A family in a car (Image: GETTY)
Half of all parents admit that lengthy car journeys rank amongst the most stressful aspects of raising children, according to a new study.
Research by breakdown firm Britannia Rescue reveals that 84% of UK parents are planning to take to the roads this bank holiday weekend, driving an average of four hours.
While many intend to visit family and friends or enjoy a well-deserved break from work, 53% describe long car journeys as one of the most challenging parts of parenting.
In response to their findings, which surveyed 1,000 people, they’ve launched the ‘Road Trip Soft Play Guide’.
The handy tool highlights some of the finest soft play centres near major UK motorways, helping parents locate the ideal pit stop to head off children’s tantrums.
A soft play centre (Image: Britannia Rescue/MI)
The research reveals that one third of parents (31%) are dreading long trips with their youngsters, with more than half (51%) finding keeping them entertained the greatest challenge.
A third (32%) cited constant complaints, such as cries of ‘I’m bored’, and car sickness (32%) as their biggest sources of stress.
Nevertheless, more than eight out of 10 (86%) parents with children under seven said a well-timed stop can prove an absolute lifesaver.
Parenting influencer Kelly Brady, known as part of @the_manc_family, describes the resource as ‘perfect to rescue parents’ and ensure the ‘journey is as fun as the destination’.
Kelly said: “Every parent shares the same dilemma of keeping the kids entertained over the long weekends and school holidays.
“While going on a road trip is a great way to do this, it adds another layer of stress.
“As a parent to energetic children, this guide is the perfect resource to rescue parents and help them plan in pit stops that will make travelling in the car smoother and a more enjoyable experience for the whole family, so the journey is just as fun as the destination.”
The guide features reviews of centres throughout the nation, from Edinburgh and Newcastle to Bristol and London.
Each has been assessed by undercover parenting influencers and given ratings for fun factor, parental perks, nap enhancement, and overall roadside respite.
Jag Kullar from Britannia Rescue said: “Rescuing drivers and parents is at the heart of what our 24/7 car breakdown service cover offers.
“We’re proud to have been awarded ‘best breakdown service of 2025’ by What Car?
“We know that long car journeys with tired, bored and unsettled children are a tension point shared by so many.
“That’s exactly why we created this guide, as a valuable resource to help relieve some of the stress that goes into travelling across the country with young kids and also make breaks an enjoyable part of the trip for all of the family.”
You can view the Britannia Rescue Soft Play Guide here.