Staycations are a great way to explore the UK, keep costs down, and make it easier to travel with extended family. Whether you’re looking to make the most of local attractions or simply relax in a cosy home-away-from-home, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your family staycation is a success.

Choosing the right destination

Destination is crucial for a successful staycation. Here’s the most important factors to consider:

– Accommodation: Opt for family-friendly hotels, holiday parks, or self-catering cottages that provide lots of space and amenities. Perfect for family staycations, Foxhills in Surrey (shown in main image) offers purpose-built two-bedroom suites and interconnecting rooms that are ideal for parents and little ones. 
– Proximity: Choose a location within a few hours’ drive to minimise travel stress with little ones. Just 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport and within close proximity to the M3 and M25, Foxhills is well connected. 
– Activities: Look for destinations within easy travel distance to a range of family-friendly activities such as parks, museums, and outdoor adventures.

Keeping everyone entertained

Making sure there’s lots of little ones to do will make sure everyone has an enjoyable time.

– Activities at your accommodation: Booking somewhere that has entertainment for kids will ensure that your stay is much more relaxing. The Pavilion at Foxhills not only has a stylish soft play area, but also a role play high street, a games room, creche, two pools for family swimming plus an additional outdoor pool by the hotel rooms, 9 tennis courts, 3 padel courts, 2 pickleball courts and a football net on the hotel’s green. Plus, there’s a spa for frazzled parents to escape to. 
– Outdoor adventures: Hiking, biking, and nature trails give everyone a chance to let off steam. Exploring nature together is also great for family bonding. The 400-acre estate at Foxhills has stunning woodland trails, two adventure playgrounds, and the hotel regularly offers activities such as camp building. There’s also a nine-hole par-three golf courses for families to enjoy.
– Local attractions: Research the area. Plan a couple of day trips to nearby family-friendly attractions such as wildlife parks, aquariums, museums, and even local play parks. 

Packing like a pro

Getting organised before you go will make all the difference:

– Baby and toddler equipment: Contact your accommodation ahead of your stay and check if you need to bring items such as highchairs, strollers, and travel cots. 
– Essentials: Don’t forget toiletries, medications, and favourite snacks.
– Clothing: The UK is notorious for changeable weather, so make sure you pack versatile clothing for everyone and lots of layers. 
– Entertainment: Bring books, toys, group games, and pre-loaded electronic devices to keep everyone entertained. If you’re going with another family, swap notes beforehand so that you don’t pack the same things. 

Planning where to eat 

From enjoying local cuisine to catering to picky eaters, make sure you research the most family-friendly places to eat: 

– Hotel restaurants: If you’re staying in a hotel make sure they cater to the whole family. Flo’s at Foxhills is a deli serving Aussie-inspired dishes. With fresh smoothies, craft beers, and children’s menus it’s both parent and little one-pleasing. The Fox dining rooms also offers two AA Rosette cuisine for all the family.
– Local restaurants: Make a list of all the local foodie hot spots and find out if they offer a kids menu. Don’t forget to make reservations where necessary.
– Self-catering: If you’re staying in a self-catering accommodation, arriving with the kids’ dinners already cooked is a gamechanger. Batch cook at home and transport everything in a cool box. Booking a chef can also take a load off for frazzled parents, and can work out cheaper than eating out for bigger groups. 
– Local markets: Don’t forget to check out local farmers’ markets and foodie events. 

Budgeting wisely

Staycations can be cost-effective if planned carefully:

– Accommodation deals: Look out for special offers and family packages. Foxhills in Surrey offers a range of packages for families. 
– Free activities: Many parks, museums, and attractions offer free entry or discounted rates for families.
– Travel costs: Minimise travel expenses by choosing destinations within driving distance and avoiding peak travel times.

Flexibility is key

Travelling with young children is always going to be unpredictable. Flexibility is key to a stress-free staycation:

– Consider everyone’s schedules: Make sure you factor in nap times, food, and sleeping arrangements. If you’re travelling with another family, discuss what’s going to work and not work before you go. 
– Weather: Have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities planned just in case the weather is unpredictable.
– Pacing: Avoid over-scheduling. Aim for a balance of spontaneous adventures and downtime.
– Health and safety: Keep updated on any local health guidelines and ensure you have a plan in case of emergencies.

Capturing memories

It’s all about creating lots and lots of core memories: 

– Photos and videos: Capture the most scenic moments, but don’t forget to live in the moment too. 
– Journals: For older children, keeping a travel journal is not only a fun activity, but also a special way to remember the trip. 
– Scrapbooks: Make a scrapbook together when you get home, pasting in all the little mementoes you collected. 

Final thoughts

A family staycation is perfect for enjoying quality time together without the stress of long-distance travel. With the right planning it can be stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. Happy staycationing!

This is a Paid Partnership with Fohxills

foxhills.co.uk