Ifyou’re anything like some of our nearest and dearest, you’ll wince at the ideaof travelling overseas with young children as it is often not without itschallenges. So if the thought of a restless child on a full flight makes youwant to sink into your seat rather than jet away, you may be relieved to hearthat there is a growing array of superb family-friendly accommodation in theUK, offering activities for kids that will keep them out of trouble, withcomfortable and spacious sleeping options to ensure you all get to unwind onthat all-important family break. Here is our handpicked shortlist, and do bearin mind many of these are already booking up fast for summer 2017 – so actquickly to avoid disappointment!
CampKatur | Bedale, North Yorkshire
Whyit’s family friendly:
Glampingrepresents the ultimate family adventure, all the fun of camping without anystresses of erecting tents and Yorkshire’s Camp Katur is no exception. Boredomor summer holiday ennui are words never uttered here, with thrill-seekingactivities like segway, archery, pontoon bridges, zip-lining and a climbingwall to entertain. During summer, ‘Big Little Gigs’ are even held tointroduce kids to the world of live music to help hone you junior rock starskills – sunglasses and air guitar obligatory! We recommend a stay in a geodomeor safari tent which offer space for larger families.
PinewoodPark |Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Whyit’s family friendly:
Stayingon the glamping tip, this award-winning site, again in Yorkshire, has a uniquecowboy themed section called Woody’s Western Town, perfect for some on-themefancy dress, especially if you and your brood bed down in one of the ‘chuckwagons’. Perhaps one of the best reasons to stay as a family too – Pinewood’spolicy is to never put up rates during school holiday periods, meaning you canget a bargain price if you manage to secure your space early.
NorthShire | Saltburn-by-the-Sea,Cleveland
Whyit’s family friendly:
Thisplace is all fairy tales and storybooks, perfect for a family break with a difference,straight out of Tolkien’s Shire! Your kids will immediately feel as thoughthey are plunged into a bygone era, set for a magical stay in this restoredfarm in the shire. This is the sort of environment that could only be thebrainchild of a family with 5 children, who know exactly what families need tomake their stay run smoothly. Various resident farm animals provideentertainment for the younger children, including peacocks, miniature ponies,goats and horses!
VistaPoint | East Preston, Sussex
Whyit’s family friendly:
Notonly is the stunningly designed Vista Point nestled in a perfect spot just astone’s throw from the shingle beach (see what we did there?), it also boastsits own swimming pool and a total of 5 bedrooms, so you’ll never be short ofspace here for your young ones who will most likely get their own room toenjoy. Alternatively, this would also make a perfect place for a group offamilies to enjoy a larger summer holiday together in retro style andsophistication. Imagine the pool parties in the sunshine!
WestLexham Treehouses & Glamping | nr. King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Whyit’s family friendly:
Whatcould be more kid-friendly than an Enid Blyton-esque treehouse wonderland andone of the most unique accommodations in the UK for families? At WestLexham you’ll find a boutique site featuring treehouses and bell tents dottedaround a picturesque family estate. Its completely natural setting allows yourkids to run freely and explore this stunning part of Norfolk, and if you optfor Sunrise, the largest of the magical treehouse options, you can accommodatea group of 6 – a perfect family setup.
PennyRope Bed Chamber | Margate, Kent
Whyit’s family friendly:
Whatchild wouldn’t find it an adventure and novelty to sleep in a basement bunk roomcalled ‘Bunks & Burner’, decorated in the style of a crazy chemistrylaboratory, or experience a stay in a quirky converted cold storage ‘prisoncell’. Well, this is exactly what is on offer at the unique Penny Rope BedChamber in vibrant Margate, Kent. In the daytime, the excitement continues atDreamland vintage theme park and the golden sands of Margate beach, justminutes away.
Lantern& Larks Kittisford Barton | Somerset
Whyit’s family friendly:
Astay in a large, luxury tent under canvas in a beautiful natural setting evokesthe allure of an African safari experience but without the long haul flying, soit should definitely figure on any family’s wish list for a memorable familysummer break. The Kittisford Barton location is an organic farm which the kidswill love, and also has a perfect setting for some nearby family adventuressuch as Go Ape, Quad World and Longleat Safari Park. The tents each have 3 bedroomsso you could easily combine families or bring your kids’ friends along to jointhe fun and sunshine.
HappyDays Retro Vacations | Saxmundham, Suffolk
Whyit’s family friendly:
Whatdo you get when you combine an old army truck, trampoline and 1960s/70s vintagecaravans and airstreams? A fun-packed and kitsch family adventure with anAmerican retro twist! The gorgeous site in a pretty spot in Suffolk iscompletely car-free, making it a perfect playground to kids to roam free. Bring along a portable BBQ and marshmallows to complete the experience – you’llsee why this awesome campsite has been voted amongst the ‘Top 20 Coolest’ byThe Times!
Discover yet more awesome family-friendly break ideas here!
Host Unusual is proud to support The Family Holiday Association – the only national charity dedicated to providing British seaside breaks and day trips for familiesstruggling with some of the toughest challenges life can bring.
5% of every listing fee on Host Unusual is donated towards their incredible work.
