Summer is when England is at its most quintessential. Flowers riot in the fields, rolling farmland turns from green to gold, and towns spring to life with weekly cricket matches and markets. On the coast, fish and chips are the order of the day or a scone with jam and cream in a traditional teashop.
If you are staying in the UK rather than going abroad this year, consider visiting one of these destinations on the doorstep. Whether you are looking for an action-packed week in the capital or outdoor adventures in the countryside, these are the best places in England for a family summer holiday.
London
No list of English holiday destinations is complete without the capital city. As you might imagine due to its size and rich history, London has no shortage of things to do for adults and children alike. Highlights for families include the Tower of London with its grisly heritage and seeing a world-class show at the West End.
Another advantage of visiting London is that it is easily accessible by rail from across the country, so you can leave the car at home and enjoy stress-free journeys to and from your holiday accommodation. It is a good idea to check the train times to London ahead of your trip to find the most convenient route and book tickets in advance to secure the best rate.
Lake District
The Lake District, designated as one of England’s first national parks in 1951, is also a fantastic place for a family holiday – but for completely different reasons.
An idyllic landscape of lakes and mountains connected by tranquil villages, the Lake District is an unbeatable environment for a quiet countryside getaway. Active children will love hiking to spectacular viewpoints and trying out water sports on the lake such as kayaking and raft-building.
North Yorkshire
If you are looking for a ‘best of both worlds’ destination, consider the county of North Yorkshire. Glorious countryside and coastline combine with charming market towns and vibrant cities to provide endless options for your trip.
The best family-friendly outdoor activities in North Yorkshire include walks in the stunning North York Moors National Park, visiting the abbey that inspired Dracula, and fossil hunting on the beach. For rainy days, York is a perfect choice: discover Viking history, get spooked at York Dungeon, and wander the historic cobbled streets of The Shambles.
Newquay
Sometimes, all you want and need from a holiday is some sea, sand, and sunshine. Newquay, a town on the Cornish coast, is deservedly one of the most popular beach destinations in England.
Newquay’s main draw is its variety of surf spots which range from easy waves for beginners to bays that will challenge even the most experienced surfer. Surfing lessons are widely available for children who are new to this thrilling sea-based activity. Afterwards, you can relax with fish and chips straight out of the paper and cosy up in a holiday cottage to watch your favourite film. Bliss!