Though flights to certain European countries [1] have resumed from the UK, following guidance from the Foreign & Commonwealth [2] office on post-COVID-19 travel, many of us are still choosing to embrace holidays slightly closer to home [3] this summer. Giving you that same sense of escape without having to travel too far, it's no wonder why staycations are already trending (#staycation2020 has already reached over 100k posts on Instagram alone, compared with under 10k posts back in 2019), and our feeds have filled up with scenes of sunny Brighton beaches and countryside getaways post-lockdown.
When you consider the pros — not having to go to an airport or get on a flight, less risk of cancellations and potential quarantine on arrival back onto UK soil — it makes total sense. Even more than that, though, the UK is home to some beautiful and diverse destinations, whether it's the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall [4], the chocolate-box villages synonymous with the Cotswolds, or the rugged and remote Scottish Highlands — so really, now's just a great opportunity to explore all that the UK has to offer. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best staycations around the UK that let you go off the grid completely, from remote escapes to quintessential country estates, unique spas, picturesque beaches [5], and some seriously cool coastal cabins . . .
Cabu By The Sea, Kent
For a more unique coastal escape, Cabu By The Sea [6] — a design-led concept with eco-conscious living at its heart — is located on the coastlines of Kent between Romney Marsh and the English Channel. Dotted with luxury hideaways looking out onto the sea, it's the place to go for a digital detox and to switch off from everything else around you, made easy by the heated pool, sauna, BBQ, and the sounds of crashing waves in the background.
You can relax and simply enjoy a moment of calm, but there's also plenty of things to do around Kent if you feel like exploring. Amble along St Mary's Bay and pack a Cabu picnic, visit the sand dunes at Camber Sands Bay, and just a 30-minute drive away, Rye, a small medieval town in East Sussex, is heaving with country pubs, world-class seafood restaurants, and cobblestone streets filled with tea rooms.
The Crown & Garter Pub, Berkshire
Sometimes the best holidays are right on your doorstep — just a quick hop from London (or 90-minute drive, to be exact) lies Inkpen, a tiny village situated in the North Wessex Downs, and most notably, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Woodland walks, wildlife spotting, and some quintessentially British pubs lie at the fingertips of this undiscovered hideaway that, despite its proximity to London, couldn't feel further away from the city.
Stay at the Crown & Garter Pub [7], a countryside bolthole that's famous for its proper roasts, hearty breakfasts, and a home-away-from-home vibe. It's the perfect spot for walking, cycling, and discovering what the British countryside is all about. It's also a stone's throw away from Highclere Castle and Houghton Lodge, plus a famous gin distillery close by to keep you busy.
The Scarlet, Cornwall
Craggy coastlines, seafood, and endless surf spots . . . it's no wonder why Cornwall is a popular destination for Londoners craving a coastal getaway. There's so much to do for every kind of staycationer, from coastal walks to water sports, and a thriving food scene to boot including Rick Stein's famous Fish & Chips restaurant. For something a little more off-piste, book a wellness break at The Scarlet [8] hotel, situated on Mawgan Porth beach, that comes complete with Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes for anyone in need of some TLC. At this art-inspired, eco-friendly hotel, it's all about lazy days snoozing on hanging canvas pods and dipping into clifftop hot tubs and barrel saunas, all the while admiring the panoramic beach views.
Dunalastair Suites, Scotland
If you really want to find a place to disconnect this summer, rural Scotland, north of Edinburgh, makes for the ultimate wholesome getaway — think shifting views, scenic Lochs, and national parks at every turn. One of the region's best outposts, Dunalastair Hotel Suites [9] is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, on the edge of Loch Rannoch, with jaw-dropping panoramas spanning the mountains and lake. Spend your days open-water fishing on the Loch, sampling hearty Scottish food, or driving around Perthshire on safari to spot new wildlife.
Ellenborough Park, The Cotswolds
Nothing says staycation quite like the chocolate-box towns, rolling hills, and cosy, old pubs like the Cotswolds. The villages dotted around the Cotswolds hills are possibly some of the most picturesque in Britain, from Stow-on-the-Wold to Moreton-in-Marsh to Barnsley, Burford, and so many more ridiculously attractive areas, complete with farm shops, A-listers, and IG-friendly restaurants.
For somewhere a little less touristy and more off the beaten track, head to Ellenborough Park [10], a historic hotel with rural charm and luxury comforts situated just out of Cheltenham, a large spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds. A hotel which embodies all of that Cotswolds charm but without the crowds, Ellenborough Park feels like your own little sanctuary with honey-stoned cottages set around a grand 15th-century manor horse amidst 90 acres of secluded grounds. There's plenty of country walks in the area and a spa, and the hotel even has its own country pub, plus, Shroud and Winchcombe are reachable by car if you want to explore further afield.
The Pig on The Beach, Dorset
Along an unspoiled stretch of natural coastline, Studland Bay is known for its soft white sand and possibly the closest thing you'll get to a European beach in the UK. Better yet, it houses The Pig On The Beach [11], a cool and whimsical hotel that does things differently, from the kooky interiors down to the eclectic bedrooms. Each room is completely unique: glamping style huts, a bothy that looks like something out of a fairytale, and even a dovecote, aptly named the Lookout. Combining local produce, unique designs, and an informal setting that makes you feel at home, it's a staycation that ticks a lot of boxes: location, originality, and relaxation. In the area, Swanage, a lovely seaside town, is located nearby for great seafood, as is Corfe Castle for a quick stroll around the historic area.
Grantley Hall, Yorkshire
Ripon, a beautiful cathedral town in Harrogate, is one of Yorkshire's best kept secrets with centuries-old traditions, like Ripon's hornblower, still carried out today. Where to stay? Glorious grounds, the Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, and a dose of fresh air make Grantley Hall [12], the newest arrival to Ripon's hotel scene, a stellar choice for a luxury staycation. A stay at this stately manor house will make you feel like you've stepped back in time, the chandeliers, oak-panelled cocktail bars, and majestic drawing room like something out of a Downton Abbey scene. But the winning formula is all about its countryside charm, beautiful surroundings, and five-star touches. Grab your walking boots to discover the moors and valleys, head to the Three Graces spa for some pampering and set off to explore Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Duncombe Arms, Peak District
Love the great outdoors? The Peaks have been a go-to destination for hikers for years, but this famous walking hotspot is as much about activity as it is about R&R. Spend your days hiking around the Peak District National Park, exploring walking trails, Thor's Cave, and Croxden Abbey, before retiring to a cosy hotel for a relaxed dinner and a good night's sleep. Stay at The Duncombe Arms [13], a tiny pub hotel situated in the remote and less crowded parts of the Staffordshire countryside, just on the edge of the Peak District, for a real change of pace. It's only got a few rooms, so you'll get more of a personalised experience, and the food gets five-star reviews, too.