All-Rounder UK Staycations for Summer 2025

With the August sun shining and families across the UK preparing for school breaks and long weekends, the staycation trend is thriving more than ever.

25 July 2025

A young family are walking along a dry dirt path which is situated between rolling green hills on a hot summer's day.

Coventry, Dundee & Lytham St Annes Top the List for Family-Friendly Getaways

In fact, over half of UK holidaymakers (52%) are choosing to enjoy their summer breaks without leaving the country, and it’s easy to see why.

But with so many unique destinations to choose from, picking the perfect spot for everyone, couples, families, pet owners, and foodies alike, can feel overwhelming. That’s where the team at Away Resorts comes in.

The Staycation Index: A Guide to the Best of the Best

To help travellers make the most of their summer, Away Resorts has created the Ultimate UK Staycation Index, analysing 10 of the fastest-growing UK travel destinations (according to TripAdvisor) to find out which ones truly have something for everyone.

Factoring in everything from pet-friendly accommodation and beach access to the number of restaurants and attractions, the results reveal some surprising and delightful destinations for 2025.

Top All-Rounder UK Staycation Spots

Based on a variety of criteria, including weather, amenities, attractions and accommodation, these three cities top the list:

  1. Coventry, West Midlands: 72% Score

  2. Dundee, Scotland: 69% Score

  3. Lytham St Annes, Lancashire: 67% Score

Why Coventry Took the Crown

Coventry came out on top thanks to:

  • Warm August temperatures (20°C average)

  • The most breakfast spots (188)

  • An impressive 250 holiday rentals

  • The UK’s best variety of restaurants and bars

Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply after convenience and comfort, Coventry offers it all​, without compromising on charm.

Sun, Sand & Surf: Best Beach Breaks

For many holidaymakers, nothing says “summer” like the sound of waves and the feel of sand between your toes. If you're dreaming of a classic British seaside escape this August, Hunstanton in Norfolk and Lytham St Annes in Lancashire are top choices. Both destinations enjoy average August temperatures of over 19°C and offer not just one, but two different beaches to explore, perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or enjoying a traditional fish and chips by the sea.

But it’s not just the headline spots that deserve your attention. Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire and Seaview on the Isle of Wight are emerging as strong contenders for the ultimate beach break. These lesser-known coastal gems combine warm summer weather with scenic coastlines and that all-important laid-back holiday vibe. For those looking to avoid the crowds while still soaking up the sunshine, these destinations offer the ideal balance of charm and tranquility.

Two children running on the beach with surf boards towards the sea.

Paw-some Pet-Friendly Picks

As more holidaymakers choose to bring their four-legged companions along, pet-friendly travel is booming, with a 28% rise in demand over the past year (2). Fortunately, the UK offers plenty of places where pets are just as welcome as their owners.

Top of the list for canine-friendly accommodation are Llangollen in North Wales and Bamburgh in Northumberland. Both locations boast a high proportion of pet-friendly hotels and holiday rentals, meaning you won’t need to compromise on comfort or convenience. Whether you're hiking scenic trails or enjoying a pub lunch with your pup at your feet, these towns go the extra mile to ensure your furry friends are treated like family.

Family-Friendly Favourites

When it comes to planning a family holiday, kid-friendly accommodation and activities are key. Leading the way in this category is Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire, which scored highest for the percentage of family-friendly hotels and holiday rentals. With entertainment and amenities aimed at all ages, it's an ideal spot for a stress-free family break.

Not far behind are Lytham St Annes and Bamburgh, both offering a welcoming mix of family-focused places to stay and a range of attractions to keep the kids entertained. What’s particularly interesting is that Ingoldmells receives just 7,200 monthly Google searches, compared to far more popular destinations like Dundee, suggesting it’s a hidden gem worth discovering before everyone else does.

Most Accommodating Locations

Accommodation options can make or break a holiday, and for travellers seeking maximum choice, Coventry once again comes out on top. With 27 three-star (or above) hotels and an impressive 250 holiday rentals, the city offers something for every type of traveller, from solo explorers to large family groups.

Hunstanton, too, is punching above its weight in this category, with 171 combined options available. Whether you’re looking for a cosy B&B, a spacious holiday home, or a hotel with kid- and pet-friendly policies, these destinations ensure your accommodation is one less thing to worry about.

Foodie Heaven: Where to Eat & Drink

For many, the food is just as important as the scenery when it comes to choosing a holiday destination. If you're someone who loves to explore new flavours or enjoy a relaxed evening drink, you’ll feel right at home in Coventry. The city is a culinary powerhouse, boasting 616 restaurants, 188 breakfast spots, and 107 pubs and bars, the highest numbers across all the destinations analysed.

Dundee offers a similarly impressive food scene, with over 350 restaurants and dozens of local watering holes. Meanwhile, Lytham St Annes, though smaller, serves up a charming mix of eateries, with 129 restaurants and a selection of cosy cafés and pubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of beachcombing or sightseeing.

Whether you’re craving a full English, fresh seafood, or just a cheeky pint, these towns prove that staycations can be just as delicious as any overseas getaway.

Things to Do, Whatever the Weather

The British weather might be unpredictable, but Dundee ensures your holiday won’t be. With a staggering 282 attractions, from fascinating museums to quirky alpaca farms, there's no shortage of things to see and do. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, Dundee also offers 15 gardens and parks, not to mention a beach for when the sun does make an appearance.

This variety makes Dundee a brilliant all-weather destination, especially for travellers who want to pack their itinerary with new experiences, come rain or shine.

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Methodology 

Data collected July 2025. The list of locations has been analysed and compiled from Trip Advisors' top 10 fastest growing trending (YoY) UK locations: https://tripadvisor.mediaroom.com/Summer-Travel-Index-2025 (1)

Trip Advisor information available on their website was used to collect most of the data. The data analysed multiple categories to allow each location to be rated based on:

  • Google Search Volume Per Month

  • Average Temperature in August 

  • Number of Gardens & Parks

  • Number of Restaurants 

  • Number of Breakfast Spots 

  • Number of Bars and Pubs

  • Number of 3*+ Hotels 

  • % of 3*+ Hotels Which are Family Friendly

  • % of 3*+ Hotels Which are Pet Friendly

  • Number of Holiday Rentals 

  • % of Holiday Rentals Which are Kid Friendly

  • % of Holiday Rentals Which are Pet Friendly

  • Number of Attractions

  • Number of Beaches 

Each category was scored out of 10 based on the highest number for each location. A percentage of the score was calculated at the end of the research process.

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