4 multi generational holiday ideas

Multi generational holidays are becoming hugely popular, with more than 15 million Brits having already taken a multi generational holiday in the past three years. And it’s easy to see why! Between shared costs, quality family time, and memories that will last a lifetime, few experiences match that of a big family trip.

If you’re looking for the best multi generational holiday ideas, we’ve got you covered. From grandparent-friendly locations to child-friendly activities and family fun that’s made for all ages - we’ve put together the ultimate guide to multi generational holidays so you know your trip will be a raging success.

Family enjoying their time at Retallack Resort & Spa.

Key takeaways

Explore top considerations for planning a multi generational holiday, such as property size, on-site entertainment, and location.
Discover the best places to stay for a big family trip, including Retallack Resort in Cornwall, Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, and Whitecliff Bay in the Isle of Wight.
Plan the perfect multi generational holiday with our top tips that will ensure guests of all ages have a trip they will never forget.
Book your dream family trip with Away Resorts for a holiday that every generation will love.

Multi generational holiday must-haves

On a multi generational holiday, you have all ages to consider - from tots to teens to grandparents and maybe even great grandparents. Keeping everyone happy will take some serious planning. Here are the top things you need to consider when booking a multi generational family holiday:

Space and comfort. No matter how well you get along, everyone will need their own space to unwind, so make sure to book somewhere with the right number of bedrooms and a comfortable living area for the whole family to enjoy.
All-ages entertainment. The kids might be happy splashing around in the pool all day, but the grandparents might be more inclined to soak up the sunshine with lakeside views, or stomp around charming towns while the kids run and play. The best multi generational holidays have something for everyone.
The perfect location. Do you want a coastal retreat? A countryside escape? An adventure-filled, dog-friendly getaway? There are so many great locations in the UK for a multi generational family holiday - you just need to decide which one is calling your name!

Best places for a multi generational holiday in the UK

Whoever you plan to bring along on your multi generational trip, there are some fantastic UK destinations that will keep the whole family happy.

1. Cornwall

Best for: A grandparent-friendly holiday that still has enough to keep the kids entertained.

Cornwall has always been a hugely popular family holiday destination. So why not take it a step further and bring the grandparents along too? Beloved by elderly holidaymakers as well as young families, it has everything you need for a wholesome family getaway. Take the grandkids crabbing in Padstow Harbour, explore the beautiful coastal towns, and tuck into a classic fish and chips by the seaside before making sandcastles with the little ones.

Experience the best of Cornwall at Retallack Resort

In the heart of the North Cornwall countryside, Retallack Resort is a match made in heaven for those seeking an unforgettable multi generational holiday. Just 15 minutes from Padstow, it’s right on the doorstep of all your favourite Cornish attractions, leaving plenty for the whole family to explore outside of the resort.

On-site, you’ll find entertainment for all ages, including:

An aqua park and watersports for the kids to burn off all that pent up energy
ESYA spa for parents who need a little escape (after all, a multi generational holiday means built-in babysitters!)
An indoor swimming pool for all-weather enjoyment
Stunning lake views for the adults to soak up the sunshine with a glass of bubbly
Hot tub accommodation options for the whole family to enjoy

Accommodation made for large groups

Worried about the space situation? Don’t be! Retallack Resort has multiple accommodation options designed to house large families and friend groups.

The Lakehouse

4-6 bedrooms | Sleeps 8-12

With open-plan living spaces, an outdoor decking, and stunning lake views, the Lakehouse at Retallack Resort has more than enough space for the whole family to relax and tap into that holiday state of mind.

Explore the Lakehouse

Barn style luxury lodge

2-6 bedrooms | Sleeps 4-12

Our barn style luxury lodges have all the comforts and cosyness of home, with an added premium touch. Spacious living areas, elegant bedrooms, and sun-soaked outdoor seating areas make this a winning choice for all ages.

Explore barn-style luxury lodges

Whitecliff Bay: a unique getaway in the Isle of Wight

If you want to experience the Isle of Wight in true style, then Whitecliff Bay is the perfect place for your multi generational holiday. Surrounded by stunning sea views, it has everything you need for a relaxing, family-oriented break. Spend your days sightseeing, coastal exploring, or adventuring, and rest assured that you’ll have a comfy, secure, and luxurious base to come back to.

As for on-site entertainment, Whitecliff Bay has something for every age group:

Let the kids loose in the indoor pool with a flume
Did someone say grandparents vs grandkids? Stir up some family-friendly competition at the on-site crazy golf course
Feel the nostalgia at the arcade, with a mix of retro games and the latest video game tech
Experience an unforgettable family archery adventure with skilled instructors
Make the most of direct beach access with serene strolls that let you breathe in that fresh sea breeze

Choose your perfect Isle of Wight accommodation

Whitecliff Bay has a range of spacious accommodation options for multi generational holidays - all offering their own charm for a truly special stay.

Exclusive Seaview Lodge

3 bedrooms | Sleeps 8

Right in the heart of the holiday park entertainment, the Seaview Lodge has everything you need for the most indulgent family break. Take in the stunning cliff-edge backdrop with your morning coffee, and relax in the spacious living areas built to accommodate large groups.

Explore the Exclusive Seaview Lodge

Luxury Lodge

2-4 bedrooms | Sleeps 2-8

Enjoy the spacious elegance of one of our most popular accommodation options. With luxury open-plan living spaces, stylish interiors, and comfy bedrooms, there’s plenty of room for the whole family to relax, unwind, and spend some precious quality time together. And it’s even dog-friendly!

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Lincolnshire

Best for: Charming historic towns and fun-packed on-site activities

Long walks and trails, quaint seaside towns, ample outdoor space to run and play, and local theme parks are just some of the reasons why Lincolnshire is a great destination for a multi generational holiday. Explore local medieval castles, visit old market towns, check out the iconic Skegness pier, or indulge in traditional local foods (perfect for the foodies of the family). With so much to see and do, Lincolnshire is a great option for young kids, teens, and elderly parents alike.

Make lasting memories at Tattershall Lakes

Tattershall Lakes has everything a holiday park needs for an unforgettable multi generational trip. It’s both action-packed and relaxation-heavy, meaning you get the best of both worlds. Let the kids loose in the on-site aqua park while the adults unwind with a cheeky tipple at one of our stylish bars. And with multiple drool-worthy restaurants to choose from, there’s ample opportunity for quality family mealtimes.

The on-site activities cater to every generation:

Pop down to one of the well-stocked fishing lakes for the perfect grandparent-grandchild bonding experience
Spend an evening reminiscing on your family’s favourite movies with the outdoor cinema
Cheer on the kids as they try their luck at our Total Wipeout-style aqua park
Hire bikes for the whole family and explore the local countryside - you can even rent a four-seater so nobody gets left behind!

Relax in style with the right accommodation

Fun and funky or luxurious comfort - whatever your vibe, Tattershall Lakes has a range of accommodation options big enough for the whole family.

The Serpentine

4 bedrooms | Sleeps 10

Where elevated design meets effortless comfort, the Serpentine offers four beautifully finished bedrooms, three bathrooms, a generous living space, and a kitchen made for family feasts and late-night grazing.

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Indulgent Lodge

2-4 bedrooms | Sleeps 2-10

This property was built to be shared. Roomy, sociable, and perfect for those large family get-togethers, it has everything holidaymakers love about our standard lodges - just bigger and better!

Explore our indulgent lodges

4. Essex

Best for: Families that want a bit of everything to please everyone.

Essex has it all. Beautiful coastlines? Check. Action-packed theme parks? Yep. Rolling countryside and historic sights? You got it. With its endless attractions and diverse wildlife, a multi generational holiday in Essex is guaranteed to keep the boredom at bay. Head to Colchester Zoo for a family-friendly day out that all ages can enjoy, or venture out to Southend-on-Sea and walk along the longest pleasure pier in the world. Whoever comes along for the big family trip, few places offer the range and excitement of Essex.

Mersea Island: an idyllic Essex escape

Just on the other side of the Blackwater Estuary, you’ll find Mersea Island holiday park (AKA, Essex’s coastal hidden gem). With watersports, outdoor pools, local seafood, and charming village pubs all on your doorstep, it ticks every box that a multi generational holiday needs. And the cherry on top? Mersea Island has its own private beach and slipway, so whether older family members fancy a light stroll along the waterfront or adrenaline junkies want to try their luck on the jet ski, you can do it all.

Mersea Island has a wide range of on-site amenities for every generation, including:

An indoor pool so everyone can splash around, come rain or shine
An adventure playground for little ones to run wild
Seasonal entertainment that caters to all ages
An outdoor cinema for big family movie nights
Direct beach access for leisurely strolls and endless beachy playtimes

Large group accommodation for every budget

A big multi generational holiday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. At Mersea Island, there are accommodation options available for a variety of budgets.

Oyster Cottage

3 bedrooms | Sleeps 9

A stylish and modern coastal-themed retreat, Oyster Cottage is great for families wanting a little bit of luxury. Complete with a private hot tub, open plan layout, and spacious living space, it’s the perfect base for a multi generational holiday in Essex.

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Comfort Caravan

2-3 bedrooms | Sleeps 4-8

For those seeking a budget multi generational holiday, our comfort caravans are ideal. With all the comforts of home, simple modern decor, and a little more space for larger groups, it’s a great pick for families wanting a simple base to explore everything Essex has to offer.

Explore our comfort caravans

How to plan the perfect multi generational vacation

With so many people, ages, and preferences to consider, keeping everyone happy can feel like a challenge. Here are some of our top tips to ensure your multi generational vacation is a hit:

Be clear on your budget. Are you wanting a cheap getaway or a luxurious staycation? At Away Resorts, we have accommodation options to suit all kinds of budgets, but it’s best to know at the outset what you’re looking to spend as this will help determine where you go and how you stay.
Pick the right location. The UK has some stunning holiday destinations, but not all of them will be well suited to elderly parents or little tots.
Make sure you have plenty of space. With three or more generations all in one space, it can feel pretty crowded, so opt for accommodations that have plenty of bedrooms and living space so everyone has room to breathe!
Consider accessibility. Older family members might not be as nimble as they used to be, so it might be worth picking a holiday destination that can accommodate those with accessibility issues.
Assess catering and dining options. Do you want a fully-equipped kitchen for family feasts, or are you more likely to make use of the on-site eateries? Whatever your preferences, make sure to consider the fussy eaters of the family or anyone with specific dietary needs so everyone can be fed and happy.
Ensure all-ages entertainment. The kids are unlikely to want to play bingo, and the grandparents might not be up for jet skiing, so make sure your holiday park has something for all ages for that extra special family bonding time.

Book your dream multi generational holiday today

Your perfect multi generational holiday awaits. Whether you want a coastal escape, an adventure-filled break, or a chance to revel in quality family time, Away Resorts has a holiday park with your name on it. Book your dream family trip today.