Family-friendly touring holidays in the UK: routes, campsites and tips

Planning a family holiday that keeps everyone happy isn’t easy, but travelling by campervan, caravan, or motorhome comes close. It combines freedom, affordability, and adventure, all while letting you explore the UK at your own pace.

Whether you're touring in a compact campervan, setting up a spacious caravan, or enjoying the all-in-one comfort of a motorhome, this guide will help you plan the perfect summer trip with children.

Why choose a touring holiday for your family?

Caravans, motorhomes and campervans all offer a unique way to travel and for families, the benefits are hard to beat:

Freedom and flexibility to explore - one of the biggest advantages is the ability to travel at your own pace. If you discover a beach the children love or a campsite with great facilities, you can simply stay longer. No strict schedules, no rushing, just flexibility.

Cost-effective travel - family holidays can quickly become expensive, but touring helps keep costs under control. You save on flights, reduce the need for hotels, and can cook your own meals, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially during peak summer.

Home comforts on the road - having your own space makes a big difference when travelling with children. Familiar beds, your own food, and a place to relax mean fewer disruptions to routines and a more comfortable experience overall.

More quality time together - touring naturally brings families closer. Whether it’s playing games outside the van, cooking meals together, or exploring new places, it encourages shared experiences and time away from screens.

Easy access to the outdoors - from beaches and forests to national parks, touring holidays put you right in the heart of nature. Children have space to play, explore, and stay active, something that’s harder to achieve with hotel-based trips.

Family-friendly routes in the UK

Across the UK, you’ll find plenty of routes suited to families in campervans, caravans, and motorhomes, with shorter drives, family-friendly attractions, and lots of great spots to stop, explore, and relax along the way.

Lake District: perfect for adventure & scenery

A popular destination for families, the Lake District is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. Think paddle boarding on calm lakes, easy walking trails, and scenic picnic spots. Towns like Keswick and Windermere are especially family-friendly, with cafés, attractions, and open spaces.

Why it works for families:

• Plenty of outdoor activities
• Mix of relaxation and adventure
• Lots of well-equipped campsites

Yorkshire Coast: perfect for traditional seaside fun

The Yorkshire Coast is perfect for families looking for traditional seaside fun. Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey all offer sandy beaches, arcades, and fish-and-chip stops. The roads are straightforward, and there are plenty of well-equipped holiday parks with play areas and entertainment for children of all ages.

Why it works for families:

• Short distances between stops
• Plenty of attractions for children
• Easy roads for caravans and motorhomes

New Forest: perfect for nature

A fantastic choice for families with younger children, the New Forest offers wide roads, open spaces, and plenty of easy cycling trails. Children will love spotting wild ponies, and there are lots of picnic areas and family-friendly attractions nearby.

Why it works for families:

• Easy driving and navigation
• Great for bikes
• Calm, safe environment

Norfolk Broads: perfect for relaxed & low-stress trips

The Norfolk Broads is ideal for a slower-paced, nature-focused trip. With flat roads and calm surroundings, it’s great for stress-free driving. Families can enjoy boat trips, wildlife spotting, and safe cycling routes, perfect for keeping younger children entertained.

Why it works for families:

• Minimal driving stress
• Great mix of land and water activities
• Spacious, family-friendly campsites

Cornwall Coastal: perfect for beach holidays

Cornwall is ideal for a classic UK family holiday. With its sandy beaches, rock pools, and seaside towns, there’s always something to do. Visit places like St Ives or Newquay for surf schools, family attractions, and safe swimming spots. Campsites are plentiful, making it easy to find somewhere that suits your setup.

Why it works for families:

• Safe beaches and family attractions
• Lots of campsites with facilities
• Endless outdoor activities

"For family touring, the best routes aren’t about distance, they’re about variety and flexibility. Shorter drives, regular stops, and child-friendly attractions will make the whole trip far more enjoyable."

Chris Walker, Head of Marketing at Swift

Choosing the right campsite for your family

No matter what vehicle you’re travelling in, choosing the right campsite is key to a smooth trip - here is what to look for:

• Clean toilet and shower facilities
• Electric hook-ups
• Playgrounds or activity areas
• Spacious pitches for larger setups
• A safe family-friendly environment

Coastal campsites - perfect for summer, easy access to beaches, water activities, and scenic views.

Holiday parks with facilities - great for families with younger children, often featuring swimming pools, entertainment, and organised activities.

Farm & rural campsites - quieter and more relaxed, ideal for nature-focused holidays and younger children.

Woodland campsites - set in forests or wooded areas, these offer a more adventurous, nature-immersed experience. Children can explore safely, build dens, and enjoy wildlife.

Promotion:

Pitch up for less: Summer camping from £12.50 per night

To celebrate 125 years of helping people reconnect with nature, The Camping and Caravanning Club is offering grass pitches from just £12.50 per night across 55 club sites nationwide. Available to both members and non-members, this limited-time anniversary offer combines exceptional value with the freedom to explore some of the UK's most beautiful camping destinations. Use code 125GRASS to secure your summer stay.

Tips for travelling with children

A touring holiday with children is all about embracing the adventure, but it definitely helps to be prepared, and a few simple tips can turn potential stress into smooth, memorable moments for the whole family.

Plan smart, not rigid - have a rough route in mind but keep your itinerary flexible so you can take breaks for playgrounds, attractions, and unexpected stops that keep children happy.

Pack for comfort & convenience - the UK weather can change quickly, so it’s important to bring layers that can be added or removed as needed. Stock up on easy meals and snacks to keep everyone happy between stops, and a well-stocked first aid kit is also essential for peace of mind, especially when travelling with children.

Keep children entertained - travel games are great for longer journeys and help pass the time on the road. Once you arrive at your campsite, bikes or scooters are perfect for letting children explore safely and burn off energy. For beach stops or countryside stays, pack simple toys or plan nature-based activities like rock pooling, scavenger hunts, or wildlife spotting to keep them engaged.

Stay cool in summer - whenever possible, choose shaded pitches to help reduce heat during the day, and make use of ventilation such as roof vents, windows, or portable fans to keep air flowing inside the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to avoid driving during the hottest part of the day, especially when travelling with children.

Go outdoors - make the most of warm weather with outdoor essentials like chairs, blankets, and games, so you can relax and enjoy time together in the open air. Some sites allow BBQs and fire pits, and they’re a great way to bring the family together in the evening. Whether you’re cooking a simple meal, toasting marshmallows, or just sitting around the fire after a busy day, it creates a relaxed, social atmosphere that both children and adults can enjoy.

Book ahead - popular family campsites fill up quickly during the peak season, especially in the school holidays, so try and secure your spots early.

Summary

Family holidays in caravans, motorhomes and campervans offer something traditional travel can’t: true freedom. With the right preparation and a flexible mindset, you can explore at your own pace and create memorable experiences together.