Top 7 places in the UK to visit this summer

Summer is the perfect opportunity to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and spend quality time with the family. Whether you're exploring countryside castles, chasing thrills at theme parks, or paddling along coastal paths, there's no shortage of summer fun - but with so many amazing UK destinations to choose from, narrowing it down can be a bit overwhelming.

That’s where we come in.

We've rounded up the best family-friendly summer spots across the UK - each one brimming with must-see sights, exciting attractions, and experiences for all ages... And to make your decision even easier, we've ranked our top picks from 7 to 1 so you can scroll, choose, and start planning your perfect summer adventure - no stress, all smiles!

7. Midlands

Looking for a summer escape that has it all? The Midlands is bursting with family-friendly fun, where wildlife, wonder, and action-packed experiences come together in one incredible region.

Come face-to-teeth with wildlife at Dudley Zoo or drive through the animal kingdom at West Midlands Safari Park. Dive beneath the surface at SEA LIFE Birmingham, or build, play, and imagine at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham! Perhaps you're craving something sweet? Cadbury World serves up a treat with chocolatey magic and behind-the-scenes fun.

For the brave, Alton Towers Resort offers heart-racing rollercoasters and theme park thrills. Prefer your action with a side of history? Scale the towers and relive battles past at the stunning Warwick Castle, or swap your turrets for treetops and head to Go Ape Cannock, where you'll swing and zip through forest canopies.

It’s all here in the Midlands - your all-in-one summer playground!

6. South Wales

South Wales is the region that has it all - with rolling hills, golden coastlines, and plenty of sunshine, it's the perfect family getaway this summer. 

In Cardiff, curious minds can dive into discovery at Techniquest, a hands-on science centre that turns learning into play. Head west to Tenby’s Manor Wildlife Park, where you’ll find exotic and endangered animals living in a walk-through, wildlife-friendly haven.

Looking to beat the heat? LC Swansea is Wales’ largest indoor waterpark - perfect for cooling down with flumes, waves, and slides for all ages. Right nearby, explore a leafy rainforest at Plantasia Tropical Zoo, filled with reptiles, monkeys, and hands-on exhibits that bring the jungle to life.

And for those ready to unleash their inner Tarzan, Go Ape Margam Park offers a day of swinging, climbing, and zip-lining your way through towering trees in Swansea's scenery.

5. East Anglia

Welcome to East Anglia, where history meets the coast and wildlife roams right around the corner!

Get up close with exotic creatures at Banham Zoo, or head to Africa Alive in Suffolk to explore the sights and sounds of the savannah just minutes from the seaside. Over in Essex, Colchester Zoo is a must-visit, packed with over 160 species and incredible interactive enclosures for all ages.

Fancy a splash of seaside fun? Dive into the wonders of the deep at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and SEA LIFE Hunstanton, where sharks, rays, and rescued seals steal the show. For a gentle day by the water, Maldon Promenade Zoo delivers riverside charm, adorable animals, and plenty of picnic spots to soak up the sun.

Or you can swap creatures for castles and venture into medieval elegance at Hedingham Castle, where towering stone walls and sweeping grounds offer a glimpse into centuries past.

4. Blackpool

Known as the UK’s seaside playground, Blackpool is packed with timeless attractions, jaw-dropping entertainment, and buckets-and-spades of family fun. 

Kick-start your adventure at the legendary Blackpool Tower, home to dazzling ballroom dancing! Nearby, Blackpool Pleasure Beach delivers white-knuckle excitement and family-friendly fun with some of the UK’s most famous rollercoasters, including the record-breaking Big One.

Switch the sky for the sea and head to SEA LIFE Blackpool, where sharks, turtles, and jellyfish glide just inches away. For a dose of stardom, say hello to famous faces at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, from Marvel superheroes to pop royalty - or step out of the spotlight and into the eerie depths of The Blackpool Dungeon, where history’s dark side comes to life through spooky shows and special effects.

Little ones can step into the pages of their favourite stories with a visit to Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play, a hands-on adventure inspired by Beatrix Potter’s beloved bunny, or let imaginations run wild at the Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, where soft play meets storytelling for toddlers and preschoolers.

3. Kent

Nicknamed the Garden of England for good reason, Kent blossoms in summer, offering fun-filled days out in some of the most scenic spots in the country. 

Go wild at Port Lympne Safari Park, where you’ll embark on a drive-through journey alongside giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Nearby, Howletts Wild Animal Park lets you walk among conservation heroes, home to rare gorillas, elephants, and more in natural habitats. For even more animal magic, don’t miss Wingham Wildlife Park, or venture into the native woodlands at Wildwood Trust, where British wildlife roams in a woodland setting that’s designed for budding explorers!

Seeking some adrenaline this summer? Fly high at Hangloose Adventure, where you can soar on England’s longest zipline, or climb through the forest canopy at Go Ape Bedgebury, surrounded by towering trees and trails.

If you're looking for a slower start to the summer, Leeds Castle invites you into its fairytale moat and sprawling gardens, with summer events and activities that make history feel anything but stuffy.

2. Scotland

From coastlines to castles and wildlife to wild rides, Scotland is filled with vibrant cities and striking landscapes - the perfect getaway for your summer stay.

See penguins march and animals from all around the world at the incredible Edinburgh Zoo, or swap wildlife for the world of water and head to SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, where critters and creatures glide beneath glass tunnels with the Highlands as your backdrop.

If adrenaline is on the agenda, buckle up for M&D’s Scotland's Theme Park, where rollercoasters, arcades, and attractions pack in big fun for all ages! Want to test your ninja moves? Check out Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park where you'll bounce into the action with climbing walls and obstacles to conquer, straight from your screens to Scotland!

For nature lovers, Highland Wildlife Park offers unforgettable encounters with snow leopards, tigers, and polar bears in the breathtaking Cairngorms, while Dalscone Farm Fun adds a slice of countryside charm with animals and indoor play.

When you’re ready to slow it down, climb aboard with Jacobite Cruises for a breathtaking sail across Loch Ness - maybe you’ll even spot the legendary Nessie. And for something truly awe-inspiring, step into world-famous artworks as swirling colour and emotion come to life at Beyond Van Gogh in Aberdeen.

1. Devon & Cornwall

Golden beaches, charming fishing villages, and enchanting coasts make Devon and Cornwall shine brightest in the summer sun!

Walk on the wild side at Paignton Zoo or Newquay Zoo, where roaring lions and cheeky monkeys await visitors of all ages, or head into the hills for Dartmoor Zoo, famously inspiring We Bought a Zoo! Perhaps you prefer the prehistoric era? Journey into the past and discover prehistoric creatures and exotic animals at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park.

The world-famous Eden Project is a must-visit - where rainforest biomes meet summer activities, nature trails, and open-air fun. Down on the coast, visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, where rescued seals and sea lions recover in a stunning riverside setting.

Want to slow it down? Powderham Castle offers a perfect mix of history, countryside strolls, and summer events for the whole family, or speed things back up as you slip into fun on the Monster Slip 'N' Slide in Cornwall!