10 Family-Friendly Staycation Destinations to Try This Autumn Half Term

Over 60% of holidaymakers are choosing to forego the flights for a UK break this year, with 34% planning to make this their main holiday. Plus, with many of us expected to spend almost £1,300 on our UK staycation, the market is expected to rise to a value of over £3 billion.

In recent years, family staycations have become increasingly popular, with almost 80% of young families choosing to stay in the UK for a well-deserved break. But concerns over high costs remain central to decisions regarding family holidays, cited as the main reason why parents aren’t spending their holidays in big cities.

So, with prices on the rise and the autumn half-term holidays coming up, where best to holiday as a family? New data examining the general safety of UK regions of natural beauty, along with their affordability, family-friendly activity, hotel offerings, ease of public travel and environmental positives, reveals the best family-friendly staycation destinations to try next!

10. Epping Forest

The 2,400-hectare area of beautiful, ancient woodland that is Epping Forest comes in at number 10. Near to the busy rush of London, Epping Forest offers a magical escape from big city life. With plenty of walking trails to explore, as well as the Epping Forest District Museum and the nearby Lee Valley White Water Centre, there’s plenty to do with the kids!

We have calculated an average daily cost of a three-day, two-night weekend break for a family of four in each of our recommended areas, including travel, accommodation and activities. The average daily cost of a family holiday in this region is around £260 per person, one of the highest on our list. But it also boasts the highest number of nearby hotels featuring welcoming family rooms.

9. Shropshire Hills

The Shropshire Hills National Landscape features rolling hills, picturesque views and the odd sheep or two. Ideal for families who love the great outdoors, especially if you have a four-legged friend with you, the daily cost of holidaying in this area averages at around £250 per person.

Although there are less hotels available here, this area more than makes up for this with a wealth of family-friendly activities – the highest number on our list! From the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre to Ludlow Castle, the fascinating Wroxeter Roman City and so much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Plus, if you drive a little further afield, you’ll also find the brilliant Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World.

8. Castleton & Winnats Pass

Nested in the Peak District, the village of Castleton features beautiful stone bridges, cosy cottages and truly breathtaking views. With an average daily cost of £90 per person, this is an ideal staycation destination for budget-conscious families.

There are plenty of lovely hotels featuring family rooms in Castleton, as well as family-friendly activities, such as Castleton Museum and Peveril Castle – perfect for adventurous little ones. Plus, don’t miss Winnats Pass, a challenging but rewarding walk with stunning summit views.

7. Seven Sisters Country Park

Home to a number of delightful birds and sheep, the Seven Sisters Country Park features 280 hectares of striking chalk cliffs and truly incredible coastal views. Situated just a 15-minute drive from Eastbourne, there’s loads of adventurous activities to choose from, including kayaking, paddleboarding and fantastic boat tours.

With an average daily cost of £280 per person, the Seven Sisters boasts a couple of gorgeous holiday cottages right near the cliffs, as well as a wider range of B&Bs and hotels a short drive from the beauty spot itself.

6. Forest of Bowland

Visit the Forest of Bowland for 300 square miles of natural beauty, including wild heather, countless opportunities to spot wildlife and a variety of walking, hiking and cycling trails. The perfect destination for active families who love to explore the great outdoors. Plus, the nearby Bowland Wild Boar Park and Clitheroe Castle are perfect for mini animal lovers and adventurers in the making.

Although this is the most expensive destination on our list, clocking up an average of £310 per day per person, the area does boast a number of lodges and pods – ideal for families who want to holiday together without the hassle of multiple or interconnected rooms.

5. North York Moors National Park

In at number five on our list, the North York Moors offers natural beauty, tranquillity and a true escape from the chaos of everyday family life. Take a stroll to spot local wildlife and let the little ones try their hand at horse riding. If you choose an area of the park that’s near the coast, you can even enjoy paddleboarding, surfing, fishing and more, together as a family!

The daily average cost per person in this gorgeous area of the UK is around £180, with a variety of hotels, inns and B&Bs scattered across the park itself, as well as just outside its borders. The North York Moors also attains the best safety rating on our list (joint with the Yorkshire Dales), so it’s the ideal place to let the kids run, jump and explore.

4. Yorkshire Dales

Blanketed in gorgeous wild heather with picturesque landscapes and stunning waterways, it’s no surprise that the Yorkshire Dales features on our list. The safest location on our list (joint with the North York Moors), this beautiful area of the UK is ideal for parents and kids alike!

With plenty of delightful inns, lodges and glamping pods available, this area is slightly more expensive – coming in at an average daily cost of £255 per person. But you can plan a truly enjoyable day out with loads of activities on offer. Mini historians can explore Helmsley Castle and the Dales Countryside Museum, while little adventurers enjoy an exciting tour through White Scar Cave.

3. Delamere Forest

One for camping and glamping lovers, Delamere Forest takes the third spot on our list. Boasting delightful woodland views and the beautiful Blakemere Moss, this beautiful location is less than an hour’s drive from the bustling cities of both Liverpool and Manchester.

The cheapest staycation destination on our list – coming in at a daily average of £75 per person – the accommodation in the forest itself tends to focus on getting back to nature, with a wide range of campsites and caravans. However, the surrounding area also boasts luxurious hotels and cosy cottage rentals, if this feels more your vibe.

Little ones will love the Gruffalo sculptures and interactive Stick Man trail – complete with stamp stickers and an adventure passport card – while older kids can enjoy a horse-riding lesson or take on the Go Ape Treetop Challenge. You can even get furry friends involved with the Wallace and Gromit Forest Walkies trail!

2. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

Claiming the silver medal on our list, The Trossachs National Park is a wonderful, family-friendly area. With our second-highest safety rating and plenty of great activities nearby, a visit to this breathtaking area of natural beauty is well worth it!

With an average daily cost of £260 per person, a break to this renowned Scottish destination is sure to be one you’ll remember for years to come. Uncover the secrets of the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, visit the Birds of Prey Centre and explore the fantastic Loch Lomond Shores – home to a variety of shops, golf experiences, a dog-friendly café and more.

You can also enjoy a river cruise, try your hand at canoeing or follow the artistic BLiSS Trail. There are a number of cosy inns, holiday homes and luxury hotels in the area, catering to families of all shapes and sizes, making sure that your stay is truly memorable.

1. The Lake District

Taking the number one place on our list is none other than the beautiful Lake District. This truly breathtaking area of natural beauty was described by Wordsworth as “The loveliest spot that man hath found” and served as the inspiration for many of his poems.

Featuring a large number of family-friendly activities – from the amazing Lake District Wildlife Park, to river cruises, canoeing and paddleboarding, treetop experiences, alpaca walks, Wray Castle and the Lakes Aquarium, there’s more than enough to keep the kids busy!

Little ones will absolutely love the enchantment of The World of Beatrix Potter – an experience that takes you inside the well-loved books – while older kids can give the Keswick climbing wall a go, try a spot of pony trekking or enjoy shopping in one of the many nearby charming market towns.

With an average daily cost of £270 per person and a high safety rating, there are a number of luxury Lake District hotels, inns and B&Bs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a spa escape, cosy retreat or simply somewhere with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, the Lakes have you covered.

Will you be heading to The Lakes this autumn half term for your ideal family holiday? Or perhaps one of the other destinations on our list stands out to you? Either way, you’re sure to have a family staycation to remember.