Best UK Family Staycation Ideas For 2024

Location

The famous cliffs are packed full of fossils from the Jurassic period which is where the coast gets its name from! And just a stones-throw from the Jurassic coast are actual dinosaur footprints from 145 million years ago! People flock to the Jurassic Coast each year as it is a beautiful location with a 95-mile stretch of coast with 185 million years worth of the Earth’s history.

Keep your eye out for Durdle Door! This famous limestone arch has been formed over the last 10,000 years! There’s no wonder it is such a popular location for families.

If you are interested in weekend holidays or day trips it’s advised that the Jurassic Cost takes 3 full days to explore.

Don’t just stick to the sand and cliffs, launch into the sea! Re-enact a mermaid fantasy by swimming into hidden caverns or float under the arches. Dive deep and search for underwater reefs – the waters are crystal clear so this should be easy!

Accommodation

This area of Dorset has many charming accommodations available from pet-friendly cottages to self-catering holiday homes, hotels and camping holidays!

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 11° – 20°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 4° – 9°

Location

This seaside town is a beautiful part of England with plenty of things to do. Stroll across the sandy beaches, go rock pooling, hike the nearby hills, strike up windsurfing or hop aboard a boat tour! One of our favourite family attractions is also near Mevaggisey…

Is it ringing any bells yet? The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a must-visit attraction while you’re in Mevaggissey. Explore 200 acres of garden history, mystery and romance… You’ll uncover rare breeds of animals, a jungle, a Burmese rope bridge (perfect for young explorers), and 150-year-old rhododendrons and camellias! This attraction is just a 5-10 minute drive from Mevagissey.

Make sure to check out beautiful ocean views from the Mevagissey Viewpoint! There is also the Mevagissey Museum, Mevagissey Sea Safari, Mevagissey Railway Model Village and so much more.

If you take a 20-minute trip North, you’ll find Carlyon Bay and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum located in St Austell!

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs dotted along the coastline too.

Accommodation

There are many holiday options from seaside cottages to campsites, glamping pods, hotels, and bed and breakfasts.

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 16° – °23.

Average Winter weather ranges from 6° – 8°

Location

Hike across the hills with your pooch or strike up a new hobby for the week like watersports, bike rides or boating. There are plenty more fun activities too from Treetop Treks to adventure playgrounds, Brochole Gardens, National Trust Parks, Wray Castle and more!

If you’re a lover of Peter Rabbit then why not check out The World of Beatrix Potter Museum and learn all about his creator? The exhibition features favourite characters from famous books including Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy-winkle, and the outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden offers visitors a timeless view of Mr. McGregor’s vegetable patch.

Lake Windermere is the perfect holiday for all family members as there is a broad range of activities to get stuck into.

Accommodation

Lake Windermere is a hub for lakeside lodges and cottages – most with charming views of the 14.73 km² lake! You can book family townhouses and apartments with Windermere Marina Village (pet-friendly accommodation included).

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 17° – 20°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 6° – 7°

Location

This holiday idea is ideal for those wanting to sink their teeth into some culture. If you are a family of history buffs with a hunger for adventure then York is the answer to your prayers…

York is a popular destination among people of all ages and there are many reasons why. York is recognised as one of the world’s friendliest cities, filled with heaps of excellent attractions. Head over to the JORVIK Viking Centre to learn all about the Viking Invasion. Walk through a street of reconstructed Viking buildings and browse 1000-year-old artefacts!

Delve into the history of all things sweet at York’s Chocolate Story! You’ll find up to 3000 years of chocolate history and learn all about your favourite treats from Terry’s Chocolate Orange to Rowntree.

Give your legs a break and cruise through the River Ouse! Close your eyes and soak up the sun and sounds of the city as drift down the river. River cruises are a perfect opportunity to scope out your next attractions.

Get gory in the York Dungeons and uncover York’s dark past. Enjoy blood-curdling rides and come face-to-face with some of York’s most infamous characters... To find more attraction ideas head over to Best Things To Do in York article.

One of the best things about UK city breaks in comparison to beach holidays is that you have lots of attractions at your fingertips and there are many more transport options too.

Accommodation

York is a pretty unique place so why not look for somewhere unique to stay? Airbnb has so many quirky stays from houses near the centre of the town, cottages, and cabins in the nearby countryside.

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 11° – 20°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 0.5° – 6°

Location

The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, and outstanding scenery. The turquoise sea is filled with beautiful creatures such as seals, whales, Atlantic salmon and dolphins which you can see on boat trips and sea safaris.

On land, you’ll get to see otters, red deer, sea eagles (the largest birds of prey in Britain), puffins, gannets, pine martens and golden eagles!

You’ll be in awe of the soaring peaks of Cullin Hills and the Old Man of Storr. The stunning landscapes have been captured in popular films & TV shows like Game of Thrones! The area is a hotspot for seeing the bright flecks of the Northern Lights too! In the evenings you can cosy up on camp chairs under blankets and stare high into the sky, free of artificial light.

Don’t worry about having to travel too far on this holiday as the whole island takes just half a day to drive around!

This staycation UK holiday is perfect for an outdoor-loving family as well as hikers, swimmers, animal lovers and nature lovers too!

Accommodation

There are many holiday options from seaside cottages to highland glamping pods, hotels and eco-lodges. You’ll have the best staycation UK holiday here!

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 14° – 16°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 1° – 7°

Location

Tenby is historically a Norman town which is home to the first stone-wall fortification! The medieval walls are what make Tenby so famous alongside its long stretch of golden beaches and charming shops.

There are plenty of things to do in Tenby too! Take a boat trip to Cauldy Island or go mackerel fishing! Spot porpoises and puffins on a sea safari or grab an ice cream and sit on the shoreline. Enjoy a cone of chips from a seaside chippy and meet the locals. There are lots of excellent family restaurants in Tenby too, making it the perfect place to set up camp.

Tenby is a very popular family holiday destination because of the wide variety of attractions like Heatherton World of Adventure, Folly Farm, Manor House Wildlife Park and Oakwood Theme Park.

There is an abundance of shops, cafes, and pubs dotted around the town too so you can enjoy a week/weekend of leisure.

Accommodation

There are many holiday options from seaside Victorian terrace houses to cottages, hotels, holiday parks, and campsites.

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 12° – 19°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 3° – 9°

Location

We all know Warwick Castle in the UK as it’s one of the most impressive historic castles in the country and it has a wide range of fun activities on offer too. There are lots of opportunities to learn, climb, scream and take part in historical activities. Kids can examine at indoor exhibits, try out archery, head down the dungeons (and learn about torture), and climb to the top of the battlements.

Warwick Castle is also a hive for all the best events. From Digbeth Dining Club street food events to the Dragon Slayer, Luna Cinema screenings, and live performances by A-list celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Michael Buble! It really is an excellent attraction for both kids and adults.

Now, this is where it gets even more fun… This isn’t just your average UK staycation. From start to finish kids will be immersed in medieval living whether they stop over in the Knight’s Village, Caesar’s Tower Suites or Warwick Glamping Tents, there is a diverse range of accommodations on offer.

If you want to live the like a king or queen with a four-poster bed then the Tower suites are for you. Live out your weekend in the leady woodland barracks and enjoy a continental breakfast when you stay over in the Knights Woodland Lodges. Or, make friends in the glamping area – there are 31 standard tents and 6 larger King’s tents on offer.

For more information head over to our Warwick Castle Tickets article.

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 9° – 22°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 1° – 8°

Location

There are lots of places to choose from in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. Visit the Pearl Factory, Needles Park or Alum Bay! Explore the East side of the island and go to Ryde Town and explore the Rosemary Vineyard. There are also lots of cute tea rooms in Shanklin like The Old Thatch Teashop – it’s an all-pink thatched cottage with fairies in the garden…

Accommodation

If you are looking for a family holiday without the strict itinerary but all the luxuries of coach travel, accommodation, entertainment and food then you should check out Daish’s Holidays. It’s the perfect experience for families, couples, and older guests who want to experience the luxuries of holiday-making on a budget.

Weather

Average Summer weather ranges from 13° – 20°.

Average Winter weather ranges from 5° – 10°