Best UK Staycation Ideas for Families
From Center Parcs to coastal escapes - the ultimate guide to British family holidays
Forget the airport queues and passport stress. The UK offers incredible family holiday experiences right on your doorstep. From forest lodges with subtropical swimming paradises to stunning coastal towns and vibrant cities, British staycations can rival any overseas trip. Plus, you will save on flights, avoid luggage restrictions, and can pack the car with everything the kids might need. Here is your complete guide to planning the perfect UK family break.
Why Choose a UK Staycation?
The cost of overseas family holidays has skyrocketed in recent years. Between expensive flights during school holidays, accommodation, transfers, and eating out abroad, a week away can easily cost several thousand pounds. UK staycations offer genuine savings, especially when you factor in no flights, no currency exchange fees, and the ability to self-cater easily with familiar supermarkets nearby.
Beyond the budget benefits, UK holidays mean no jet lag for little ones, no flight delays to contend with, and the flexibility to pack everything you need in the car. Forgotten the favourite teddy? Home is only a drive away. Need nappies or specific food for a fussy eater? Pop to the local Tesco.
Booking Smart
UK holiday parks and cottages often offer last-minute deals. Sign up for email alerts from Haven, Center Parcs, and cottage agencies. Midweek breaks (Monday to Friday) are significantly cheaper than weekends.
Center Parcs: The Gold Standard
Center Parcs has earned its reputation as the ultimate UK family destination, and for good reason. With five UK locations (Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest, Woburn Forest, and Whinfell Forest), there is likely one within a few hours drive of wherever you live.
The Subtropical Swimming Paradise alone justifies the visit. Heated to 29.5C year-round, with wave pools, rapids, water slides, and toddler areas, children could happily spend every day here. And because it is included in your accommodation cost, you can visit as many times as you like during your stay.
- Best for toddlers - Woburn Forest has the newest facilities and excellent toddler pools
- Best for older kids - Sherwood Forest offers the most activities including aerial adventures
- Best for nature - Whinfell Forest in the Lake District has stunning woodland walks
- Best for animals - Longleat includes safari park access (extra cost but worth it)
- Best overall - Elveden Forest strikes the perfect balance of activities and peaceful setting
Booking Tips
Book 12 months in advance for school holiday dates - they sell out fast. Monday arrivals are cheapest. Bring your own bikes to save on hire costs, and stock up on groceries before arrival as the on-site shop is expensive.
Best Coastal Destinations
The British coastline offers some of Europe best beaches - yes, really. From the Caribbean-esque waters of Cornwall (if not quite the temperature) to the vast sandy expanses of Norfolk, there is a coastal destination to suit every family.
Cornwall
Cornwall consistently tops UK family holiday destination lists. The combination of stunning beaches, surf culture, cream teas, and attractions like the Eden Project make it irresistible. Expect busy roads in summer and premium prices during school holidays, but the magic is undeniable.
Devon
Devon offers two coastlines - the rugged north and gentler south. North Devon has surfing beaches like Croyde and Woolacombe. South Devon has the English Riviera around Torquay, with calmer waters perfect for younger children. The Dartmoor National Park adds adventure options inland.
Pembrokeshire
Wales often-overlooked gem rivals anywhere in the UK. Barafundle Bay regularly features in best beach lists, and attractions like Folly Farm, Oakwood Theme Park, and boat trips to see puffins on Skomer Island make it perfect for families. Prices are generally lower than the English southwest.
Norfolk
For vast sandy beaches without the long drive to Cornwall, Norfolk is the answer. Holkham Beach feels endless, Wells-next-the-Sea has colourful beach huts and a narrow-gauge railway, and the seal colonies at Blakeney Point fascinate children of all ages.
Beach Safety
Always check tide times before visiting UK beaches. Some beaches become dangerous at high tide. Look for RNLI lifeguarded beaches during summer months, and teach children to identify the red and yellow flags marking the safe swimming area.
Holiday Parks: Budget-Friendly Fun
Holiday parks offer excellent value, especially for families on a budget. With on-site entertainment, swimming pools, and activities included, you will not need to spend much beyond your accommodation cost.
- Haven - The biggest chain with parks across the UK. Excellent kids clubs, evening entertainment, and pools. Wide range from basic caravans to luxury lodges
- Butlins - Three resorts (Bognor Regis, Minehead, Skegness) with all-inclusive entertainment. Splash Waterworld, fairground, and big-name shows
- Parkdean Resorts - Good middle-ground option with pools and entertainment at lower prices than Haven
- Forest Holidays - Upmarket cabins in Forestry England locations. Hot tubs, wildlife, and tranquility rather than entertainment complexes
Early Booking Offers
Haven and Butlins release their best deals around September for the following year. A summer week that costs 2000 pounds in July can be under 1000 pounds if booked early. Set calendar reminders for when bookings open.
City Breaks with Kids
Do not discount UK cities for family breaks. With world-class museums (many free), excellent restaurants, and easy transport, cities can be surprisingly family-friendly.
London
The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A are all free. The Tower of London, London Zoo, and West End shows provide paid highlights. Stay in an apartment in zones 2-3 for more space and better value. The Tube is free for under-11s.
Edinburgh
Scotland capital combines castle exploration, Arthur Seat hiking, and the fascinating Camera Obscura. During August, the Fringe festival has hundreds of family-friendly shows. The Royal Mile is magical for children.
York
The National Railway Museum is free and endlessly fascinating. York Dungeon, Jorvik Viking Centre, and walking the city walls keep children entertained. The city is compact and walkable, perfect for little legs.
Museum Fatigue
Children have limited museum stamina. Plan one major attraction per day maximum, with plenty of park time, ice cream stops, and free play built in. Quality over quantity always wins with kids.
Countryside Escapes
For families who love the outdoors, the UK national parks offer adventure and beauty. The Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and Scottish Highlands provide dramatic landscapes perfect for family exploration.
Self-catering cottages work brilliantly for countryside breaks. Look for properties with gardens for children to play safely, and check if the owners are family-friendly (some specifically welcome children with toys, highchairs, and stair gates provided).
- Lake District - Boat trips, Beatrix Potter, gentle walks, and dramatic scenery
- Peak District - Cave exploring, cycling trails, and accessible from much of England
- Yorkshire Dales - Waterfalls, steam trains, and fewer crowds than the Lakes
- Snowdonia - Beach and mountain combination, with the famous train to the summit
- Scottish Highlands - Loch Ness, castles, and true wilderness (midges permitting)
Weather Planning
UK countryside holidays need flexible planning. Have indoor backup activities ready for rainy days. Many areas have excellent soft play centres, swimming pools, or child-friendly cafes for weather escapes.
Practical Tips for UK Family Holidays
- Pack for all weathers - Even in August, bring waterproofs and layers. British weather changes quickly
- Book restaurants - Popular family restaurants in holiday areas fill up. Book dinner slots in advance
- Check school holidays - Scottish schools break at different times. Consider Scotland in late June before English schools finish
- National Trust membership - If visiting multiple properties, membership pays for itself. Children go free
- Download offline maps - Mobile signal can be patchy in rural areas. Download maps before you go
Planning a UK staycation? Generate a customised packing list for British weather and your activities.
Build My Packing ListBudget Breakdown
What to expect for a family of four during school holidays:
- Center Parcs midweek - 1200-2000 GBP for 4 nights (varies by season and location)
- Haven caravan - 600-1500 GBP for a week depending on park and accommodation level
- Coastal cottage - 800-2000 GBP per week in popular areas like Cornwall
- Holiday park lodge - 1000-2500 GBP per week for premium accommodation
- City break apartment - 150-250 GBP per night in London, less elsewhere
Hidden Costs
Budget for extras: Center Parcs activities cost extra, holiday park arcades eat money, and coastal car parks add up. Factor in 50-100 pounds per day for activities and treats beyond accommodation and food.
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