Taking the family overseas can often be a lot more stress than you’d think, and sometimes, you wind up coming back feeling like you need another holiday just to recover!
Taking a ‘staycation’ is proving to be an increasingly popular alternative for parents here in the UK.
Whether it’s a relaxing break in the country or a cultural city trip, there are loads of places around the UK that both parents and toddlers can enjoy.
Holiday Ideas
Camping
Kids love camping and it can be a lot of fun for mum and dad too! There are great campsites right up and down the country, but here are ten of the best, according to The Guardian.
If you want to have a little more home comfort, you could always upgrade to glamping!
Stay On A Farm
For something a little different, did you know that you can actually stay on a working farm?
Farm Stay UK offers a number of getaways, whether they be self-catered or B&B, and it’s something that kids will not only love, but they can learn from too.
Barges And Riverboats
What better way to travel through the English countryside than on your own barge or riverboat?
It’s a relaxing way to take in the scenery and kids will enjoy joining in with boat tasks such as opening locks, but just make sure you keep a close eye on them!
A Country House Hotel
If you want to totally isolate yourself for a couple of nights, there’s no better option than a proper country house hotel, such as this one in the Lake District.
Once you arrive at these rural retreats, you don’t really need to leave, with lots of walks and activities on hand to keep everyone busy, and they often provide listening services, allowing you to leave the kids asleep upstairs while you pop downstairs for a romantic meal or drink in the bar.
Holiday Village
Holiday villages such as Center Parcs are hugely popular, with picturesque locations around the country offering a home away from home in the forest.
Despite being located on a site with hundreds of other visitors, you still get the feeling that you’re on your own rural getaway.
As for things to do, you’re spoilt for choice, with everything from watersports to archery, and of course, loads of activities for youngsters as well.
Destination Ideas
London
London is so big that you’ll never run out of things to do for all ages, whether it be all the famous sights such as Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London or some of the great museums like the Natural History Museum, National Maritime Museum or the British Museum (to name a few), all of which have loads of child-friendly exhibits which help bring history to life.
If you’re worried that a cramped city centre hotel won’t offer you the facilities to properly look after your little one, we recommend booking a serviced apartment for your city break, as if gives you much more space and independence.
Norfolk
If you want to get away to somewhere quiet, there are few places better than the sleepy Norfolk coast.
There are loads of beaches, although the water might be a bit too chilly for swimming, but during the summer and early autumn, it’s great for a picnic or a trip on a seal boat out to Blakeney Point.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the most stunning cities in the UK, with a great mix of the old and the new.
The Old Town is the city’s historic centre, with lots of landmarks and vennels and wynds (narrow streets and alleys) to explore.
If they’re not taken by the history and beauty of Edinburgh, there are plenty of open spaces for kids to run around and tire themselves out!
Devon
Devon is known for its great beaches, as well as two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, with lots of quaint cottages which are perfect for families. If you’re all feeling brave, why not try glamping by the coast?
Bath
For a much more relaxing city break, Bath offers a much quieter city base, still with plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
The Roman Baths are the big attraction here, with children’s audio guides and costumed characters on hand to make the experience more kid-friendly.
A bit further out of the city itself you can visit the famous Cheddar Gorge, which has activities such as cave exploring and painting.
Warwick
Kids will love exploring Warwick Castle, with over a thousand years of history to get stuck into.
The castle is now owned by Merlin, the group that owns theme parks such as Legoland and Alton Towers, and while kids will enjoy the newer attractions, the castle itself is the real attraction here, with falconry and swordsmanship displays to enjoy too.
The Lake District
Now officially a World Heritage Site, the Lake District has long been a family favourite.
Whether it’s the natural beauty of the fells and lakes, or attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter or the Brockhole visitor centre, there’s a reason this corner of the world attracts so many visitors.
Cornwall
If you want a proper beach holiday without heading abroad, look no further than Cornwall during summer.
It’s home to some of the best beaches in the UK, ideal for making sand castles and exploring rock pools with the little ones, or maybe catching a few waves for mum and dad.
Wales
There’s an abundance of scenery packed into Wales and its reputation as a family holiday destination is growing by the year.
You’re never too far from a beach, castle, wildlife park or walk when you’re in Wales, with lots of adventure activities popping up for older children too.
The Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland is the perfect place to head for a bit of wildlife spotting, with the likes of deer, otters, ospreys, and eagles to be spotted amongst its hills, glens and coasts.
For more exotic species, head to the Highland Wildlife Park, in the Cairngorms.
Be sure to check out our range of toddler dolls prams, interactive dolls, and dolls pram accessories here at Play Like Mum – you just might find the perfect toys for encouraging your little one’s imagination.