If holiday’s abroad have been put on hold then, planning a staycation doesn’t have to be met with disappointment. In fact, some of the most luxurious and interesting holiday sights and experiences can be found right on your doorstep – if you know where to look for them.
The perfect family staycation, as with any holiday, will depend entirely on your family group, the age of your children, and what you all like to do both together as a unit and as individuals. What this does is allow you to select a location which is surrounded by activities to please every member of the family, whether that be hidden in the hills of Scotland, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of London, or somewhere in between.
Why you should plan a family staycation in the UK
In the past, staying in the UK was often regarded as more of a long weekend kind of trip, rather than a full-blown family holiday. However, more recently, we as a nation have found ourselves a lot more interested in the local beaches, nature reserves, and luxury hotel resorts that our country has to offer.
The UK is not only packed full of history, but it also offers a broad range of activities suitable for all individuals, within a relatively small footprint. Getting from the centre of London to the outskirts of rural Essex or Kent takes no more than 90 minutes by train, and yet can make you feel as if you are somewhere entirely new. Head further South and you find yourself faced with the infinite beauty of the Jurassic coast, or you can head North towards the Lakes and a series of vibrant Northern cities.
There really is something for everyone on our beautiful island.
Find the perfect staycation location
That said, where do you begin?
Our number one recommendation is to find somewhere that appeases your entire family and offers a broad scope of different activities within a fairly small radius. Essex is one of the top locations if you are looking for both urban and rural surroundings, as you can move from the centre of Chelmsford out towards the idyllic surrounding villages in minutes by car. Alternatively, you can check out Southend-on-Sea waterfront and all that the South Essex area has to offer or move North where you will find more in the way of nature reserves, reservoirs and wildlife hotspots.
Family staycation ideas
This is where you can get creative. As with any family holiday, your staycation will likely revolve around fun days out, relaxing evenings in your accommodation, great food and drink, and more than a few family game nights. As such, find accommodation that offers plenty of space and allows you easy access to a few eating and drinking options, and attractions, to suit the entire family. Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford are both popular locations due to the lively and thriving businesses around them, though in Essex you can also look towards Maldon and along the length of The Dengie for alternative and less populated options.
The best bit? All of these locations are accessible by car and by public transport from most central locations around the UK… (and everywhere has a great chippy and more than a few good pubs!).
Ready to plan your trip? Get started with Sorted Stay.