The Great British Staycation Guide
Staycations are the perfect way to slow down, explore somewhere new and enjoy quality time together – all without leaving the UK. From sandy beaches to woodland walks, paddleboarding to puffin-spotting, there’s so much to discover close to home.
We’ve pulled together some of our favourite destinations, helpful packing tips, and boredom-busting activity ideas to help you make the most of your summer break – no passports required.

Top UK staycation destinations for summer 2025
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite family-friendly destinations across the UK, along with practical tips and a closer look at our beloved Dorset – where you’ll find our HQ and plenty of happy holiday spots.
Dorset – our home and holiday favourite
Based in beautiful Poole, we’re lucky to have the best of Dorset on our doorstep – and we couldn’t recommend it more for a summer staycation. From fossil hunting to forest trails, there’s plenty to explore.
Poole & Sandbanks
Enjoy a walk along Poole Quay, catch a boat trip to Brownsea Island with the National Trust, or spend the day building sandcastles at Sandbanks Beach – one of the UK’s cleanest and calmest family beaches.
Jurassic Coast
Head west to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove – two must-see spots along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Check out this Dorset fossil-hunting guide.
Moors Valley Country Park
Just a short drive inland, Moors Valley is brilliant for active families, with forest trails, a Go Ape treetop adventure and a miniature railway.
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
Perfect for under 8s, Farmer Palmer’s offers hands-on animal fun, tractor rides, soft play and plenty of space to run around.
Studland Bay
Part of the National Trust, Studland Bay is ideal for paddling, picnicking and wildlife spotting – especially if you bring your binoculars.
Parking can be tricky in summer, so arrive early or hop on the Purbeck Breezer open-top bus for a scenic ride.
Other UK staycation spots
NORTHUMBERLAND
Think castles, coasts and crowd-free adventures. Visit Alnwick Castle, take a windswept walk on Bamburgh Beach, or hop on a boat to the Farne Islands to spot puffins and seals.
PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES
For stunning beaches and wild coastal fun, head to Tenby, take a boat to Skomer Island or try the family-friendly trails of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
Explore lakes, fells and fairytales. Enjoy a steamboat ride on Lake Windermere, visit The World of Beatrix Potter, or try a short family hike up Catbells.
NORFOLK
Enjoy a slower pace with seaside villages, vast beaches and boat trips on the Norfolk Broads. Try crabbing at Blakeney or take a family beach day at Holkham.
THE CORNISH COAST
Think pasties, rock pools and unbeatable beaches. From Padstow to Perranporth, Cornwall has countless family-friendly holiday parks, cottages and campsites – perfect for surf lessons and sandy picnics.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Wild, wide-open and wonderful, the Highlands are perfect for nature lovers. Try a ride on the Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express), go monster-hunting at Loch Ness or explore Cairngorms National Park.

Activity ideas for staycation fun
Wherever you're headed this summer – from the rugged Cornish coast to the rolling Dorset hills – keeping little ones entertained is all part of the adventure. Here are some creative, memory-making ideas to make your family staycation extra special.
Nature treasure hunts
Turn every walk into an adventure by creating a simple scavenger list: pinecones, feathers, wildflowers, heart-shaped stones, snail shells – anything goes!
Beach art and wild mandalas
Encourage budding artists to use pebbles, seaweed, driftwood and shells to create patterns or portraits in the sand. Away from the coast? Try a “wild mandala” in the woods or garden using leaves, twigs and petals.
Campfire cooking & al fresco feasts
If your accommodation allows, try a little open-air cooking. Toast marshmallows, wrap jacket potatoes in foil to pop on hot coals, or try campfire banana boats with chocolate chips. For younger ones, a simple picnic with sandwiches and fruit skewers always goes down a treat.
Rainy day rescue
Rain never ruins a staycation when you're prepared. Pack a pouch of boredom busters:
• Activity books or sticker scenes
• Reusable water-reveal books (great for travel!)
• A travel-sized board game or card pack
• A mini box of craft supplies – washi tape, glue stick, scissors, coloured paper, and a few stencils can go a long way
Storytime in the wild
Bring a favourite book or two and head outside for alfresco storytelling. Whether it’s a tale in a tent or a chapter under a tree, reading somewhere new can make stories even more magical.
Pop-up picnics
No need for a full day out – even a 20-minute garden picnic can be exciting. Use lunchboxes or snack pots to prep a mix of bits and bobs. Add a lightweight blanket, some music and maybe a little game of ‘I spy’.
Adventure backpack challenge
Let little ones pack a mini rucksack with their own ‘essentials’ for the day – a compass, notebook, snack, water bottle, favourite small toy or plushy sidekick. Then head out on a micro adventure, even if it’s just to the local park or field. This encourages independence and makes even small outings feel like big adventures!
Stargazing & bedtime nature watch
On a clear night, grab some blankets, a torch and a flask of warm milk or cocoa, and lie back to spot stars, planets or even satellites. Or do a garden dusk watch – what birds, bugs or bats can you spot as the day ends?
Use the Star Walk 2 app to identify constellations together.
Nature weaving
Pack some string or wool and make a simple loom from sticks found on your walk. Then weave in grasses, feathers, flowers or ribbons for a lovely keepsake of your adventure. A great quiet-time activity, especially when paired with a picnic.
Map your day
Draw or paint your day’s outing like a treasure map when you get home – mark the beach, the ice cream spot, the rock you climbed or the path through the woods. Add labels, arrows and sea monsters for extra fun. These make sweet mementoes or a creative travel journal!
Windy day wonders
Take advantage of blustery weather! Fly a kite (of course!), make wind chimes with shells and driftwood, or try a paper windmill. You can even race paper boats down a stream if it’s safe and shallow. Bring a spare pair of Kite joggers or leggings and a puddle pack just in case of splashes!
Den building adventures (with a little help!)
Whether it's a forest fortress, garden hideout or a beachy base camp, building dens is a classic childhood joy. All you need are some blankets, sticks, and a bit of imagination - but if you'd like to elevate the experience, try a ready-made set from The Den Kit Co. Designed to inspire outdoor play, their kits come with everything from tarps and mallets to wildflower spotter cards and nature tools.
Tip: Once built, dens make the perfect spot for a storytime, nature sketching or a mini picnic!

Staycation survival guide:
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to family adventures. Here are some of our tried-and-tested tips to help your staycation run smoothly – whatever the weather (or the kids!) throw your way.
PACK FOR EVERY FORECAST
British weather keeps us on our toes. Layer up with breathable cotton styles, bring waterproofs (our foldaway Puddlepacks are ideal), and always keep sun hats and sun cream to hand.
SUPPORT LOCAL
Dorset’s packed with wonderful independent cafés, ice cream shops and farm stalls. Look out for local produce markets – Bridport and Wareham both host great ones – and let little ones help pick snacks for a seaside picnic.
TRAVEL LIGHT BUT CLEVER
Think mix-and-match pieces that can go from beach to town and back again. Our SS25 collection is full of comfy, sustainable styles – and our reversible sun hats are two looks in one.
ENTERTAINMENT IS EVERYTHING
Whether you’re heading off on a long car journey, enjoying a slow morning in your holiday cottage or braving a rainy day indoors, having a few go-to activities up your sleeve is always a win.
Pack a small selection of favourites – think colouring books, card games, sticker packs, travel-sized board games or a notebook for doodling or journalling. Audiobooks or playlists can be a great companion for journeys, while a simple treasure hunt or scavenger list can bring even the shortest walk to life.
And don’t forget that sometimes the best fun comes from the simplest moments – like cloud spotting, making daisy chains or building a den out of blankets and cushions.
SNACK LIKE A PRO
Keep everyone fuelled with snacks you know they love. Our local friends Organix offer great organic options for little ones. Bring a cool bag, reusable water bottles and don’t forget baby wipes (for everyone!).
STAY SUN SAFE
Look for shade at peak times, pack UPF-rated hats, and check out Green People’s organic sun cream for sensitive skin.

WHAT TO PACK
Staycation styles with Kite
Whether it’s rockpooling, BBQs or countryside adventures, our SS25 collection is full of pieces designed for summer exploring.
Whether you’re off to the coast, countryside or city, we’ve got your little one’s suitcase covered. Our SS25 collection is filled with comfy, versatile pieces perfect for holiday adventures — all made from super soft organic fabrics that are kind to delicate skin and the planet too.
Here are a few favourites worth popping in your suitcase:
🩱 Sun-safe swimwear – From surf-ready rash vests to sweet-as-can-be swimsuits, our UV protective swimwear makes beach days a breeze.
🌞 Cool and comfy layers – Lightweight tees, breezy dresses and mix-and-match shorts that are ideal for warm days and layering up when the sun dips.
🧢 Reversible styles – Two looks in one! Our clever reversible hats are perfect for packing light without compromising on style.
☔ Puddle packs – A staycation essential. These lightweight, pack-away waterproof jackets are perfect for unpredictable British weather and can be stashed easily in a day bag or rucksack.
🧦 Everyday essentials – Don’t forget a stack of our leggings, joggers and undies – soft, stretchy and designed for play-all-day comfort.
🚗 Go-anywhere outerwear – A Kite cardi or lightweight layer is ideal for evening BBQs, breezy beach walks or drizzly days out exploring.
Wherever your summer adventures take you – from Dorset to the Highlands – there’s so much joy to be found in discovering the magic on your doorstep. With a little prep (and the right outfits), you’ll be ready for sun, sea, showers and everything in between.
See you on the road! 🚗