Spatone Global Top UK destinations that are off the beaten track for all the family to enjoyE2808B 1440x420

Six off-the-beaten-track UK destinations for families

Due to the global pandemic, we have not had the opportunity to get away over the past year or so, either locally or internationally. Whilst we might be dreaming about the crystal-clear waters and golden sands of far off islands, we often overlook the many wonderful destinations that exist right on our front doorstep. Spatone has created a roundup of six of the best off-the-beaten-track destinations to explore with your family this Summer, all without leaving the UK.

Isle of Wight

Situated just off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is easy to get to and a wonderful holiday destination for those families looking for somewhere a bit different.  The Isle of Wight measures 23 miles by 13 miles and is full of charming villages and small towns with a rich history. If you’re a fan of healthy activities, what could be better than hiring some bikes for you and the family to explore the glorious scenery of this chocolate box Isle? For those historical enthusiasts, make sure you look out for the famous historic monuments such as St Catherine’s Oratory, Tennyson’s Monument and the Mottistone Longstone. Let’s not forget the infamous Osborne House, palatial former holiday home of Queen Victoria.

Things to do in the Isle of Wight:

Norfolk

Norfolk is a diverse county, with a sumptuous coastline and differing landscapes, visitor attractions and lots things to do. It's where The Queen holidays over Christmas and where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a house. Norfolk is also home to the oldest mammoth skeleton and where 900,000 year old human footprints were found, the earliest evidence of man found outside the Great Rift Valley in Africa, so if your family have a love of nature this might be the place for you! Situated in the east of England, the county is roughly 90 minutes away from many urban cities, including London.

Things to do in Norfolk:

  • Adventure playgrounds - BeWILDerwood, Go Ape.
  • Animals -  Banham Zoo, Amazona and Thrigby Hall, Roarr!! Dinosaur Adventure
  • Castles - Castle Rising and Norwich Castle
  • Beaches - Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Cromer, Gorleston-on-Sea, Brancaster, Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea
  • The Norfolk Broads
  • Cycling

Isle of Scilly

This little archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is just as rich in culture and history as the popular coastal towns on the mainland. Visitors to the isles can easily hop between the islands, discovering a plethora of beautiful sites to explore with the whole family. For those with active young ones, who are looking to extend their healthy active lifestyle, water sports are a popular activity across the isles with windsurfing, paddle boarding and kayaking also available. We suggest you start your trip on St Mary’s, to see the stunning coastal paths and serene beaches, before travelling across to St Martin’s for those members of the family who love nature to admire the rich wildlife, flower farm and vineyard. For those seeking wellness retreats, we’d suggest you head over to Tresco, who have an array of wellness breaks to enjoy whilst you relish in their sub-tropical splendour.

 The islands:

Jurassic Coast

Dorset's Jurassic Coast has some of the most magnificent landscapes in the UK. However, it is not just the sublime coastline that draws visitors in from far and wide. The Jurassic Coast is home to geology of global importance and is renowned for being one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains in the World. In 2001 the Jurassic Coast was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO for its outstanding geology, revealing 185 million years of Earth's history. The Jurassic Coast begins at Orcombe Point in Exmouth, Devon, and continues for 95 miles to Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, Dorset. Whether your children would love to hunt for fossils, or to visit the Lyme Regis museum, there are plenty of attractions and things to do for your staycation, whatever the time of year.

Things to do in the Jurassic Coast:

The Cotswolds

A visit to the Cotswolds can be as peaceful, or as busy and thrilling as you wish, with a whole host of attractions to keep you and the rest of the family entertained. If you’re particularly interested in wellness travel, the Cotswolds has a selection of spa hotels for some self-love, including the infamous Soho Farmhouse. Explore quintessentially English towns of The Cotswolds and see some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses; witness the acclaimed reserves and at some of the most famous arboretas in Britain; or take a break at the lake-land area with its own inland beach.

Places to visit in The Cotswolds:

North Wales (Snowdonia) 

The undisputed outdoor adventure capital of North Wales, Snowdonia offers a varied array of attractions and activities; for you and the family. Everything from castles, railways, golf, cycling, walking, climbing, horse riding, golfing, bird watching, caving and watersports. This picturesque part of the country has mountains and World Heritage Sites, as well as a wild coastline, offering an assortment of outdoor activities, wet or dry. But there’s also a more relaxed side to Snowdonia. There are brilliant beaches, lovely old towns, and lots of family attractions.

Places to go in North Wales, Snowdonia: