6 Fantastic Staycation Destinations For Parents & Kids

With all of the chaos going on in the world at the moment, I think we can all agree that it’s been extremely hard to go on holiday abroad this year. 

If you were one of the lucky one, congrats! However, going forward for the rest of the year, a staycation is likely the best choice for British holidaymakers now.

So, if you were still thinking of going on a cheeky break when the kids are off next, then check out these 6 fantastic staycation destinations.

1. SAUNTON SANDS, NORTH DEVON

If you were looking for more than just a day out, then checkout Saunton Sands lovely four-star art deco hotel. 

Overlooking three miles of fabulous beach, really cool sand dunes and with enough variety to keep both surfers and sunbathers occupied. 

You really are in for a treat if you choose this as your next staycation. 

The hotel offers 2 hours of free supervised childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 11 years. So, if you and your partner are looking to escape for a few hours knowing the kids are fully taken care of, then this is for you!!

Features:

* Three miles of beach and dunes

* Luxury Spa with the  beauty treatments 

* Brilliant surfing opportunities

* Al-fresco dining at the Beachside Grill (spring to autumn)

* Terrace Lounge for light meals and snacks

* Supervised children’s playroom with two hours of free childcare

* Large indoor heated pool including a children’s pool

* Free parking

* Helipad (for your private helicopter 😉)

2. THE LAKE DISTRICT

Now, if you’re looking to connect with nature, then you just have to try The Lake District. Known as ‘fresh air tourism’. This has got to be THE most popular destination for British holidaymakers of all time.

Jam-packed with a ton of activities for all of the family such as:

Walking

Cycling

Climbing

Gorge scrambling

Water sports

Boat trips

Adrenaline junkies

Activity centres

There really is no end to the different activities for you all to take part in. Home to the infamous World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle and the Lakes Aquarium. 

3. NORFOLK, EAST ANGLIA

Most people don’t think of Norfolk for a staycation. However, what they seem to forget is that there are so many fantastic beaches and attractions in Norfolk. Like: 

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE & ZOOS

Africa Alive

Amazona Zoo

Banham Zoo

Camel Park Oasis

Easton Farm Park

Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary

Jimmys Farm and Wildlife Park

Pensthorpe Natural Park

Redwings Horse Sanctuary - Aylsham

Redwings Horse Sanctuary - Caldecott

Sea Life Great Yarmouth

Snettisham Park

Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens

FAMILY FUN & THEME PARKS

Beccles Lido Ltd

BeWILDerwood

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Hirstys Family Fun Park

Merrivale Model Village

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park

Pleasurewood Hills

Richardsons Family Entertainment Centre

Richardsons Yacht Club Leisure Complex

ROARR Dinosaur Adventure

Southwold Maize Maze

Vintage Penny Arcade

Wroxham Barns

To name just a few. 

4. NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE

Now, we couldn’t talk about staycations in the UK without mentioning the beautiful New Forest.

If you thought the previous locations had lots to do, then you’ll want to check out

New Forest National Park

Did we mention that the New Forest is a national park? This means there are tons forest trails, horseback riding, hiking, cycling around hundreds of miles of beautiful scenery.

Visit Hurst Castle

This is an artillery fortress established by Henry VIII in the 1500s managed by English Heritage.  The castle sits on a shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford on Sea, and isn’t that far from the Isle of Wight. You’ll love the views from the top of the castle.

Exbury Gardens

Set between Beaulieu and The Solent, the gardens are a 200 acre informal woodland garden in Hampshire. Not only does it have a range of fantastic picnic areas to sit and relax, but it also has a tearoom and locally made ice cream.

Beaulieu

Based in South Hampshire. This pretty little village houses the National Motor Museum famous for its beautiful cars and gorgeous grounds. With interactive play areas and a monorail, there’s plenty for the family to see and do. 

5. THE ISLE OF WIGHT

A lot of people forget that the Isle of Wight isn’t that far from the south coast. An island off an island. It is nearly a stone’s throw away from Portsmouth and Southampton. With frequent ferry rides multiple times a day departing from Lymington to Yarmouth, or Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Ryde. You can be there in a jiffy.

Top 11 things to do on the Isle of Wight are:

• Dinosaur Isle, Sandown
• Blackgang Chine, Ventnor
• Osborne House Queen Victoria's country home, Cowes
• The Needles, Alum Bay
• Monkey Haven, Newport
• Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ryde
• Bembridge Fort, Sandown
• Mottistone Gardens, Newport
• Robin Hill Country Park, Arreton
• Carisbrooke Castle, Newport
• Yarmouth Castle, Yarmouth

6. CENTER PARCS / BUTLINS

Now we couldn’t list staycations in the UK without including Center Parcs, could we?

If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation while also having plenty of attractions to keep the kids busy, then this is for you. 

It has thrilling pools, fairground rides, a ton of outdoor activities as well as evening entertainment. There really is something for every age.

Note: Before you book anything. Look out for coupons and discount codes online since it’s not the cheapest place in the world and you could make some significant savings.