The Best Staycations For Families In 2018

Whether your little ones love exploring castle ruins and forest trails, messing around on the beach, or can’t wait to test their nerve on the latest theme park rides, you’ll never be short of things to do on a UK family holiday.

As summer approaches, we thought we’d share some of our favourite holiday spots, all of which are a short drive away from our latest developments. If only we could guarantee the good weather!

Peak season getaway

Located in the heart of the country, Derbyshire’s world class Peak District National Park is home to rolling hills, deep underground caves and countless attractions, including Treak Cliff Cavern and Chatsworth House. At Chatsworth Farmyard, families can meet the animals, ride a trailer, watch a milking demonstration and much more. Don’t forget to stop off in the picturesque village of Bakewell to sample one of the famous puddings, or an ice-cream if the kids prefer.

Our Derbyshire developments, Dales View at Brailsford and Oaklands Park at Ashbourne, are both around 15 minutes’ drive from the Peak District National Park.

Discover the Cotswolds

The peaceful villages around the Cotswolds look like something from a postcard – but don’t be fooled into thinking your energetic children will be bored during your time here. A haven for animal lovers, there are plenty of farms and parks to explore, including Slimbridge Wetlands Centre and Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. Another favourite is the ‘sensory and learning wonderland’ at Fairytale Farm, designed for children of all abilities.

Nearby, you’ll find the historic cities of Gloucester and Cheltenham, which are both brimming with attractions, shops and places to eat.

Our Cotswolds developments include Highfields at Tetbury and Oak Grange in Mickleton.

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside!

Uncover the prehistoric creatures that once swam in our seas during a fossil hunt at Bracklesham Bay on the West Sussex coastline, or visit Bognor Regis for a traditional seaside experience. From Bognor, you can venture inland to the South Downs National Park, where horse riding, cycling and nature trails await you.

Don’t forget to take the ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight to see the stunning Osborne House. Once a summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the whole family will love the Swiss Cottage, an Alpine-style house built just for the royal children in the 1850s.

In the North East of England there’s plenty of outdoor attractions to keep all the family entertained. Close to our Shoreland Park development is Druridge Bay - a seven-mile stretch of sandy beach, which is home to some of the rarest wildlife in the UK.

Find out more about our Bracklesham Bay development, The Beeches here, and for more on Shoreland Park in Northumberland, see here.

Touring Yorkshire

Home to some of the country’s most impressive landscapes, the Yorkshire Dales gives families the chance to spend time outdoors together, whether you love walking, go-karting or camping. Having previously hosted the Tour de France, the Tour de Yorkshire takes in some of the areas most magnificent towns, villages and countryside and is always exhilarating to watch. Be sure to visit the pretty towns of Harrogate and York, where you’ll find no shortage of family-friendly activities. We love the York Easter Family Festival, which includes lots of free springtime events, and the York Castle Museum, with its recreated Victorian street and toy collections.Our Yorkshire developments include Shires Grove at Boston Spa, Chene Hall at Harrogate and Brompton Fold at Apperley Bridge.

Beautiful Edinburgh

Perhaps we’re biased because we are based here, but we couldn’t compile a list of top staycation ideas without including Edinburgh. Along with its many attractons, including the magnificent Castle and gory Dungeons, you can also see the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, experience the mind-boggling mirror maze and more at Camera Obscura or get wonderful views of the city by climbing Arthur’s Seat.

Discover our developments in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, including Bonington, South Gilmerton Brae and Lady Victoria Grange.

Whatever you decide to do this springtime, we wish you all a happy holiday.