Planning a Staycation? These Are The Best Summer Holiday Destinations Around the UK

For a more unique coastal escape, Cabu By The Sea — 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.

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, 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.

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 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.