A good holiday does more than provide a change of scenery. It gives you time to slow down, spend time with the people you care about, discover new places, and enjoy activities that are different from your normal routine. For many travellers, a UK staycation can offer all of this without the need for international flights or complicated travel arrangements.
Away Resorts operates holiday parks across Britain, with destinations covering coastal areas, countryside, forests, and beaches. Its parks offer different accommodation styles, activities, entertainment, swimming facilities, food and drink, and options for families, couples, groups, and dog owners. With a range of destinations and ways to stay, planning a holiday can begin with choosing the type of experience you want rather than simply picking a destination.
Choose a Destination That Matches Your Holiday Mood
The location you choose can influence the entire atmosphere of your trip. Before booking, think about what you actually want from your break. Do you want to wake up near the sea, explore countryside trails, spend time at family attractions, or simply relax somewhere away from your usual routine?
Away Resorts has parks in areas including Cornwall, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, North Wales, Dorset, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Essex, Nottinghamshire, and Scotland. The destinations provide different surroundings, from beaches and coastal landscapes to forests and countryside. This variety means that the same type of holiday can feel very different depending on where you stay.
For a beach-focused break, a coastal park can make it easy to combine time at the resort with visits to nearby beaches and local attractions. If you prefer nature, a countryside or forest setting can provide opportunities for walks and outdoor exploration.
It is also worth considering the season. A summer holiday may focus on beaches, swimming, outdoor activities, and longer days, while an autumn or winter break can be more about cosy accommodation, local sightseeing, indoor entertainment, and relaxing together.
Choosing the destination according to your preferred holiday mood can make planning much easier. Instead of trying to fit your trip around a location, you can select a location that supports the kind of break you want.
Pick Accommodation That Suits Your Group
Accommodation can make a significant difference to how comfortable your holiday feels. The right choice depends on the number of people travelling, your preferred level of comfort, and how much time you expect to spend at the accommodation.
Away Resorts offers several ways to stay, including caravans, lodges, cottages, apartments, barns, houses, glamping, camping, and touring options. Some accommodation is designed with families in mind, while others provide additional features for guests looking for a more premium experience.
If you are travelling with children, having enough space for everyone can be particularly useful. A comfortable living area can become a place to relax after a busy day, play games, watch television, or enjoy a meal together.
Couples may prefer a lodge or accommodation with additional features that create a more relaxing atmosphere. Some of the Exclusive accommodation options include features such as outdoor furniture, towels, heating, and, at selected properties, hot tubs or larger televisions.
Away Resorts also offers distinctive accommodation options designed around different themes and experiences. Current examples include The Butterfly at St Ives Bay, The Rockstar at selected parks, The Knightwood at Sandy Balls, and The Serpentine at Clumber Park.
Before choosing, consider the practical details as well as the appearance. Think about sleeping arrangements, kitchen facilities, outdoor space, accessibility, and whether you want to prepare your own meals. A little planning can help ensure that your accommodation works comfortably for everyone.
Plan Activities Without Overfilling Your Schedule
One of the advantages of a holiday park break is having activities available close to where you are staying. Depending on the park, guests can find options ranging from archery and laser tag to watersports, crazy carts, workshops, and other experiences.
Away Resorts lists activities such as plushie making, slime workshops, target archery, laser tag, gel blasters, and axe throwing, while individual parks offer different selections. Some destinations also feature activities such as surfing, kayaking, high ropes courses, golf, and watersports.
The activities vary by location, so it is important to check what is available at your chosen park before building your itinerary. Some experiences also have age restrictions or require advance booking.
A good holiday schedule does not need to include an activity every hour. Leave some free time between experiences so that everyone can relax. This is particularly important for family trips, where younger travellers may need breaks between activities.
The Away Resorts app can be used to book activities and experiences, and availability can vary by park and date. The company recommends booking activities in advance where possible, as sessions can have limited availability.
A balanced itinerary might include one planned activity in the morning, free time after lunch, and entertainment or a relaxed evening later in the day. This gives everyone something to look forward to without making the holiday feel like a strict timetable.
Make Time for Food, Entertainment and Relaxation
A holiday is not only about sightseeing and adventure. Some of the best memories can come from simple moments such as sharing a meal, watching a show, swimming together, or relaxing outside your accommodation.
Away Resorts includes entertainment at its parks, with options varying by destination and season. Guests can find live shows, family activities, guest performances, events, and other forms of entertainment. Some activities and entertainment are included as part of the holiday, while specific experiences may require separate booking.
Food is another important part of the experience. Holiday parks can make it convenient to eat without travelling away from the resort after a busy day. Away Resorts highlights a range of food and drink options across its parks, including family-friendly choices and seasonal offerings.
If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, you can also combine meals at the park with simple meals prepared where you are staying. This can be useful for families or groups with different eating schedules.
For a more relaxed day, consider spending some time around the pool or splashpad if your park offers these facilities. You can also simply stay at your accommodation, enjoy the surroundings, and take a break from planned activities.
The best itinerary usually includes a mixture of excitement and downtime. When every day contains a little adventure and a little relaxation, the holiday can feel more enjoyable for different members of the group.
Explore the Area Beyond the Holiday Park
Although holiday parks can offer plenty to do on site, exploring the surrounding area can add another dimension to your trip. Before travelling, research beaches, walking routes, attractions, towns, restaurants, and local events near your chosen park.
Away Resorts provides recommendations for things to do near its destinations, including beaches, walks and trails, leisure activities, attractions, places to eat, shopping areas, and local events.
For example, coastal destinations can provide opportunities for beach days, water activities, or seaside walks. Countryside locations can be ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring nearby villages. Family attractions can provide an additional day out when you want to spend less time at the resort.
You do not need to plan a full day away from the park every day. One or two local excursions can be enough to make the holiday feel varied.
It is also useful to check travel times before leaving. A destination that looks close on a map may take longer to reach depending on roads, traffic, parking, and the season. Planning a realistic day trip allows you to enjoy the destination without spending most of the day travelling.
Local food can also become part of the experience. Trying a café, pub, restaurant, farm shop, or local market can give you a taste of the area and provide a break from cooking.
Build a Holiday That Works for Everyone
The most important part of planning a group holiday is finding a balance between different interests. One person may want adventure, another may prefer relaxation, and children may want activities throughout the day. A flexible plan can help everyone enjoy the trip without feeling that they have to participate in everything.
Away Resorts offers holiday options aimed at different types of travellers, including family breaks, couples’ getaways, dog-friendly holidays, accessible holidays, toddler breaks, hot tub holidays, touring and camping, and other styles of UK escapes.
If you are travelling with a dog, check the specific accommodation and park rules before booking. For accessible holidays, review the facilities and accommodation details in advance to make sure they match your requirements.
For families, consider alternating energetic activities with quieter periods. For couples, you might combine a local day trip with a relaxed evening at the resort. Groups of friends can mix activities, food, entertainment, and free time
