With uncertainty around travel plans this summer and rising prices for green list countries, you might be considering a Staycation. Here are five suggestions for the perfect getaway right here in the UK.
We may feature more Staycation destinations in the coming months – please contact us and let us have your recommendations.
Northumberland
A beautiful county full of breath-taking scenery, secluded beaches and steeped in history, Northumberland is perfect if you are looking for tranquillity and an outdoors experience like no other. From ambling along the Northumberland coast to camping in the countryside, one of the best places to visit is the Farne Islands which is populated by colonies of puffins. Also checkout Anwick Castle, home to Harry Potter inspired-events, and Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage site which you can learn more about at Chester’s Roman Fort & Museum. At night, star gaze in one of the best parts of the UK to see the sky unhindered by light pollution.
Canterbury in Kent
Most certainly one of the prettiest cities in the UK and home to Canterbury Cathedral, it forms part of a World Heritage Site and is the cathedral home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. With cobbled streets and steeped in history, Canterbury is a great city break for couples and families alike. If you wish to explore the surrounding areas, head for Dover Castle, a medieval castle described as the ‘Key to England’, along with its miles of underground Second World War II tunnels buried deep within the iconic white cliffs, or head out to Whitstable with its great beach, boutique type shops, cafes and restaurants. Finally, Margate is a place for great fish and chips and the Turner Gallery not to mention a beautiful sandy beach. If, however, you prefer somewhere a little off the beaten track, try Minnis Bay or Reculver, perfect for picnics on the beach.
The Cotswold’s
Spanning six counties, the Cotswolds is characterised by rolling hills with many beautiful Cotswold’s villages including Minster Lovell and Burford. Bourton-on-the-Water has a gently flowing river and is often described as ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’ with the Birdland Park and Gardens being home to an array of birds including flamingos, pelicans and penguins – a great day out for the family. Take a visit to Blenheim palace, considered to be the real Downton Abbey, and visit the nearby City of Bath, an historic spa town set on the region’s southern edge, to see the well-preserved Roman baths, museums and sights.
Edinburgh
Capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh has a Medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical architecture. Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city and is home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials. Edinburgh is also great for shopping, bars and restaurants and for a great family day out, you can’t beat Edinburgh Zoo, one of Europe’s leading centres of conservation, education and research.
London
Any Staycation guide would not be complete without a mention of our great capital city, London. You can stay somewhere around Docklands for a reasonable price and then get the Docklands Light Railway into the City. Best of all, many attractions in London are free including Trafalgar Square, the Science and Natural History Museums in Kensington, the Imperial War Museum in Kennington which holds an entire floor dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, and the Tate Modern on the South Bank. Visit China Town in Soho for great food and Camden Market for food, drink and shopping. If you have little ones, or are perhaps a big kid yourself, check out the Postal Museum in Clerkenwell – you get to travel miles in the small train that used to carry London’s post underground. It‘s not too expensive and well worth a visit!
