Staycation, staycation, staycation – Where to head in the UK

It’s all about staycations at the minute with a lot of us preferring to explore what’s around us, rather than venturing abroad. Whether you’re considering a short weekend away, a week of relaxation or would love to experience a local trip with your family, here is our guide on where to head in the UK for the best staycation.

Kent Coast

Kent, or also known as ‘The Garden of England’ has more to offer than first meets the eye. The coastline especially is often forgot about but boasts some of the best beaches across the UK. From the pebbled stoned beaches of Whitstable and Herne Bay to the sandy shores of Thanet. Whether you’re looking for a few days to escape the city air or to enjoy some fish and chips on the sands, the beaches along the coast have something to offer everyone.

Thanet is famous for the gorgeous coastline trail starting from Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour through to Broadstairs, Margate and all the way up to Minnis Bay. There are plenty of different beaches including the most popular, Viking Bay in Broadstairs to quieter bays such as Stone Bay, Palm Bay and Joss Bay. Its home to many towns, villages, WWII tunnels, plenty activities to do and family-run restaurants.

London

The country’s capital, London is bursting with excitement, fun and adventure wherever you head. Whether you’d like to experience the bustling hub of Central, visit the Tower of London or learn more about the country’s history in the many museums, scattered all over the city, you wouldn’t fall short of things to do.

As one of the world’s greatest cities, there’s something for everyone, despite your budget. From hitting up the West End and seeing some amazing musicals, roaming around the many art galleries, visiting local street markets, shopping ‘til you drop in Oxford Street to dining in the vast selection of restaurants dotted all over the capital, it’s ideal for a weekend staycation. And, London has the busy an exciting appeal that no other city does.

Scottish Highlands

If you’re a fan of walking, stunning scenery, whiskey and charming people, this destination has everything you’re looking for. The Scottish Highlands has that dose of quietness and relaxation which will make for a dreamy week away from your usual busy day-to-day life activities.

It’s home to Britain’s’ largest national park, the Cairngorms, the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis and the famous Loch Ness, one of the most renowned lakes in Britain. If that isn’t enough to sell you to this absolute paradise, the Highlands also boasts many incredible castles and has a vastly sparse population, offering you a serene and quiet getaway.

Not only will you experience unforgettable scenery, the Scottish Highlands is home to making some of the world’s best malts. And that means, after a day of hiking, you can sit back in your holiday home and cheers to a shot of the finest whiskey.

The Cotswolds

Charming, colourful and peaceful, the Cotswolds is an idyllic location for all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for a quiet few days of luxury dining, roaming around picturesque villages and churches, or looking to learn some history and visiting Castle Combe, the destination is bursting with new things to get up to.

The picture-perfect postcard location offers nearly 800 square miles of unspoilt countryside, plenty of manor houses, and buildings to witness, the town of Cirencester, dating back to Roman times, the area of Bibury and Burford, known for its wool production and bucket loads of history to learn wherever you look. The luxurious location will make you feel like you’re in a TV set, admiring the sights in every direction.

Isle of Wight

A classic staycation destination for any Brit, the Isle of Wight will not go amiss with the selection of things to see and do. Located off the south of coast, the Isle of Wight is renowned for its beach scene, over 57 miles of coastline, fossil finds and quaint harbour towns. Explore the medieval history in Carisbrooke Castle, roam around the nature park of Robin Hill or visit the royal residence of Osbourne.

If you’re travelling with a family, Blackgang Chine is an activity to be top of your list. The oldest amusement park in the UK is now home to a series of magical themed lands which rides and lots of activities everyone can enjoy.

The New Forest

The New Forest is an idyllic staycation holiday for families, nature lovers and those who would like to experience the quieter side of life for a few days away. Located in southern England, The New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pastureland, across southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire.

The stretch of scenery is enough to keep you occupied with hiking and nature walks for your time in The New Forest, however, there is also a vast collection of activities you’re able to get up to. The National Motor Museum of Beaulieu, Hurst Castle, Palace House and the Steam railway will make for many itinerary days’ worth of fun to do. If you’ve got smaller children travelling with you, Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig is also something to add to the agenda.

Cornwall

One of the top and favourite locations for a staycation has to be the picturesque county of Cornwall. Sandy beaches, clear waters and an incredible surfing scene, the coastline of Cornwall is only one reason to visit; there are plenty more things to get up to.

Nature lovers will be in their element with Lands End to explore, Saint Michael’s Mount, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project. Cornwall also is a hub for National Trust buildings, museums, waterfalls, amusement parks and much more. Whether you’re travelling with your whole family, on a long weekend with your over half or glamping with your friends, the county has more than enough to please every traveller.

Bath

The largest city in Somerset, Bath is famously renowned for its ancient-built baths which date back to AD43. If you’re more of a city lover rather than a seaside fan, Bath will be right up your street and is the ideal size to explore for a weekend staycation.

The city is home to medieval buildings, picturesque architecture, gorgeous winding streets to roam around and a brilliant dining scene. Whether you’re looking to spend a day relaxing in the baths, dabble into Bath’s history or find the streets Bridgerton was filmed, the city is an education and scenic opportunity to learn and experience everything UK history has to offer.

If you’re looking to book your next staycation, don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance.