Getting away for a few days is bound to be an appreciated luxury for hectic families – juggling school runs, chores, work commitments and errands can get on top of you after a while, so any excuse to escape for a weekend or mini-break will be a welcome one.
While you may ordinarily consider city breaks to be something for couples or friends to enjoy, you shouldn’t feel like your enjoyment of them will be hindered once children come into the picture. Travelling with kids can be just as satisfying, if not more so, than city breaks without them, giving you a chance to spend some quality time with them while also introducing them to new things and broadening their horizons. Here are five cities that would be perfect spots for you and the brood to visit on your next retreat.
York
If you’re planning to stay in England, York is definitely one of the more child-friendly spots, owing largely to its copious amount of attractions that appeal to people of all ages. York’s Travelodges are ideally placed and affordable for families to be based in the centre of the city, while the sights to be seen are diverse and, most of all, fun! Check out the Jorvik Viking Centre, the York Dungeon, and the National Railway Museum during your stay for a varied look at what the city has to offer.
Head to the south coast for a few days and enjoy what the harbourfront city of Portsmouth has to offer. It may not be an immediate choice when it comes to city breaks, but you’d be surprised at how much it has for kids to get stuck into. From the amusement arcades and shingle beach, to the aquarium, the museums and the Historic Dockyard that’s home to infamous ships including the Warrior and the Mary Rose, Portsmouth has plenty to keep families occupied. Plus, you’re only a hovercraft ride away from the Isle of Wight, so you can enjoy somewhere completely different at the same time!
Head a little further and cross the border into Scotland to enjoy a stay in Edinburgh. There are plenty of great walks around the city to be enjoyed on a sunny day, while the museums will keep you all entertained if the weather doesn’t behave – the Museum of Childhood is a particular favourite with the kiddies, as is Our Dynamic Earth and Camera Obscura.
Barcelona
Fancy heading abroad for a city break with the family? There are plenty of cities that are more accommodating for children, and Barcelona is one of them. The architecture and museums would be ideal for the grownup kids, while the zoo, the beach and the nearby PortAventura theme park are perfect no matter what the age.
Paris
Where better to head for a weekend than the French capital? While for grownups it may be the city of love and romance, for families it’s the nearby Disneyland Paris site that is more inviting! Plus, Paris is easily accessible from the UK with the help of the Eurostar, meaning you could be there and enjoying the surrounding attractions within hours.
Get away with the kids this summer and enjoy somewhere you’ve never visited before – plan before you travel and you will be able to pack your itinerary with plenty of family-friendly activities that will keep everyone happy.