Spring is just around the corner! Time to plan a break. Check out the very best destinations for the whole family to enjoy together in 2025.
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AT HOME
Families who lead busy lives often ask themselves: where can we find a spot on this small island where we can relax and unwind together?
A new study* offers some answers. It looked at factors like the average distance to the nearest park, public garden or playing field, and the average size of those green spaces; the percentage of woodland cover in the area; the distance to the nearest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the crime rate. It also looked at the reported well-being levels in each area. Here are five of the top spots.
Rutland
The average combined size of parks, public gardens and playing fields within a 1,000m radius scored a perfect 10 out of 10. The East Midlands area also scored well for its distance to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Scottish Highlands
This most northern part of mainland Scotland is celebrated for its wealth of natural beauty. It scored an impressive 9.53 out of 10 for its proximity to green space.
Torridge
Located in northwest Devon, the Torridge district scored highly for ‘happiness’ among locals.
Malvern Hills
Located in Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills are named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the idyllic landscape appears to have a great, positive impact on residents as well as visitors.
Argyll and Bute
The area offers one of the highest proportions of hotels with spas per 100,000 population and scored a perfect 10 for the distance to the nearest park, public garden or playing field.
*UK CBD Brand BROWN'S CBD analysed government data from the Office for National Statistics as well as data from online resources such as Bing Maps and Booking.com.
This East Devon destination offers cosy, family-friendly cottages with great facilities onsite: 18 acres of fields, gardens, orchard, woodland and horse paddocks. There’s also heaps to do in the area, most of it just 10 - 25 minutes’ drive away. There’s a Unesco World Heritage Site (Jurassic Coast), two Natural Landscapes (formerly known as AONB's), and two National Parks literally on the doorstep. East Devon also offers a great choice of pubs and restaurants.
A big bonus of Mazzard Farm in these times of economic uncertainty is that only a 20 per cent deposit is required, with the balance not due until four weeks before you go – and the booking is flexible until that time too, making it almost risk-free!
Despite all the UK has to offer, the lure of going abroad is big. Guaranteed sunshine has a lot to do with it, although with climate change, some destinations are getting a little too hot to handle.
If you do go abroad, it’s sensible to ensure your accommodation has A/C – most does, but it is worth double-checking. Here are five destinations recommended by Mumsnet.
Normandy France
It’s uber-easy to get to – a short, straightforward drive from the channel – and the big, beautiful beaches have lots of sand dunes which are ideal for picnic lunches .There are also lots of charming coastal towns, like Houlgate, that come alive in the summer.
Mallorca, Spain
Particularly recommended are Puerto Pollensa and Cala D'or which are both really child-friendly with lovely beaches. It can get busy in the school holidays: for something a bit quieter, try its sister island Menorca – sea and sunshine guaranteed.
Zante, Greece
This is one of the Ionian Islands, so it’s a shorter flying time than it is to mainland Greece, and it tends to stay a little cooler. There’s lots to do for kids beyond the stunning beaches – check out Tsilivi with its restaurants and range of entertainment including crazy golf – not to mention the amazing water park.
Bodrum, Turkey
The peninsula itself is lovely. Lots of the coastal towns haven't been discovered by western tourism. Akyarlar, Ortakent. Yahsi, Gumusluk and Yalikavak are all lovely little seaside towns
Sardinia
Sardinia boasts a spectacular coastline and fantastic food – especially for kids. How many children don’t eat those Italian specialities – pizza and ice cream! Particularly recommended are a visit to Bosa, designated one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, and the stunning coastal town of Alghero.
As its name suggests, Eurocamp offers vacation spots all over Europe – and, what’s more, they are tailor-made for families. This is no-stress family holiday-making! Most parcs offer facilities like swimming pools, family-friendly restaurants, kids’ entertainment and so much more.
Here are some of the 5-star parcs which have been voted tops by families:
La Grande Métairie, Brittany, France
24th May 2025 7 nights, 3 bed premium
£507 per family
La Rive, Landes, France
12th April 2025 7 nights, 3 bed premium
£489 per family
La Garangeoire, Vendee, France
7th June 2025 7 nights, 3 bedroom ultimate
£688 per family
And here are some that come in under £500 even in school holiday time!
Hu Norcenni Girasole Club, Tuscany, Italy
Enjoy views of the Tuscan hills and splashtastic days in one of the three pool complexes.
24th May 2025, 7 nights, 2 bedroom Ultimate
£464 per family
La Torre del Sol, Costa Dorada, Spain
There’s never a dull moment at large and lively La Torre del Sol – a pitch perfect parc next to the beach.
12 April 2025, 7 nights, 2 bedroom Classic
£314 per family
La Baume, Riviera, France
Have your holiday wish list granted at this activity-packed parc close to the blissful beaches of the French Riviera.
