The summer holidays are the perfect time to enjoy quality time together, but finding family-friendly days out that everyone will enjoy isn’t always easy. Whether you’ve left planning until the last minute or you’re looking for inspiration for a spontaneous family break, Britain is packed with attractions that make unforgettable adventures.
From thrilling theme parks and fascinating zoos to hands-on museums and magical experiences, these attractions offer something for children of every age. Better still, each one is paired with a welcoming stay in a pub nearby, so you can swap the long drive home for a relaxing stay with great food, comfortable rooms and a warm welcome.
If you’re planning a last-minute family getaway this summer, these ten destinations are well worth adding to your list.
1. Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire
For families looking for excitement, Alton Towers remains one of Britain’s ultimate family-friendly attractions. Whether your little ones love CBeebies Land or your teenagers can’t wait to tackle Nemesis Reborn, there’s something for every member of the family. With over 40 rides, live entertainment and plenty of places to stop for lunch, it’s easy to spend an entire day making memories together.
Stay nearby: The Cow, Dalbury Lees (12 miles)
After an action-packed day, continue your adventure with an overnight stay at The Cow. Nestled in the Derbyshire countryside, this stylish pub combines contemporary bedrooms with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for families.
Parents can unwind over a delicious evening meal while children enjoy the spacious surroundings, making it the perfect place to recharge before another day exploring. A family stay here turns a busy day trip into a proper summer escape.
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2. Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Consistently voted one of the UK’s best zoos, Chester Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly day out. Home to more than 35,000 animals, interactive habitats and adventure play areas, it’s a place where children can learn while having fun.
Whether you’re watching elephants roam across the savannah or spotting colourful birds in the tropical house, every visit becomes a memorable adventure.
Stay nearby: The Cheshire Cat, Christleton (4 miles)
Just four miles from the zoo, The Cheshire Cat makes an excellent choice for family stays. Located in the pretty village of Christleton, the pub offers comfortable bedrooms, a relaxed dining atmosphere and friendly service that makes families feel right at home.
Instead of rushing home after a full day at the zoo, stay overnight and enjoy a slower pace together.
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3. Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire
Few attractions combine wildlife, history and outdoor adventure quite like Longleat. Families can drive through the famous safari park before exploring Longleat House, tackling the iconic hedge maze or enjoying the adventure castle and boat safari.
It’s one of the UK’s most complete family-friendly attractions, with enough to fill an entire day.
Stay nearby: The Bradley Hare (3 miles)
Only minutes from Longleat, The Bradley Hare offers a stylish countryside escape that’s perfect for family stays. Comfortable rooms, relaxed dining and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal base for families wanting to extend their Wiltshire adventure.
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4. LEGOLAND Windsor, Berkshire
LEGOLAND Windsor has been designed with families at its heart. Interactive rides, splash parks, live shows and thousands of incredible LEGO models make this one of the country’s favourite family-friendly attractions for younger children.
There’s enough here to keep everyone entertained from opening time until the evening.
Stay nearby: The Winning Post (3 miles)
Just three miles away, The Winning Post is perfectly placed for a relaxed family stay after a busy day at LEGOLAND. Spacious dining, comfortable bedrooms and a large garden make it particularly popular with parents looking for somewhere everyone can unwind.
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5. Magna Science Adventure Centre, South Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out that’s a little different, Magna Science Adventure Centre is packed with hands-on fun. Set inside a former steelworks, families can explore interactive zones themed around Air, Earth, Fire and Water, with over 100 exhibits designed to spark curiosity. During the summer holidays, the Aqua-Tek splash park is also a favourite for children looking to cool off.
Stay nearby: The Red Lion, Todwick (4 miles)
Complete your family adventure with a stay at The Red Lion, where comfortable accommodation and traditional pub dining provide everything you need after a busy day discovering Magna. It’s the perfect place for families to relax, refuel and enjoy a memorable stay in South Yorkshire.
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6. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Bring history to life at Warwick Castle, where medieval towers, live jousting, falconry displays and family-friendly shows make learning genuinely exciting.
It’s one of the UK’s most immersive family attractions, combining history with entertainment in spectacular surroundings.
Stay nearby: The Globe, Warwick (Walking distance)
Being able to walk from the castle to your accommodation makes The Globe an excellent option for family stays. This historic coaching inn offers characterful bedrooms, excellent food and one of the best locations in Warwick.
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7. Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire
Drayton Manor continues to be one of Britain’s favourite family-friendly theme parks, thanks to Thomas Land, exciting rollercoasters and attractions suitable for every age group.
It’s an easy choice for families looking for a fun-filled summer day out.
Stay nearby: The Hedgehog, Lichfield (8 miles)
With comfortable accommodation and welcoming dining, The Hedgehog provides the perfect place for families to relax after an exciting day of rides and entertainment.
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8. Madame Tussauds London
Madame Tussauds offers a completely different kind of family adventure, bringing together famous faces from film, music, sport and history in one unforgettable attraction.
Interactive exhibits make it particularly popular with older children and teenagers.
Stay nearby: Sanctuary House Hotel (2 miles)
Located in Westminster, Sanctuary House Hotel makes sightseeing simple for families exploring London. Comfortable bedrooms and a traditional pub downstairs mean you can enjoy all the excitement of the capital before relaxing together in the evening.
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9. Paultons Park, Hampshire
Home to Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park is one of Britain’s best family-friendly attractions for younger children.
Gentle rides, beautifully landscaped gardens and plenty of attractions suitable for toddlers make it a favourite for parents looking for stress-free family days out.
Stay nearby: The White Rabbit, Lyndhurst (5 miles)
Set on the edge of the New Forest, The White Rabbit is ideal for family stays, offering spacious rooms and easy access to both Paultons Park and one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks.
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10. Cadbury World, Birmingham
Few places bring bigger smiles than Cadbury World. Families can discover how chocolate is made, enjoy interactive experiences and, of course, sample plenty of chocolate along the way.
It’s a brilliant indoor option if you’re looking for a family-friendly day out during the school holidays.
Stay nearby: The High Field, Edgbaston (3 miles)
Just three miles away, The High Field combines boutique-style accommodation with a welcoming neighbourhood pub, making it an excellent base for a relaxed family stay in Birmingham.
Turn a Day Out into a Family Stay
The best family adventures don’t have to involve airports or weeks of planning. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from a simple overnight escape, exploring somewhere new together and enjoying a relaxed evening in a welcoming pub.
Every stay in a pub offers something different, but they all have one thing in common: a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation and the chance to experience real British hospitality. So instead of heading straight home after your next family-friendly day out, why not turn it into a memorable stay this summer?
