Best types of holidays with babies and toddlers in the UK

If you have pre-school children and/or a baby in tow, then you really should take advantage of not being tied down to the school holidays, you have plenty of time for that ahead but now is the perfect time to grab a holiday bargain. Whether you are looking for a break under the stars or a little luxury in a family friendly hotel, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best types of holidays with babies and toddlers in the UK:

Farm stays, with animals

Just before our youngest was 3 years old we took him to our first  every farm-stay style holiday in Cornwall. He loved every minute of it. Feeding the animals was the highlight of his week, where the kids would all hop onto the tractor and head around the farm stopping to feed each collection of animals along the way. The one we stayed in had lovely wooden lodges with log fires and after a day’s exploring the area or lazing around the farm with the animals and other young children and their families, we would pop Freddie into bed and enjoy a glass of wine in front of the fire. We went in February but of course if you are looking to holiday in the shoulder months of the year then hopefully a log fire won’t be needed, but you never know with the British weather. Many farm-stays now have play barns, soft play areas, indoor swimming pools and all have lots of outdoor space and play equipment. Ride on toys seem to be a firm favourite too. The farmers and owners are always on hand should you need anything too, and often can arrange for meals to be delivered or babysitting for a well-earned night out. The grounds are generally quite well toddler proofed but remember that you are in a natural environment and children are children after all. We are an animal loving family and love to embrace the outdoors too, so if that sounds like the sort of holiday you and your kids will enjoy then we highly recommend a Farm-stay.

Luxury family hotels around the UK

If you are looking for a little pampering and really want a hotel style break then the luxury family hotel collection have babies and toddlers catered for. Sunday morning lie ins a thing of the past in your house, not anymore! Take advantage of the early Sunday morning service where a nanny at the hotel will come and collection your children early on Sunday morning and you can arrange to have the paper delivered along with your breakfast, what a treat! Most of the family-friendly hotels have babysitting and kids clubs available too and are in some stunning locations, with stunning sea views, beautiful country gardens and rolling hills. If you are looking for a little pampering, book a massage or treatment while the kids have some fun. All of the hotels on Holiday Tots are family friendly and ideal for a holiday with toddlers and babies. Holiday Tots guests also get a complimentary afternoon tea as a thank you treat. You will find the hotels located all around the UK: Suffolk, New Forrest, Cornwall, Wiltshire and Devon. check them out here

Family-friendly self-catering holiday cottage in the UK

One of my favourite types of family holidays is when we hire a self-catering holiday cottage, I love the feeling of becoming ‘a bit of a loca’ and having my own front door to come and go. If I can be assured that the cottage is baby and toddler friendly, then I can’t think of a better holiday option. I love having busy days out and then coming back to a home from home, maybe with a take away or  to cook a nice meal or after dinner out. I like the thought of waking up when I want and having breakfast in my PJs with lovely garden views and nature on the doorstep. All of the cottages on Holiday Tots have stairgates where needed, cots, highchairs, toys and extensive lists of baby and toddler equipment available. Many owners can also arrange babysitting too. There are lots to choose from like this holiday cottage in Goucestershire with it's very own nursery... 

Glamping in the UK

Glamping with young kids has taken off in recent years, gone are the days where the adults are arguing about poles and canvas while the kids argue about the cold and wet, or that their tummies are empty or are so eager to go and play on the equipment that one adult is left negotiating the tent while the other is entertaining the kids. Glamping is the perfect mix of sleeping under the stars but with nice log burners, ensuite bathrooms and toilets, kitchens, real beds (off the ground) and cotton sheets. Like the holiday cottages, farm-stays and family hotels, many glamping sites offer babysitting, spa treatments, meal delivery services and more too! Take these stunning family-friendly holiday lodges in the beautiful Devon countryside, not only can you have all the afore mentioned but also a hot tub session under the stars with a bottle of bubbly and if it is a little chilly at night there are fluffy hot water bottles too. Each one has a fun toddler cabin bed and cots for babies available too. These glamping safari tents are not just for the height of summer but ideal for a family holiday any time of year.

Eco-friendly family holidays - UK

Last but most definitely not least in my mind is the eco-friendly family holiday option and the UK has some wonderful toddler friendly holiday homes that are particularly green. Glamping is one of the most obvious options but if you can’t face a tent style family holiday then think about one of the cottage complexes in the UK that have good environmental credentials. For example this collection of holiday cottages and the facilities within the grounds use solar panels, wind turbine and a Biomass District Heating System, the green credentials are evident. Many of the holiday cottages on Holiday Tots are striving to offer a greener family holiday without compromising on luxury.

That’s just a little taster of the best holidays to take with babies and young children in the UK and we hope it has given you a little food for thought if you need any help with your search please feel free to get in touch, we always like to help. Remember that all of the holiday homes and holidays on Holiday Tots are perfect for families with babies and young children. The gardens are enclosed, swimming pools where applicable are fenced off and the properties and rooms are always child-friendly with stairgates etc and all the owners offer a family-friendly welcome with lots of facilities for young children.