The beautiful, buzzing cities and quaint towns of the United Kingdom are a favourite among tourists across the globe. They’re also the perfect spots for a petulant infant to have a full-blown breakdown. Babies aren’t picky.
Taking a road trip across the UK with an infant in tow requires courage – we’ll give you that. Nonetheless, it’s a trip you may be compelled to take, whether for a holiday, business, or family meetup. Packing can already feel overwhelming: bedding, diapers, stroller, and carrier only skim the surface.
But assuming you have packed your entire nursery and are geared up for the adventure, it’s time to feel young and alive! Here’s a reassuring guide to enjoy a UK road trip with your babe.
#1 Timing is Everything
For young families, picking the right time for a road trip can make or break the deal. You don’t want to go right during a sleep regression, which usually happens every few months during a baby’s first year. Everyone will feel drained from disturbed sleep, and driving will be a huge pain.
You also don’t want to go during peak season, when the roads and sights will be too crowded. The Condé Nast Traveler reports that shoulder season travel to the UK has increased dramatically in 2023-24. This period falls between peak and offseason – March to May and October to November – and may be perfect for a family-friendly vacation.
Of course, the timing will also vary with seasonal fluctuations and the availability of vacation days. For example, visiting Cornwall in the “silly” season – generally the start of summer – risks your car getting stuck in the sand. You could opt for Scotland at that time – there’s gorgeous weather.
#2 Go Gentle on the Itinerary
Britain has immense potential for road trippers: seaside towns, gorgeous castles, offbeat museums, you name it. While being young new parents shouldn’t limit you, it is a (mammoth) consideration. We recommend a baby-friendly itinerary with frequent stops, ideally every 2-3 hours. That way, the journey won’t end with everyone at their crankiest.
You can begin with London, covering the biggies like the Tower Bridge, Windsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace. From London, it is only around two hours to Stonehenge, which we highly recommend for any family interested in history. Chances are your baby won’t find it all that interesting, but hello, this trip is for you too.
You have several routes to pick from Stonehenge. Cornwall, around three hours away, can be a splendid time for your baby – all that splashing about in the water, making Famous Five-ish memories early in life. You could also visit the Eden Project or explore the stunning Boscastle.
Another option is exploring picturesque Yorkshire, around four hours from Stonehenge. Independent notes that it is much less busy than Essex or the Lake District and has comforting sights like farmlands and steepled markets. If anyone is on edge, you can always feed them Yorkshire puddings.
#3 Stay on Top of The Food Game
Feeding takes up a chunk of your time during the newborn and baby stages. Bottles, pumps, and wipes line kitchen counters at home. When out and about in the UK, mums can breastfeed as usual. The National Health Service clearly states that lactating mums can feed infants in public, including cafés and public transport.
You’ll have to pack a heavier bag if your baby is bottle-fed, including sterilisers and formula milk. In case your formula supply runs out, you should be able to find the brand you use in one of the UK’s numerous supermarkets. Try Tesco and Sainsbury’s – they are usually open till 10 p.m. unless there’s a special occasion like a high-stakes football match.
If you are a preemie parent or your bub had low birth weight, your paediatrician must have advised caution about the appropriate formula. The NEC lawsuits brought to light how some infants developed necrotising enterocolitis after consuming cow’s milk formula in the hospital. Reportedly, it can trigger digestive distress with upsetting symptoms like diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
TorHoerman Law notes that human milk fortifiers and donor milk may be safer for vulnerable infants. You should carry a sufficient amount for your travels, accounting for refrigeration. The Breastfeeding Network advises storing breast milk in an insulated box. The temperature must be 10°C or lower. Ice packs should let you store it for up to 24 hours.
The UK has a good network of milk banks and organisations like the UKAMB that help receive breast milk. For peace of mind, it is best not to depend on sourcing from a local bank.
#4 Book Accommodation Close to Parks and Public Transport
One good thing about the UK is its vast accommodation options, from serviced apartments and budget hotels to luxury resorts. A baby-friendly road trip must factor in many stops to keep everyone comfortable. We recommend picking stays close to parks and public transport (in case you’re too tired to drive after the entire day).
For example, London has many beautiful parks your baby will adore, like Richmond Park and Kew Gardens. When the hotel is just a walk away, you can take your child out in their stroller. Green spaces have a way of calming down even the crankiest little humans.
Marylebone is a quiet location suitable for families; your baby should be able to take their naps on schedule. It is also near Regent’s Park and a 5-minute walk from Baker’s Street. Kensington is another good option for its proximity to Hyde Park and range of accommodation options. It is also well-connected by the tube.
Check if the hotel will offer family-special goodies and amenities, like in-room entertainment, a pool, and soft play areas for small people.
#5 Add Baby Activities to Your Itinerary
You cannot go to the UK and miss the astounding range of baby-friendly activities. Mumsnet is forever thriving with ideas for new parents to counter isolation and foster community. For example, the London Zoo is a no-brainer. Most adults will also enjoy the animal feeding experiences and walk-through habitats.
Other sightseeing options that work for the whole family are the Bristol Aquarium, the London Eye, and the Deep Aquarium (in Hull). A river cruise on the Thames can be delightful for youngsters.
Do you have more days in a specific location? You should explore baby cinema. London has glorious movie screenings for parents and infants in many neighbourhoods, like Barnet and Tottenham Lane. The volume is low, and the seating is relaxed. It’s perfect for that first theatre experience with the kids you have been dreading and anticipating equally.
Demanding as babies can be, these tips should simplify your UK trip with an infant to some extent. Once you gather the wits, you can look forward to building lasting memories.
Here’s to a happy baby’s day out in jolly old Britain!