Whether you find it easier to load everything you need into your car when you set off on your holidays, or you simply love the thrill of the open road and want to share a road trip adventure with your nearest and dearest, there are lots of great places to try for a family holiday in and around the UK. Here we take a look at five of the best.
Cornwall
From craggy cliffs to quiet coves, super surfing and invigorating coastal walks, Cornwall is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places the UK has to offer. It can be quite the drive depending on where you live, but once you’re there it’s well worth the journey. Whether you prefer to spend your time in vibrant Newquay or quieter spots like quaint Bude, Cornwall has lots of great attractions for the whole family.
Provence
A quick hop across the English Channel, you can speed through the Channel Tunnel with your car on the Eurotunnel service from Folkestone to Calais. Before you know it, ‘voila’, you’re in France in just over half an hour. Once you’re on continental soil, you could get to the stunning Provence region in the south of France with a solid day’s drive, although you might need a stopover if you’re the sole pilot. Whether you fancy the glitz and glamour of Saint-Tropez or the more laid-back atmosphere of Le Lavandou, the French Riviera is littered with glorious, sun-drenched beaches, not to mention the awe-inspiring Verdon Gorge.
Lake Como
Take a ferry from the UK to somewhere like Le Havre or Zeebrugge, and then pick out a picture book route through the majestic Swiss Alps to the Italian Lakes region. Lake Como is absolutely breathtaking, where steep mountains plunge down out of the sky into the water. From water sports to walks around the lake, this is an epic place to visit for a family holiday if you love spending time in the great outdoors.
Scotland’s North Coast 500
Another one for natural beauty, there are lots of incredible places for the outdoorsy type of family in Scotland. It’s hard to beat the North Coast 500 though, a circular route which loops around - you guessed it - the north coast for 500 miles. Ideal if you have or are looking to rent a camper van, there are plenty of wonderful spots to spend a night or two, or use as your base. Wherever you lay your head, you can expect a heady blend of sweeping lochs, soaring mountains, ruined castles and rugged coastline - not to mention a wee dram or two of fine whisky.
Disneyland Paris
Another trip through the Channel Tunnel will leave you within striking distance of a destination that any young child (and probably even the older ones) will absolutely love. Full of magic and action-packed adventure, Disneyland is a once-in-lifetime treat for some and a regular favourite for others. It’s a place where it’s hard for the adults to keep a grin at bay too, and any holiday where the kids will love you to Space Mountain and back has to be a great idea.
