With the winter school holidays just around the corner, families across Britain are starting to think about where to go for a festive break. But who fancies dragging the kids through an airport and flying halfway across the world when there are so many brilliant holiday destinations right here in the UK?

This winter, why not ditch the passports and escape the holiday crowds by planning a family-friendly getaway closer to home? Here, we’ll highlight some of the top family-friendly winter holiday destinations across the UK, from bracing seaside walks to searching for mythical monsters in the Highlands.

Discovering the Rolling Hills of Sussex

If you’re looking to escape to the countryside this winter, the lush green hills of the Sussex Downs make for a fantastic family-friendly getaway. The South Downs National Park offers plenty of magnificent landscapes to explore, from scenic seascapes to rolling farmland and villages. Little ones will love spotting sheep and cows as you enjoy bracing walks along the ridges and valleys.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head to Beachy Head near Romney Marsh and Camber Sands for breath-taking coastal views. Or wander around the quaint streets of picturesque villages like Alfriston and Rye, stopping for brunch at a traditional village pub.

Drusillas Park makes for a brilliant day out with the kids, where they can meet cute creatures like meerkats and lemurs, enjoy the playgrounds and rides, and warm up with hot chocolate in the café. With its beautiful landscapes, fresh air and family-friendly attractions, the South Downs and Sussex coast offer the ideal ingredients for a rejuvenating winter getaway on home turf.

Camber Sands

Adventure Awaits in the Scottish Highlands

Rugged mountain peaks, glassy lochs and myths of the Loch Ness Monster make the Scottish Highlands a brilliant choice for a family winter adventure. Base yourself in Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park and have a go at sledding or building a snowman if the weather accommodates.

Alternatively, take a cruise on Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for Nessie, and stop to explore the ruined Urquhart Castle on the banks. Further north, there’s the opportunity to explore the rugged Isle of Skye where you and your family can walk along the Fairy Pools to see waterfalls cascading into crystalline blue pools. Back on the mainland, tour Eilean Donan, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles and let imaginations run wild with tales of Jacobite risings and battles.

At the end of the day, there are numerous options when it comes to warming up with a delicious meal at a local pub, before heading back to your Highland lodge or hotel. Curl up by a log fire and get ready for another day of memorable Scottish adventures.

Exploring the Magic of the New Forest

With its wild ponies, quaint villages and wide open forests, the New Forest in Hampshire makes for a magical winter getaway. Wrap up warm and go for invigorating walks or bike rides among the ancient woodland, keeping your eyes peeled for the famous New Forest ponies as they roam freely. Stop for a hot chocolate in one of the charming villages like Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst before heading off to explore again.

One of the New Forest highlights is seeing the wildlife up close at the Longdown Activity Farm near Ashurst. Children can feed and groom the ponies and meet other animals like pigs, sheep and rabbits. Or take a walk through Lyndhurst to explore the spectacularly striking Bolton’s Bench. With its myriad of outdoor adventures, intriguing wildlife and storybook charm, the New Forest offers a truly magical escape this winter.

Lakeside Adventures in the Lake District

With its glittering lakes, windswept fells and charming villages, the Lake District promises a winter getaway filled with natural wonder. Base yourself in Keswick and take the family on the cruise across Derwentwater, gazing at the surrounding mountains dotted with sheep. Stop off on the banks to attempt to spot red squirrels in the woods.

Head to Hill Top, the iconic home of author Beatrix Potter. Explore her delightful cottage and gardens, then stop at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere to meet Peter Rabbit and friends. On a clear day, you can take the steamboat across Lake Windermere to Ambleside to enjoy panoramic lake views on the crossing, then stroll around the shops and stop for afternoon tea.

End your adventures toasting your toes by a roaring fire in your Lake District cottage or hotel. As rain patters on the window, you’ll be planning more blustery walks and lakeside adventures for the next day. With beautiful scenery, cosy villages and plenty of Beatrix Potter magic, the Lake District promises a winter break to remember.

There are countless options for memorable family-friendly destinations right here in the UK for a winter getaway. With stunning natural scenery, friendly villages and plenty of country pubs with roaring fires, you’re guaranteed to find places that delight the whole family.

These staycation destinations offer fresh air, outdoor adventures and plenty of fun attractions to fill up the winter school break. Kids will love experiencing new places and adventures without even needing their passports. So, this winter, do something different and plan an unforgettable family break closer to home.