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Best Family-Friendly Staycation Destinations In The UK

By Natalie Wilson

April 29 2021 - The summer is on its way and we have been locked up for too long now, I think its time we start to enjoy some sun, drinks and maybe even a cheeky staycation if you aren’t one of those lucky few who are chancing a holiday abroad. We have all been longing for this time, and it’s great to have some freedom to go to our favourite bars and restaurants whilst enjoying some time with the family in the sun.

In this article, we will go through some of the most popular staycation destinations in the UK and also go through some activities to do whilst you are there. So it’s time to pack your suitcases and bring all the baby essentials including the ridiculous amount of nappies, the coverall bibs and baby wipes.

1. Cornwall

Cornwall has been a family favourite destination for many years. The beautiful green countryside, picturesque harbours, sandy beaches and tropical weather are all the features that people go abroad for, we already have it in this country, you just need to look for it!

Most Popular Beaches:

  • Towan
  • Great Western
  • Lusty Glaze
  • Tulane
  • Fistral Beach (Most Popular For Surfing)

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • St Ives (Best For Quiet Breaks)
  • Padstow
  • Falmouth (Best For Shopping)

2. Devon

Devon also has the best of both worlds, it has the countryside and the beautiful coast. Devon is the perfect location for a relaxing UK family staycation. It is perfect for those who enjoy a hike but also to just relax on the clean sands and calm beaches. There is a range of beautiful areas with beautiful natural landscapes of the coastline and the Dartmoor national park.

Most Popular Beaches:

  • Woolacombe
  • Croyde
  • Westward Ho (Best for surfing)
  • North Devon District

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • Lundy Island
  • Dartmouth
  • Dartmoor National Park

3. Scottish Highlands and Islands

The Scottish Highland is a beautiful destination surrounded by mountains, lakes and wildlife. This is the perfect destination for the active family wanting to go for hikes, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Everywhere you look will have beautiful views that are full of history.

Most Popular Hikes:

  • Old Man of Hoy, Orkney
  • Stac Pollaidh, Assynt
  • Muckle Flugga, Shetland
  • Loch an Eilein, Cairngorm National Park
  • Ben Nevis

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

4. Lake District

The Lake District is a beautiful part of the country offering the best of the British weather so pack the raincoats and hiking boots as it can get wet up here. Whether you are bringing small children or older children, you are sure to have an adventure that you and your family won’t forget. Now a world heritage site, the national park is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Scafell Pike. It is also the home of English watersports due to the vast amount of lakes.

Most Popular Hikes:

  • Fairfield Horseshoe
  • Helvellyn Ridge
  • Scafell Pike
  • Langdale Horseshoe
  • Kirkstone Pass Loop

Family-Friendly Attractions:

  • Brockhole on Windermere
  • Coniston Boating Centre
  • Grizedale Forest
  • Lake District Wildlife Park
  • Alpacaly Ever After

Other Places To Visit:

  • Keswick
  • Ambleside
  • Grasmere
  • Windermere

5. Northumberland

Northumberland is an amazing part of the country which has something for everyone. It has beautiful clean beaches which you can take a boat from Seahouses to the Farne Islands. With beautiful castles like Bamburgh and the Angel of the North, there is plenty to see and do. If you are more for the city, then there is always Newcastle City where the famous Fenwicks Shop is and the beautiful buildings.

Most Popular Hikes:

  • Otterburn Ranges
  • Twice Brewed Inn and Sycamore Gap
  • Simonside Hills

Most Popular Beaches:

Family-Friendly Attractions:

  • Holy Island
  • Alnwick Castle
  • Bamburgh Castle
  • Northumberland National Park

6. London

Well, it's no surprise that the capital is on the list but here it is! London is full of landmarks and attractions for all the family. Yes, it's expensive but if you aren't going abroad you may as well go in style when doing your staycation. Staying further out of the city is a good way of doing things a little cheaper, you may as well plan your trip as it is simply impossible to do it all in one go.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • Buckingham Palace
  • St Pauls Cathedral
  • Hyde Park

7. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the city that is built on top of itself is a stunning place to go on a staycation. Full of shops and local attractions it is definitely a place that should be put on the UK bucket list with its rich history and culture. Edinburgh Castle stands in the centre which is surrounded by vibrant nightlife, art scene, shops, bars and restaurants. This is a beautiful place to visit no matter the weather.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
  • Fringe Festival

8. Blackpool

If you are wanting a classic British holiday then Blackpool is the place for you. If you are wanting a few words to sum up Blackpool are The Pleasure Beach, Illuminations, Water Parks and The Tower. Blackpool has many preconceptions but you can’t knock it until you have been there as it never fails to have people smile whilst also saving on money. It has gone through a range of investments recently with the zoo, marine life centre and the promenade itself.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • Central Pier
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Blackpool Arcades

9. York

York is a beautiful place to visit and there are lots to do for free if you are on a budget. Whether you are looking for the dales and moors, peaks or national parks and a beautiful coastline to add to the beautiful landscapes. Why not take a trip to Whitby where the offering of fresh fish and chips, or have a walk around North York Moors National Park to take in the beautiful landscapes.

Most Popular Hikes:

  • Ingleton Trail
  • Settle Round
  • Aysgarth woods and Waterfalls
  • Pennine Way National Park

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
  • Ribblehead Viaduct

10. North Wales

History and culture are two things that Wales definitely have and it is no doubt one of our top tens. The region has some absolutely spectacular castles and home to the recent 'I’m a celebrity' Gwrych castle. It is also the home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and a range of outdoor activities like white water rapids and rock climbing to name a few.

Best Castles:

  • Conwy Castle
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • Penrhyn Castle
  • Chirk Castle

Most Popular Hikes:

  • Yr Wyddfa - Snowdon Horseshoe
  • Devil’s Kitchen
  • Moel Siabod Daear Ddu
  • Moel Hebog

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Other Places To Visit:

  • Eryri - Snowdonia National Park
  • Welsh Highland Railway
  • The Great Orme
  • Ynys Mon - The Isle of Anglesey
  • ProAdventure



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