A handy guide to the best holiday destinations for kids
Our guide will give you inspiration for your next family break, whether you want to take it easy and stay close to home or head out for an adventure in Europe or beyond.
Read some top tips to find the best holiday destinations for kids in Europe
Want to stay in the UK for your family break? Or would you rather head over the channel to Europe? Whatever you choose you’ll be spoilt for choice as you can see from our great suggestions below.
Feel the sand in your toes in Cornwall
You don’t have to go abroad to enjoy time at the beach – Cornwall delivers some of the most spectacular beaches in the country, if not the world. Holiday cottages near Newquay will deliver lively seaside fun, with surf schools, a historic harbour to visit and a healthy sprinkling of amusement parks nearby. Or, you could head for the quieter shores Hemmick Beach or Bossiney Haven. For family fun away from the beach, the gardens and castle at St Michael’s Mount will leave any small child wide eyed, as will the clifftop Tintagel Castle and the magical Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Explore history and culture in Lisbon
City breaks aren’t just for grown ups. Choose your destination wisely and an urban break can work well with kids, too. Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in Europe and is very family friendly. Most holiday rentals come in the form of city centre apartments that will have you well placed for exploring the city’s elegant streets. If this proves too tiring for little legs, the city’s colourful red and yellow trams will zip you about quickly, and are fun to ride in, too. If you’ve time for a day trip you could head out to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sintra, famous for its colourful palaces; or take the hour long journey to the chilled out beachside town of Cascais. Looking for something special? See all villas in Portugal.
Sample island living in Greece
Greece is considered to be one of the most relaxed and friendly countries in the world, so it’s no surprise that it scores highly when it comes to kids’ holidays abroad. There’s a plethora of islands to choose from, most of which have stunning beaches, good food and welcoming locals – some are just a bit busier than others. If you’re travelling with young kids, then a villa rental in the tiny Ionian isle of Lefkada – full of whitewashed villages and clear coves – would be a good choice. Older kids and teenagers might enjoy the livelier island of Naxos, home to dozens of beaches, ancient ruins, hiking trails and the busy town of Hora, which has a charming old centre.
Find the best holidays for kids long haul
If you want to go further afield to find the best family holiday, we’ve got you covered, from zen-like bliss in Bali to exploring tea plantations in Malaysia.
Family breaks in Bali
This Indonesian island may be small but it packs a big holiday punch – especially for families. The locals are welcoming and friendly, the food is excellent, it’s safe and easy to get around and there’s a wide choice of holiday villas to choose from, many of which have their own pool. What’s more, the island is lined with beautiful beaches, from laid-back Jimbaran Bay, which is perfect for toddlers and young children, to the bustling surf hub of Kuta, which has more to offer for teenagers and older kids. Inland are lush green rice terraces, hiking and biking opportunities and the chilled-out town of Ubud, which has cooler temperatures, nearby waterfalls and is home to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Make for the beach in Mexico
Kids holidays abroad don’t get much better than Mexico. There’s balmy weather, delicious, kid-friendly food, stunning beaches and a healthy dose of historic sites to keep you happy. It’s a big country so hone in on the sunshine of the Yucatán Peninsula, where holiday rentals can put you close to the bright lights and high rises of Cancun or take you down to the chilled-out sands of Tulum. Either way there’ll be swimming, snorkelling and general beachside frolics to keep the kids happy; and if you tire of the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean coast, you can head inland to the elegant colonial city of Merida or the massive Mayan complex of Chichén Itzá.
Take the kids on a journey to Malaysia
Malaysia is an excellent destination for a holiday with adventurous kids. It has the requisite gorgeous beaches, dynamic cities and lush jungles, but it’s safe and easy to get around, with English spoken almost everywhere. Holiday rentals in Kuala Lumpur are likely to be in high-rise apartment blocks, but head to the popular holiday island of Langkawi and you could find yourself in your own villa or bungalow. Alternatively, you could make like a tea planter and head for the Cameron Highlands, where the climate is cool, the landscape lush and family-friendly entertainment comes in the form of plantation visits, gentle hikes and the occasional afternoon tea.