Here in the UK, we are finally being blessed with great weather, and it would be a shame not to take full advantage of the sunshine while we have it. Let’s face it, it won’t last long, so we might as well enjoy it as much as we can.
Summer in the UK can be just as enjoyable as taking the whole family abroad. No long flights with children, no waiting around for 2+ hour transfers, and it could even work out cheaper. We love a good staycation. You spend less time stressing over expensive travel plans, and so you have more time together creating memories and bonding over new experiences.
Yes, we can create incredible lifelong memories by taking a trip to Europe or right across the globe, but when money is tight and the weather at home is pleasant, going abroad is not always necessary. A staycation can keep costs down, travel time to a minimum (if you prefer), and provide maximum fun!
Looking to grab a staycation bargain? Here are five top tips:
1. Be open to flexibility
Eager to book, but not sure where to start? Once you know your dates, make a list of where you’d like to go and do some research on the area, transport links and local attractions. Often, the best savings are on last-minute offers, so if you can make a short-notice trip work for you and your family, that approach could offer the best savings.
2. Travel outside peak times
Now let’s address the elephant in the room: school holidays!
Travelling during the busy school holidays can be expensive, but for many families it’s the only time they have to get booked up for a holiday. Thankfully, a staycation can be a great alternative to a trip during peak holiday times.
Your UK trip can be as near to or far from home as you like, which means a fun-filled trip can be packed into a Friday (after school/work) to Sunday adventure if you want it to. No time needs to be taken off, and avoiding the school holidays will absolutely save you a fortune.
You’ll likely get off-peak travel, attraction tickets and fewer crowds.
Here’s a guide on the cheapest family staycation weekends throughout the year:
- January weekends after New Year
- February half-term alternatives (booking ahead recommended)
- March weekends before Easter demand increases
- September weekends after schools return
- Early November weekends before Christmas, prices rise
Yes, a bank holiday can run up costs a little, as it’s popular for families with the same idea of avoiding the school holidays, but if you are flexible on where you go, then you can find a great bargain online, especially if you know where to look…
3. Compare travel prices
Do not neglect third-party experience marketplaces, attraction ticket resellers, or days-out booking platforms. Not only can they offer a deal, but many times they allow you to stack a discount code on top to increase the savings!
We recommend:
- Groupon, BuyaGift, and tastecard for restaurant offers
- Days Out Guide for 2for1 on popular attractions when visiting by train
- Booking.com, Trivago, and Airbnb for comparing accommodation to grab the best deal
These marketplaces are good places to check before you book a UK family staycation. Same with day trips and travel, if combining them gets you cheaper tickets and works with my travel plans, then go for it!
Airbnb is also worth considering, as many hosts send exclusive offers if they know you’re interested in their space. They want the booking, and you might get a great offer compared to a traditional hotel in the same area. Plus, with young children, an Airbnb might provide more indoor and maybe even outdoor space; a huge win for a staycation in the sun!
4. Look for travel discounts
We love a simple discount. Why? Because you can be sure that if there’s a discount code or exclusive offer online for a hotel chain, popular attraction, or even public transport, then I’ll find it.
If you can get an extra 5-20% off something you already planned to book, then that’s extra money back into your pocket, ready to be added to your spending money or holiday budget.
Here is a list of some of our favourite websites for excellent deals on uk holidays:
Not only can you find a good discount, but you might also unlock a special online-only or in-app offer that could end up saving you even more £££.
5. Get on those mailing lists
We also highly recommend signing up for all the mailing lists for attractions, restaurants, and accommodation providers that are at the top of your travel list. You’ll likely be sent exclusive offers just for you, and pretty quickly too. Yes, they can get annoying and be a little excessive, but you will soon find gold and save some money in the process.
It doesn’t take companies long to start sending you emails with vouchers and offers that escalate the longer you leave a trip or an unfinished booking in your basket. You’ll soon be sent an email about a free add-on, discount code or reduced price that’ll entice you to book.
If you’re keen to get your next family staycation booked, we hope these tips can help you find a great bargain and maybe even bag a freebie or two along the way!
Additional websites and resources to check out for inspiration and advice:
- National Trust
- Forestry England
- Canal & River Trust
- Day Out With The Kids
- MoneySavingExpert
- VisitEngland
