Half term incoming! May UK family breaks
Ready to destress, relax and have fun on a half-term family break? It’s time to get them off their gadgets and head to one of these UK destinations.
May half-term is not far off and it’s a great week for getting away from the pressures of work and school. And, unlike Easter, when you can’t count on the weather, the end of May is a bet for warmth and sunshine. As it’s the perfect time for a trip so to get you in the mood, we’ve rounded up a few UK family attractions and suggestions of where to stay.
Northumberland
They know a thing or two about castles in Northumberland, and the castle at Bamburgh is out of this world. Explore the battlements and wander through the King’s Hall. Next, marvel at the craftsmanship that went into creating a building as beautiful and imposing as this.
Afterwards, head down to the beach and paddle in the rock pools. You may even be lucky enough to see dolphins cavorting along the coast.
Nearby places to visit include Holy Island, Seahouses (great for fish and chips) and the Farne Islands, where seals and puffins bask in the sun.
Where to stay: Kipper Cottage in Seahouses, a short walk from the harbour and less than a 10 minute drive from Bamburgh. Seven nights from 23 May for two adults and two children costs £999. You can even take your dog!
Staffordshire
If you’re after an action-packed break then head to Tamworth and Drayton Manor. The theme park is one of the biggest in the UK and caters for all ages of children. Or head to Drayton Manor Zoo to meet the animals and learn about conservation. Tickets cost from £27.50 for ages 4+.
Other places to visit include Tamworth Castle and Statfold Country Park. Or visit the SnowDome and try your hand at skiing or sliding in the snow.
Where to stay: For the ultimate experience stay at the resort hotel and choose from a range of themed and family rooms. Prices start from £178.20 per night over May half term for a family of four.
Newcastle
This is a city where ancient and modern exist side by side, from the Norman Keep to vibrant restaurants along the quayside. Shopping is world-class and there’s loads to keep the kids entertained.
Take a trip to Seven Stories – the national centre for children’s books – at Ouseburn, where kids can listen to tall tales and explore exhibitions of favourite characters, like Mog the Cat and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Or head to the Life Science Centre and marvel at lifesize animatronic dinosaurs.
Don’t miss the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – the world’s first tilting bridge – over the River Tyne. And make sure to visit iconic art work The Angel of The North.
Where to stay: Maldron Hotel Newcastle, 319.40 for three nights from 25 May for two adults and two children.
Cornwall
St Ives is that perfect combination of relaxation and fun, with gorgeous sandy beaches, such as Porthmeor and Porthminster,. There’ also a bustling town to explore.
Walk along the South West Coast Path to Carbis Bay. Or save your legs and take a train along the coast on the St Ives Railway. Visit an exhibition at Tate St Ives or discover the work of celebrated sculptor Barbara Hepworth at her former home.
Enjoy a picnic on the sands, learn to surf or simply paddle in the sea. Use the town as a base to explore – the Eden Project is an hour’s drive away and St Michael’s Mount 20 minutes by car.
Where to stay: A comfort chalet to sleep two adults and two children at Away Resorts St Ives Bay costs £747 for seven days from Saturday 23 May.
Devon
For an active holiday with lots of sunshine, East Devon is a great choice. The towns of Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton are both on the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Look for fossils as you walk along the South West Coast Path or along the sandy, pebbly beaches. And don’t forget the rock pools.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a must for anyone who loves these gentle creatures. Over at Exmouth, award-winning attraction the World of Country Life offers exhibitions, play areas and family activities.
Where to stay: Ladram Bay Holiday Park, with direct access to Ladram Bay beach. Four nights glamping in the Otterpod from Monday 25 May for two adults and two children is £780.
Norfolk
Norfolk is a county of contrasts, with sandy beaches and seaside, lakes and rivers, lush countryside and historic houses. Enjoy a day on the sands at Caister or Holkham, visit the seaside resorts of Cromer and Great Yarmouth, or discover the magic of Bewilderwood, an outdoor adventure park filled with tree houses, magical stories and characters to keep kids enthralled.
Head to the Broads National Park and hire a boat for the day to explore the waterways. Or let somebody else do the navigating and relax on a boat tour while you soak up the scenery.
Where to stay: The Old Bakehouse, Overstrand, just a five minute walk from the nearest beach. Seven nights from Saturday 23 May for two adults and two children costs £1,095.
Scotland
Around an hour’s ferry ride from the Scottish mainland, Arran is an exquisite blend of history, wildlife, rugged crags and beaches. Goat Fell is the highest peak on the island and popular with climbers, but for those wanting a more leisurely stroll there are many scenic walking trails, as well as the Arran Coastal Way to enjoy.
Paddle in the sea (warmed by the Gulf Stream), visit Brodick Castle, or take a trip back in time at the Heritage Museum. Foodies should make a point of trying the local cheese and visiting Lochranza Distillery, one of two whisky distilleries on the island.
Where to stay: Carraig Dhubh Cottage at Whiting Bay, next to the beach and under 10 miles from Brodick, is a great place from which to explore. Two nights from 27 May for two adults and two children costs £654.
London
After big family attractions, theatre, sightseeing and shopping? London has so much to offer. Start by visiting Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Take a boat trip on the Thames, see the Capital on the London Eye and chill in Hyde Park. The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum will keep everyone happy, while Tate Modern and The National Gallery are must-sees.
Take in a West End show, watch the street performers in Covent Garden, get up close with celebs at Madame Tussauds or meet everybody’s favourite marmalade-eating character at the Paddington Bear Experience.
Where to stay: The Park Plaza County Hall, just a short walk from Westminster Bridge. A studio double room to sleep two adults and two children starts from £195 per night during May half term.
Northern Ireland
This year is the 40th anniversary of Giant’s Causeway being designated a Unesco World Heritage Site, so what better time to visit? The unique natural landscape is formed from thousands of hexagonal stones dating back 60 million years. Not only do you get to see it, but you get to experience it, walking across the basalt columns next to the sea.
Afterwards, head down the Causeway Coastal Route to discover possibly the most famous ship in the world at Titanic Belfast and see the story of the doomed vessel brought to life through interactive exhibitions.
Where to stay: Ballygally Castle Hotel on the Causeway Coastal Route is ideally placed for visiting Giant’s Causeway and Belfast. Rooms start at £200 per night for a family of four over May half-term.
Lake District
Experience the water, the mountains and the lush green countryside of the Lake District National Park from your base at Bowness. Take a boat trip around Windermere – the largest natural lake in England – or try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding and wild swimming. There’s hikes to suit all ages and abilities, not to mention the highest mountains in England, including Scafell Pike and Skiddaw.
Little ones will love The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, and you can even visit the author’s home and the inspiration for her books. Don’t miss a visit to Grasmere (around 25 minutes drive away) for its world-famous gingerbread and for Dove Cottage and museum, once home to poet William Wordsworth.
Where to stay: Gavel Cottage, a short walk from the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere and from the lake. Seven nights for two adults and two children from 22 May costs £1,024.
