Taking your family away for a surprise holiday can be one of the highlights of the entire year. If you are looking at last minute UK breaks there are lots of options you might like to consider.
A big city break
London is somewhere which never loses its appeal for families. There are lots of things to keep both kids and adults happy and getting there is really easy. If you want to explore somewhere else then Manchester has a surprisingly large range of places to keep everyone happy. From theatres to city cruises to nuclear bunkers there are plenty of things to keep you all happy[1] .
Out in the wild
The UK is also blessed with large sections of beautiful countryside just waiting to be explored. The Scottish Highlands are often referred to as one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. If you want open roads, mysterious valleys and prehistoric monsters this is a fantastic choice. The Yorkshire Dales is probably the best destination if you like to get out and get some fresh air in your lungs while enjoying scenic walks and still staying within range of some larger cities.
At the beach
The weather might not always be ideal for a beach holiday but the good thing about a last minute break is that you can check the up to date forecast before booking. The South coast is generally the place where the best weather and the top beaches meet. Having said that, the South West of Scotland offers some interesting alternatives for the family who like big stretches of sand and not many tourists[2].
Sporting occasions
Depending upon the time of year you can find world class golf tournaments, top tennis events and many other types of sporting occasions. Cardiff is a fine choice of city to combine a last minute break with a sporting event, as the main stadium is close to the centre of the city and hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year.
A boating trip
The Norfolk Broads is a classic destination for families who want to get into a boat and explore the area. Lovely villages and quaint pubs give you lots of reasons to make frequent stops. The kids tend to love this sort of adventure and they are also some of the most affordable yet unforgettable last minute UK breaks around. The Cowes Regatta is generally regarded as a more exclusive event but whenever families and water mix good fun usually follows.
