Our guide to Central Florida, from theme parks to architecture

Downtown Lakeland, Florida. Image credit: Visit Central Florida; Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing

 

The gardens are in Polk County, a laid-back slice of central Florida between Orlando and Tampa, which is an excellent recommendation for clients who’d like the option to dip into the nearby Orlando action but with a calmer base to retreat to.

 

Villas are a popular accommodation choice here with large complexes in cities such as Davenport and Haines City, along with hotels in lakeside spots such as Lakeland and Winter Haven, which come with vibrant places to eat and drink on their doorsteps.

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lecture hall at Florida Southern College

 

There’s plenty in Polk County to attract adults travelling without children, from Bok Tower Gardens to the largest single collection of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings at Florida Southern College Campus.

 

Advise clients to book a tour here to understand the genius behind the architect’s methods, such as how the layout of the buildings were designed to direct which rooms you spend your time in.

 

Couples will also enjoy its sophisticated dining scene. Latin American restaurant Nineteen61 in Lakeland is buzzing even on a Monday evening, serving up dishes such as traditional Peruvian paella with scallops, shrimp, clams and lobster.

 

Theme parks in Central Florida

Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, Peppa Pig Theme Park. Image credit: 2021 Snap Out Loud Photography, LLC/Chris Stephenson

 

But in recent years, Polk County has worked to appeal more to families. Joni Allen, tourism industry sales manager at Visit Central Florida, says: “We’ve completely flipped the market. We used to be an older market but we’re more of a family destination now and we’re really pleased. Peppa nailed that.”

 

The Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in 2022 next to Legoland Florida Resort, on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, and a new Sea Life Florida Aquarium that opened in June 2025.

 

Smaller and less crowded than some other Florida playgrounds, the Peppa Pig Theme Park is perfect for children under the age of six. After queuing for mere minutes, I test out Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster before posing with Peppa herself at a meet-and-greet. As a Certified Autism Center, there are sensory guides for all rides and plenty of quiet spots to take a breather, including an air-conditioned cinema room.

 

Legoland itself has more than 50 attractions and a water park. Pre-teens will love its rides and Miniland USA, with recreations of everything from Bok Tower to the Daytona race track made out of colourful blocks.

 

Away from the theme parks, Bok Tower Gardens also has a dedicated children’s garden, while Bonnet Springs Park – Polk County’s largest city park, close to downtown Lakeland – attracts families with its giant treehouse, playgrounds, nature trails and the Florida Children’s Museum, which is inside the park.

 

Best beaches in Central Florida

 

Naples Pier. Image credit: Shutterstock/Delpixel

 

Another Florida destination working hard to attract families is its Paradise Coast – consisting of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.

 

A three-hour drive south from Lakeland, I meet Laura Radler, manager of the Edgewater Beach Hotel and member of the Tourism Development Council in Naples, who explains the area was once seen as a mainstay of older travellers but now, the visitor demographic is shifting.

 

“Our guests are changing to more families and multigenerational groups as more places to stay are being offered, bringing extra variety,” she says.

 

The Edgewater Beach Hotel is a prime example of a property to recommend to families wanting to relax on the Paradise Coast’s pristine beaches. Set on the Gulf, the all-suite hotel has rooms sleeping up to 10, and all come with kitchens.

 

The writer explores Naples by bike

 

As well as its powdery sands, Paradise Coast’s exciting wildlife is a big selling point for both families and animal-obsessed adults too. Sightings in the Everglades may include alligators and manatees, while an Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary a half-hour drive north of Naples means the chance to scour the bald cypress forest for black bears from a buggy-friendly boardwalk.

 

For child-free travellers, there are also beaches, a high-end dining scene and designer shops to browse.

 

This diverse appeal is nothing new here. While exploring with Naples Bicycle Tours, I learn Naples has been attracting tourists seeking sunny climes since its first hotel opened in 1889.

 

Its well-heeled residents keep the city’s food, retail and cultural offerings top notch – the exclusive Port Royal neighbourhood was home to the most expensive property ever sold in Florida last year, at a massive $225 million.

 

Boat trips on the Paradise Coast

 

The agents on a boat trip in Naples, Florida

 

I admire Port Royal from the water during a sunset cruise aboard catamaran Miss Naples, spotting the silhouettes of the tiny Key deer against a golden sky.

 

Inspired to see the sun put on one more show, I set my alarm early when I reach Marco Island, south of Naples, to gaze at the candyfloss clouds of dawn reflected in the waves.

 

I enjoy the tranquillity of being here solo but as the water splashes my ankles and the sun rises in the sky, I think how much my two children would enjoy the sugar-soft sand in a place where everything feels “a bit better or more beautiful”.

 

 

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Book it

 

Gold Medal offers a 14-night Central Florida and Florida’s Paradise Coast break from £2,059 per person, based on four adults sharing. The price includes seven nights in a five-bedroom Solterra Vacation Home on a self-catering basis, three nights’ room-only in a Two-Bedroom Waterway View Suite at the Naples Bay Resort and four nights’ room-only in a Deluxe Two Queen Beds Ocean View room at Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa.

 

The price includes indirect United Airlines flights from Manchester, flying into Orlando on November 7 and out of Southwest Florida, plus one-way car hire. An additional £344 is payable in local fees.
goldmedal.co.uk

 

 

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Where to stay in Central Florida

 

Polk County

 

Solterra Resort

 

The villas in Davenport, just south of Orlando, feel like a relaxed home-away-from-home with each property individually decorated by its owner. With the largest villa sleeping up to 28, Solterra Resort is perfect for big groups or those who want the flexibility of self-catering. The resort’s amenities include a heated pool, lazy river, fitness centre and sports courts.
solterraresort.com

 

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland

 

First opened in 1924, this 88-room art deco hotel in Lakeland has hosted famous guests including Frank Sinatra and Henry Ford. Due to its age and history, all rooms are unique in shape and size and some have lake views. The shops and restaurants of Lakeland are a walk away. From £121 per night for a King Room.
hilton.com

 

Paradise Coast

 

Naples Bay Resort & Marina

 

The Naples Bay Resort & Marina maximises its surroundings – all 87 rooms and suites have balconies and a waterfront view. Guests have access to the Naples Bay Club next door where there are five pools, a spa, sauna, steam rooms, a gym and tennis courts, while Naples’ 5th Avenue is close by. From £140 per night for a King Superior Waterway Room.
naplesbayresort.com

 

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa (pictured below) Set on a beautiful stretch of powdery sand on the Gulf of Mexico, this laid-back resort has 310 rooms and suites, a pool, gym and spa. Sit looking out over the ocean at its restaurant The Deck at 560 or snack on lighter bites from its 560 MKT grab-and-go market. From £190 per night for a King Room.
hilton.com

 

 

 

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Trade views

 

Miné Yusuf, senior product & marketing coordinator, USAirtours

 

“I was impressed with the diversity of what these lesser-known Florida locations had to offer. Away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, the slower pace lets you take in the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens or Bonnet Springs Park in Central Florida. Travelling down the Gulf of Mexico through Florida’s Paradise Coast, I now appreciate the calm sophistication of Naples and Marco Island, which were great for foodies.”

 

 

Sarah Edwards, sales consultant, Gold Medal

 

“Something not to miss in Polk County is the swans by Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland. They were gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. As you wander around downtown, there are also restaurants, bars and shops, plus some colourful murals.”

 

Lead image credit: Shutterstock/Charlotte Shutter