From Cornish cream teas and Devon coves to Welsh wilderness and Cumbrian hill-climbing, holidaying in the UK can be magical – providing you are prepared. Changeable weather and bracing seas means you need more than a bikini and flip-flops to enjoy time outdoors. We round up the essential ingredients for a fuss-free family holiday in Great Britain.
The great British seaside is less about luxury sun loungers and more of 'set up camp in the sand' kind of affair. But beach days don't have to start with lugging lots of heavy kit or end with sticky, scratchy sand everywhere. Dock and Bay's microfibre towels are totally sand resistant, plus they are large enough to lounge on while being light, compact and ultra quick drying.
Sand-resistant beach towels, £9.99 – buy here
Even the sunniest days can be shivery after a bracing dip in the sea. A towelling poncho will keep kids cosy as they dry off, and it won't get in the way while they're exploring rock pools or building sandcastles.
Cosy towelling ponchos, From £23 – buy here
Shelter from showers, block out rough winds or create shade with a pop-up beach tent. There are plenty to choose from, but this budget version is reliable, lightweight (2.2kg) and simple to assemble. You don't even need tent pegs – just fill the side pockets with sand and pebbles to stabilise it on windy days.
Pop-up beach tent, £27.99 – buy here
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing…Make sure you are armed with all the correct clothing by keeping one step ahead of the fickle British climate. Dark Sky is the most accurate and hyper-local weather tracking app we've found. Check each day, pack accordingly and you (probably) won't mind the occasional shower.
The most accurate weather app, £3.99 – buy here
Whether exploring by dinghy or navigating the high seas on a sailing boat, you will need a technical jacket to stay warm and dry on the water. Even the balmiest days can get chilly when you're on open water, so invest in a windbreaker from trusted marine clothing brand Gill.
Windbreaker jackets, from £118 – buy here
Beach barbecues, woodland grills and campfire feasts are made easy with Weber's portable barbecue. The pop-up legs mean you won't scorch and damage the ground and the durable enamel case is designed to travel. Best of all, the grill itself fits in the dishwasher for fuss-free cleaning.
A go-anywhere barbecue, £99.99 – buy here
Children will happily spend hours perched on a pier or pontoon catching, collecting and counting crabs. All you need is a crabbing line (this one has no sharp hooks, so is great for kids) and some bait (bacon, liver, sardines, fish heads – the smellier the better). Get one line per child to avoid fights. We also recommend a clear-sided bucket, so you can get a good look at your new friends before plopping them back into the water when you leave.
Crabbing line, £8.38 – buy here
Set of three crabbing buckets, £10.99 – buy here
Enjoy the best local produce – from crab butties and Cornish pasties to fresh scones and clotted cream – by packing up a picnic. The traditional hamper gets a modern, practical twist in this woven picnic backpack hamper. The wipe-clean rucksack is fully lined and moisture-resistant, making it ready to carry a movable feast whatever the weather. It comes with a chopping board, plates, stainless steel cutlery, a cutting knife and napkins. Then there's the little extras ensuring your picnic is a cut above: wine glasses, a tablecloth, a bottle stopper and, crucially, a bottle opener for your beach rosé. External straps will secure your bottles and picnic rug.
A practical picnic hamper with all the essentials, was £45 – buy here
Spark the competitive spirit with a family sports tournament you can set up on the beach, in the garden or at a campsite. Erect a volleyball net for energetic rallies or set up a group game of rounders. The Jaques London kits have everything you need in a handy bag.
Volleyball set, was £79.99, now £59.99 – buy here
Rounders set, was £27.99, now £24.99 – buy here
As Geoffrey Chaucer said, 'time and tide wait for no man' so plan your beach trips and boating around the tides. The easiest way to keep track is via the free My Tide Times app. Just remember to check before you head out to distant coves or for far-flung coastal walks, where 4G signal is likely to be elusive.
My Tide Times app, free on the App Store
One pair of flip-flops might suffice at a beachfront hotel in the Mediterranean, but you may need more variety in the UK. Practical dad sandals are having a high-fashion moment, which means you will look bang on trend while scrambling around rock pools and scaling coastal paths. Deck shoes are ideal to slip on and off if you'll be doing any boating. And you'll be grateful for a light pair of wellies when the heavens open.
Arazona Love Trekky Woven-Raffia sandals, £125 – buy here
Mulo Striped Canvas Espadrilles, £125 – buy here
Hunter Original Play short wellington boots in blue, £75 – buy here
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