Your Summer Staycation Sorted

If you haven’t booked your summer holiday yet it’s not too late! And while international travel might be opening up we’re still busy making the most of the excuse to staycation at some of our favourite spots in UK. So whether you’re a fan of the beach, the countryside, mountains or bright city lights, we’ve got the staycation for you. For city breaks don’t forget your Metro+, compact and comfortable it’s ideal for strolling city streets and hopping on and off public transport but for wilder breaks then your carrier will be your very best friend, letting you explore where no pram dares to go!

 

England

Canterbury

One of the most charming cities in England, Canterbury has something for everyone. There are plenty of shops, gardens that come alive with colour in the summer months, the renowned Marlowe theatre, bars, restaurants and cafés galore, and of course the Cathedral is not to be missed. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral’s history spans over 1,400 years! Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the city’s cobbled streets, the seaside is moments away. We can highly recommend basking in the sun at Broadstairs and scoffing oysters in Whistable!

Suffolk

There are lots of beautiful stops in Suffolk with one of the most popular being the town of Southwold but if you fancy somewhere away from the hustle and bustle, the village of Walberswick is just over the estuary. It’s lovely and quiet with buckets of charm, a great deli and the cutest little knick knack shops. We’ve taken both the Metro+ stroller and our Omni Breeze carrier for a seaside adventure here and the Metro+ navigated the streets of Southwold beautifully (plus there’s a concrete promenade along the seafront so you can wheel a long way along the beach) and then for the stomp and ferry ride over to Walberswick we recommend folding it down, popping it into its handy carry bag, and strapping on your carrier.

 

Scotland

The Caingorms

The dramatic landscape in the North of bonny Scotland is hard to beat. There is no shortage of forest walks and there’s even a beach or two (we like Loch Morlich for a walk around the Loch followed by a paddle and sit-down on the beach) just don’t ask us to promise you sunshine! If you’re not all tree-d out then Tree-Zone in Rothiemurchus is a hit with kids and adults alike, then the café next door is a great spot to refuel once you’ve descended from the treetops. And keep an eye out for reindeer and red squirrels too. We’d recommend that for this sort of terrain you pick a carrier with padded straps and lumbar support (Our Adapt, 360 or Omni carriers are all great options) to make climbing mountains feel like a walk in the park!

 

Edinburgh

We’d need a whole blog post alone to do true justice to Scotland’s dynamic capital city but we’ll try and contain ourselves to just a sneak peek of what this city has to offer… The hop on hop off bus tour is a great way to see the sights without little legs getting too tired (don’t forget your Metro+ you can simply fold it up and down as you get on and off – easy!), there’s always something to see at the Royal Botanic Gardens and Edinburgh Castle on the appropriately named Castle Rock (which has been occupied since the Iron Age!) is a great day out for budding historians. And for the truly adventurous, Arthur’s Seat is a bit of a climb but offers unrivalled views over the city – we recommend a carrier for that hike!

 

Wales

Pembrokeshire

With 45 blue flag beaches there’s not many spots in the UK better for a beachside staycation! Wide stretches of the softest sands, white-topped waves perfect for bobbing around in and enough rockpools to keep the little ones entertained for HOURS. If you get sick of the beach (who gets sick of the beach?!) bundle everyone up for a clifftop walk and play a game of spot the wildflowers as they are scattered along every path and finish up with a giant portion of fresh fish and chips. The Metro+ stroller’s near-flat recline and UPF-50+ sun canopy with peek-a-boo window makes beach-side naps a breeze and with the option to have a full mesh panel for ventilation means little one will stay cool and comfy.

Snowdonia

823 square miles of rugged mountainous wilderness, pretty little towns and more outdoor activities than you could shake a (walking) stick at. Whether you fancy cycling, climbing, horse riding, golfing, bird watching, caving, watersports or something else, you’re sure to find an adventure you’ll love. For those after a more sedate break there are arts and crafts, shops selling local produce, family fun parks, adventure trips, zips above and underground, narrow gauge railways, castles, sightseeing tours, leisure centres and that’s not to mention the natural attractions! Pack your comfiest shoes and your baby carrier and get exploring! Not sure which carrier is right for you? Check out our guide to “which carrier is right for me” here.

 

Northern Ireland

North Antrim Coast

Made famous by Giants (and Game of Thrones) travelling along the North Coast of Northern Ireland will take you from beach to cliff and back again with some of the most stunning scenery in in while country. Some of our favourite activities in no particular order: see if you can spot Finn Macool’s boot at the Giant’s Causeway, paddle in the sea at Portrush (or walk from East Strand to White Rocks for a great leg stretch and fresh air – keep your eyes peeled for Dunluce castle), test your nerve at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, hit up some famous Game of Thrones filming locations, hang out with the cows on the beach at White Park Bay or stuff yourself chock-full of delicious local seafood! Again, a carrier really comes into its own on this rugged landscape, but make sure you pack a rain or weather cover for Ireland’s infamous showers!

 

Belfast

Belfast is a great spot for an adults-only break with a huge range of shops, bars and restaurants, but there’s plenty to do with kiddies too. The Titanic museum is a not-so-hidden gem, Belfast zoo has more than 1,000 animals to see or head just outside the city to Dundonald for soft play, ice skating, bowling and a crazy golf course. You can’t go wrong with a stroller or carrier here – personal preference wins out!