Not familiar with the term staycation? Well, you may be interested to know that it was officially added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2010. A staycation is simply a holiday here in the UK, with the added advantage of not having to worry whether your passport has expired!
There are countless amazing places to visit in the UK for a family staycation from the bright lights of London or Edinburgh to the coastal resorts filled with seaside fun in Cornwall or Brighton. Here are our top 5 favourite staycation ideas…
London staycation
With so many amazing things to do in and around London for a family, you’ll need more than a few days to squeeze everything in. Harry Potter fans can experience the Hogwarts Express and go behind the scenes in the Warner Bros Studio Tour for an unforgettable day.
Other family-friendly London attractions are the Science museum, which always has an action packed programme of activities for kids, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye. Just by the London Eye, you’ll find the new Shrek’s Adventure! which will have you and the kids laughing out loud when you take a ride on a London red bus with a difference!
There are lots of ways to travel around London, but booking a cab is one of the more convenient ways especially when travelling as a family.
Yorkshire staycation
Yorkshire is a beautiful area to visit and has a few surprises to keep the kids entertained on a family staycation too. Entering the city walls of York, you can’t fail to be impressed by the history of York through the buildings and architecture. The kids will appreciate the history when it comes alive at JORVIK Viking Centre or the York Dungeons if they’re feeling brave.
If the children need to run of some energy then a visit to the Yorkshire Dales will help, whether you choose to walk or opt for a cycle ride you can enjoy the stunning countryside and fresh air.
Scotland staycation
You can easily spend a two-week staycation in Scotland staying in one of the now cosmopolitan cities of Edinburgh or Glasgow. Both of these Scottish cities are beautiful to explore, each with their own great heritage, they make a great base from which to explore the rest of Scotland.
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains, close to the town of Fort William, but if the kids want a Scottish castle to explore you will be spoilt for choice. The 16th century Stirling Castle is a popular choice, along with Edinburgh Castle of course.
Finally, you can’t visit Scotland without a trip to Loch Lomond, the largest body of freshwater in mainland Britain. It’s a popular attraction for Scots and visitors and ideal for boating, water skiing or just pack a picnic and enjoy the unique atmosphere and scenery of the Trossachs National Park.
Cornish staycation
The clear blue waters and sandy beaches of Cornwall make the ideal coastal staycation. It’s not surprising that Cornwall is ranked among one of the top places to visit in the UK and an absolute haven for kids. Newquay is a popular beach town with families, where you can enjoy the evenings with a little nightlife as well.
St Ives is a historic fishing town and is surrounded on all sides by sandy beaches. Not far from St Ives you can visit Lands End, the westernmost point of Cornwall where you can enjoy the family-friendly coastal footpath above the cliffs and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and porpoises.
Should the British weather let you down for a day, a visit to the Eden Project is a good choice where you can feel the tropical heat in the Rainforest Biome or meander through the Mediterranean Biome. There’s a host of activities for children of all ages and something to do whatever the weather.
Brighton staycation
Brighton offers families an immense selection of places to stay and the kids will love this typically British seaside town. The world famous Brighton Pier will keep the kids occupied with the rollercoasters and rides or they can paddle in the sea and play on the pebble beach. After strolling down the promenade, you can enjoy the seaside smells and atmosphere at one of the many seafront cafes and bars and carry on the party into the evening.
The exotic looking Brighton Pavilion is one landmark that you might not expect to find in a seaside resort but is well worth a visit. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the style of India and China, an interesting combination.
A staycation offers great value for money and if flying isn’t on your list of favourite things to do, taking a cab is a lot less stressful.
