Five UK breaks to keep the whole family happy

Friday, 7 October 2011 10:42 AM

It can be difficult planning family holidays where every member of the group will find something to amuse them, but there are five destinations in the UK that are sure to tick all the right boxes.

The south-east has long been a popular place to visit thanks to the abundance of activities and things to see on offer and Sussex is a good location to base yourself if this is what you are after.

Thanks to the stunning countryside here it is a great spot for family activities in the great outdoors such as walking, cycling and horse riding.

However, perhaps the main draw is that you are ideally placed to visit numerous other top UK destinations, such as London. Your whole family are sure to find plenty to keep them entertained in the country's capital, such as by paying a visit to the creepy London Dungeons.

Little ones may also be thrilled to take a trip to Legoland Windsor, while older kids may be keen to head to one of the larger theme parks outside the city, such as Thorpe Park or Chessington World of Adventures.

If you don't plan to visit the city during your getaway there are several popular destinations for UK breaks for you to choose from where you can stay in a more rural setting.

The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is one such option and your whole family is sure to love the breathtaking surroundings and abundance of things to see and do.

Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure is a particularly popular attraction, as here you can all test your nerve by making your way along the high wires between the tall trees, before enjoying the adrenalin rush you will experience on the zip wire back down to earth.

While your attention may be taken up by the beautiful surroundings, make sure you encourage your children to keep an eye out for any wildlife, such as deer or even wild boar.

Gloucestershire is also one of the counties that lies within the region known as the Cotswolds, also regarded as the heart of England to many.

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most beautiful destinations and its plentiful riverbanks make it look like something out of a picture book.

You will also be situated close to top places for days out, like the Cotswold Motor Museum or the local model village.

If a base by the sea is an absolute must for you and your kids when you head off on your holidays, you can't go wrong with Devon.

Combe Martin in Exmoor lies within a pretty valley where you can spend idyllic days on the beach, stroll down the coastline, go kayaking in the bay or really get active by horse riding, coasteering or rock climbing.

And of course, if activity breaks are what you are looking for there are few better options than Cornwall.

Bude is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the county, largely because of the abundance of things to do. You can visit one of the golf courses to play a round against each other, or head to one of the stately homes or nature reserves.

Alternatively, you could just enjoy building sand castles, cycling around the nature trails or try your hand at one of Cornwall's top pastimes - surfing.

By the time you all return to your holiday accommodation after your busy day, you are sure to sleep well.

Family fun activities weekend ideas from Campingninja

For those families looking to try their hand at something different this summer Campingninja has the answer, thanks to its Top 100 Random UK Events which the camping website has compiled. Events ranging from festivals celebrating food and drink, music and walking respectively, to raft races, bog snorkelling and triathlons.