Six luxury activities for your family holiday

A luxury family holiday is one of those precious times when parents and children have each other all to themselves without the usual pressures of everyday life. Spending quality time together and experiencing something new and exciting is a great way to make the most of your break - and there’s not much of the UK that isn’t either incredibly beautiful or boasting something fun and unique to do.

But how do you turn your getaway into something special that your family will always remember? We have compiled six of the best luxury activities for your family holiday. From indulging in an elegant afternoon tea together, to exploring grand historical houses or booking the whole clan into a relaxing spa for the day, there are a wealth of ways to add a little opulence to your staycation.

Indulge in an afternoon tea

What could be more fitting for a luxury break away with your family than revelling in a decadent afternoon tea? Delicate finger sandwiches served with a cornucopia of cakes and melt in the mouth scones topped with lashings of clotted cream and jam – afternoon tea is all about indulgence.

For the adult members of your party, a chilled glass of champagne makes for an extra special treat. For the younger guests, there are many locations across the UK which serve exclusive children’s afternoon teas featuring all of their favourite treats.

Why not have a read of our ‘Top 5 places for afternoon tea in Wales’ blog post?

Relax on a spa day

Fluffy robes, relaxing treatments, refreshing pools, the sweet smell of aromatherapy oils; if you’re longing to restore some balance, indulge your senses and unwind in an oasis of calm then a spa day is the ultimate way to relax on holiday. For families, there are many luxury child-friendly spas offering pampering sessions for all ages.

We particularly love Woolley Grange in the Cotswolds where staff greet children with biscuits and a drink on arrival, before letting them enjoy an hour of fun with qualified childcare staff while you lie back with a 60-minute treatment of your choice. You can then take a dip in the spa pool together, followed by delicious afternoon tea.

Why not have a browse of our luxury accommodation in the Cotswolds?

Visit a stately home

The stately homes of England are among its finest treasures, boasting history, heritage and culture with magnificent grounds and parks, and fabulous art collections. No longer the preserve of royalty and the landed gentry, many are looked after by national organisations such as The National Trust, Historic Houses Association and English Heritage who take pride in keeping these homes in near-pristine condition – perfect for a family-friendly luxury day out in the UK.

One of our favourite stately homes is Chatsworth House in the Peak District, an impressive building, surrounded by 105 acres of garden and 1,000 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped parkland. Explore its elaborately decorated staterooms adorned with more than four centuries worth of art - one of Europe’s finest private art collections - and let the children have fun in the farmyard and adventure playground.

Why not have a browse of our luxury accommodation in the Peak District?

Enjoy a scenic cruise

A luxury cruise is an idyllic way to spend quality time with your family and there’s nowhere more suited for soaking up the beauty of the UK than the tranquil waters of the Lake District. From historic steamers to exhilarating motor boats and extravagant yachts, holidaymakers can see the magic of the lakes and surrounding mountains from a different perspective in comfort and style.

You can even combine a boat cruise with a picturesque walk, stopping off at one of the jetties and following a lakeshore footpath before stopping for lunch in a waterside pub and catching a later boat back.

Why not have a browse of our luxury accommodation in the Lake District?

Adventures by steam train

For a spectacular day out that children will remember for years, experience the nostalgia of a steam train coupled with the beauty of the countryside. Riding in old-fashioned carriages, hearing the whirr of the steam whistle and seeing picture-postcard scenery gently gliding by is sure to capture the hearts of young and old alike. For a luxury experience, why not treat yourself to a first-class carriage?

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways in Snowdonia encompass spell-binding views as the engines climb through the soaring heights of the mountains, cutting through fields, forests and some of the best scenery in Wales. Having been around for almost 200 years, this is reputedly the world’s oldest narrow-gauge line.

Why not have a browse of our luxury accommodation in Wales?

Stay in a luxury cottage

Here at Sheepskin, we make family holidays in the UK memorable with all of life’s little luxuries, and because we’ve thought of all the details, you can focus on having fun. From Peak District retreats to Welsh wonders and quaint Cotswolds cottages, our handpicked portfolio of properties ensures that you will have a special place to stay. Imagine steaming hot baths, crisp cotton sheets, fluffy towels and well-deserved, very comfortable beds.

Choose from unique extras like your own private cinema, swimming pool or a rainfall shower, or you could head totally off-grid to enjoy a secluded glamping experience with a difference. Our dog-friendly cottages ensure your canine companion can indulge in a luxury family activity holiday in the UK too!

For more inspiration, our ‘Incredible luxury escapes UK’ blog offers some highlights from our selection of elegant homes.