‘We’ve Got This’ says charity as it launches new family stays

Room to breathe, run and play in wide open spaces was the invitation sent today by a UK charity as it opened its doors to British families looking to escape this summer.

Offering a return to the adventurous rock-pooling, pond-dipping, rolling-down-banks, no-frills holidays of yesteryear, the ‘Stay With Us’ breaks offer a simple, affordable family get-away at 12 locations across the UK.

They have been launched by trusted charity, the Field Studies Council (FSC), at 12 countryside properties for bed and breakfast holiday accommodation as the Government relaxes rules around staying away from home.

The new ‘Stay With Us’ breaks will give families the chance to escape home after lockdown, say goodbye to the endless juggling of Zoom calls and online lesson plans and instead head into the great outdoors for an unforgettable adventure.

The FSC ‘Stay With Us’ properties are located in some of the most stunning locations including the Lake District, Devon, Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia, Shropshire, Somerset, Surrey and Scotland, each with acres and acres of outside space which means families can get back to nature, run wild and take part in activities in a safe environment.

Ian Wainwright, FSC’s commercial director, said: “It has been a difficult time for everyone and especially those families of keyworkers including NHS and care staff and of course, teachers. We know people are desperate to take a break and worried about going on holiday safely, so we wanted to say to people ‘come and ‘Stay With Us’ because we’ve got this. And we have.

“We have acres and acres of space, huge properties offering a back to basics, simple, safe holiday where families can build their own experiences and make their own memories which will last a lifetime. We know this will be welcomed by families, particularly by keyworkers looking for a break.

“We have clean and safe accommodation and access to the great outdoors on the doorstep, giving families, particularly those who may have been cooped up in a small house or flat, the chance to get back to nature and spend time in the open air.

“We have affordable holidays which really do showcase Britain at its best. Families may not be able to travel abroad this year, but our getaways offer a blank canvas for families to be wild and free and create their own unique experience.

“We even have breakfast sorted which means families will be able to get their day off to a good start and be ready to put on their boots, get outside and explore.

“There’s no need to worry about the kids coming back with muddy shoes or running about. In fact, as far as we are concerned, the muddier they are, the more fun they’ll be having.”

“Whether its walking, cycling, surfing, snorkelling, wildlife spotting or painting which is of interest, we really have got this - our holidays have something for every member of the family.

“Our friendly team is passionate about getting families outdoors and so can help plan days out or even assist with new activities such as ranger walks, pond dipping excursions or wildlife scavenger hunts.

“Our aim is for families to feel relaxed, have fun and rediscover their sense of adventure and we are looking forward to welcoming our first guests.”

The FSC was formed during the Second World War with the aim of connecting people with the great outdoors and boosting the nation’s wellbeing.

Now, more than 75 years on as Britain and the rest of the world gets back on its feet following the Coronavirus pandemic – the single biggest challenge to have impacted since WW2 – the charity continues its legacy through the ‘Stay With Us’ breaks and re-connecting people with nature at a time when it’s needed most.

English properties are open for bookings from July 4 onwards and include Flatford Mill in Essex –– the former home of British artist John Constable, whose work included the famous ‘Haywain’ painting. Breaks start at £45pppn including breakfast. Bookings for FSC ‘Stay With Us’ breaks in Scotland and Wales will be available as soon as guidance allows.

For further details on all FSC ‘Stay With Us’ breaks visit https://www.field-studies-council.org/stay-with-us/. You can also follow @FieldStudiesC on Facebook, @FieldStudiesC on Twitter, @field_studies_council on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

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Editors notes

About FSC

FSC is a trusted and established organisation famous for offering educational trips and field studies to schools and universities across the nation.

First formed to encourage health, well-being and the enjoyment and appreciation of nature and the great outdoors in the latter years of the Second World War.

Today FSC is providing a safe, simple holiday option in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK.

Its locations are easy to get to and ready to welcome visitors in a simple, no frills, safe and friendly environment.

This is a year like no other and staying home, being safe, sharing and enjoying the great British holiday has never been so appealing.

FSC ‘Stay With Us’ Locations

Properties in England are open for bookings from July 4 onwards.

*Properties located in Scotland and Wales will open for bookings as and when guidance allows.

Slapton Ley, Devon

·        Stone’s throw away from sandy Slapton Sands beach.

·        Located close to the stunning Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve with the largest natural lake in south-west England.

·        Activity: Our Nature Reserve is full of brilliant plants and animals. What can you spot? Learn about how we help nature and what you can do at home. A two mile walk around our nature reserve.

Blencathra, Lake District

·        Amazing views of the spectacular Lake District

·        Activity: Gain a sense of achievement from scaling one the Lake District’s most popular mini mountains, Cat Bells. At 451m it is a challenge for all the family, located just outside Keswick with stunning views overlooking Derwent Water and the surrounding fells.

Nettlecombe Court, Somerset

·        Sits in a secluded magical valley on the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park.

·        A striking example of a Tudor and Georgian country mansion.

·        Activity: Walk or bike around the Exmoor National Park seeking out wildlife and plants or just sit back and enjoy the stunning views.

·        Activity: Visit Helwell bay rocky shore and explore its rock pools followed by Fossil hunting on Helweel Beach.

Juniper Hall, Surrey

·        Short trip from London.

·        Set in a quiet wooded valley in an unspoilt area of the chalk North Downs and at the edge of Box Hill, Surrey.

·        Activity: Visit the impressive gardens at Hampton Court.

Flatford Mill, Suffolk

·        Sits in Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

·        The Mill was owned and renovated by the Constable family in the 1700’s and Willy Lott’s house was made famous by John Constable’s ‘Haywain’ painting.

·        Activity: Get creative and recreate the famous painting.

Preston Montford, Shropshire

·        Situated in the heart of Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn with views into Wales.

·        Stone’s throw away from the historical market town of Shrewsbury, home to Charles Darwin, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution.

·        Activity: Visit Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage Site.

Castle Head, Cumbria

·        Located in south Cumbria between the coast of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District National Park.

·        Activity: Take part in the on-site obstacle course as well as the high ropes and low ropes challenge.

Rhyd-y-creuau, Snowdonia*

·        A historic Georgian country house.

·        Sat in the Snowdonia National park of North Wales.

·        Activity: Climb Snowdon: Plan your route and walk to the top of the highest mountain in Wales and England with your family.

·        Activity: Visit Zip World which is due to open this summer.

Dale Fort, Pembrokeshire*

·        A spectacular location on a rocky peninsula in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales.

·        A 150-year-old historic military fortress.

·        Activity: Explore the inhabitants of the local rocky shore and see what you can find under seaweed and in a rockpool or try your hand at crab fishing off Dale pontoon.

Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland*

·        Situated on the magical Scottish Island of Cumbrae.

·        Centre is metres away from the sea and some rooms have sea views.

·        Activity: Get out your binoculars and try to spot seals, porpoise and a wide variety of sea birds.

·        Activity: Go swimming or snorkelling in Kames Bay, just a short walk from the Centre.

Margam, South Wales*

·        A state-of-the-art low carbon footprint building.

·        Situated in 850 acres of beautiful parkland where 600 deer roam freely.

·        Activity: Margam Castle: Walk to the nearby Castle and see the 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion.

Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire

·        Situated in the secluded Yorkshire Dales National Park.

·        Georgian country house leased from the National Trust.

·        Activity: Features which define the area and a legacy from the last ice-age, Malham cove and the limestone pavement are "must see" sights.