18. Have a seaside break on Isle of Wight, UK
For the kind of nostalgic, bucket-and-spade holiday that brings back rosy memories of your own childhood, look no further than the
Isle of Wight.
There’s plenty to keep kids entertained here, from rockpooling and playing on safe sandy beaches to a raft of old-school attractions, including a model village and a steam railway.
Don't miss Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park. Set in rambling cliff-top gardens, it's a child’s fantasy of pirates, cowboys and princesses, though the star turns are the life-sized animatronic dinosaurs.
To enjoy a spectacular view of the South Coast, visit the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Then drop in on Shanklin, it's one of our top 30 best seaside towns UK.
What to do in Isle of Wight
To see how Victorian royalty lived,
book tickets for Osborne House. Reportedly Queen Victoria's favourite home, kids will love exploring the private beach and rambling round the adventure playground.
Alternatively book tickets for Carisbrooke Castle, another of the island's royal residences and quite a bit older than Osborne House. This visit comes with some sinister tales and the bonus of cute Carisbrooke Donkeys.
Tailor-made trips in England
Discover Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips round England. Take a look at itineraries like
England Historical Highlights and use them to personalise the perfect family trip to work with ages and stages of your kids.
Find more accommodation options in Isle of Wight
19. Reykjavík, Iceland
This landscape of rare geological youth feels utterly alive – the earth belches out gasses, waterfalls cascade as if bursting forth for the first time, and the
Northern Lights dance around the skies. You can easily experience much of the wonder on day-trips from the pint-sized, child-friendly capital,
Reykjavík.
The “Golden Circle” circuit is well established, while the otherworldly Blue Lagoon is also a simple excursion. Bathing in the Lagoon's warm waters with steam rising all around, children will feel like they’ve entered another realm. If you want to know more take a look at the best places to stay in Iceland: an expert's guide.
You can also remind them, that Iceland is home to the Huldufólk, or “hidden folk”, magical creatures invisible to the human eye. Local residents believe in them so strongly that building projects have been diverted to avoid their supposed habitats.
What to do in Reykjavik
Take a
full-day tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Experience the stunning natural scenery and see the see the legendary Geysir area as well as spectacular Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Head out from Reykjavik on a whale watching cruise of Faxaflói Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphin and if you or your kids don't spot a whale you get another trip, free of charge.
Tailor-made trips in Iceland
Plan and book a family break with
Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips to Iceland. Have a look at our sample itineraries, like
Landscapes and Lagoons, then personalise the details to suit yourself and your kids.
Find more accommodation options in Reykjavik