The parent trip: 5 UK spots to take your folks

Whether it’s agreeing when to be at the airport or deciding where to eat dinner, family breaks can be full of tricky decisions. To give you one less thing to worry about, we’ve compiled five of the best UK locations for your next parent trip. From holidays in historic cities to getaways in the great outdoors, these domestic breaks are the perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect and remind yourself how rewarding trips with parents can be.

Devon

Relive those nostalgic childhood holidays with beach walks and ice cream in the coastal county of Devon. Seaside strolls come in all shapes and sizes here, from the angular cliffs of Hartland Quay to the easily accessible, sandy beaches in Torquay and Salcombe. If your parents prefer greener scenery, explore the ancient forests in Dartmoor National Park or the gardens at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s old holiday home. As with all UK breaks, there’s a chance of a little drizzle. Take this opportunity to visit museums and shops, and cosy up with Devon cream tea in quaint coastal villages. Check in at the highly rated Sandway House in Devon’s English Riviera.

Inverness

Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is the perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding lakes, mountains and castles. First on the list for many is a visit to Loch Ness, home to the Urquhart Castle ruins, woodland-covered hills and, of course, the legendary Loch Ness Monster. There’s a chance you won’t get a glimpse of ‘Nessie’, so it’s worth trying your luck with some other local wildlife too. You can often spot dolphins at Chanonry Point, or see a whole host of flora and fauna in the nearby Cairngorms National Park. If the weather isn’t quite right for outdoor pursuits, warm up at the Tomatin or Glen Org whisky distilleries, pop into shops in the Victorian Market and sample the nightlife at Hootananny pub. Rest up for your family’s next day of activities at Heathmount Hotel.

York

As a place once ruled by the Romans, the Vikings, the Tudors and pretty much everyone in between, York is a city brimming with historical attractions. Start your journey back in time with a stroll down the Shambles, a narrow shopping street dating back to the 14th century, lined with slanting, timbered buildings that jut out over the cobbled pathway. When you’ve had your fill of fudge, fashion and Harry Potter-themed shops, you can delve even further into York’s heritage in the immersive exhibitions at the Jorvik Viking Centre. For a blast from the less-distant past, head to ‘The Sixties’ exhibition at the Castle Museum, or retrace the roots of family favourites at York’s Chocolate Story. Stay at Goodramgate Apartments, just a few minutes’ walk from the monumental Gothic church, York Minster.

Snowdonia National Park

If you’ve been cooped up inside for a while, Snowdonia National Park is just the place to dust off those walking shoes and head outside on some family adventures. One of the main draws to the park is Wales’ highest peak, Mount Snowdon, and its six walking trails to the top. There’s a more relaxed route to Snowdon’s 1,085-metre summit too – from May to October, the century-old Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you through the Welsh hills and up to the Hafod Eryri visitor centre, where a cup of tea and spectacular valley views await. Some mountain walks are a little less accessible in the winter months, so swap them for strolls around Betws-y-Coed village and cosy evenings at Royal Oak Hotel.

London

From pubs to palaces and galleries to gardens, London’s endless range of attractions means there’s something to please even the fussiest of family members. A visit to the capital is a chance to reconnect with loved ones, take memorable family photos and rediscover landmarks like Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s and the Tower of London. A cruise down the Thames is a great way to see the city, and to get to and from sights such as Tate Britain and Cutty Sark. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be spoilt for choice with options like artisan street food at Borough Market, comforting pub grub in Clerkenwell and Michelin-starred restaurants in Mayfair. After a full day exploring, make yourselves at home in the heart of London at Wilde Aparthotels.