BEFORE becoming a mum, I always loved a city break – taking in the sights and culture, browsing the shops and trying out trendy restaurants and must-see attractions.
However, for parents, slick city breaks aren’t always the most relaxing holidays to have with kids in tow.
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Like all primary school-aged kids, their idea of a top holiday is lots of space to run around, playgrounds, beaches and swimming pools.
Sky-high hotel costs can price families out of city breaks.
Luckily, I have found a genius way to enjoy a city break with two kids and make sure there is plenty for the kids to do.
Last week, we had a fun getaway to London, staying in a two-bed cabin with a choice of kid-friendly activities right outside our door, including a huge adventure playground, an indoor swimming pool and family entertainment every night.
We even had our own kitchen, and all of this for less than £40 a night.
Haven Kent Coast is a holiday park less than an hour from London -much closer than our own home – and officially the closest holiday park to the city.
For a week staying in a two-bed static caravan, it was only £239 for the whole family – working out at less than £40 a day.
On-site there were multiple playgrounds, a huge social area with restaurants, bars and an entertainment stage, plus the holiday park is next to a small beach.
We drove from our home in Essex to the park, where parking was free next to our cabin and enjoyed a couple of days there before a planned day exploring London.
The closest station to the Haven Park is Strood, where trains to London Victoria take around 45 minutes.
A family return ticket was £37 and parking at Strood station for the whole day was £4.30 on a Saturday (£6 Monday to Friday).
Since we had a kitchen in our caravan, breakfast was cheap and easy and I made us a packed lunch to save money once we got into the city.
After arriving at Victoria Station, it was a short walk to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben and the Southbank.
We just had fun taking in the sights and hardly spent any money at all.
Although, if you are on a budget, best to avoid the ice cream van outside the London Eye.
Dinner was at Bill’s Restaurant, where they often have a promotion in the school holidays where kids eat free.
It was a great day. I was able to enjoy the buzz of the city and the kids welcomed a change in scenery from the holiday park.
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Plus, even with the train fare and the parking, it cost a lot less than a hotel in London, where even the fanciest hotels don’t boast a pool as big as Haven Kent Coast.
A few days later, we did it all again – this time going to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in Kensington, which are both free to enter.
As a travel influencer and blogger for my site passportstamps.uk, I am always looking for cool ways to save money and get families exploring as much as we do.
Finding a holiday park close to a big city is my new flex and I have already set my sights on Bristol and Sheffield, as we’ve never been as a family before. Here are some great deals I have found.
Here are 10 cheap holiday parks close to UK cities, if you want to work a cheeky city break into your family holiday:
London
The UK capital is one off the most popular cities in the world to visit.
Take your pick of excellent museums, attractions and sights, with many free activities.
When the weather is nice, you can pack a picnic and enjoy it on a blanket in one of the stunning Royal parks.
The perfect city for a day out on a budget.
Where to stay: Haven Kent Coast
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What to expect: Waterside setting and a huge range of activities including an adventure playground, high ropes and a large swimming pool.
There is evening entertainment every night and even a Wetherspoons on site.
Distance from the city: 45 minutes by train
Edinburgh
As well as Harry Potter-esk streets, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is a city built on history and steeped in culture.
There are so many fun things to do in Edinburgh with kids, including Camera Obscura World of Illusions, the Chocolatarium and the Potter Trail, but it’s also just a perfect city to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Where to stay: Haven Seton Sands Holiday Park
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What to expect: The indoor pool here is a huge hit with kids, complete with a fun slide.
But the outdoors of this fun park is why you’ll want to stay here. Enjoy stunning views over the Firth of Forth.
Distance from the city: 58 minutes by train
Cardiff
Cardiff is a walk-able city with plenty of activities and attractions for families.
After exploring Cardiff Castle, you can head to the Wales Millennium Centre or play some games at the vintage Castle Quarter arcades.
For foodies, Cardiff also has some great food markets, cafes and restaurants and you can take a ride on the water taxi to see some more of the city from the water.
Where to stay: Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Porthcawl
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What to expect: This top location is one of the largest holiday parks in Europe with loads to do, aside from the gorgeous beach.
Families can try rock climbing, Zorbing and high ropes and there is a huge pool and outdoor splash area.
Distance from the city: 45 minutes by car, 56 minutes by train
Bristol
From funky street art to outdoor activities immersed in nature, Bristol is shaping up to be one of the best city breaks in the UK.
Kids will love Aerospace Bristol, the We Are Curious Planetarium and Wake the Tiger – an interactive zone dubbed the ‘amazement’ park.
Grown ups can enjoy beautiful parks and beautiful architecture, as well as many kid-friendly pubs.
Where to stay: Pontin’s Sand Bay Holiday Village, Western-Super-Mare
What to expect: Brilliant evening entertainment from the famous Pontin’s Blue Coats, a choice of restaurants on site and the park is set alongside a sandy beach.
Distance from the city: 1 hr 10 minutes by train or 44 minutes by car.
Sheffield
Sheffield is becoming a top city to visit with kids, with a huge variety of outdoor green spaces, heritage buildings and unique attractions like the Video Game Museum.
Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
Where to stay: Park Holidays, Newhaven Holiday Park, Derbyshire
What to expect: A perfect base to explore the Peak District National Park and surrounded by rolling hills and stunning countryside.
This is a quiet park compared with some but its proximity to Sheffield means it offers the best of both worlds.
Distance from the city: 1 hr by car
Glasgow
The Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum are a hit with families and when the weather is nice you can explore outdoors at the Palacerigg Country Park, which has multiple play areas and a pretty nature walk.
Teens will like the shops at St, Enoch Centre, but keep your credit card out of their reach.
Where to stay: Park Dean Wemyss Bay Holiday Park
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What to expect: This holiday park is stunning and surrounded by water, forests and mountains.
There is so much on for kids including dance parties with characters from Paw Patrol and Milkshake, slime workshops and nightly family entertainment.
Distance from the city: 54 minutes by car, 1 hr 15 mins by train
Blackpool
Blackpool is one of the most popular UK holiday destinations and it’s easy to see why.
The city is right on the beach, with the famous Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach theme park right in the middle of all the fun.
For classic attractions, visit the Tower Ballroom or the Victorian Winter Gardens.
Where to stay: Haven Marton Mare Holiday Village
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What to expect: Indoor and outdoor pools and a lazy river. There are lots of activities, including Den Building, a NERF training camp and a large adventure playground.
Distance from the city: 11 minutes by car, 28 minutes by bus
Brighton
Another city on the beach is bonnie Brighton, a colourful, vibrant spot on the East Sussex coast that is known for its nightlife, independent shops and art scene and fantastic Victorian architecture.
There are a lot of ways to have fun as a family, but we love riding bikes along the seafront, the vintage electric railway and the Upside Down House.
What to expect: Butlin’s is one of the premier holiday parks in the UK, with so much to do including an enormous soft play, a high-tech games complex and top quality entertainment.
Plus, it’s next to the beach and has an epic pool with a water slide. For best value for good deals on the resort’s standard self-catering apartments on term-time week dates in weekends outside of the school holidays.
Distance from the city: 1 hr by car
Liverpool
Liverpool is an exciting city for all ages.
Grown-ups can indulge in an excellent trip down memory lane with the city’s musical roots and the kids will learn a thing or too as well.
The Albert Dock is a hive of activity now and footie fans can take a tour of Anfield football stadium.
Where to stay: Ribby Hall Village
What to expect: This is a real sanctuary outside the city with a seriously impressive family pool that has slides, a splash lagoon and a peaceful place to chill out, with an on-site restaurant and swimming lanes.
If you want some kid-free time, there is also an adults-only pool and spa on site.
Distance from the city: 1 hr 10 minutes by car.
Lincoln
This medieval city is perfect for families, with lots of pedestrian areas to explore on foot.
History buffs will want to check out the Magna Carta inside Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle is also a great spot, where you can walk the ancient fort wall and relax with a picnic in the huge garden.
If you think you have the energy, take on Steep Hill, one of the steepest streets in the UK (it will certainly tire the kids out).
Along the route, there are lots of quaint independent shops which you can browse while getting your breath back.
Where to stay: Butlin’s Skegness
What to expect: This one is a bit further from the city, but you get a lot included with your stay so it’s worth the extra drive.
As well as the pool and usual entertainment you expect from a Butlin’s Resort, the Skegness location has an incredible Skypark, which is an incredible playground that is also wheelchair accessible, meaning everyone can come and play.
Distance from the city: 1 hr 20 mins by car
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