Written By Zac Harrison
British staycations enjoyed a renewed popularity boost during the covid pandemic and despite the return to normality, they are showing no signs of slowing down!
We’ve rounded up our top 10 UK holiday destinations for families; whether you are a host looking to rent your property or a guest planning their next break, read on to find out more.
The Lake District
England’s largest national park has long been a favourite for a staycation and it’s not difficult to see why. With a plethora of charming towns such as Ambleside, Keswick, Grasmere, and Coniston; stunning natural beauty spots and many tranquil lakes the Lake District provides the perfect location to wind down with the family.
Date for your diary: Keswick Mid-Summer Festival, June 2024 – this family-friendly festival features a dog show, picnic in the park and musical concert.
Peak District
A world-famous outdoor adventure destination, the Peak District is renowned for breath-taking vistas, rivers, springs, and caves.
The area is home to natural beauty spots like Dovedale, the Monsal Trail, Stanage Edge and the Pennie Way. So be sure to pack your hiking boots if you choose a stay in this top UK holiday destination.
Why do people love the Peak District?
A top UK holiday destination for countryside explorers, you will find a plethora of Peak District wild swimming spots and Peak District waterfall walk opportunities!
What’s more, with cycling, gorge scrambling, and Go Ape high ropes, families will enjoy exploring the region! Alternatively, you could tour the countryside at a leisurely pace with easy Peak District walks and dog-friendly Peak District walks.
However, the Peak District isn’t only about the great outdoors! Among the region’s sumptuous stately homes are the magnificent Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, letting you immerse yourself in its rich culture.
Alternatively, you could plan a day trip to Alton Towers, Lost Earth Adventures, or Treak Cliff Caverns with your loved ones!
There are many beautiful and tranquil villages where you can stay for a relaxing UK holiday, such as the picturesque Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne and Wirksworth.
South Wales
With a range of picturesque coastal villages, a wild coastline, and golden, sandy beaches to rival Cornwall, South Wales is a fantastic alternative for those who don’t want to travel as far South-West. Don’t miss the local food and drink scene in Tenby, the delights of the Gower peninsula and a walk along the awe-inspiring Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
Date for your diary: Abergavenny Food Festival 16th & 17th September 2023 – attracting more than 30,000 visitors a year, this is a foodie paradise not to be missed!
East Anglia
Comprising of the English counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, East Anglia is renowned for its wide coastlines and extensive countryside. Areas such as Thetford Forest, the Norfolk Broads and Suffolk Coast & Heaths are ideal spots for a family staycation.
The area has a mix of coastal villages, cathedral cities and medieval towns so there is truly plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Date for your diary: Jane Austen’s Emma Open-Air Theatre 13th July 2024 – a comedic take on this classic novel that promises fun for the whole family.
Cornwall
Britain’s most popular staycation destination is without a doubt Cornwall, also known as the English Riveria. It is an obvious choice for keen beachgoers, with hundreds of award-winning sandy beaches suited to surfing, as well as the mildest and sunniest climate in Britain! The Southwest Coastal Path runs along the county’s extensive coastline and the county is also home to Tintagel, the birthplace of Arthurian legend and plenty of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Date for your diary: Tropical Pressure Festival 14th to 17th July 2024 – an easy-going, family-friendly festival in the grassy fields of Porthtowan complete with kids workshops, food pop-ups and plenty of live music.
Northumberland
Next on our guide to the best UK holiday destinations is Northumberland! Besides its well-known castles and sandy beaches, the county is also home to beautiful natural areas, grand country manors, and an abundance of fun activities for tourists of all ages.
Why do people love Northumberland?
Northumberland offers rugged countryside, wild but beautiful beaches, old castles, lovely towns and villages, and a slew of natural adventures.
Tick exploring Housesteads Roman Fort or Hadrian’s Wall from your UK bucket list and wander the halls of Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles. Visit the Kielder Observatory to admire the starry sky, or visit the Woodhorn Museum to discover a depth of history.
You can also observe animals that live here by simply walking along the coast on the Farne Islands. Alternatively, Seahouses, Bamburgh, and Berwick-upon-Tweed are picturesque seaside towns boasting piers, penny arcades, and 1950s-style fish & chips.
No matter what you choose, Northumberland is a gem of a location, especially for a couple’s UK getaway.
North Yorkshire
Increasingly popular as a staycation destination are the North York Moors and quaint surrounding areas such as Ripon, Harrogate, Knaresborough and Richmond. The coastal towns of Staithes, Whitby and Scarborough are also great coastal destinations from which to explore North Yorkshire’s rugged coastline. North Yorks is also home to the medieval walled city of York which is well worth a day trip if staycationing in the area.
Date for your diary: The Great Yorkshire Show 11th to 14th July 2023 – this 250-acre showground is one of the best agricultural shows in the UK.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a beautiful region of Central-South-West England and ideal for a rural staycation. This area is a haven for hikers and cyclists, with the Cotswold Way providing hundreds of miles of countryside to explore. The picture-perfect villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden are well worth a visit, as are the historic palaces of Blenheim, Berkeley, and Kenilworth.
Date for your diary: Cheltenham Music Festival 8th – 15th July 2024 – a magical musical tour set amongst the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.
Dumfries & Galloway
Situated in the Scottish lowlands, Dumfries & Galloway offers over 200 miles of rocky shoreline, woodlands, sandy beaches, and an expansive forest park. From harbour towns, medieval castles, quaint coastal villages, and the South-West coastal drive 300; Dumfries & Galloway is a less obvious but no less appealing destination for your 2023 summer staycation.
Date for your diary: Closeburn Castle Ghost Hunt 10th June 2024 – set in 20 acres of secluded Scottish countryside, this medieval castle is perfect for a spot of ghost hunting!
Heart of England
It’s no secret that the Heart of England is one of the best UK holiday destinations for 2024!
The area offers stunning views of breath-taking landscapes, stately homes, and historic cities, home to a collection of some of the UK’s greenest counties.
Why do people love the Heart of England?
The Heart of England truly embodies the essence of the English countryside.
Oxfordshire boasts a stunning skyline of palaces, spires, and domes for people to admire, whilst the historic villages of Chipping Norton and Witney are perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Alternatively, you could spend a day meandering through Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon or the striking city of Oxford on your UK holiday. While the great outdoors of Shropshire and Herefordshire, as well as Malvern Hills AONB, are all great places for an active UK holiday.
The lesser-known charms of Shropshire include picturesque hills, long hikes, towering castles, and shimmering rivers. Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, and Church Stretton are just a few of the market towns and picturesque villages that dot the landscape.
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