15 Inspiring UK Staycation Ideas For Your 2023 Family Holiday

Looking for UK staycation ideas for your family holiday?

‘Staycation’ is definitely a buzz word at the moment. With the rising costs of international travel, UK staycations are becoming more and more popular.

The UK has beautiful countryside, historical buildings at every turn, one of the best capital cities in the world, a load of UNESCO World Heritage sites and amazing beaches.

But with so much to see and do in the UK, where do you start looking for your 2023 UK family holiday?

Little by little, we have been exploring more of the UK, especially since we bought our VW Campervan.

We have really been enjoying our adventures in the campervan with the kids, but we haven’t been everywhere (yet) so we asked some fellow travel bloggers to contribute their ultimate UK staycation ideas.

If you are looking for UK staycation ideas, these helpful guides will certainly give you food for thought for your next UK family holiday. They all make ideal staycation destinations because they offer a bit of everything.

We’re busy planning our holidays for 2023 and we are loving so many of these beautiful family staycation UK destinations. Take a look at these UK staycation ideas and see what you think…

Looking for a cheaper alternative to Center Parcs? Check out our review of Sandy Balls Holiday Village in the New Forest! Or take a look at these fabulous treehouse holidays for families.

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The best UK staycation ideas for 2023

Devon

Submitted by Jessie from Pocket Wanderings

With its rolling countryside and beautiful sandy beaches, Devon is an extremely popular destination for a staycation in the UK for families. Visitors are spoilt for choice with things to do and places to see in Devon.

From castles and theme parks to zoos and watersports and gorgeous beaches, there is something for everyone (young and old) when you take your holidays in Devon.

Devon is a great place for adventurous little ones, with a number of amusement and theme parks. Crealy Great Adventure Park near Exeter offers an impressive 100 acres of rides and attractions.

It is frequently voted the best day out in Devon and is sure to keep your little ones entertained for hours. For younger children, The Milky Way in Clovelly has rides, slides, and soft play areas.

For animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, there are various zoos and animal attractions across Devon.

Explore Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple, or pay a visit to the family-run Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, where you can cuddle guinea pigs and stroke the feathers of an Eagle Owl. Devon is also home to the largest aquarium in the UK – the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth.

For a bit of history and heritage, head to one of the many castles or forts in Devon. From the popular Powderham Castle in Exeter to the 2,000 year history of the Beer Quarry Caves in Seaton.

There are also a number of historic homes and National Trust Devon properties, which make fantastic family days out on your Devon holidays.

If you get lucky with the weather, then there are plenty of family-friendly outdoor things to do in Devon. Discover Devon’s stunning nature reserves and coastal walks, or go rock pooling to find crabs and sea snails.

There are also a handful of treasure trails dotted around Devon, which are great fun for the kids. Or you can simply head to the beach for some paddling and watersports.

Beautiful towns and villages in Devon

• Clovelly
• Lynton and Lynmouth
• Dartmouth
• Dittisham

Isle of Wight

Submitted by Kat from Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for UK staycation ideas, head to the Isle of Wight. This beautiful island has plenty to offer, including some of the best views and sandy, safe beaches in England.

Getting to the island is relatively easy as there are several ferry routes to the Isle of Wight ferry. Portsmouth, Southampton (one of the biggest cruise ports in the UK – see also cruises from Southampton) and Lymington. There’s even a hovercraft if you’re not taking a vehicle.

Avoid sailing at peak times – the prices can become scarily expensive. Early morning sailings are generally cheaper and don’t forget you can use Tesco club card points on some sailings to reduce the cost.

Once safely across, there’s plenty to do on your Isle of Wight holidays. One of the best Isle of Wight walks is from the iconic Needles to Alum Bay, the beach with the multi-coloured sands. There’s also a boat trip from here to the Needles which kids will love.

If your kids like the beach there are several great options on the Isle of Wight. One of the best Isle of Wight beaches is Sandown. It’s sandy, fairly sheltered and normally safe for swimming (but please be aware of the strong currents in the area.)

You can stay nearby at one of the best campsites on the Isle of Wight and be within easy walking distance of the beach each day. Shanklin and Compton also have great sandy beaches for kids.

For younger children, head to Robin Hill Adventure Park, one of the many zoos or animal sanctuaries. For dinosaur fans there is Dinosaur Isle and Blackgang Chine which are great places to see dinosaurs in the UK. There are also plenty of stories of pirates and smugglers to keep them entertained.

For history lovers, visit Osborne House, the summer home of Queen Victoria. You can explore inside the house and there are plenty of places for the kids to run around outside, as well as a wonderful ice-cream shop.

Beautiful towns and villages on the Isle of Wight

• Shanklin
• Freshwater
• Godshill
• Brightstone

Cornwall

Submitted by Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

Cornwall is perfect for families, it has everything you could need from a destination and one visit will never be enough.

Cornwall is well known for its spectacular coastline all the way down to Britain’s most south-westerly point, Land’s End.

There’s everything here from rugged cliff top walks to beautiful stretches of sandy Cornish beaches. Come in the winter to rock pool or in the summer to paddle in the sea.

There are plenty of things to do in Cornwall with kids and if the weather takes a turn then a trip to the world famous Eden Project should be high up your list.

Wander through these domes, one set up as a tropical habitat, the other Mediterranean and enjoy the plants. Kids of all ages will love it.

There are so many great towns in Cornwall it will be hard to choose which to visit first. Enjoy Charlestown which is picturesque and full of old world charm. Children will love the Shipwreck Treasure Museum here which has over 8000 artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks.

Falmouth is another of the great Cornish towns with the beautiful Gyllyngvase Beach to enjoy (and don’t miss the café here) and the wonderfully evocative Pendennis Castle sitting high on the cliff top.

This is also home to the National Maritime Museum which is very interactive and fun for kids of all ages and another great option for rainy days.

Cornwall is scattered with National Trust properties, all of which are fantastic for families. If there’s one not to miss, it’s Lanhydrock which tells the story of its residents in the most imaginative way and kids will love visiting the school room and nursery.

Cornwall is also the perfect county to get out and be active. Kayaking around Frenchman’s Creek is a wonderful opportunity to find out about the waterways of beautiful Cornwall and the creatures that call them home.

Don’t forget to make time for Cornish ice cream which is up there with the best in the world.

It’s really no wonder that Cornwall is one of the most popular UK holiday destinations with everything it has to offer.

Beautiful towns and villages in Cornwall

• Port Isaac
• Looe
• Fowey
• Charlestown
• Megavissey
• Mousehole
• Polperro

The Lake District

Submitted by Rose from Where Goes Rose?

The Lake District is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of the UK known for its rolling countryside, cosy cottages and unsurprisingly, its many lakes. It’s both a region and a national park, many areas of which are protected due to the wildlife and flora and fauna.

It’s a fantastic place for anyone to visit but it holds particular appeal for families due to the many fun activities like boat rides, kayaking and picnics. Adults will be drawn to the striking scenery while kids will happily spot animals including friendly Herdwick sheep.

One of the best places for a weekend in the Lake District include Windermere, the largest natural lake in England surrounded by mountains and small, picturesque villages.

Here you can catch a boat cruise across the water from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside, another pretty town with great cafes.

For one of the best walks in the Lake District, you can make your way up the Old Man of Coniston. Afterwards, you can catch a boat across Coniston Water and stop for tea and cake at Bluebird Cafe.

Other hikes to do in the Lakes include Derwentwater via Walla Crag, Tom Gill to Tarn Hows and Catbells Lakeland walk. Many of these hikes are easy hikes suitable for the whole family.

Families will love one of the top Lake District attractions, National Trust – Hill Top, a 17th century house known as Beatrix Potter House. Get lost in her wonderful stories where they were written! It’s one of the loveliest things to do in the Lake District with kids.

Finally, foodies shouldn’t miss Cartmel Village Shop in the small village of Cartmel. Delicious sticky toffee pudding is what puts this place on the map. Kids and adults will go mad for this so make sure to pick up some packs for your freezer!

Beautiful towns and villages in the Lake District

• Ambleside
• Grasmere
• Cartmel
• Keswick
• Hawkshead

The Peak District

The Peak District is the UK’s oldest national park and is the perfect place for families wanting to get out into the great outdoors.

The Peak District is famous for its beautiful scenery and there’s no better way to appreciate it than on foot. There are lots of family-friendly walks in the Peak District (or hikes for the more adventurous).

Dovedale Stepping Stones (and Thorpe Cloud), Padley Gorge and Stanton Moor are all easy Peak District walks and the views of the surrounding rolling hills are truly spectacular.

If you enjoy taking in views, then you must head to the Heights of Abraham in Matlock. A cable car ride takes you across the Derwent Valley and up to a hilltop park where you’ll find caverns to explore and adventure playgrounds for the kids.

As well as hiking, you may want to bring your bikes on a staycation in the Peak District because there are some fantastic, family-friendly cycle paths.

Cycling on the Monsal Trail (8.5 miles) and the Tissington Trail (13 miles) is ideal for families because they are disused railway tracks with no traffic.

Carsington Water, a large reservoir between Matlock and Ashbourne, also has a great track around the outside (as well as excellent water sports facilities, playground areas and a café).

Being landlocked, there are no beaches in the Peak District but there are some excellent places to go wild swimming.

Top spots are the River Derwent at Chatsworth Estate and Youlgreave. If it all feels a bit too wild for you, there’s also Hathersage Pool, an open air pool.

In the UK’s oldest national park, you’ll find one of the most impressive stately homes in the country, Chatsworth House. The house itself is truly spectacular, but the kids will also enjoy the farm and playground areas and the expansive grounds.

But the Peak District is not just about enjoying nature. For thrill seekers, there is Alton Towers and Gullivers Land and for animal lovers, there are some great farm parks, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Wildlife Park.

Beautiful towns and villages in the Peak District

• Ashford-in-the-Water
• Bakewell
• Alstonefield
• Castleton
• Edale
• Tissington

The Cotswolds

Submitted by Sophie from We Dream of Travel

The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK and the perfect location for a UK family staycation.

It is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, encompassing an enormous 787 square miles across six counties.

Comprised of numerous honey hued villages and towns nestled into rolling countryside, the Cotswolds oozes with quintessential English charm.

Beyond admiring the beauty of its villages, the Cotswolds offers plenty of activities for the perfect family getaway.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or several weeks, there will be plenty to keep both the adults and kids busy!

For those that enjoy history, there are many different museums, castles and stately homes throughout the Cotswolds. These are also great to visit on a typically British rainy day!

One of the most popular museums is the Cotswolds Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water. It is home to a huge collection of motoring memorabilia, but perhaps the best part for kids is their collection of toys.

Sudeley Castle is perfect for learning about the Tudors and has an excellent adventure playground for kids.

Blenheim Palace is perhaps the most beautiful stately home in the UK and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its acres of parkland and gardens are perfect for younger family members!

Those that are more adventurous can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities from walks to cycling, canoeing and other water sports, horse riding, rock climbing and clay pigeon shooting.

If you love animals, don’t miss Cotswolds Wildlife Park. Here you can come face-to-face with a number of exotic animals including giraffes, lions and penguins.

The Cotswolds Farm Park is also worth a visit, home to many rare breeds of farm animals. They play areas here are also excellent for the little ones.

One thing is certain, come rain or shine, you won’t be short of things to do on a staycation in the Cotswolds.

Beautiful towns and villages in the Cotswolds

Many of the beautiful villages in the Cotswolds feel like they’ve been frozen in time, having remained unchanged for years. Here are some of the best:

• Lower Slaughter
• Bibury
• Broadwater
• Bourton-on-the-Water
• Stow-on-the-Wold

Suffolk

Suffolk is one of the most unspoiled parts of the UK and is a lovely place for a UK family holiday if you want to get away from the crowds. It’s also great for getting the kids outdoors as there are so many outdoor activities for kids.

It has a gorgeous coastline, much of which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Along the Suffolk coast you will find the quaint Victorian seaside towns of Aldeburgh where you’ll find plenty of things to do and Southwold – make sure to check out the maize maze if visiting with kids!

Explore the completely undeveloped Suffolk beaches of Dunwich, Walberswick and Covehithe and enjoy beautiful Suffolk coast walks in Dunwich.

Another one of Suffolk’s most famous attractions is the Anglo Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo which has been made even more famous by the lovely film on Netflix, The Dig, which is all about the discovery and excavation of the site.

Being an agricultural county, you should pay a visit to Easton Farm Park where you’ll find all manner of farm animals, most importantly a Suffolk Punch, an enormous horse that was once used on farms in Suffolk to pull the heavy machinery. There are also loads of activities there for the kids.

Suffolk is also referred to as the foodie county, and on a summer’s day there is nothing better than visiting a family-friendly Suffolk pub with a beer garden to sample some local food. Or how about wine tasting at one of the vineyards in Suffolk?!

If you’re visiting Suffolk during the month of August and are looking for some cultural entertainment, Snape Maltings has a Proms event during the whole month of August.

As well as concerts from internationally acclaimed musicians, there are lots of fun events for the kids too.

Beautiful towns and villages in Suffolk

• Lavenham – a beautiful medieval half timber houses and home to De Vere house which should be on any Harry Potter UK tour
• East Bergholt – home of Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s Cottage from John Constable’s The Hay Wain
• Framlingham – one of the loveliest market towns in England. Framlingham Castle, a well-preserved castle built in the 12th century, is the main attraction and one of the best family days out in Suffolk

Read more: 100+ Things To Do In Suffolk  15 Lovely Small Campsites in Suffolk Unusual Places to Stay in Suffolk

Norfolk

Norfolk is probably most well known for the Broads National Park (which also stretches into Suffolk).

Norfolk Broads holidays are really popular in the summer months and although Norfolk Broads boat hire is widely available, you should book well in advance. You can hire anything from a small cruiser to an enormous 5-cabin cruiser.

It’s a lovely way to see the Broads and there are lots of mooring spots along the waterways as well as many fabulous Norfolk Broads pubs.

It is a fun and relaxing way to spend a week but if you can’t get away for that long, there are plenty of Norfolk Broads day boat hire options too.

Norwich is the county town of Norfolk and is the ideal location to base yourself for discovering more of Norfolk or a great destination to visit on a day trip. Norwich Castle is one of the oldest castles in England and is a fun day out.

Make sure to also wander around the Norwich Lanes where you’ll find boutique shops and gorgeous restaurants that would rival the trendiest parts of London.

Norfolk is similar to Suffolk in many ways as it is quite rural and unspoiled, but its beaches are completely different. The sandy beaches on the north Norfolk coast are some of the best in the country. They are all lovely, although the best beaches are:

• Holkham (for rugged expanse of sand)
• Wells-next-the-Sea (for colourful beach huts)
• Hunstanton (for rockpooling and fossil hunting. Also check out nearby Norfolk Lavender in the summer months)
• Horsey Gap (for seeing a large colony of seals)
• Brancaster Beach (for dog walking)

If you’re looking for uk staycation ideas involving vintage seaside thrills, then Great Yarmouth is the place for you, in particular, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.

They have a wooden rollercoaster that has been running since 1932. It is one of only two in the country, the other being at Dreamland in Margate.

One of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids, however, has to be the enchanting Bewilderwood. It is hands down the best attraction for families in Norfolk (closely followed by Roarr Dinosaur if you have dino mad fans because it is one of the best dinosaur parks in the UK)!

Norfolk is home to the Queen’s country estate, Sandringham, which is well worth a visit, as well as other beautiful country estates such as Blickling Hall and Holkham Hall.

Beautiful towns and villages in Norfolk

• Cley-next-the-Sea
• Holt
• Blakeney
• Wroxham
• Castle Rising
• Burnham Market

See here for our favourite family-friendly things to do in Norfolk.

Kent

If you are looking for UK staycation ideas near London, Kent is an excellent choice. Known as the Garden of England (check out some of the pick your own farms for some of the best fruit picking near London).

There are some really great attractions in Kent for families. The castles in Kent offer a great day out, in particular Leeds Castle, the former home of King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon and Hever Castle, the former childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife.

A visit to Kent would not be complete without paying a visit to Canterbury, home to Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK. The city is easy to walk around but to see it from another angle, you can take a historic river tour which is bound to be a hit with the kids.

Sticking with historic attractions, The Historic Dockyard Chatham offers a fun day out for the family in Kent. Some other family-friendly attractions in Kent to consider are Wingham Wildlife Park (complete with a dinosaur park), Kent & East Sussex Railway and Diggerland for little ones.

The beaches in Kent are quite varied so there’s something for everyone, from the traditional British seaside resort of Margate (complete with vintage fairground rides at Dreamland) to the little Victorian seaside gem that is Broadstairs.

You’ll also find the iconic White Cliffs of Dover where you can take a walk along the cliff tops and view the ferries coming and going. They all make great day trips from London by train too.

If you venture a little further along the coast into East Sussex, you’ll find the enormous expanse of sand at Camber Sands, one of the best beaches near London, and neighbouring Rye which is one of the prettiest small towns in England.

Beautiful towns and villages in Kent

• Faversham
• Fordwich
• Tenterden
• Aylesford

Read more: Places to visit in Kent and things to do at Christmas in Kent

Yorkshire

Submitted by Sinead from Map Made Memories

There are so many fantastic things to do with kids in Yorkshire, no matter what your ages or interests are. Visit the historic city of York, a compact city where most of the major attractions can be visited on foot.

Take a children’s tour of York Minster, walk the city’s medieval walls (the longest city walls in England) or learn about the city’s past at the interactive Jorvik Viking Centre or York Castle Museum.

Head to the Yorkshire Dales to visit the area’s 50 waterfalls such as Aysgarth Falls or England’s highest single drop waterfall, Hardraw Force. Explore underground at Stump Cross Caverns or White Scar Cave or join an adventurous family friendly caving trip.

Hiking families are spoilt for choice in the Dales; kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Malham Cove, a 230-foot-high natural stone ampitheatre that featured in the Harry Potter movies.

For a contrasting landscape, head to the windswept Yorkshire Moors. Don’t miss a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a hop on hop off journey by steam train across the Moors. Stop at Goathland Station which doubled as Hogwarts Station in the Harry Potter movies or hike into the Hole of Horcum.

Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the family friendly cycle trails at Dalby Forest. Don’t worry if you don’t bring your bike as bikes (including tag alongs and trailers) can be hired on site.

The Yorkshire Coast is blessed with fantastic sandy beaches. Choose between popular seaside resorts such as Scarborough or Bridlington or lesser visited locations like Hunmanby Gap and Reighton Sands.

Visit the seal colony at Ravenscar, the puffins at Flamborough Head or scour the beach for fossils at Robin Hood’s Bay.

Stop at Whitby for one an infamous fish and chips dinner. Yorkshire is the perfect UK staycation destination for families.

Beautiful towns and villages in Yorkshire

• Hutton-le-Hole
• Thornton-le-Dale
• Middleham
• Kettlewell
• Grassington
• Staithes
• Whitby

London

Last but not least of the English staycation destinations is a London staycation. A city break in London with kids can be really fun.

And before you start thinking that London is expensive, there are actually loads of free things to do in London with kids besides the top attractions in London for families. See here for our favourite museums in London for kids.

London has some of the most well-known landmarks in the world such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

If you are looking for somewhere to base yourself, we hhighly recommend Waterloo. There are lots of things to do for families in Waterloo.

There are also lots of hidden gems in London that are worth visiting with the kids like the playgrounds in parks, city zoos and splash parks.

London is the ideal destination if you have a Harry Potter fan in the family. So many of London’s sights that are seen in the Harry Potter films can be easily visited on a walking tour of Harry Potter’s London. See also our guide to visiting the WB Studios.

You’ll want to break your day up with lots of fabulous places to eat in London with kids (see also kids eat free restaurants in London).

But if you really want to do something special, these child-friendly places for afternoon tea are a real treat.

If you’re visiting London with kids and looking for accommodation, make sure to check out our recommendations on family-friendly hotels in London, the best family hotels in London with pools and the best Premier Inns in London for families.

Prettiest parts of London

• Greenwich
• Primrose Hill
• Highgate
• Covent Garden (incl. Neal’s Yard)
• Mayfair
• Notting Hill

UK staycation ideas in Scotland

Scottish Highlands and Islands

Submitted by Victoria from GuideYourTravel

The Scottish Highlands are famous for their impressive scenery, beautiful mountain ranges, quaint small towns and stunning beaches. Coming here is an absolute must for all types of travellers and you’ll find plenty of things to see and do.

A road trip is highly recommended in this part of the UK. In fact, the North Coast 500 (NC 500) is one of the most famous road trips in the world and takes in some of the best of Scotland’s coastal scenery (and maybe some Highland cattle).

There are some beautiful beaches in and around the Scottish Highlands. Achmelvich Bay, Oldshoremore, Morar and Durness are lovely and, of course, if you make it to the islands, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris is sublime.

No visit to the Highlands would be complete without visiting the mountains. Hiking is one of the top things to do in the Scottish Highlands and if you have kids that are old enough to enjoy this, you’ll find plenty of easy hikes and family-friendly walks. The best areas to visit are Glencoe and the Cairngorms.

Make sure to visit the Highlands during the summer when weather conditions are most favourable – although beware that this is peak midge season!

Then there are the Scottish castles which are always a great place to visit with kids. Head to Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness for picturesque views and a fun family day out.

After visiting the castle, take a boat trip or read all about the legends of the Loch Ness Monster which resides at the bottom of the lake. Drive along the shore and try to spot the monster. The kids will love it!

The Highland Wildlife Park is an absolute must-do for families visiting the north of Scotland. You’ll love the many different species of animals here and the interactive exhibits. This is a great place to combine an educational experience with lots of fun and spending time outdoors.

Beautiful towns and villages in the Scottish Highlands

• Tobermory
• Plockton
• Braemar
• Badachro

West Scotland

Submitted by Rachel from Average Lives

The West of Scotland is an ideal destination for a family staycation in the UK. It is a region with so much to offer, from castles, islands, mountains and beautiful lochs. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

In this region, you can visit the large city of Glasgow. Here you can discover free museums, large green spaces and hunt for murals. After, continue your adventure to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Climb Conic Hill, rent boats in Balmaha, have an ice-cream or a coffee in Luss before chasing waterfalls at the Falls of Falloch.

Continue your scenic drive north and visit Glencoe, admiring the rolling hills as you go. Discover The Three Sisters, where you can walk one of the trails or admire it from the viewpoint. Nearby you can have a delicious lunch surrounded by greenery at the Clachaig Inn.

If you’re a Harry Potter lover looking for Harry Potter experiences, just across the road is the site where they filmed Hagrid’s Hut scenes. Of course, you should not miss the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and watch the Jacobite Steam Train (The Hogwarts Express) glide over the Viaduct. It is not just kids that will feel excited about this experience!

But the family adventure is not over yet, you can climb Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK or if you are travelling with younger kids, you can climb part of it for incredible views.

You can hunt for fairies at the Fairy Pools and Fairy Glen on the magical Isle of Skye. Walk in dinosaur footprints at An Corran beach Or explore the natural wonderland of the many waterfalls, the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing.

Finally, you must visit Loch Ness to spot the mythological creature Nessie. Explore the 13th century Urquhart Castle, go on a boat trip on the loch or discover the story behind the monster at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

If you like castles, you will also love Eilean Donan Castle, a truly iconic castle in Scotland which overlooks the Isle of Skye.

There’s one thing for certain, no one in the family will be bored on this UK staycation.

Beautiful towns and villages in West Scotland

• Portree
• Tobermory
• Kirkcudbright
• Inveraray
• Fort William

UK staycation ideas in Wales

North Wales

Submitted by Bec from Wyld Family Travel

There are so many places in the UK that are great for family holidays but if you are looking for UK staycation ideas to incorporate beautiful scenery, amazing beaches, historic castles and tons of adventure, then North Wales is a great choice. There are so many amazing things to do in North Wales.

If your family is filled with history lovers, you can tour the area and visit some of the most amazing ruined castles as well as mighty fortresses still standing strong. Ruined castles such as Harlech, Rhuddlan, Flint and Beaumaris still have a wonderful story to tell.

Castles like Chirk, Caernarfon and Conwy are classic examples of how, not only were they fortresses to protect the people inside, but also how they were used as a family home. They always seem to have the best views in the town either over the sea or the mountains.

Wales is also well known for the amazing scenery that is picture perfect. Hiking is a great way to see some of this. From rolling green hills to slate covered mountains, there are so many different possibilities.

Mount Snowdon is a popular hike for families with older kids. If you are unable to do the hike to the top of the mountain, there is the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This is a small train that gets you to the top of the mountain for some of the best views in North Wales.

There is also the brilliant Llechwedd Slate mines that is a wonderful family attraction in Wales. Not only can you tour the underground slate mines to see how it was mined, you can also tour the mountain mines in a truck.

Views over the now disused slate covered mountains are amazing. After you have finished touring the mines you can sign up for ziplining over the mines or mountain biking in the area.

For kids that love animals, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is a great day out. You can easily wander the zoo watching the animals. The keepers at the zoo are also available to answer any of the children’s questions about the animals as well.

Of course, no visit to Wales would be complete without spending some time at the beach. Some of the best North Wales beaches are found on the Llyn Peninsula (Abersoch and Llanbedrog) and on the coast of Snowdonia.

Seaside towns like Rhyl and Towyn have brilliant fun parks for kids and lots of places for them to have some fun on the 2p machines.

Wales has so much to offer families looking for an amazing staycation in the UK.

Read also our guide to the best things to do on a 2-day adventure weekend in North Wales with kids.

See also the Forest Holidays cabins in Beddgelert. They are perfectly located for families wanting to explore North Wales.

Beautiful towns and villages in North Wales

• Porthdinllaen
• Beddgelert
• Llangollen
• Abersoch
• Betws-y-Coed

UK staycation ideas in Northern Ireland

County Antrim

Submitted by Annabel from Smudged Postcard

County Antrim in Northern Ireland is packed with incredible activities for families. The country’s capital, Belfast, is located in Antrim (with a part of it also in County Down).

One of the highlights of Belfast is the brilliant Titanic Museum which has some excellent interactive exhibits that kids will love.

Families looking for a beach holiday will enjoy exploring the Antrim Coast with miles of beautiful sandy beaches, ruined clifftop castles overlooking the sea, and lots of lovely seaside towns and villages.

Most famous along this stretch of coast is the Giant’s Causeway, an adventure playground created by nature which children will enjoy clambering around on.

There is an excellent visitor centre where visitors can learn about the myth of the giants as well as a more scientific explanation of how these rocks came about.

Close to the Giant’s Causeway is Bushmills Distillery; it is important for parents to have a few treats on their holiday afterall. A tour of this famous whiskey brewery is an essential part of visiting County Antrim.

Not far from Bushmills is the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, a narrow wooden footbridge which crosses above the sea onto a rocky little island. This is a thrilling experience and one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland with kids.

Families with an interest in Game of Thrones will enjoy seeking out the various filming locations in Northern Ireland. The famous Dark Hedges – a spooky road with overhanging trees – and lovely Ballintoy Harbour are two of the most appealing settings whether you are a fan or not.

It’s not all about the coast in County Antrim. Inland, Glenariff Forest Park is a lovely place for hiking with an impressive waterfall, Ess-na-Larach, on one of the many walking trails.

If the weather is against you (which it sometimes is in Northern Ireland), head indoors at the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn. Here visitors can learn about this important industry with interesting exhibits which children will enjoy.

Beautiful towns and villages in County Antrim

• Glenarm
• Cushendun
• Ballycastle
• Portrush