The best family holiday destinations in the UK

Holidays at home are more popular than ever. Thanks, in part, to the temperamental weather, the UK has a huge array of indoor activities to entertain families. Step outdoors, meanwhile, and there are pretty, pastoral scenes and rugged landscapes to explore, not forgetting our varied coastline, characterful towns and historically important cities. Whether you want to show the children a world-class museum or simply go for a romp in the hills, read on to discover our favourite family holiday spots, then choose your own adventure.

Jurassic Coast, Dorset

Combine traditional seaside fun with monster appreciation on the fossil-lined Jurassic Coast. Lyme Regis has become a quietly stylish spot and makes a splendid base. It is flanked by two beaches – one sandy and the other (Monmouth) made up of grey pebbles, with a section of ammonite pavement at one end. The town’s Dinosaurland Fossil Museum has more than 12,000 specimens on show, including a collection of Ichthyosaurs. Find old-fashioned seaside resorts at Swanage and Weymouth, or the South West coastal path offers blustery clifftop walks. Branscombe to Beer is a picturesque section – try a mackerel fishing trip from the shore at Beer. Prior to this, the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve also deserves exploration, with vegetation so thick and luxuriant, kids will be transported to another world.

Stay

The genial Alexandra Hotel, Lyme Regis, has sea views, a large lawn, a range of bedrooms and two self-contained apartments ideal for families. Doubles from £155, B&B; hotelalexandra.co.uk