Staycations have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, and really it’s no surprise why!
The UK has so much to offer, whether you explore the hidden gems in your local area or pile in the car for a road trip! Of course, you could just pick a campsite and head off with your tent or caravan, plus your trusty Regatta camping gear. However, if you want to mix it up a little, take a look at some of our favourite ideas for making the most of a summer, half term or just a short break away in the UK.
Family Festival Fun
The family-friendly festival has gone from strength to strength in recent years and there are now loads to choose from up and down the country. All the fun of camping, with activities to keep everyone entertained both day and night – organised by someone else! If you’re travelling some way to get to your festival destination, why not tag a few extra days on and extend the adventure? Our one-stop camping shop will mean you have all the essentials and your tent will feel like a trusty home away from home.
Our pick of family-friendly festivals.
Quirky Airbnb's
From its early incarnation as little more than spare rooms to crash in, Airbnb now boasts some of the most unique places to stay that you’d never find elsewhere. From windmills and gypsy caravans to riverside cabins, beach huts and tree houses, why not let your accommodation be the star of the show? They’re often in stunning rural locations with adventure right on your doorstep. But when the accommodation’s so exciting, even if the weather doesn’t play ball, you’re sure to have a great time just relaxing and soaking up the magical atmosphere.
Go Glamping
While glamping may not be new, its explosion in popularity means there are now so many more options to choose from. It’s a great compromise for families where some people love camping and others prefer a more luxurious life – yet you still get the same great benefits of getting away from it all and being surrounded by nature. Yurts, tipis, herdy huts, safari tents and coastal cabins – they’re all waiting for you ready equipped with everything you need, meaning you can pack a lot lighter (if you wish to!). Check out our blog on some of the UK's best glamping destinations.
Be Beside the Seaside
The UK has some fabulous coastal resorts and many offer camping options by the beach. There’s nothing quite like drifting off – and waking up to the sound of the sea! And of course, there are stunning coastal walks and caves to explore, not to mention fish and chips and ice cream at the end of a long day’s adventuring – or perhaps a barbecue on the beach. Don’t forget to check out our holiday shop for all your seaside essentials including swimwear, short sleeve t-shirts and shorts!
Our favourite UK coastal destinations.
Historic Stays
If you want to mix it up from your usual rural camping trip, the UK’s historic towns and cities have lots to offer for adults and kids alike. Follow the crowds to York, Chester, Bath or Edinburgh or try a beautiful old town such as Ludlow, Caernarfon or Warwick. With castles, cathedrals, narrow twisty streets and stunning green spaces to explore, you can have yourself a great getaway the whole family will love.
Image provided by @herewegoagainblog
Adrenaline and Adventure
If action is more your thing, the UK offers some great adrenaline fuelled adventures that all the family can enjoy! Head to the treetops at your local Go Ape, or if you want a longer break, check out what Adventure Britain has to offer. You’ll love their family adventure weekends packed with outdoor pursuits, and they also run Father & Son or Parent & Child weekends, perfect for some quality time away from the lures of technology. Don’t forget to pack one of our trusty Pack-It jackets to protect you from any unexpected downpours!
Become a Local Tourist
Having a great staycation needn’t mean hours in the car – there is likely to be lots on your doorstep that you are yet to discover. So do what a real tourist would do, and head to your local tourist information centre, train station or hotel lobby and get inspired by the brochures and deals for local attractions. You’ll be amazed how much there is to do less than an hour from where you are. Explore National Trust estates you’ve never been to, walk along your local canal or riverways or go on a bike ride. Or why not ride the train for the day and see what there is to do when you jump off at different stops? For the ultimate in easy adventures, back garden camping and barbecuing never fails to disappoint. No iPads allowed!
House Swap
One of the reasons people love staycations is because they’re so much easier on the pocket. Why not go for the ultimate cost saving and arrange to swap homes with a friend in another part of the country for a week or two? You can each prepare welcome packs with activities to do in your local area, favourite restaurants etc and benefit from that wealth of advice before you set off exploring. And of course, your new, temporary home will be well-stocked with everything you need!
Canal Cruising
For lovers of life in the slow lane, hiring a canal boat is the perfect way to relax. You get to take in all the amazing countryside, stop for walking adventures and pub lunches whenever the mood takes you, and enjoy all the fun of cooking on board and bunking down in a cosy boat for the night. If you don’t fancy manoeuvring a narrow boat, there are smaller ‘cruiser’ options perfect for first time boaters, and there are a number of canal ‘rings’ to choose from so that you can wind up right where you began.
Stay on a working farm
Kids just love animals, so what better way to combine this with a getaway than with a stay on a working farm? There’s a range of accommodation to choose from, from B&Bs and self-catering cottages and barns to camping and glamping. Collecting eggs for breakfast, feeding lambs, chopping firewood and watching cows being milked - kids will learn lots about rural life as well as have heaps of fun.
Find everything you need for your UK staycation on our website. Whether you’re heading to a festival and need all the camping essentials, or the seaside is your preferred destination our holiday and camping shops will be sure to cater for all your staycation needs!
We love to see what you get up to in you Regatta gear so don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! @RegattaOutdoors
