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he beauty of a city break for families is that everything’s on your doorstep. From zoos to galleries, there’s always something to amuse

and amaze children of any age.Catherine Hudson, aka blogger

FashTravels, has just returned from a weekend in Liverpool with her toddler daughter. “We Brits are spoiled for choice for family-friendly city breaks. Our attractions are brimming with history, alongside the most modern of landscapes. Strolling around a city can be an adventure in itself.”

The benefits of a family holiday, however short, are well known. Being away together, without chores to distract you, helps you to reconnect – kicking a ball, spotting bugs, laughing together. Child development experts believe

parents shouldn’t just watch their children but be right there with them, getting their hands dirty and their knees muddy. Beyond the stress release of having fun, this kind of “attachment play” bonds you, boosting your child’s self-esteem by showing them you’re interested in what they’re doing. It also encourages imaginative play, essential for cognitive development.

Downtime is important during your break too, helping the whole family to reconnect. Go for ahotel in the heart of the action so you don’t have to spend hours travelling every morning. And find a place to stay that has a pool or gardens, where children are welcome to simply retreat and do their own thing. Somewhere you can all call home, even if it’s just for 48 hours…

A city getaway is a wonderful chance to recharge the batteries and have family fun between school holidays. Here’s our guide to making the most of that time

The great British break off

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Children, especially younger ones, are unpredictable. They might want to spend an hour watching a red panda cautiously descending a tree at the zoo, or they’ll tearfully demand to go home from a soft play centre after five minutes. Three cheers, then, for things you don’t have to pay to get into, only to be forced to leave again before the ink is even dry on your tickets.

British cities are full of free galleries and museums. See dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum in London, light up Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland by running on their giant human “hamster” wheel, or geek out at the cool Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.

Away from the big players, there are plenty of other free days out. Drive a tank at the National Army Museum in Chelsea or visit London’s Roman Amphitheatre, hidden beneath the City. Hang out with artists at Spike Island in Bristol, or climb onboard the Glenlee tall ship on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow.

You might go misty-eyed recalling a moonlit seafood supper, but children tend to treasure the weird details, like the ice cream seller with the huge moustache. So make memories that will fire those curious imaginations.

Dare yourselves to walk over the Grade I listed Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, or go wild in the Plantasia rainforest in Swansea. Challenge the kids to a climb up to the extinct volcano that is Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, or see the uniform Admiral Nelson was killed in at the Battle of Trafalgar, at the National Maritime Museum in London’s Greenwich.

Stroll along Gandy Street in Exeter. Does it remind you of twisting Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter books and films? That’s because JK Rowling went to university here.

“Liverpool provided us with a stack of sensory experiences,” says Catherine. “Its big wheel, the Tate, its food trucks and street art - it is filled with experiences for incurably curious families, like us.”

Instead of the noisy underground or spending hours looking for a car park, go from A to B and even C by bus. It helps kids get their bearings.

“Try an open-top bus tour for entertainment without the legwork,” says Catherine. “They get busy, so think about booking in advance and prepare to adapt.”

In fact, getting there can be half the fun. Who doesn’t want to sit in the front seat of the tram in Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle? And don’t forget the water – from the Thames Clipper river bus service that runs from the London Eye to the Tower of London and beyond, to the Princess Katherine water taxi that glides between Bute Park and Cardiff Bay.

In Liverpool, check sailing times for the Dazzle Ferry on the Mersey. The colourfully decorated vessel was repainted as a centenary tribute to the “dazzle ships” used to confuse the enemy during the First World War, but its bright, bold design by Sir Peter Blake has an appealing Beatles vibe about it, too.

Children won’t want to march from one attraction to another. They need time in the day to play or snuggle up. Stepping out of the city bustle is easier than you think. The Manchester Art Gallery, for example, is two minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Gardens and its spacious Clore Art Studio has arts, crafts and rooms for just chilling out together as a family.

Even in Zone 1 London you’ll find slides, sandpits, goats, rabbits and chickens at Coram’s Fields, a city farm so child-focused, adults aren’t allowed through the gates unless accompanied by a small person.

Most importantly, always know where you’re going to eat before you set off. Park cafes are great because they have space for buggies, bigger kids can sit at their own table, and you can finish your lunch while they run around. Honourable mentions to Kelvingrove Park Cafe in Glasgow and Alice Park Cafe in Bath.

H AV E A P L A N O F A C T I O N 1 D AY S O U T

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Discover your UK with Marriott Bonvoy, where city locations get you close to memorable experiences. Children stay and eat free, and staff can help with local tips on where to go. These three hotels have indoor pools, too – perfect for family downtime.

LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL COUNTY HALLA quintessentially British experience on the banks of the Thames, overlooking the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, this is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the London Eye. You’re sightseeing as soon as you hop out of bed.

BRISTOL MARRIOTT ROYAL HOTELThis charming hotel is adjacent to Bristol Cathedral and has been welcoming guests for more than 150 years. The Grade II listed building is also moments from the city centre and has recently undergone extensive renovation.

CARDIFF MARRIOTT HOTELLocated in the heart of the bustling city centre, you’re within walking distance of the Motorpoint Arena and just minutes from Cardiff Castle. If it’s sport you’re after, grounds hosting international rugby, football and cricket are all close by.

The best hotels for city adventure

The key to success in the city is to mix things up. If you’re going somewhere fairly hushed, like a museum or a show, make the next place on your itinerary more “free range”, so little ones can be noisy. If you have older children who want to shop, tune into what’s unique about where you are. Markets and areas with creative indie businesses are far more likely to provide a memorable break than hitting the chain stores.

Most landmarks are family-savvy these days, you just have to think beyond what you’d expect to see in a BBC4 documentary. Going to Bath? Don’t rule out the Roman Baths just because they’re almost 2,000 years

older than your kids. There are costumed characters, trails and a children’s audio guide read by Michael Rosen. At the National Railway Museum in York, time your visit to catch the free Need for Speed show for a breathless journey into the science of rail travel.

And if the maze at Hampton Court Palace doesn’t wear out your little ones, don cloaks from a dressing-up box and head for the jousting themed Magic Garden or set them a “digital mission”, where they can explore while completing challenges via an app.

There are some places, however, you may want to avoid, so do your research. Why buy tickets for

Buckingham Palace, for example, and then spend

the whole time terrified that small hands will grab something priceless? Visit the Palace’s Royal Mews instead, with its horses, fun activities and

dazzling carriages.

History Museum in London, light up Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland by running on their giant human “hamster” wheel, or geek out at the cool Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.

are plenty of other free days out. Drive a tank at the National Army Museum in Chelsea or visit London’s Roman Amphitheatre, hidden beneath the City. Hang out with artists at Spike Island in Bristol, or climb onboard the Glenlee tall ship on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow.of the River Clyde in Glasgow.

savvy these days, you just have to think beyond what you’d expect to see in a BBC4 documentary. Going to Bath? Don’t rule out the Roman Baths just because they’re almost 2,000 years

Buckingham Palace, for Buckingham Palace, for example, and then spend example, and then spend

the whole time terrified the whole time terrified that small hands will that small hands will grab something grab something priceless? Visit the priceless? Visit the Palace’s Royal Mews Palace’s Royal Mews instead, with its horses, instead, with its horses, fun activities and fun activities and

dazzling carriages. dazzling carriages.

MARRIOTT BONVOYThere are more than 50 Marriott Bonvoy hotels in locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Discover your UK and find your ideal family destination at marriottweekends.co.uk

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Try an open-top bus

tour and see my Battle of Trafalgar

uniform in Greenwich