TRAVEL | Alternative Family Holidays – The Best Post-Lockdown Staycations Right Here In The UK

May 15, 2020 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Family Holidays, Homepage Feature, Travel

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Summer holiday cancelled due to Coronavirus flight and travel restrictions? Read on to find out what staycation options are available and how to choose the perfect family holiday here in the UK after lockdown is lifted.

Heligan Woods Caravan & Camping, Cornwall — *Heligan Campsite, Cornwall*

Whilst lockdown rules might gradually be easing up now, for those who’ve cancelled holidays overseas or were planning on taking their usual summer family holiday abroad, it’s unlikely that air travel will be back to normal any time soon.

More Brits expected to book staycations this year

More people than ever are looking for stay at home, or ‘staycation’ holidays this year, with many campsite booking websites reporting a sharp increase in bookings. Here at Camping with Style, we’ve seen traffic increase by 20% compared to this time last year, whilst the Camping and Caravanning Club have reported similar increases in bookings, indicating that camping and glamping will be the holiday of choice for many this year.

Bedruthan Steps Beach Cornwall — *The stunning Bedruthan Steps beach in Cornwall*

If you’ve never considered the UK as a holiday destination before, what are your options?

A UK holiday might conjure up images of a depressing Butlins style holiday camp, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course for those that want them, good old fashioned holiday camps are still providing great value for money family breaks that kids will love, but there are plenty of other staycation holiday options to now choose from.

Choosing the right UK holiday

The trick is in not trying to replicate your usual family holiday and embracing a different holiday experience, so you’ll need to come up with a new set of criteria and have a think about new places to explore (Wild Guide books are amazing and full of inspiring ideas) and new activities to do that aren’t quite as reliant on a 14-day streak of blazing sunshine and no rain!

Twitchen House Devon — Twitchen House Holiday Park in Devon, close to one of the best beaches in the UK

Need some UK holiday inspiration? Browse our family & glamping holiday reviews

Staycations come in many forms and glamping is perhaps the most popular form of staycation right now. The term glamping, however, is often a bit of a misnomer.

“Glam camping” has evolved to mean pretty much any self-catering accommodation, and whilst traditionally glamping referred to a no-frills camping-like experience in a basic shed-like hut or pre-erected bell tent, glamping options now include enormous luxury treehouses complete with hot tubs, glam log cabins that wouldn’t look out of place in the Alps and a huge array of other accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Glamping can cost anything from £40 a night for something basic up to £350 per night for luxury safari tents with en suite, hot tub and lots of incredible extras. You’ll find 10 of the best UK glamping stays here.

But if glamping really isn’t for you and you want to do something a bit more imaginative (and easier on the wallet) than Center Parcs, we’ve laid out many other UK holiday options available to you below. Before you book anything, check out cancellation options and find out whether you’ll be able to move your booking should lockdown restrictions require you to postpone your UK holiday.

*Round the Woods yurt glamping in Norfolk*

Post-Lockdown UK Holiday Options

Self-catering lodges, villas and cottages

Whether you want something private and secluded or you want lots of action and things to do for the kids, self-catering accommodation provides a lot of flexibility for families.

Our favourite self-catering accommodation providers include Hoseasons, who have varied accommodation options that might surprise you, the always brilliant Under The Thatch for quirky and beautiful holiday properties in some amazing locations (read about Our Weekend at Beautiful Tŷ’r Gofalwr The Caretaker’s Cottage in Snowdonia) and of course, good old Air B&B.

Glamping and quirky self-catering stays

The Red Kite Yurt at Cledan Valley Glamping

Getting your glamping holiday right means choosing the location and style of accommodation that’s right for you. From back to basics, off-grid glamping in a yurt through to ultra-high-end safari tents, cabins and lodges, there’s a vast range of glamping holiday options available.

Wigwam holidays have locations all over the UK and offer excellent value for money for small families, Ready Camp from the Camping and Caravanning Club makes another great option for families, but if you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, take a look at Forest Holidays, who have some stunning accommodation options, or try searching on Glampsites or Canopy & Stars.

Holiday parks

Holiday parks have come a long way in the last decade or so, and there are now holiday parks to suit all tastes and budgets. From bargain basement caravan parks to luxurious 5-star lodges and apartments, holiday parks can provide an excellent choice for families and whilst most will automatically think of Center Parcs, there are loads of alternatives that offer a similar experience, but much better value for money!

Haven Holidays, holiday parks throughout the UK

Pure Leisure have a selection of parks that offer a great selection of holiday accommodation choices, whilst Haven Holidays have holiday park and accommodation options all over the UK. Boundless Breaks provide a vast selection of options too, including Whitemead Forest Park.

Darwin Escapes have holiday parks all over the UK including some in truly stunning coastal locations, whilst Park Holidays have 15 locations to choose from with some beautiful lodge accommodation options.

Family adventure breaks

If it’s something a bit different you’re looking for and you don’t want to have to arrange activities and things for the family to do yourself, a family adventure break could be the ideal choice.

Companies like Acorn Adventure Holidays provide great value holidays in the UK that are action-packed and will give you the chance to try various activities like kayaking and climbing. Adventure Tours UK provides a range of different options for those seeking something active, whilst Preseli Venture Holidays provide active family holidays in a fully catered 5-star eco-lodge in Wales.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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