Staycations for Staying in the UK – Rosy F

Staycations for Staying in the UK – Rosy F

With travel restrictions closing the UK to nearly every usual holiday destination, the British are starting to prepare for a holiday at home. This article will give some details about some of the best holiday destinations within the UK, so that you can still enjoy your summer holidays! 

While everyone knows about Cornwall and London, I wanted to expand your search for the best holiday by including more hidden gems. I hope to include something for everyone, from beach destinations in the South, to mountain destinations in the North. 

Beach Destinations

  1. Thurlestone 

This little town in Devon is definitely a hidden gem, with fantastic views and lots to do. There are a lot of beaches at walking distance from the villages with some lovely pubs and restaurants, I would recommend journeying to Hope Cove and Bantham, where you can rent surf boards for the day. There is also a 18 hole golf course that surrounds Thurlestone so remember your golf clubs! I would also suggest to rent a cottage near the coast for the best experience but remember to bring sun cream!

  • Aldeburgh 

Aldeburgh in Suffolk is a nice little local getaway, with a long pebbled beach. If you do not want to travel to far, Aldeburgh is fantastic for a day trip to get fish and trips and enjoy the summer sun. There is a high street full of small shops with some beautiful houses just behind, which I would suggest you have a look at! Like Thurlestone, Aldeburgh is a beach destination, just a little closer than 6 hours away. 

  • Brighton 

The final beach destination I recommend is Brighton. There is so much to do on the East Sussex coast, from shopping to surfing. In addition, it is a good idea to take a hike around Devil’s Dyke just a few miles from town to enjoy the natural beauty the place has to offer. Brighton has a great range of food to offer, with the burgers at Grubbs being a very popular choice. You can stay in hotels or B&Bs on the shoreline and do not forget to have an ice cream while you are there!

Mountain Destinations 

  • Lake District 

The Lake District is a very famous destination in the UK, with beautiful views it is a perfect place to visit in the summer. It is recommended to take one of the big boat trips or to rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the surrounding countryside. There is something in the Lake District for everyone, from romantic picnics on the shores of Lake Grasmere to family walks in Cartmel. I would suggest to rent a cottage in the summer to make sure you have a chance to see everything the Lake District has to offer. 

  •  Snowdon 

Snowdon is unique because it offers mountains as well as the sea. If you are looking for stunning views of the surrounding area, I would recommend going to the village Capel Curig, which looks over Snowdonia National Park. You can always take a hike up the mountain for some exercise but there is also a chance to take the Snowdonia Mountain Railway to the highest visitor centre in Britain, Hafod Eryri, when your legs get tired! There is also a selection of towns that encompass the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside like Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert. 

  • Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis in Scotland has a lot to offer, from the canals and Neptune’s Staircase to the Steall Waterfall. It is a great holiday destination if you are into sightseeing and exercise, as there is a mountain range experience on offer. On this experience you can take the mountain Gondola up to Aonach Mor where there is the Snowgoose restaurant and bar, which has some fantastic views. If you are a history fanatic, there are many churches and castles like the Old Inverlochy Castle, which you visit!

City Destinations

  • York

There is something for everyone in York, from strolls on the riverside to sightseeing in the amazing museums to endless amounts of shopping in the centre. You can take a walk around the city walls that were built by the Romans, climb up to Clifford’s Tower and even take a cruise down the Ouse. History fanatics are again in luck as there is an exciting viking experience in the Jorvik Viking Centre as well as the York Dungeons (which is like the London Dungeons). 

  • Edinburgh 

The Scottish Capital has been a great holiday destination for ages! If you want to get a proper feel of the Scottish city, I would recommend visiting the food market that has food from range of cultures and offers fantastic street food. I would also suggest visiting Edinburgh Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, as well as visiting the museum of Scotland in the Old Town. There is also a lot to see for artists, as there is the Modern Two Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern art, which both hold beautiful pieces. 

  • Cambridge 

My final recommendation is Cambridge, which is another beautiful city. It is very well known for having one of the top universities, so it is definitely worth looking round the campus of Cambridge University. Another attraction is the opportunity to go on a punting tour around the city, taking in the beautiful sights from a different perspective. I would also suggest ambling around the Botanic Gardens, which again offer a beautiful experience of Cambridge. If you are just looking for a shopping trip, there is also a great amount of retail stores in the centre!

I hope you use this article to tailor your travels in the summer to make sure you have the best time without travelling abroad!