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Planning a staycation summer? We鈥檝e rounded up some of the best family cars for space, fun, fuel savings, and rain-or-shine adventures.

Staycations are all the rage this year, and for good reason. A third of Brits are choosing to holiday right here this summer to make our money go far, according to . And let鈥檚 be honest: between the beaches, countryside escapes, and family-friendly attractions, there鈥檚 plenty to explore in the UK without hopping on a plane.

But if you鈥檙e road-tripping around Britain, your car can make or break your getaway. You need something that鈥檚 roomy enough for the whole family (plus all the bags, snacks and muddy wellies), efficient on fuel, and ready for whatever the great British weather throws at you.

That鈥檚 why we鈥檝e put together this practical guide on the best family cars for UK staycations. Whether you鈥檙e planning a seaside trip, a camping adventure, or a city break, we鈥檒l help you find a car that ticks all the boxes: spacious, practical, and great fun to drive.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on 莲花直播. And you can sell your car, too. We鈥檙e here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Matching cars to your adventure

Not everyone鈥檚 holidays are the same. Some head down to the coast, some prefer to venture off the beaten path and camp, while some simply like a weekend getaway in a buzzing city. But no matter what type of holiday you鈥檙e into, it鈥檚 important to match the car to your adventure.

Here鈥檚 a breakdown of what to look out for, depending on the type of holiday:

Coastal cruising

If you鈥檙e planning a coastal getaway to places such as Cornwall 鈥� think sandy toes, surfboards, and winding cliffside roads 鈥� then your car needs to do more than just get you from A to B. You want something with generous boot space for all your beach gear, a smooth drive for those long scenic stretches, and enough agility to handle those twisty coastal routes without making your passengers queasy.

For the eco-minded, going electric is totally doable these days, even for longer jaunts to more remote seaside spots. Just make sure you鈥檝e scoped out the charging infrastructure along the way, especially if you鈥檙e gunning for quieter, less touristy beaches. 莲花直播 has its own EV charging stations map you can use to scout out places.

Something like the Peugeot E-5008 hits the sweet spot if you鈥檙e leaning electric. It鈥檚 got room to spare, a comfy interior, and the bonus of zero-emissions cruising. If you鈥檙e more into a stylish, spacious all-rounder with a bit of oomph, the Hyundai Santa Fe brings both looks and practicality, which is ideal for family trips or just stretching out with your surfboard and cooler in the back.

So, pack your flip-flops (or crocs), load up the car, and hit the coast. The beach is calling.

Woodland wanderers

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves winding through tree-lined tracks, pitching up near a fire pit, and waking to birdsong instead of your phone alarm, then you need a car that can keep up with your wild side.

For woodland adventures, such as exploring the New Forest, you鈥檒l want something with a sturdy build and decent ground clearance. Even if you鈥檙e not off-roading, those gravel paths to campsites and forest car parks can get a bit bumpy (and muddy). Bonus points for a boot that can handle wellies, tents, and the inevitable soggy dog.

Perhaps consider something such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, a no-nonsense off-roader that鈥檚 rugged, reliable, and ready for wherever the trail takes you. It鈥檚 a bit overkill for the school run, but if you like your trips with a side of adventure, it鈥檚 a winner.

There鈥檚 also the Dacia Jogger, a clever, budget-friendly SUV that also offers a Sleep Pack which turns the car into a two-person camper, offering a comfortable sleeping space within the vehicle. It includes a folding mattress and a storage box, and can be set up in under two minutes.

Whether you鈥檙e wild camping or just wandering with a flask of tea in hand, the right car makes all the difference. Just don鈥檛 forget the marshmallows.

City slickers

Heading to Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August or simply want to head to a city? Then you鈥檒l need a car that can handle tight turns, tighter parking spots, and the occasional one-way street surprise.

When it comes to urban exploring, think small(ish), smart, and efficient. You鈥檒l want something that鈥檚 easy to manoeuvre, won鈥檛 gulp fuel in stop-start traffic, and doesn鈥檛 make you sweat every time you approach parallel parking. Plus, with more cities introducing Clean Air Zones (CAZ), it鈥檚 worth checking if your car choice will cost you extra or keep you in the clear.

The VW Golf Estate is a great middle ground: compact enough to handle the city, but with plenty of room in the back for props, shopping bags, or whatever you鈥檝e picked up at that obscure pop-up. If you need a bit more space but still want to stay sensible, the Skoda Kodiaq is a surprisingly city-friendly SUV that won鈥檛 feel out of place in the urban jungle.

So, whether you鈥檙e chasing that theatre show, street food, or just trying to beat the sat-nav at its own game, the right set of wheels makes city life that much smoother.

The family comfort command centre

Cabin comfort for kids (and grown-ups)

Let鈥檚 be honest: whether it鈥檚 a quick run to the grandparents house or a full-blown road trip, comfort in the cabin can make or break the journey. And we鈥檙e not just talking about the driver. Teenagers need legroom, toddlers need snacks (and then a nap), and adults definitely don鈥檛 want to hear 鈥淎re we there yet?鈥� on repeat.

First up, rear legroom. It matters. Especially if you鈥檝e got lanky teens or adults riding in the back. No one wants knees pressed into the front seats for hours. More space means fewer complaints.

Next, charging points. We鈥檙e talking USB-A, USB-C, even a trusty 12V socket as in 2025, dead devices are basically a travel emergency. Make sure everyone can plug in, tune out, and stay entertained.

Speaking of which, in-car entertainment is a sanity-saver. Built-in screens are great, but even just decent tablet connectivity and mounts can keep the peace.

Bonus points if the system works with your kid鈥檚 favourite streaming apps without a tech meltdown.

And don鈥檛 forget the basics: comfy seats and climate control. Leather or plush fabric that鈥檚 easy to clean (because, spills), heated seats for chilly mornings, and multi-zone A/C so no one鈥檚 arguing over the temp.

Happy passengers means a happy driver. And that鈥檚 the real road trip win.

Practicality test: more than just boot space

Sure, a big boot is great 鈥� but real-life practicality is about so much more than just how many suitcases you can cram in the back.

Folding seats are the real stars of the show here. Whether it鈥檚 split-folding for that one awkward item from IKEA, flat-folding for full-on camping mode, or even removable seats in a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), flexibility is key. It鈥檚 all about making space your way, not being boxed in by your boot.

Then there鈥檚 roof rail and roof box compatibility: a lifesaver when you鈥檝e packed too much. Whether it鈥檚 camping gear, bikes, or just the overflow from a family holiday, having the option to chuck it on the roof takes the pressure off the boot.

Also never underestimate storage cubbies and clever compartments. Places to stash snacks, sunglasses, water bottles, or that rogue toy car that keeps reappearing 鈥� they make day-to-day driving way less chaotic.

Finally, ease of access matters more than you鈥檇 think. Big door openings mean less faff getting kids in and out. A low loading sill means fewer backaches when hauling heavy bags, or tired dogs, into the boot.

Top 8 staycation heroes for families

Here鈥檚 our list of the best staycation-ready cars. From MPVs for big families to hybrid SUVs and rugged estates, there鈥檚 something here for every kind of trip (and every kind of packing list):

1) BMW X5 鈥� the posh one

If you want luxury without compromising on family practicality, the BMW X5 nails the brief. It鈥檚 spacious, tech-packed, and seriously comfortable, especially with its optional air suspension. There鈥檚 loads of room for passengers front and back, and clever touches such as Parking Assistant and optional rear-wheel steering make it easier to handle around town than you鈥檇 expect. Whether you鈥檙e cruising the motorway or tackling twisty country lanes, the X5 keeps things smooth, stylish, and surprisingly fun.

2) Toyota Land Cruiser 鈥� the rugged one

This car鈥檚 got your back if your staycation involves muddy campsites, remote trails or just getting properly off-grid. It鈥檚 built tough, packed with clever off-road tech, and famously reliable 鈥� this thing鈥檚 used in some of the world鈥檚 harshest places, after all. There鈥檚 loads of room up front, and while the back seats aren鈥檛 the roomiest, it鈥檚 still super practical. Basically, if you want to go anywhere without stressing about the road (or lack of one), this is the one.

3) Skoda Kodiaq 鈥� the sensible one

The Skoda Kodiaq is another good pick thanks to its spacious interior, great value, and clever features. The roomy second row fits three comfortably, while the third row is perfect for kids or short trips with adults. Even with all seats up, there鈥檚 plenty of boot space. Packed with clever storage solutions and easy-to-use tech, it makes family life easier, and its smooth, comfortable ride keeps everyone happy on the road.

4) Hyundai Santa Fe 鈥� the stylish one

Practicality meets style in this three-row SUV, perfect for staycations. The roomy middle row offers bench or captain鈥檚 chairs, while the third row suits kids, with decent boot space behind. It also has an impressive 17 cup and bottle holders. Inside, the premium cabin features a sleek curved display and plush materials. With self-charging and plug-in hybrid options, it offers smart fuel economy and a comfortable ride for family adventures.

5) Peugeot E-5008 鈥� the electric one

Electric SUVs such as this one bring style and practicality together for staycations, especially around town or on shorter trips. The spacious front two rows offer plenty of headroom and clever storage, while the sleek widescreen displays keep things tech-savvy and easy to use. The third row works best for kids or short journeys, but with up to 400 miles of range, it鈥檚 a quiet, comfy ride that鈥檚 perfect for longer adventures too 鈥� without the usual fuel-guzzling guilt.

6) Volkswagen Golf Estate 鈥� the compact one

Surprisingly spacious for its size, this compact estate blends practicality with a quality, durable interior. It comfortably fits four, with a huge boot and plenty of clever storage spots. Driving feels safe and predictable, with a smooth automatic gearbox and balanced handling that鈥檚 close to a hatchback鈥檚 fun-to-drive feel. Plus, pick the right engine, and you鈥檒l enjoy great fuel efficiency, making it a smart, easy-to-use choice for city stays and beyond.

7) Volkswagen Multivan 鈥� the practical one

Ultimate flexibility defines this spacious people carrier, with seven adjustable seats that fit adults comfortably and options like a six-seater layout or conference-style middle row. It鈥檚 packed with family-friendly touches: sliding tables, loads of cupholders, and plenty of USB ports to keep everyone charged. Comfortable for long drives, it handles surprisingly well for its size, and with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options, it鈥檚 a smart, versatile choice for families on the move.

8) Dacia Jogger 鈥� the budget one

Cheap and crazy spacious, the Jogger is a great pick for budget-conscious families. With seven seats, there鈥檚 space for the whole crew, and the boot offers 212 litres of storage, expanding to a whooping 700 litres when the rear seats are folded down. You can even add a Sleep Pack with a tent for camping style adventures. Practical, comfy, and cost-friendly, it鈥檚 a no-fuss family favourite.

The best family staycation car balances comfort, practicality, and efficiency. With roomy seating, smart storage, and fuel-saving tech, it makes packing and driving easier. Ultimately, the perfect staycation car isn鈥檛 just about the journey 鈥� it鈥檚 about making your holiday more relaxed and enjoyable.

Car change? 莲花直播!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With 莲花直播 you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price 鈥� as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you鈥檙e looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, 莲花直播 is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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