Nature, Adventure, and Relaxation – UK Spots Every Family Will Love

If you are already thinking about the warmer weather during this Winter chill, chances are you’re also planning what to do to make the most of it. Better temperatures and less rain mean getting outdoors to enjoy the best the UK has to offer. Unless you love the cold, wet weather (and to be fair, that can happen at any time) you may be thinking of booking a staycation this Spring or Summer that offers a bit of everything for your family. Beach days, historical sites, and lots of fun activities will keep you busy, so where should you head to?

Whether you have a family full of thrill-seekers or are looking for something more peaceful to focus on relaxation, below are a few ideas to inspire you. Get ready to unwind in nature and be inspired by our top picks to have a staycation to remember.  

Escapes Focused on Nature

The Lake District – a UNESCO World Heritage site, you cannot have a more quintessential outdoor experience than in the lakes and towering mountains in Cumbria, offering countless hiking trails suitable for both little legs and more experienced walkers. Not only that, boating on Lake Windermere or exploring the World of Beatrix Potter can make for a magical experience for children, along with Go Ape in Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter for thrill seekers.

Scottish Highlands & Islands – heading across the border into Scotland takes you to another perfect setting to enjoy nature, with the rugged terrain and dramatic vistas of Glencoe or Loch Ness, including the mystery surrounding its mythical monster in the visitor centre. There are many spectacular walking paths but also the chance to spot wildlife like deer and even dolphins off the coast. Heading to the islands such as Skye or Arran, offers even more opportunities accessible by ferry, from hill walking to medieval castle visits.

Norfolk Broads – the broads have long been a family holiday destination if looking for a more serene nature escape. Families can hire boats and canoes to enjoy the tranquil waterways, see a diverse range of wildlife including seal pups at Horsey Beach or farmyard animals at Wroxham Barns and even more at Pettitts Animal Adventure Park. Enjoy picnics by the waterside and take a trip to the coast nearby to the award-winning beaches in Great Yarmouth including Gorleston-on-Sea which has plenty to see and do for a family beach day.

Adventure Activities All Over the UK

Zip Lining – In North Wales, you can find the world’s fastest zip line and have an adrenaline-filled visit at Zip World. There are multiple locations across the UK, but Penrhyn Quarry is where you’ll find the velocity zip line that sends you flying over stunning landscapes at speeds of 100mph + over a 1.5 km stretch – don’t worry, you’ll be strapped in tightly. There’s also a quarry tour and karting available too.

Mountain biking – another exhilarating way to explore the UK’s diverse terrains is by getting on your bike and exploring the many trails available. Always a family favourite, you can head to the forest trails at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire that provide well-maintained routes for all skill levels, with gentle slopes for beginners and challenging descents for the more daring. Bike rentals are available too, making it easy for families to arrive and ride. The blue and green trails are ideal for families and are open all year round. They are both free of charge to use too.

Coasteering – If you’re in Cornwall for your staycation, you can have a unique adventure with coasteering along the rugged Cornish coast, where you can climb, swim, and jump your way around the natural rock formations and waterways. Guided tours ensure safety and provide all the necessary gear, making this a fantastic way to challenge older children over 8 years old and teens while exploring the natural beauty of the sea. Surfing and kayaking are also available.  

Beach & Relaxation Retreats

Many of us think of heading to the coast when planning a staycation. According to data from Statista, 34% of holidaymakers were likely to stay in a traditional coastal/seaside town on their next staycation, and it’s easy to see why. Even when the weather is less than perfect, the Great British coast provides many stunning views, beautiful beaches, and charming seaside towns and villages to explore.

Wherever you are in the UK, families can enjoy leisurely days building sandcastles, exploring tide pools, or simply soaking up the coastal sunshine. Sennen Cove on the Cornish coast, Durdle Door Beach in Dorset and Filey Beach in Yorkshire are all ideal.

For a quieter retreat, head to the Cotswolds where you can rent a suitable cottage as a family and spend your days wandering through historic market towns, visiting local farms, or enjoying expansive meadows for a picnic.

Staycation Travel Tips and Insurance

Undoubtedly, travelling with family is an enriching experience, but it requires a bit of thoughtful preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you have a young family, you’ll know it’s not as simple as packing up the car and heading off, with lots to consider before you do.

Choose Ideal Accommodation – you’ll want family-friendly options that offer flexibility, enough space, and facilities nearby that cater for children. These days, there are plenty of different options from holiday rentals as well as hotels and caravan parks to choose from, so if they are near to parks, pools and fun activities this can be helpful.

Location is Important – you’ll also want a location that ideally is within walking distance to main hubs like towns and villages, or just a short drive away. If you don’t drive, it’s best to check out local transportation options so that you can still get around without issue. Not everything will be on your doorstep, but you’ll be thankful for not having to trek too far, especially with young children.

Packing Smart – working out what to take with you is hard enough for just yourself, so doing so for the whole family can take a bit of time. The key is to pack smart, so include weather-appropriate clothing for all outdoor activities, comfortable loungewear for mornings and evenings, and other essentials like a first aid kit, entertainment from games to tablets, and comfortable footwear.

Planning for the Unexpected – For families, you need to prepare for the unexpected, especially when heading away. Whilst you may think travel insurance is just for trips abroad and unnecessary in the UK, it’s still important when spending any length of time away from home.Travel insurance can cover unexpected things like travel delays and disruptions as well as lost or stolen baggage, all things that can happen during a staycation. Also, if you have expensive gadgets with you, especially when keeping children entertained on long car journeys and evenings at your destination, insurance can cover these just in case they are damaged or lost.

When travelling as a typical family of four or a variation of this, you should choose a policy that covers you all together. As per travel insurance provider Staysure, a family is defined as you and your wife, husband, civil partner or partner who lives with you as well as your unmarried, dependent children under the age of 18 years old who live in the same household. This means you won’t have to worry about taking out multiple policies for your trip.

Book Activities in Advance – where possible, book tickets in advance for attractions that will help you to skip long lines when you arrive. If you can avoid queuing on the day, this will give you more time to enjoy. If you can work out an itinerary for each day, you can then plan with flexibility just in case the weather suddenly changes, or something is unexpectedly closed. If you are a National Trust member or English Heritage member, you’ll be able to access many attractions across the UK for free, helping you save on your holiday budget.

Your Family Staycation Awaits!

If you feel inspired, what are you waiting for – seek out some of the many locations and activities perfect for a family staycation this year and book early to avoid disappointment. You’ll hopefully create memories for a lifetime that you’ll look back on and smile for many years to come.