Since becoming parents, we’ve explored some of the finest toddler-friendly holidays in the UK, indulging in memorable and stylish getaways. From chic cabins in Cornwall to a designer barn in Norfolk, and even a cozy treehouse at a safari park in Kent, we’ve crafted experiences rich in joy and family bonding.
If you’re planning a UK break with little ones, here’s my curated list of the best luxury-style holidays that combine family-friendly fun with unforgettable staycation memories.
This exploration was fully funded by us, but you’ll find some affiliate links included in this post.
Dorset & Jurassic Coast
Our first family holiday with our toddler took us to Dorset, a hidden gem full of activities tailored for families. The region offers a mix of hiking, fossil-hunting along the dramatic Jurassic coast, and leisurely strolls through picturesque seaside towns. Gold Hill in Shaftesbury even boasts a quintessentially English vibe for family photos.
Here are some of the toddler-friendly activities we enjoyed in Dorset:
Coastal walks between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door (we found a good child carrier essential!)
Visiting Monkey World, an admirable ape rescue center near Wool.
Savoring ice creams on the sandy beaches of Weymouth, Swanage, Bournemouth, or Burton Bradstock.
Digging into seafood sandwiches at the Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock and the Boat Shed Café in Lulworth Cove.
Where to stay with a toddler in Dorset
Cruxton Studio was the ideal rural escape for our family.
We were charmed by this delightful cabin nestled in Cruxton, near Dorchester. The bi-fold doors led to fields filled with sheep, creating a serene atmosphere. Despite feeling remote, we found Durdle Door, West Bay, and Lulworth Cove just a short drive away.
The owner welcomed us with a homemade Dorset Apple Cake. She even provided directions to nearby walks along the scenic Frome River.
The cabin was totally toddler-ready, equipped with necessities like a washing machine, cot, and high chair. Our little one had a blast running in the fields and interacting with local wildlife. After bedtime, we cherished moments on the terrace, stargazing with a glass of wine in hand.
Norfolk
Norfolk deserves a spotlight as one of our all-time favorite staycation spots. We’ve ventured there twice with our toddler, and for good reason.
The sandy shores of Brancaster Beach, Holkham Beach, and Wells-By-The-Sea mesmerized us. (Don’t forget to rent a colorful Happy Hut at Wells!).
We were thrilled to see seal pups on Horsey Beach and hope to hire a boat for an adventure on the Norfolk Broads next time.
Some top toddler-friendly attractions in Norfolk include:
- Pensthorpe Natural Park
- BeWILDerwood
- The Ffolkes, a family-friendly pub and boutique hotel featuring an adventure playground
Sandringham Royal Parkland, featuring an awesome playground and trails.
Where to stay with a toddler in Norfolk
During our first visit to Norfolk, we discovered the stunning Great Barn Farm, a luxury barn conversion with access to a shared swimming pool. There are six private holiday lets, including The Tack Room, which is a spacious one-bedroom barn with a private garden.
We loved the stylish yet durable décor, which proved toddler-proof. The gated garden was a lifesaver for our little explorer. The rural setting was fantastic, and we enjoyed a laid-back evening at Duration Brewing, a local microbrewery located among beautiful priory ruins.
On our most recent stay, we found the Riverside Retreat in Medieval Norwich, a cozy haven with a spacious garden and private jetty for morning coffee enjoyment. The open-plan living and dining room brimmed with books and board games, perfect for family fun. The location provided easy access to the Norfolk Broads, Horsey seals, and BeWILDerwood, all just a short drive away.
Check out my Instagram for more recommendations on Norfolk staycations.
The Cotswolds
Our inaugural staycation took us to the Cotswolds when our son was an infant. We hopped from one idyllic village to another, indulging in farm-fresh brunches and sumptuous cream teas along our journey.
For toddler-friendly activities, explore the Cotswolds Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, home to Brum, and Birdland Park & Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Parents can treat themselves to lunch, shopping, or maybe even a massage at Daylesford Organic Farm.
Where to stay with a toddler in The Cotswolds
We opted for a cozy glamping pod in Moreton-in-Marsh, accommodating up to two adults and two children in bunk beds. (If needed, ask to remove the sofa for a travel cot!).
The pod’s location was excellent, within walking distance of charming Moreton-in-Marsh and set amid scenic fields just outside the village. The friendly campsite offers a limited number of these unique pods, along with weekend food truck visits for delightful meals.
Cornwall
From historic harbor towns to striking beaches that could easily be mistaken for tropical destinations, Cornwall stands out as a premier spot for toddler-friendly family holidays.
In August 2020, we explored the enchanting landscapes around St Ives with our 2-year-old. The experience was delightful.
You can read about our Cornwall family adventure in detail, but the must-see spots for toddlers include:
- Porthmeor, Porthcurno, and Hayle Beaches
- Mousehole and Polperro Harbors
- The Eden Project
Ride the St Ives Bay Line from St Erth to St. Ives Station—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Where to stay with a toddler in Cornwall
We settled down not far from St Ives (just a 15-minute drive or 10 minutes by train) in a cozy, Scandi-style cabin boasting views of St Michael’s Mount. This property is especially suited for couples or families with a baby. The welcoming hosts ensured our stay was smooth, with the cabin well-equipped for easy meals, allowing for relaxing evenings on the deck with a glass of wine overlooking lovely fields.
Explore this post for five stylish family glamping options in Cornwall.
Devon
Just next door, Devon boasts an equal collection of stunning golden beaches. We ventured to Ilfracombe when our son was a baby and spent our days indulging in Devonshire tea at charming thatched cottages while exploring the coastline, which featured Woolacombe Beach and Croyde Bay.
Top toddler-approved attractions in Devon include River Dart Country Park, which offers playgrounds, obstacle courses, a pirate ship lake, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway running between Paignton and Kingswear.
Where to stay with a toddler in Devon
Our stay at Salt House Devon in Ilfracombe was fantastic. The spacious accommodation offered spectacular views of the vibrant Fore Street and Damien Hirst’s iconic statue, Verity.
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the property is family-ready, complete with a washing machine, dishwasher, and child-friendly dishware.
As the house spreads over three levels, it’s wise to ask about stair gates. However, our hosts were accommodating and provided boogie boards and buckets for beach fun.
Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent
For our son’s fourth birthday in January 2023, we treated the family to a memorable stay at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. It delivered a dose of safari luxury right here in the UK.
This 600-acre reserve in Kent is home to over 900 animals, including gorillas and rhinos.
Travel the reserve with a safari truck, enchant your toddler with the Dinosaur Forest, and choose from luxury lodges, tents, shepherd’s huts, or treehouses for your stay.
As a registered charity, Port Lympne reinvests profits into conservation efforts, which you can learn more about.
Where to stay with a toddler at Port Lympne
The luxury lodges, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the animal enclosures, do come with a price tag, perfect for special treats. More affordable options include glamping pods and shepherd huts, accommodating up to four guests from £139 per night.
We opted for a luxury shepherd’s hut at Hog Deer Creek, offering views of thirsty animals at a nearby watering hole. It came with all the amenities we needed—an ensuite bathroom, TV, mini-fridge, and Nespresso machine, adding a touch of comfort to our camping style.
A heavy rain upgrade led us to a Treehouse—modern, two-bedroom, self-catering units with stunning reserve views. The quality of accommodation impressed us, from heating (essential in January) to stylish décor complete with an extensive selection of tea and Bamford toiletries.
One of the highlights of the Treehouse experience was access to The Clubhouse, where we enjoyed complimentary prosecco and marshmallows for roasting. Dinner at Babydoll’s Italian restaurant was delightful, and breakfast at The Garden Room exceeded expectations. The journey to dinner was an adventure in itself, navigating the reserve with a complimentary golf buggy as darkness fell.
I’ll provide further insights into our stay at Port Lympne in a dedicated post, but it truly ranked as one of the best toddler holidays we’ve enjoyed in the UK, and I can’t wait to return and stay in that enticing shepherd’s hut.
Hay-on-Wye & the Brecon Beacons, Wales
As a little bookworm, our toddler loves the quaint town of Hay-on-Wye, brimming with bookstores, making it an ideal pick for our best UK holiday venues.
In May 2020, we made memories in the Brecon Beacons, where our little one enjoyed meeting wild horses on Sugar Loaf Mountain and riding Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway. A visit to Hay-on-Wye allowed us to head home with a delightful collection of new books.
Where to stay in the Brecon Beacons with a toddler
We planted ourselves in a remote stone cottage within the Brecon Beacons National Park, where we received a warm welcome of homemade cake and trails to explore around the area.
A unique option I’ve noted is a Shepherd’s Hut near Usk, featuring a fire pit and an honesty shop stocked with local produce.
The Peak District
The Peak District often ranks among the best family holiday destinations in the UK for good reason.
The country’s first National Park, full of scenic trails and stately homes, pairs wonderfully with family activities like riding a steam train in Ecclesborne Valley or scaling the Heights of Abraham by cable car. Kids can giggle on rides at Gulliver’s Kingdom, aimed at children between 2 and 5 years old.
A charming family day out awaits at Crich Tramway Village, where visitors can stroll down a recreated period street and take a ride on vintage electric trams.
Sweet-tooths will appreciate a visit to Bakewell, with its delightful Bakewell Pudding and a lively Farmers Market every final Saturday of the month.
Where to stay with toddlers in the Peak District
Many rave about Landal Darwin Forest, a five-star lodge holiday park nestled among 47 acres of stunning woodland between Matlock and Bakewell. They offer 137 lodges that accommodate up to 8 guests, many featuring generous verandas, and some include hot tubs.
I hope this inspires you to plan unforgettable UK breaks with your toddlers. If you have any personal favorites you’d recommend for this list, I’d love to hear!
