UK Family Hotels & Holiday Parks: 57 Great Stays for Kids
Where you sleep can make or break a family break. Get it right and everyone's within a stroll of the beach, the kids have room to spread out and you're not lugging buckets and spades across town. Get it wrong and, well, you'll be hearing about it on the drive home.
This guide brings together real places to stay in the UK's best-loved family destinations: Blackpool's seafront hotels, cottages on the Yorkshire coast and in the Lakes, and big-name holiday parks from Skegness to Newquay. We've grouped them by area and explained who each one suits, whether that's a family of four after a pool, three generations needing a big house, or a gang wanting arcades on the doorstep.
Each place links to its own page, where you can check what's listed and see arcades, food and attractions nearby. Facilities change, so always confirm the room type and extras when you book.
Family hotels in Blackpool
Blackpool is the UK's family seaside capital, and it's packed with places to stay. Think about which end of town suits you: South Shore for Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark, the centre for the Tower and Winter Gardens, or North Shore for a calmer prom.
The Big Blue Hotel Sitting right on Ocean Boulevard at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, this is the place for coaster-mad kids who want to be first through the gates. Family rooms, a restaurant and a bar are all listed, plus a lift for weary legs. South Pier and Sandcastle Waterpark are a short walk away, so you can park up and forget the car. See The Big Blue Hotel →
Grand Hotel Blackpool Formerly the Blackpool Hilton, this big North Shore promenade hotel offers sea-view and family room options. The indoor pool is a lifesaver on a drizzly day, and grown-ups get a sauna, steam room and gym. North Pier and the Tower are reachable along the prom or by tram, so it suits families wanting space and comfort. See Grand Hotel Blackpool →
Village Hotel Blackpool Set on East Park Drive between Stanley Park and Blackpool Zoo, this is a smart pick if animals and boating lakes are on your list. Indoor and outdoor pools, a family restaurant and a Pub and Grill are listed, along with family room options. You'll want the car or a bus for the seafront, but the leisure side makes up for it. See Village Hotel Blackpool →
Cliffs Hotel Up on Queens Promenade in North Shore, the Cliffs lists an indoor pool, fitness facilities and a sauna, plus free on-site parking, though spaces are limited. It's a quieter part of the seafront, handy for families who like a peaceful evening after a hectic day in town. Hop on the tram to reach the piers and the Tower. See Cliffs Hotel →
Doric Hotel Another Queens Promenade option, the Doric has an indoor pool and sauna on its listing, along with a restaurant, bar and a terrace. Breakfast costs extra, so check your rate. The cliffs and wide prom out front are perfect for scooters and early-morning walks before heading south to the attractions. See Doric Hotel →
The Woodleigh Family Hotel The clue's in the name. This North Shore guest house on King Edward Avenue lists family rooms, a garden, a terrace, a shared lounge and a lift, which is unusual for a smaller Blackpool B&B. It's a short walk to the North Shore prom, so it suits parents after a homely, budget-friendly base. See The Woodleigh Family Hotel →
The Wescoe Guesthouse An independent 11-room guesthouse just off the promenade opposite South Pier, with en-suite double and family rooms and some ground-floor options. Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark are within walking distance. Parking is limited and first come, first served, so arrive early or plan to leave the car at home. See The Wescoe Guesthouse →
The Lumada Hotel On Albert Road, close to the Winter Gardens, the Lumada has 14 en-suite rooms including triples and family options. A cooked breakfast can be booked at check-in. It's ideal for families who want to be in the thick of it, with the Tower, the shops and the Golden Mile a few minutes away on foot. See The Lumada Hotel →
Premier Inn Blackpool Beach If you like knowing exactly what you're getting, this 103-room Premier Inn on Yeadon Way is handy for Pleasure Beach, South Pier and Sandcastle Waterpark. Limited free parking is listed and breakfast is extra. Its position just off the motorway approach makes arriving with tired children much less stressful. See Premier Inn Blackpool Beach →
Pelham Lodge Tucked on General Street near North Pier and the town centre, Pelham Lodge offers en-suite, non-smoking rooms including family rooms with a double and two singles. It's a good pick for a family of four on a budget who'd rather spend their money on rides and fish suppers than fancy extras. See Pelham Lodge →
Sea View Apartment One Prefer to self-cater? This first-floor seafront apartment has three bedrooms including a family room, two bathrooms, a dishwasher and a washer-dryer, plus one private parking space. There are ten steps up to it, so note that if you've a buggy. Cooking your own tea saves a fortune over a week. See Sea View Apartment One →
The Ascot A six-bedroom holiday house for up to ten, The Ascot is listed for couples and families only. The games room, with pool, table tennis and a PlayStation 4, will keep teenagers happy on wet evenings. There's an enclosed rear area, a ground-floor bedroom and parking for three cars, ideal for a multi-generation trip. See The Ascot →
The Farmhouse at Ream Hills For really big families, this six-bedroom farmhouse near Weeton sleeps up to seventeen. There are two living rooms, a games room with snooker, table tennis and table football, a large garden and a six-person hot tub. Blackpool's lights are a short drive away, but evenings here feel properly rural. See The Farmhouse at Ream Hills →
Haven Marton Mere Prefer a caravan break? Haven's park sits beside Marton Mere nature reserve, about three miles from the prom. Pools, shows, an on-park arcade and family activities mean the kids may not want to leave site. Birdwatchers in the family will love the reserve on the doorstep. See Haven Marton Mere →
Family stays on the Yorkshire coast and York
Scarborough and Whitby are the classic Yorkshire seaside pair, and both make a handy base for a day trip inland to York's walls, museums and the Shambles. Self-catering houses rule here, which suits bigger families nicely.
South Bay House, Scarborough This six-bedroom house on Avenue Victoria sleeps up to twelve and lists WiFi, parking, outdoor space and a cot. The South Cliff location puts you close to the Spa and a walk down to the South Bay beach. A brilliant choice for two or three families sharing the cost. See South Bay House, Scarborough →
Highview, Scarborough Up on North Marine Road, Highview has five bedrooms for up to twelve guests, with parking, a garden and a cot listed. Pets are welcome too, so the dog needn't miss out. You're well placed for the North Bay, Peasholm Park and the castle headland, all walkable with kids in tow. See Highview, Scarborough →
Hook's House, Scarborough Smaller families should look at this two-bedroom house on West Sandgate, in the old town near the harbour. It sleeps four, with WiFi, parking and a cot listed, and pets are welcome. The arcades, the beach and the harbour's fish stalls are all a few minutes' walk away. See Hook's House, Scarborough →
Sunbeams and Ice Creams, Scarborough With a name like that, how could the kids say no? This two-bedroom Tennyson Avenue stay sleeps four and lists parking, WiFi and outdoor space, with pets welcome. It puts the North Bay side of town, with its little railway and Peasholm Park, within easy reach. See Sunbeams and Ice Creams, Scarborough →
59 Finch, Cayton Bay A two-bedroom self-catering stay inside Cayton Bay Holiday Centre near Scarborough, sleeping four, with parking, outdoor space and a cot listed. You get holiday park facilities nearby plus a sandy bay on the doorstep, and Scarborough's bright lights are a short drive away. See 59 Finch, Cayton Bay →
Cayton Bay Holiday Centre Parkdean's park just south of Scarborough has an indoor pool, an on-park arcade and a sandy bay on the doorstep, a favourite with surfers. It gives you the beach-holiday basics without the town-centre bustle, and Filey is close by for a quieter seaside outing. See Cayton Bay Holiday Centre →
Primrose Valley Holiday Park Haven's huge park near Filey has two indoor pools, a family arcade and a beach on the doorstep. It's one of the biggest family holiday parks on this coast, so there's plenty to fill rainy days. Pop into Filey for its gentle sands, or head up to Scarborough for the full seaside works. See Primrose Valley Holiday Park →
Beachcrest, Whitby This five-bedroom West Cliff house sleeps ten and lists a cinema room, games room, enclosed gardens and a hot tub. Ground-floor bedrooms help if you're travelling with grandparents, and two small dogs are welcome. Parties are not accepted, which tells you it's built for families. See Beachcrest, Whitby →
3 Anchor Cottage, Whitby Designed for four adults and two children, this three-bedroom Whitby cottage has an attic twin room meant for little ones, which kids tend to think is the best room in the house. A private courtyard and parking scratch cards are provided; note the narrow lane means no unloading right outside. See 3 Anchor Cottage, Whitby →
Steps Cottage, Whitby A white corner cottage sleeping four in the historic East Pier area, beside the cobbled streets and steps of the old town. Wake up near the 199 steps, the abbey and the harbour. It's perfect for families who like their holidays steeped in atmosphere and ghost stories. See Steps Cottage, Whitby →
Meadowfields, Whitby Four bedrooms sleeping eight, with two ground-floor doubles and a ground-floor wet room, make Meadowfields a thoughtful option for families with older relatives or anyone who struggles with stairs. There's an enclosed garden and parking for four cars, so bikes and beach kit fit in easily. See Meadowfields, Whitby →
The Farmhouse, Boggle Hole Near Robin Hood's Bay, this three-storey farmhouse takes up to eight guests plus an infant. Extensive gardens, cycle storage and shared tennis-court access give kids room to roam, though they'll need watching near the farm streams. Rock-pooling at Boggle Hole and the bay is a short walk away. See The Farmhouse, Boggle Hole →
Family cottages in the Lake District
The Lakes are made for family adventures: boat trips, gentle fell walks, Peter Rabbit and plenty of puddles. A cottage with a log burner is the classic way to do it.
Riverside, Ambleside A seven-bedroom Victorian house beside the River Rothay near Rothay Park, sleeping fourteen. A cinema room, a terraced garden and a dining table for twelve make it ideal for big family get-togethers. Ambleside's shops, cafés and the head of Windermere are all on the doorstep. See Riverside, Ambleside →
Robin Cottage, Troutbeck This four-bedroom Troutbeck cottage sleeps eight, with an enclosed garden, a woodburning stove and even a piano for sing-songs. Two pets are welcome and there's lockable bike storage. Troutbeck's valley is lovely walking country, and Windermere's lake cruises are a short drive down the hill. See Robin Cottage, Troutbeck →
Fairfield Cottage, Grasmere Sleeping six in Grasmere, this cottage has three bathrooms, which matters more than you'd think with children. A furnished patio, sun terraces and parking for three cars are listed. Grasmere's famous gingerbread and the easy lakeside paths make it a gentle introduction to the Lakes for young walkers. See Fairfield Cottage, Grasmere →
Deer How Farm, Patterdale A four-bedroom farmhouse near Glenridding sleeping eight, with a wraparound garden, woodburning stove and up to three dogs welcome. Ullswater's steamers run from Glenridding, and Aira Force waterfall is a cracking family walk. Note the garden is unenclosed if you've little wanderers. See Deer How Farm, Patterdale →
Lakeside at Louper Weir For a real treat, this lakeside house near Bowness sleeps eight across four en-suite rooms and comes with a hot tub, garden and private jetty. Boats must launch from Bowness, but watching the water from your own jetty is a holiday memory in itself. Pets aren't accepted. See Lakeside at Louper Weir →
Riverside Cottage No 5, Keswick At Low Briery Holiday Village near Keswick, this two-bedroom cottage for four has a private hot tub, a picnic bench and parking for two cars, and two dogs are welcome. Keswick's pencil museum, Derwentwater launches and gentle walks are all close, making it a smart pick for a smaller family. See Riverside Cottage No 5, Keswick →
Orchard Cottage, Outgate Near Hawkshead, this four-bedroom country cottage sleeps eight and has a conservatory, several bathrooms and grounds with lawns and a fenced pond. There are steps inside and out, and children need supervising in the garden. Grizedale Forest's trails and Hawkshead village are both nearby. See Orchard Cottage, Outgate →
Holiday parks for families
Lincolnshire and Norfolk are holiday park heartland. Skegness, Mablethorpe, Cleethorpes and Great Yarmouth are ringed with big parks offering pools, shows and arcades for all weathers.
Butlin's Skegness The original Butlin's, opened in 1936 at Ingoldmells, still delivers the full package: a traditional fairground, Splash Waterworld, arcades and the SKYPARK. It's a brilliant choice for families who want everything on site. Skegness's beach and pier are a short hop down the coast. See Butlin's Skegness →
Coastfields Holiday Village Ingoldmells is the beating heart of the Skegness caravan coast, and Coastfields has a busy family arcade right at its gate. Fantasy Island's rides and market are nearby, making this a lively base for families who want to be in the middle of the action. See Coastfields Holiday Village →
Haven Golden Sands, Mablethorpe A big Haven park with two pools, the Adventure Village and shows day and night. Mablethorpe's beach is wide, sandy and great for little ones, and the town is quieter than Skeg. Ideal if you want holiday park fun with a calmer seaside town on the doorstep. See Haven Golden Sands, Mablethorpe →
Haven Cleethorpes Beach Formerly Thorpe Park, this large Humberston park has pools, a family arcade, nightly shows and its own Wetherspoon pub. It's close to Cleethorpes' long prom, the pier and the Meridian, plus the boating lake and light railway. A handy base for exploring north Lincolnshire. See Haven Cleethorpes Beach →
Hopton Holiday Village Haven's beachside park at Hopton-on-Sea has two indoor pools, an Inflatable Arena and a family arcade in the Marina complex. It sits between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, so you've two seaside towns to explore, plus Pleasurewood Hills theme park close by. See Hopton Holiday Village →
Seashore Holiday Park Right by the beach on Great Yarmouth's north side, Seashore has a water park and a family amusement centre packed with ticket games, cranes and VR. The Golden Mile's piers and Pleasure Beach are a short trip away, so it suits families wanting busy days and lively evenings. See Seashore Holiday Park →
Vauxhall Holiday Park Parkdean's big Great Yarmouth park is close to the town centre and station, with pools, bars, kids' clubs and a large arcade with a VR area. It's a good choice if you're arriving by train or want to walk into town for the seafront without moving the car. See Vauxhall Holiday Park →
Caister Holiday Park Open since 1906, Haven's Caister-on-Sea park is one of the oldest holiday camps around. Two family arcades with penny machines, grabbers and prizes keep kids busy, and the dunes and beach are right there. Great Yarmouth is a few miles south for bigger days out. See Caister Holiday Park →
Richardson's Hemsby Beach A family holiday park on Beach Road, Hemsby, with its own Play and Bowl centre offering bowling, soft play and arcade games. Hemsby's sands and seaside strip are on the doorstep, and the Norfolk Broads are a short drive inland for a boat day. See Richardson's Hemsby Beach →
Family stays near Llandudno and North Wales
The North Wales coast between Rhyl and Llandudno is lined with caravan parks, and further west the Llyn Peninsula has some of the biggest. Llandudno's pier, the Great Orme and Conwy Castle make perfect day trips from all of them.
Golden Sands, Kinmel Bay Away Resorts' Golden Sands sits right on the beach at Kinmel Bay, with an on-park arcade of coin pushers, video games and claws. Rhyl's SC2 waterpark is nearby, and Llandudno is around half an hour along the coast. A good option for families who want sand within a minute of the door. See Golden Sands, Kinmel Bay →
Lyons Winkups, Towyn A Towyn holiday park with an on-park arcade full of tickets, prizes, claws and 2p pushers that families generally enjoy. Towyn's traditional funfair and the seafront at Rhyl are close by, making it a lively base for young families on a budget. See Lyons Winkups, Towyn →
Ty Mawr Holiday Park Parkdean's Ty Mawr near Towyn has a pool, club shows, activities and an arcade on site. It's a well-rounded choice that keeps both toddlers and teens entertained, and the coast road puts Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and its Welsh Mountain Zoo within easy reach. See Ty Mawr Holiday Park →
Greenacres, Porthmadog Haven's beachside park at Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog, has an indoor pool, a family arcade and Marina Bar shows. Black Rock is one of those beaches where you can drive onto the sand, and the steam railways of Porthmadog and Portmeirion's colourful village are close by. See Greenacres, Porthmadog →
Haven Hafan y Mor, Pwllheli This huge park on the Llyn Peninsula has two entertainment venues, each with an arcade, plus a water park and its own beach. It's one of Haven's flagship parks, great for families wanting a full week of fun in a stunning corner of Wales. See Haven Hafan y Mor, Pwllheli →
Family holiday parks in Newquay, Cornwall and Devon
Cornwall and Devon are the dream family summer holiday: surf beaches, ice cream and pasties. These parks put you right in the thick of it.
Newquay Holiday Park Parkdean's Newquay park lists pools with a waterslide, high ropes, soft play, bars, evening entertainment and a family arcade. Newquay's famous surf beaches, including Fistral, and the town's zoo are a short drive away, so it's an all-rounder for active families. See Newquay Holiday Park →
White Acres Holiday Park A 184-acre Parkdean park near Newquay with 13 fishing lakes, an indoor pool and a family arcade in the Lakeside Club. It's a dream for families with a keen young angler, and the north Cornish beaches are close by for when the rods are packed away. See White Acres Holiday Park →
Haven Perran Sands Steps from Perranporth's huge golden beach, Haven's park has an arcade that still keeps 2p and 10p pushers alongside its cashless games. Perranporth is surfing and rock-pooling heaven, with dunes behind the beach to explore. Newquay is a short drive up the coast. See Haven Perran Sands →
Haven Devon Cliffs This big clifftop park above Sandy Bay, near Exmouth, has a large arcade and prize shop, with Sandy Bay right below. The Jurassic Coast starts right here, so fossil hunting and coastal walks are easy wins. Exmouth's long sandy beach is just along the coast. See Haven Devon Cliffs →
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park A hillside park with sea views over Woolacombe and an arcade of 2p machines, grabbers and video games. Woolacombe's three miles of sand are among the best family beaches in Devon, great for bodyboarding and sandcastles. Ilfracombe's harbour makes a lovely rainy-day trip. See Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park →
Butlin's Minehead Butlin's biggest resort sits on the edge of Exmoor, with a classic fairground included in your stay, flumes, arcades and the SKYPARK. The West Somerset Railway's steam trains run from Minehead, and Exmoor's open moorland is great for spotting ponies with the kids. See Butlin's Minehead →
Family stays on the Isle of Wight and the south coast
The Isle of Wight is a ready-made family adventure, starting with the ferry crossing. Over on the mainland, the New Forest and Hayling Island offer greener and quieter alternatives.
Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park Away Resorts' clifftop park near Bembridge has pools, the Culver Club, an arcade and a secluded beach below. The island's east side offers Sandown's beach and pier, Dinosaur Isle and steam railway trips, so you'll be spoilt for days out without long drives. See Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park →
Nodes Point Holiday Park Parkdean's park above Priory Bay near Ryde has direct beach access, an indoor pool, a showbar and a family amusement arcade. Ryde's ferries and hovercraft make for a quick arrival, and the long sands at Ryde are perfect for low-tide crabbing and digging. See Nodes Point Holiday Park →
Sandy Balls Holiday Village Tucked in the New Forest, this Away Resorts woodland village has a dog-friendly arcade on its Village Square. Ponies wandering the forest, cycle trails and Paultons Park within reach make it a winner for nature-loving families who still want a few home comforts. See Sandy Balls Holiday Village →
Newtown House Hotel, Hayling Island A traditional red-brick hotel on Manor Road, handy for a break built around Hayling's beaches and seaside attractions. The island's seafront has a funfair, a light railway and plenty of shingle beach for pebble-hunting, and it feels much quieter than the big resorts. See Newtown House Hotel, Hayling Island →
Tips for booking a family stay
Book early for school holidays, especially the summer and October half-term, when family rooms and bigger cottages go first. Midweek or term-time breaks can be much better value if your children aren't yet in school.
Always check exactly what a family room means. Some have a double and two singles, others a double plus a sofa bed, and a cot may need requesting in advance. With self-catering houses, look at the number of bathrooms, the stairs and whether the garden is enclosed if you have toddlers or a dog.
Read the small print on parking, breakfast and leisure facilities, as pools and parking can carry extra charges. At holiday parks, check whether entertainment passes are included in your price. Finally, think about location over luxury: being able to walk to the beach or pop back for a nap can matter far more than a fancy lobby.
Comments