The top family-friendly destinations in the UK have something for everyone, with children’s rides, games, and more. These things about UK family-friendly destinations will help you plan your next family trip so everyone has a great time, so whether you are coming from the United States, or Mainland Europe, or even you are a resident with a full British accent, we can help. We are always looking for great ways to entertain the kids while we are away, of course, so why not put together some ideas from Visited within our travel planner? That way, you will have everything ready for a cool time away from the family. You will also know exactly how much everything costs too!
Our road trip travel planner is totally free to members of our premium site, so hop on over and join, and get planning. The United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland have so many wonderful places to visit, from national parks, to the Scottish Highlands, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are so many historical places within the British Isles, and some of the oldest monuments are located within the iconic city of London. From the House of Commons, the Lake District to the Salisbury Plain where Stonehenge stands proud, the British Empire has created some lasting impressions. A British citizen doesn’t just drink cups of tea, or eat the national dish of Fish N’ Chips – there are loads of amazing things to do. Here are our tips of places to go on your next UK road trip to help you out:
Top family-friendly attractions in the UK
Want to experience the best family-friendly places on your next trip with that British passport? Check out these most-visited UK family destinations and learn new things about UK history and culture. Whether your kids love Harry Potter or want to ride roller coasters, you can do it all at these top destinations for families in the UK.
The most-visited family-friendly attractions in the UK according to Visited users are:
1. Science Museum London
Welcome to the Science Museum, where learning is made fun for the whole family!
Located in South Kensington, London, our museum offers a unique and interactive experience that will fascinate and engage both children and adults.
Science Museum London is the number one family-friendly destination in the UK. The museum includes interactive activities and learning experiences for children, with a flight simulator so children can experience the sights and sounds of flying. There’s also a hands-on gaming centre, an Imax 3-D theater, and Astro Knights sleepovers to explore the museum after hours. The museum is free, making it an excellent deal for your family trip. Just make sure you book your tickets before going, as pre-booking is required. They also might offer audio tours in different languages, so it is worth checking this out too before you travel if you need to do so.
If you aren’t sure what to do with the kids, check out the Science Museum Blog for the 5 most interactive things to do there – including the Shake Bar which we are pretty sure no kid will be able to resist.
As soon as you step inside the museum, your senses will be immediately stimulated. The sounds of laughter and excitement from children can be heard throughout the exhibit halls. With over 15,000 objects on display, there’s something to pique everyone’s interest.
One of the most popular attractions at our museum is the flight simulator. Children can sit in a replica cockpit and control their own virtual plane as they soar through the skies. It’s an exhilarating experience that will leave them feeling like real pilots! Even adults would find this loads of fun, don’t you think? Well worth the ticket price for the expressions on your kids’ faces.
If you have time, and while you are in London, you might also want to visit some of the other iconic places nearby, so you can see some of the array of different things that London has to offer. How about the British Museum, the London Eye, Big Ben, with its famous clock tower, London Bridge, The Tower of London and Tower Bridge. We do have a day itinerary in London worth checking out as well. Don’t forget Buckingham Palace too, for a glimpse of the British monarchy featured on the UK postage stamps, like the famous penny black. You might even catch a glimpse of Prince William, or even King Charles, who is now the monarch after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Do take a look at the Queen Victoria memorial outside the Palace if you get a chance. London’s Transport system should do you proud to help you get around of course.
2. Legoland UK
Legoland UK is a family-friendly destination geared toward children ages 2 to 12, and the bonus is it is also near another attraction for the kids Windsor Castle. The park is a favourite for kids with themed rides, building experiences, and interactive learning. There are also plenty of opportunities for parents to relax and enjoy themselves, such as the Legoland Hotel and the Pirate Shores restaurant. We have been to Legoland a few times, and the entertainment is well worth checking out. The pirate show, in particular, was a favourite with our kids.
If you’re looking for a more playful experience, then Legoland UK is the place to go. This amusement park is designed specifically for children and features over 55 interactive rides, shows, and attractions. From the Lego City Driving School to the Duplo Valley Splash & Play area, there’s something for every age group at Legoland UK.
But it’s not just about fun and games at Legoland UK – it also offers educational experiences through its Discovery Centre where kids can learn about different types of energy in a hands-on way. They can even earn their own “Energy Professor” certificate after completing various activities.
3. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England, is owned by Warner Bros. The Harry Potter Studio Tour offers a wonderful day out for families of all ages. It is a chance to step into the magical world of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, and see the sets, costumes, and props from the films up close. The studio tour is one-of-a-kind as you can visit sets that were used in the filming of Harry Potter movies, including the real Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, Platform 9 ¾, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Diagon Alley, The Great Hall, and Dumbledore’s Office.
A must for all families is trying Butterbeer in the cafe onsite! This sweet and frothy drink is a favorite among Harry Potter fans. The tour also includes interactive experiences like riding a broomstick, casting spells, and learning the secrets of movie-making.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is not just for kids but can be enjoyed by adults as well. It is a unique opportunity to relive childhood memories or experience the magic of Harry Potter for the first time. The attention to detail in recreating the sets and props from the movies is astounding and will leave even the most avid fans in awe.
Tickets are available online and it is recommended to book in advance as they often sell out quickly. There are also special events held throughout the year, such as Dark Arts evenings and Hogwarts in the Snow during Christmas time.
Most visited UK amusement parks
If your children love the thrill of roller coasters and rides, these are the most visited amusement parks in the UK to check out. With dedicated children’s rides and play areas, dining, and more, the theme parks are the perfect place for all ages to have fun.
1. Alton Towers
Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England, is an ideal theme park for families because it has a wide variety of rides and attractions to suit all ages. It is particularly well-suited for young children, with its CBeebies Land area, a highlight for youngsters. The park has over 50 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, gentle rides for younger children, and indoor and outdoor play areas.
If you are after the thrilling rides, check them out on their site. Our favourite was Nemesis, fast, furious and fun! There are 10 rollercoasters at the resort, so there is something for everyone, but there are also 20 rides for younger children as well.
If you are feeling brave, try out Oblivion, a vertical drop rollercoaster that will definitely get your heart racing.
Aside from the rides, Alton Towers also has beautiful gardens and themed areas to explore. You can even stay overnight at one of their hotels or glamping options for the ultimate theme park experience.
Near Alton Towers, is William Shakespeare’s birthplace too, Stratford Upon Avon, so you could pop along to there as well, if you have time. Why not explore other literary characters in London, such as Charles Dickens, or in maybe even Jane Austen in Hampshire and Winchester.
2. Thorpe Park Resort
Thorpe Park Resort is a family-friendly amusement park in the village of Thorpe with plenty of variety for all ages. The park includes some adrenaline-pumping rides for older children and adults. There are also plenty of rides for younger children and families with toddlers. For example, Angry Birds Land has rides and attractions perfect for younger children, such as the Angry Birds 4D Experience and King Pig’s Wild Dodgems. For the older children, there are plenty of fabulous, and thrilling rides. Our favourite is the Tidal Wave, brace yourself and maybe wear a swim suit, you WILL get wet 🌊.
If you’re feeling really brave, try out the Colossus – a ten-loop rollercoaster that will leave your heart racing. Other popular rides at Thorpe Park include Nemesis Inferno, Stealth, and Saw: The Ride.
3. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is an amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages in Blackpool, England. Nickelodeon Land offers 12 kid-friendly rides and Nickelodeon characters that grace the stage for entertainment. The park also has family rides like the Gallopers Carousel, a miniature railway, and more. For thrill-seekers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has 10 roller coasters that offer plenty of screams.
Our editor, Helen Neale, grew up near Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and has many fond memories of going there as a child. To help your children create similar fabulous memories, how about making sure that you check out the Big One, which is the biggest roller coaster in the UK. If you are after a spot of history, there is still a wooden rollercoaster built in 1934 on the site too!
If you’re planning a family trip to England, be sure to put Blackpool Pleasure Beach on your list of must-visit destinations. This iconic amusement park has been entertaining families since 1896 and is located in the coastal town of Blackpool, England.
One of the highlights of the park is CKPool, a water attraction that offers fun for all ages. Kids can splash around in the shallow pool while parents relax on nearby loungers. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.
But that’s not all – Nickelodeon Land is another must-visit area within Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Here, kids can meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters and enjoy 12 kid-friendly rides inspired by the channel.
4. Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington World of Adventures Resort includes lots of family fun, with a theme park, zoo, aquarium, and hotel complex in Chessington, Greater London. If your family is adventurous, the theme park even has glamping to stay closer to nature. The park has plenty for everyone, with over 40 rides and attractions, more than 1,000 animals in the zoo and aquarium, and daily shows.
Chessington’s animals make it a must destination for young and old alike; make sure you check out the Meerkats. These were the highlight of our visits to Chessington always – there is something just that little bit special about them….
With its rich history dating back to 1934, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a beloved family destination that has been entertaining visitors for decades. Originally built as an amusement park on the site of a zoo, it has since evolved into a full-fledged resort with something for everyone.
Located in Chessington, Greater London, the resort boasts a theme park filled with thrilling rides and attractions, making it perfect for adrenaline junkies. But don’t worry, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of things to do as well. The zoo and aquarium are home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world, including some rare and endangered species.
For those looking for a unique experience, Chessington offers glamping as well!
5. Paultons Park
Paultons Park includes Peppa Pig World and over 70 rides and attractions. The family-friendly theme park is located in the New Forest National Park, near the village of Ower, in Hampshire, England. Peppa Pig World is a fully themed area of the park dedicated to the popular children’s TV show. It has 9 Peppa Pig-themed rides and attractions, as well as a play area and a meet-and-greet with Peppa and her friends. The park also has well-manicured gardens, exotic birds, plenty of playgrounds, two water parks, and an indoor play centre for children.
Paultons Park is definitely a must-visit for families with young children. The park offers a perfect blend of thrilling rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Younger children will love exploring Peppa Pig World and meeting their favorite characters, while older kids can enjoy the roller coasters and water slides. The park also has designated areas for picnics and family-friendly restaurants serving delicious food. Additionally, Paultons Park is committed to sustainability by using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and supporting local conservation projects.
In particular, there is a wonderful Victorian Carousel at Paulton’s Park – everyone thinks of it as mainly Peppa Pig – but don’t forget the other attractions while you are there. There is plenty to do!
Have you been to any of the top family-friendly destinations in the UK? These things about UK attractions can help you plan your next family trip of a lifetime. These UK destinations offer something for all ages. If you want to make life a bit easier, grab our road trip planner, and download the Visited app for free for iOS or Android and let your holiday take shape.
We’ve got loads of other ideas for travel in the UK, so why not take a look at these as well? The UK isn’t the only country we cover in our travel section, so do take a look at the other destinations we have ideas for too.
Other travel ideas for the UK
Here are some other UK travel ideas on the KiddyCharts site.
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Thanks for coming to see us,
Helen
This is a partnered post.
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine! Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time. KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10. It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania. Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on. Get in touch TODAY!