3 Brilliant UK Staycation Destinations

I love a good UK staycation, mainly because they’re much easier to plan for than family holidays abroad. Plus I know that if anything happens at home I can easily pack us all up and leave in our holiday site in no time at all. But besides the convenience of only ever being a max 8 or 9 hours drive away from home, our amazing UK staycations provide Brits with the perfect opportunity to explore some of our most amazing hidden gems…plus who doesn’t love a good family road trip?

In the UK, we’re lucky to live in an area that is naturally beautiful; we’ve got beaches, caves, forests, city breaks, wilderness camping opportunities, and everything in between. If you’re considering embarking on your own UK staycation, why not check out these 3 brilliant UK staycation destinations? 

1 Cornwall

Yes, I think I might be 100% biased due to growing up in Cornwall, but when it comes to natural beauty, you just can’t beat it! Cornwall is an amazing place to travel to for a UK staycation because there really is something for everyone. 

Cornwall boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches you’ll find in the UK – in fact, some of the beaches such as Porthcurno Beach and Long Rock Beach look truly tropical in the sun. You wouldn’t believe that you were still in the UK when you are chilling and swimming in these beautiful spots. Of course, Cornwall also has numerous hidden beauties, and there are many lesser known beaches for you to explore. Be aware that some of the beaches that are less popular with tourists are usually more difficult to access and usually they require a bit of a scramble down onto the beach.

There are lots of dog friendly beaches, although there is a seasonal dog ban on many of the more popular beaches. This means that if you’re planning on taking your 4 legged friends with you on your UK staycation, they won’t be allowed access to the beach until after 6pm, or before 10am.

As well as the stunning beaches, there’s also plenty of woodland to explore, glorious cliff top walks, and lots of family friendly attractions! 

Notable Places To Visit In Cornwall:

• Kynance Cove for a beautiful beach, lovely swimming, and a cafe with stunning views of the cove. There are public toilets at the cafe and a shower for public use.
• Healey’s Cyder Farm is the home of one of Cornwall’s most famous alcoholic drinks – Rattler Cyder. The shop is free to visit and sells every apple-related item you can think of as well as t-shirts, stickers, and other merchandise. You can also purchase tickets for tours around the cyder farm.
• St Michael’s Mount makes for a fantastic day out for all the family. Check the tide times before heading out as the island gets cut off at high tide. Worry not though as St Michael’s Mount can be accessed via a short boat trip if the causeway is inaccessible. 

2 The Lake District

If adventure is what you seek, plan your next UK staycation to take place in The Lake District. With tonnes of outdoor activities from guided hikes to extreme watersports, there’s plenty to keep adrenaline junkies extremely happy!

For family holiday goers, Cumbria also offers much more to see and do for children and adults alike. Take a trip down to the Lake District Wildlife Park or spend your afternoon perusing the exciting exhibits in one of the many Lake District museums.

The Lake District has something for everyone, and for lovers of the outdoors especially, this is a really special place to set up base for your UK staycation. There are also many options for accommodation, from camping and motorhome sites to self-catering cottages and countryside hotels. No matter your budget, there are plenty of accommodation options available. 

Notable Places To Visit In The Lake District:

• If you’re in The Lake District for your UK Staycation, you have to check out The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction. At this magical attraction, the much loved children’s book characters come to life, providing you with the opportunity to meet Peter Rabbit and even step inside Mr McGregor’s kitchen!
• Windermere is the UK’s largest lake at 10.5m long. It’s also the name of a quaint little village that’s well worth a visit. There’s plenty to do in this area, including walks, boat hire, and guided tours.
• Take advantage of the glorious dark spots Cumbria has to offer by visiting Ennerdale for a spot of seriously awe inspiring stargazing. 

3 Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a richly historic county in the North of England. Yorkshire’s known famously for its Roman and Viking heritage, therefore boasting an amazing collection of remarkable medieval abbeys. Not only that, but you can find Norman castles, Tudor houses, medieval walls, and of course, the 13th-century cathedral York Minster. If history is your cup of tea, planning your UK staycation for Yorkshire presents a fantastic opportunity to visit these brilliant buildings and structures and experience their character first hand. 

There are also countless things for children and families to do in Yorkshire if visiting these historic places doesn’t sound like something you’re up to. Yorkshire is extremely family friendly, and there are plenty of attractions and places to visit that capture the imagination and provide fantastic days out. There are farms, mystery treasure trails, gardens and estates, and much more. 

You cannot consider a UK staycation without thinking about the stunning scenery and outdoor walks. Affectionately known as “God’s Country” by the locals, Yorkshire is home to some truly breathtaking locations. There are beaches to visit, stately homes, medieval buildings, the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire’s Moors, and so much more. 

Notable Places To Visit In Yorkshire:

• The city of York makes for a great day out, with plenty to see and do. York is one of the nicest cities in the UK and has a fascinating history. It’s great for kids and, if you’re up to the challenge, you can even climb the 275 steps to the top of York Minister for some breathtaking views of the city. 
• Whitby is a working harbour town in Yorkshire that has retained a traditional feel. With cobbled paths and long stretches of sandy beach, Whitby is a wonderful seaside town to visit with the kids, despite it not being overrun with arcades and funfairs. Whitby’s fish and chips are famously delicious, so don’t miss out!
• Malham Cove will be well known to Harry Potter fans as it’s the location where Hermione and Harry camped in the Deathly Hallows Pt 1 film. This amazing cove was once home to a mighty waterfall that was higher than Niagara Falls. There are also lots of scenic walks and hikes to do in the area.

These are my favourite UK staycation destinations.

These are just 3 of my favourite places to visit when we head out on our summer UK staycations. The UK truly does offer so much in terms of attractions, activities, and beautiful scenery. What’s your favourite place for a staycation in the UK? Let me know in the comments.