Best UK spots to travel to on a multigenerational holiday

The trick is finding somewhere that balances a little bit of what everyone fancies, which can look wildly different, and all within easy reach, so everyone can enjoy themselves without long drives or complicated logistics. This, really, is where caravan and motorhome trips come into their own.

Perhaps you’re a family sharing one campervan, caravan or motorhome, or maybe you’re coming in multiple vehicles. Either way, with your home-from-home on wheels, you can set up base at a family-friendly site and explore at your own pace. Grandparents get comfort, kids get freedom and parents get a flexible family holiday (ie, a break from the stress of trying to keep everyone happy at once).

To help, we’ve pulled together five of the UK’s best regions for multigenerational trips. Each one has a great campsite, plenty of family-friendly activities and a mix of suggested attractions that take into account history, nature, culture and a bit of fun too. So, read on to learn more.

Trip Idea 1: Northumberland Coast & Countryside

If you’re after big skies, a bit of countryside, sweeping beaches and more castles than you can count, Northumberland for a family holiday is a bit of a hidden gem.

It’s the sort of place where you can spend one day spotting puffins out at sea, the next exploring a fortress and still have time for an ice cream on the sand to round out your day.

Best of all, everything feels close by, so there’s no long car journeys needed.

Top 3 reasons to visit as a multigenerational family

• There are castles for the kids to explore and a touch of history for everyone else: From Bamburgh’s dramatic fortress to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Northumberland packs centuries of history into day trips that are genuinely fun for all ages.
• You’ll find beaches with something for everyone: Bamburgh, Beadnell and Alnmouth have huge, sandy stretches where toddlers can dig and build sandcastles, teens can give watersports a go, mum and dad can lap up the sun and grandparents can stroll without the stress of crowds.
• It’s a great UK holiday without long drives: In Northumberland, everything feels close together, so it’s an easy UK family break. You can mix and match, for example, one half of the family can go out exploring Cragside’s gardens while others head to Alnwick. After a long day, you can all meet back for fish and chips at wherever you’re staying.

Things to do across generations

For little ones

• Paddle in the shallows at Seahouses or Beadnell Bay, because these waters are relatively shallow and safer for youngsters than most.
• Spot puffins and seals on a boat trip out to the Farne Islands.
• Cragside has adventure play areas as well as plenty of room to run about.

For parents

• Hire bikes and try a stretch of the Coast & Castles cycle route.
• Explore Alnwick Gardens (the Poison Garden is a talking point, but the treehouse café is a place people often return to again and again).
• Kayak or paddleboard around the sheltered coves near Amble.

For grandparents

• Step back in time at Bamburgh Castle with its royal connections and beautiful sea views.
• Visit Lindisfarne Priory (check the causeway times before you set off).
• Pottery and galleries in Alnwick or Berwick for a quieter day.

For everyone together

• Walk along the beach at Bamburgh and let the kids fly kites while the adults take in the scenery.
• Visit Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum; there are plenty of benches and tearoom stops.
• Try a steam train ride on the Aln Valley Railway.

Where to stay

Springhill Farm, Seahouses (Independent site)

This family-friendly touring site is a brilliant base. You’ll get coastal views, a play park to keep younger ones happy and plenty of space for motorhomes and caravans. It’s close enough to Seahouses to walk in for fish and chips, and you can pick up boat trips to the Farne Islands right from the harbour.

Beadnell Bay Club Campsite (Camping & Caravanning Club)

Right on the coast and a short stroll to one of Northumberland’s best sandy beaches. Great for younger children who just want to bucket-and-spade all day, and handy for grandparents thanks to the flat site and good facilities.

Tips & tricks

• Check the Lindisfarne causeway times in advance: Nothing spoils a day like being stuck on the wrong side with grumpy kids waiting for the tide.
• Take a pushchair with bigger wheels if you’ve got toddlers: Northumberland’s beaches are gorgeous but often wide and soft, so buggies with little wheels are hard work.
• Book a family boat trip early: Farnes wildlife trips can sell out in peak season, and some boats are better for young children (shorter sailings, calmer waters).
• Plan “together and apart” time: Bamburgh and Alnwick are perfect for splitting up (grandparents in museums, kids on the beach) and meeting back for lunch.

Trip idea 2: Shropshire Hills & Ludlow

Often overlooked in favour of the Cotswolds or Peak District, a Shropshire family holiday is every bit as beautiful. Here, you’ll get rolling green countryside, quiet market towns, a touch of culture and a strong sense of history. It’s perfect for a touring holiday with grandparents and kids alike.

Ludlow itself is a real gem: a foodie town wrapped around a medieval castle, with cobbled streets and more independent shops and cafés than you could explore in a weekend.

Top 3 reasons to visit as a multigenerational family

• It’s compact but varied, so everyone should find something of interest: You’ll be able to uncover historic towns, countryside walks and spots for riverside picnics all close together, so you can plan days that don’t exhaust those at either end of the age spectrum.
• Ludlow’s got an exceptional foodie scene: Parents and grandparents can indulge in Michelin-starred restaurants or bustling food markets, while kids love the street food stalls and local ice cream.
• There’s plenty of accessible history: From Ludlow Castle’s towers to Stokesay’s fairy-tale timbered gatehouse, these sites are easy to explore with children but rich enough to keep adults engaged too.

Things to do across generations

For little ones

• Spot wildlife at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre with hands-on exhibits and meadow trails.
• Paddle in the River Teme at Priors Halton (safe, shallow stretches).
• Burn off some energy at Monkey Mania soft play in Ludlow.

For parents

• Tackle a walk on the Long Mynd (short family-friendly loops available).
• Sample Ludlow’s delis, food halls and the famous Ludlow Food Centre.
• Canoe along the River Severn near Bridgnorth.

For grandparents

• Take a gentle stroll around Stokesay Castle and enjoy the tearoom.
• Browse Ludlow’s antique shops and regular markets.
• Visit Ironbridge Gorge’s open-air museums at a slower pace.

For everyone together

• Exploring Ludlow with kids is ideal, thanks to its castle, which has enough open space for them to run but plenty of history for the adults.
• Steam train rides on the Severn Valley Railway.
• A family picnic with panoramic views from Wenlock Edge.

Where to stay

Ludlow Touring Park (Caravan & Motorhome Club site)

This is a five-star campsite for families in the UK just outside the town, with level pitches and modern facilities, and easy bus links into Ludlow. It’s well-kept and ideal for groups who want comfort without losing sight of the countryside, which is right on the doorstep.

Small Batch Campsite (Independent site)

Set in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, this site is ideal for walkers of all abilities. Parents can tackle longer routes on the Long Mynd while grandparents and kids enjoy gentler trails nearby. Small and friendly, with beautiful countryside views.

Tips & tricks

• Plan around food markets: Ludlow’s weekly and farmers’ markets are perfect for every member of the family to find something delicious, and the older members of your party will enjoy the atmosphere as much as the eating.
• Book Severn Valley Railway family tickets in advance: They sell out on sunny weekends, but multigenerational groups get more value with day passes.
• Look for short circular walks: The Long Mynd and Carding Mill Valley both have trails that suit mixed abilities, so there’s no need for anyone to be left behind.
  Stay central so everyone can split up and then find each other later: Ludlow’s compact layout means different generations can split up (castle for some, shops for others) and meet back at a set point (say, a café) without too much bother.

Trip idea 3: Pembrokeshire Coast & Preseli Hills

You’ve likely heard this said before, but Wales doesn’t get much better than Pembrokeshire for a family-friendly holiday.

In just one day, you could find yourself walking along a cliff path with views across the Atlantic, then exploring a tiny fishing village and finishing with seeing prehistoric sites.

It’s a mix of rugged coastline and some of the best family attractions in Wales. So, it’s ideal if you want a holiday that feels adventurous without being complicated.

Top 3 reasons to visit as a multigenerational family

• There’s adventures to suit all abilities: Grandparents can take a gentle harbour stroll while the teens try a spot of rockpooling. Everyone gets their kind of adventure.
• You’ll find the big-name family attractions close by: You’ll find, within easy reach, attractions like Folly Farm and Tenby. The area is packed with easy days out that don’t need long drives.
• There’s quite a bit of history that you can touch: St David’s Cathedral and the Preseli Hills’ standing stones bring a sense of story that’s fascinating for adults but great for kids because they can experience the history.

Things to do across generations

For little ones

• Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo (farmyard animals, rides, soft play).
• Sandy beaches like Whitesands or Tenby South are perfect for sandcastles and paddling.
• Visit Heatherton World of Activities for mini-golf and toddler-friendly play zones.

For parents

• Try surfing at Whitesands Bay or kayaking around St Brides Bay.
• Walk stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for jaw-dropping views.
• Explore colourful Tenby, with its shops, cafés and harbour.

For grandparents

• St David’s Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, because both have a rich history but are also very manageable to explore.
• Pentre Ifan burial chamber (one of Britain’s most impressive Neolithic sites).
• Picnics and wildlife watching in the Preseli Hills.

For everyone together

• A boat trip to Ramsey Island to see dolphins, porpoises and seabirds.
• Wandering the harbour at Solva, stopping for ice creams and tea.
• Family walks at Bosherston Lily Ponds (flat, pushchair-friendly and stunning).

Where to stay

• Celtic Camping, St Davids (Independent site)
  This is a laid-back site right by the coast with bags of space for caravans and motorhomes. Kids can run free in the fields, and there’s a real emphasis on family-friendly adventure. Plus, it’s only a short hop into St David’s for supplies or a pub meal.

• St David’s Lleithyr Meadow (Caravan & Motorhome Club Campsite)
  Just half a mile from Whitesands Bay, one of Pembrokeshire’s most family-friendly beaches. The site is level and spacious, with easy access to the tiny city of St Davids. Great for families who want beach days mixed with cathedral visits and coast path walks.

Tips & tricks

• Plan your days around the tide times for beaches: At places like Broad Haven South, the beach disappears almost completely at high tide. Plan around it to avoid disappointment.
• Take grandparents on the Lily Ponds walk: Flat, shaded, and with tearoom stops at either end, it’s ideal for mixed ages.
• Book Folly Farm online: This attraction is often cheaper if you pre-book online than on the gate and often comes with multi-day passes, handy if toddlers want to go back.
• Pack wetsuits for kids: The sea is chilly even in summer, but wetsuits make paddling and bodyboarding more fun (and warmer!).
• Consider splitting your days up: Tenby is a great base for this: grandparents can browse shops or sit by the harbour while the rest head to the beach.

Trip idea 4: Dumfries & Galloway

Tucked away in Scotland’s southwest corner, Dumfries & Galloway for a family holiday often flies under the radar for visitors heading onwards to the Highlands, but that’s part of its charm, especially for a campervan trip with kids.

Think moated castles, rolling and one of the UK’s best Dark Sky Parks (great for seeing the stars). It’s peaceful without being dull, with plenty to keep kids entertained, parents active and grandparents relaxed.

Top 3 reasons to visit as a multigenerational family

• Visit for history you can explore at your own pace: Caerlaverock Castle’s grounds are fun for kids to clamber around, while grandparents can take it in at a gentler stride.
• Get to see dark skies and big open spaces: Galloway Forest Park stargazing isn’t to be missed. There’s also a chance for gentle picnics or family walks, all typically without crowds.
• Have an adventure, but with a Scottish twist: From mountain biking at Kirroughtree to spotting red kites and otters, there’s plenty to do that feels outdoorsy but accessible.

Things to do across generations

For little ones

• Cream o’ Galloway: farm animals, adventure playground, and ice cream galore.
• Mabie Farm Park: indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides.
• Sandy play on Mossyard beach, safe and quiet.

For parents

• Mountain biking at one of the 7Stanes trail centres (Kirroughtree is family-friendly but with harder loops too).
• Explore the artists’ town of Kirkcudbright with galleries, cafés and a castle.
• Coastal walks near Rockcliffe and Kippford.

For grandparents

• Robert Burns House in Dumfries for a touch of poetry and history.
• Stroll through Threave Gardens (National Trust for Scotland).
• Scenic drives along the Solway Coast Heritage Trail.

For everyone together

• Galloway Forest Park: easy trails, wildlife hides, and night-time stargazing.
• Visit Threave Castle, reached by a tiny boat trip across the River Dee (kids love it).
• Day out in Castle Douglas, known as Scotland’s “Food Town”, with delis and family-friendly cafés.

Where to stay

Solway View Holidays, Kirkcudbright (Independent site)
This is one of the best family friendly caravan sites in the UK with coastal views. It’s got a focus on the environment with eco-friendly touches and plenty of space. Kids will love the small play area and farm animals. There’s often firepits on the go and starry skies at night, which make it memorable for all ages.

Garlieston Club Campsite (Caravan & Motorhome Club site)
Right on the Solway Firth, this site offers seaside views and easy access to quiet beaches. Great for grandparents who enjoy a sea view without walking far, while parents and kids can explore the nearby Galloway Forest Park or Logan Botanic Garden.

Moffat Campsite (Camping & Caravanning Club site)
Tucked in a charming market town, this site is perfect for families who like having pubs, cafés, and shops within walking distance. From here you can drive out to explore the Southern Upland hills or take a gentler riverside stroll. Flat, well-kept, and a good all-rounder for mixed ages.

Tips & tricks

• Bring a torch: If you’re heading to the Dark Sky Park, kids will love being allowed to stay up late and grandparents will appreciate the extra visibility on country lanes.
• Choose shorter bike routes: Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie both have green and blue trails that suit families, so older riders can do their thing while kids and grandparents stick to easier loops.
• Check castle access: Caerlaverock and Threave have uneven steps, so plan ahead if mobility is an issue; many still have good access to grounds and tearooms.
• Pack for midges: Summer evenings in wooded or still areas can attract them, so repellent helps keep everyone happy.

Trip idea 5: Lincolnshire Wolds & Coast

The Lincolnshire Wolds might be one of the best-kept secrets for a motorhome family holiday in the UK, because it’s the sort of place where you can go from a nature reserve to a medieval cathedral in a single day.

This area tends to be a bit quieter than more famous regions, so it’s ideal if you want a proper family holiday without battling crowds.

Top 3 reasons to visit as a multigenerational family

• You’ll be able to spot wildlife that can hold the interest all ages: From the Donna Nook seal colony in winter to Gibraltar Point’s bird hides, you’ll find experiences that toddlers, teens, and grandparents can enjoy side by side.
• You get a chance to see some history with a big wow factor: Lincoln Cathedral and Castle offer plenty of drama for kids while giving adults and grandparents the sense of a proper “day out steeped in history.”
• There’s a chance for a bit of coast and countryside in one trip: Sandy beaches at Cleethorpes one day, gentle walks in the Wolds the next, with no long drives in between.

Things to do across generations

For little ones

• Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway with a rideable miniature train.
• Skegness Aquarium, combining sea life with hands-on exhibits.
• Play on the Blue Flag sandy beaches (safe, shallow paddling).

For parents

• Hiking or cycling the gentle hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
• Watersports at Covenham Reservoir.
• Explore independent shops and foodie finds in Louth (try the butchers and delis).

For grandparents

• Lincoln Cathedral and Castle: plenty of benches, cafés, and guided tours.
• Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby (home to a Lancaster bomber).
• Scenic drives through quiet villages and countryside.

For everyone together

• Seal-watching at Donna Nook (November–December is peak season).
• Gibraltar Point nature reserve for gentle boardwalks and birdwatching.
• Market days in towns like Horncastle (antiques) or Louth (food and crafts).

Where to stay

Wolds View Touring Park, Caistor (Independent site)
This is a peaceful, family-friendly site with modern facilities, a playground and easy access to both the coast and the Wolds. Spacious pitches make it comfortable for larger groups, and it’s only a short drive to Lincoln if you want a bigger day out.

Woodhall Spa Club Campsite (Caravan & Motorhome Club site)
A peaceful wooded site near the historic spa town, with good facilities and easy access to the Wolds. Great for grandparents who prefer short strolls into town, while families can venture further afield to the coast or RAF heritage centres.

Ingoldmells Campsite (Camping & Caravanning Club site)
Close to Skegness, with sandy beaches within walking distance. Kids will love the seaside funfair atmosphere, while adults and grandparents can enjoy quieter days in nature reserves nearby. A good option if you want coast-based entertainment for all ages.

Tips & tricks

• Time your seal visit: Donna Nook is spectacular, but go midweek or earlier in the day to avoid crowds (and bring binoculars for grandparents who want to stay back from the fencing).
• Plan a split day in Lincoln: Let grandparents take a guided tour of the cathedral while parents take the kids up to the castle walls for the views. Meet back in the Bailgate quarter for lunch.
• Look for accessible walks: The Wolds Way has shorter, flatter circular routes that work well for mixed abilities.
• Pack buckets and nets: Even older kids secretly love crabbing at Cleethorpes’ boating lake, and it’s a relaxed activity for everyone.
• Bring cash for markets: Some stalls in Louth and Horncastle are still cash-only, and kids love choosing their own treats.

So, where is your family heading to first?

A multigenerational holiday doesn’t need to mean compromise. The UK is full of regions where sandy beaches sit next to castles, wildlife reserves meet lively market towns and everything is close enough to keep travel easy. So it’s the perfect place for a caravan holiday for families.

And with a Bailey of Bristol caravan, motorhome or campervan, you’ve got the comfort and flexibility to make it all possible. Wherever you choose to explore, your Bailey gives every generation the freedom to travel well and feel right at home.

Ready to start your adventure?

Explore our full range of Bailey leisure vehicles and find the perfect fit for your next family trip with space and comfort.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out the Bailey blog for even more travel & destination tips.