Best Staycations UK: Top Spots for Your Perfect Getaway in 2025

A UK staycation is the perfect way to enjoy quality family time without the fuss of going abroad. From scenic countryside escapes to bustling cities and gorgeous coastal spots, the UK has loads of family-friendly destinations that are ideal for a memorable holiday.

Whether you’re looking for fun theme parks, historic sites, or beautiful beaches, here’s a guide to the best staycations UK has to offer for families.

Key Takeaways

• Top UK Staycation Destinations: Discover the best family-friendly spots, including scenic countryside retreats, fun seaside towns, and lively cities.
• Unique Attractions: Find the top attractions in each area, including theme parks, family-friendly activities, and iconic landmarks.
• Choosing Your Ideal Spot: Get tips on picking the perfect staycation based on your family’s interests, from natural wonders to historic sites and great food.

1. The Lake District

The Lake District is a fantastic family staycation destination, with its stunning lakes, rolling hills, and cosy villages. It’s a great place for families who enjoy outdoor activities, whether that’s a gentle walk around a lake or a more challenging hike up a fell. The area is full of family-friendly attractions, making it easy to keep everyone entertained. From boat trips and wildlife parks to the magic of Beatrix Potter, there’s something for kids and adults alike.

For families who love adventure, the Lake District offers plenty of opportunities to get active. Try kayaking on one of the lakes, or for something a bit different, there are plenty of activity centres offering zip-lining, rock climbing, and more. For a more relaxed day, there are lots of lovely cafes and restaurants to enjoy a family meal with stunning views of the lakes and mountains.

Top Attractions in the Lake District

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Brockhole on Windermere	Family activity centre with treetop treks, boat hire, and mini-golf.	Brockhole, Windermere LA23 1LJ	brockhole.co.uk
The World of Beatrix Potter	Interactive exhibits bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life.	Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BX	hop-skip-jump.com
South Lakes Safari Zoo	A fantastic zoo with interactive experiences and a wide range of animals.	Melton Terrace, Lindal in Furness LA12 0LU	southlakessafarizoo.com

2. The Peak District

The Peak District is an ideal spot for a family staycation, with its beautiful landscapes, charming villages, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s perfect for families who enjoy exploring nature, with countless walking and cycling routes suitable for all ages. From gentle trails through the valleys to more challenging hikes up hills and moors, there’s a route for every level. The Peak District also boasts a rich history, with fascinating places to visit such as historic houses and ancient caves.

For families with younger kids, there are plenty of accessible paths and play areas, as well as plenty of picnic spots to enjoy a packed lunch with a view. Many of the towns and villages in the area have lovely local shops and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir. The region is also home to some fantastic farm parks and wildlife centres, perfect for a fun and educational day out.

Top Attractions in the Peak District

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Gulliver’s Kingdom	A family theme park with rides, attractions, and play areas for all ages.	Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG	gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk
Heights of Abraham	Cable car rides, caverns, and adventure play areas.	Dale Rd, Matlock DE4 3NT	heightsofabraham.com
Tropical Butterfly House	A zoo with butterflies, birds, and small animals, plus adventure playgrounds.	Woodsetts Rd, North Anston S25 4EQ	butterflyhouse.co.uk

3. Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is a brilliant staycation choice for families, especially those who love the beach and a bit of history. With its stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and opportunities for fossil hunting, it’s a great spot for kids to learn and play. The area is home to several seaside resorts with traditional charm, featuring amusements, ice cream shops, and family-friendly restaurants. It’s also perfect for coastal walks, where you can enjoy fresh sea air and breath-taking views.

For families looking for more adventure, Dorset offers plenty of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and even boat trips along the coast. There are also numerous parks and gardens to explore, with lots of open space for picnics and games. The Jurassic Coast is also dotted with fascinating historic sites, including castles and forts that are sure to capture the imagination of younger visitors.

Top Attractions in Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Adventure Wonderland	A family theme park with rides, play areas, and live shows.	Merritown Ln, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA	adventurewonderland.co.uk
Monkey World	Ape rescue centre with a wide variety of monkeys and apes.	Longthorns, Wareham BH20 6HH	monkeyworld.org
Sealife Weymouth	Marine displays, interactive rock pools, and an underwater tunnel.	Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX	visitsealife.com

4. Devon

Devon is an excellent family destination with its stunning coastlines, rolling countryside, and endless opportunities for fun. Whether your family loves beach days, exploring quaint villages, or trying out new activities, Devon has something for everyone. With both the north and south coast offering beautiful beaches, you’re never far from the sea. Devon is also known for its fantastic food scene, so you can enjoy some delicious local produce, whether that’s fresh seafood or a classic Devon cream tea.

Devon’s natural beauty makes it perfect for outdoor adventures, from hiking in Dartmoor National Park to surfing the waves on the north coast. For a bit of culture, there are plenty of historic sites and museums to explore, as well as charming towns filled with independent shops and cafes. Kids will love the wide open spaces, and there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Top Attractions in Devon

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Crealy Theme Park & Resort	A family theme park with rides, indoor play areas, and animal encounters.	Sidmouth Rd, Exeter EX5 1DR	crealy.co.uk
The Big Sheep	A fun animal farm park with rides, shows, and play areas.	Abbotsham Rd, Abbotsham, Bideford EX39 5AP	thebigsheep.co.uk
Paignton Zoo	One of the largest zoos in the UK, home to a wide variety of animals.	Totnes Rd, Paignton TQ4 7EU	paigntonzoo.org.uk

5. Cornwall

Cornwall is a classic UK staycation destination that’s perfect for families, thanks to its stunning beaches, charming villages, and laid-back vibe. The coastline is dotted with sandy bays and hidden coves, ideal for sunbathing, rock pooling, and swimming. With a mix of family-friendly attractions, beautiful gardens, and historic sites, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Cornwall’s seaside towns are great for exploring, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish and chips, visit local shops, or take part in water sports. The area is also home to some of the UK’s best-loved gardens, which are perfect for a relaxed day out. For families who enjoy outdoor activities, there are lots of walking and cycling routes, along with plenty of places to try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding.

Top Attractions in Cornwall

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Flambards Theme Park	A family-friendly theme park with rides, exhibitions, and play areas.	Clodgey Ln, Helston TR13 0QA	flambards.co.uk
Newquay Zoo	A fun and educational zoo with over 130 species of animals.	Trenance Gardens, Newquay TR7 2NL	newquayzoo.org.uk
The Eden Project	Iconic biomes housing plants from around the world, with plenty of interactive exhibits for kids.	Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG	edenproject.com

6. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offers a classic English countryside experience, making it perfect for a relaxed family staycation. Known for its honey-coloured stone cottages, rolling hills, and charming villages, it’s a beautiful area to explore on foot or by bike. The region is full of family-friendly attractions, from wildlife parks and gardens to historic houses, so there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

For families with younger kids, there are lots of easy walking routes, parks, and play areas. The Cotswolds also boasts a variety of attractions where kids can get up close with animals or explore historic sites in a fun and engaging way. And with so many cosy cafes and pubs, it’s easy to find a lovely spot for lunch or a well-deserved treat.

Top Attractions in the Cotswolds

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens	A family-friendly zoo with over 260 species and beautiful gardens.	Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP	cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Cotswold Farm Park	An interactive farm park with rare breeds, play areas, and seasonal events.	Bemborough Farm, Kineton GL54 5UG	cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Sudeley Castle	A historic castle with beautiful gardens, exhibitions, and links to Tudor history.	Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD	sudeleycastle.co.uk

7. East of England

The East of England is a fantastic choice for a family staycation, offering a mix of stunning coastlines, historic towns, and tranquil countryside. The region is home to the Norfolk Broads, where you can enjoy boating, bird watching, and scenic walks. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions, from theme parks and wildlife centres to historic sites that are sure to capture the imagination of younger visitors.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there are lots of outdoor activities available, including cycling, walking, and water sports. The region also boasts a rich history, with castles, stately homes, and museums to explore. With so many quaint towns and seaside resorts, it’s easy to find a spot to relax and enjoy some traditional fish and chips by the sea.

Top Attractions in the East of England

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Pleasurewood Hills	A family-friendly theme park with rides, shows, and play areas.	Leisure Way, Lowestoft NR32 4TZ	pleasurewoodhills.com
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure	A dinosaur-themed park with play areas, rides, and interactive exhibits.	Weston Park, Lenwade NR9 5JW	roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk
Banham Zoo	A fantastic zoo with over 2,000 animals, including interactive experiences.	Kenninghall Rd, Banham NR16 2HE	banhamzoo.co.uk

8. Northumberland

Northumberland is packed with gorgeous scenery and a rich history, making it a fantastic family-friendly staycation spot. Known for its stunning coastline, ancient castles, and beautiful countryside, there’s plenty to explore. It’s perfect for families who love outdoor adventures, with lots of opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

The region is dotted with historic sites that are perfect for a family day out, from grand castles to fascinating Roman forts. There are also plenty of family-friendly beaches, offering the chance for sandcastle building, paddling, and rock pooling. Northumberland’s quiet, open spaces make it ideal for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle.

Top Attractions in Northumberland

Attraction	Description	Address	Website
Alnwick Castle	A stunning castle with interactive activities, including Harry Potter-themed events.	Alnwick NE66 1NQ	alnwickcastle.com
Whitehouse Farm Centre	A family-friendly farm with animals, play areas, and hands-on activities.	Morpeth NE61 6AW	whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk
Kielder Water & Forest Park	Offers outdoor activities like cycling, water sports, and wildlife spotting.	Kielder Water, Hexham NE48 1ER	visitkielder.com

Overall

With so many fantastic staycation options across the UK, there’s no need to look further than our own beautiful backyard for your next family holiday. Whether you’re exploring stunning coastlines, historic landmarks, or getting up close with nature, these destinations offer something for everyone in the family to enjoy.