A dream holiday for many of us would be heading out to the remotest location, where one can disconnect themselves from the world for a few days (or weeks). But what seems peaceful may be a not-so-good idea when the kids are involved. Children love to be in a destination where they can nurture their imagination, creativity, and curiosity, and what’s better for the same than exploring cities? While cities can be overwhelming, they are sure-shot ways of learning about the history and culture of a country. Plus, cities are filled with attractions to engage and entertain all family members. The United Kingdom is a country with some cool and vibrant cities. You can enjoy a city break in the country by getting a UK visa online. Here are the best cities to visit in UK with kids.
London
London is a true paradise for people traveling with kids. Even if your kids are toddlers, middle-aged children, or teenagers, you will find something that interests them in the UK’s capital city. London has some of the best free museums that are educational and entertaining. The National History Museum, the Science Museum, and the London Transport Museum will kindle your child’s curiosity.
At Madame Tussauds, they can interact and click pictures with the wax statues of their favorite stars and celebrities. There is also London Zoo, whose inhabitants will grab the attention of the tiny tots. Harry Potter fans will have a field day at the Harry Potter Studios, where they relive the scenes and situations of the movie and book.
If you and your kids are craving some regular fun, a visit to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground would be a good idea. The city also has amazing parks like Kyoto Garden, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Whitehall Gardens, etc., to spend some peaceful evenings. You must also treat your kids to a classic English afternoon tea at one of the hotels here.
York
York, is another family-friendly city in the UK. This history-steeped place something for everyone, as parents and kids can discover places like the York Minster (a Gothic cathedral), the York Castle Museum, and the medieval city walls. Stop at the Yorkshire Museum to acquaint yourself with Yorkshire’s rich Viking and Roman history. Little children fascinated with vehicles will have the time of their lives at the National Railway Museum and York Air Museum. Parents of older kids must also visit the York Dungeon where horror meets comedy.
Another reason York is a hit among families is because it offers numerous adventurous and fun activities for everyone. The Web Adventure Park, the York Maze, William’s Den, etc., are a few places have family fun. To make exploring York even more fun and exciting, join the Treasure Hunt York, where you tour the city while solving clues and trying to find a treasure.
Bristol
Bristol is where you can experience the hustle and bustle of a city while enjoying its picturesque green spaces, countryside, and seaside. A great place to start your family tour in the city would be the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The museum not only gives you a peek into the city’s history but also the history of our planet. M Shed Museum is worth visiting to learn about the history of the city and its people. ‘We the Curious’ is a science museum with interesting exhibits and a planetarium.
Tiny tots will be fascinated by visiting the Bristol Aquarium, where they will see several interesting exhibits housing thousands of marine animals. Animal lovers should visit the Wild Place Project, a unique nature park that comes together to form a safari park and a zoo farm. A visit to Bristol will not be complete if you do not take time to explore Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the ship that revolutionized how people traveled.
Edinburgh
Most people begin their Edinburgh tour at Edinburgh Castle. Touring the Great Halls, seeing the Crown Jewels, and knowing about the historic weapons are interesting ways to spend time in Edinburgh Castle. Your kids will love visiting Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, an interactive museum spread around six floors, comprising an array of challenging puzzles, optical tricks, and illusions.
The Harry Potter Tour is something you should not miss, as it takes you to all the places that inspired the book series. Parents and kids who are adventure lovers should not miss hiking on Arthur’s Seat for the activity and the view from the top. Edinburgh Zoo is a great place to take your young ones. Our Dynamic Earth Science Center, National Museum of Scotland, and Museum of Childhood are a few other family-friendly attractions in Edinburgh.
Bath
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City with plenty of historic attractions to explore. The star attraction the Roman Baths, where you will get to see how the Romans lived in 70 AD. Then there is also the No. 1 Royal Crescent, an immersive museum that will tell you all about high society in England in the 18th century. But Bath is not just about history. There are several adventurous and cultural attractions to enjoy here.
Kids of all ages should visit The Egg Theater, where there are live plays and performances especially for them. West Country Water Park, Safari Park, Livefree Adventures, Bath Trampoline Park, etc., are for those who love nature and adventures. If your kids love challenges, exploring the Wookey Holey Caves will be a good idea. The Mystery of the Prince’s Stolen Statue is a self-guided treasure hunt adventure apt for curious little minds.
Brighton
Kids and adults love Brighton; hence, it is one of the best places to visit in UK with children. Brighton Palace Pier is the most iconic spot in Brighton. Since its launch in 1899, it has grown into one of the world’s best piers. The place boasts amusement parks, thrill rides, arcade games, soft play areas, restaurants, cafes, and bars. You and your kids will also love relaxing at Brighton Beach.
People who like to be outdoors love Brighton, as it is home to numerous parks and gardens, including Preston Park, Stanmer Park, Queens Park, etc. When you are not exploring outdoors, you can visit the unique Upside Dow House or watch the marine life at SEA Life Brighton. Globalls, with its unique glowing interiors, makes for a fun, entertaining, and gaming arena. Pier Pressure Brighton Escape Room may also interest older kids and teenagers.
Winchester
The best part about Winchester, the ancient capital of England, is that you can live a city life while enjoying the outdoors, as the place is close to the countryside. Wolvesey Castle, Winchester Cathedral, and the Gurkha Museum are some of the sights to see and explore in Winchester. But the city has several other attractions for families with kids. The Marwell Zoo, Winchester Science Center, Winchester City Museum, and Westgate Museum will interest kids and their parents.
As Winchester has several outdoor places, do not miss some of the breathtaking landscapes. St. Catherine’s Hill, Old Winchester Hill, Itchen Way, Abbey Gardens, Blackwood Forest, and Winnall Moorse Nature Reserve are some of the outdoor attractions to explore here.
Swansea
Most people know Swansea as a student city in South Wales. The city not only has a gorgeous landscape but is also popular for its nightlife, thanks to the student population. Yet, Swansea makes for a great holiday spot for families. The place has many beaches where families can relax and spend quality time. Three Cliffs Bay, Llangennith Beach, Caswell Bay, Oxwich Bay, Langland Bay, and Bracelet Bay are worth checking out.
Swansea has several castles and museums that are fun to explore. But if your little ones want a break from sightseeing, heading to the LC Waterpark will be a good idea. If your children are too small for the water park, Blackpill Lido (a paddling pool) at Swansea Promenade would be apt. Adventure lovers will love Dynamic Rock Adventures and Teamforce Paintball & Activity Centre.
Manchester
Manchester is synonym with football. That said, it’s also one of the UK’s most influential cities? It has culture, history, and leisure options in equal measure. Football lovers will have an amazing time indulging in the Manchester United Museum and Tour, the National Football Museum, Etihad Stadium, and Manchester City Club Tour. The CBBC Tour is ideal for kids who want to see behind-the-scenes of their favorite shows.
Manchester offers fun and interactive galleries like The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Science and Industry Museum. One can also indulge in animal-related activities at SEA Life Manchester and Chester Zoo. Crystal Maze and Chille Factore offer a galore of activities that will keep your kids engaged for a long time.
Birmingham
Birmingham played an important part in the Industrial Revolution, and the city still has remnants of the same. But apart from history, the city is filled with family-friendly attractions that can entertain the little ones. The Legoland Discovery Center is a favorite among kids, where they can indulge in hands-on activities to create LEGO structures with their imaginations and creativity. Likewise, SEA Life Birmingham will fascinate the children who love to know everything about marine life. The aquarium has a 360-degree ocean tunnel and more than 2,000 aquatic animals.
Science lovers will have an exciting time at Think Tank Science Museum. The kids can take part in hands-on experiments, meet talking robots, and watch a star show at the planetarium here. Kids can also have a fun day being adults at the MiniBrum, a mini city here. Children will enjoy a visit to Drayton Manor, as it has a zoo, a theme park, and kid-friendly rides based on the theme of Thomas the Tank Engine.
The city-based destinations in the UK for families are many. All you have to do is pick one (or a few) that suits the tastes and interests of your family for your UK holiday.
