Easter holidays 2024: best family getaways in the UK
For the Easter holidays, the best UK family getaways combine spring outdoors with good rainy-day options: think the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Northumberland, Pembrokeshire, Cornwall and a holiday park or two. Easter Sunday falls early this year, on 31 March 2024, so most schools break up at the end of March. Here are seven destinations for a short break with kids, plus how to get there, where to stay and eat, a plan B and a packing list.
Why the Easter holidays are a great time for a UK break
Easter brings longer days, newborn lambs, blossom and quieter attractions than the summer, often at lower prices. Many attractions start their main season at Easter, and holiday cottages are easier to find than in August.
The weather is the wild card, so pick a destination with both outdoor adventures and indoor options. A short break of three or four nights is plenty for younger children.
Top 7 family destinations for Easter
The Isle of Wight and Norfolk are easy, compact choices for young families; Northumberland and Pembrokeshire suit adventurous ones.
| Destination | Best for | Ages | Travel from London | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Wight | beaches, dinosaurs, ferries | 2+ | ferry, about 3 hours | ££ |
| Norfolk | treehouses, wildlife, Broads | 2+ | about 3 hours | ££ |
| Northumberland | castles, gardens, beaches | 4+ | train, about 3.5 hours | ££ |
| Pembrokeshire | coast path, beaches, farms | 3+ | about 5 hours | ££ |
| Cornwall | beaches, Eden Project | 2+ | about 5 hours | ££ |
| Lake District | lakes, forests, boats | 3+ | train, about 3 hours | ££ |
| Center Parcs | all-weather village | 0+ | various | £££ |
Price for a family break: £ = budget, ££ = mid-range (about £400–£1,000 for a short break), £££ = over £1,000. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go, as some attractions only open fully from Easter.
Plan family trips on the Kid.ooo map
Isle of Wight. A ferry crossing feels like a real adventure. Visit Isle of Wight has ideas from dinosaur fossil hunting to sandy beaches. Robin Hill is a big adventure park in the woods.
Norfolk. BeWILDerwood is a treehouse wonderland in the Broads, and Pensthorpe mixes wildlife and an excellent play area. Visit Norfolk covers beaches and boat trips.
Northumberland. Visit Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden next door, with its treehouse and water features, then head to the wide, empty beaches.
Pembrokeshire. Coast path walks, rock pools and Folly Farm make it a great Easter base. Visit Pembrokeshire lists family-friendly beaches.
Cornwall and the Lake District. The Eden Project is a classic Easter day out in Cornwall. See our guides to Cornwall with kids and winter walks in the Lake District, which work just as well in spring.
Holiday parks. Center Parcs villages in England have indoor pools and forest activities, great when the forecast is mixed.
Getting there with kids: car, train and stops
Travel midweek and avoid the first Saturday of the holidays, when roads are at their busiest. Plan a stop every two hours at a services, a farm shop or a park with a playground. Ferries to the Isle of Wight are short and fun, but book ahead at Easter.
By train, a Family & Friends Railcard saves money, and many destinations, including Northumberland and the Lakes, are well served. Our guide to family city breaks by train has more tips.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Self-catering cottages, holiday parks and farm stays are the most flexible choices for families at Easter. Look for a garden, a washing machine and a location within walking distance of a beach or village. Farm stays are especially magical in spring, with lambs and chicks to help feed.
Check the small details before you book: a travel cot and high chair, stair gates if you have a toddler, and somewhere to dry wet coats and boots. A base with a playground or a beach within walking distance means you can fill an hour before tea without getting back in the car. If you're travelling with grandparents, a larger cottage split between two families often costs less per person than separate rooms.
Where to eat with kids
Picnics, pub lunches and fish and chips are the backbone of a UK family break. Many country pubs now have kids' menus, gardens and play areas. Book ahead for Easter Sunday lunch, as pubs fill up fast.
On self-catering breaks, plan simple dinners for the first night and stock up on breakfast basics on the way in. Bakeries, farm shops and local markets are a lovely way to try regional treats, from Norfolk crab to Welsh cakes and Northumbrian stotties.
Find family-friendly restaurants and cafés near your base on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
Pick a destination with at least one big indoor option: an aquarium, a science centre, a pool or a soft play. Holiday park pools, museums and indoor play centres save wet afternoons. Our list of the best soft play centres in the UK covers every region.
Packing checklist
Pack for sunshine, wind and showers in the same day.
- Waterproof jackets, wellies and warm layers
- Sun cream and sun hats for bright days
- Swimwear for pools
- Picnic kit and reusable water bottles
- Easter treats and a basket for a holiday egg hunt
- Travel games, books and downloaded shows
- Railcard, ferry and attraction bookings on your phone
For London days out and family travel ideas, take a look at @kidrated on Instagram.
Save your Easter places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share the attractions, playgrounds and cafés their children love. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save places before you travel and find playgrounds near me when you arrive.
Save your Easter break places on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a great family spot from your trip? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan their Easter holidays.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Easter holidays 2024?
Easter Sunday is 31 March 2024, and most schools in England break up around the end of March for two weeks. Exact dates vary by council and nation, so check your school's calendar.
Where is good for a UK family holiday at Easter?
The Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Northumberland, Pembrokeshire, Cornwall and the Lake District are all great at Easter. Holiday parks such as Center Parcs are a safe bet if the weather is uncertain.
How can I make a UK Easter break cheaper?
Travel midweek, book self-catering, use a railcard and look for attractions with annual passes or free entry. Picnics and free beaches, woods and playgrounds keep daily costs low.
What should I pack for a UK Easter holiday?
Pack layers, waterproofs and wellies, plus sun cream, because April weather can change quickly. Bring a few indoor games and snacks for the journey.
Find family places near you
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