Best family holiday destinations less than a 3-hour flight from the UK
Looking for a quick getaway? Here are the best family-friendly holiday destinations that are a 3-hour flight or less from the UK.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Apr 29, 2024
Considering a getaway, but tremble at the thought of travelling on a long flight with kids? Those who have been there and done that will be quick to share how stressful those longer flights can be with young children. But don’t be put off by flying with kids completely - the UK is just a few, short hours away from a number of fantastic holiday destinations waiting to be discovered.
Plus, with a little bit of planning, some travel toys, and a lot of patience, a short flight with kids is absolutely doable.
To help you find your next family holiday from the UK, we’ve handpicked some destinations that are less than a 3-hour flight away. While each destination has a certain charm, they all offer different types of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
From beachy islands and white sandy shores to thrill-seeking adventures, and historical wonders, each place has memories waiting to be made together. Here’s our guide to the best family holiday destinations less than a 3-hour flight from the UK.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
Flight time: 1 hour 49 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“The best things to do with children that age are Tivoli, the amazing Blue Planet aquarium, a canal boat cruise, the zoo (which has all the big-ticket animals including a pair of giant pandas), Experimentarium and the Hans Christian Andersen experience. The National Museum also has a Children’s Museum, with a replica Viking ship you can mess about on, costumes to try and plenty of hands-on exhibits.
There are lots of playgrounds, restaurants with kids menus and the transport is easy to use with a pushchair”. Fivemoreminutes1
Our verdict
Just five miles from the airport, delightful and colourful Copenhagen has over 125 public playgrounds as well as family-friendly museums, attractions and adventures.
For a family-friendly day trip, Copenhagen Zoo is sure to be a hit - home to more than 4,000 animal species, it’s not surprising that it’s one of the most visited attractions in Denmark.
For educational fun, the Children’s Museum should also be high on your list. Packed full of interactive exhibitions and displays to bring history to life, their ‘kids can touch everything’ policy allows children to explore and discover everything from Vikings to medieval kitchens.
Copenhagen is also home to Tivoli Gardens - a central theme park which is one of the oldest in the world. With lush green gardens and nostalgic rides, thrillseekers will love the Vertigo ride, which travels upside down at speeds of 100km per hour! Bring a picnic to make the most of your surroundings and see if you can spot the peacocks walking freely around the grounds.
Want to relax after a day of fun? Head over to the canal and join the hop-on hop-off tours and visit some of the main attractions while you take the scenic route.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
History buffs
Animal lovers
Kids who love science
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2. Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Flight time: 2 hours and 20 mins: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“We stayed in Es Cana when DS was 4 and had a fantastic time! Loved Santa Eulalia too. Found everywhere to be very child friendly. We stayed in an apartment here - perfect location right on the beach.” Ladyr77
“Santa Eulalia in Ibiza is lovely. Family-friendly, large beach, quieter than San Antonio or Ibiza Town.” PronounssheRa
Our verdict
Widely known for having some of the world’s best nightclubs, there’s a whole other side to this party island that makes it a great destination for families. In fact, the northern Ibiza resorts of Santa Eulalia, Es Cana and Cala Llonga are quite the contrast - renowned for their serene and relaxed atmosphere, with white sandy beaches and sparkling blue sea.
With a wide choice of family-friendly hotels, all-inclusive resorts and self-catering apartments, Ibiza offers pretty-much guaranteed sunshine from May to October. Thanks to the shallow warm waters, it’s a great place for little ones to paddle, and older children will love trying watersports or taking boat trips.
Full of charm and tranquillity, Ibiza also offers plenty of beautiful coastal hiking trails, huge outdoor water parks and jeep safari expeditions.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Beach fun
Young adventurers and explorers
Kids who enjoy the water
3. Corfu, Greece
Flight time: 3 hour 10 minute: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“I love Corfu, it’s a beautiful island and probably one of my favourite Greek islands. It is, though, a mosquito heaven because it’s quite a ‘wet’ island, with lots of greenery, and quite a bit of rain in the lead-up to summer and say September/October onwards. It does make the island look beautiful and less ‘sparse’ than some of the islands but it does mean the mosquito situation can often be quite a lot” MiniCooperLover
Our verdict
Even landing in Corfu is quite the experience. Surrounded by water, the runway at Corfu International Airport offers a spectacular take-off and landing adventure with phenomenal views across the Ionian Sea.
This magical Greek island is known for its picturesque views, charming towns and gorgeous beaches and thanks to the warm dry climate, you could easily spend an entire day paddling by the shore with the kids. And there’s a wide choice of family-friendly all-inclusive villas and hotels to choose from.
It’s also packed full of culture and history, including castles, palaces and fortresses that children will love to explore. The narrow cobbled streets lined with shops in Corfu Old Town are really popular in peak season - a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
For thrill-seeking families, Corfu is home to Aqualand - a giant water park with pools, slides and water games the whole family can enjoy. Or head out on a family boat ride, go paragliding, or ride horseback along the beach. There are guided cave adventures too - a great way to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of this incredible island.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
Kids who enjoy the water
History buffs
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4. Algarve, Portugal
Flight time: 2 hours 53 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“My sister had a lovely stay at Monte da Quinta in the Algarve - very classy, good for families and good value compared to the Sheraton.” essential1
“We went to Lagos last year and loved it. There are lots of little streets to wander around and the beaches are gorgeous.” SooticaTheWitchesCat
Our verdict
The Algarve in Portugal is truly beautiful, and this wonderful, family-friendly holiday destination offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. The region is home to a picturesque coastline measuring over 125 miles and there are bustling resorts in the popular towns of Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura.
There’s never a dull moment in the Algarve. From the high-energy waterparks like Zoomarine and Aqualand, to theme parks and jeep tours, children will also love the opportunity to go parasailing, surfing and paddleboarding, or head out on boat tours to spot the Dolphins off the Albufeira coastline.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
Families that enjoy the outdoors
Kids who enjoy the water
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Amsterdam is absolutely my favourite city to visit, and it feels very different to the UK. Pancakes, canal boats, fun museums, flower markets and just so, so beautiful around the canal belt. I bet a 3-year-old would love just going for a ride on one of the grams, or seeing the double-decker trains at the station. Also, Vondelpark is close to the centre, and has lots of play areas to run off some steam.” QuantumWeatherButterfly
Our verdict
Considering a city break with your family? Consider Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is completely walkable and known for its flat, well-connected cycle paths making it a convenient way to explore the city with kids.
The forward-thinking city offers many wonderful events and activities for parents and children alike. From the Van Gogh museum, to Anne Frank House, to the beautiful harbour and cool science museum, the city is a magnet for families in search of fun and culture. But if museums aren’t your little one’s cups of tea, have no fear! The scenic canals, beautiful architecture and huge parks will grab their attention.
If all that cycling works up an appetite, head over to the closest market and treat the kids to Pannenkoeken, Stroopwafels or Pofferjes, which are all fancy Dutch ways of saying… Pancakes and cookie waffles! Yum.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Artistic kids
Active families
Little explorers
Outdoorsy families
Kids who have an interest in history
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6. Marbella, Spain
Flight time: 2 hours 54 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“I went to old Marbella last year as a single parent with my son when he was 10. He loved it (I’d been before). We spent the majority of the time on the family beach snorkelling, did a boat trip to the posh part of Marbella so ds could look at the Ferrari’s etc, we also did a coach trip to Gibraltar to see the monkeys. Old Marbs is children friendly, has a play park on the beach, and friendly restaurants.” Poppiesway1
Our verdict
On the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, Marbella is known for its luxury hotels, yacht-studded marinas and warm, sunny climate.
With all-inclusive resorts, mouth-watering food and golden sandy beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea, you can easily entertain the whole family without leaving Marbella. But for thrill-seeking kids, it’s worth heading to Adventura Amazonia to tackle its rope bridges, zip-lining and swing bridges.
Just outside Marbella, you’ll also find Bioparc Fuengirola Zoo and Aquamijas waterpark as well as wolf tours, go-karts, cave swimming and horse riding.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
Kids who enjoy the water
Active kids
Thrill seekers
Beach fans
7. Berlin, Germany
Flight time: 1 hour 51 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“I've raised two kids in Berlin, it's a very child-friendly city.
In summer there are lots of lidos- the best for you would be the Monbijou Park one, which is specifically aimed at younger kids and families. It's very central. Yes, there are loads of parks and green spaces, and the play area in the main zoo is brill. There are also lots of lakes out in the suburbs which are lovely for evening picnics. The Tiergarten Park is also very Central, you can rent boats there too. The downside: the weather in summer CAN be tricky - hot (by British Standards), sticky, thundery. We're at the same latitude as New York, but don't go along with all that namby-pamby air-conditioning.” Archfarchnad
Our verdict
With a whole host of cultural attractions, interactive museums, and impressive zoos, Berlin has something for the whole family to enjoy. When travelling with young kids, booking a hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to get around the city with ease.
At the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (Natural History Museum), children will be gobsmacked by the sight of the largest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the world. They’ll also be fascinated by Computerspielemuseum (Computer Games Museum), showcasing 60 years of innovations in the virtual world.
If your child fancies themselves as a top-secret spy, then the German Spy Museum is a great place to master espionage techniques.
If that’s not enough for a jam-packed itinerary, pay a visit to Berlin’s Tierpark Zoo, home to over 9,000 exotic and native animals.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
Kids who love science
Kids who love history
Kids who love computer games
8. Sardinia, Italy
Flight time: 2 hours 24 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“Alghero in Sardinia. Not too expensive. Lovely beaches and you can hire bikes too. Roads empty to safe to cycle. Stay in the old town” - user1494050295
Our verdict
An island full of wonder, with attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Su Nuraxi di Barumini and the Aquarium at Cala Gonone, this charming Italian island has so much for families to explore.
The beautiful beaches of Villasimius or Orosei are great for playing and relaxing - with clear waters, ideal for snorkelling. You can also explore Sardinian caves or take a kayak, catamaran or sailboat into the wide, open waters, looking out for the wild bottlenose dolphins who occasionally make an appearance in the azure blue waters. For an experience your kids will never forget, head to Parco della Giara to see wild horses in that natural habitat.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
Kids who enjoy the water
Active kids
9. Paris, France
Flight time: 1 hour 33 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“We're in Paris now with my sons aged 10 and 13. They absolutely loved the Eiffel Tower and particularly the stair climb. Also loved the Batobus hop on/off boat trip. We took the bus once only as very slow going in Paris traffic so definitely recommended boat over bus. Metro is much nicer than London. Also enjoyed the Pompidou centre.” Nateismine
Our verdict
Paris is not just for honeymooners.
With a great choice of family-friendly hotels, Paris has a fantastic metro network, making it simple and stress-free to navigate, even with young children in tow.
In addition to the obvious tourists attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, Paris is also home to a large number of parks and open spaces for children to explore, including the beautiful Jardin de Luxembourg - famous for its pony rides, puppet theatres and adventure playground.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a must-see. With an over-the-water suspension bridge, stunning waterfall, hiking hills, and an enchanting 25-acres of gorgeous green foliage, it provides an oasis of beauty in the city.
Last but by no means least, don't forget Disneyland Paris. Just a short train ride from the centre, Disneyland doesn’t come cheap, but you will certainly feel the magic in this fairytale theme park.
Great for:
Children of all ages
Young adventurers and explorers
Kids who enjoy quiet
Animal lovers
Disney buffs
10. Rome, Italy
Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes: Find a hotel with Hotels.com | Find a hotel with Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
“I did Rome with my then 8-year-old, it's beautiful. This year took my 10 & 9-year-old to Krakow, they both keep asking to go back.” Oreodough
“My kids have visited both Barca and Rome and enjoyed both. But I’d say they enjoyed Rome more - the coliseum, Vatican, gelato, pasta and the Spanish Steps. Would also recommend Copenhagen.” Pamplemoussed
Our verdict
Sightseeing will be high on your agenda in Rome, from the San Carlino puppet theatre, to the Pantheon, Bioparco Zoological Garden and the Time Elevator. And of course, the iconic Colosseum - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
While great fun, sightseeing can sometimes be overwhelming for little ones. Thankfully, Rome also has a number of parks, playgrounds and attractions that are sure to entertain younger visitors. High on the wishlist will be the Gladiator School of Rome Museum, where kids can learn all there is to know about how to become a real-life gladiator.
At the end of a busy day of fun, you can also treat the whole family to a slice of pizza and some gelato for dessert. And hey, while you’re at it, you’ve definitely earned yourself a delicious Italian vino.
Great for:
Children 4 years of age and older
Kids who have an interest in history
Artistic kids
Active families
Outdoorsy families
Tips for short-haul flights with babies and kids
Short haul flights are ideal for first holidays abroad, with just three hours or less of travel time between home and your holiday. But no matter the length of time of your flight, travelling with babies and young children can be challenging.
While you can't entirely predict how your child will be on a flight, there are things you can do to plan ahead, ensure everyone is comfortable and help reduce the stress of flying.
Here's a few things you can do ahead of your short-haul flight from the UK:
Book your seats ahead of time: by paying that little bit extra to secure your seats, you can ensure you and your family are sat together - the last thing you want is to be sat separately throughout the flight when you're with kids.
Triple check your luggage allowance: some airlines offer baggage allowance for your children, some don't - it's always best to double-check, or triple check!
Check if your pram, car seat, and/or travel cot are included: most airlines will accept these necessary items for free, but double check there isn't a weight limit or a limit on the number of items you cancheck inn for free per child.
Can you book a bassinet on a short-haul flight? It's unlikely, however, your chosen airline may offer these airline bassinets for short-haul flights and if they do, it's best to reserve it well in advance.
Pack something your child hasn't seen before: this can range from a cheap sensory book, to a new tablet and headphones depending on your budget. Whatever you choose, packing a travel toy for your kids is always recommended when flying, no matter the length of time you're in the air.
Pack familiar toys and comforters: a much-loved teddy or blanket is always a good idea - just don't forget it on the plane!
What is the closest tropical island to the UK?
Forget the Caribbean, the UK has a tropical island that's just 28 miles away from Lands End but feels like a world away from the rest of the country. Offering a magical escape from real life, The Isles of Scilly, a collection of 140 islands, that can be accessed via ferry or flight and are definitely worth a visit if you want tropical vibes without the travel fuss.
Where can you fly to from the UK in 2 hours?
As the UK is relatively close to several countries, it isn’t difficult to find a holiday destination less than a 2-hour flight from the UK. Here are some of the countries that you can fly to from London in under 2 hours:
Belgium - 1 hour 14 minutes
Netherlands - 1 hour 17 minutes
France - 1 hour 33 minutes
Denmark - 1 hour 34 minutes
Switzerland - 1 hour 44 minutes
Germany - 1 hour 51 minutes
Norway - 2 hours 4 minutes
How we choose our recommendations
When it comes to holidays, convenience is key, especially if you have toddlers and young children. Therefore, finding the best family holidays just a 3- hour flight from the UK was critical.
First, we consulted our Mumsnet forums to find out what real parents were recommending to others seeking advice on where to go. Taking these suggestions, we then compared flight time, family-friendly activities available, entertainment, facilities and room options to hone down this list of recommendations.
We also examined reviews on sites like Booking.com and TripAdvisor, which helped us to determine which holiday destinations to include in this list.
Why should you trust us?
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.