With travel abroad becoming increasingly expensive, staycations have risen in popularity in recent years, especially for families wanting to get away for a summer holiday. While on holiday, happiness may just be the most important thing, and it can come in many forms. From laughter shared with family on a coastal walk to tucking into a hearty pub lunch after a day of wildlife watching.
With this in mind, the team at holidaycottages.co.uk have revealed the UK’s happiest staycation breaks for families. The researchers conducted a 2,000-person survey on holiday happiness to conclude just which destination can be called the UK’s happiest staycation destination.
Topping their list was the Isle of Wight, with its “magical coastline” and golden sands. Singing the island’s praises, the experts said that it has “all the ingredients for happiness”.
There are plenty of options for fun days out for all types of travellers, including history lovers, beach-goers, hikers, and even thrill-seeking families.
You can spend the summer digging spades into the golden sands at the island’s beautiful beaches of Shanklin or Sandown. While those looking for some thrills can head to the UK’s oldest theme park in Blackgang Chine.”
One previous holidaymaker who opted to holiday on the island wrote: “On the Isle of Wight; it’s tranquil and so magical. It’s a very unique place for a holiday for all the family, including the family pet.”
Next on the list was the beautiful Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, while Hampshire, home of the New Forest National Park, took third place.
Commenting on the Happiest Places survey, Sarah Pring at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “Joy and happiness can be found in so many areas of life – whether that’s getting active in some of the UK’s most scenic locations, sharing a laugh with family over fish and chips on the beach, or seeing the wonder of wildlife through the eyes of your children.
“Though everyone’s happy place is different, we wanted to explore some of the shared moments of happiness experienced across the UK, as many families look for last-minute breaks over the summer holidays.”
“We hope our research inspires more people to enjoy a UK staycation and find their own happy place – who knows, it might just be one of the destinations on this list.”
The UK’s happiest family staycation
- Isle of Wight
- Pembrokeshire
- Hampshire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Lancashire
- Ceredigion
- Cornwall
- Dorset
- Norfolk
- Lincolnshire