Unusual family-friendly stays that the kids will love
Finding somewhere to stay is one thing – finding somewhere the kids will actually get excited about really is another. That’s where these fun places to stay with kids come in, turning a simple trip into something they’ll be talking about long after you’re home.
From sleeping in a railway carriage to exploring turrets in a castle, these child-friendly weekend breaks are all about the experience. Think spaces that spark imagination, encourage adventure and make even the downtime feel like part of the fun.
Whether you’re planning a quick escape or something a little bigger, these unique family holidays go beyond the usual. They’re the kind of stays where the accommodation is just as memorable as the destination.
Railway Carriage, Carhampton – Somerset
There’s something instantly exciting about telling the kids they’re sleeping on a train – and this one doesn’t even move. Set on a quiet siding at Blue Anchor station, this restored 100-year-old Great Western Railway carriage turns a simple seaside break into a full-on adventure. Expect wide eyes, lots of questions and plenty of imaginative play as little ones pretend they ’re off on a grand journey.
The magic doesn’t stop at bedtime. Step outside and you’re right on the West Somerset Railway, where real steam trains chug past and themed events bring the golden age of travel to life. It’s nostalgic for grown-ups, but for kids it feels like stepping into a storybook.
Then there’s the beach – just a short stroll away for rock pooling, paddling and sandy picnics. Add in castle visits, fossil hunting and cream tea stops nearby, and you’ve got a family trip that feels anything but ordinary.
C17th Castle, Clevedon – North Somerset
If you want a family stay that feels like stepping into a storybook, this hilltop castle delivers in full. Turrets, spiral staircases, secret corners - it’s the kind of place where kids instantly invent games, from knights and dragons to epic hide-and-seek across eight towers. It’s big, bold and brilliantly different.
There’s plenty here to keep all ages busy without leaving the grounds. An indoor pool for splash sessions, a games-packed turret with table football and pool, plus lawns made for croquet, badminton or just running wild. Even mealtimes feel like an event, gathered around that grand circular table.
Then there’s the setting. Perched above Clevedon, you’ve got sweeping views across the Bristol Channel - on a clear day, you can even spot Wales. Add seaside walks, a Victorian pier and easy access to Somerset adventures, and it becomes a family trip they’ll talk about for years.
Penda Cottage, Niton – Isle of Wight
Staying at a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage feels like stepping into a coastal adventure – and for kids, that’s half the fun. Set right by St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Penda Cottage comes with sea air, dramatic cliffs and that sense of being right on the edge of the world. It’s wild, a little windswept, and totally memorable.
Days here are made for exploring. Wander down to the lighthouse, watch the waves crash below, or set off on foot along the coastal paths where every turn brings a new view. It’s the kind of place where simple things - spotting boats, skimming stones, racing the wind - become the highlights.
Evenings slow things down. Cosy up inside after a blustery beach walk or head to the nearby pub for an easy family dinner. Peaceful, scenic and just remote enough to feel like a proper escape, this is seaside staying with a twist.
Sutton Windmill, near Norwich – Norfolk
Sleeping in a windmill? That’s the kind of holiday detail kids don’t forget. Sutton Windmill isn’t just somewhere to stay - it’s a towering slice of history where every floor feels like a new level to explore. With its winding stairs and quirky layout, it turns bedtime into an adventure and mornings into a race to see who gets downstairs first.
Outside, the fun keeps going. There’s space to run around, while the surrounding countryside sets the scene for bike rides, walks and spotting wildlife. And just a short drive away, the Norfolk Broads open up a world of boat trips and waterside exploring - ideal for curious little adventurers.
Beach days are firmly on the agenda too, with Sea Palling’s sandy shores close by for paddling, dunes and ice creams. Add in nearby attractions like dinosaur parks and treetop adventures, and you’ve got a stay that’s anything but ordinary.
12-Bed Cottage near Bala – Southern Snowdonia
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have your own countryside mansion – this is your chance! Set within 70 acres of Welsh countryside, this epic cottage feels enormous in the best possible way. For kids, it’s a dream playground; for grown-ups, it’s a rare excuse to gather everyone under one very impressive roof.
There’s no shortage of ways to keep the whole family entertained. A full-blown games room with snooker, air hockey and table tennis sets the tone, while the 14-seater cinema room turns movie night into a proper event. Add in lakeside views, a hot tub and sprawling grounds to explore, and you’ve got days that fill themselves.
Step outside and the adventure continues. With a river, lake and wildlife all on your doorstep, plus Snowdonia’s trails, beaches and high-adrenaline activities nearby, it’s as action-packed or as laid-back as you want it to be. Big house, big memories.
Granny Kate’s Thatched Cottage, Ardara – County Donegal (Ireland)
This is the one that feels like stepping straight into a storybook – and it’s the only stay on the list outside the UK. Tucked away in rural Donegal, Granny Kate’s Cottage is all whitewashed walls, a thatched roof and a proper old-school half door. It’s quirky, characterful and just the right amount of different.
Inside, it leans fully into its heritage charm. Think flagstone floors, exposed beams and a roaring fire that turns evenings into something cosy and memorable. There’s no rush here – just board games, good conversation and that rare chance to properly switch off.
Step outside and the landscape does the rest. With Glengesh Pass just a short walk away and the Wild Atlantic Way within easy reach, days are all about big views, fresh air and exploring somewhere a little less ordinary. It’s simple, timeless and full of personality.
After all that inspiration, the only thing left to do is start planning. Whether it’s a windmill, a lighthouse cottage or something even grander, these stays prove that unique family holiday accommodation can turn any break into something truly unforgettable.
