Airbnb shares ten of the best family-friendly destinations this summer

With summer holidays in full-swing, Airbnb is today revealing the most family-friendly destinations on Airbnb.

A record number of UK families are choosing Airbnb for stays¹. The trend is largely driven by a growing number of stays in non-urban communities, as more families choose Airbnb to escape tourist hotspots. These rural, mountain or seaside communities feature a wide range of affordable homes that offer the space, privacy and amenities that families need. In fact, Airbnb bookings made by families in rural areas in the UK have increased by nearly 60% between 2019 and 2024². 

Ten of the best places in the UK³ to book family-friendly stays on Airbnb are: 

1. Isle of Wight
2. Northumberland and the Scottish Borders
3. Peak District
4. Yorkshire Dales
5. Cotswolds
6. Dorset
7. Norfolk
8. Ceredigion
9. Fife
10. Wiltshire

Families’ growing preference for non urban stays in the UK reflects wider travel habits on Airbnb across Europe. In 2024, the majority of guest nights stayed on Airbnb in the EU – almost 60% – were outside of cities. Annual guest nights on Airbnb in the EU also grew faster in communities outside of cities compared to inside cities⁴. 

Taking the stress out of traveling with kids 

As every parent knows, traveling as a family with little ones requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need to keep the youngest guests safe and happy. 

Thankfully, 81%⁵ of homes on Airbnb in the UK are family-friendly, providing the space and amenities families need:

• More space:
  • 85% of family-friendly homes on Airbnb in the UK have at least two bedrooms and almost 74% have a garden, backyard or an outdoor space
• More amenities:
  • Family-friendly listings on Airbnb offer the amenities that families need; 62% offer a high chair, 61% a crib, 77% offer free parking, 84% offer a washer, and 46% board games.

Families feel overlooked by cities 

A new survey released today by Verian⁶ shows 43% of British families have given-up hope of visiting big cities with their children due to the unique challenges they face, including: 

• A lack of family-friendly accommodation: 53% 
• The cost of stays when traveling as a family: 81%
• A lack of amenities or activities for children: 47% 
• Believing that tolerance towards children is declining: 54% 
• Fearing their children will disturb others staying in close proximity:  67%
• Declined bookings in a restaurant, cafe, cultural site or hotel etc.: 30% 

The concerns raised by families about the challenges of traveling to big cities follow some big cities placing restrictions on short-term rentals. Data shows that where Airbnb is restricted, hotels see higher occupancy and prices have therefore soared to unachievable costs for many families: 

• When restrictions were placed on short-term lets in Amsterdam, the number of short-term rentals fell by 54% and hotel prices increased by 50%. Currently, only 20% of visitors to the city are parents with children⁷.
• When restrictions were placed on short-term lets in Barcelona, the number of short-term rentals fell by 24% and hotel prices increased by 35%. Currently, only 15% of visitors to the city are parents with children⁸. 

“Airbnb is the ‘go-to’ accommodation option for families looking for affordable stays with more space, privacy and amenities – especially in non urban communities,” said Juliette Langlais, EMEA Public Policy Director. “Restrictions on short-term rentals in big cities are pricing families out of their dream visits, who can’t afford hotel prices and multiple rooms. We think city stays should be accessible to everyone – including families – and we hope to work with leaders to preserve family-friendly accommodation options.” 

Europe’s top Airbnb stays for families

Luxury Family Retreat in Somerford Keynes, England

This Cotswolds home sleeps 10 guests and features a crib, high chair, and children’s books. Located near Cotswold Water Park, families can enjoy water activities and countryside walks while children have safe outdoor spaces to play.

Trust and Safety Tips for Family Stays

Planning a family trip involves more than just finding the perfect destination – ensuring your family’s safety and security should always be a top priority. Here are essential tips to help make your family Airbnb experience both memorable and worry-free:

1. Use Family-Focused Search Strategies. Search reviews for keywords like ‘family’ and ‘children’ to get genuine insights from other parents. Filter by essential amenities such as high chairs, cots, and washing machines.

2. Share Planning with Your Travel Group. Share your Airbnb wishlist with the whole family to avoid debates and let everyone collaborate on choosing the perfect home away from home.

3. Always Book Through Trusted Sites. Book, pay, and communicate exclusively through Airbnb to take advantage of secure payment processes and AirCover.

4. Look for Quality Indicators. Filter by Guest Favourites and seek out Superhosts who are recognized for providing exceptional hospitality.

5. Prioritize Child Safety. Airbnb offers 24/7 Community Support via our Help Centre, a Safety Line, and an in-app feature connecting travelers with local emergency services for peace of mind.

By following these guidelines, families can focus on what matters most – creating unforgettable memories together while knowing their safety and security are well protected.

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All listings included in this article are intended to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not endorse or promote these listings or any other accommodations or experiences on the platform.