For families who are looking to stay closer to home this summer, the UK is full of unforgettable destinations. From coastal hideaway to sandy campsites, there’s no shortage of places for young explorers to roam and explore.
Whether it’s a weekend camping or a week in a seaside cottage, the journey is part of the fun. At Halfords, we’re here to help, from family tents and bike racks to free car checks, we’ve got everything you need to get holiday ready.
Explore our top picks, region-by-region to find some of the best UK holiday destinations for families.
Scotland – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park offers the kind of landscape that’s made for family adventure. With tranquil lochs, forest trails and wide-open hills, it’s perfect for active days out in nature.
Families can explore on foot or on wheels to follow gentle trails through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. A perfect destination for little ones to spot wildlife and older thrill-seekers to take on more challenging routes.
Accommodation in this area ranges from waterside campsites like Cashel, ideal for toasting marshmallows after a day of exploring. Plus, Loch Lomond offers self-catering lodges and family-friendly hotels in Aberfoyle and Callander, with easy access to cycling and walking paths to keep everyone entertained.
Before setting off, it’s a good idea to book a Free 5-Point Car Check at your local Halfords. We’ll carry out a:
- Headlight and brake light check
- Wiper blade condition check
- Battery health check
- Windscreen chip check
- MOT due date reminder (UK only)
This will ensure that you can travel with confidence, no matter how remote the destination.
Northern Ireland – Causeway Coast & Glens
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is packed with natural drama and legend-filled landscapes. Families can walk across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, or spend the day beachcombing along the rugged coastline.
Base yourselves in a self-catering cottage near Portrush or Ballycastle for flexibility or choose a hotel with sea views for a touch of comfort. Additionally, there’s camping options for those who love falling asleep to the sound of waves.
For families bringing their bikes, the Causeway Coastal Route offers spectacular views ideal for a scenic cycle. Make sure your wheels are road-ready from cycle servicing to accessories; Halfords has everything to keep your journey rolling.
Wales – Pembrokeshire Coast & Tenby
Few places capture the spirit of a UK seaside holiday quite like Pembrokeshire. Tenby’s colourful harbour, safe sandy beaches and easy-going vibe make it a family favourite. However, there’s also plenty of action for curious young minds as well.
Spend the day at Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, where little ones can meet animals, go on rides, or even stay overnight. The site offers camping pitches and on-site accommodation, perfect for a short break with maximum fun.
At Halfords, we’ve got all your camping essentials covered from sturdy tents to cosy sleeping bags, so you can focus on making memories.
For longer stays, there are self-catering cottages dotted along the coast and plenty of camping options near the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Active families can enjoy coasteering, sea kayaking or wildlife boat tours.
And if your journey involves steep hills or country lanes, consider adding a roof-mounted cycle carrier or a towbar-mounted rack to keep your bikes safe and your boot space free.
Northeast England – Northumberland
Northumberland is ideal for families who love wide open spaces and quieter coastlines. Its beaches near Seahouses and Bamburgh are clean, uncrowded, and perfect for sandcastle building or paddling in shallow waves.
A trip out to the Farne Islands by boat is a real highlight, especially during puffin season. Or take the dramatic drive across the tidal causeway to Holy Island, where adventure feels just a little bit magical.
Accommodation-wise, there are charming coastal hotels, holiday cottages, and camping spots near the dunes. Many are dog-friendly too, a bonus for four-legged family members.
Northwest England – Lake District
Adventure comes naturally in the Lake District. With towering peaks, serene lakes, and winding trails, it’s a haven for outdoor-loving families. Paddleboarding on Windermere, hiking Catbells, or cycling near Grizedale Forest are all easy wins for active days out.
Self-catering cottages give families space to spread out, while lakeside hotels offer convenience and incredible views. There are also well-equipped campsites that bring you closer to nature, ideal for unplugged evenings under the stars.
Midlands – Staffordshire & Warwickshire
Families looking for theme park excitement and historical charm will find the Midlands has it all. Drayton Manor Resort is packed with rides for all ages, plus a zoo and Thomas Land for younger thrill-seekers. Stay on-site or nearby at The Belfry Hotel, which offers family packages and plenty of space to unwind after a busy day.
Not far away, Warwick Castle brings history to life with live shows, dungeons, and archery, all set in stunning grounds perfect for a picnic.
Planning a longer road trip? Drop into Halfords before you go be sure to check out our wide range of car audio tools so all your little passengers can enjoy their favourite road trip tunes.
Southwest England – Cornwall & Devon
The southwest delivers classic UK seaside vibes, think surfing, cream teas, and long beach days. Families flock to Newquay for its wide sands and laid-back feel. There are a wide range of hotels, such as The Esplanade, right on the seafront and perfect for beach access.
Cornwall’s rugged coastlines also offer some of the UK’s best camping experiences, with cliff-top pitches and family-friendly holiday parks. For those wanting flexibility, self-catering stays in seaside villages like St Ives or Padstow are perfect.
Don’t forget your camping checklist, from airbeds to cooking kits, Halfords has everything you need to set up base and enjoy the great outdoors. Check out this blog on camping essentials to make sure you’re always prepared.
Southeast England – Norfolk Coast
Norfolk’s beaches are among the best-kept secrets for family breaks. Wide, sandy stretches like Holkham and Brancaster are ideal for long walks, kite flying, and sand dune scrambling.
There’s a mix of camping sites, holiday cottages, and coastal hotels with many being dog-friendly, making it easy to bring the whole gang along. If you’re travelling during the summer, it’s worth booking ahead, especially for popular spots near Wells-next-the-Sea.
Make the most of your stay by packing the bikes, many of the coastal paths are flat and scenic, perfect for relaxed family rides. Before you set off, pop into your local Halfords to make sure yours and your little one’s wheels are ready for the ride.
South of England – Isle of Wight
Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, the Isle of Wight feels like a proper adventure. With beaches on all sides, cycling trails through the countryside, and family attractions like Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill, it’s ideal for curious minds and energy-filled days.
There’s no shortage of accommodation here from classic British seaside hotels to holiday parks with pools and playgrounds. Glamping pods are also a fun option, giving a twist on traditional camping with extra comfort.
Make sure your car is ferry ready with a free check from Halfords. It’s a quick way to make sure everything’s running smoothly before the crossing.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Wherever your next family adventure takes you, Halfords is here to help you get there. Whether you need a new set of bikes, a family tent, or a quick pre-holiday check-up for your car, we’ve got everything you need to make it a trip to remember. Shop online or in-store today!
