With so much to see and do on our own doorstep, it’s no surprise that 83% of people who took a staycation in 2021 hope to do so again this year – and they cited good reasons for it.

From a change of environment and less stress than travelling abroad to improved mental health and supporting the local economy, there are plenty of reasons to take a family staycation in the UK.

Not only that, but luxury family holiday options abound. There are a plethora of premium holiday homes dotted around the countryside, coastline and of course our cities, luxury hotels and even some outstanding glampsites.

Need more reasons to take a family staycation on our shores? We have 10 of them…

Why take a family holiday in the UK?

1. Sandy beaches and seaside resorts

We may not have Caribbean weather all the time, but we do have some beaches to rival far-flung destinations like Barbados and Jamaica. And does the weather really matter when there are buckets and spades, rock pools to explore, fish and chips to be eaten and a paddle to be had?

You’ll find the best sandy beaches in the UK everywhere from Cornwall to the Hebrides. We love Studland in Dorset, Llanddwyn beach on Anglesey and Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland.

As to seaside towns – what child doesn’t love a fairground ride or a game of hook a duck before feasting on an ice cream or scones and jam? Some of the more up-market seaside resorts even rent out luxury beach huts, and you’ll never be far from great seafood, coastal walks and wildlife spotting.

2. Get into the great outdoors

Our green and pleasant land provides plenty of opportunities for a real change of scenery and a step into the great outdoors.

Whether it’s an action-packed family holiday in the mountains of Snowdonia, a break in the rural charm of the Lake District or the rugged Scottish Highlands that takes your fancy, there’s something outdoorsy to appeal to every age.

Younger families can enjoy lakeside picnics, the playgrounds in the gardens of stately homes or adventure trails. If you have older children, there’s hiking, mountain biking, water-based activities and much, much more.

Not only is there something for everyone, but getting out of doors and into nature really does wonders for mental health and wellbeing. What’s not to like?

3. Beauty spots on your doorstep

With all these outdoor options on offer, you won’t fail to notice the UK’s abundance of beauty spots. 

Families will enjoy the picturesque village of Portmeirion in Wales, which was built to demonstrate how a place could be developed without spoiling its natural beauty. Or perhaps you want to see one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe (an apt name if ever there was one).

Durdle Door in Dorset is something of a well-known icon now, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful, and if you’re already heading south-west, Stonehenge and nearby Avebury are unmissable.
More generally, the UK has a number of spectacular national parks that hold real family appeal, from the South Downs just outside of London to the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Cairngorms.

4. Famous landmarks

Where to start? The UK’s cities boast something of a plethora of famous landmarks that will appeal to all ages.

In London, there’s Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the London Eye, Hyde Park…the list is almost endless.

Outside of England’s capital, you might want to visit the white cliffs of Dover, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Eden Project in Cornwall where families can explore the space-age biomes and walk through rainforest clouds, Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria, Edinburgh’s castle and Royal Mile, Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, or Giant’s Causeway, where you can follow in the footsteps of Northern Ireland’s giants.
Smaller must-see cities include York for its minister and the Jorvik Viking Centre, Bath for its Roman spa, Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge and lovely Chester for its famous Roman Walls, wonderful independent shopping on the Rows, the Storyhouse theatre and the historic race course.

5. You’ll have less travel time and travelling is easier

Aside from places to visit and things to see, one overarching advantage of a family staycation in the UK is simply that you’re cutting down on your travel and minimising time spent on the journey.

All of these famous landmarks, beauty spots and gorgeous landscapes are much more accessible than foreign shores, and they hold a charm and magic all their own.

6. Putting your money into the UK economy

There’s no getting around it, the UK economy is struggling. By staying at home, you’ll be putting your money into our own economy – into independent shops, local food producers, the UK’s growing wine industry and a hospitality industry that has been struggling over the last few years.

7. You can take your pets

Forget two weeks in the kennels for your beloved dog – a lot of the UK’s luxury holiday homes, glampsites and even hotels will let you bring your (well-behaved) pets. And if you’re planning on spending a lot of time exploring the great outdoors, this is good news for Rover (and undoubtedly your kids, too).

8. Take as much luggage as you like

No more packing for a weight limit or paying unreasonable fees for check-in luggage. A family staycation in the UK means you can pack the car with as much as you want (and take all the liquids you need) without a second thought.

9. Staycations are more manageable than going abroad

If you have young children, a UK family break is probably going to be a lot less stressful than an overseas holiday. Travelling abroad with very young children can be exhausting (for them and you), and keeping them entertained for hours at airports and on flights takes infinite amounts of patience.

Not only that, but there’s no need for passports, visas or waiting at airports. There’s no language barrier and no jet lag – all of which is ideal for families with children of any age.

10. Luxury accommodation and first-class service

The UK offers a spectacular range of luxury accommodation – and it’s all close by. Whether you prefer a premium city hotel, a super-private country retreat or a luxurious family holiday home with a concierge service offering everything from private chefs, cookery lessons, wine tasting and children’s parties, the UK has it all.

Looking for a luxury UK family staycation? Take a look at our premium holiday homes, perfect for extended families.