich

Suffolk offers a gentler pace for family breaks, with a coastline that feels less crowded than many UK seaside destinations. It’s a great option if you’re travelling with younger children and are in search of a traditional bucket-and-spade destination, or simply want a more relaxed weekend.

The mix of beaches, nature reserves and small towns makes it easy to plan low-key days without overpacking your itinerary.

3. New Forest

New Forest ponies | Lyndhurst | Lymington

The New Forest is a firm favourite for families, and it’s easy to see why. Open heathland, woodland trails and free-roaming ponies create an other-worldly, serene setting that feels both spacious and easy to navigate.

It’s particularly well suited to cycling, with largely flat routes that make it accessible for younger riders, or for those in need of a tow.

4. Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle | Alnwick Gardens | Alnmouth

If you’re looking for space, Northumberland delivers. Its beaches are some of the quietest and most awe-inspiring in the UK, giving families room to roam, play and explore without the crowds.

Add in historic castles and vast, open landscapes and you’ve got a destination that feels like a proper quintessentially British escape.

Our regional expert, Leah Amos, rounds up her top family place in Northumberland:

“My favourite place to visit with my family is The Alnwick Garden. I have treasured childhood memories of running in and out of the water features, laughing as the fountains sprang to life. It’s a place everyone can enjoy. Children love the playful elements, adults can take a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens, and there are plenty of picture‑perfect spots for memorable photos along the way.”

5. Kent and Sussex

Whitstable | East Hill Cliff Railway in Hastings | Rye

You’ll find a mix of traditional seaside towns with plenty of atmosphere, scenic countryside walks and bustling attractions that suit all ages in these neighbouring counties. 

Known as the Garden of England, discover Kent's beautiful beaches, captivating castles and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. While over in Sussex, explore historic towns, vibrant cities such as Brighton, and Rye's pretty streets and beautiful boutiques.

6. Yorkshire

York Minster | Scarborough | Whitby Abbey

Yorkshire offers a bit of everything: coastline, countryside and classic family attractions. It’s a beautiful region that lends itself well to weekend breaks, with plenty of variety within a relatively compact area.

The coastline, in particular, is a big draw for young families, with traditional seaside resorts like Whitby sitting alongside more rugged stretches like Robin Hood’s Bay.

Our regional expert, Julie Smith, rounds up her top family place in Yorkshire:

“My favourite place to visit with family is York, as there is so much to do in the city, whatever your age and interests. My recommendations are to take a walk along the medieval city walls, travel back in time at Jorvik Viking Centre and take a sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse. It’s also worth calling in the National Rail Museum, which is completely free to enter, and visiting Alan the Dinosaur (the oldest sauropod dinosaur found in the UK) at the Yorkshire Museum.”

7. Lake District

Langdale Pikes near Elterwater Village | Tarn Hows | Ullswater

The Lake District is one of the UK’s most iconic destinations, known for its dramatic fells and glassy lakes. Despite its reputation for hiking and adventure, it works exceptionally well for family weekend breaks.

Lakeside walks with plenty of picnic stops, easy walking routes, and gentle boat trips mean you can explore without overplanning, while scenic drives link together picture-postcard villages, attractions and quieter corners with minimal effort.

8. Wales

Tenby, Pembrokeshire | Porthor Beach (Whistling Sands), Llŷn Peninsula | Cemaes Bay, Anglesey

Wales is a strong choice for families who enjoy a mix of coast and countryside. Depending on where you stay, you can combine beach days with mountain views and outdoor activities, making it ideal for a packed but flexible weekend itinerary.

It’s particularly good for slightly more adventurous families, with plenty of outdoor opportunities to try something new, like rock pooling, and more active pursuits like paddleboarding, cycling or exploring national parks. There’s a warm, welcoming feel to many Welsh destinations, with family-friendly beaches and traditional seaside towns offering the chance to enjoy a slower pace.

9. Scotland

Balmaha, Loch Lomond | Edinburgh skyline | Isle of Skye

A weekend in Scotland offers space, scenery and a slower pace that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in the UK. From lochs and forests to rugged coastlines and open countryside, the landscapes feel bigger, wilder and more immersive.

It’s a great option for families looking to spend time outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for walking, wildlife spotting and simple, screen-free days. Boat trips on the lochs add a sense of adventure, while cosy evenings back at your lodge will appeal after a day of exploring.

10. Somerset

Dunster | Cheddar Gorge

Somerset offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to busier regions, with a varied landscape that combines gentle countryside, a characterful coastline and plenty of attractions. Here, you can move between coast and countryside in a single day without feeling rushed.

It’s particularly well-suited to slower-paced weekends, where the focus is on simple pleasures, such as beach walks and exploring market towns. Exmoor’s wild open spaces, traditional seaside spots and historic charm make it easy to fill a short break.

Making the most of a family weekend break

Holly Lodge - Pheasant Fields | Lilliesmuir | Honeywood | Squirrels Den

When you’re only away for a few days, the best UK weekend breaks for families aren’t about doing everything; they’re about choosing the right location and letting the destination do the work.

Why not try a lodge park stay in the Cotswolds with a luxurious family break at Bluewood Lodges, or a stay at Pinewoods Lodges, a tranquil coastal escape in a scenic corner of Norfolk?

For more inspiration, explore our selection of family-friendly lodge holidays and start planning your next weekend away.