UK Staycations
The Top 10 UK Staycation Destinations
Wondering where to go and what to do on your next holiday? Staycations are the perfect opportunity to discover attractions and activities that sit right on our doorstep. From pulsating capital cities and quaint countryside hamlets to glorious coastlines and jaw-dropping national parks, the United Kingdom is blessed with hundreds of tourism spots. Here are The Broadway’s top 10 UK staycation destinations for you to enjoy the best of British beaches, culture and natural beauty.
Cornwall
There’s no need to jet off to the Mediterranean when you can travel to England’s southwestern corner for a staycation in Cornwall. Kernow — or Cornwall as most of us know it — has adventures for the whole family. Surf is up at Newquay, Perranporth and Sennen Cove, and St. Ives and Polperro look as if they’ve been lifted from a television set. Tucking into a Cornish pasty on the beachfront is a must. You won’t want to miss a walk out to St. Micheal’s Mount or a hike along the Penwith Heritage Coast, from Land’s End. Check out what’s going on at the Eden Project and Minack Theatre for more staycation fun.
London
London is one of the world’s most-loved cities and is easy to reach by bus and train from all corners of Britain. Whatever your motive, London really does have it all. Performing arts fans flock to the historical theatres of the West End while art enthusiasts head to first-rate museums such as the Tate Modern and National Portrait Gallery. Dozens of free museums make London a true child-friendly destination. Did you know that London is the world’s first National Park City? Find out why while exploring the Royal Parks. Foodies and shoppers are also spoiled for choice at daily and weekly London markets.
Lake District National Park
If your idea of a fun getaway is hiking amid pristine landscapes then look no further than the Lake District National Park. The region’s deep-blue glacial lakes, high fells and wildflower meadows are as postcard-perfect as they come. Nestled amid the scenery are cute market towns and places with historic literary connections. Take boat trips on Derwentwater and Lake Windermere or walk to the summit of Scafell Pike. Literature lovers delight in walking in the footsteps of Coleridge, Ruskin and Wordsworth in this wonderful corner of Cumbria. Don’t leave without sampling the iconic Kendall Mint Cake.
Liverpool
Looking for a city break infused with music and a rich maritime heritage? Then Liverpool is the staycation destination for you. The legacy of The Beatles is visible on almost every corner of this city in northwest England. Catch a show at the legendary Cavern Club and delight in open-air drinking, dining and shopping at Liverpool ONE. A stroll along the Royal Albert Dock takes you on a journey through Liverpool’s maritime history. There’s summertime seaside entertainment, too, at Crosby Beach and Formby Beach.
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast makes for a great UK staycation at any time of the year. Spend a day browsing stalls for clothing, handicrafts, fish and fresh produce at St. George’s Market. Then jump between the pubs, stand-up venues and nightclubs of the Cathedral Quarter. The Ulster Museum and Titanic Belfast are excellent rainy day activities. Belfast is much more than a city break, though. Travel along the Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Brighton
Often described as the happiest place in the UK, Brighton is blessed with a fun-loving and regal seaside charm. Make your way to the seafront promenade, grab an ice cream or fill up on mouth-watering fish and chips. Brighton Pier is the place for vintage fairground attractions and SEA LIFE Brighton is teeming with exotic sea critters. Meandering through The Lanes to find jewellers, tea rooms and lively pubs is definitely worth doing. As is a tour of King George VI’s Royal Pavilion. In the mood for outdoor pursuits? Scenic drives, walks and cycling routes await in South Downs National Park.
Norfolk Broads
Should lazy days floating along waterways sound exciting then plan a staycation in the Norfolk Broads. The best way to enjoy this 125-mile network of lock-free canals is by houseboat. Relax while drinking in the breathtaking natural beauty and spotting majestic wildlife. There’s plenty of attractive towns and villages to stop at. Tie up your boat at any of Coltishall, Horning, Hoveton and Wroxham. The Broads stretch as far as Great Yarmouth, a much-loved seaside resort on England’s easternmost coastline.
Scottish Highlands
Castles, dramatic mountain peaks, emerald glens, lochs and whisky distilleries – what’s not to like about the Scottish Highlands? You can get away from it all in Cairngorms National Park or go in search of Nessie on a boat tour around Loch Ness. Centuries of royal and Scottish clan history is on offer at sublime castles. Take your pick from Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle and Inverness Castle. The latter was the site of King Duncan’s murder in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Like a dram or two of whisky? Scotland is renowned for its single malts and an incredible 47 distilleries sit scattered amid the Highlands’s lush landscapes.
North Wales
From the unspoiled fishing villages and vibrant seaside resorts of the North Sea to rolling mountain countryside, North Wales is a holidaymakers paradise. For a memorable family holiday, it’s hard to beat the beaches at Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Rhyll or the dramatic setting of Conwy Castle. Have a blast trying to say the name of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll village, on the enchanting island of Anglesey. Snowdonia National Park towers above the interior of North Wales. Reach the summit of Mount Snowdon via trekking routes or take the easy option onboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
The Cotswolds
We can’t mention staycations in England without talking about the Cotswolds, the location of The Broadway boutique hotel. Chocolate box villages are in abundance and surrounded by lush hilly countryside and sprawling rural pastures. Embark on day trips to Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold for a glimpse into the best of what the region has to offer. National Trust properties, country houses, castles and the Cotswolds Way walking route are also worth coming for. Traditional British pubs welcome with sun-soaked beer gardens in summertime and winter evenings sat by a roaring log fire.