In these uncertain and troubling times, we all need something to look forward to when a sense of normality has returned to the world. For many of us, that feeling of excitement and anticipation is likely to come in the form of a holiday.
The Best Spots For Your Next UK Staycation
However, with the long-term consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic virtually impossible to predict, the opportunity to jet off abroad feels like it could still be a little while off. Logic suggests that travel within our own borders is likely to return sooner, affording millions of Brits the chance to escape the confines of their home and get out and explore once more.
Studies show that staycations have become a growing trend in recent years, with more and more holidaymakers opting to take their breaks in the UK rather than overseas. That can only be good news for the economy, with the average spend on these staycations rising steadily since 2011. Planning the financial side of any vacation is important, and paying via a credit card can offer you certain levels of protection, but where are some of the best destinations to spend your holiday at home?
Head to the beach
There’s nothing like a bit of sea air to blow away the cobwebs, and a trip to the beach can be fun for all the family. While you relax in the sunshine, allow the kids to run riot by playing games, digging holes and building sandcastles. And there are some true beauties on the UK’s shores. Holkham in Norfolk offers vast, wide open spaces that are perfect for dog walkers and horse riders, while the likes of Blackpool Sands (in Dartmouth, not in Blackpool) and Porthcurno close to Land’s End are equally idyllic. The marvellous beaches of Bournemouth and Poole however remain my favourites.
Head to the Beach
City breaks
If getting sand in your shoes (and elsewhere) is not your thing, why not stick to the urban hotspots? You don’t have to head across the continent for a splash of city culture – there’s plenty to see and do right here, and Edinburgh is a prime example. A charming combination of old-school tradition and contemporary sophistication, a 15-minute walk can see you take in the historic pubs of the Grassmarket, across the cobbled Royal Mile and into the new town where trendy bars, restaurants and cafes are in abundance. Alternatively, you might want to take in the famous Newcastle nightlife or perhaps you’re keener on the history and heritage of Bath or Bristol. The choices are endless.
Walking holidays
For many, the idea of a good break is to strike out into the countryside and take in the nation’s natural beauty. And there’s no doubting the UK has plenty of options to choose from. The Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District all offer spectacular scenery and some stunning photo opportunities. And if the conditions take a turn for the worse, remember – there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!