Your staycation checklist: 10 UK attractions this summer

SEARCHING for ways to make the most of the summer months? Look no further.

Pexels

We’ve compiled a list of the top ten must-try staycation activities for all ages, perfect for your bucket list.

Summer’s here, and with school holidays in full swing, it’s the perfect time to seek out some family fun.

More and more Brits are opting for staycations to soak up the charm of the British Isles while saving a pretty penny on those pricey international trips.

But with so many fantastic options scattered around the country, figuring out what to do and where to go can feel a bit overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best activities and fun outings for all ages to help you make the most of this summer.

Whether you’re craving classic seaside fun at the circus, eager to reconnect with wildlife, or ready for a lively night out, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover our top UK attractions to add to your summer checklist and make some great family memories.

---

London Stansted Airport

Download the voucher booklet before you travel

Your holiday plans might have been in the works for months, but while you’re still here in the UK, there’s plenty of spontaneous family fun to be had.

If you’re jetting off from London Stansted Airport this summer, you can enjoy some fantastic exclusive offers running from June 21 to September 13.

Grab a voucher booklet in the terminal or download before you travel and you’ll score amazing deals, freebies, and discounts you won’t find anywhere else.

Score £10 off when you spend £100 in World Duty Free, get 10% off WHSmith purchases of £15 or more (ideal for last-minute essentials), and make the kids smile with a £5 discount on toys and games at Hamleys when you spend £30.

You can reserve and collect World Duty Free items from 24 hours to 30 days before you fly to save time. To travel lighter, shop at any airport store, leave your purchases, and collect them when you return. And remember, you can bring one bag of airport shopping on board with your hand luggage, no matter the airline.

And fuelling up before you fly is always a wise move, so the good news is your kids can eat free with an adult meal purchase of £15 or more at the Sunnyside Café, or when you spend £20 on adult meals at Comptoir Libanais.

Boom Battle Bar

For a night out with friends, BOOM BATTLE BAR should be at the top of your list.

They’ve got a variety of activities that’ll keep everyone entertained, from Axe Throwing and Augmented Reality Darts to classic American Pool and the chaos of Crazier Golf.

Want to show off your vocal chops? Their BOOM BOX karaoke booths are perfect for belting out your favourite tunes with a private crowd.

And don’t forget about the drinks; whether you’re craving a classic cocktail or looking to try something new, their selection of cocktails, wines, draft beers, and ciders pairs perfectly with their street food offerings.

With 29 locations across the UK, including spots in Scotland, Wales, London, and all over the North and South West, a great night out is never far away.

The Ice Cream Farm

Ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser, so The Ice Cream Farm is set to be a major summer favourite, even for us big kids.

Located in Cheshire, it’s home to the world’s largest ice cream shop.

With over 50 flavours of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream on offer, entry is a bargain at just £2.50 per person (£1.50 with a Late Afternoon Pass).

But it’s not just about the ice cream. Once you’re in, you only pay for the activities you choose.

There’s an indoor sand and water play zone, a massive soft play area, a mini-golf course, giant inflatable pillows, and so much more.

When it comes to dining, there are several family-friendly food outlets and a barista-style café to pick from.

There’s also The Ice Cream Drive In, the first of its kind, where you can make a pit stop and enjoy your ice cream without ever leaving your car.

Plus, this summer with seasonal events like family-friendly themed escape rooms The Ice Cream Farm promises a sweet and memorable day out.

Hippodrome Circus

Great Yarmouth is one of the UK’s top seaside destinations and boasts the Hippodrome Circus, Britain’s last surviving circus venue.

Housed in a historic 1903 venue, its summer show, Champions, brings together an array of world-class performers, from fearless acrobats and stunt cyclists to tennis jugglers, and slam-dunking basketball teams.

The real showstopper is the water spectacle, where the stage morphs into a massive swimming pool.

The Hippodrome Circus mixes nostalgic seaside fun with thrilling entertainment, with daily performances running throughout the summer until September 15th.

Household Cavalry Museum

Redeem 10% off tickets with code CHECKLIST10

If you’re in the capital and looking for a blend of history and excitement, the Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards is a must-see.

Dating back to 1750, it’s more than just a museum, it’s a living experience that takes you right into the heart of the British Army’s oldest regiment.

Both you and the kids can catch a glimpse of the troopers and their horses in the original 18th-century stables, and have the chance to see them in their finery at the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.

Plus, the museum’s interactive exhibits let everyone try on those iconic uniforms, making it a hands-on adventure.

And with the code CHECKLIST10, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your booking.

Tipsy Parties

Get an instant quote for your party or event

You don’t have to venture far for an amazing staycation, plenty of experiences can come right to your door, like the cocktail magicians at Tipsy Parties.

Whether you’re spicing up a family get-together or planning a special event, Tipsy Parties will make it a memorable one.

They even offer interactive cocktail-making classes so you and your guests can put on your cocktail-making hats.

Their expert mixologists make delicious drinks and there are options for non-alcoholic cocktails, so everyone can have fun.

And the best part? Their mobile bar service brings the party straight to you, anywhere in the UK, fully equipped for a night you won’t forget.

Stockeld Park

If you’re after a fun-filled family day out, Stockeld Park in Yorkshire, nestled between Wetherby and Harrogate, has you covered, no matter the weather.

This all-season park is famous for its Enchanted Forest, five adventure playgrounds, and a variety of attractions, including go-karts, inflatables, bumper boats, and over a mile of twisting paths to explore in the Giant Yew Tree Maze.

Indoor fun is equally impressive at the Playhive, a huge indoor play centre with high walkways and twisting slides that take you through imaginative worlds like space, air, jungle, and ocean.

This summer, Stockeld Park is stepping up the fun with its Summer Adventure festival, including a lineup of live entertainment.

There’ll be tribute acts to stars like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Dua Lipa, along with silent discos, family game shows, a bubble extravaganza, mascot performances, and much more for all ages.

Trentham Monkey Forest

Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire offers a unique day out that’s ideal for the summer bucket list.

The forest is a sanctuary to 140 Barbary macaque monkeys that roam freely across 60 acres, providing visitors a rare opportunity to observe them living naturally in this incredible setting.

With no bars and cages, the macaques can display their natural behaviours, offering a truly immersive and educational experience.

Beyond the monkey encounters, there’s a large play area, a willow maze, and a range of activities, from interactive museum-style rooms and den building to a picnic tipi and an app full of walking trails.

With ticket prices starting at just £8.55, it’s a day out that promises both fun and value for money.

Woburn Safari Park

You can experience the thrill of the African Savannah right here in the British Isles at Woburn Safari Park this holiday season.

The park offers a Road Safari, where you can get a windscreen’s width away from lions, tigers, monkeys, rhinos, bears, and giraffes, in stunning parkland reserves.

On the Foot Safari, the fun continues with engaging keeper talks at Sea Lion Cove, Elephant Meadow and Monkey Mayhem.

Plus there are new arrivals like penguin chicks, lemur infants, and a baby meerkat.

Special appearances by kids’ TV characters such as Paw Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig, and Bluey will be delighting little ones throughout the summer too.

This season, families can also take advantage of a buy one, get one free deal on Pay-Per-Car tickets, potentially saving over £100 for a family of four.

Tickets are valid for up to five people per vehicle, offering two visits for the reduced price of £109.99.

There’s also the Mammoth Ark play area and outdoor playgrounds like Jungle Jamboree, and the Great Woburn Railway, all included in the ticket price.

Evesham Vale Light Railway

Looking for something different to do this summer? The Valley Evesham is where you’ll find a range of fun activities amidst stunning scenery.

You can hop aboard the 15-inch gauge Valley Railway for a scenic ride to Evesham Vale Station, with departures every 30 minutes.

There you can test your skills at the new 18-hole Aztec-themed Adventure Golf Course, featuring an Aztec temple, wooden bridge, and water features.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the New Farm Nature Reserve’s 80 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands.

The kids will enjoy the Castle Adventure Playground, which celebrates the Battle of Evesham with its turrets, slides, and climbing features.

Open every weekend year-round and daily during school holidays, The Valley Evesham offers a fantastic and unique family staycation experience.