The end of the pandemic is in sight! With vaccinations now rolling out, I’m desperately dreaming of some UK staycation ideas for when it’s finally safe to venture out again. Of course, it may still be a while until it’s entirely safe – so please, between now and then, continue to stay safe and take necessary precautions – but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming and planning ahead.
Before lockdown hit, I actually made a pact to start exploring more of the UK, and this has only stuck with me since everything kicked off last year. Obviously, I’m very excited to jet off on a beach holiday eventually, but in the meantime, I can’t wait to explore more locally: the UK is so much more beautiful than people realize. Although in the past I’ve spent a lot of time enjoying various fun things to do in London, I can’t wait to jump in the car and road trip to all the different places around the country.
With that in mind, here are five of the best UK staycation ideas I can’t wait to take once lockdown is over.
THE COTSWOLDS
The Cotswolds is a clear choice for a fun staycation in the UK. Besides the popular spots – Bourton on Water, Castle Combe and Cheltenham, the Cotswolds actually spans across parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. So even if the sleepy villages get too much for you, there’s plenty of city culture to get stuck into also.
It’s very easy to spend up a to week exploring the Cotswolds, hopping between charming villages, rolling manor houses and characterful pubs – and it’s terribly romantic too.
Must visits: Warwick Castle, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon.
CORNWALL
Cornwall is often considered one of the most beautiful areas of the UK and it’s easy to understand why. With over 400 miles of beautiful coastline boasting sandy beaches and secluded coves, it’s a fan favourite for walkers, animal lovers and even history buffs. There’s something for everyone too: families will enjoy the different historic and wildlife attractions, whereas Cornwall has it’s romantic charm too with plenty of castles to explore and a clear night’s sky perfect for stargazing.
Must visits: Looe, St Michael’s Mount and Torquay (although technically Devon!).
YORKSHIRE
Yorkshire is an absolutely lovely place, brimming with charming historic towns and the tranquil North York Moors. The real selling point, in my opinion, is the medieval city of York. York is a cathedral city, home to plenty of attractions such as York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre and, of course, the romantic Shambles (a tiny cobbled street boasting tea rooms and boutique shops. It’s also said to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley). York is also said to be extremely haunted, if that’s your thing!
Must visits (in Yorkshire, not just York!): The Forbidden Corner, Skipton Castle and The North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Read more: A birthday visit to Warwick Castle
NORTHUMBERLAND + TYNE & WEAR
Admittedly, I’m pretty biased towards Tyne & Wear, considering I studied there at university, but even three years didn’t give me enough time to explore all that Tyne & Wear and Northumberland has to offer. First of all, it’s very cheap (thanks to how far up north these places are!), and whilst Northumberland offers lots of beautiful beaches and rugged moorland, Tyne & Wear is much more modern with lots of cultural heritage and quayside student cities. Visit Newcastle for lots of culture and museums, and Durham for romance.
Must visits: Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Chillingham Castle and South Shields (for a real old school British seaside town).
WALES
Finally, although it’s technically in another country: Wales! Wales has everything from national parks to Celtic culture: so whether you’re after an adventure with lots of outdoor activities or more of a city break with plenty of cocktails in Cardiff, you’ll find it all in Wales.
Must visits: Lake Vyrnwy, Portmeirion and Barry Island (it’s wonderful whether you’re a Gavin and Stacey fan or not!).
These are just five of the best UK staycation ideas I’d like to visit once lockdown lifts: the beauty of them all being so close to home is that once the time comes, I can just hop in a car and go! Of course for places like Wales or Tyne & Wear, a little pre-planning for overnight stays is essential to get the most out of the area (and do the most exploring!), but once we can travel again, no longer will I put off adventures to the above places because of money/time/effort.
The UK is just as beautiful as the rest of the world: you just need to go out and explore it!
*In collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
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