1 in 4 will be staycationing this year. The beach is still high on the list for those looking to get away in the UK. Visiting castles and historical sites are also on the list. 

With this in mind, we have put together a list of beaches and historical sites for families to visit and how to get there with the help of train travel app Seatfrog.

Research by rail ticketing app Seatfrog shows:

• Despite the miserable weather, 1 in 4 Brits are planning to holiday in the UK this year
• Many are still planning trips closer to home despite it being so cold that 1 in 10 people (11%) say they’ve been forced to put the heating back on. 
• With more disappointing forecasts expected, almost 7 in 10 (68%) are concerned that the dismal UK weather will send prices of overseas holidays soaring.
• Despite the lack of sun, the beach is a big draw for those travelling in the UK this year, as 41% said it was a priority. 
• The generation most likely to holiday closer to home is those between 35 and 44, with 30% saying they have a staycation planned.  One in five (16%) of those who are planning a staycation say it is not because they want to but because they have to.

Carolyn Bishop, Head of marketing,  at Seatfrog, says, “This year has been a total washout – but Brits aren’t deterred.  There are some fantastic UK destinations with easy rail links and taking the train can open up destinations that may be too far by car.  By making train travel more affordable, we can make staycations a great choice, whatever the weather.” 

Cheapest Train to Beach Locations

Brighton Beach, Brighton
Train Station: Brighton Station
Cheapest fare: £10 (London Victoria)
Highlights: Iconic Brighton Pier, vibrant nightlife, and pebble beach.

Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
Train Station: Bournemouth Station
Cheapest fare: £15 (London Waterloo)
Highlights: Sandy beaches, Victorian pier, and extensive gardens.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Train Station: Southend Central Station
Cheapest fare: £6 (London Liverpool Street)
Highlights: Longest pleasure pier in the world, amusement parks, and beaches.

Whitstable Beach, Kent
Train Station: Whitstable Station
Cheapest fare: £11.30 (London Victoria)
Highlights: Pebble beach, seafood restaurants, and charming coastal town.

Margate Beach, Kent
Train Station: Margate Station
Cheapest fare: £11.45 (London Victoria)
Highlights: Sandy beaches, Dreamland amusement park, and Turner Contemporary gallery.

Cheapest Train to Castle Locations

Dover Castle, Dover
Train Station: Dover Priory Station
Cheapest fare: £12.60 (Charing Cross)
Highlights: Medieval castle, wartime tunnels, and panoramic views of the English Channel.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Train Station: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Cheapest fare: £43 (King’s Cross)
Highlights: Historic fortress, Crown Jewels, and stunning views of the city.

Warwick Castle, Warwick
Train Station: Warwick Station
Cheapest fare: £6.40 (London Marylebone)
Highlights: Medieval castle, interactive exhibits, and beautiful grounds.

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Train Station: Cardiff Central Station
Cheapest fare: £35.50 (London Paddington)
Highlights: Gothic revival mansion, Roman walls, and events.

Windsor Castle, Windsor
Train Station: Windsor & Eton Central Station
Cheapest fare: £8.50 (London Waterloo)
Highlights: Royal residence, St George’s Chapel, and the changing of the guard.