Travel tips to the UK?

Stay away from big cities,in London it practically costs money to breathe.

It very much depends on what you want to see and do but there is loads of fabulous coastline and beaches. Beautiful forests lakes and hills. Lots of old houses ruins and historical sites that you can see for free.

I would go with what Cassie says but, to add to this, it does depend a little on how much travelling you are Ok with when you are here. Many counties have what you want, with a bit of travelling between attractions. Here in Lincolnshire we have some good beaches, for instance, but the North Sea tends to be noticeably colder than that of the South Coast.

Personally I like the Isle of Wight. It's off the south coast, and has quite a few family attractions within reach. There is a reasonable bus service so you don't have to use the car if you don't want to. There is the cost of the ferry but some hotels include ferry costs in their quotes, which are reasonable. There is a lack of castles there although there are old buildings. Plenty of coastal walks. I hear it can get busy mid season though. In recent years I have only been out of main season (May and February). There are still things to do, even in February, although it is obviously quite cold then (Have you tried Alpaca walking in the snow? It was unusual for them to have snow though ).

With fishing, I presume you mean lake fishing. I think equipment is provided with sea fishing but I am not sure about lakes. There are fishing lakes throughout the country though so finding a lake might be easy but it's worth enquiring about equipment.

Small playgrounds are virtually everywhere. The favourite these days seems to be indoor ball pools. Most will charge.

Another area I like is the Devon coast. There are some good beaches and the sea is nice. There are some good coastal walks and pleasant seaside towns. Lot's of Naval heritage. The sea trips are nice too as day cruises go along the coast.

Most areas of the Uk have lots of history. I suppose I prefer the South coast as it tends to be warmer. The further north I have gone generally the bleaker it seems but that's just my opinion as I have had good holidays further north. I have had some good holidays with the children in Yorkshire too. There are some good seaside resorts there as well as walks out in the country. The temperature is a bit of a relative term here as the Uk is a small place. Remembering back, North Wales is a lovely place. Good for the mountains as well as the beach.

I hope I am not too confusing but here many places are fairly close. I would just really avoid the big congested areas like London. It has it's places but, as Cassie points out, cost and hassle.

OMG! Thank you so so much Cassie and Jen!! I love your tips! And I absolutely love the UK. Used to watch Morse and a lot of other British tvshows when growing up. Have been to Ireland, Scotland and England, but without children and only for shopping and partying (the time when I drank alcohol). Have seen the Cliffs of Moher and been in the countryside near in Scotland, but only briefly. I will look into your advice when I have the time to really concentrate. I'll make a list from your advice and crosscheck with Tripadvisor to see if I can find any good place to stay and things to do. If you come to think of anything else, please add it to this thread. I will save it and keep it close!!

Cornwall is very beautiful. Sussex and Northamptonshire are supposed to be gorgeous, too.

I lived in Sussex for almost five years. Lovely views, miserable people.

Sussex is where so many Londoners retire, and the locals really resent them. 

We  get North Hollanders come up from the big cities then moan about the smell of cow muck or mud on the road.. Plus the fact that many places are seeing an increase in holiday homes for the same rich southerners or Germans while local people are being added to ever growing housing lists

That's what kills villages. They don't use the local amenities, like shops, the village hall, the village school etc...