Family holidays are some of the most precious experiences of our lives. When done right, they live in the heads of all involved for a lifetime.
For children, they create some of their most evocative of all memories, whether it’s paddling in rock pools searching for blennies in Cornwall or your first experience of the Mediterranean sun.
Now June is here, your family might be looking for that dream escape. But nowadays, it often feels harder than ever to find a destination that won’t leave you feeling more stressed than before you left!
So many places are swamped by tourists, which makes it hard for families looking for a more meaningful deep experience. That’s where slow travel comes in, and it’s a philosophy we live by at PureTravel.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, we want to help you go on epic adventures that truly connect you to a place, its people and your fellow travellers. Our blog is one of the best places to find those ideas that spark your imagination.
So, here are five family holiday destinations that offer that irresistible mixture of fun and wonderment, for a summer you’ll never forget.
1. The Lake District, UK
This location is ideal for active families, nature lovers, and those travelling with relatives of all ages, such as grandparents.
The Lake District in Britain is a timeless destination for families for a reason. From its rolling hills and vast lakes to villages which feel frozen in time, it provides much to do and see. If you have a dog, when not go walking along the fells? Or if you love watersports, row with your kids across Derwentwater.
For a taste of magic, you and your toddler can hunt for fairy doors in Grizedale Forest. The Lake District invites kids (and adults) to explore, play and unplug.
You might want to forget about your car and try using local bikes to get around. It’s not only better for the environment, you’ll discover more along the way.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Are you one of those ‘foodie families’ or do you have teenagers who are real culture lovers? Tuscany should be at the top of your list. A real feast for the senses, it’s the perfect place to rent a villa or country farmhouse.
There’s all types of activities available, from walking in the countryside to pasta making classes. Since everything in Tuscany moves a little slower, the whole family naturally unwinds.
It helps to choose one area, like the Val d’Orcia, and explore it in-depth rather than cramming in too much. You’ll come across unique festivals, meet local artisans, and experience a real taste of Italian life.
3. British Columbia, Canada
This part of Canada is wonderful for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and teens with energy to burn.
Looking for epic scenery and adrenaline-packed activities? In British Columbia, activities can include kayaking among orcas, zip-lining through rainforests, or tracking grizzly bears with indigenous guides.
As with Tuscany, it’s best to centre your trip around one region, like Vancouver Island or the Kootenays. Many eco-lodges offer family programs that teach about forest ecology, native traditions and much more.
4. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores is a top fun-filled holiday destination for island adventurers and those who adore water sports.
Far out in the Atlantic Ocean lie the Azores: nine volcanic islands full of natural wonders. They’re a dream destination for families who crave both peace and adventure. One day you’re whale watching; the next, soaking in geothermal springs or hiking to a crater lake.
Unlike many beach destinations, the Azores feel untouched and unspoiled. There are even black-sand beaches where they can safely play without crowds.
If you’re after a slower-paced holiday, choose São Miguel or Faial and book excursions with local guides. The fewer hops between islands, the more time you’ll spend immersed in each unique place.
5. Japan’s Countryside (Nakasendo Trail, Kyushu, Shikoku)
Do your children have curious minds and a passion for history? Or does your family prefer getting off-the-beaten-path?
While Tokyo dazzles and Kyoto enchants, Japan’s countryside unveils the nation’s soul. For families wanting something meaningful and unforgettable, you might want to walk a section of the Nakasendo Trail, where samurai once traveled, or stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) on Kyushu.
Kids will love riding the bullet train, and even the meals in this part of Japan are mini adventures.
Why Slow Travel Makes Sense for Families
PureTravel founders Sara White and Robert Ferguson have spent decades helping you plan meaningful journeys. Sara’s conservation work and global travel experience taught her one truth: “When kids engage with people and places slowly, they remember more and care more.”
Robert, a mountain guide-turned-writer and conservation speaker, adds, “The best family adventures don’t have to be epic. They have to be real. Slow travel lets that happen naturally.”
Explore more family travel guides, tips, and unique destination ideas at PureTravel.
