It’s suddenly August and the final few weeks of summer are here. As temperatures continue to rise in the UK, now is the time to plan that trip to your favourite corner of this green and pleasant land. To help you decide where to spend your summer holidays, we’ve rounded up our favourite staycation destinations in the UK and our top tips to make the most of wherever you choose to go.
But first things first, however far your travels take you, make sure you are equipped to keep your little ones entertained. Activity toys are essential to soothe and stimulate your children’s growing minds on the road and keep them as calm as possible throughout your journey. Try an activity book, activity cube or spiral toy to start their adventure early.
1/ The cream of the crop
Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.
2/ Feel In-Spire-d
Oxfordshire & The Cotswolds
For a trip that offers the best of town and country, the Oxfordshire countryside has plenty of offer. Choose a cute cottage in one of the sleepy villages that surround Oxford for easy access to the historical city centre.
You do not need to go inside any museums to feel the city’s rich history: a casual walk around is enough to appreciate the impressive architecture that makes up the many domes and spires along its iconic skyline. Unwind with a picnic alongside Christchurch meadows on a pretty patchwork quilt and wander the city’s cobbled streets in a pair of breezy chambray high tops for maximum comfort and style.
For some fresher air, a quick car ride will take you to the heart of the Cotswolds: a collection of chocolate-box villages built from traditional cotswold stone and topped with fairytale thatched roofs.
3/ Go North & Prosper
The Yorkshire Dales & Northumberland Coast
If moody moors and craggy coastlines are more your thing, the North of England has a wealth of wonders waiting for you.
Drive just north of Leeds for a pretty patchwork of sweeping dales, wild rivers and quaint villages against a backdrop of vivid purple heathers. Pack up everything you need for a day on the Dales in a brand new backpack and dress your little cub with plenty of room for wrigging in their favourite pair of dungarees.
Take a trip further north east to visit England’s least populated national park in rugged Northumberland. Home to rolling landscapes, vast skies and over 700 miles of paths and trails to explore, this area stretches to the wide sandy bays of the Northumbrian coast. Transport your little learners back to the mythical Middle Ages at Bamburgh, Alnwick and across the sea to Lindisfarne Holy Island and teach them the real-life stories behind their favourite fairy tales.
4/ Go Wild in Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast
In the land of dragons you will find plenty to get your family all fired up. Pack up a picnic and follow your own quest along one of winding paths that track the Pembrokeshire coastline in south western Wales. When you are ready to relax, head to the town of Tenby to sample some locally-made ice cream and make the most of its Instagram-worthy rainbow hued houses for a sweet family snap – bonus points if you match your mini-me’s outfit to your new destination.
5/ Find Literary Inspiration
The Peak District & The Lake District
Consistently ranked among visitors’ favourite places to recharge, the Peak and Lake Districts have a rich history of inspiring some of the UK’s greatest artists and writers. Whether you’re a big bakewell tart fan or team sticky toffee pudding, there is plenty to enjoy across England’s most iconic national parks.
Pack a pair of high top trainers to explore winding woodland at Whinlatter Forest Park, enjoy panoramic views from surrounding peaks and fells or take a relaxing boat ride across Beatrix Potter’s beloved Lake Windermere with Peter Rabbit or Flopsy Bunny on board.
Before you set off for your staycation, get your little one ready to cycle along the pretty paths and trails that cover these areas with their own Balance Bike that will build up their confidence to conquer the whole country on two wheels.
6/ Explore Scenic Scotland
Loch Lomond & The Highlands
For those feeling even more adventurous, Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park is twice the size of the Lake District, offering an unbelievable collection of mountain ranges, sub-arctic habitats, ancient forests, deep rivers and legendary lochs.
For picture perfect vistas, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is easily accessible from Glasgow for a family-friendly balance of city buzz and natural beauty. Wherever the adventure takes you, pack a personalised denim jacket to take the edge off chilly mornings on the move.
This August is set to be a scorcher with plenty of blue-sky days to enjoy with your favourite people. If you and your family are packing up for some time outside of the house somewhere else, tag us on Instagram @My1stYears to show us where you are and what must-haves you and your family have packed.
With Love,
My 1st Years x