Planning a family holiday can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Ditching the car and taking the train can make the journey part of the fun. These six destinations offer fantastic experiences for both kids and adults, with easy rail access and plenty of family-friendly activities on hand.
Northumberland is a brilliant choice for a family adventure. From your two-bedroom cottage in Alnmouth, you can cycle to Alnwick Castle, where kids will love the Harry Potter-inspired broomstick training sessions. The vast sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, and the dramatic ruins of Warkworth Castle will fire up their imaginations.
The Berkshire country house hotel is exceptionally welcoming to families. It offers family bunk rooms, ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to sleep. Kids will love raiding the snack pantries for a midnight feast, playing on the tennis court, and splashing in the heated outdoor pool. With 16 acres of grounds to run around in, they’ll have plenty of space to burn off energy.
The Lake District is a natural playground for families. The new hotel in Windermere offers a suite with an extra bed for a child, making it a comfortable and affordable base. From here, you can take a boat trip on the lake, visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, or go on a family-friendly hike. The adventure starts the moment you step off the train.
While the Scottish bothies are designed for two, the vast estate is a wonderful place for older children to explore, with its forest trails and wildlife. In Cornwall, kids will love the Jubilee Pool and exploring the rock pools on the beach. Even the Essex cabin, with its film projector for classic movie nights, can be a fun and unique experience for a small family.
