Many of England’s most famous attractions are in London, but the capital is far from the only place to discover. The south coast is trimmed with pretty seaside towns, dramatic ports and enormous stretches of sand to run wild on. In the countryside, mythical forests like Dean and Sherwood are made real for kids. And, from the Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District, moors, mountains and sky collide in vast landscapes just waiting to be explored. The country’s chocolate-box villages and Victorian pleasure piers are just as much fun, in their own way, as dozens of theme parks, waterparks and world-class zoos the country offers.

Families can camp, glamp and eco-lodge in National Parks, choose five-star luxury or good-value self-catering in cities, and enjoy everything from cosy cottages to stately homes, guesthouses, gorgeous hotels and cute B&Bs on the coast and in the country.

Sightings of the Aurora Borealis can be as spectacular on tiny Fair Isle as in the remote north of Sweden. But that’s Scotland for you. The land of unsung marvels also has some of the world’s oldest, most bloodthirsty and romantic castles. Cities with personality are a national speciality – much as they like to compete, you can’t compare Edinburgh and Glasgow, so you have to do both. And then, of course, there are all the accessible wildernesses, enormous glens and mountains, lochs that cross regions and islands so remote, the next stop is Newfoundland.

Whether you want Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria or an energy-efficient chalet on Skye, Scotland offers as many family accommodation choices as experiences.

The Giant’s Causeway alone is enough to put Northern Ireland on the family-holiday wishlist. Add in friendly, exuberant and exciting Belfast, beautiful walled Derry and the enchanting Mountains of Mourne and you could fill several lifetimes with enchantment and still leave plenty unseen. So, if you haven’t discovered Northern Ireland’s all-drama coastline, gorgeous green wilds and entertainment-packed towns and cities yet, you should.

The country does exquisite hotels to family-friendly hostels and everything in between. Each area is different, but a warm Irish welcome is standard.

Wales never fails to surprise. The country has some of the UK’s prettiest seaside resorts and astonishing beaches. But it’s also home to the darkest dark skies over the Brecon Beacons – stargazing holidays with kids are unforgettable. Snowdonia National Park is like a small, action-packed nation in its own right. And from Cardiff to Swansea, Welsh cities are just the right size to be fascinating and comfortable for kids at the same time.

Manageable Wales is great for touring, and staying anywhere from hill farms in the wilds to holiday homes on the coast and five-star city-centre hotels is possible here.