5 UK Cities To Visit With Kids

As I have written about before, city breaks are very doable with kids and are a great experience for the whole family; whether it be learning a bit of history, shopping, visiting attractions or eating out. But, if you thought you had to fly abroad to discover the perfect city break, you would be wrong. There are plenty of options of cities to visit with kids right here in the UK. Here are five of the best UK cities to visit with children.

Manchester

If you’re looking for the perfect city to cater for the whole family, Manchester is an great choice. With the Arndale and Trafford Centre shopping centres offering a large range of stores to suit all ages, you can shop until your hearted content. There are plenty of things to keep kids entertained in the city centre with arcades galore and museums such as the interactive Museum of Science and Industry and The Lowry located at the rejuvenated Salford Quays. Football fans can get their fix at not one but two great stadiums, Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester United and Manchester City. If it’s a sunny day, make sure you visit to one of the area’s great parks, which often host fun fairs during the summer.

Birmingham

The city of Birmingham has a range of activities for families. Top of the list is surely Bournville and a trip to Cadbury World. I know this would be a hit with my daughter and there are plenty of extra family activities planned for the summer so lots going on to amuse the whole family. Birmingham also has fantastic shopping options at the Bull Ring and you can sample some of the area’s eclectic mix of cuisines or even visit its cathedral. For those wanting a culture fix, there is Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery while the Barclaycard arena hosts many concerts and sports events throughout the year. There’s no need to cut it short after just one day either, with IHG offering great Birmingham hotels, you can stay overnight and explore the city a little longer.

London

As our nearest city, we visit London fairly frequently. For some, visiting the UK capital with children might seem like a stressful experience but all it takes is a well planned itinerary. There is so much to do for all the family, it is wise to pick just a few sights and activities to do over a day or weekend. Riding on an open-top bus tour, which we have done before, is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city. Kids will love seeing Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London and you can take a ride on the London Eye to see some fabulous views. Don’t forget to visit Madame Tussaud’s and Sea World, both full of family-friendly fun.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is full of history and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding family-friendly activities. A visit to the famous Edinburgh castle is a must-see. Parts of the castle date back to the 12th Century and it has seen much activity through its long years.

Then there is the interactive museum, Our Dynamic Earth, which celebrates the beauty of the earth through innovative technology and there is the option to take a trip to Edinburgh zoo where you can see its famous penguins and giant pandas.

Brighton

Last but not least, how about the coastal city of Brighton? Its famous pier provides a wealth of activities including a fairground and arcade games for a truly British seaside experience while its sandy beaches provide a fun-filled day out (fingers crossed for good weather). The Royal Pavillion also needs to be seen. The striking, exotic palace channels Indian and Chinese influences and was built as a seaside home for King George IV.

Those are some of my best UK cities to visit with kids. Which other UK cities make your list of places to go?

If you decide to head to London, take a look at my London Life section for ideas on London days out as well as reviews of museums and attractions and children’s theatre shows.

*Collaborative post
* Pictures courtesy of Pixabay

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