Holidays Made for Every Generation
Planning a holiday that pleases everyone from toddlers to grandparents can feel like a balancing act. The good news? The UK is packed with family-friendly destinations that combine adventure, comfort, and plenty of space to unwind.
Whether you’re craving sandy beaches, countryside walks, or child-friendly attractions, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best places to base your next family getaway — with a special focus on North Yorkshire’s coastline, where seaside towns like Whitby, Filey, Hunmanby, and Bridlington offer everything you need for a fun, easy, and memorable break.
The Best UK Destinations for Family Holidays
The UK offers a wide range of holiday spots tailored to families — from lively seaside towns to peaceful villages with room to roam. Here are some of the top destinations where you’ll find something for all ages:
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Packed with history, charm and coastline, Whitby is a hit with families year-round. Kids love exploring the beach, rock pools, and pirate ships in the harbour, while adults enjoy the quirky shops, heritage steam trains, and scenic clifftop walks. With plenty of cafes, ice cream spots, and fish and chips on hand, it’s a relaxed but lively base for your family break.
Filey, North Yorkshire
Gentle, safe, and spacious — Filey is perfect for families with younger children or anyone who prefers a slower pace. Its long beach is ideal for sandcastle building and paddling, and the town has plenty of parks and walking trails. Filey also feels less crowded than some of its neighbours, making it a peaceful place to unwind together.
Hunmanby, North Yorkshire
Looking for a quiet spot that’s close to the action? Hunmanby is a charming village just minutes from the beach at Hunmanby Gap. It’s perfect for families who want space to spread out, enjoy countryside views, and still access the seaside within a short drive or walk. Many of our larger Smart Estates holiday homes are based here — ideal for extended families or multi-generational trips.
Bridlington, East Yorkshire
For traditional seaside fun, Bridlington brings all the essentials: sandy beaches, fairground rides, amusements, and boat trips. The South Beach is flat and spacious, great for families with pushchairs or wagons, while the North Beach has dramatic cliffs and rock pools. There’s plenty to do, rain or shine — from arcades to animal parks — making it a great choice for active families.
The Lake District (Honourable Mention)
While Smart Estates focuses on Yorkshire, it’s worth noting that the Lake District also offers family-friendly hikes, watersports, and wildlife experiences. For those seeking a countryside alternative with big skies and outdoor fun, it’s another great option — though availability for larger families can be trickier in peak season.
Family-Friendly Holidays Need the Right Space
Family holidays aren’t just about where you go — they’re about how easily you can relax together. When you’ve got different generations under one roof, it’s essential to have:
Enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone’s comfort
Spacious kitchens and lounges for group meals and downtime
Safe outdoor space for kids to play and adults to unwind
A location close to attractions, so there’s always something to do
Pet-friendly options, because dogs are family too!
That’s why self-catering holiday lets are such a great fit. And with Smart Estates Holiday Lets, you get all of that in carefully chosen properties across the Yorkshire Coast.
Why the Yorkshire Coast is Perfect for Families
North Yorkshire’s coastline is tailor-made for families. It offers beaches, castles, nature walks, attractions, and family-friendly pubs and cafés — all without the long travel time or hefty price tag of some southern hotspots.
Our holiday homes in Whitby, Filey, Hunmanby, and Bridlington are selected to make family stays easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re:
Taking your first trip with a newborn
Planning a fun-filled break with teenagers
Organising a multi-generational reunion
Or just trying to keep everyone happy for a week
…there’s a perfect property waiting for you.
Many of our homes include enclosed gardens, highchairs, cots, games rooms, and flexible sleeping arrangements.
That means more relaxing, less juggling — and more quality time as a family.
And because you’re just minutes from the beach, a countryside trail, or a fun family attraction, your day-to-day adventures are all within reach.
Ready for a Family Holiday That Actually Feels Like One?
Family holidays should be exciting — not exhausting. With the right location, the right space, and the right place to stay, your break can be one to remember for all the right reasons.
Explore our collection of family-friendly holiday homes along the Yorkshire Coast — whether you’re heading to Whitby’s harbour, Filey’s sands, or Bridlington’s promenade.
We’ve got room for everyone, and comfort built in.
