Getting away from home and the daily grind gives families the chance to relax, share new and exciting experiences, and even educate themselves about the world out there. So, ditch the staycation and take your children abroad, because there is a big world out there waiting to be discovered! Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, beach bum, or thrill seeker, Europe holds so many opportunities for family fun that neither you nor the kids will ever feel bored. In this post, you will find some of the best destinations in Europe for family holidays in 2025. 

Family vacations in the UK: Castles, Coasts & Countryside

The UK is a fantastic holiday destination with kids, with its pretty castles, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches. No matter where in the UK you decide to travel with your family, you will never be far away from a castle. From mighty fortresses to smaller structures, there are over 4000 to choose from, after all. Many of the beautifully restored castles offer guided tours around the buildings and grounds, with activity trails for the younger visitors and jostling tournaments in the summer. 

Whilst the climate is far from mediterranean, the wide sandy beaches in many parts of the UK, from Cornwall and Wales to Norfolk and Scotland, make up for the mild climate. Beaches often stretch for many miles against the backdrop of imposing cliffs. The wildlife in some parts of the UK is unique and will delight kids, so make sure to take your binoculars and book a boat trip to see the seal colonies in Norfolk and the puffins in Scotland. Don’t forget to have some fish and chips on the beach!

If you and your children are nature lovers, it is worth exploring the UK’s enchanting countryside. From rugged moors in Devon or Yorkshire to tranquil lochs in Scotland, there are plenty of beautiful places to discover. Your kids will particularly love the family trails, waterfalls, and magical glens on your walks. Make sure to visit some of the UK’s most charming villages, from Castle Combe and Bourton-on-the-Water in the beautiful Cotswolds, to Beddgelert in Wales. 

Fairytales and Fun in Germany: Theme Parks & Medieval Charm

There are many charming towns and cities in Germany, with a medieval center complete with old city walls, market squares, cobbled streets, and, of course, castles. Some of the most famous medieval cities are Freiburg, Trier, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Heidelberg. Many of these towns have events and not-to-miss festivals, celebrating their famous history. If your kids love castles, visit the most famous of them all: Neuschwanstein Castle, a Bavarian fairytale palace built on a hill in the far south by an eccentric king in the 19th century. Fun fact: Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was modelled after Neuschwanstein. Can you see the resemblance?

If you are in Freiburg and your children are thrill seekers, nearby Europa-Park is a great place for a fun day trip. The theme park is the largest of its kind in Germany and attracts no less than five million visitors annually. It is open all year round and a fantastic day out if you like high-speed rides and captivating shows. Another noteworthy theme park stretching across 400,00 m² is Bavaria’s Geiselwind Adventure Park. Holidays with teenagers often require something a little different like the Babelsberg Film Park in Potsdam, which lets you look behind the scenes of the film industry: stunts, tricks, makeup and more, where older kids can learn tons of cool stuff about movie making, whilst their younger siblings are entertained by themed playgrounds, boat rides, etc.

History, Beaches, and Culinary Adventures in Italy

Italy is renowned for its history, pretty coastline, and hospitable people. Rome is a great place to start your adventure because of its many ancient and historical sites, such as the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, and the Colosseum – to name but a few. This place simply has a ton of interesting places. If your kids are gladiator fans, they will love a tour of the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, where gladiators once fought, naval battles were re-enacted, and other forms of entertainment were showcased. History is brought to life at the Vatican Museum, which offers kid-friendly tours. Many places in Rome are reachable on foot, but if your children are not fond of walking, you can get on a hop on/hop off bus or explore Rome on a Segway.

If you are visiting Italy in the summer, spending time on the beach is a no brainer. The Amalfi Coast, Calabria, and the island of Sardina are renowned for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. When searching for a suitable resort, look for accessibility, water sports, shallow water, and amenities for families.

Of course, Italy’s culinary scene is a sheer delight for families. Restaurants welcome kids with open arms, food workshops allow families to bond over cooking, and even the fussiest of eaters will find a pasta or pizza dish to their liking in Italy’s kids-loving restaurants. 

Fjords and Vikings in Scandinavia

Scandinavia may not be the first vacation destination that springs to mind, but it’s one of the best family destinations in Europe for a number of reasons: From high standard accommodation and tasty cuisine to sporty pursuits and breathtaking natural wonders, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have it all.

If you enjoy city trips, Copenhagen and Stockholm offer magical experiences. The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is a favorite amongst families. In Stockholm you can follow in the footsteps of the Vikings by visiting the VASA Museum to admire the best-preserved 17th century ship in the world and a national treasure. You can even eat like a Viking in Stockholm by visiting the Gamla Stan restaurant Aifur Krog & Bar where everything from the furniture to the food is authentic.

Taking a boat trip from Stockholm will give you a glimpse of the archipelago whilst dining in comfort. To experience Scandinavia’s famous fjords, you will need to travel on to the charming town of Bergen, worth a visit in itself. From there, you can book onto a train or boat to begin your scenic journey.

Conclusion: 

With so much diversity on offer, it was not easy to pick our top-of-the-list family holiday destinations in Europe. Numerous other places made the shortlist, but in the end, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia won us over with their charm and natural beauty. So, why not start your adventure now and make your dream of a family holiday in Europe in 2025 true? Happy travelling!