8 Cars That Make Family Staycations a Breeze

Brits are swapping airport queues for family road trips this summer – and for good reason. With 77% of Brits planning to holiday in the UK this year, according to new data from Sykes Holiday Cottages, staycations are becoming the go-to way to relax and explore.

But if you’re banking on a family road trip to save money (and sanity), you’ll need the right wheels. 

Because nothing kills the vibe faster than “Are we there yet?” on repeat in the back seat – plus soggy wellies, sand everywhere, and a boot that won’t shut because someone had to bring the paddleboard.

That’s why Iain Reid from Carwow, the online car-changing marketplace, has rounded up its pick of the best family cars for staycations this year, each one chosen for comfort, space, fuel savings and its ability to handle the British summer (rain or shine).

Match your car to your adventure

Not all staycations are built the same – and neither are the cars that get you there. Whether you’re off to the coast, deep into the woods, or squeezing the clan into a city apartment for the weekend, the car you drive can make or break the journey.

Coastal Cruisers:

Planning a seaside trip to Cornwall or Norfolk? Think sandy toes, bodyboards, buckets, spades – and don’t forget the twisty lanes and tiny car parks.

You’ll want a car with boot space for all that kit, plus enough agility to handle hairpin bends without queasy kids in the back. Try these:

1. Peugeot E-5008

A roomy electric SUV with up to 400 miles of range. No petrol station panic, just smooth, quiet cruising — even when the B-roads narrow to farm track width.

2. Hyundai Santa Fe

A stylish three-row SUV with space for everyone (and everything). Up to 17 cup holders means no more juice spillage drama. Hybrid options keep fuel bills sensible, too.

Woodland Wanderers

Prefer pitching a tent under the trees? You’ll need a car that’s rugged enough for campsite gravel, mucky boots and the odd off-grid adventure. Try these:

3. Dacia Jogger (with Sleep Pack)

Part car, part camper. Seven seats when you need them, a double bed when you don’t. Budget-friendly, practical and perfect for spontaneous nights under the stars.

4. Toyota Land Cruiser

 A go-anywhere SUV with serious off-road cred. Handles soggy farm tracks and remote forest clearings without breaking a sweat — or your family’s spirits.

5. Volkswagen Multivan

Think of it as a family HQ on wheels. Sliding tables for impromptu snack stops, tons of USB ports for restless kids, and flexible seating that adapts to whatever your weekend throws at you – part campsite, part mobile living room.

City Slickers

Edinburgh Fringe, a weekend in Bristol, or braving London’s Clean Air Zones? City breaks need cars that park well, sip fuel and squeeze through tight streets without stress.

6. Skoda Kodiaq

A big SUV that’s surprisingly city-friendly. Loads of room for passengers and kit, but still a breeze to steer through multi-storey car parks.

7. VW Golf Estate

Small enough for urban life but with boot space for buggies, bags and whatever you buy in the shops. Fun to drive, easy to park — and it won’t hammer you in low-emission zones.

Luxury escapes

Sometimes you want your family break to feel as good on the road as it does at your destination — and not every staycation means muddy boots and soggy tents. Try this:

8. BMW X5

The perfect choice if you want to swap airport lounges for motorway luxury. Plush interiors, smart driving tech and a smooth ride mean you’ll arrive at that fancy Airbnb or coastal cottage feeling refreshed — with space for everyone’s luggage and the dog.

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