If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a UK staycation, here are 10 of the best post-lockdown UK holidays
After the last few stressful months of lockdown, you’re probably craving a holiday more than ever.
But overseas travel is still currently off limits for most. And even when the restrictions are lifted, you may not fancy flying jsut yet.
Luckily, we have masses of fantastic places to visit in the UK. In fact, between the beautiful coastline and stunning countryside, not to mention the towns and villages, you’re spoilt for choice.
So where are the best places for a UK break? Here is just a taster of what’s on offer:
Escape to Exmoor
If you’ve been locked down in a city for months on end, you may be longing for some peace and solitude. And the rolling, purple-hued landscapes of Exmoor are a perfect choice.
The National Park is criss-crossed by over 1,000 km of footpaths and bridleways, so it’s not hard to stay socially distant from other people. You’re more likely to glimpse wild deer and ponies than fellow walkers.
Classic Cottages has ten cottages dotted across Exmoor for you to choose, from cosy, one-bedroom boltholes to family houses. Many of them are dog-friendly, so they’re perfect if you want to take your pooch along.
Stay in a Lighthouse
There are few better ways to refresh and raise the spirits than by spending time by the sea. It’s always my favourite place to be!
If you fancy a quirky seaside break, how about staying in a lighthouse? The British coastline is dotted with decommissioned lighthouses, with adjoining cottages that have been converted into holiday rentals.
Rural Retreats has teamed up with Trinity House to offer cottages in truly dramatic locations. Trinity House has been looking after Britain’s lighthouses since the 16th century, and they have properties across the country. Choose from the tip of Cornwall’s Roseland peninsula, Nash Point in Glamorgan or perhaps the Whitby coast.
Cornish Chic
Cornwall is a perennial summer holiday favourite for everyone from families to couples. And its glorious coastline, unspoilt countryside and slower pace of life is the ideal post-lockdown tonic.
i-escape has a choice of over twenty places to stay throughout Cornwall. You can choose from gastropubs with rooms and boutique B&Bs, or self-catering apartments and hotels with glorious seaside views.
Walking made Simple
A walking holiday can be a lovely, companionable thing, but not everyone wants to lug heavy kit between overnight stays.
Fortunately, Inntravel has the answer: a selection of three, four and six-night walking itineraries, with luggage transported between hotels.
You could choose from an easy amble along the South Downs Way, a tour of the beautiful Shropshire Marches or perhaps a slightly more challenging exploration of the Yorkshire Dales. And at the end of the day, relax in a lovely hotel with delicious local food – sounds like heaven!
A Rural (Re)Treat
I admit to being biased, but I reckon that my home county of Shropshire is perfect for a UK staycation.
It’s one of the least populated corners of the UK, with rolling farmland and wooded hills that are perfect for exploring on foot, by bike or on horseback.
Pen y Dyffryn is a charming, privately-owned hotel that oozes classic charm. Think gorgeous, flower-filled gardens and traditional country-style bedrooms with wonderful views. And you can also indulge in the hotel’s restaurant, which has a daily-changing menu focusing on locally-sourced, seasonal produce.
Scottish Boltholes
By now, you’ll probably be looking forward to a reunion with family and friends. And when travel to Scotland is permitted, what could be better than getting together in a Scottish castle, surrounded by dramatic peaks or rolling glens.
Cottages and Castles has a selection of properties from grand baronial estates to rural farmhouses and cosy cottages – ideal for a romantic escape for two.
Choose from a foodie week in the seafood heaven of the Western Isles, a romantic loch-side retreat or maybe a cottage close to Glasgow or Edinburgh so you can mix rural and urban pleasures.
Peace in the Peaks
The hills, valleys, and picturesque villages of the Peak District are fantastic for a family break
Choose from the soft, rolling landscapes of the southern White Peak, or the moodier, more dramatic Dark Peak to the north,
Peak Cottages have been offering holiday homes in the region for over 25 years. They have more than 200 properties, and most are available for short breaks as well as full weeks.
All Things Vin
Does your usual summer treat involves dipping into vineyards in Spain, France or Italy? The good news is that you can do the same thing right here in the UK.
Three Choirs Vineyard is one of the oldest wine estates in the UK, and offers luxury vineyard lodges and rooms. Many of them enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding 75 acres of vines.
The vineyard brasserie is a great place to try a vintage or two, alongside classic Modern British cuisine.
A Lakeside Idyll
Good old-fashioned indulgence has been in pretty short supply during lockdown. You may well be feeling in need of a little pampering and some fantastic food that you’ve not had to prepare yourself!
The Gilpin is a privately-owned boutique hotel close to the spectacular scenery of Lake Windermere. The rooms are all individually furnished, with beautiful fabrics and soft-touch linens. There are also Garden Suites which each have a private outdoor hot-tub, and luxury Spa Lodges with their own private gardens.
It could be your perfect post-lockdown pick-me-up!
Coastal Kent
Chic and unassuming, Whitstable has undergone a transformation in recent years. It now has a bustling high street, waterfront seafood restaurants and a laid-back, bohemian feel that is ideal for a chilled-out beach break.
Whitstable Cottages have more than 20 properties in and around town and on the surrounding beaches. You can choose from contemporary loft-style apartments to beach houses sitting right by the water’s edge.
I would absolutely love to go down to Cornwall right now and can’t wait til we can roam the country completely free as I’d love to go over to Wales as well.
We had been planning to visit Cornwall for the first time this summer, but I think those plans are on ice til next summer now!
After spending months stuck in my box room, I am so ready for a vacation even if it means I have to stay in the UK
There are some fabulous ideas in this post and I can’t wait till we can get out and about again. We had to cancel the boathouse we’d booked in Kingsbridge and are sorely missing some Devon and Cornish sea air. I always think that there are so many beautiful places in the UK you don’t really need to go abroad and I really hope that the public gets behind our tourism and hospitality industries after this lockdown.
Totally agree with you – I’ve still got a very long list of places in the UK that I want to visit!
We are praying that we can still go to Wales and the Lake District in August! The lighthouse holiday is something that my children would love after reading lots of Famous Five books
I’m really looking forward to being able to visit Wales again!
I have no idea what to do about a summer holiday this year. Hopefully we will find somewhere!
The all sound so good! We love holidaying in the UK and our list just keeps getting longer, I am so looking forward to our first post lockdown holiday.
I know what you mean, I keep on finding places to add to my list as well!
There are some really good ideas here. The Scottish suggestions are deffo our kind of thing. We spend a lot of time up there too x
I can’t wait til we’re able to visit Scotland again – I love it there!
Some great spots here! Believe it or not, at the grand age of 30 lol I have never been on a plane or outside of the UK! We have always taken holidays here and loved every single one, we love exploring new places across the UK (Cornwall and Pembrokeshire/Tenby are some of our favourites) and will definitely be adding some of these to our list to visit too, they all look so lovely!
There are so many fantastic places I still need to visit in the UK. I love the look of Tenby, and Cornwall was on my list for this summer before all ‘this’ happened!
There are so many places in the UK that I want to visit. I would love to stay in a Lighthouse but out of your pics, the Isle of Skye would be first on my list
I really really want to visit Skye – it’s very high up on my wishlist!
Ooh great ideas. I have looked at the Gilpin before for my partners birthday. I would love to stay in a lighthouse too