The most sought-after family holidays

Family holidays are one of the biggest tourism markets here in the UK and, with the prospect of them being able to take place again, more people are taking to Google to search for their dream family holiday. 

With data showing demand for family holidays is up 143% year-on-year, we analysed Google data to reveal the UK’s most sought after family holiday destination in the UK and, we don’t like to brag, but Cornwall took the top spot, and internationally came third place - above Ibiza, Italy and Croatia!

So where are the top family holiday destinations in the UK? 

1. Cornwall 

With over 1,300 searches a month for ‘Cornwall family holidays’, it’s clear to see that Cornwall is at the front of holidaymakers’ minds when planning a trip with the family. 

Home to incredible world-renowned beaches and excellent surfing conditions, it’s not difficult to see why people love Cornwall. Combine that with world-class attractions, famous foodie spots and fascinating mining heritage, and you have yourself an all-round family holiday destination in the UK. 

Learn more about Cornwall as a holiday destination in our guide to Cornwall or find somewhere lovely to stay with one of our hand-picked holiday cottages.

Cottages in Cornwall

2. Lake District 

In second place, with 590 searches a month is Cumbria’s stunning Lake District National Park. 

A destination perfect for outdoorsy families, it certainly isn’t short of outdoor adventures suitable for all ages, from adventure playgrounds and forest trails to water sports and wildlife watching. Combine that with award-winning attractions, a tonne of literary connections and plenty of walking opportunities and you have something for every taste, age and interest. 

3. Devon/Isle of Wight

Coming in joint third, with 480 searches a month, are ‘Devon family holidays’ and ‘Isle of Wight family holidays’. Both are close neighbours to Cornwall, and each offers plenty to enjoy right on the doorstep. 

The delight of Devon is the contrast between the coast and countryside, offering the very best of both. You can be learning to surf on the North Devon coast one day, and hiking through herds of wild ponies on the rugged tors of Dartmoor National Park the next. 

The Isle of Wight, with its picture-perfect beaches, plethora of historic fossils and iconic landmarks such as the Needles, is also much loved by many - including royalty!

Want to know where else appeared in the top 10?

Top 10 family holiday destinations in the UK

Cornwall also appeared in the top 3 of the international list after Spain and Greece and above destinations like Ibiza. Scotland closely followed in 4th place. 

Top global family holiday destinations 

We also took a look at the top 10 international destinations for family holidays and were delighted to see Cornwall make the top three, above places like Ibiza, Italy and Croatia.

Top family holiday types

Finally, we explored the types of family holidays that are most searched for on Google. ‘Family ski holidays’ appear to be the favourite, closely followed by ‘luxury family holidays’, which shows the desire for families to treat themselves on holiday. Completing the top three was ‘family adventure holidays’. 

We hope these family holiday destinations have helped inspire your next great escape together. With Cornwall top of the list, why not browse our full collection of Cornish cottages and find yourself the perfect family cottage in which to reunite?

Cottages in Cornwall

This data was collected in February 2021 from Semrush by searching for the term ‘family holidays’.