The UK's best city breaks with kids
Cities are often thought of as a grownup getaway domaine only, but a city break with kids can be fun for all ages. The UK is bursting with fascinating destinations offering up a host of child-friendly attractions and activities.
While England's capital might be the first place people think of, family city breaks in the UK aren't limited to London. Britain is chock-full of historical gems, from medieval castles in Edinburgh and Nottingham to ancient city walls that you can walk around in York.
The kids will adore the Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester, while animal-lovers can get their fix at Chester Zoo.
There's an array of fantastic museums that will leave the kids wide-eyed with excitement, like Liverpool's World Museum where you can go on a rocket ride through Space or head back to the pre-historic era and meet the dinosaurs. At the National Museum of Scotland, there's a giant T-Rex and all sorts of interactive fun.
We've rounded up some of the best city breaks with kids below for all sorts of family memory-making fun, as well as the best hotels to stay while you're there.
Get ready for all the city lights and city sights on a child-friendly city break with kids, whether you're looking for half term ideas or the best family getaway in the UK.
Liverpool
Buzzing Liverpool is excellent for parents and children alike. Tuck into lunch at the Royal Albert Dock before treating the kids to a trip on a Mersey Ferry, where you can look back at the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront on the River Explorer Cruise.
Kids will also love Liverpool's World Museum, where you can go on a virtual rocket ride through space at the Planetarium; head back to the prehistoric era and compare your height to a dinosaur's at Clore Natural History Centre; or go on a 5,000-year-old adventure to the land of the Pharaohs in the Ancient Egypt section.
Further afield, Knowsley Safari Park and Chester Zoo are also accessible day trips. How's this for an all-round city break with kids?
Where to stay: INNSiDE by Meliá Liverpool offers sprawling family-friendly suites and interconnecting rooms and is a cool contemporary hotel in the centre of Liverpool by the Waterfront.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN LIVERPOOL
Manchester
There's a host of things to keep the kids entertained on a city break with kids in Manchester. The Legoland Discovery Centre is ideal for kids aged 3-10, and is an adventure playground offering rides, interactive fun and a 4D cinema.
Manchester's Science and Industry Museum shows how the city's famous inventions shaped the world, from the world’s first steam-powered mill to the splitting of the atom, and is located on the site of the world's oldest surviving railway station.
There's also Sea Life and football stadium tours to keep everyone happy.
Where to stay: Young (and old) football fans will be bowled over by Hotel Football, owned by five former players and located next door to Old Trafford. It features football-themed decor, has a retro sweet shop, and a minibar of sweets in the rooms.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN MANCHESTER
Nottingham
There's something for all generations to enjoy on a family city break with kids in Nottingham. Set in the heart of the city, Nottingham Castle offers an epic retelling of the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
For a real adventure, you can also journey into the depths of the Castle and discover the mysterious underground cave network below. There's also the Nottingham Arboretum, a historic park with over 800 trees where kids can play and picnic, as well as the Nottingham Bowl – the biggest bowling centre in the UK.
Where to stay: Check in at the Mercure Nottingham City Centre Hotel for a brilliant central location and fun decor.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN NOTTINGHAM
Edinburgh
Historical Edinburgh is bursting with exciting sights for parents and children alike. The ideal city break with kids, the fact that it's the birthplace of Harry Potter (JK Rowling famously wrote the first novel in the Elephant House cafe), makes it an easy sell.
The magnificent Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit, where you can see vaults where pirates were locked up, Scotland's crown jewels and where kings and queens held their parties. You can visit The Georgian House, which is restored to reflect life in the 18th century; or visit the National Museum of Scotland to see everything from fossils to a giant T-Rex in the Natural World gallery.
Where to stay: The stylish Rutland Hotel has views to Edinburgh Castle and boasts serviced apartments that are perfect for families.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN EDINBURGH
York
Jam-packed with beautiful sights for everyone, York is a lovely city break with kids. Start off by walking the medieval city walls for an excellent free attraction. Discover York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, where there's a whispering gallery for the kids to enjoy.
Head to the cafes and shops on the famous cobbled streets of The Shambles. And, of course, you can't visit without taking the kids to York's Chocolate Story, a museum looking at the city's passion for chocolate with Rowntree and Terry's hailing from the area. Chocolate tasting is, of course, required.
Where to stay: Less than 200 yards to the city centre, kids will love the fact that you can eat breakfast at the Dean Court Hotel while looking at the famous York Minster.
Bath
The gorgeous glow of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is appealing to people of all ages. City breaks with kids can include a trip to the amazing Roman Baths, where children's audio guides and costumed characters help immerse them in Roman life.
Let the kids run wild in the play area in Royal Victoria Park, have fun with crazy golf, or complete the family trail on the Bath Skyline Walk. And don't forget to visit Sally Lunn's for a famous cake. Outside the city, Longleat Safari Park is just a 35-minute drive away.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of the historic city, the Francis Hotel Bath is a Regency-style townhouse with excellent family rooms, and children under 13 can stay for free.
Cardiff
There's lots of things that you can do for free on a city break with kids in Cardiff. Walk or cycle along the Cardiff Bay Barrage for a lovely group activity with views across Cardiff Bay and other sights. One of the most popular heritage attractions, St Fagan's National Museum of History, is also free.
If you want to bring a packed lunch, you can head to Cardiff Castle Public Square and enjoy a picnic with views of the castle. Kids will love the Treetop Adventure Golf, a mini golf adventure with two indoor courses in a rainforest setting.
Where to stay: For a city-centre location and good-value family rooms, you can't go wrong with the Hilton Cardiff.
Bristol
There are exciting activities galore on a city break with kids in Bristol. See sharks at the Bristol Aquarium, travel through space in the Planetarium at We The Curious, an interactive science museum in the heart of Bristol's historic Harbourside area, where you can also discover Brunel’s SS Great Britain and climb the rigging on a giant ship.
And you can spot dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
Where to stay: Enjoy a stay at the Hotel du Vin Bristol, a historic hotel just 10 minutes' walk to the bustling Waterside area, and 20 minutes to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge – another great sight to see.
Salisbury
There's family fun around every corner in Salisbury. Head to the Salisbury Museum where you can get hands on with artefacts. At Salisbury Cathedral, kids can enjoy exhibits about the Magna Carta, and even have a go in the stocks.
During summer holidays, there's also craft sessions, workshops and children's trails around the cathedral. Over at the Old Sarum, the original site of Salisbury and the ruins of the original cathedral, there's regular family-friendly events in the school holidays, from Roman invasions to jousting.
And, of course, just eight miles north of the city, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge.
Where to stay: Set in 1.5 acres of scenic gardens, the Riverside Hotel is a family-friendly oasis with room for kids to run around yet just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Salisbury.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN SALISBURY
London
We couldn't recommend the UK's best city breaks with kids without mentioning London. Whether for their first trip or a returning visit, the cosmopolitan capital is abuzz with family-friendly activities.
Delve into its historic past with a trip to the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels. Enjoy Madame Tussauds and its array of celebrity waxworks. The London Dungeons, meanwhile, offers a thrilling and scary look into a macabre past. While you're at the South Bank, take the kids on the London Eye, Europe's tallest observation wheel.
Kids will also adore the Natural History Museum, where you can see a titanosaur up close, and the Science Museum, where you can trace the history of the Space rocket. And, for a truly magical day out, head out of the city centre and into the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter, where you can see the Great Hall and drink Butterbeer.
Where to stay: Make your base The Resident Kensington, where rooms can have extra beds or cots at no extra cost. There's also a mini kitchen in the rooms for preparing your own snacks or light meals.
Brighton
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! Brighton is a brilliant city break for families. Play the Dolphin Derby on Brighton Palace Pier, go shopping in the Lanes or visit the deliciously gaudy Royal Pavilion, the summer home of party boy Prince Regent.
Younger kids love to visit the SeaLife Centre or get dizzy in the Upside Down House, while older children and teenagers can brave the Brighton Zip, a 300m-long zip wire along the front. And if you don't want to brave the English Channel, the whole family can take a dip in the new Sea Lanes outdoor pool on Madeira Drive.
A highlight for all the family is a ride on the Brighton i360, a space-age glass pod which rises 162m high for far-reaching views across the channel and along the coast.
Where to stay: The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole bags a prime spot on the seafront. It offers family-friendly rooms, dining and even an indoor pool for when the Brighton weather is not playing ball.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN BRIGHTON
Leeds
A one-time haunt of Buffalo Bill, Yorkshire's largest city is perfect for a trip away with little wild ones. Visit Roundhay Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a great for a picnic or a boat ride. It's also home to Tropical World, home to a variety of tropical plants and wildlife, including meerkats and monkeys.
Nip into Kirkgate Market, Europe's largest covered market and where Marks & Spencers began – and pick up a Yorkshire pud wrap, a delicious Leeds specialty. Don't miss a wander around The Royal Armouries Museum, which has stacks of interactive exhibits for the nippers.
Kids will love following the Leeds Owl Trail. Pick up a free map from Leeds City Museum and tick off the 25 feathery head-spinners, from the shiny gold Civic Hall owl to the Yorkshire Penny Bank owls, hiding in plain sight.
Where to stay: Packed with high ceilings and Art Deco glamour, The Queens Hotel in the city centre is a real treat. Not least because kids under 16 stay free in your room.
Oxford
It may be known for its world-famous university and air of elevated academia, but Oxford also makes for a beautiful city break with kids long before they start thinking about leaving home. Visit The Story Museum to ignite a love for reading in your little ones, who will love the immersive exhibitions based on children's books – as well as what might just be the world's best dressing up box.
Another great way to explore the city of dreaming spires with kids is the Oxford Spy Mission Treasure Trail, a self-guided series of clues and mystery solving done via an app or PDF download. Kids (and adults, if we're honest) will love cracking the clues – and it's less than £10. Another great walking option – and a must for any Harry Potter fans – comes from Oxford Magic Tours, who will guide you around landmarks and filming locations.
For a fun end to the day, you could head to Cutteslowe Park and Miniature Railway, which also has paddling pools that kids will love on warmer days (just don't forget your swimmers).
Where to stay: Within easy walking distance of Oxford's historic centre, voco Oxford Spires is a great spot with a pool and adjoining rooms that make it perfect for families.
Cambridge
Another city known for its academic legacy, Cambridge has plenty to inspire young kids and keep things effortless for parents. Why not treat them to a traditional punting tour to kick things off? Rutherford's Punting Cambridge keeps things engaging with funny stories and historical facts shared throughout the river journey.
While they might not be thrilled by the historic libraries, kids will love the city's Centre for Computing History, where they can try out computers and video games consoles dating back to the 1950s. And in a similar vein, there's the Cambridge Science Centre, which is full of immersive exhibitions that get kids pushing buttons and peering through lenses to discover some of the secrets of the universe.
When the time comes for a pit stop, head to the famously family-friendly Stir on Chesterton Road. This proudly independent and spot serves speciality coffee, delicious baked goods and takeaway lunches, and there are plenty of high chairs and welcoming members of staff for everyone.
Where to stay: Kids under 16 stay free at Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa, where you'll find the perfect combination of grown-up relaxation and family-friendly fun, including a kid's menu and dedicated swimming times.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN CAMBRIDGE
Plymouth
A maritime city on the up, Plymouth is a great choice for a city break with kids – especially if you want to combine it with a seaside stay in the surrounding Devon and Cornwall countryside. Your first stop should be the National Marine Aquarium, which is the UK's largest and full of fascinating fish and sea life that will keep kids entertained for hours on end.
If you and the brood fancy a dip yourselves, it's hard to beat Tinside Lido on a sunny day. This Grade II-listed outdoor salt water swimming pool is an Art Deco gem and a hit with little ones, looking out onto the sea itself at the tip of Plymouth Hoe. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby too, with a walk around the historic Barbican offering another treat for everyone.
Just outside the city, you'll find the lovely Saltram House and Gardens, a National Trust property and a great example of Regency style. Kids will love dressing up as a Georgian or simply getting lost in the spacious gardens, which are buggy (and picnic!) friendly.
Where to stay: Children of all ages are welcome at Crowne Plaza Plymouth, which is conveniently located looking out to the sea and in the centre of all the key attractions.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN PLYMOUTH
Winchester
Winchester may be a historic city, but there's more than enough vibrant life here to make it a great choice for a city break with kids. In fact, they'll love the chance to step back in time in this intriguing medieval spot, starting off with a visit to the Great Hall, which is home to the legendary King Arthur's table. And for another peek into history, climb the steep stone steps of the Westgate Museum, which is hidden behind creaky doors.
Or you could discover the creepy crypt and search for hidden treasures on the children's trail at Winchester Cathedral (a great excuse for a visit for parents who want to see this famous sight too).
Another top spot in Winchester for keeping children entertained is Marwell Zoo, where you can spend the day spotting hundreds of animals – giraffes, tigers, leopards, meerkats penguins and more. As an added bonus, it's set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside, so there's plenty of space to run around and explore.
Finally, don't miss Winchester Science Centre, which is housed in a pyramid on the outskirts of the city. It's just as fun and futuristic on the inside, and makes a great spot for rainy days.
Where to stay: For a self-catering stay just on the edge of the city, try the lovely South Winchester Lodges
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN WINCHESTER
Birmingham
There is plenty to do in Birmingham to make it a great city break with kids, but the famous attractions near the city itself are likely to be top of the list for any younger visitors. First and foremost, there's Cadbury World, where kids and adults alike will love the chance to learn how their favourite chocolate is made, as well as trying some and enjoying other experiences like a 4D cinema.
Then, there's the Legoland Discovery Centre, which is perfect for kids ages three to 10. With two rides, a cinema, a building workshop and endless themed play areas, the hours will fly by at this exciting spot. Another must-visit is Sea Life Birmingham, an aquarium that's home to the UK's only 360 degree ocean tunnel. There are also sea otters and penguins to marvel at, as well as countless kaleidoscopic fish.
For an active experience, try Treetop Golf, a mini golf centre full of fun adventures and trails. There's also a pizza cabana and a 'Jungle Buzz' cafe – perfect if you need a little caffeine fix on your big day out.
Where to stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham is conveniently located on Broad Street close to key attractions, and it offers family rooms.
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN BIRMINGHAM
Swansea
Al the charm of the Welsh seaside plus plenty of things to do make Swansea a great choice for a city break with kids. One of the most compelling reasons to visit – whatever your age – are the beaches just outside the city, which are renowned as some of the most stunning in the whole of Wales. Only five miles from the centre, Langland Bay Beach is one of the best, with soft sands and swim-friendly shores.
But if you want to stay within the city itself, while still experiencing a touch of the natural world, don't miss Plantasia, a tropical jungle zoo filled with monkeys, snakes, insects and other intriguing creatures.
Another place kids will love is LC Swansea, which is Wales' biggest indoor waterpark, so you don't even need to worry about the weather. There are slides, a lazy river and even indoor surfing for those who want to try out their balance, plus a 30-foot climbing wall for anyone wanting to stay on dry land.
That said, if you're really into climbing you won't want to miss Crazy Climb. This family-friendly spot caters to kids as young as three who are up for a (safe) climbing challenge.
Where to stay: Head to Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Swansea for a no-frills but friendly spot that welcomes families.
You Might Also Like
