The top 10 UK places to put on your family bucket list

If that sounds like your family, then campervan, motorhome or caravan holidays could be the ideal way for you to create those everlasting memories. All in a way that’s infinitely flexible for wherever the mood takes you.

Want to head off for the weekend during term time? Easy. Alternatively, looking to head off for a week or longer during the school holidays? No problem.

The only question is: Where to go?

This article talks you through 10 of the best, albeit lesser-visited, towns, attractions and areas of natural beauty that should be on your family bucket list.

Maybe you’ll be able to check all of these family activities off?

The Gower Peninsula, Wales

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

Imagine your family waking up each morning to a view of golden sand beaches, the sound of wildlife and rugged, heather-clad rock formations.
That’s what’s possible at the Gower, and it only scratches the surface of the sights for your family to explore.

Found in South Wales, The Gower is one of Wales’ Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It’s known for a mix of salt marshes, open moors and golden sand beaches.
But, it also mixes in historic sites like Norman castles and even Neolithic burial chambers.

Top Family Experiences

Caswell Bay Beach: Perhaps the beach of the Gower Peninsula. Known for its stretch of golden sands beach that’s ideal for surfing (for mum & dad) or swimming (for the kids), or perhaps a spot of bodyboarding for everyone? You’ll find a car park, toilets and a café serving refreshments on site.

Mumbles: This small seaside town marks the beginning of the Gower area, and it’s one of its most famous sites. If you’ve only a day here, the best thing to do is walk along the seafront as this is where the gorgeous views are, and where you’ll get the best feel for the town as a whole. At low tide, there’s a beach that you can walk across.

Boat trips: There are several companies that offer boat trips leaving from various towns along the Gower coast. Some of these are larger vessels for a more laid-back affair. However, if yours is a more adventurous family, then consider booking a RIB speedboat where you may have a chance of seeing harbour porpoises, common dolphins and seals in the Worms Head area.

Best time to visit the Gower

April to October is ideal, as with most of the UK, when you’ll have the best chance of warm (if not dry) weather.

Add-Ons

Consider these other attractions to make your trip a three-day weekend:

• Historic site: Neolithic tombs of Parc le Breos
• Attraction: Margam Park for a spot of trails, a petting zoo and even archery
• Attraction: Plantasia Indoor Tropical Zoo

Insider tip: Quiet coves to explore

Not such a fan of the well-known beaches like Caswell? If you still park there but then take the coastal path, after about half a mile, you’ll reach Brandy Cove.

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

Tucked between the shores of Windermere and Coniston Water, Grizedale is the kind of forest that feels like it’s been waiting for your family to find it.

Here, every trail leads to something that will keep your kids entertained, like a sculpture hidden in the trees (there are over 50 to find), a downhill bike run, or even the chance to see a red squirrel, which have managed to cling on to their numbers in this area.

Top family experiences

• Grizedale Sculpture Trail: This is an easy walk that’s been made accessible to as many people as possible (find out more on that here). This route winds through woodland dotted with over 50 sculptures that your kids are welcome to climb on, hide amongst, or even ponder over! Not all kids enjoy a simple walk, so this gives you the opportunity to turn one into an adventure or friendly competition: Who can find the most sculptures?

• Windermere Jetty Museum: Set right on the lakeshore, this beautifully designed museum is a peaceful, hands-on introduction to the area’s steamboat history. Your family will be able to explore vintage boats, interactive displays and even take a trip on a working heritage steamboat. After all of that, you’ll probably have an appetite, so thankfully, there’s a lake-view café on site with windows overlooking Windermere.
  Mountain bike trails: Whether you’re bringing bikes or hiring on site, there’s something for every ability. Families can tackle mellow woodland loops or test their skills on red-rated trails like the North Face Trail. Just be sure everyone’s ready for the fast downhill sections!

• Mountain bike trails: Whether you’re bringing bikes or hiring on site, there’s something for every ability. Families can tackle mellow woodland loops or test their skills on red-rated trails like the North Face Trail. Just be sure everyone’s ready for the fast downhill sections!

Best time to visit Grizedale

Late spring to early autumn is ideal, especially May to September, when the weather is mild and the trails are at their best. But even in winter, the forest has a quiet magic (just bring wellies and layers).

Add-Ons

Turn your trip into a long weekend with these nearby gems:

• Historic site: Hill Top, the 17th-century home of Beatrix Potter, is just a short drive away and gives you a chance to immerse your kids in her world of stories. With all the lakes around, they may even spot Mr. Toad!
• Attraction: Lakeland Motor Museum takes you through the history of the motorcar, and even has a separate building for a display on Bluebird, the famous water speed record-holding boat.
• Natural spot: Tarn Hows is a peaceful circular walk with views that look like something out of a picture book

Insider tip: Download before you go

Mobile signal can be patchy in places, so download your walking or biking route from Komoot or AllTrails before setting off. And if you’re planning to try the sculpture trail, the Forestry England app has a great interactive map to follow with the kids.

Mersea Island, Essex

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

There’s something quietly magical about Mersea.

Maybe it’s the fact that you can only reach it at low tide, driving across the causeway as the sea pulls back. Or maybe it’s the mix of salt air, pastel beach huts and seafood shacks that feels like stepping into a slower, simpler version of family life.

Found just south of Colchester, Mersea Island is one of Essex’s lesser-known gems. It’s compact enough to explore in a weekend, but packed with all the ingredients for a brilliant family escape that can include beach time, boat trips, crabbing and some of the best oysters in the country (if that’s your thing).

Top Family Experiences

Crabbing off the causeway: Simple, messy fun that never gets old. All you need is a bucket, a line, and some bacon (which the crabs are rather partial to); the crabs will do the rest. The Strood (the road onto the island) and the West Mersea hard are great crabbing spots when the tide’s right.

Cudmore Grove Country Park: A perfect spot for a relaxed family walk, with open grassland, woodland trails and pebble beaches to explore. Kids can climb the WWII pillboxes, spot wild rabbits and wading birds, or just burn off steam while you take in the views over the Colne Estuary.

Fossil hunting at East Mersea: It’s hands-on exploring for the kids, and a genuine chance to find something unexpected. You don’t need any specialist gear, but you do need sharp eyes and a bit of patience. It’s the kind of curiosity-based activity that fills a morning without needing tickets or screens.

Best time to visit Mersea Island

Late spring to early autumn is ideal, especially May through September (like most of the UK).

Just be sure to check tide times before you travel, because the Strood floods twice a day and you won’t want to get stuck on the wrong side.

Add-Ons

Make it a full family weekend with these nearby options:

• Historic site: Colchester Castle is a short drive away and packed with hands-on exhibits for kids.

Insider tip: Park and paddle

Parking in West Mersea can get busy in summer, but head to Monkey Beach early and bring a paddleboard or inflatable kayak. The waters are usually calm, and you’ll have front-row views of the colourful boats and beach huts.

The Scottish Borders

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

Just over the English border, you’ll find a patch of Scotland that often gets overlooked, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

The Scottish Borders is full of big skies, wide valleys, ruined castles and peaceful rivers, without the tourist traffic of the Highlands.

For families, it’s ideal. There’s space to run, woodland to explore, bike trails that feel like little adventures and plenty of history that you can touch, climb on and picnic beside.

If your family’s the kind that prefers paddling in a river to queuing for an attraction, the Borders could be your new favourite spot.

Top family experiences

Glentress Forest: One of the UK’s best-loved mountain biking centres, Glentress is also brilliant for families. There are gentle green trails through the woods for little legs (or tag-alongs), plus a skills area where kids can practise their balance. You’ll also find walking trails, a play area and a café with flapjacks as big as your hand.

Jedburgh Abbey: This dramatic ruined abbey is the kind of place where imagination takes over. Kids can climb the worn stone steps and imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. It’s a manageable size for kids under 10, and there’s a peaceful picnic spot just over the river.

River paddling near Peebles: On a warm day, head down to the River Tweed near Peebles. There are shallow stretches perfect for paddling. Bring a towel, spare clothes, and some refreshments for a great morning out.

Best time to visit the Scottish Borders

May to September is ideal, because this is when the trails are much less muddy and the currents in the rivers aren’t too strong.

Add-Ons

Make a weekend of it with a few extra stops:

• Historic site: Melrose Abbey is another beautiful ruin with stories to tell (and allegedly the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart).
• Attraction: Jim Clark Motorsport Museum is a small, modern, and surprisingly engaging for younger kids, thanks to the hands-on displays and racing car simulator.
• Natural spot: Kailzie Gardens has peaceful grounds with trails, red squirrels and a small animal corner that your kids will appreciate.

Insider tip: Stop for ice cream in Innerleithen

The little town of Innerleithen is worth a wander, especially for the Caldwells’ ice cream (your kids won’t complain being taken here!).

Zip World Fforest, Snowdonia

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

Set in the heart of Snowdonia near Betws-y-Coed, this is one of the most family-friendly adventure parks in the UK, especially if you’ve got younger kids with big energy.

The woodland setting gives everything a magical feel, and the activities are the perfect mix of safe and exhilarating. It’s also brilliantly organised, so there’s no endless queuing or faffing (again, ideal for those with younger children who just don’t like waiting around).

Top family experiences

• Fforest Coaster: This gravity-powered ride twists and turns through the trees, and you control the speed with a lever, so it’s as gentle or as fast as you like. Kids as young as 3 can ride with an adult, and they’ll almost certainly want to go more than once.
• Treetop Nets: Imagine a huge trampoline but suspended in the trees. That’s Treetop Nets. Kids can bounce and play for hours, and it’s all safely enclosed in a giant net canopy. This is great for burning off excitement.
• Mini Trek & Tree Hoppers: Perfect for younger children who aren’t quite ready for the big zip lines. These mini rope courses are designed with smaller feet in mind, as they’re low to the ground but just high enough to feel like an achievement.

Best time to visit Zip World Fforest

Spring through early autumn is ideal, when it’s dry enough to enjoy the outdoor areas. But it’s open year-round, and as long as you’ve got decent waterproofs, winter visits can be just as fun, and much quieter.

Add-Ons

Make a weekend of it with some low-key extras nearby:

• Natural spot: Swallow Falls is a dramatic waterfall walk just a few minutes from the site.
• Attraction: Conwy Valley Railway Museum is great if you’ve got a train-loving toddler.
• Historic site: Dolwyddelan Castle is a short uphill walk with views that make it worth it.

Insider tip: Book ahead and layer up

Popular times do get busy, so it’s worth booking online to secure your slots. And even on warm days, the forest can feel chilly, especially up in the nets, so bring layers just in case.

Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

There are woods… and then there’s Puzzlewood. Twisting paths, moss-covered rocks, secret doorways and trees that seem to bend into shapes just for fun. It’s the kind of place where kids don’t need any persuading to go for a walk.

Tucked inside the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood is often described as magical, and for once, it’s not at all overhyped. This ancient woodland has inspired everything from Star Wars to Harry Potter, and once you step inside, you’ll see why.

Top Family Experiences

• Explore the woodland trails: There’s no set route here. You’ll find winding, looping paths through deep green glades and over little wooden bridges. Kids can spot tree faces and play hide and seek. The trail isn’t suitable for prams, so bring a carrier if you have really young ones.
• Look for filming spots: From Doctor Who to The Secret Garden, loads of well-known scenes have been shot in Puzzlewood. If your kids are into fantasy films or books, it’s a great way to spark some storytelling of your own.
• Animal encounters at the small farm: Just beside the woods, there’s a little farmyard area with donkeys, goats and chickens. It’s a nice, slower moment after all the running around, especially for under-5s who want something to stroke or feed.

Best time to visit Puzzlewood

Spring and summer are best for lush greenery and drier paths, but early autumn is a bit of a hidden gem as the leaves are still colourful, but the crowds are far less busy. Avoid wet days if possible, as the mossy paths can become slippery.

Add-Ons

Stick around in the Forest of Dean to turn your trip into a weekend:

• Historic site: Clearwell Caves is an underground adventure not far from Puzzlewood.
• Attraction: Dean Heritage Centre is an interactive museum with woodland trails (including one based on The Gruffalo storybook) and a playground.
• Natural spot: Symonds Yat Rock has stunning views and a chance to spot peregrine falcons if you bring binoculars.

Insider tip: Go early and bring snacks
Puzzlewood opens from 10am, and it’s worth getting there first thing to enjoy the peace (and the parking). There’s a small café, but it’s mainly drinks and snacks; if your little ones get peckish often, pack a few bits for the walk.

The Broads, Norfolk

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

The Norfolk Broads are one of those places where everything slows down in the best possible way.

Life moves at the pace of the river, and suddenly you’re spending whole afternoons spotting herons, mooring up for ice cream or watching the kids wave at passing boats like it’s the most exciting thing in the world (because for them, it probably is).

Top family experiences

Day boat hire from Wroxham or Potter Heigham: You don’t need a licence or any experience, really, to take out a self-drive boat for the day. Most hire companies will give you a quick demo and away you go. Bring binoculars to spot ducks, swans and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky.

BeWILDerwood: If you’re staying nearby, BeWILDerwood is a must. It’s a massive outdoor adventure park hidden in the woods, with treehouses, slides, zip lines and storytelling spots. Great for under-10s, and there’s plenty of shaded areas and chill-out zones for smaller ones.

Ranworth Broad Boardwalk and Visitor Centre: For a calmer stretch of the day, head to Ranworth. The raised wooden walkway through the reeds is buggy-friendly and leads to a floating visitor centre where you can peer through telescopes and learn a bit about the local wildlife.

Best time to visit The Broads

May to September gives you the best shot at dry weather and open boat hire. Early summer is especially lovely before the school holiday rush kicks in.

Add-Ons
Extend your stay with these nearby family-friendly extras:

Attraction: Wroxham Barns is a petting farm, mini-golf, and small rides perfect for younger kids.
Historic site: Norwich Castle is a proper old-school castle with interactive exhibits and dress-up corners.
Natural spot: Horsey Gap combines a beach walk with seal spotting (best between November and March, but you’ll often see them bobbing about year-round).

Insider tip: Pack layers and snacks

Even on sunny days, the breeze on the water can be chilly, especially if you’re sitting still while the boat’s moving. And while mooring up at a riverside pub is lovely, they do get busy, so pack drinks and snacks just in case you need to buy some time.

National Videogame Museum, Sheffield

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

Bright, noisy, hands-on and genuinely fun, the National Videogame Museum is one of those rare indoor attractions that appeals just as much to grown-ups as it does to kids.

Set in the heart of Sheffield, this colourful, interactive museum is packed with arcade machines, classic consoles, digital art and plenty of space to get involved.

Top Family Experiences

• Arcade zone: The moment you walk in, you’re met with the beeping excitement of retro arcade cabinets. Everything from Pac-Man to Sonic to Dance Dance Revolution is set up and ready to go. The best bit is that there’s no tokens needed, so you just press start and off you go.
• Play test zones: These quieter corners are perfect for younger kids, with age-appropriate games, bean bags, and plenty of space for parents to join in or just take five.
• Game-making stations: For slightly older kids (6+), the coding and game-design areas are brilliant. They’re simple and accessible, more about fun than theory, and give little ones the thrill of making something they can actually play.

Best time to visit the National Videogame Museum

It’s fully indoors, so perfect for a rainy day. Weekends and school holidays do get busy, so if your kids prefer a bit of space to explore, aim for weekday afternoons or early morning slots.

Add-Ons
Make a full day of it with these nearby kid-friendly spots:

Attraction: Weston Park Museum is free entry, interactive exhibits, and a lovely café.
Food stop: Steam Yard has great coffee for parents and doughnuts for everyone.

Insider tip: You don’t need to be ‘into games’

Even if you’ve never picked up a controller, you’ll still find loads to enjoy here. Think of it more like a digital play museum than a place for hardcore gamers. Plus, it’s a rare chance for kids and parents to play side-by-side, and maybe even get a little competitive.

Culm Valley, Devon

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

If you’re looking for a peaceful corner of Devon that still has room for mini adventures, the Culm Valley might be just the spot. It’s the quieter side of the county, and offers a lot of nature with the kind of places that don’t need booking in advance.

The valley stretches across Mid Devon, following the River Culm through small villages and open countryside.

Top Family Experiences

• Wild paddling near Hemyock or Culmstock: There are a few easy-access spots along the riverbank where kids can splash in the shallows. Bring towels, water shoes, and a flask of something warm for afterwards.
• Wellington Monument: Just over the border into Somerset, this National Trust monument has wide open spaces and woodland trails to explore. The views from the top are worth the wander, and the loop is short enough for younger legs.
• Have a look around a working farm: Several local farms offer family-friendly visits, where the kids can meet animals, feed hens or just run wild in the fresh air.

Best time to visit the Culm Valley

Late spring through early autumn is perfect. Summer can get warm but rarely too hot, and most places stay blissfully uncrowded compared to the Devon coast.

Add-Ons
Here’s how to stretch the weekend a bit further:

• Attraction: Diggerland Devon is just outside Cullompton and great for under-10s who love machines and mud.
• Natural spot: Grand Western Canal Country Park is a buggy-friendly towpath walks, boat hire and dragonfly spotting.
• Local stop: Tiverton Pannier Market is great for snacks, crafts and a wander.

Insider tip: Bring your wellies

Even in summer, fields and riverbanks can stay squelchy. Wellies mean no fuss when the kids head straight for the muddy bits (which they will).

Isle of Skye’s Dinosaur Prints, Staffin Bay

Why it’s Bucket-List worthy

There aren’t many places in the UK where you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs. But Staffin Bay on the Isle of Skye is one of them. At low tide, if you know where to look, you’ll find giant, fossilised footprints from a time when dinosaurs roamed what is now the Scottish coast.

For kids, it turns a regular beach walk into a full-on prehistoric treasure hunt. And even if you don’t spot the prints straight away, the dramatic cliffs make it a memorable family outing either way.

Top Family Experiences

• Dinosaur footprint hunting at low tide: The prints are around 170 million years old and are best seen when the tide is right out. They’re just below the cliff line, close to the beach access from the slipway in Staffin. Look for large, three-toed marks in the rock, often filled with rainwater or seaweed.
• Visit the Staffin Dinosaur Museum: This tiny but fascinating local museum is a great add-on before or after your fossil hunt. It’s full of locally found bones, and the team there are always happy to share tips on where to look and what to watch for.
• Beach play and picnic time: Even without the fossils, Staffin Beach is worth a visit. Bring a picnic or pick up snacks from the village café: it’s simple but good, and the views are spectacular.

Best time to visit Staffin Bay

Late spring to early autumn gives you your best chance of good weather, though Skye weather is famously changeable year-round. Crucially, plan your visit around low tide if you want to spot the prints. Tide times are posted locally, or you can check online before heading out.

Add-Ons
Make a weekend out of your Skye stay with these family-friendly stops:

• Attraction: Fairy Glen is a miniature hill and rock formations that look like something out of a storybook. Great for climbing and exploring.
• Natural spot: Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are dramatic cliffs with a built-in viewpoint and space to stretch legs.
• Historic site: Skye Museum of Island Life has open-air croft houses where kids can see what life used to look like in the Highlands.

Insider tip: Go early and bring waterproofs

The prints are easiest to find when the beach is quiet and the light is low, so try an early start if you can. And even on dry days, the sea spray and rockpools make wellies or waterproof shoes a smart choice, especially if your kids like to clamber.

Ready to start ticking off your family bucket list?

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