5 UK staycations and what to pack for them

5 UK staycations and what to pack for them

Last Updated on 26th May 2022

With people booking summer holidays, UK Staycations are now more popular than ever. But it can be hard to know what to pack for the ever-changing climate. Here are our suggestions of what to take with you for your next vacation, spoiler alert prepare for rain.

Walking in the Lake District

The lake district is beautiful, with many walks, trails, and hikes to discover. Despite its name and having 16 bodies of water, there is the solitary Bassenthwaite Lake and the rest and meres and waters. A mere is a shallow lake, with Windermere the largest in England despite holding 300 billion litres of water. Wastwater by comparison is the deepest reaching 243 feet.

With 1,342 miles of footpath within the National Park and stunning views from Scafell Pike (which takes 3-4 hours to climb to the peak 978 metres above sea level), it’s a hikers paradise.

For this type of British break, you will need to pack a good set of walking boots/shoes and a waterproof jacket. As you can never tell when the rain might set in. Also, pack a nice pair of jeans and a jumper and top for those after walk pub meals.

boats on Grasmere water in the perfect uk staycation spot
The stunning Grasmere water in the Lake District

Surfing in Cornwall

Whether you’re taking your board to the water, or just off to enjoy a cream tea by the sea, it’s important you dress accordingly. The weather is usually somewhat more forgiving down South, so if you’re going during the summer months you can get away with a nice T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Cornwall is home to some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches and coastal walks, so if you love soaking up the sun, paddling in the sea or walking along rugged cliffs, this is one county not to miss. Just be warned, it gets heaving in Summer with narrow roads.

The south west is known as the English Riviera but with the warmer weather can also come a cold sea breeze, so don’t forget to pack a jumper or hoodie and some trousers just in case the weather turns cold by the coast and you need to wrap up warm after being in the surf. Activewear is a good choice as covers most activities.

Popular Surf Beaches in Cornwall

  • Fistral Beach (Newquay) is the best known surfing beach in the UK so gets very busy
  • Perranporth Beach is huge so easier to find a spot in peak summer
  • Polzeath Beach in Padstow is good for beginners
  • Gwithian Beach near Hayle is exposed so popular with windsurfers
  • Porthtowan Beach is a great beach with fast waves
  • Praa Sands Beach (Helston) and Porthmeor Beach (St Ives) are two popular northern beaches
  • Sennen Beach is the most westerly and exposed to the winds.

surfing in cornwall scaled

City breaks in London

If you’ve only ever been to London for a weekend break, you need to think about booking another trip. From the stunning views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the history of the Tower of London, there are so many amazing historical sites in this city that you can’t see in one weekend. Take a river cruise up the Thames, visit Buckingham Palace or head over to Camden Market to take your pick from hundreds of vintage clothes shops.

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, here’s your time to shine. Don your favourite dress and a pair of heels whilst out for brunch with friends. Doing some sightseeing? Be sure to wear a comfortable pair of pumps as you make your way around the big city. Going for Fashion Week? Dress to impress with this season’s latest trends.

Wild camping in the Scottish Highlands

If you’re looking for something adventurous then a wild camping trip in unspoilt, remote and ruggedly beautiful, the Highlands are the perfect place to get away from it all. Enjoy some of the most tranquil views in the world; from a picturesque lochside setting in Glen Coe to a remote forest in Glen Affric, this is a unique way to experience Scotland’s finest landscapes.

Don’t forget your tent or hire one from a local company if you want to sleep under the stars in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery. Wild camping offers a level of independence and freedom that can’t be matched by any other holiday. If you fancy getting back to basics there’s nowhere better.

It’s recommended that you take warmer clothes when camping, especially in Scotland, as the temperature can drop at night. Remember to pack plenty of women’s thermals and spare socks in case it rains or the ones you’re wearing get muddy. A waterproof jacket with gloves will also see you through whatever weather is thrown at you during your stay.

Exploring in Yorkshire

There’s so much to see and do in Yorkshire, a real jewel in the North of England. From hikes across the moors to traditional fish and chips by the seafront at Whitby, you can bring a mixture of walking gear and beachwear depending on when you visit this destination. A warm hoody and jeans, with a raincoat packed for good measure, will keep you exploring long after the sun has gone down.