10 of the best family summer holiday destinations

Travelling with your family should be something to enjoy and remember for all the right reasons, so choosing where to go is just as important as the holiday itinerary.

Whether you’re after an action-packed break or relaxing beach escape, we’ve rounded up ten of the best destinations for a family summer holiday.

1. Algarve

The Algarve is a budget getaway gem for families. Coming first in the Post Office’s 2023 Family Holiday Report for cheapest overall family holiday destination, it’s a great retreat for families looking for beautiful beaches, fun activities and tasty food for less.

There’s a good variety of accommodation to suit all budgets too, whether you’re looking for a self-catering villa or an all-inclusive hotel.

Albufeira, Praia da Rocha and Lagos are the most popular holiday resorts for families, all boasting glorious stretches of golden sand and an abundance of attractions to keep kids and adults entertained – from waterparks and sea kayaking to shopping and golf.

Cerro da Marina

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
23 December 2024
Bed & breakfast
From Bristol

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£536

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2. Greece

White sands, mouth-wateringly fresh food, friendly locals and sun-filled skies await in Greece.

The big-draw islands of Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Kos all have resorts ideal for families with safe beaches, lots of child-friendly activities and a wide range of places to eat out and stay. Alternatively, Zante will enchant every member of your group with its famous beaches, watersports opportunities and loggerhead turtles.

Greece’s mainland also has its fair share of beautiful beach resorts and pretty seaside towns. Head to Stoupa, Galaxidi or Parga for lovely child-friendly stretches of sand and plenty of waterside fun.

Alexandra Hotel

Kos Town, Kos, Greece
15 October 2024
Self-catering
From Birmingham

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£515

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3. Spanish mainland

Spain ticks all the boxes for Brits looking for an inexpensive sun-filled holiday with fun for all of the family.

Costa del Sol, for example, is fantastic value for money, coming fourth in the Post Office’s report, while Costa Blanca and Costa Brava are full of family-friendly beach resorts including Tossa de Mar, Calpe and Torrevieja.

You’ll find there’s plenty to entertain all ages too. Base yourself in bustling Benidorm for waterparks and restaurants serving every type of cuisine, Torremolinos for seaside resort action on your doorstep, or Barcelona for culture combined with days on the beach.

4. Florida

Home to some of the world’s biggest theme parks, miles of sun-soaked beaches and fascinating wildlife, a family getaway to Florida is sure to prove memorable in more ways than one.

Orlando is the place to be if you’re ticking off a bucket list trip to Disney World or Universal’s world-famous theme and water parks. Look for hotels that offer ticket packages and priority park access to help keep the holiday budget in check.

Elsewhere, get back to nature in the incredible Everglades National Park, kick back on pristine sandy shores in Florida Keys, or sightsee and shop ‘til you drop in Miami.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Orlando, Florida, United States
28 September 2024
Room only
From Manchester

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£1,481

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5. France

Only a short flight from the UK and with everything from city breaks in Paris and Disneyland holidays to coastal camping trips and fun-filled holiday park stays, France is an easy-pleaser with families.

And, if you want to take the car and avoid strict airline luggage allowances, ferry holidays are a popular option – just make sure you know the rules of the road while you’re away.

Stay in seaside resorts such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez for a spot of glamour or head to Brittany, where you can take your pick between beach days, fun trips to a zoo or aquarium, or historic days out exploring the region’s stunning chateaux.

Parrotel Lagoon Waterpark Resort

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
26 November 2024
All-inclusive
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£505

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6. Egypt

From snorkelling in the Red Sea to exploring pyramids, tombs and mummies, Egypt is an exciting family holiday destination.

Temperatures can soar above 30C in the summer months, so make sure to book a hotel with a pool so you and the little ones can cool off during the day. You’ll find a wealth of beachfront resorts and all-inclusive hotels in both Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

When you’re not basking on golden sands, there’s all sorts of thrilling activities to get stuck into: take a sailing trip on the Nile, explore capital Cairo or take a jeep safari through the desert dunes.

Parrotel Lagoon Waterpark Resort

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
26 November 2024
All-inclusive
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£505

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7. Turkey

The abundance of cheap all-inclusive hotels along Turkey’s gorgeous Turquoise Coast and year-round warm temperatures make it a top pick for an easy-going family beach break.

Antalya, Bodrum and Feithye are all great destinations for kids – there’s an ample amount of family-friendly resorts and hotels, plus clean and safe beaches with all the usual seaside trimmings. Exciting attractions such as Bodrum Castle and Aqua Dream Waterpark are easy days out, too.

Marmaris also has lots going on and is another sought-after destination for holidaymakers on a budget – it joins the Algarve in first place for cheapest destination in the Post Office report.

Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
15 January 2025
All-inclusive
From Gatwick

Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Prices from

£580

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8. Spanish Islands

Whether you’ve got a favourite spot in the Canaries or it’s your first time considering the Balearics, Spain’s islands have all the sun, sea and sand you could want on a family holiday.

You’ll be spoilt for choice for family resorts in Majorca with options including beach-based Alcudia, cosmopolitan Palma and laidback Puerto Soller. Menorca, on the other hand, offers a slower pace of life and families can sit back and relax on its quieter sands.

Tenerife is the go-to for adventurous family getaways with quad-biking, watersports and hiking all available, or look to Lanzarote and Gran Canaria for cheap deals on classic beach breaks.

9. London

Whether the kids have been to the UK’s capital before or it will be their first time, a trip to London is sure to be a hit with all of the family.

Big-name attractions such as the London Eye and the Tower of London will fascinate little ones, while an evening watching a West End show or a day out to Madame Tussauds will be a real treat.

And a break in London needn’t cost a fortune. If you shop around in advance for train tickets and your hotel or B&B rooms, significant savings can be made. Plus, many of the museums, art galleries and parks are completely free to look around.

10. Cyprus

Searching for a family holiday in the sunshine not too far from home? Cyprus is just the answer. Not only is there plenty of sunbathing and suncastle-building potential on the island’s beach resorts, but there’s also the opportunity to explore ancient history with trips out to see ancient Greek ruins.

Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca are among the best family-friendly resorts on the coast and the hotels are well geared up to visitors of all ages, with many offering children's clubs, sport activities and direct beach access.

Or for a more lively stay, look to the likes of Ayia Napa and Nissi Bay for entertainment around the clock.