All The Essential Ingredients

While it was a challenging time for many families, the pandemic also served as a trigger for family UK staycations. After all, we definitely all still needed a holiday, and there’s much to explore on our shores.

And we seem to have realised something…a staycation can offer just as much joy, adventure and luxury (and sometimes even sun) as a trip abroad. In fact, a VisitBritain survey in March 2022 revealed that 61% of people would take a staycation before February 2023, compared with 44% of people who plan to take an overseas holiday during that time. 

So with that in mind, what makes for a successful luxury family UK staycation? We explore where to go, all the entertainment essentials you need and the added extras that make a family staycation extra special.

Everything you need for a luxury family staycation in the UK

Firstly: it’s all about location, location, location. Do you want to be in the heart of the action or away from it all? In walking distance to local sights and conveniences or in utter rural peace?

If you opt for a family city break, you might want to consider how easy it will be to walk to the main attractions or be near public transport. It’s also a good idea to have the number of a local taxi firm on hand, or check whether there are any executive car firms you can use while you’re in town. If you’re staying in a holiday home that offers a concierge service, they’ll probably be able to arrange local transport for you.
If you’re heading to the countryside, it’s good to know how far you’ll be from the nearest shops, pubs and restaurants – you might want to be within walking distance. And if you’re off on a family beach staycation, it’s of course important to check where your nearest family-friendly beach is, and if it has Blue Flag status. And with all that in mind…

Country, city, farm or beach?

The UK offers a delightful diversity of landscapes, and in turn that means great variety in the types of staycation there are for families to enjoy. When you’re looking for accommodation, it’s a good idea to check recent reviews. If you look at both Google reviews and TripAdvisor, you’ll get a good understanding of whether the accommodation is right for your family.

1. The country family staycation

Countryside options abound. A plethora of family-friendly luxury hotels from Cornwall to the Highlands via the Cotswolds and the Lake District cater for those seeking a premium experience, complete with kids’ clubs, pools and activities for all ages. There’s also a pick of country holiday homes, and let’s not forget glamping. If you’re not quite into the camping life, glamping is the luxury alternative – think rainfall showers, fluffy towels, hot tubs and butler service, all in the great outdoors.

2. Family city breaks

With 70 cities across the UK to choose from, you’ll find one to suit your whole family. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, walking tours, science, art galleries, great restaurants, sports or simply mooching around city streets, a city staycation is as diverse as you need it to be. Just take a look at Daisy Joy’s self-catering luxury holiday home in Chester for an idea of what to expect from a premium family city staycation.

3. Farm life

If you’re looking for a luxury family staycation with younger children, you might want to consider a farm stay. And no, you won’t have to help out in the yard, unless you particularly want to. You’ll find a range of holiday cottages on farms across the UK, and a variety of glamping options, too. You can even stay on a working farm for a real educational adventure for your little ones.

4. Luxury family beach breaks

Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like a sunny day at the beach…although there’s no guarantee of that in the UK, of course. But beach staycations still offer plenty of fun, even if it’s normally a little cooler than the south of France. UK beaches can be mind-blowingly beautiful, and the coastline offers plenty of walks and activity options, from collecting fossils on the Jurassic coast in Dorset to kayaking along Anglesey’s beaches.

Entertainment essentials for a luxury UK family staycation

The entertainment essentials you’ll need for a staycation in the UK include both indoor and outdoor games.

Outdoor games are a win and will keep the whole family entertained, whether that’s in a garden or on the beach. We like this giant toppling tower and are always up for a game of rounders or croquet.

While outdoor games are great for when the weather’s fine, you’ll also need something for the kids to do when the weather turns. Whether you’re indoors because of a rain shower or you’re in for the night, we recommend having a few entertainment choices on hand that will keep everyone occupied and having fun.

Having enough books on hand is essential, whether they’re on a Kindle, tablet or a good paperback. 

You might also want to download some games onto your or your children’s devices, perhaps a mixture of the downright fun to the more educational. Packing your child’s gaming device of choice is also an option if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation.
If you’re looking for more family-oriented indoor entertainment, it’s always a good idea to have a pack of cards on hand. Other indoor games we like to play on family staycations include board games, dominoes, dice games…and Pictionary Air, which can be truly hilarious.

Added extras that make a luxury family staycation really special

If you’re staying in a luxury holiday home in the UK, there are many ways in which you can make your visit extra special. 

Some luxury holiday homes (like ours at Daisy Joy) offer a concierge service. They’ll be able to organise things like:

• Booking the best restaurants and pubs nearby, arranging for local chefs to visit the property to either cook for you or offer cooking lessons and even organising a homemade food delivery for your arrival. 
• Private tea parties. Premium tea companies like Quinteassential offer a tea tasting experience – with cake, of course – and parents may enjoy a tea cocktail or two.
• In-home spa treatments.
• Yoga classes – relax and unwind with a personal yoga session, outdoors, if the weather is good.
• Wine deliveries and personalised wine tastings.
• Magical sleepovers. Younger children (and maybe even your teens!) will love indoor glamping. Tepee companies such as X can deliver and style a heavenly little party before returning to pack up the following day.

Luxury picnic hampers. Choose to picnic in the garden or park, on the beach or at the top of a mountain – and if the weather turns, a carpet picnic is always fun.

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