Thinking about heading abroad this Easter? Just because you fancy mini-break escape doesn’t mean that you have to spend it up to your eyes in sand and sun cream. Pack up your brood and whisk them away to one of these stunning, family-friendly city breaks:
Gothenburg, Sweden
What Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city, located on the east coast. It’s super-cultural, and home to kick-ass film festivals and musical events all year around.
To do Gothenburg, Sweden is home to Liseberg Park, one of the coolest amusement parks in Europe with tonnes of rides for you and the brood.
Fancy something a little more cultural? Visit Gothenburg city museum, home to the only original Viking ship on display in Sweden.
A definite must is a trip to Universeum. Experience life-size dinosaurs, a tropical rainforest, huge aquariums and lots of exciting experiments in this awesome educational fun-zone.
Stay at The incredible Upper House Hotel is right beside Liseberg Park, which means you have the shortest walk to fun.
It’s got an indoor pool for the kids to splash around in, a tasty dinner menu for mum and dad and best of all, it’s centrally located, most of Gothenburg’s attractions are within walking distance, so no need to rent a car.
Room prices may vary, but start at €105.00* per night.
Berlin, Germany
What Berlin is one of Europe’s coolest destinations for a family break – home to sprawling parks, museums and attractions, as well as a whole heap of important history to tell the kids about. Fly there with Aerlingus from roughly €230 per person.
To do Treat the kids to a trip to Legoland at the Potsdamer Platz – although they might never want to leave. When you’ve had your fill of Star Wars, Fire Dragons and the famous Legoland Power Tower, the city has so much more to offer.
Museumsinsel is a must for any history buff. It contains all five Berlin state museums and sits on an island in the middle of the Spree river. It’s like hopping in a time machine to pre-war Berlin. A must-see.
Eat at One of the serious perks about Berlin is its quirky bars and restaurants. It’s easy to see why it’s known as one of the hippest spots in Europe. Visit Companion Coffee, Oranienstr. 24 and soak up the culture, as well sampling the best coffee you’ve ever tasted.
Berlin is also brimming with kindercafes, specially designed to keep the little ones happy. Our favourite is definitely Kiezkind, Helmholtzplatz 1, with an awesome indoor sandpit, books and toys to keep the kids amused while you browse through the family-friendly menu of freshly pressed juices, sandwiches, quiches and cakes. They also stock lots of puréed food for babies, and sell nappies and clothes, just in case. A bonus for mum and dad? It has free Wi-Fi.
Stay at The ultimate family-friendly hotel is the Adina Apartment Hotel, right in the heart of the city. Spacious, comfortable apartments for your little ones to flake out in after a day of fun with all the convenience of a hotel restaurant downstairs with a kid-friendly menu with hearty local ingredients.
Book in for around €100 per night*
York, United Kingdom
What
If you’re looking for a simple break, try a trip across the Irish Sea to York. It’s just a 45-minutes from Dublin to Doncaster with Aerlingus offering flights from around €24.99, then a 20-minute taxi trip to the bustling city. York is a firm favourite with tourists thanks to it’s quaint feel and brimming history. Team that with friendly locals and you have a match made in holiday heaven.
To do This cosy little city is ideal to navigate by foot and home to some award-winning attractions like the Jorvik Viking Centre built on 7th-Century Viking settlements.
Head to the National Railway Museum and learn about the massive part they played during the second world war, and if you haven’t seen enough, hit up the Web Adventure Park too.
Stay at Almost every hotel in York is in a prime location, but for the best stay for you and the brood check out the hidden gem Middletons Hotel. Set within a private courtyard in York City, it has all the comforts of a quiet hideaway but it’s smack in the city centre. Plus there’re ample space for the kids to play in. Book from around €130 per night.
* price may vary from week to week.
