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Ah, the UK staycation! So wonderful and yet so underrated. While we appreciate a two-week holiday to the Caribbean as much as the next person, we often forget what we have right on our doorstep. The UK has some of the world’s best coastlines, national parks and cities, yet we often bypass these as a holiday destination. So why spend an entire day travelling halfway across the world when you can marvel at the splendor of your own nation.
In this guide My Baggage look at some of the best staycation spots that England, Scotland and Wales have to offer, including the best places to stay even on your short breaks in the uk and some of the top attractions while you’re there. So without further ado, here is our guide to the ultimate UK staycation.
Choose a city break
If you love exploring, hustle and bustle, shopping trips and eating out, then why not consider a break to one of the UK’s greatest cities. As well as our vibrant capital, this nation is home to a whole host of interesting and unique cities just waiting to be explored. Below are just four of the best places for you to choose from:
London
London is not only one of the UK’s most diverse and popular destinations, but it is actually one of the most visited and celebrated cities in the world. With something for everyone you could enjoy an activity-filled holiday in this exciting city. From history and culture, to fine dining and luxury accommodation, why not pay a visit to the capital!
Edinburgh
As one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Edinburgh just keeps on giving. You could spend days exploring the cobbled streets, sauntering down all its little nooks and enjoying its quirky bars. And while it may be a city, the nearby beach, clifftop views and historical landscapes make it feel like no city you’ve ever been to before.
Brighton
Thanks to its edgy reputation and bohemian vibes, it can be all too easy to forget that Brighton is still a British seaside town (OK, seaside city). But if you love quirky dining experiences, vintage shopping sprees, nights out and a truly relaxed atmosphere, Brighton could be the perfect staycation destination for you.
Liverpool
Liverpool has certainly seen its hardships over the years and for this reason some can forget what a wonderful and urban city this really is. The friendly locals are understandably proud of their home and while you are there you’ll really get to grips with the welcoming vibes and cultural heritage of what used to be England’s second city. If you are deciding to fly into Liverpool you can rent a car at the airport to let you go where you please. You can compare car hire at Liverpool Airport beforehand if that’s the case.
Explore our national parks
Here in the UK we have 15 beautiful national parks, each offering their own unique landscape. There’s plenty of activities to do no matter where you go and here, you’ll find some of the best towns, villages and backdrops the country has to offer. Here are three national parks to consider:
Snowdonia
Another source of national pride, Snowdonia offers challenging mountain trails and lovely coastal walks. The mighty peaks create a beautiful backdrop for your holiday photos, not to mention you’ll have your pick of quaint towns to stay in after a day out exploring.
Lake District
Follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter and take a break down at the Lake District. The stunning national park offers lakeside walks, water-based activities, mountain climbs and natural history. From Keswick to Bowness-on-Windermere, you’ll find plenty of beautiful towns and villages to explore. Plus, you’ll have a choice of B&Bs, hotels or campsites to stay in.
New Forest
Ironically not ‘new’ at all, the New Forest was only declared a national park in 2005. The charm of the heathland paired with its beautiful (and sometimes rare) flora and fauna makes this a wonderful place for a staycation. Full of genteel villages and quaint places to stay, you can explore the New Forest on foot or by bike.
Go to the beach
If you love fresh sea air and sand between your toes, perhaps a beach break is more your style. It’s easy to forget that the sun does shine in the UK and when it does the beach is the best place to be. Whether you want to sunbathe, take coastal walks or eat fish and chips on the promenade, here are just four seaside locations you could visit:
Cornwall
Pasties, cream teas, seaside towns and plenty of heritage sites, why would you ever want to go anywhere else! Cornwall has some of the most stunning beaches the UK has to offer, making it a haven for surfing types and holidaymakers. Choose from sophisticated harbour towns like St Ives, explore vibrant cities like Newquay or enjoy award winning beaches like that of Perranporth.
Devon
Not dissimilar to Cornwall, Devon is also a popular holiday destination and home to some beautiful beaches. Sweeping moors and coastal walks have made this region a very popular place for hikers and there are plenty of beginners walks to be done as well. You can visit beautiful bays at Torquay and Bantham or visit the relaxed surf town of Woolacombe – there’s something for everyone in Devon!
Wales
While the weather might not always be on your side, Wales is home to some of the nation’s most superb beaches and wonderful coastlines. You can spend your days on the beach soaking up the sun, walking along the promenades or if it’s a little overcast why not try a coastal walk? The Wales Coast Path actually traces the entire length of the country, so it’s up to you how far you go.
Scotland
Not somewhere you typically think of when you think about going on a beach break, but North Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful stretches of white sand and crystal-clear water that you will ever see. Again, surfing is popular past time on some of the beaches here and many others have won awards for their outstanding beauty. Popular destinations include Durness and Thurso, though many of the neighbouring islands such as Mull, Harris and Shetland have all been voted some of the best beaches in the UK.
