One of the great things about living in the UK is that there are dozens of major cities worth visiting. If you'd like to get out of the house with the kids for a weekend, or longer, then the chances are good that there's an amazing city break within easy reach.
Let's consider some of the more appealing options.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh packs an enormous amount of entertainment and culture into a relatively small space. If you're visiting, then you'll want to make a point of touring the famous Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat. From there, you can stroll down the Royal Mile, and marvel at some truly inspiring architecture.
If you have children to entertain, then a visit to Edinburgh Zoo might be in order. The only giant pandas in the country will have been taken out of sight ahead of their voyage back to China by the time you read this – but we shouldn't overlook the other amazing animals on offer in this place.
London
London is a difficult city to beat when it comes to the sheer variety of attractions on offer. There are countless museums, parks and shopping opportunities to consider, as well as amazing historical sites.
If you're taking children to visit the city for the first time, then the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey both have a lot to commend them. There are also specially put-together tourist trails that will give everyone a unique insight into the city and how it came to be.
York
When it comes to history and architecture, York is among the most interesting cities in the UK. You'll be able go on a treasure hunt around the city that will take you through all of the famous landmarks, including York Minster Cathedral, Clifford's Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and more. If you've got a sweet tooth, then you might also check out the city's chocolate-based history, at York's Chocolate Story.
You might even incorporate a trip to the seaside as part of your trip. You can get a train from York to Scarborough, and be there within the hour.
Bath
Bath is a place with a unique aesthetic, thanks to the iconic custard-coloured buildings. You can pay a visit to the Roman baths themselves, or Bath Abbey, from whose rooftops you can check out the surrounding city in style. Kids might also appreciate a tour around the Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, or a trip up to nearby Cheddar Gorge.