13-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in United Kingdom
Discover the charm of the United Kingdom through a route designed specifically for families who want to see the icons without the exhaustion. This 13-day journey takes you from the bustling streets of London to the medieval snickelways of York, the majestic hills of Edinburgh, and the serene waters of the Lake District. We've prioritized relaxed mornings, accessible paths for strollers, and attractions that spark wonder in both children and adults.
Traveling through the UK with children is surprisingly seamless thanks to an extensive rail network and a culture that celebrates history in interactive ways. You'll enjoy comfortable intercity train rides, spacious city parks for downtime, and world-class museums that are almost entirely free. Let’s dive into a classic British route that keeps every member of the family smiling.
The Itinerary
Day 1: London, United Kingdom - Arrival & Kensington Gardens
Arrival at London Heathrow
Touch down and take the easiest route into the city. The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to reach central London, offering plenty of space for luggage and strollers.
Hotel Check-in & Light Lunch
Settle into a family-friendly hotel in the South Kensington area, known for being quiet, safe, and close to major museums and parks.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Located in Kensington Gardens, this massive pirate-ship-themed playground is the perfect place for kids to burn off post-flight energy while parents enjoy the scenery.
Casual Dinner in Bayswater
Explore the nearby Bayswater area for a variety of family-friendly dining options, from Italian trattorias to classic English pubs with kids' menus.
Day 2: London, United Kingdom - Science & Nature Wonders
Natural History Museum
Marvel at the Hintze Hall blue whale skeleton and the world-famous dinosaur gallery. It is stroller-accessible with elevators available for all floors.
Science Museum Exploration
Right next door, this museum features 'The Garden' in the basement, an interactive space designed specifically for children under six to learn through play.
Afternoon Tea (Kid-Friendly Style)
Head to a local cafe for a relaxed tea session. Many London spots offer 'Mini Tea' versions for children with finger sandwiches and small treats.
Relaxed Walk in Hyde Park
Stroll past the Serpentine Lake and watch the ducks before a quiet evening at the hotel.
Day 3: London, United Kingdom - Icons by the River
The Tower of London
See the Crown Jewels and meet the Beefeaters. The cobblestones can be bumpy, but most of the site is accessible via ramps or elevators.
Tower Bridge Experience
Walk across the glass floor high above the Thames for a thrilling view of the city. There are lifts on both sides of the bridge for easy access.
Thames River Cruise
Board a river boat from Tower Pier to Westminster. It’s a comfortable way to see Big Ben and the London Eye without walking long distances.
South Bank Stroll
Enjoy the street performers and the Jubilee Gardens playground near the base of the London Eye.
Day 4: York, United Kingdom - Journey to the North
Train to York
Depart from King’s Cross Station. The journey takes about 2 hours. Booking a table seat provides plenty of room for snacks and coloring books.
York Minster
Visit one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. The interior is spacious and cool, offering a peaceful environment for the whole family.
The Shambles & Teddy Bear Shop
Walk through the famous medieval street that inspired Diagon Alley. Stop by the specialized teddy bear shops that York is famous for.
Early Dinner in a Medieval Hall
Many of York's historic pubs offer a great atmosphere and are very welcoming to children during early evening hours.
Day 5: York, United Kingdom - Trains and City Walls
National Railway Museum
A must-visit for kids. It features royal carriages, the Mallard, and a Japanese Bullet Train. Entry is free and almost entirely flat/accessible.
York City Walls (Sectional Walk)
Walk a portion of the medieval walls. While not stroller-friendly (stairs), the section from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar offers the best views of the Minster.
Museum Gardens
A beautiful botanical garden in the center of York with ruins of St Mary's Abbey. Great for letting toddlers run around on the grass.
York Chocolate Story
A guided tour through the city's chocolate-making history, ending with a chance to make your own chocolate lolly.
Day 6: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Crossing the Border
Scenic Train to Edinburgh
Enjoy the stunning coastal views as you cross into Scotland. The journey from York to Edinburgh takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Victoria Street & Grassmarket
Explore the colorful, curving street of Victoria Street. The Grassmarket area below has plenty of space for kids and great ice cream shops.
Princes Street Gardens
This park separates the Old and New Towns. It has a fantastic playground and offers iconic views up toward the Castle.
Traditional Scottish Fare
Try some family-friendly Scottish dishes like Cullen Skink or bangers and mash in a cozy city center bistro.
Day 7: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Castles & Illusions
Edinburgh Castle
Explore the historic fortress. Note that the Royal Mile approach is steep and cobbled, so a sturdy stroller or carrier is recommended.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Located right next to the castle, this is five floors of interactive fun and optical illusions that will fascinate children of all ages.
The Royal Mile Stroll
Walk down the historic spine of the city, stopping at shops to see tartans and kilts being made.
St Giles' Cathedral
Take a quick, quiet look inside this stunning cathedral known for its intricate wood carvings and crown spire.
Day 8: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Nature and Ships
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A massive, peaceful space perfect for a slow morning. The Glasshouses are beautiful, and the paths are very stroller-friendly.
Leith & Royal Yacht Britannia
Take a short bus or tram ride to Leith to tour the Queen’s former floating residence. It is surprisingly kid-friendly with a dedicated audio tour for children.
Ocean Terminal Exploration
Visit the shops and play areas in the Ocean Terminal mall located right next to the Britannia.
Leith Shore Dinner
Enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants along the water in the trendy Leith district.
Day 9: Lake District, United Kingdom - Into the Wild
Train to Windermere
Travel south to the Lake District National Park. Change at Oxenholme for the short branch line to Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Check into your lakeside cottage or hotel. This village is the most accessible hub in the Lake District for families.
Lake Cruise
Board a traditional steamer for a loop around Lake Windermere. It’s the most relaxing way to see the mountains (fells).
Pub Dinner by the Lake
Many pubs in Bowness have outdoor seating and gardens where kids can play while you wait for your meal.
Day 10: Lake District, United Kingdom - Potter & Poetry
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Bring the stories of Peter Rabbit to life. This interactive museum is perfect for young children and is located right in Bowness.
Ferry to Hill Top (Optional)
If the kids are up for it, take the car ferry across the water to visit Beatrix Potter's actual home, though the house itself has restricted stroller access.
Lakeside Walk
Enjoy a gentle, flat walk along the western shore of Windermere, which is much quieter and very peaceful.
Ice Cream at the Pier
Sample some local Cumbrian dairy ice cream while watching the swans at the Bowness pier.
Day 11: Oxford, United Kingdom - Dreaming Spires
Travel to Oxford
Board the train heading south. This is the longest travel day, so ensure you have plenty of tablets, books, and snacks for the kids.
Ashmolean Museum
Explore the oldest public museum in the UK. It has wonderful 'family trails' that guide children through the exhibits with puzzles.
Westgate Shopping Centre
A modern space with a great rooftop terrace offering views of the Oxford skyline and plenty of easy food options.
Quiet Evening in Oxford
Rest up for a day of exploring the university colleges tomorrow.
Day 12: Oxford, United Kingdom - Magic & Meadows
Christ Church College
See the Great Hall that inspired the Hogwarts Dining Hall. Note that it gets busy, so morning visits are best for families.
Picnic in Christ Church Meadow
This large, flat green space is perfect for a picnic. You can watch the rowers on the river and see the local Longhorn cattle.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
A stunning Neo-Gothic building filled with dinosaur skeletons and the famous Oxford Dodo. Very kid-friendly and spacious.
Punting on the Cherwell
Rent a punt (a flat-bottomed boat) for a quintessential Oxford experience. If you're nervous about steering, you can hire a chauffeured punt.
Day 13: London, United Kingdom - Final Farewell
Return Train to London
A quick 1-hour journey brings you back to London Paddington. From here, you can easily access the Heathrow Express.
Hamleys Toy Store
If you have time before your flight, visit the world's most famous toy store on Regent Street for some final souvenirs.
Departure Preparation
Head toward your departure airport. Most major airports in the UK have excellent family lounges and play areas.
Final British Meal
Enjoy one last Fish and Chips at the airport before boarding your flight home.
Best Time to Visit United Kingdom
The best time for a family trip to the UK is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September). During these months, the weather is generally mild and the gardens are in full bloom or showing beautiful autumn colors. Summer (July and August) offers the warmest weather but coincides with school holidays, meaning attractions will be much more crowded. If you don't mind the chill, December is magical with Christmas markets, though some attractions outside major cities may have shorter opening hours.
Currency & Money
The currency used in the UK is the Pound Sterling (£). The UK is very digitally advanced; contactless payments (cards or mobile wallets) are accepted almost everywhere, including buses, small cafes, and market stalls. It is rarely necessary to carry large amounts of cash. Tipping is appreciated but not as mandatory as in the US; in restaurants, a 10-12.5% service charge is often added to the bill automatically. If not, leaving 10% for good service is standard.
Getting Around United Kingdom
For this itinerary, the train is your best friend. The UK rail network connects all major cities quickly and comfortably. For families, the 'Family & Friends Railcard' is a fantastic investment, offering 33% off adult fares and 60% off child fares. Within cities like London and Edinburgh, public transport is excellent and stroller-accessible via ramps and elevators (look for the 'step-free' icons on maps). For the Lake District, local buses (like the 599 open-top bus) are great, but a rental car offers more flexibility for remote sightseeing.
