A UK staycation comes with its own packing list. We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, and even though you might only be travelling a couple of hours from home, there is still plenty to think about if you want the trip to run smoothly.
It can be tempting to treat a staycation a little more casually than a holiday abroad because you're not travelling very far, but that doesn't mean you won't need all the usual family essentials. Here is a practical guide to what to pack for a family staycation closer to home.
Why UK Staycation Packing Is Different
Unpredictable Weather in a Small Window
Packing for four seasons in one weekend is pretty much standard when you're holidaying anywhere in the UK! Even in summer, a sunny morning can quickly turn into a wet afternoon, so it definitely pays to be prepared.
Checking the weather forecast before you leave can give you a much better idea of what you're going to need. I always find checking again on the morning we're leaving helpful too, as we all know how quickly the British weather can change. Whether you're heading off on a beach break, city escape or another type of UK trip, it's always worth packing for a few different weather possibilities.
Shorter Journeys, But Not Less to Plan
Just because you're not travelling far doesn't mean you should under-pack. A forgotten item is still annoying whether you're twenty minutes or two hours away from home, and once you've arrived and unpacked, the last thing you want to do is turn around and go back for something.
I find treating a UK staycation much like any other family holiday when it comes to packing makes things so much easier. A quick checklist before you leave can save a lot of hassle later.
Clothing and Weatherproofing Essentials
Layering for a Day That Could Do Anything
Layers are your best friend on a UK staycation. A light layer, something warmer and a waterproof jacket will cover you for most eventualities.
Even if the forecast looks lovely, I'd still throw a waterproof in the car. There is nothing worse than being caught in an unexpected downpour halfway through a family day out!
Footwear for Mixed Activities
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you've got lots of family days out planned. Ideally, you want something that can handle everything from a slightly muddy walk to wandering along the seafront.
Think about what you've actually got planned before packing everyone's shoes. A comfortable, versatile pair that you know you can walk around in all day is often much more useful than taking several pairs that never actually leave the suitcase.
Entertainment and Comfort for the Journey
Keeping Kids Occupied for a Shorter Drive
Even a two-hour drive can feel like a lifetime when you've got bored kids in the back asking, "Are we there yet?" every ten minutes!
You don't need to pack loads, but a couple of familiar activities can make the journey much easier. Tablets, books, colouring, small toys or whatever you know keeps your children entertained are always worth having within easy reach.
Snacks and Drinks for the Car or Train
Snacks are an absolute essential on any family journey. Easy, mess-free snacks and plenty of drinks can save you from unnecessary service station stops and also save you a bit of money along the way.
Pack enough for the journey rather than relying on finding somewhere convenient to stop. Having a little snack bag ready to grab makes travelling with children so much easier.
Choosing the Right Accommodation for a Family Trip
What to Check Before Booking
Before booking, check exactly what is included with your accommodation. Things like kitchen equipment, parking, cots and family facilities can vary massively depending on where you're staying.
I always think it's worth having a look through recent reviews from other families too. Parents tend to mention all those little practical details that you actually want to know before turning up with the kids.
Packing to Suit Self-Catering vs. A Hotel Stay
What you need to pack will obviously depend on where you're staying. If you're going self-catering, bringing basics like tea, coffee and snacks can be really handy, whereas a hotel stay with breakfast included might mean you can leave a few of those extras at home.
Check what your accommodation already provides before you start packing. It saves filling the car with things you don't need and avoids arriving to discover the one thing you assumed would be there isn't!
Small Extras for Outdoor Days
Sun Protection Even on a Cloudy UK Day
Sunscreen is still important even when it's cloudy, especially if you're spending the day at the beach, a theme park or generally outdoors.
It's one of those things that's easy to forget when the weather doesn't look particularly sunny, so I always think it's worth popping some in your day bag anyway. Don't forget to reapply it throughout the day, particularly for the kids.
Sunglasses and Eye Comfort for Bright Outdoor Days
Sunglasses are another easy one to forget, but they're definitely worth packing for everyone. Whether you're heading to the beach, spending the day at a theme park or going for a long walk, they make bright outdoor days much more comfortable.
For parents who wear them, comfortable contact lenses can also be really convenient for active family days out, especially when you're running around after the kids or dealing with the unpredictable British weather.
I also like the idea of keeping a spare pair of sunglasses in the car or your day bag because someone inevitably forgets theirs!
Practical Extras Families Often Forget
A Small First Aid Kit
A little first aid kit is always worth taking on a family staycation. Plasters, antiseptic wipes and a few basics for bites, scrapes and other little mishaps don't take up much room and can be really handy when you're out for the day.
You can keep a small kit packed and ready for family trips, then just give it a quick check before you leave to make sure nothing needs replacing. It's particularly useful if you're planning lots of active days out.
Entertainment for Downtime at the Accommodation
It's easy to think about keeping everyone entertained while you're out and forget about the evenings back at your accommodation.
A few quiet activities are always handy for winding down after a busy day. Card games, books, colouring or even a favourite bedtime story can be perfect for those slower evenings in a caravan, cottage or hotel room.
Making the Most of Local Recommendations
Researching Family-Friendly Spots Ahead of Time
I love having a little look at what's around before we go away. Checking reviews and recommendations can help you find some brilliant family-friendly places without spending half of your trip searching for somewhere to go.
You don't need to plan every minute. Just save a few places that look good so you've got options depending on the weather and what everyone feels like doing that day.
Leaving Room for Spontaneity
As much as I love having a rough plan, some of the best parts of a family staycation can be the things you didn't plan at all.
Leave a little bit of space in your itinerary for spontaneous stops, unexpected finds and days where you simply change your mind. A family break should still feel like a break, rather than having every hour planned from morning until night.
The Bottom Line
A UK staycation might be closer to home, but a little preparation can make the whole trip so much easier. Layers for our very unpredictable weather, comfortable shoes, snacks, entertainment for the kids, a small first aid kit and a few outdoor essentials can save a lot of hassle once you're away.
You definitely don't need the same level of planning as you would for a big holiday abroad, but taking a little time to think about what you'll actually need makes a huge difference.
And then all that's left to do is enjoy your family staycation — whatever the British weather decides to throw at you!
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