Holidays don’t always need meticulous planning to be fun, memorable experiences. A spontaneous seaside or adventure-themed getaway can be just as exciting for the whole family and create great memories.
If you have some free days on the calendar and are unsure where to go, check out our guide to the top destinations for an eleventh-hour holiday.
Seaside Retreats in the UK
Seaside towns have experienced reinvention and an influx of tourism in recent years, with Margate’s Turner Contemporary, the recently agreed £100 million Eden Project outpost in Morecambe, and Folkestone’s impressive redevelopment.
Falmouth, Cornwall, boasts sparkling beaches and a subtropical climate that give it a year-round buzz. In the morning, take the kids paddleboarding at Gyllyngvase Beach before heading on a short ferry to St. Mewes and strolling down the wildflower-lined paths to Pendennis Castle.
Scarborough is celebrated as one of the most beautiful resorts in England, thanks to its steep cliffs lining two bays separated by the dramatic ruins of its 12-century castle. The old town is a fascinating maze of crooked streets waiting to be explored, while the rest of the town showcases every stage of seaside architecture from the last two centuries. Your trip won’t be complete without a stop at Luna Park, where the kids can enjoy fantastic rides on the harbour.
Cultural City Breaks
Europe is full of cities that can offer all the variety your family could want on a getaway. Helsinki’s Linnanmaki Amusement Park offers seven rides for free, along with three playgrounds and circus shows. Kids under seven also travel for free on the city’s ferries and public transport, and a two-hour train ride will take you to Moominworld.
Athens is a natural choice for history-loving families, with a giant open-air museum feel. Go on a tour of Acropolis and catch the funicular to the top of Mount Lycabettus to learn the stories behind them. Younger children will love taking in the city from one of the Happy Train carriages that chug through the centre. Bear in mind that the summer season can be very hot, so aim to go out early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid extremes.
Adventure Holidays
Hiking, ziplining, and last-minute ski holidays get the whole family exercising together in the great outdoors. Spain’s Sierra Nevada is one of Europe’s highest ski resorts, with lifts reaching dizzying heights of over 3000 metres. It has a collection of beginner-friendly green and blue pistes and powdery red runs for you, catering to all experience levels, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just getting started. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea and maybe even a trip to the beach.
France’s Mercantour National Park is a real family adventure. Walk along ancient mule trails through the Alpes-Maritmes alongside a donkey carrying your bags. At the end of your trail, you’ll have dinner waiting for you at one of the park’s rustic inns.
Relaxing Beach Holidays Abroad
In the summer, you could opt for sunny destinations within short-haul flight range like the Algarve in Portugal. Along with the stunning beaches, there are theme parks, boat tours, go-karting, forest assault courses, and family golf centres to visit.
The region’s 220km picturesque coastline has countless beach towns and fishing villages, from traditional towns like Carvoeiro, ideal for younger children, to bustling resorts like Albufeira and Vilamoura.
DISCLOSURE – This is a collaborative post.
