Are you looking for last minute family weekend breaks?
The end of summer is fast approaching; with the return to school on the horizon, you may be thinking of booking one last getaway…
In this blog, we’re exploring our favourite UK destinations, perfect for all the family:
Discover Last Minute Family Weekend Breaks in the UK
Make the most of your final days of summer and create a host of happymemories before the school run rush begins again!
Explore the rolling hills of the Lake District, capture the last rays of the sinking sun with a fish and chip dinner on a beach in Cornwall, or enjoy a picnic in the woods in Eastbourne.
With so many stunning landscapes in the UK, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your ultimate destination.
Are You Looking for the Best Family Weekend Breaks UK?
From the Cotswolds to the Isle of Wight, idyllic destinations for family weekend breaks are in abundance in the UK.
Summer 2023 hasn’t exactly been filled with sunshine, but if you’re willing to eat your ice cream in the rain and wear wellies to the beach, there are plenty of wonderful opportunities to make lasting memories before we roll into autumn!
Visit the Cotswolds
Filled with stunning vistas, chocolate box villages, and hidden adventures, the Cotswolds is a delightful place to embark on weekend family breaks.
Stratford-upon-Avon, also known as ‘Shakespeare’s County’, offers a unique stay in the heart of the Cotswolds; opt for the grandeur of Billesley Manor Hotel — where the playwright is said to have penned ‘As You Like it’! Or, book your weekend family break in Cotswold House Hotel, a stunning building with plenty of character and charm.
With plenty of space to run around, beautiful landscaped gardens, a bustling cafe and gift shop, and a park (complete with a sandpit), Batsford Arboretum offers a fantastic day out for all the family.
The Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton on the Water is brilliant for young vehicle enthusiasts. It’s also well worth exploring Birdland and the dinosaur woods whilst you’re there, too. Finish the day by indulging in the towns’ famous fish and chips and dipping your toes in the river.
For animal lovers, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park offers plenty of activities, including tractor rides, holding/feeding animals, and giant bouncy pillows. Or, take a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park to meet giraffes, zebras, capybaras, and more. Take a ride on the train, burn some energy in the fantastic park, and refuel in the restaurant or at one of the kiosks throughout the park.
Pittville Park in Cheltenham offers plenty to do for all the family, including:
- Fishing
- Boating
- Children’s play areas
- Tennis
- Pitch and putt
- A skatepark and BMX park
There’s also a cafe for refreshments, woodland areas, and plenty of walks, so you can spend the whole day exploring!
Explore the West Midlands
We can recommend places to visit; we can’t plan for the weather, though! Should you arrive in the West Midlands to be greeted by the rain, head to the Crystal Leisure Centre. Their Barrier Reef leisure pool features a wave machine, waterslides, rapids, waterfalls, fan sprays, and more — ensuring fun for the whole family. The leisure centre also has a soft play area, squash courts, and a sports hall, offering plenty of activities to keep you out of the rain.
Another indoor activity, and perfect for younger members of the family, is the Legoland Discovery Centre. A haven of bricks and colour, the centre offers plenty of building opportunities, rides, 3D cinema experiences and shopping. Complete with a cafe; it’s a fun way for Lego fanatics to spend a few hours. Opposite the centre is the Birmingham National Sea Life Centre, offering yet another exciting, sheltered activity. Discover sharks, starfish, and everything in between!
If the sun comes out during your visit, we recommend a trip to Broomy Hill Miniature Railway. A charming attraction for train enthusiasts, the park features model trains, a museum and, of course, the chance to go for a ride!
Discover the Isle of Wight
No visit to the Isle of Wight would be complete without a trip to Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest theme park. From Cowboy Town and Pirate Cove to Fairyland and the Underwater Kingdom, there’s plenty of opportunities for all the family to step into a magical realm and unleash their imagination. For the thrill-seekers in the family, try out the new heart-stopping ride, Extinction — a cliff top 360 pendulum swing that reaches 18m high!
For a more relaxed day, visit one of the Isle of Wight’s secluded, sandy beaches where you can build sandcastles, go rockpooling, discover the joys of bodyboarding, and spend some quality time together.
If you’re feeling adventurous, discover plenty of exhilarating activities such as tree climbing, mountain boarding and go karting. There are also plenty of bike trails, offering unrivalled views of the stunning seascape.
Complete your weekend family break with a stay in the Broadway Park Hotel, ideally situated to offer easy access to all the best attractions!
Relax in Cornwall
When in Cornwall, visiting The Eden Project is a must! Trek through the world’s largest indoor rainforest, discover the beautiful outdoor gardens, immerse yourself in wondrous storytelling and performances, and marvel at contemporary artworks. There are places to stop and rest, engage in activities, and enjoy refreshments, making it an exciting experience for all the family.
One of Britain’s most famous landmarks, we recommend taking a trip to Land’s End. Offering breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, cafes, kiosks and restaurants, and even a golf adventure, there’s something for everyone atop the West Country cliff.
Discover the wondrous blooms in The Lost Gardens of Heligan, where you can meander through the productive gardens, pleasure grounds, and the UK’s only outdoor jungle. Discover the wildlife, explore the farm, and venture through the woodlands; it’s a haven for both adults and children alike.
It’s not all go, go, go; relax on the golden sands of Carbis Bay, St Ives, where you can immerse yourself in glittering seas and indulge in a scone (with jam first!) or two.
Or, if you’re up for an adrenaline-fuelled activity, test your surfing skills on some epic waves at Perranporth beach! Whatever an idyllic beach day looks like for you, Cornwall will not disappoint!
Why not book your break in the Beresford Hotel in Newquay? Perched perfectly on the seafront, you’ll be immersed in Cornish life from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep.
Get Advice on Family Weekend Breaks
Family weekend breaks can be difficult to plan, especially when there are a wide range of ages and interests to accommodate.
Our favourite family destinations offer plenty of activities that will enthral the whole family, from beach days and garden exploration to theme parks and surfing.
There are plenty of hotels in each region to help you make the most of your trip — and make mealtimes much easier. Featuring cosy restaurants and fun entertainment, you can keep everyone happy with a Bespoke Hotels experience.
To book your last-minute family weekend break, please contact a member of the Bespoke Hotels team.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover more about The Lost Gardens of Heligan?
