Top 10 Family Destinations | UK Family Summer Holidays | Planning Your Family Summer Holiday | Offers
Family Summer Holidays ☀️ Best Destinations for Families
Planning family summer holidays is one of the most exciting parts of the year. Long sunny days, warm seas and unforgettable experiences make it one of the best times of year to travel together.
From Mediterranean islands to world-famous theme parks and UK staycations, these destinations offer something for every type of family holiday.
We’ve created this guide to make planning easier, bringing together a mix of tried-and-loved favourites and a few lesser-known options that work especially well for families. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive beach escape, a theme park adventure or a UK break, this list is designed to help you find the right fit quickly.
Planning ahead can make a big difference, especially in peak season. Comparing flights, accommodation and activities early helps secure the best availability and prices for family summer holidays. We’ve listed our top 10 recommended destinations, followed by tips and trusted tools to help you plan and book with confidence.
Top 10 Family Destinations
Fun Fact
Playa de Muro beach stretches for over 6 km with shallow water, making it one of the most family-friendly beaches in Spain.
Airport
Palma de Mallorca Airport
Flight Time from London
2 hrs 30 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£120–£220 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Family resorts, beachfront apartments and all-inclusive hotels, particularly around Alcúdia, Palma Nova and Cala Millor.
Airport Transfer
45 minutes to major resorts.
Car Hire
Recommended for exploring the island, especially for visiting quieter beaches, mountain villages and attractions beyond the main resorts.
- Western Water Park
- Boat trips along the coast
- Alcúdia Old Town
- Cala Millor beaches
Fun Fact
The Algarve has over 150 beaches, many with dramatic golden cliffs.
Airport
Faro Airport
Flight Time from London
2 hrs 50 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£150–£260 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Family villas, beach apartments and all-inclusive resorts, especially in Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura.
Airport Transfer
30–60 minutes.
Car Hire
Recommended for exploring the coastline and visiting nearby towns and beaches.
- Benagil cave boat tours
- Dolphin watching trips
- Slide & Splash waterpark
- Lagos beaches
Fun Fact
Crete is the largest Greek island and home to the ancient Palace of Knossos.
Airport
Heraklion International Airport or Chania Airport
Flight Time from London
4 hours
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£180–£320 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Family resorts, villas and beachfront apartments, with popular areas including Hersonissos, Chania and Rethymno.
Airport Transfer
Typically 20–45 minutes to nearby resorts, or up to 90 minutes for longer transfers depending on whether you arrive into Heraklion or Chania. Private transfers are recommended for longer journeys.
Car Hire
Recommended for exploring beaches, historic sites and different regions of the island, as distances can be significant.
- Hersonissos waterparks
- Balos Lagoon boat trips
- Knossos Palace
- Chania harbour
Fun Fact
Mount Teide is Spain’s highest mountain and one of the largest volcanoes in the world.
Airport
Tenerife South Airport
Flight Time from London
4 hrs 30 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£180–£320 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
All-inclusive resorts, apartments and family hotels, particularly in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
Airport Transfer
20–40 minutes by taxi or shuttle to southern resorts. Private transfers are quick and easy, especially for families.
Car Hire
Recommended if you want to explore beyond the resort, including Mount Teide and quieter parts of the island.
- Siam Park waterpark
- Whale watching tours
- Mount Teide cable car
- Costa Adeje beaches
Fun Fact
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery.
Airport
Verona Airport
Flight Time from London
2 hours
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£120–£250 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Lakefront apartments, campsites and family hotels, with great bases in Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione and Bardolino.
Airport Transfer
30–60 minutes depending on your destination around the lake. Transfers can vary due to winding roads and distance between towns.
Car Hire
Recommended for flexibility when exploring different lakeside towns and attractions.
- Gardaland theme park
- Boat trips on the lake
- Monte Baldo cable car
- Sirmione castle
Fun Fact
Orlando has more theme parks than anywhere else in the world.
Flight Time from London
9 hours
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£500–£750 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Family villas with pools, theme park resorts and hotels, especially in Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista and International Drive.
Airport Transfer
20–60 minutes depending on airport and location. Orlando International is closest to most resorts (20–40 mins), while Sanford and Melbourne can take 45–60 minutes. Private transfers or car hire are recommended.
Car Hire
Highly recommended, as most attractions are spread out and public transport is limited.
Things To Do
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Waterparks
- Kennedy Space Center
Booking theme park tickets in advance is essential here, with great options available through Floridatix.
Fun Fact
Lanzarote has over 300 volcanic cones created during eruptions in the 1700s.
Airport
Lanzarote Airport
Flight Time from London
4 hrs 15 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£220–£360 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Family resorts, villas and beach apartments, best found in Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.
Airport Transfer
25–40 minutes depending on resort. Transfers are straightforward and widely available.
Car Hire
Recommended for exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes and attractions.
- Timanfaya National Park
- Rancho Texas wildlife park
- Playa Blanca beaches
- Lava caves
Fun Fact
Disneyland Paris is Europe’s most visited theme park.
Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport
Flight Time from London
1 hr 20 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£80–£150 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Disney hotels, partner hotels and nearby apartments, particularly around Val d’Europe and Marne-la-Vallée.
Airport Transfer
Around 45 minutes via direct train (TGV), shuttle or private transfer.
Car Hire
Not necessary, as transport links are excellent and the area is compact.
- Disneyland Park
- Walt Disney Studios Park
- Character meet-and-greets
- Evening fireworks
Booking theme park tickets in advance is essential here, with great options available through Attractiontix.
Fun Fact
Benidorm has one of the highest concentrations of skyscrapers in Europe.
Airport
Alicante Airport
Flight Time from London
2 hrs 30 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£120–£220 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Beach apartments, family hotels and all-inclusive resorts, mainly around Levante Beach, Poniente Beach and Rincon de Loix.
Airport Transfer
45–60 minutes by shuttle, taxi or private transfer.
Car Hire
Optional, as most attractions are within easy reach of the resort.
- Aqualandia waterpark
- Terra Mítica theme park
- Levante Beach
- Boat trips
Fun Fact
Menorca has more beaches than Majorca and Ibiza combined, many with shallow, calm water perfect for young children.
Airport
Menorca Airport
Flight Time from London
2 hrs 30 mins
Average Flight Price (Start of August)
£150–£260 return
Accommodation / Self-Catering Options
Family resorts, villas and apartments, especially in Cala Galdana, Son Bou and Cala’n Bosch.
Airport Transfer
20–45 minutes depending on resort. Transfers are straightforward, with most family areas within easy reach of the airport.
Car Hire
Recommended for exploring hidden coves and quieter beaches across the island.
- Cala Galdana beach
- Boat trips to hidden coves
- Waterparks and splash parks
- Ciutadella old town
UK Family Summer Holidays
Planning family summer holidays in the UK is perfect for easy travel, flexible budgets and classic seaside fun. With beaches, holiday parks and family attractions, these destinations make stress-free breaks simple.
Fun Fact
Cornwall has over 300 beaches, many with clear turquoise water and some of the best surfing conditions in the UK.
Travel Time from London
4–5 hours by train or car
Accommodation
Holiday cottages, beach apartments and caravan parks, especially in Newquay, St Ives and Padstow. Family-friendly holiday parks through Away Resorts offer great on-site facilities, while private cottages and larger stays via VRBO are ideal for families needing more space.
Car Hire
Useful if arriving by train or plane, especially for exploring beaches, small villages and attractions spread across the county.
- Surfing in Newquay
- St Ives harbour
- Tintagel Castle
- Coastal walks
Fun Fact
The Isle of Wight is famous for its colourful sand cliffs at Alum Bay and traditional seaside charm.
Travel Time from London
2 hours to ferry port + 45–60 minute ferry
Accommodation
Holiday parks, cottages and seaside hotels, particularly in Shanklin, Sandown and Cowes. Holiday parks from Away Resorts are a popular family choice, alongside flexible self-catering stays through VRBO.
Car Hire
Useful for exploring different parts of the island easily, though not essential if staying in one main resort area.
- The Needles landmark
- Steam Railway
- Blackgang Chine theme park
- Sandown beach
Planning Your Family Summer Holiday
Planning family summer holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. Sorting flights, accommodation, activities and extras early can help you save money, avoid stress and make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to get started.
✈️ Flights for Family Summer Holidays
Flights during peak summer can vary widely, so it’s worth comparing options through Trip or Lastminute to find the best routes and prices. Booking early is key for family summer holidays, especially during school holiday periods.
🏨 Accommodation & Package Holiday Options
Family-friendly hotels and apartments can be compared easily on Hotels, while larger families may prefer villas or self-catering stays through VRBO.
For a simpler option, package holidays through Lastminute or Expedia can bundle flights and hotels together, often offering better value and added convenience.
All-inclusive resorts are especially popular for family summer holidays, helping to keep costs predictable while providing meals, drinks, kids clubs and entertainment all in one place.
🚗 Getting Around
If you’re planning to explore beyond your resort, booking car hire in advance through Economy Bookings can help secure better prices during busy summer months.
🧳 Holiday Extras & Travel Add-Ons
Planning ahead with the right extras can make family summer holidays far smoother and less stressful, especially when travelling with children. Airport parking, fast track security and airport hotels can all be arranged in advance through Holiday Extras, helping to reduce queues and make departure day more relaxed.
It’s also essential to buy travel insurance for peace of mind. Staying connected abroad is easier with travel-friendly mobile options such as DrimSim, helping families avoid high roaming charges.
🎟️ Activities & Experiences
Booking activities ahead of time can make family summer holidays smoother, especially during peak season. Platforms like GetYourGuide offer a wide range of family-friendly experiences, from guided tours to day trips.
For theme parks and major attractions, booking tickets in advance through Attractiontix or Floridatix can help secure entry, avoid queues and often save money — particularly for popular destinations like Orlando and Disneyland.
👉 For the latest deals, seasonal offers and discounts on family summer holidays, take a look at our latest offers page to help you get the best value for your trip.
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