Best Kid-Friendly UK Cities For Your Next Family Vacation
Best UK Cities to Visit With Kids
When the kids are on school holidays it can be difficult keeping them amused with just activities around the house and trips to the local park. Thankfully, the UK has some fantastic cities to visit with plenty to do and see for even the fussiest of children! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed break or activity packed holiday, you’ll be spoilt for choice with what’s on offer in the wonderful UK. Here’s a list of great cities that are perfect for a getaway with all the family:
Brighton
Brighton is more than just a seaside town, it’s a thriving city. It’s a place widely known for its flamboyant art scene and decorative streets, making it the perfect place to visit with kids and take a pretty selfie or two. The iconic Brighton Palace Pier is a tourist hotspot that the children will love, with restaurants, arcades, fairground and not to mention Brighton’s biggest indoor soft play area. Once you’ve finished exploring the Pier, then take yourself off to relax on the beautiful beach or go further and discover Brighton’s incredible Marina (the largest in the UK). It features a cinema, bowling alley, casino and many popular shops, bars and restaurants.
London
If you’re looking for a fun packed trip with exciting discoveries around every corner, then London is the city for you. It’s an ideal place to take the kids all year-round. The list of activities available in London are simply endless; from the inspiring views from the London Eye to the creepy depths of the historical London Dungeons. There is also an array of shows and plays dotted around London, particularly in the summer where many venues, such as Somerset House, feature open air cinema screenings the kids will love. When you’re not riding the carousel at Southbank or browsing the exquisite (and free!) historical art gallery, you can relax on the sun loungers at Hyde Park taking in the beautiful scenery.
Manchester
For something a little tamer than London, Manchester is the next best thing. There are plenty of things to do in here that makes it the perfect place to bring the kids. If your children are football mad, then why not take a trip to the National Football Museum? Where you’ll uncover the history of the beautiful game delving into its past. Alternatively, if your kids are fascinated by wildlife then take a trip to Chester Zoo a short drive out from central Manchester. It features over 21,000 animals and counting, with many endangered species there’s so much to learn and discover. It’s the perfect day out for all the family. When you’ve built up an appetite after all your sightseeing then visit the Corn Exchange in the city centre, it features a variety of some of the best restaurants in Manchester.
Bristol
Bristol pride themselves on being a family-friendly city. With many young couples across the UK choosing this city as the place to raise their families because of its rich and diverse culture. The famous Bristol Hippodrome is one of the country’s most prestigious theatre’s, showcasing productions from the West End and Broadway. There is plenty going on here throughout the year so whenever you visit there’s sure to be something that would be perfect for your family. There’s also Bristol Aquarium in the city centre, with recreations of a South American fishing village and Amazon rainforest pools, the kids will be happily occupied here all day! Bristol also hosts family friendly festivals throughout the year; from the Festival of Nature, Food Connections festival and Bristol Comedy Garden, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Portsmouth
Much like Brighton, Portsmouth is one of the UK’s best loved seaside cities. The unique aspect of Portsmouth is its combination of harbour and beach, with a lovely trail walk in-between. Gunwharf Keys provides a fabulous shopping experience for the grownups with plenty of high-end outlets, and the delicious treats in Cadbury’s World are on offer for the kids. There’s also a huge cinema, bowling alley and variety of seafront restaurants to choose from whilst you look out over the marina and across to the Isle of Wight. When you make your way to the seaside, you’re greeted with a bustling pebble beach and fun fairground rides amongst arcade attractions. Portsmouth is the perfect destination to kick back, relax and try some authentic British fish and chips by the coast.
Where will you go next?
So, there you have it – a list of the best cities to visit in the UK to keep the little ones happy. Don’t be put off by those infamous Britain rainy days, there’s plenty to do and discover wherever you go. Whether it’s a big family trip or a quick weekend getaway, you’re sure to find something to suit you with such a diverse selection of cities to choose from.
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About The Author: Sophie Lodge is currently a freelance writer, passionate about promoting fantastic undiscovered local areas in popular countries. In her spare time she loves reading, cooking and travelling. So far she’s visited 15 countries…and counting.
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