A new holiday index has named the best places for a family staycation in the UK, with a surprising destination topping the list
A new holiday index has crowned Kent as the ultimate family staycation spot in the UK, boasting a sterling 9.6 rating out of the maximum 10.
The study by Go. Compare analysed factors like family-friendly accommodations, attractions for kids, and price variations in hotel costs during term time versus school holidays.
With its 600-plus family-oriented hotels and a whopping 485 kid-approved attractions, Kent’s claimed the top prize. Customers won’t feel the pinch too much here, either – average hotel rates only go up by a modest 6% during the school breaks.
Norfolk and Suffolk follow just behind, each offering an impressive mix of beaches, nature reserves, and hundreds of hotels and attractions catering to families.
That said, when the schools shut for holidays, prices jump by about 18% in these spots, making them a tad pricier than Kent.
Rhys Jones from Go.Compare noted that the win for Kent was somewhat unexpected: “Kent taking the top spot in our staycation index is surprising as it’s not often the first place that comes to mind when we think about holidaying in the UK.
“Destinations like Cornwall or the Lake District tend to be considered more. Despite this, Kent has quietly positioned itself as a fantastic choice for families, offering a range of accommodation and attraction options while remaining affordable.”
On the flip side, Newport was revealed as the least favourable spot for family staycations, with only 72 family-suited hotels, indicating that families might struggle to find suitable accommodation. Cardiff also made it to the ‘worst’ list, which may come as a surprise given its vibrant reputation.
However, with just 70 family-friendly hotels and 85 child-friendly attractions, families staying for an extended period may find it challenging to keep entertained.
Both Newport and Cardiff suffer from significant price surges during peak holiday seasons, with a steep 47% increase being observed across Wales.
Top five family staycation locations
- Kent
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- East Sussex
- North Yorkshire
The five lowest-ranked staycation spots
- Newport
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Aberdeen
- Glasgow
