Summer holidays are around the corner, meaning six weeks to fill and a whole world to explore. If you want to get away but have already spent too many late nights endlessly scrolling for ideas, help is at hand. From amazing UK escapes to long-haul destinations that don’t cost the earth, I’ve scoured the web for family-friendly holidays where you’re unlikely to ever hear the words “I’m bored”.
Getting away in the UK
July and August are a prime time to get away in the UK weather-wise, and switching to rail or car instead of flying means you don’t need to worry about stressful flight delays or cancellations. But where to head?
The coast is always a winner for families, with beaches, walks and water sports galore to keep all ages occupied. If you’re bringing the grandparents along for a multi-gen getaway, check out Holiday Cottages, which has plenty of spacious places to choose from, such as four-bedroom Geufron House (sleeps 8) in Wales, which comes with sea views and a beach within walking distance. Or, if your heart is set on a jaunt south west, take a look at Helpful Holidays which has some breathtaking properties on the coastline of Cornwall.
Don’t forget the Cornish coast which offers all kinds of sporty holiday options you might not have considered before, such as a learn-to-surf getaway at Watergate Bay Hotel which overlooks one of the county’s best surfing beaches, and is both family and dog-friendly. Check out Canine Cottages for more epic spots to take the family pooch.
Glamping makes a hassle-free holiday - with no tent to pack or erect, you can simply rock up and enjoy the great outdoors together. Unique Hideaways has some of the best glamping getaways on the market this summer, including Solas, a cabin for four in the Scottish Highlands, and Mount View Sunrise Safari Tent with views of the ocean and St Michael’s Mount.
“Good to know: "If you’re thinking of travelling with the family this summer to celebrate the end of GCSEs or A-Levels, remember many schools finish once exams are over so book now to get away before the summer rush when prices are lower and before they all disappear off to festivals!" - James Bell, Managing Director, Turquoise Holidays
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Lakes are a serene aquatic alternative to the sea, and if you want to splash around in one with the kids this summer check out Pods by the Lake in Cumbria, available through Sykes Holiday Cottages, which sleep four and come with a hot tub for more water-based fun. Or how about a narrowboat holiday? It’s a great option for active families and Black Prince Holidays has bargain barge breaks right now including 10 per cent off summer narrowboat holidays in Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Wales and Warwickshire.
Escape to Europe
Nothing beats the sunshine-filled days and balmy evenings of a European family holiday, whether you’re camping in France or renting a villa on a sun-kissed Mediterranean island. This summer, all-inclusive resorts are more popular than ever, with parents happy to let kids hit the buffets and snacks when there’s no hefty bill at the end. Club Med has some of the best all-inclusive deals around this summer, such as Gregolimano in Greece where discounted holidays are ringing in around £1,000pp - there are three kids’ clubs (2-3 years, 4-10 years and 11-13 years), so you can make the most of the spas and bars.
Private villas are always a good idea for families with young children - oh, the relief of not having judgemental guests staring at you when your toddler drops their food or has a meltdown! For exclusive villa rentals in Italy, take a look at the Family & Friends section of Essential Italy, where you’ll find dozens of dreamy escapes large enough to cater for the whole family plus plenty of delightful extras, such as a pool or steps down to a beach in the case of three-bedroom La Torretta on Sardinia.
Want to hire a villa in Greece? I recommend taking a look at GIC The Villa Collection, which has a wide range of properties and some great incentives at the moment, including a £50 reduction for the first child and £25 for a second child when you book a one-week holiday.
Another European holiday that offers plenty of privacy and independence for families is a boating trip. Riverly offers canal boat rentals in such scene destinations such as the Canal du Midi, Canal de Bourgogne and the Alsace. Steering and running a boat is one of the best holiday diversions from screens for teens I’ve come across, so if you’re currently losing the battle, booking a boating holiday’s a no-brainer.
If you’re the kind of family that needs lots of activities on tap, then a Mark Warner holiday might be for you, in particular Phokaia Beach in Turkey, where you’ve got pickleball, tennis, a fitness programme, kids’ clubs for 2-17 years and water sports on tap, not to mention full board, great summer discounts and a free child place (2-17 years) included when two adults book together. Result.
Fabulous far-flung adventures
Tropical islands are well-known as romantic escapes, but have you considered them for a family break? If not, you should because Indian Ocean idylls such as Mauritius are surprisingly good value in summer and offer a wealth of memories for you and the kids, from snorkelling in crystal clear lagoons to playing on white sand beaches.
James Bell, MD of Turquoise Holidays, agrees: "My top tip this summer is Mauritius. It’s fabulous value compared with Europe (slightly cooler, great for younger kids) with wonderful hotels and direct flights – if you’re looking for more, how about tacking on Rodrigues or Reunion islands?"
Beachcomber Tours currently has a summer sale at its Mauritius and Seychelles resorts, meaning you can get up to 40 per cent off at five-star escapes like Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, which has family villas, six restaurants and complimentary kids’ club.
Epic wildlife interactions are always a winner with older kids and teens. Cox & Kings has some terrific tailor-made journeys with this in mind, such as a 12-day Costa Rica Adventure with plenty of opportunities for sloth-spotting, or a Highlights of Kenya 10-day getaway, including days spent tracking the Big Five in the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Mahlatini’s Luxury Taj and Tigers Family Adventure in India, which takes in the buzz of Delhi and the excitement of viewing big cats up close in Ranthambore - the ultimate ‘what I did on my holidays’’ flex back at school.
Bucket-list family wildlife holidays include a trip to the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon rainforest, and if you want to splash the cash, Dehouche’s 12-day Nature’s Bounty: The Galapagos Islands and Choco Rainforest itinerary combines the two.
And finally, if you’re losing the screen time battle big time, jetting off somewhere remote this summer might be the answer. Experience Travel Group has a family-friendly Digital Detox in Sri Lanka 18-day itinerary, taking in the Mudhouse in Anamaduwa, the remote Knuckles Mountains, and the hills of Kandy, You’ll learn to surf off the east coast, stay in eco lodges and prioritise time in nature. Sounds sublime.
