Top 40 Family-Friendly Destinations in the UK for Kids

We have compiled a list of the most entertaining, innovative, and subtly educational outings across the United Kingdom.

Many of these experiences are designed to challenge young minds and enhance coordination while facilitating development through engaging activities.

Others, including the UK’s largest theme parks, provide the delightful chaos and merriment that children require periodically.

There are breathtaking locations that can foster family bonding, alongside captivating institutions and museums that will engage parents as well.

Here is our compilation of the top destinations to visit with your children before they grow up!

1. Science Museum

South Kensington, London

Why you should visit: To enlighten inquisitive young minds about the physical world and the advancements made by prominent figures in science. A well-deserved addition to the list of top experiences with your children!

Activities: Whether it is civil engineering, robotics, or vacuum technology, if there is an area your budding scientist is exploring, the extensive Science Museum will feature dedicated galleries. The films presented at the IMAX theatre will further amplify that sense of curiosity.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Leavesden, Hertfordshire

Why you should visit: To be enchanted by a diverse collection of artifacts and settings from the Harry Potter series.

Activities: For a young Harry Potter enthusiast, what could be more thrilling than stepping into the Great Hall or boarding the Hogwarts Express? Explore behind the scenes to uncover secrets about special effects and animatronics, and browse through a decade’s worth of costumes, sets, and iconic props.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/

3. National Railway Museum

York, North Yorkshire

Why you should visit: This venue features an expansive hall of locomotives that will satisfy your young steam train enthusiasts.

Activities: If steam engines captivate your children, this site will hold their attention. The Great Hall will become a treasure trove for them, filled with magnificent steam locomotives and even a Shinkansen from Japan. Go behind the scenes to see a cross-section of an engine to understand its mechanics. Remarkably, admission is free.

Recommended age: Up to 12

Further details: http://www.nrm.org.uk/

4. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Edinburgh, Lothian

Why you should visit: Six floors dedicated to puzzles, special effects, games, and other interactive activities at one of Britain’s oldest attractions.

Activities: The experience commenced in 1835 with the Camera Obscura, showcasing a live projection from a bird’s eye view of Edinburgh from atop a tower. Children can engage in imaginative play, interacting with various optical illusions, light displays, and enchanting phenomena.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

5. Eden Project

St Austell, Cornwall

Why you should visit: To explore landscaped environments within futuristic domes and gain insights into botany.

Activities: One highlight is the Canopy Walkway, a raised platform among the treetops in the rainforest biome, where you can identify various plants such as cashew, rubber, banana, and cocoa. For those seeking thrills, the SkyWire zip line provides excitement, alongside many interactive exhibits at the Core Building.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.edenproject.com/

6. Stonehenge

Amesbury, Wiltshire

Why you should visit: One of the UK’s most iconic locations can appear even more magical through the eyes of a child.

Activities: Children are naturally inquisitive, and the history surrounding this site will undoubtedly captivate them. It’s astounding to consider what was accomplished 5,000 years ago using only human and animal power, ropes, and stones. This monument’s grandeur will leave a lasting impression and provoke thoughts about a mysterious past.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

7. Bewilderwood

Hoveton, Norfolk

Why you should visit: For an energetic and whimsical outdoor experience across 50 acres of woodland.

Activities: Interactive storytelling and puppet shows cater to younger children, while mazes, zip-lines, and rope bridges are designed for older kids. Much like an Ewok village, BeWILDerwood integrates into the natural surroundings and offers a healthy alternative to indoor play areas, inspired by the author Tom Blofeld and his beloved characters.

Recommended age: Up to 12

Further details: http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/

8. Giant’s Causeway

Bushmills, Antrim

Why you should visit: This UNESCO World Heritage site features an extraordinary formation of basalt columns resembling giant stepping stones.

Activities: The name alone will ignite children’s imaginations, and upon seeing the causeway, their awe will be undeniable. Visitors can traverse the rocks, identifying various fascinating formations, while the visitor center provides shuttle transport to the site. Special rates are available for children.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

9. Legoland

Windsor, Berkshire

Why you should visit: Because it is an amusement park constructed with 80 million Lego blocks, which sparks excitement in children.

Activities: Participate in interactive adventures like Coast Guard rescue or the Lego City Driving School, where children can earn their Lego driving license. Thrilling Lego-themed roller coasters, such as the Dragon ride, offer exhilarating experiences as they soar over the block-built rooftops. Additionally, the largest Lego store in the UK awaits at the park’s exit.

Recommended age: 10 or younger

Further details: https://www.legoland.co.uk/

10. Natural History Museum

South Kensington, London

Why you should visit: To view dinosaur fossils and eggs that illustrate the existence of prehistoric creatures.

Activities: All children go through a dinosaur phase at some point, right? As soon as you enter Hintze Hall and behold the diplodocus, it’s clear this space brings these ancient giants to life in a child’s imagination. Adults can admire the architectural beauty of the museum, while adventurous kids can experience an animatronic T-Rex and explore earthquake simulations.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

11. National Space Centre

Leicester, Leicestershire

Why you should visit: This destination will fuel the dreams of children interested in space exploration, making their aspirations feel tangible.

Activities: Six interactive galleries engage children’s curiosity, complemented by immersive shows at the largest planetarium in the UK. The Rocket Tower stands at 42 meters, and visitors can ascend quickly via a glass lift. It’s an enlightening experience for adults while captivating younger audiences with dynamic exhibits and multimedia presentations.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://spacecentre.co.uk/

12. Tintagel Castle

Tintagel, Cornwall

Why you should visit: To connect with the legend of King Arthur, who, according to folklore, was born here.

Activities: Experience the fusion of authentic Dark Age history and mythical stories. Children will envision knights and wizards in this captivating setting, where the remnants of castle walls intertwine with cliffs and extend to a rocky promontory.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/

13. Tower of London

Tower Hamlets, London

Why you should visit: The Yeoman Warders at the Tower can impart knowledge about London’s and England’s history that far surpasses typical classroom teachings!

Activities: Discover Traitors’ Gate, where notable Tudor prisoners like Sir Thomas More and Anne Boleyn entered, never to leave with their heads intact. Children will be fascinated by the Crown Jewels and intrigued by the tale of the Princes in the Tower—two heirs who mysteriously vanished here in the 15th century.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

14. Imperial War Museum Duxford

Duxford, Cambridgeshire

Why you should visit: It showcases a remarkable assembly of over 200 aircraft to impress the older kids.

Activities: Duxford satisfies the desire for high-octane experiences along with remarkable wartime stories. The American Air Museum features a colossal B-52 Stratofortress filling the hall, while various jet and propeller planes from different eras hover above your head—ideal for children fascinated by aviation and machinery.

Recommended age: Around 12

Further details: http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/

15. Hadrian’s Wall

Hexham, Northumberland

Why you should visit: This ancient structure marks the northern frontier of the entire Roman Empire—an enormous barrier between the civilized world and northern tribes.

Activities: Hadrian’s Wall is the largest surviving Roman artifact globally, featuring watch towers and forts every five miles. One example, Housesteads Fort, invites children to connect with history by exploring these evocative ruins. Additionally, the stunning Sycamore Gap is reachable in a brief walk.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hadrians-wall-and-housesteads-fort/

16. Forbidden Corner

Middleham, North Yorkshire

Why you should visit: This venue offers adventures in an unconventional, whimsical garden filled with engaging puzzles and pathways.

Activities: Children are encouraged to navigate tunnels, mazes, a spooky mausoleum, and hidden passages in an expansive garden, where getting lost is part of the fun. In this large folly, adventurers can track various discoveries without the aid of a map. Children will enjoy solving riddles, while adults will appreciate the garden’s creativity.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/

17. Zipworld

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd

Why you should visit: This location offers thrilling adventures in a safe and extraordinary underground environment.

Activities: A former slate quarry has transformed into a fantastical subterranean realm, embellished with zip lines, rope bridges, climbing walls, and a sizable bouncy net. This activity center is both fun and awe-inspiring and boasts Europe’s first four-person zip line.

Recommended age: Ten and up

Further details: https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/detail/blaenau-ffestiniog/

18. Warwick Castle

Warwickshire

Why you should visit: This venue showcases living history within the most well-preserved medieval castle in the UK.

Activities: Admire the views from the battlements, ascend the towers, observe the operation of enormous siege engines, enjoy birds of prey exhibitions, and navigate the ‘Horrible Histories’ maze. For adventurous visitors, the Dungeon Experience transports you back to the plague-ridden 1300s, introducing you to characters like the judge, torturer, and dubious chef.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: https://www.warwick-castle.com/

19. Beamish

Stanley, County Durham

Why you should visit: Participate in driving trams and steam engines while dressing in period costumes and meeting historical characters.

Activities: A range of engaging experiences awaits, from ploughing fields, attending a Victorian school, baking bread, to descending into a coal mine. Beamish connects children with the realities of historic rural and urban living in a direct manner, ensuring they appreciate the comforts of modern life.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.beamish.org.uk/

20. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Why you should visit: To experience the naval heritage and maritime tales from real sailors at an authentic naval base.

Activities: Children can board heritage vessels such as HMS Victory and hear riveting accounts of historic naval battles. Aboard HMS Alliance, they can peer through the periscope of an actual World War II submarine, while the Mary Rose, a shipwreck, is on display for visitors to explore.

Recommended age: Ten and up

Further details: http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/

21. Llangollen Railway

Llangollen, Denbighshire

Why you should visit: To embark on the ultimate steam train ride set against the picturesque backdrop of the Dee Valley.

Activities: Steam locomotives capture the imaginations of many children, and this 10-mile heritage railway operates with engines crafted for the Great Western Railway. Younger visitors may encounter a functioning Thomas the Tank Engine, while parents can relish the scenic views of North Wales.

Recommended age: Up to ten

Further details: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/

22. Alnwick Castle

Northumberland

Why you should visit: So children can claim to have visited the authentic Hogwarts.

Activities: Explore one of the few medieval castles in Britain that remains inhabited today. After featuring in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has engaged younger audiences. Courageous children can participate in the Knight’s Quest, dressing in armor, visiting a medieval market, and exploring a dragon’s lair.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/

23. Llandudno

Clwyd

Why you should visit: To create cherished memories of a traditional day at the beach.

Activities: Llandudno offers more than typical seaside attractions. Classic favorites include puppet shows along the promenade, an amusement arcade on Llandudno Pier, and expansive sands on West Shore Beach. Additionally, Great Orme, a grand limestone outcrop, can be explored via the charming heritage tram or cable cars to the summit.

Recommended age: Up to 14

Further details: http://www.visitllandudno.org.uk/

24. Alton Towers

Staffordshire

Why you should visit: To experience thrilling rides that will impress even the most discerning teenagers.

Activities: Alton Towers presents a range of gravity-defying roller coasters that cater to older children and young adults. The Smiler sends riders upside down more than any other ride currently, while Thirteen is the first vertical drop roller coaster worldwide. Families will also discover vintage fairground rides, playhouses, and activity centers for younger children.

Recommended age: Ten and up

Further details: https://www.altontowers.com/

25. Dorset Heavy Horse Centre

Verwood, Dorset

Why you should visit: To form connections with and care for rescued working horses.

Activities: Young animal enthusiasts will find limitless engagement opportunities—meeting, caring for, and understanding the backgrounds of the gentle giant working horses. Recognition has been awarded to the center for its interactive tractor rides, horse-drawn wagon adventures, petting zoo, and an array of workshops blending enjoyment and educational value.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk/

26. Jurassic Coast

Devon and Dorset

Why you should visit: For fossil hunting and stunning coastal scenery that will inspire awe in children.

Activities: Children will perceive the towering cliffs and unique rock formations of the Jurassic Coast as a thrilling adventure. Experiences such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove provide lasting memories, while educational opportunities arise along beaches like Charmouth, where fossils representing 185 million years of geological history can be discovered.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://jurassiccoast.org/

27. National Media Museum

Bradford, West Yorkshire

Why you should visit: To expand understanding of moving imagery and the Internet’s potential.

Activities: Eight floors of free galleries allow children to explore the mechanics of video games, television, and cinema, inspiring them with creative prospects. Visitors can produce animations, learn about the evolution of video gaming, and track contemporary online trends. Unique workshops and exhibitions are provided during school holidays, along with screenings at the IMAX.

Recommended age: Up to 14

Further details: http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/

28. Fingal’s Cave

Staffa, Argyll and Bute

Why you should visit: This site presents a spectacular natural marvel that will remain etched in your child’s memory forever.

Activities: Marvel at the towering basalt columns that appear as though crafted by an ancient civilization. If your children are fans of Lovecraft, they will be enthralled by this destination—which is part of a quest into the Inner Hebrides. On calm days, visitors can venture inside the cave by boat and explore the distinctive polygonal rocks.

Recommended age: 12 and up

Further details: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Staffa-National-Nature-Reserve

29. Paultons Park

Romsey, Hampshire

Why you should visit: For one main attraction: Peppa Pig World.

Activities: Over recent years, Peppa Pig has become a phenomenon among toddlers, and Paultons Park is the perfect destination to indulge this interest. Every ride, play area, and show features characters from the program. Young visitors can jump in Muddy Puddles, walk the Rainbow Road in Mr Potato’s playground, and enjoy seven gentle rides designed for devoted Peppa Pig fans.

Recommended age: Five or younger

Further details: https://paultonspark.co.uk/

30. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Gweek, Cornwall

Why you should visit: To instill a sense of animal conservation in children from a young age through interactions with injured seal pups.

Activities: This unique animal sanctuary focuses primarily on temporary residents. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues up to 50 injured pups each year and supports their rehabilitation. Visitors can observe feeding sessions for common seals, grey seals, otters, and penguins while also exploring behind the scenes at the seal hospital to learn about their rescue efforts.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/

31. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

Begelly, Pembrokeshire

Why you should visit: Children have the opportunity to interact with farm animals, feed giraffes, groom ponies, and more.

Activities: This multi-award-winning farm and zoo attraction promotes interactivity by enabling children to bond with miniature pigs and learn how to milk cows and goats. A designated barn allows for petting goats, rabbits, donkeys, and miniature ponies, along with a zoo featuring exotic animals like lions, Humboldt penguins, and meerkats.

Recommended age: Up to ten

Further details: https://www.folly-farm.co.uk/

32. Matlock Bath

Derbyshire

Why you should visit: To immerse children in a place filled with magic, innocence, and fun within the Peak District.

Activities: Wander through this charming gorge-side town and take a cable car ride to the Heights of Abraham atop Masson Hill. This historic attraction has been operational since the 19th century, featuring two vast caverns that showcase mining activities since Roman times. For those under 12, Gulliver’s Kingdom offers theme park fun, while the traditional amusements in Matlock Bath provide further entertainment.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/Matlock-Matlock-Bath/details/?dms=3&venue=6070460

33. Caernarfon Castle

Gwynedd

Why you should visit: To navigate the intricate spiral staircases and conquer the formidable Eagle Tower.

Activities: This remarkable castle’s design is intended to impress. With UNESCO World Heritage status, it’s an essential site for children studying the captivating history surrounding Edward I, known as Long Shanks. Each heir to the British throne has been awarded the title of Prince of Wales since the construction of this imposing structure in the 13th century.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/caernarfon-castle/?lang=en

34. Windermere

Cumbria

Why you should visit: To experience the grandeur and outdoor activities surrounding the largest lake in England.

Activities: A variety of family-friendly activities are available, including rowing, sailing, swimming, and canoeing. Additionally, activities like horse riding, climbing, abseiling, and walking along the shore are accessible. Children will be fascinated by trips on the historic steamers that traverse the lake, surrounded by the stunning fells that descend to the water’s edge.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorewindermere

35. Culloden Battlefield

Inverness, Highland

Why you should visit: This site marks the location of the last hand-to-hand battle on British soil, a pivotal moment in Scottish history.

Activities: The modern visitor center serves as an exceptional resource for older children with an interest in the Battle of Culloden. It features an immersive 360° movie, an animated battle map, and an observation deck to view the battlefield. Exhibits showcase artifacts and personal accounts, revealing why life in the Highlands and Scottish islands was irrevocably altered thereafter.

Recommended age: Ten and up

Further details: http://www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/

36. New Forest National Park

Hampshire

Why you should visit: To see the 3,000 wild ponies roaming freely throughout the New Forest.

Activities: This area provides a safe environment for children to connect with nature, featuring gentle landscapes they can explore, along with numerous family-friendly attractions: bird and reptile centers, deer reserves, climbing adventure parks, and activity farms. Summer visits capture the magical sight of pony foals, providing endless delight.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/

37. Ironbridge

Shropshire

Why you should visit: At this singular location, trace the origins of the Industrial Revolution through ten remarkable museums.

Activities: Wear a hardhat during an underground exploration of the Tar Tunnel, visit the site where the majority of the nation’s tobacco pipes were produced, create your own tiles at the Jackfield Museum, and dress as an antiquated potter at the Coalport China Museum. Ironbridge offers an unparalleled perspective on the transformations of Georgian England.

Recommended age: Primary school age

Further details: http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/

38. White Cliffs of Dover

Kent

Why you should visit: To conquer the iconic chalk cliffs that have served as England’s gateway for over 2,000 years.

Activities: Stroll along the tranquil grassy paths while gazing across the English Channel towards France. Explore the historic South Foreland Lighthouse, where Marconi conducted early radio experiments, and embark on a guided tour of the Fan Bay Deep Shelter equipped with a hard hat and head torch. Enthusiastic historians can enjoy a treasure trove of discoveries, including the impressive castles of Dover, Walmer, and Deal that flank the cliffs.

Recommended age: Aged five and up

Further details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover/

39. Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Caerphilly, South Wales

Why you should visit: To allow children to boast they have faced a genuine haunted house.

Activities: Children can engage with living history, interacting with historical characters across various social strata. These knowledgeable guides provide captivating insights into this fortified Tudor manor, its historical significance during the English Civil War, and the eerie phenomena that have intrigued visitors for centuries.

Recommended age: Five and up

Further details: http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr/

40. World Museum

Liverpool, Merseyside

Why you should visit: This museum offers a diverse array of exhibits suitable for visitors with shorter attention spans.

Activities: As the name suggests, the World Museum features captivating attractions including Egyptian mummies, dinosaur skeleton casts, authentic samurai armor, and the enthralling Bug House. For further excitement, guests can embark on their own space adventure in the planetarium.

Recommended age: All ages

Further details: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/