England with the family: travelling to England with children

Free museums, knights' castles, Harry Potter studios, and Cornish beaches: England is brimming with activities for children. family trip to England However, it requires careful preparation to maintain a pleasant pace. Here are our suggested steps and practical tips.

Plan your trip with VisitEngland, the official tourist office

Why choose England for a family trip?

England is easily accessible from France by Eurostar, ferry, or plane. Many major national museums are also free, especially in London. Children will also find familiar worlds there, from Harry Potter to Peter Rabbit.

A family trip to England thus combines culture, games and nature in a single stay.

London with children

London is often the first stop on a family trip to England. The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both free of charge, can easily fill a day. At the Tower of London, uniformed guards also tell the story of the fortress.

North of London, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour then reveals the sets from the Harry Potter films. Book your tickets several weeks in advance, as slots sell out quickly. On the Underground, children under 11 travel free with a paying adult.

Castles and studios: an adventure-filled family trip to England

Warwick Castle offers knight shows and falconry demonstrations. At Alnwick, children can even take a flying broomstick lesson in the castle featured in the early Harry Potter films.

Near Windsor, Legoland Windsor Resort is also very popular with younger visitors. Our selection of England’s most beautiful castles will help you choose.

The English countryside with children

In the Cotswolds, Cotswold Farm Park offers the chance to get up close to heritage breeds of farm animals. In Bourton-on-the-Water, the Model Village recreates the village in miniature. Also discover the the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

Further north, the Lake District invites you to enjoy boat trips on the lakes. In Bowness-on-Windermere, The World of Beatrix Potter brings Peter Rabbit and his friends back to life.

Beaches and fossils on the south coast

On the Jurassic Coast, children can search for fossils on the beaches of Lyme Regis and Charmouth. However, be sure to check the tides and stay away from the cliffs.

In Cornwall, the Eden Project and its immense greenhouses showcase plants from all over the world. The sandy beaches and rock pools perfectly complement the holiday. Our road trip from London to Cornwall details this route.

What pace is best for a family trip to England?

When traveling to England with your family, limit journeys to two or three hours per day. Also, choose two or three bases rather than a different hotel each night.

For a week, London and the Cotswolds make an easy combination, for example. With two weeks, you can then add Bath and the south coast or the Lake District.

Transportation, budget and practical advice

A family trip to England is easily done by train. The Family & Friends Railcard reduces adult tickets by a third. Children's tickets even benefit from a 60% discount. Children under 5 also travel free by train.

In the car, a suitable car seat remains mandatory until the child is 12 years old or 135 centimeters tall. Our advice for rent a car They also detail driving on the left.

Finally, remember the formalities: each child must have their own passport and ETA authorization. Our guide to entry formalities to the United Kingdom details each step.

Plan your family trip to England with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we tailor each family trip to England to suit your children's ages and interests. Our team selects convenient accommodations, age-appropriate activities, and shorter itineraries. We also remain available throughout your stay.

Discover our tailor-made trips to England

To complete your preparation, also consult our guide for plan your trip to England.

Between museums, castles, and beaches, a family trip to England ultimately offers countless opportunities to be amazed together. In December, the Christmas markets in England perfectly complement this type of stay.