SPOTLIGHT ON

Stylish staycations

19 April

Planning a family staycation this year? Emma Howarth selects some ideal spots around the UK and we 

select some fabulous outfit ideas for the kids. Finally, it's time to start planning their summer outfits. 

Gower, Wales

Right up there with the beautiful beach big-hitters, the Gower Peninsula might just be Britain’s 

best-kept secret. Ensure you check out our swim shop for boys and girls before you book.

DO

Take a dolphin-spotting boat trip 

with Gower Coast Adventures.

EAT

Try lunch with a view at the laid-back and 

lovely Bay Bistro. Think post-surf sustenance, 

lots of choice for veggies and decadent cakes.

PLAY

The natural charms of Rhossili Bay should 

be all the entertainment they need but if the 

weather refuses to play ball, try a trip to 

the Gower Heritage Centre near Swansea.

STAY

Glamp it up with a stay in one of Scamper 

Holidays’ shepherd’s huts, wood cabins or 

VW campers. Choose from two equally 

lovely sites on the peninsula.

gowercoastadventures.co.uk; thebaybistro.co.uk; 

gowerheritagecentre.co.uk; scamperholidays.co.uk

Newquay, Cornwall

Wild coastline, sandy beaches, rock pools, pasties, fish and chips – there’s nowhere quite 

like Cornwall for a UK family fling. 

DO

Take a trip to Fistral Beach – the home of British 

surfing – to watch the wave riders in action.

EAT

Jamie Oliver’s Italian-inspired Fifteen Cornwall 

is right on the beach and perfect for a 

leisurely family lunch.

PLAY

Take your sandcastle architecture to the next 

level with Watergate Bay’s vast swathe of sand.

STAY

Laid-back and luxurious, the Watergate Bay

Hotel takes family-friendly to stylish new heights.

fistralbeach.co.uk; fifteencornwall.co.uk; watergatebay.co.uk

SHOP GIRLS SWIMWEAR

SHOP BOYS SWIMWEAR

South Bank, London

History, architecture, art, adventure, London’s South Bank makes the ideal base for a weekend exploring

the capital. Day trips, whether in city or country, require cool-but-practical accessories for girls and boys.

DO

Book ahead for the best prices on the 

London Eye or View from The Shard.

EAT

Proper burgers in a stylish setting, Byron 

on The Cut is a crowd-pleasing winner.

PLAY

Watch the skaters and street entertainers, 

check out Tate Modern or run wild in the 

playground next to the London Eye.

STAY

Save your cash for a shopping session 

and stay at Premier Inn’s brilliantly 

located County Hall hotel.

londoneye.com; theviewfromtheshard.com;

byronhamburgers.com; tate.org.uk; premierinn.com

Lake District, Cumbria

Escape to the beautiful Lake District for dreamy landscapes and wild adventures.

Be sure to pack a lightweight rain coat for girls or boys in case of summer showers.

DO

Pack the walking boots so you can make 

the most of the stunning local scenery. 

EAT

Clifton’s George and Dragon is big on 

atmosphere and child-pleasing dishes.

PLAY

Don’t miss a trip to Lowther Castle 

and its huge adventure playground.

STAY

Who wouldn’t want to spend the night in a 

Hobbit Hole? Head to the Quiet Site and 

make that stay in the Shire dream a reality.

askhamhall.co.uk/george-and-dragon;

lowthercastle.org; thequietsite.co.uk

SHOP GIRLS ACCESSORIES

SHOP BOYS ACCESSORIES

Margate, Kent

The perfect mix of arty regeneration and retro resort, Margate has timeless appeal.

DO

Visit the famous Shell Grotto or get 

your art fix at Turner Contemporary.

EAT

Roost ticks all the right boxes with a 

fuss-free menu of chicken, ribs and 

burgers and a basement games room.

PLAY

No trip to Margate is complete without 

a spin on the rides at Dreamland.

STAY

Small, chic and overlooking the 

beach, Sands Hotel is our seaside 

stay dream base.

shellgrotto.co.uk; turnercontemporary.org; roostrestaurant.co.uk;

sandshotelmargate.co.uk; dreamland.co.uk