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6 afternoon activities to supercharge your staycation, whatever the weather

27 August 2021 5 min read
Reading Time: 5 minutes

After a whirlwind 18 months full of travel bans and traffic-light coded lists, organising a summer holiday abroad this year has seemed like a near impossible task. As many of us turn to the simple pleasures of a staycation before the summer holidays draw to an end, it’s safe to say this requires a more resourceful outlook as well as bearing in mind the unpredictable weather that the Great British Summer can grace us with.

With this in mind and in preparation for the August bank holiday weekend, we’ve spoken with 6 members of our lovely YS team to find out what their favourite staycation spots are – and how they make their staycations as fun-filled and memorable as possible, whatever the weather may be!

Amy – Co-Founder

What does your ideal staycation look like?
My ideal staycation is a trip to the Pembrokeshire coast. In my eyes, Cornwall is overrated – the beaches are overcrowded and you can find some just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, spots in Pembrokeshire.

What is your favourite rainy day activity – and your favourite activities for when the sun is shining?
Cocktails! They are the perfect accompaniment to a sunny day, and the perfect pick me up for a rainy one. My favourite is a St Germain Spritz – 45ml St Germain liqueur, 60ml sparkling wine, and 60ml sparkling Water. If you want to really elevate your cocktail game, swap out the sparkling wine for Champagne – it works a treat every time.

Lisa – Associate Director

What does your ideal staycation look like?
For me it can be anywhere, as long as my family and I can pitch up in our little caravan and explore our surroundings.

What is your favourite rainy day activity?
Whatever the weather may be, you have to embrace it – there is endless fun to be had when you’re in the right company. My children absolutely love puddle jumping, and I always say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing….

What are your favourite activities for when the sun is shining?
When the sun is beaming down, nothing beats sausages on a BBQ, the kids playing in a paddling pool, gin in a tin and friends round a table. That’s how I have made some of my happiest memories.

Amelia – Account Director

What does your ideal staycation look like?
I have always fantasized about staying in a dated, chitzy static caravan a stone’s throw away from the sea. I’m also a huge fan of the Pembrokeshire coast, it’s always so peaceful and offers some beautiful coast walks.

What is your favourite rainy day activity?
When I’m with my family, I love to bring out the boardgames – my favourite has to be CodeNames. Making the biggest and most impressive den I possibly can also has to be up there. There’s nothing quite like getting cosy in a bundle of blankets with my family in a stupendous den of our design.

What are your favourite activities for when the sun is shining?
I’ve made a rule for myself that I can never pass the sea without getting in it, so I’d say that’s my number one activity for when the sun is shining. It’s so invigorating and refreshing on a hot day – and you have to steal the opportunity for a sea dip whenever you can, because they don’t come around very often.

Beth – Account Manager

What does your ideal staycation look like?
I love the beaches on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, but recently I visited Edinburgh and that definitely beat some of my holidays abroad! It’s such an incredible city with so much to do; history tours, the castle, great shopping centres, and the best pubs! There are some beautiful parks and other great spots to take a picnic.

What is your favourite rainy day activity?
Mine has to be cocktail making or a game of cards. I also love going to the Brecon Beacons for a long mountain hike. You never want it to be too hot when you’ve got a lot of miles to cover, and a drizzle of rain can give some refreshing respite.

What are your favourite activities for when the sun is shining?
For me, it’s sunbathing, listening to some music, swimming at a nature spot, or taking a dip in the sea. There are so many things to do when the sun is shining, and what better place to relax and unwind than by a beautiful lake or the clear blue sea. The pandemic has definitely made me appreciate the natural beauty of the UK.

Freya – Junior Account Executive

What does your ideal staycation look like?
My ideal staycation has to be near the sea. My favourite UK spots have to be North Devon and the west coast of Scotland, where you’ll always be able to find a beautiful white sandy beach and clear sea water.

What is your favourite rainy day activity?
I am a massive bookworm – so my favourite rainy day activity has to be curling up on the sofa with a book and just totally losing myself in it! I’ve also recently re-discovered card games, with rummy and whist as my go to’s!

What are your favourite activities for when the sun is shining?
It definitely has to be a long walk – I love being out all day and taking a nice picnic to enjoy mid-way through. My favourite walks are ones that follow coastal paths, so you can have a little swim in the sea to cool off when it gets too hot.

Becky – Junior Account Executive Intern

What does your ideal staycation look like?
I am a huge lover of the seaside, but for my staycation this year my friends and I stuck to a city break to make sure we would have plenty to do if the weather wasn’t on our side. We had a fun-filled four days in Cardiff, staying in a perfect Airbnb townhouse in the city centre – and were only a short train ride away from the beach if we felt it calling.

What is your favourite rainy day activity?
It has to be a bottomless brunch from me! What’s better than two hours of delicious food and unlimited cocktails, or prosecco if that’s your tipple, with your best friends. It’s a recipe for endless laughter.

What are your favourite activities for when the sun is shining?
There’s always a lush green park hiding just around the corner from any city centre – for us it was Bute Park in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. Taking a picnic, putting some music on and soaking up the sun will never disappoint. I also love cycling tours and skyline walks. They are a great way to explore, and cities always look their best in the sun.