Discover Your UK

The beauty of a city break for families is that everything’s on your doorstep. From zoos to galleries, there’s always something to amuse and amaze children of any age. Our top 5 tips for an unforgettable city break are:

• Have a plan of action. The key to success in the city is to mix things up so build an itinerary that activities which complement each other.
• Day out for nowt. British cities are full of free museums and things to do for little ones of all ages.
• Hop on a bus. Or a tram, or even a boat. Make getting around the city half the fun and help the kids see more or the sights.
• Do something a little quirky. Make memories which will fire those curious imaginations.
• Don’t forget the pit stops. Stepping out of the city bustle is easier then you think. City farms and park cafes can provide some much needed space to chill out without missing out.

Our top picks for your hotel city break include London Marriott Hotel County Hall , Cardiff Marriott Hotel and Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.

The family getaway is  changing. One of the hottest travel trends for 2019-20 is the microadventure. Now that snoozing by the pool all day doesn’t cut it any more parents are trading sun loungers and play centres for more physically active family minibreaks. Here’s out top 5 tips for an adventurous weekend break…

• Book with fun in mind. Think about what’s nearby before you choose your hotel. There’s no point in paying a premium to stay in Theatreland if your brood prefers a playground to a performance.
• Pack even the kitchen sink. Stash a ball, a pop-up goal and a kite in the boot and you can make your own adventures any time. If the kids go everywhere on their scooters take them too – it’ll make the young ones far more eager to explore on days out.
• Go wild in the wild. The British landscape can look just as amazing on a blustery November day as it does under blue skies in August. Invest is some child-friendly binoculars – effective but not madly expensive – and go walking in Snowdonia or pony trekking in the Lake District.
• Be a good sport. Time your trip for a football match or a tournament with lots of spectator appeal to fire up your family’s sporting spirit.
• Faster, higher, further. With parents by their side, children are usually more willing to try new challenges that will boost confidence.

Out top hotel picks for an adventure weekend include Leicester Marriott Hotel, London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf and Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County.

The British seaside holiday is back in vogue – and it’s not just for summer. Pull on your wellies, wrap up the kids and off you go. Just follow these tips to have a whale of a time…

• Pack like an expert. Rain or shine, sand or pebbles, whether the sea’s inviting or not, there’s almost always space to play with a ball or a Frisbee. Indeed, every parent’s car boot should come with these as standard.
• Ride the waves. You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world for good surfing. Coastlines from the South West to Wales and into Scotland all boast excellent beaches for getting out among the waves.
• Take a peek at the wildlife. Hop on a boat to get close to dolphins, porpoises and seals, or catch a glimpse of a puffin colony perched on a cliff.
• Treat the kids on a walk. A tasty picnic and lots to see and do are the way to get kids into walking. So whether it’s a toddle with a three-year-old or a hike with an intrepid teen, pick a fun route and take plenty of treats.
• Be beside the sea as well as in it.

Our top picks for your beach break include Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, Portsmouth Marriott Hotel and Swansea Marriott Hotel.

Whether the “Greta Effect” has inspired your kids to value the natural world or they just love running wild in big open spaces, a country break is a chance for the whole family to reconnect. When you only have one or two days to spare, what better proof that you’ve really enjoyed quality time together than rosy cheeks and a row of muddy boots in the hallway come Sunday evening. Here’s our top 5 tips for the perfect countryside break…

• Go back in time. Without a motorway or tower block in sight it’s easy for little ones to imagine they’re a brave knight or queen of the castle.
• Wheels of fortune. There’s nothing quite like the wind in your hair as you roll along a cycle path, safely away from cars and lorries, with a great chance for smaller family members to improve cycling skills and boost their confidence.
• Fly like a bird. For more adventurous types, check out companies such as Go Ape, which offer zipwiring and rope assault courses up among the treetops in forest locations all over the UK
• Live the country life. Find a farm park where children can pet rabbits, feed chickens, come nose to snout with pigs and even clamber over old tractors without being chased off by Old MacDonald.
• Get back to nature. Nature spotting is a great way to get kids to engage with the countryside. Buy a nature book and try to identify things you discover when you look more closely at the wonders surrounding you.

Our top hotel picks for a countryside break include Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club and London Marriott Hotel Regents Park.