Although staycations have been around for many years, travel restrictions over the last year or so have made them more popular than ever before. Our fantastic selection of staycations in the UK means you don’t have to head abroad to get away from the every day. We’ve picked five great staycation ideas closer to home that allow you to discover the fascinating history, culture and delicious cuisine the United Kingdom has to offer on your doorstep.
During this self-guided walking tour of Offa’s Dyke National Trail, you’ll discover the dramatic scenery of three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which include the Clwydian Range and the Black Mountains, the Shropshire Hills, and the Wye Valley. The trail runs for an incredible 177 miles from North Wales to the Severn Estuary and abounds with fascinating sites from Norman castles and Iron Age forts to medieval abbeys.
Traversing eight counties, you’ll visit ancient towns and villages along the way, including places such as Chepstow, Hay-on-Wye, Montgomery, and Llangollen. The market town of Montgomery has a particularly interesting history where you’ll get to visit the castle ruins and sample some of their hearty regional cuisine.
Ireland boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK and this walk along the Antrim Way takes you on a discovery of the coast, countryside and history of Northern Ireland. Beginning your hike at Orra Beg, you’ll head along the Moyle Way to Ballycastle, exploring hushed forests along the way.
As the route continues, stunning landscapes charm you with their glens, beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic castles. One of the most famous natural wonders of Northern Ireland, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway is the result of 60 million years of volcanic eruptions, and you’ll have the opportunity to walk across its distinctive hexagonal basalt columns. But no trip to Ireland would be complete without a tour of the famous Bushmills whiskey distillery, which you can visit on your final day. You’ll also visit the 18th-century bridge of Carrick-a-Rede which featured in the TV series, Game of Thrones.
Famed for its sweet-smelling lavender, and manor houses and gardens, the North Norfolk Coast is one of the UK’s most beautiful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our Contrasts of Norfolk cycling trip steers you among heavenly countryside as well as rugged coastal scenery. Along the route, you’ll discover local wildlife at RSPB Titchwell and you also have the option to take a boat trip at Blakeney to witness England’s largest colony of grey seal.
Winding through peaceful country lanes, you’ll cycle towards villages with picturesque stone and flint buildings, and ancient market towns. History buffs will be in their element as the tour continues along the leafy avenues of the Sandringham Estate, Blickling Estate, Holkham Hall, and Houghton Hall.
Immortalised in the book written by Alfred Wainwright, the Coast to Coast walk is one of the most iconic, long-distance walking routes in the UK. It runs from the west to east coast of England, taking in the national parks of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. This walk is certainly a challenge, but you’ll be greatly rewarded with epic scenery comprising fells, coastline and dales, stopping off at incredible places en route. Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby Abbey, Honister Slate Mine, and Grasmere (once home to William Wordsworth) are among the noteworthy highlights.
Wales is a magnificent country full of contrasts, and this walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast introduces you to dramatic landscapes, local wildlife, traditional fishing villages, and historic sites. The coastal path opened in 1970 when it became the first national trail in Wales, creating a scenic route for hikers to discover hidden coves and remote headlands. Staying in St David’s, wildlife lovers will have the chance to spot cormorants, guillemots and razorbills, with the choice of taking a boat trip to Skomer Island to see the puffins.
If these trips have inspired you to look into a staycation next year, why not browse our holidays in Britain here.
