Best UK staycation destinations this summer

Although many holidays have been postponed or cancelled this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t get away from the city. The UK has many beautiful holiday spots with everything from surfing to hiking to spa breaks. Here are five of our favourite staycation destinations across the UK.

Cornwall

Image: Jane Joynson

#FLODown: Learn to surf by day and wander along the beach at night in Cornwall. This classic British holiday spot is not only picturesque but also the best place to get involved with water sports.

For those looking for a high-octane holiday, Newquay and Padstow are excellent for surfing. Alternatively, the famous Camel Trail in Wadebridge offers cyclists an opportunity to see the Cornish countryside. But if you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, visit the Minauck Theatre, an open-air theatre overlooking the ocean and the serene Penzance landscape. Don’t forget to pick up a famous Cornish pasty while you’re there!

Lake District, Cumbria

Image: Denise Seddon

#FLODown: For long rambles and scenic landscapes, the Lake District is the perfect holiday destination. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, the sixteen lakes attract thousands of visits every year to cycle, take boat cruises and to hike up Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

On one day of your trip, we recommend you take a break from hiking to visit the historical homes of authors such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. You can also have long lazy lunches at some of the Lake District’s quintessentially British pubs which serve everything from afternoon tea to your favourite Sunday roast.

The New Forest, Hampshire

Image: Hannah Wright

#FLODown: The New Forest is ideal for camping, caravans and cottages. Situated in Hampshire, the dense woodland is a great place to set up camp for a few days and get back in touch with nature. The forest is also home to ponies, deer and donkeys, many of which roam freely so you can spot different wildlife while you roast marshmallows on an open fire.

If you’re not one for camping, we recommend checking out Airbnb and find an apartment. Many come with hot tubs and swimming pools so you can feel like you’ve had a real holiday.

The Cotswolds

Image: Simon Godfrey

#FLODown: This area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the quaintest places in the UK and attracts visitors old and young every year. By day you can hike along various trails or visit one of the several museums in the area. If you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, the Cotswolds are home to many spas to help you switch off.

We also recommend you spend an afternoon ambling around the gardens at Highgrove, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall’s private residency. For the last 38 years, the Prince has worked hard to cultivate a beautiful landscape of gardens with a range of flora and fauna that are not to be missed.

Edinburgh

Image: Jorg Angeli

#FLODown: Home to Georgian architecture and cobbled streets, Edinburgh is an excellent location for those Instagram photos. For adventurers, there’s the hike up to Arthur’s Seat (a favourite for fans of David Nicholls’s book One Day) or if you’re wanting to spend the money you’ve saved during lockdown, there’s rows of charming shops for you to mooch around. Edinburgh Castle is also not to be missed and boasts stunning views over Scotland. 

Words by Emma Chadwick