Travelling with Children in the UK. Practical Tips

---

title: "Travelling with Children in the UK. Practical Tips"

author: Alex

published: false

tags:

- travel

- family

- guide

---

UK family travel requires different planning than adult trips. Child-friendly infrastructure exists but benefits from advance knowledge.

Transport

Children under five travel free on all UK public transport without tickets or passes. Ages five to fifteen typically pay half fares on trains and buses. The Oyster Zip card for London provides free travel for children accompanying fare-paying adults.

Car hire requires child seats for children under 135 centimetres or twelve years old. Rental companies charge daily fees for seats, often making independent purchase cost-effective for longer trips.

Accommodation

Family rooms sleep three or four in hotels, but availability is limited. Booking early is essential for school holiday periods. Self-catering apartments often work better for families, providing kitchen facilities and separate sleeping spaces.

Premier Inn and Travelodge offer consistent family rooms at reasonable prices. Their locations near motorways suit road trips. City centre locations cost more but reduce transport hassle.

Attractions

Many UK attractions charge by age rather than height. Children under a certain age enter free. Check individual policies before visiting. Family tickets often provide savings over individual pricing.

National Trust and English Heritage memberships pay for themselves quickly for families visiting multiple properties. Both offer family membership tiers covering two adults and all children.

Dining

Chain restaurants provide reliable child menus and high chairs. Independent restaurants vary significantly in child-friendliness. Lunch is generally easier than dinner for children with early bedtimes.

Pubs with gardens welcome families during daytime hours. Evening restrictions often apply. Those focusing on dining rather than drinking tend to be more accommodating.

Rainy Day Options

UK weather demands indoor backup plans. Museums, soft play centres, and cinemas provide refuge. Most towns have at least one option even if it is not remarkable.

Shopping centres frequently contain indoor play areas and child-friendly dining. They are not exciting destinations but serve practical purposes on wet days.

Final Thought

The UK accommodates family travel well. The challenge is not finding suitable options but managing costs that multiply with group size. Advance booking, membership schemes, and packing snacks reduce expenses without reducing enjoyment.