London is a natural choice for a last-minute family getaway. The capital’s many landmarks deserve their iconic status, with the likes of Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace all inspiring awe. Late summer days are also great opportunities to explore the famous royal parks, with Hyde Park being arguably the most impressive.

Of course, it being a family trip, you’re going to need to find some things to keep the kids entertained. Fortunately, London has one of the finest selections of museums and attractions in the world. Just take your pick from a long list of world-renowned names: the British Museum, the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, the Natural History Museum, HMS Belfast, Kew Gardens – whatever your kids are into, you can probably find it in London.

Edinburgh really comes alive in August, with the Edinburgh Festival (and its famous Fringe) in town for the duration. You can expect everything from military parades and classical performances to first-class comedy and street theatre every day of the week, especially along the Royal Mile. Of course, you can also expect higher hotel costs, so it’s best to plan your family city break well in advance to get better deals.

Alternatively, August is also a great chance to see the city in bloom and, fingers crossed, enjoy a spell of fine weather. Go explore Holyrood Park and the striking peak of Arthur’s Seat or enjoy the city-centre views from Calton Hill. Many of Edinburgh’s city parks have interesting museums and galleries nearby, too.

New York City is a great city-break destination for families seeking a blend of culture, entertainment and outdoor activities – including iconic landmarks that you simply cannot miss. The majestic Statue of Liberty and the towering Empire State Building, as well as the expansive Central Park, are just a few of the must-see attractions.

Families with young children can explore the American Museum of Natural History with its dinosaur, animal and space exhibits and workshops, as well as spend time at the Children's Museum of Manhattan with its range of programmes designed specifically for kids aged 0-10 years. And for those seeking entertainment, there’s bustling Broadway where you can enjoy live theatre shows and lively street performers.

Best known for its romantic atmosphere, Paris is no less attractive as a family destination. Like London, it’s noted for its impressive historical architecture, world-renowned attractions and beautiful parks. The Louvre Museum ticks all 3 of these boxes at once, being the world’s most popular museum in a charming historical mansion by the Jardin des Tuileries.

Enjoy the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, drag your kids around the shops on the Champs-Élysées or take a stroll along the banks of the Seine – Paris is one of those must-see sorts of places but is fortunately very easy to get to and around. Jump on the Eurostar and you’re there in no time.

From a cultural and educational standpoint, Liverpool is one of the best places in England to take a family city break in late summer. You can get your kids ramped up for the coming school term by learning more about the Beatles, the Titanic, Liverpool’s past as a trade hub for half of the planet, the key role the city played in World War II and many other subjects. Be sure to add the World Museum, the Eureka! Science + Discovery and Knowsley Safari Park to your shortlist.

Beyond opportunities to give your young ones a head start on their schooling, Liverpool also hosts no end of entertainment. There’s plenty of live music, excellent theatres, football stadiums, rock climbing, go-karting, play centres, escape rooms and more. Head to Liverpool ONE for great shopping paired with activities for the kids.

As the cultural and economic hub of the Midlands, Birmingham has a lot to offer families looking for a fun city break to round out the summer. Chief among the city’s attractions is Cadbury World. What kid wouldn’t love a self-guided tour around a world-famous chocolate factory? Don’t worry – you can burn off the sugar rush with a walk along the towpaths of Birmingham’s famous canals.

With a proud history in industry, Birmingham also offers a great selection of fascinating museums, from the interactive Thinktank to the morbid Coffin Works. It’s generally a great place to get a feel for what Industrial Revolution-era England was like. If you’re more interested in the present, the city centre is a vibrant place packed with shops, theatres and a world-spanning array of restaurants.

Amsterdam may be better known as a stag-night destination, but also works well for a family-friendly city break. Away from the infamous Red-Light District, the charming city centre is home to some iconic sights and museums – the Anne Frank House, NEMO Science Museum and AMAZE Amsterdam among them. A cruise along the famous canals will certainly entertain young ones, too.

The Dutch capital is a great place to immerse the whole family in culture. It’s one of Europe’s great art hubs, home to the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House, the Van Gogh Museum and many others. There’s also a great theatre scene and no shortage of live music.

Manchester has a long and varied history that makes it a fascinating place to visit to this day. In this case, a wander around the city centre will present you with museums about Roman Britain, science, industry, democracy, the police and football. The city is, of course, famous for its elite football teams and a summer city break is the ideal time to take a stadium tour.

Head west from the city centre and you’ll find a wealth of great places to bring the family. There’s the IWM North and Old Trafford, of course, but also a wealth of activity centres. You can tire out your little ones with bungee jumping, climbing, mini golf, play centres and parks. Keep going west and you’ll reach the Trafford Centre, with its first-class shopping and attached family distractions.

A summer city break to Barcelona gives you a great combination of culture and coastline to finish the school holidays off with a bang. The city-centre beaches are as delightful as they are convenient, with Barceloneta Beach being one of the best. It’s got facilities for games like tennis and volleyball and, with lifeguards on duty, is safe for the little ones.

Away from the shore, Barcelona is home to a wealth of unique attractions. There’s the iconic architecture of Antoni Gaudi in the form of Casa Milà and La Sagrada Familia. For a little bonus education, there are kid-friendly museums like CosmoCaixa and the Museum of Illusions. For something more exciting, there’s Tibidabo amusement park and Isla Fantasía water park.

Famous for its glitz and glamour, Dubai can also offer a fantastic family city break to round off the summer. The beaches are the obvious place to start, with Al Mamzar Beach Park and Jumeirah Beach both boasting great facilities. There’s no shortage of beachfront hotels to choose from, too.

Step away from the shore to find one-of-a-kind experiences your kids will never forget. In the city, there’s the famous Burj Khalifa and the various attractions around it, as well as The Palm, palaces, museums and a huge number of malls. Alternatively, head even further inland and book a desert safari or a stay at a desert camp.