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The Best Family City Breaks in the UK

Going away for a family city break in the UK is a fun and affordable way to wind down and forget about the stresses of everyday life. Forget about work, school, homework, bills, and more whilst you enjoy a city break as a family. But, where to go? Come with tastecard on our journey around the best cheap family city breaks.

Tom Pressman

05-09-2023

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City pictured from across the steady water at dusk with the lights reflecting.

Cheap family city breaks in the UK

At tastecard, we love a weekend away! Taking the kids on an exciting holiday can be expensive, but that’s where our cheap family city breaks come into the mix. Not only are they closer to home, but they’re much gentler on your wallet. Plus, with a tastecard membership, you can make great savings on attractions and days out around the UK. Check out our list of the best UK city breaks for families.
Boats passing the London Eye n the River Thames with a pink to blue gradient sky overlooking the soft ripples of the water.

London

As the capital of England, London offers an abundance of family-friendly attractions, including museums like the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. Iconic landmarks, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Kensington Palace are sure to captivate little ones as well as excite parents. After walking the corridors of the dazzling palace, we’re sure the whole family will be hungry. Fortunately, The Princess Victoria is just down the road. With a tastecard membership, you can get 50% off  food here before heading back out into the city.

Experience stunning greenery, deep in the heart of London with a trip to Hyde Park. Once you’ve had a bite to eat, you can visit the London Zoo, or explore the magical world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. There is so much to see and do! But remember, with a tastecard, you can pick up amazing dining out deals in London. Whatever type of cuisine you’re interested in, there are endless choices in the capital, so find the ideal one for you on the tastecard app and save an average of £23 per meal. London may not have a reputation for being affordable, but with tastecard, you can add it to your list of cheap family city breaks in the UK.

Edinburgh Castle pictured in the distance surrounded by the village in front.

Edinburgh

From one capital to another, we now head up north to the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, where you can find something for the whole family to enjoy. Edinburgh is brimming with rich history, breathtaking architecture, and endless family-friendly activities, so you’ll never run out of things to do on a cheap family city break here! Start the day off by exploring Edinburgh Castle and fully immerse yourself in Scottish history by joining the interactive tours.

On your journey back from the Castle, you will undoubtedly notice the eye-catching Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Experience optical illusions and interactive exhibits to keep both you and the kids entertained for hours. Afterwards, why not treat the family to some tasty slices of pizza? You’ll be glad to know that an ASK Italian restaurant is waiting for you at the foot of the castle! Don’t forget, you can make the most of a generous 2 for 1 offer on your meal with a tastecard membership.

Regardless of whether you’re taking a historic stroll through the Old Town, or have just finished up perusing the high street in the New Town, download the tastecard app to find endless dinner deals across the entire capital and enjoy a cheap family city break in Edinburgh.

Manchester Castlefield pictured at dusk with lights reflecting in the waters below.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city with numerous affordable attractions for family city breaks in the UK. Before you get exploring the city, stop off for some breakfast and fill your stomachs at Beefeater. We can guarantee that your meal will taste even better with tastecard’s generous 2 for 1 deal!

The Museum of Science and Industry is a hit with kids interested in technology and history. Keep the little ones' brains ticking during the holidays by showing them the inspiring and curious world of science and industry. You’ve also got the option of heading to Legoland Discovery Centre which offers a playful and exciting day of brick-building fun. You can make quite a saving when booking tickets for this attraction too, thanks to tastecard.

In the Mancunian spirit, we imagine you’ve been busy bees all day in the city and are probably keen to enjoy a bite to eat! Head to the popular Deansgate area and enjoy a meal at All Star Lanes. Once you’ve finished your meal, knock a few pins down in a competitive (but friendly!) game of bowling. For restaurant deals in Manchester, don’t forget to join tastecard before your trip.

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City pictured from across the steady water at dusk with the lights reflecting.

Liverpool

When it comes to planning cheap family city breaks in Liverpool, all your ‘troubles seem so far away,’ as the Beatles sang, because here at tastecard we’ve got plenty of ideas! With a rich culture and maritime history, as well as a host of family-friendly attractions, Liverpool truly has its very own pulse, breathing excitement and thrills into everyone who steps foot in the lively city.

The Beatles Story Museum is a must-visit for music-loving families, where you can ‘Come Together’ and immerse yourselves in the iconic band's journey through the Strawberry Fields and down ‘Penny Lane’. Also at the Albert Dock are a range of fabulous restaurants for you to indulge in too. For example, Ruben’s Coffee is an ideal spot for a quick drink and bite to eat, before you hop back in your yellow submarine or alternative choice of less-interesting transportation!

Once you’ve eaten, head across the city centre and explore the interactive exhibits at the World Museum, covering topics like natural history, ancient civilisations and space. Afterwards, kids and adults alike will enjoy a ferry ride across the Mersey River to enjoy scenic views of the city's waterfront. Finish off your cheap family city break on a high with a taste of one of Liverpool’s many fabulous dining experiences. If you need any more inspiration for your trip to the city, why not check out our Ultimate Liverpool Travel Guide?

Cardiff Castle pictured on top of the hill with the Welsh flag flying above.

Cardiff

If you’re considering the capitals of England and Scotland, it’s only fair that you consider the Welsh capital too! Cardiff is a vibrant and diverse destination that blends Welsh history, a whole range of international cultures, and natural beauty. Cardiff Castle is a charming place to create unforgettable memories with your family and snap a few pics that you and your children will fondly look back on for years to come. You could also head down to the waterfront of Cardiff Bay and nerd out with the kids at Geek Retreat. This playful eaterie has a vibrant atmosphere, plenty of irresistible comfort food and lots of milkshakes – something we’re sure the kids, and even you, will absolutely love!

There are plenty of tasty family-friendly restaurants with versatile menus in Cardiff, for the whole family to enjoy! If you’re still needing some more ideas for things to do in Cardiff, read our guide to the Top Cardiff Attractions for families.

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