Not everyone has the luxury of time. Yet most UK residents have a spare day or two — at least occasionally. Staycations hinge on the concept of “on your doorstep” travel and are perfect for short-stay domestic trips.
With so much accessible to starry-eyed travellers, it’s simply a question of where you want to go. Are you craving beachside bliss? Or a sweet Airbnb apartment above a family-owned shop in a picturesque market town? Forget passports and airport queues; here’s the ultimate UK staycation guide, with ideas from coast to countryside.
Why Staycations Are Making a Big Comeback
78% of surveyed residents stated they would take a domestic trip in the next 12 months. But why? The COVID-19 pandemic admittedly re-sparked the nation’s love for domestic travel, and escaping the mundanity of everyday life with regular weekend trips never stopped trending.
People are also travelling with pets — as evidenced by Lottie Gross’ Dog Days Out, a well-received UK guidebook. Moreover, with nostalgia travel on the rise, we’re seeing a return to family classics (including chains like Centre Parcs). Call it a perfect storm.
Top Coastal Escapes Worth the Trip
Nobody wants to drive hours to a lacklustre beach with more rubbish than sand. Looking for inspiration? These are the top coastal escapes worth the trip:
- Tenby
- Whitby
- Aberystwyth
- Newquay
- Whitstable
- Portobello
- Isles of Scilly
Countryside Retreats with Character
Craving rolling hills or battered moorland heathers? Pick a countryside retreat with character. Here are a few top contenders:
- Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Lake District National Park
- Dartmoor National Park
- Cotswolds AONB
- Snowdonia National Park
- Scottish Highlands
How to Keep Your Trip Budget-Friendly
The best part about staycationing is how budget-friendly it is. There are plenty of strategies for keeping that dream trip strictly within budget. For instance, you might:
- Travel in cheaper shoulder or off-seasons
- Drive rather than take an expensive train or flight
- Be flexible with midweek adventures, avoiding weekend surcharges
- Consider camping instead of four-wall accommodation
- Go self-catered to limit eating out
Travel Tips for Driving, Packing, and Planning
Staycations might be exciting, but they still take a lot of planning. Maximise your short stay by researching the destination in-depth beforehand and curating an optimised itinerary. When staying for a week? An amazing museum’s Sunday closure isn’t a big deal. When only visiting on Sunday? The impact is a little more severe.
Also consider:
- Booking temporary car insurance for a fair approach to driving long distances. Rotating drivers gets you further and keeps you safer.
- Travelling light, but with non-negotiable essentials. Nobody wants to be left scrambling for dry or clean clothes.
Where to Stay: From Campsites to Cottages
The accommodation options are endless: good news for adventure seekers and bad news for anyone with decision fatigue. For those sticking to a budget, consider a small tent (either for ground or rooftop camping). Housesitting is another way to secure free accommodation. A step up from that is glamping or motorhome rentals. Alternatively, go self-catered with Airbnb-hosted apartments or keep it classic with hotels.
The staycation hype shows no signs of slowing. Where will you head this year?