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UK Staycation Essentials

With so much uncertainty around holidaying abroad this year, staycations are back and bigger than ever.

So, whether you’re planning a trip to the seaside, pitching a tent in the Lake District, or sightseeing in Edinburgh – here are our ‘staycation must haves’ for all types of British breaks, plus a handy checklist to make sure you have all of your holiday essentials before setting off.

Oh, to be beside the seaside

Missing the sand in between your toes? Well don’t worry, here in the British Isles we have 195 Blue Flag beaches to choose from.

Complete with ice-cream cones, traditional fish and chip shops and hopefully some sunshine, a beach holiday is a favourite for families, friends and couples alike.

If you’re brave enough to take a dip in the sea, don’t forget your cossies and trunks. You can find great swimwear options for men, women and children, as well as beach towels to dry off from H&M, Boux Avenue and New Look.

Take your pick from this season’s beach styles at Hollister, Urban Outfitters and H&M with everything from sunhats and sunglasses, to sandals and cover-ups. And it may be a good idea to bag yourself a jumper, jacket and pair of jeans while you’re there – just in case.

Escape to the country

If you’re getting away from the city and into the beautiful British countryside, we’ve got your staycation essentials covered.

Make the most of the outdoors with lots of long walks or mountain hikes and pack the right gear to keep you going all day. You’ll find specialist outdoor wear including leggings, waterproofs, backpacks and more in The North Face. Perhaps most importantly, make sure you have shoes for the occasion – don’t forget your walking boots or trainers.

It’s always good to be prepared with a First Aid kit too just in case. Make your own emergency kit with essentials such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, paracetamol and bandages from Sainsbury’s and Boots.

*Image provided by Typo.

If you’re planning lots of picnics in the fresh air, make sure you’re prepared with lunch boxes, flasks, cutlery and blankets. Smiggle and Accessorize and Typo have a great selection.

And if you’re feeling exhausted after a long day exploring, then a movie night with popcorn and snacks is a great way to wind down.

Take a city break

From London to Manchester, Edinburgh to Bath and plenty in between, the UK has a range of amazing cities where you can enjoy the perfect staycation holiday.

There’s one thing that comes with all city breaks, and that’s long days on your feet exploring. So whether your style is fashion-first or practical-first, you’re going to want a pair of shoes that are comfy enough to keep you on your feet all day. Check out Office and JD Sports for a range of different styles.

It’s likely that you’ll have a packed schedule both day and night, so some days one outfit may not be enough. River Island, H&M, New Look, and Urban Outfitters all have the perfect mix of daytime fashion for hours of exploring, and a range of styles for city nights. If packing space is of the essence, shop smart by choosing styles that can work for both day and night.

Preparing for all weathers

Finally, no matter where your staycation holiday is this year, remember to prepare for the Great British weather.

We’ve always got our fingers crossed for an amazing summer, so don’t forget to also stock up on your all-important suncare holiday essentials at Boots and Sainsbury’s. They have a great range of SPFs for all skin types, as well as moisturisers and lip treatments for use after a day in the sun.

An umbrella and waterproofs are also staycation must-haves so be sure to pick up a brolly and a rain poncho from Boots or Accessorize before you set off.

Staycation packing list

To make sure you’ve got everything you need, we’ve pulled together a packing list which covers all the basic essentials.

From snacks for the car journey to remembering your sunscreen, here’s our staycation checklist:

• Phone and charger
• Books
• Camera
• After sun
• Hand sanitiser
• Headphones
• A refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Umbrella
• Snacks for the car journey
• A tablet (don’t forget to fill it with entertainment for the kids for long journeys)

Last updated Friday 8 September, 2023