The Best Stay at Home UK Family Vacation Destinations

Cornwall has long been a popular destination for stay-at-home vacationers, and for good reason. Boasting some of the UK’s best weather during summertime, along with idyllic beaches, stunning scenery and gorgeous coastal paths, the UK’s premier vacation destination has something for everyone.

Cornwall may be draped in laid back beaches and a quiet rural locale, but a vacation in Cornwall can be as active as they come. Newquay is the UK capital for surfing. Water sports including windsurfing, jet skiing and scuba diving are also on the menu. For those wanting to keep their feet on dry land, the Camel Trail offers a leisurely family cycling route between bustling Wadebridge and the seaside town of Padstow. 

Newquay’s Lewinnick Lodge offers 17 spacious guest rooms, some with gorgeous coastal views, only a 6-minute walk from top surfing destination Fistral Beach.

Padstow itself is one of Cornwall’s must-visit locations. The town’s picture-perfect harbor could be pulled straight from a postcard and offers some of the best pasties Cornwall has to offer, along with Ice cream and fudge galore. But, don’t be fooled by Padstow’s sleepy visage. There is also a surprisingly large range of family-friendly gastro pubs and restaurants, including a number owned by local celebrity chef Rick Stein (the locals don’t call it Padstein for nothing!).

Situated in the town’s center, the Padstow Harbor Hotel is perfect for those looking to soak up the atmosphere of Padstow’s popular harbor and roaring food scene. 

But, a stay at home vacation, doesn’t mean that you can’t see the rest of the world. Instantly recognizable by its iconic biodomes, the Eden Project allows visitors to marvel at thousands of plant species from all over the globe. There are also restaurants, play parks and canopy walkways (not to mention England’s longest zipper wire), making the Eden Project perfect for young and seasoned explorers alike.

While Edinburgh is world-renowned for the prestigious Edinburgh Festival, the city that seamlessly blends the old with the new offers so much more for families looking for a city break this summer.

Home to Scotland’s top visitor attraction, Edinburgh Castle is a great place to soak up some local history as well as take in stunning views of the city. The daily one o’clock gun salute is also not to be missed! The castle marks the starting point of the famous Royal Mile, which takes in the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, and stretches all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official residence when she comes to town.

Harry Potter fans will also feel right at home, as this is the place where the opening adventures of the world’s most famous wizard began, and the city is buzzing with places and references that helped create the Boy Who Lived.

All that sightseeing will no doubt build quite the appetite. But, not to worry. It’s a little-known fact that Edinburgh has more restaurants per head than any other UK city outside of London. So, you will have no problem finding some of the UK’s best cuisine alongside traditional plates of haggis and neeps.

The Rutland Hotel & Apartments offers a collection of boutique rooms and apartments in Edinburgh’s prime West End location. Guests can expect stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, award-winning food and drink, and a short walk to the Royal Mile.

For those who want to get as close to Europe as possible this summer, Guernsey could be the perfect destination. The great thing about the island? Everything is a stone’s throw away. This means a stroll through a rural country town in the morning and a relaxing trip to a quiet beach in the afternoon is easily possible. 

Touring the capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port, you could think that you’ve somehow left the UK, as the town’s winding cobbled streets and boutique shops have a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Alongside picturesque coastal views, the 800-year old Castle Cornet offers an impressive backdrop to the town, as well as an opportunity to explore five museums and four breathtaking period gardens. After taking in the harbor views, be sure to also make time for afternoon tea at the Old Government House Hotel. 

Guernsey’s sandy beaches are also home to some of the most crystal clear waters in the UK. Hidden gems such as Les Amarreurs and Le Grande Havre offer the full British seaside experience with none of the crowds. Once downtime is over, activities including paddle boarding and speed boat tours of the island are both great ways to round off the day.

There are few places in the UK that offer more breathtaking scenery than the Lake District. The rolling countryside punctuated by dramatic mountains, locally known as fells, serves as a stunning backdrop to the area’s 16 majestic lakes.  

Windermere is England’s largest lake and offers an abundance of fun for the whole family as well as magnificent beauty. Boat cruises, rowboats and kayaks offer a variety of ways to get acquainted with the area. Whereas the nearby rugged hills and mountains of tranquil Ullswater offer a fantastic starting point for walkers and hikers of all abilities. 

While a quiet evening in the local village pub might sound ideal after all that adventure, it could be time to head back outdoors. The Lake District is actually one of the darkest places in the UK making for prime star-gazing territory. Its secluded valleys and hills are a great place to really appreciate those unspoilt constellations.