Booking the right type of family holiday is a decision as unique as your family is!

There are lots of things to consider about what your family need and want from a holiday destination. For example, is your family looking for a holiday park, a holiday that can cater for family members with a disability, a holiday park with an indoor swimming pool or even lodge with a hot tub.

You should also consider practical things, like how many of you there are, how far you’re willing to travel and your budget.

Holidays in the UK vs abroad

The first thing to decide is if you’d like to holiday in the UK or abroad. Going on holiday abroad will require a few extra things, like having  a valid passport and other documents for each family member. It will often involve longer travel times and waits in airports or similar places. There will usually be a language barrier and food that you won’t normally have at home. All these things can make the trip exciting and a chance to try something new, but it’s worth considering if this type of holiday is suitable for your family.

If you’d like more information about travel tips abroad, please check out the independent consumer site Money Saving Expert for their travel tips abroad: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/travel-tips/

Self-catering vs catered and everything in between

Here’s a quick breakdown of each of the different catering options you may come across when booking your family holiday:

1. Room-Only

This is the simplest option—just a place to sleep, with no meals included and no cooking facilities.

2. Self-Catering

You get a kitchen (or kitchenette) where you can whip up meals whenever you fancy—great for those on a budget.

3. Bed & Breakfast (B&B)

A classic option where you’ll enjoy a comfy night’s sleep and wake up to a delicious breakfast. Usually, it’s a hearty one—think cooked full English, fresh pastries, or cereals.

4. Half-Board

This means you get breakfast and dinner included—so you don’t have to think about two meals a day!

5. Full-Board

With full-board, all your meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

6. All-Inclusive

The ultimate treat-yourself option! All your meals, drinks and snacks are covered. Some places even include activities or entertainment in the price.

More information on self-catering

If you're on a budget, the best advice is to book accommodation which includes self-catering facilities. This means you will be able to cook and prepare food at your accommodation just like you would at home, allowing you to budget and plan meals in advance.

Self-catered accommodation will often have everything you need to prepare and eat your meals, such as utensils, pans, cutlery and crockery but they won’t have basics such as salt, cooking oil, washing up liquid and sponges. It could be a good idea to pack these bits from home and take them with you to make your holiday budget go further. You'll need to make sure there is a supermarket nearby or somewhere on your journey that you can stop off at to stock up on food for your holiday.

It's worth knowing that supermarkets in some locations might be more expensive than you are used to.

Some accommodation, for example hotel rooms, are unlikely to have cooking facilities. This means that you will need to eat out at restaurants and cafes which will cost more, but you won't have to do any of the cooking or cleaning.More advice on eating on holiday coming soon.

Why a holiday park holiday is a great option for families

Booking a holiday park in the UK can be a wonderful way to enjoy a family-friendly holiday with everything you need like activities and eating out all on-site, at a good price. You can often choose from short breaks to longer stays, providing flexibility to suit your family. 

Options for everyone

• Holiday parks offer family-friendly activities that are usually included in the package. 
• Many holiday parks offer accessible accommodation and facilities.
• Lots of holiday parks are pet-friendly, making it easy to bring your furry friends along on holiday.
• With self-catering options available, holiday parks give families the flexibility to prepare their own meals.

Holiday park accommodation options 

• Static caravans are a popular choice at holiday parks and come in various sizes and layouts, featuring kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms. Modern static caravans are well-equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Some parks offer lodges or cabins, which are usually more spacious and luxurious than caravans. They may include additional features like hot tubs or private decks.
• Chalets are standalone units that offer spacious and comfortable living arrangements. They often come with separate bedrooms, a living area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. Some chalets also feature private outdoor spaces, providing a home-away-from-home experience.
• Lodges are typically larger and more luxurious than chalets. They offer premium amenities such as hot tubs, modern kitchens, and spacious living areas. Lodges are perfect for families seeking a bit of extra comfort and luxury during their stay.
• Some offer apartments or hotel rooms that provide a more traditional holiday accommodation experience, often situated in a central location within the holiday park. They typically do not provide self-catering amenities and are therefore booked on a 'room only' basis. Alternatively, families can opt for 'bed and breakfast,' which includes accommodation and breakfast served at an on-site restaurant. There may be the option to add a dining package that includes lunch or dinner.
• Glamping tents are for those who want to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. These tents are fully furnished and equipped with comfortable beds, electricity, and sometimes even en-suite bathrooms. Glamping provides a unique blend of camping and luxury.
• Touring and camping pitches are for families who prefer to bring their own accommodation, such as tents, caravans, or motorhomes. Touring and camping pitches provide the necessary facilities, including electricity hookups, water, and access to communal washrooms and showers.
• Cabins offer a rustic and cozy accommodation option, often nestled in scenic areas of the holiday park. They provide a charming retreat with essential amenities, perfect for families looking to disconnect and enjoy nature. 

On-site activities and entertainment

•  Swimming pools are often an option, including indoor and/or outdoor swimming pools with slides and children’s play areas.
• Entertainment options range from evening shows, live music, and kids’ clubs with activities and entertainment specifically designed for children.
• Sports facilities like tennis courts, mini-golf, and football pitches, as well as organised activities like archery and water sports.
• Kids’ clubs typically offer a range of supervised activities and games for different age groups, giving parents some time to relax.
• Outdoor and indoor play areas are common, providing safe and fun spaces for children to play.
• Arcades and game rooms are common with video games, pool tables, and other amusements.

Why go on a camping holiday?

Slowing down is one of the best parts of a camping holiday, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can spend your days going for walks, relaxing, or exploring towns and areas nearby. Evenings are perfect for stargazing, sharing stories, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

What you need to know if you’re new to camping:

It's helpful to plan and pack carefully. On a camping holiday, you only have what you take with you, so you’ll need essentials like a tent, sleeping bags, something to cook on like a portable cooking stove and cooking equipment and utensils, and food supplies. Practical items such as a torch, first aid kit, and extra clothing for changing weather conditions are also important.

Campsites often come with essential facilities such as toilets, showers, drinking water taps and washing up areas - but each site is different so this is something you'll have to check.

Camping accommodation: 

• Bring your own tent and any extra gazebos or awnings for additional covered outdoor space. You can book in or turn up to designated campsites.
• Caravans or motorhomes offer more comfort and can include built-in kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Luxury glamping tents can often be hired and set up for you on some sites. These are spacious tents with comfortable beds, electricity, and sometimes even ensuite bathrooms.
• Yurts are round, tent-like structures that provide a unique and cosy camping experience, often equipped with furniture and heating. Much like the glamping tents, these can often be booked on camping sites so you don’t have to put these up and take them down again.

Facilities

• Most campsites provide toilets and sinks. 
• Many campsites have shower facilities, often with hot water. These can range from basic outdoor showers to more modern, indoor setups.
• Access to clean drinking water is usually available through taps or water stations.
• Some campsites have designated areas for campfires or bbq areas.
• Some campsites have shared washing up facilities.

 Activities 

• Play areas for children with swings, slides, and climbing structures.
• Sometimes there are on-site pools for swimming and relaxing.
• Depending where you stay, there might be a football field, tennis court or other sports facilities.
• Some sites will have organised events on site.

Hiring a holiday home

Hiring a holiday home gives families the option to have all your home comforts in another location, for example somewhere rural or near the coast. Holiday homes come in all shapes and sizes and can have separate living rooms, dining areas, and multiple bedrooms with plenty of space for the whole family. With full kitchens, families can prepare their meals, cater to dietary needs, and enjoy home-cooked meals together. Many homes come with private gardens, patios, or decks where children can play safely and families can enjoy outdoor meals and barbecues.

The UK is home to beautiful countryside, coastline, and national parks. Staying in a holiday home means you can immerse yourself in these scenic landscapes and take part in activities you normally wouldn't be able to.

With pet-friendly options, the whole family can enjoy the holiday together.

Facilities 

• Fully-equipped kitchens with appliances and utensils for convenient self-catering.
• Relax in private gardens, patios, or decks often equipped with outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities.
• Bathrooms often with showers, bathtubs, and occasionally luxury touches like hot tubs.
• Family and pet-friendly features such as multiple bedrooms, safety gates, high chairs, cots, and pet-friendly options.

Activities 

• Take part in outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling (in some places you can hire bikes), water sports and wildlife watching.
• Unwind by reading, chatting together, picnics and outdoor eating.
• Play board games, have a BBQ and spend quality family time together.
• Visit historic sites, local markets, cultural events, and enjoy local places to eat.

City breaks

City breaks are a great opportunity to explore historical landmarks, museums, parks, and cultural events. Many cities have excellent public transport which makes it really easy to get around affordably. With lots of budget-friendly accommodation available, a city break can be a fun, educational, and memorable experience for the whole family.

UK cities offer a wide range of family-friendly attractions, like museums, parks, historical landmarks, and interactive science centres. There are also diverse cultural experiences on offer around the UK such as festivals, theatre performances and local cuisine, so there's always something to explore.

City break accommodation

• City based hotels can be booked close to public transport and local attractions, and some will also include breakfast in the price.
• Guesthouses and B&B's are family-run establishments that provide a homely atmosphere.
• Serviced apartments or holiday rentals pffer the convenience of self-catering with kitchen facilities.

Activities and Attractions

• For cultural experiences, visit museums, galleries, theatres, and historical sites. Many cities offer free or discounted entry to children.
• Many outdoor spaces can be explored through city parks, botanical gardens, and public squares. Some cities have walking tours and river cruises.
• Entertainment such as family-friendly shows, cinemas, amusement arcades, and sporting events can be found in cities.
• Shopping and dining options include local markets, shopping districts, and a variety of restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes and budgets.
• Many cities host festivals, street markets, and seasonal events that provide unique local experiences.
• Guided tours can be found in many cities by walking, bus, or even themed tours (like ghost tours or food tours).
• Look for interactive attractions such as science centres, escape rooms, and interactive museums which are great for children.