Travel bloggers from across the nation have got in touch with their favourite staycation destinations in the UK. If you’re looking for tried and tested staycation ideas, then this travel guide will help you plan for your road trip.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best UK Staycation Destinations
Find out about the best staycation destinations UK. From day trips to holidays, the bloggers listed below are sharing their favourite locations. If you want to visit coastal walks, outdoor activities, beaches, areas of outstanding natural beauty, fishing villages, market towns or even a national park on our island, then look no further. The travel tips include places in England, Scotland and Wales.
North Wales
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a new place, North Wales is full of places to visit. From the wild and rugged landscape of Snowdonia National Park to quaint villages and pretty seaside towns, there are a lot of incredible gems to discover. Locals and top travel bloggers have named their favourite must-visit spots. I highly recommend visiting Barmouth, or for a family friendly holiday Hafan Y Mor.
Britannia Hotels in Llandudno have wine and dine packages for £29. The magnificent Victorian building is on the promenade and has fantastic views of the bay and seafront. The hotel offers great value for money and entertainment for everyone.
Brighton
Jupiter from Life with Jupiter & Dann favourite place to have a staycation in the UK is Brighton. There is just so much to see and do in Brighton. Whenever I go there, I tend to get a hotel by the seaside (everything basically is there!) and spend a day on the beach and at the pier. The Brighton Pier is massive, with such a large arcade, several food stands, and the glow in the evenings is so beautiful. Spending time watching the lights reflect off of the water always feels magical in Brighton.
There are some really unique little cafes around Brighton, from the video game-themed Loading Bar to the cute Artbox Cafe. Whenever I want to have a more fancy time at Brighton, I go to Moshimo, a nice sushi place. Brighton also has a SeaLife centre, which is interesting, the i360 where you can see Brighton from above and several wonderful bars if you are interested in more of the nightlife. I always go to Brighton with my partner – it’s an excellent location for couples looking to party by the sea!
Suppose you’re looking for a long weekend away. In that case, you won’t do better than Brighton, especially if the weather is perfect that weekend.
Britannia Hotels
At The Royal Abington hotel in Brighton, you can stay from £40 per night. The Regency-style hotel built in 1826 and is traditionally decorated and furnished throughout. It’s in the perfect spot, directly opposite Brighton Pier. Get 10% off when you book online here:
Cornwall
I recently stayed in a lodge in Gunnislake. In the heart of the countryside, it is an ideal base for exploring North Cornwall and South Devon. As with many places in Cornwall, mining for tin, wolfram and arsenic, and copper took place here. The narrow streets of miner’s cottages still exist today, as do the numerous ruins of mines. The picturesque towns are nestled in the countryside or close to the seaside. Making miles of attractions to explore when looking for things to do near Gunnislake.
Cambridge
Melanie from Best Things To Do In Cambridge is a UK based travel blog celebrating all things about her home in Cambridgeshire. Cambridge is a beautiful, diverse city and perfect for a staycation UK. Why is Cambridge so great? Here are just a few of the reasons.
Getting to Cambridge takes as little as 40 minutes from London by train. It is easy to get around in the city as it is compact and accessible on foot. Alternatively, hire a bike or electric scooter or use the Hop on Hop Off bus, which takes you to the city’s main sights. Whichever option you choose, you will be sure to love Cambridge.
Cambridge University
Those interested in the city’s history will be keen to see the iconic buildings owned by the University. The city has been home to some 34 Nobel Prize winners. It boasts the actual apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton to create the law of gravitation! Trinity, King’s, and Chapel colleges are all must sees.
Other must-see places
Walk to the mathematical bridge, a sophisticated geometrical design and visit the Corpus Clock which is an intricate reminder that life is constantly passing by as we move towards death. Find time to climb the 123 steps of St Mary’s Church Tower and enjoy views over King’s College. We recommend a visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum which has collections of beautiful works of art, paintings, and notable historical artefacts and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Cambridge is famous for punting so you really must try it. It is a neat way to see the backs of the University colleges in the city too.
Where to eat
The Cambridge food scene is ever-growing and the city is home to many excellent independent places to eat. Whether you like a sandwich, burger or pizza, find a great quality place. Iconic eats include Fitzbillies Chelsea buns, and one of the fabulous flavours of gelato at Jack’s Gelato.
With Tastecard you get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. With a Tastecard Plus membership, there’s also 30% off cinema tickets and 50% of days out, such as Alton Towers, Sea Life and Drayton Manor. Get a 60 day free trial with instant access; after that, it is £5.99 per month or £34.99 for the year. Get a 2-month free trial here:
Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is an area of outstanding beauty covering 683 square miles. Did you know, it attracts more than 9 million visitors each year? The tallest mountains are known collectively as “The Three Peaks”, which are named Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Furthermore, the area is littered with the ruins of abbeys and castles that were established in Medieval Times. There are also waterfalls in Wensleydale.
With LastMinute.com you can find great hotels, transportation, travel experiences and restaurants.
Norfolk
If you are looking for holiday ideas in the UK, then the Norfolk coast is a beautiful staycation destination. There is a range of things to do from relaxation to thrills, so it’s ideal for families, couples and solo travel. Norfolk is the perfect staycation destination for those on a budget as there’s a range of caravan and holiday parks. You can visit the beach for an affordable day out or take a swing at crazy golf. Along the beach are a few amusement parks and arcades that light up as the night draws in. It’s an energetic atmosphere, and perfect for the summer holidays. I’d highly recommend visiting Great Yarmouth if you’re in Norfolk with younger family members. It’s worth giving them some pocket money to spend as there are many shops and arcades where the “I wants” appear.
For couples, there are a few high-end restaurants and tea rooms. Emily from Love Em says, I love treating myself to some tasty cakes and coffee! Away from the Norfolk coast are lots of national parks, gardens and estates to adventure around. You’ll also find the North Norfolk railway if you’re looking for a slow-paced afternoon. Congham Hall is a wonderful hotel and spa which is perfect for a weekend couples’ getaway. With a pool, gym and decadent menu, it’s a lovely staycation idea for those who want to get away for a while without breaking the bank. Norfolk is there to be explored and offers so much that all families and relationship types will enjoy!
Somewhere to stay
Best Western have over 250 hotels nationwide. There are a few to choose from in Norfolk, in Norwich, Swaffham, Eye and King’s Lynn. Every Best Western hotel is individual, from castles to coaching inns, sea views to mountains, and modern to listed buildings. You can get up to 30% off here.
Scottish Highlands
Famed for its majestic scenery and mysterious lochs, the North of Scotland is a sight to behold. From trekking up Ben Nevis to searching for the Loch Ness Monster, there are many beautiful ways to see the best of the Scottish Highlands.
When visiting the Highlands, it is best to go by or rent a car. As there isn’t always regular public transportation. It also means you can take everything in at your own pace, and go off track and find hidden gems. One of the best routes is driving the North Coast 500, starting and ending in Inverness. It usually takes 7 days to complete.
For those driving from England or the lowlands of Scotland, Aviemore is the perfect sleepover break for the start and end of your NC500 adventure, a short drive to Inverness. The Britannia Hotel in Aviemore has bed and breakfast stays for £39 per stay.
Peak District
Molly the Founder of Lovely Local Indie thinks Derbyshire’s Peak District is the perfect location for a staycation. Recently voted one of the leading national parks in Europe by TripAdvisor users, there is much to discover, not least the world-class scenery. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure of hiking or biking, gastronomic delights, a romantic getaway, a trip with family or a weekend away with friends there’s a Peak District weekend to suit your tastes, interests and budget.
One of my favourite parts of the Peak District is The Hope Valley. Hope and nearby Castleton are both worth visiting. In Hope check out The Grasshopper Café for quality coffees, delicious food (think grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade pizzas and waffles) and their pretty garden.
Places to visit in the Peak District
Castleton is the only place in the world where Blue John, a semi-precious stone, can be found and there are various caverns to explore. It’s also the perfect base for some of the best walks in Derbyshire. Climb the steep steps up to the atmospheric ruins of Peveril Castle. From here you can continue to Mam Tor which has stunning views of the National Park, including the photogenic Winnats Pass. This is one of the most-loved ridge walks in the Peak District. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Manchester! Refuel afterwards at one of the numerous traditional pubs; most welcome muddy boots and dogs.
The historic town of Bakewell is perfect for a mooch. Jane Austen is said to have written much of Pride and Prejudice whilst staying at the centrally located The Rutland Arms. This historic hotel has recently been refurbished into a contemporary boutique hotel, bar, restaurant and coffee house.
Potter around the range of independent shops, take a riverside stroll and enjoy a traditional Bakewell pudding. Explore nearby Chatsworth House, often described as the jewel of the Peak District. There are expansive, exquisitely manicured gardens and the more rugged surrounding parklands. The farmyard and playground is brilliant for children, as is the cascade. The house itself is a treasure trove of historic artefacts. The estate farm shop in nearby Pilsey is also worth a visit.
Jurassic Coast
One of the most stunning parts of the UK’s coastline is the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Devon. It has over 185 million years of history, not to mention jaw-dropping landscapes and rock formations. The Jurassic Coast is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore Corfe Castle, Kingstone Lacy a Japanese inspired garden and woodland walk, take a nostalgic steam-train ride at Swanage Railway or sample a local brew at Palmers Brewery.
Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury is a medieval town in Gloucestershire. Only 20-minutes from Cheltenham or 30-minutes from the Cotswolds. The town firmly placed itself in the history books n 1471. During this period, the Battle of the Roses was taking place. Where the House of York and the House of Lancaster were fighting for the crown. The Battle of Tewkesbury took place on 4 May 1471. The Yorkists won, and King Edward IV regained the throne. The historic staycation will give you an array of museums to visit, Tewkesbury Abbey, Sudley Castle and lots of long walks.
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea was a popular Victorian staycation destination and certainly needs to be on your list now. With two train stations, ample parking, it is an easy location to reach from London.
Boasting the world’s longest pleasure pier, and a grade II listed building from 1901, parts of this seaside town still hold its historic charm. On a visit to Southend Esplanades, you could enjoy an ice cream or doughnuts on the promenade, relax in the sand, or walk the 1.33-mile pier. For a little more excitement, visit the arcades, play a round of mini-golf, or gaze at the animals in the aquarium. If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, there is also Adventure Island, a free entry theme park packed with rides.
Perhaps a town centre is more your preference: the town has a long high street with two shopping malls, a cinema, and two museums. There are some fantastic eateries, including Molo Lounge, Mangetout, Love Thy Burger, and a collection of bars for lively nightlife.
Southend-on-Sea is actually more than just a seaside town – it stretches from Leigh on Sea to Shoeburyness, offering lots of opportunities for walks along the Thames Estuary. In the west at Leigh on Sea, you’ll find Old Leigh, an ancient fishing village with original buildings, and some of the best pubs in the county. In the east, you’ll find The Garrison, with structures from WW2 still standing and ready to be explored.
Thanks to Georgia from Brit Voyage for sharing!
Where to stay at Southend-on-Sea
Best Western have over 250 hotels nationwide. There are a few to choose from in Southend-on-Sea, in Chelmsford, Gravesend, Colchester and Canterbury. Every Best Western hotel is individual, from castles to coaching inns, sea views to mountains, and modern to listed buildings. You can get up to 30% off here.
Are you hungry? Get 50% off food
Did you know you can get 2 for 1 on meals or 50% off food with a Tastecard? There are independent and chain restaurants throughout the UK with a variety of cuisines. Get a 3-month free trial here:
Lake District
The Lake District has inspired poets, painters and even pie-makers. The landscape of the English Lakes never gets boring. With mountain passes, wild-grassed moors, pretty rivers and free-roaming sheep. Visitors come for the tranquillity and scenic walks. You could also get out on the water, or do some star gazing after watching the sunset.
Need a hotel in the Lake District? The four-star Macdonald Hotels are in Ullswater and Windermere have fantastic views and offer great food. There are also leisure and spa facilities. In fact, Macdonald Hotels are one of the first hotel groups in the UK to offer spa treatments to people living with and beyond cancer.
South Wales
Wales has a distinctive culture, and there is so much more to it than the red dragon on the flag, daffodils, leeks and being the land of song. Cardiff is my hometown, and I’m fiercely proud of it. It is straightforward to get to, and effortless to explore whether on foot, bike or public transport. Rich in history, with fantastic green spaces and a cracking nightlife. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Newport, Caerphilly, Pontypridd and the infamous Valleys.
Hotels in Cardiff
The Copthorne is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. You can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
Get your FREE Visting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases and a travel itinerary.
Other ideas
How about Things To Do In Derby With Kids?
Or, a Historical Guide to Visiting Derbyshire?
A trip to the capital is a must. Check out the Top Attractions to see when you Visit London. Or, 36 Hours in London with Kids.
Best staycations in the UK
What do you think about all of these UK staycation ideas? Hopefully, it has given you some inspiration for your next trip.
Thank you to all of the travel bloggers featured for taking part and sending the information to me.
Do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed my staycation round-up, you can stay updated with my other best of Cardiff, South Wales and travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Related Articles
1 thought on “UK Travel Bloggers Favourite Staycation Destinations”