The 50 Best Family Days Out in the UK for 2026

The UK is genuinely one of the best places in the world to be a family. Within a few hours of almost anywhere you can reach world-class theme parks, dramatic coastlines, working farms, immersive museums and centuries-old castles built for clambering on.

We've compiled the 50 best family days out in the UK for 2026, hand-picked by parents and refreshed every season. Here's a taster of our favourites by region.

Best family days out in London & the South East

• Kew Gardens — the Children's Garden alone is worth the trip.
• LEGOLAND Windsor — best for ages 4–11.
• Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth — Tudor history brought to life.
• Wakehurst, Sussex — wild play trails and the Millennium Seed Bank.

Best family days out in the South West

• Eden Project, Cornwall — biomes, zip wires and rainforest canopy walks.
• Crealy Theme Park, Devon — a hidden gem for under-10s.
• Roman Baths, Bath — kid-friendly audio guides included.
• Longleat Safari Park — drive-through lions and a hedge maze.

Best family days out in the Midlands & North

• Alton Towers — peerless thrill rides plus CBeebies Land for tots.
• Yorkshire Wildlife Park — ethically minded and brilliantly accessible.
• National Railway Museum, York — completely free.
• Lake District Wild Adventures — canoeing, ghyll scrambling and forest schools.

Best family days out in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

• Edinburgh Castle and the Camera Obscura — a perfect double-bill.
• Cairngorms National Park — reindeer herding and red squirrel walks.
• Zip World, Snowdonia — the fastest zip line in the world.
• Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland — free for under-5s and unforgettable.

How to plan the perfect UK family day out

1. Book ahead online — most attractions offer 10–20% off advance tickets.
2. Travel mid-week in school holidays where possible to avoid the worst queues.
3. Pack snacks, sun cream and a change of clothes — UK weather changes fast.
4. Use our directory to filter by region, age and budget.