Looking for the best UK staycation ideas so you can enjoy a holiday at home in the UK this year? Keep reading for the best places to go on a UK staycation including things to do and places to stay in each place so you can really plan your staycation in the UK!
It looks like staycations in the UK are our best option right now and I think we should make the most of it because the UK offers us so much! I’ve seen the beauty of Devo, Dorset, the Cotswolds and North & South Wales in the last few months and I’ve loved it!
These ideas for UK staycations are going to take you to the North of Scotland, to the tip of England, and to the side of Wales!
Below are staycation ideas for couples in the UK, inexpensive staycation ideas, fun staycation ideas, London staycation ideas, staycations in Wales, and lots of England staycation ideas so let’s get into them and let’s just hope the weather is good!
UK Staycation Ideas
What is a Staycation?
Incase you are new to the idea of a ‘staycation’ here’s what a staycation means:
A staycation is a holiday that you spend in your own home or your own country, relaxing and enjoying leisure activities there.
Where to Visit on a UK Staycation!
Here’s a quick map of these 15 UK staycation ideas to help you plan where to go in the UK on a staycation!
1. Isle of Skye – Scotland Staycation Ideas
The Isle of Skye in West Scotland is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Over the last few years, it has become one of the most popular places to visit in Scotland because of its incredible landscape and pretty villages.
In the summer months, the Isle of Skye can get incredibly busy with not only UK holidaymakers but foreign tourists too.
However, without as many foreign tourists this year, it’s likely that the Isle of Skye is going to be much more pleasurable to visit which is why it’s number one on my UK staycation ideas on this list, and in my own life, this year!
Things to do on the Isle of Skye:
Visit Old Man of Storr the most photographed place on the Isle of Skye, swim in the famous fairy pools, visit a whisky distillery and check out Dunvegan Castle.
The Isle of Skye is great for hikers and people who love to find hidden places in nature.
Where to stay in the Isle of Skye:
You’ll need a car to get to the Isle of Skye and travel around it, therefore you can be flexible with your Isle of Skye accommodation on this UK staycation, however, the majority of the accommodation is located in and around Carbost, so that’s a good place to be.
2. Northumberland – England Staycation Ideas
Northumberland is probably not somewhere you’ve thought of for staycation ideas UK, however, if you live in Northern England or Scotland, remember you don’t have to go South for a UK holiday!
Northumberland offers the incredible Northumberland Coast but also Northumberland National Park and is a great location if you enjoy hiking in rugged landscape, enjoying spacious beaches, and taking in Roman history in market towns and castles.
Things to do in Northumberland:
Hadrian’s Wall is, of course, the most popular Northumberland attraction so you can tick this off your list, visit the Farne Islands which are David Attenborough’s favourite place to see nature in the UK, visit Alnwick Market Town, and learn about Roman History at Hexham Abbey and the Roman Army Museum.
Where to stay in Northumberland:
In Northumberland you can stay inland near the National Park, out on the coast, or in-between. There are many cottages on offer suiting couples and families.
3. Cornwall – South England Staycation Ideas
Cornwall is the UK’s top holiday destination but this shouldn’t put you off going on your UK staycation this year because it’s highly visited for good reasons and there are always ways to escape the crowds in Cornwall.
Things to do in Cornwall:
Cornwall has endless beaches, about 300 in total so if you are looking to avoid the crowds then find yourself one of the secret beaches in Cornwall.
Visit Padstow if you want to see one of the popular towns and there are many things to do near Padstow too.
Book in a surfing lesson if you want to feel like you’re in Portugal, take the kids to the Eden Project, and look for Saint Micheals Mount to feel like you’re in France.
4. Snowdonia – Wales Staycation Ideas
It’s easy to forget about Wales when thinking about UK staycation ideas but Wales has so much to offer and North Wales in particular.
I love Snowdonia and the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) which is home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). Driving between the mountains made me feel like I was somewhere in Europe reminding me just how much the UK has to offer.
If you’re looking for one of the best road trips in the UK, driving to Snowdonia is one of them!
Snowdonia isn’t all about the mountains though, there are beaches, historic towns and adrenaline activities.
Things to do in Snowdonia:
Climb Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales, I recommend the climbing Pen Y Pass Snowdon route! Visit Adventure Parc Snowdonia to go surfing and for adrenaline indoor and outdoor activities.
Find huge waterfalls like Aber Falls and visit Porthdinllaen Beach, a beautiful and huge white sand stretch of beach!
Where to stay in Snowdonia:
Snowdon offers many different accommodation options but for the ultimate UK staycation, I recommend glamping! Check out cool glamping options in North Wales here!
5. Jersey Channel Island
I love Jersey! I’ve been twice, once in Summer and once in Autumn and it’s one of my favourite places in the UK because of how many amazing beaches, coastal walking paths and incredible restaurants are on this tiny island!
The newly update restrictions make visiting Jersey on a UK Staycation much easier if you are double vaccinated. Keep up to date on Visit Jersey’s website here but as it stands if you are a British Passport holder and double vaccinated, you do not need extra testing or quarantine on either side of your journey. It’s just like visiting any other place in the UK.
How to get to Jersey:
The best way to get to Jersey is by Ferry and Ferries like Condor Ferries are running regularly now with departures from Poole and Portsmouth!
Poole to Jersey takes just 4 hours and with all the space on the ferry, plus the ability to go outside, it is a safe way to get to Jersey in these times! And the best thing about the ferry is that you can bring your car too as you’ll need it in Jersey!
Things to do in Jersey:
I love Jersey for all its outdoor activities and your UK holiday will be full of them in Jersey! Try watersports like Surfing, Paddleboarding, Coasteering and RIB boat rides to see seals and dolphins, and go on endless hikes along the coast!
Jersey has many spa hotels if this is your thing, you can go shopping in St Helier and enjoy the many incredible restaurants on the island, if you like seafood, you will love the food in Jersey!
As well as adrenaline activities, Jersey is home to lots of history so you can go to the War Tunnels and places like Jersey Zoo with the children.
Where to stay in Jersey:
Jersey is a small island so if you put your car on the ferry to Jersey from the UK, it doesn’t really matter where you base yourself on the island. Most accommodation is near the capital St Helier but if you can stay by the coast on the West, East or North side of the island, these are great locations too!
My related posts: 10 Things To Do in Jersey Channel Island When It Rains! / How to Visit The Channel Island of Jersey on a Budget! / The Perfect Weekend in Jersey Channel Island Itinerary!
6. Guernsey Channel Island
Another island break that will make you feel like you are away from the UK because of the journey there and the French feel of the island is Guernsey channel island!
If you are a British passport holder, double vaccinated and haven’t travelled outside of the UK in the last 14 days, you can enter Guernsey with no additional testing and no quarantine, it’s just like visiting another part of the UK! Keep up to date on the Visit Guernsey website here!
The islands of Guernsey are great places to visit in the UK and places you might not have thought about until now!
How to get to Guernsey:
Ferries like Condor Ferries are up are running now giving an easy and safe way to travel from the UK to Guernsey!
Poole to Guernsey is just 3 hours by ferry and you can relax in the spacious boat and go outside for air.
Things to do in Guernsey:
Island hopping is what holidays abroad are all about but you can go island hopping in Guernsey too! Guernsey is a great base to visit the sister Islands of Sark, Herm, Alderney and Lihou from on an all day adventure!
Guernsey is all about the outdoor activities and there are endless beaches to visit, parks and nature reserves, waterspouts like surfing, paddle boarding and coasteering to do!
There’s also a lot of history to see like the German occupation museum, war tunnels and tombs to keep the children busy!
Where to stay in Guernsey:
Guernsey is only a small island and if you travel by ferry to Guernsey you’ll have your car with you, this means you can be flexible as to where you stay on the island as it doesn’t take long to get from one end of the island to another.
There are many accommodation options available like 5* hotels, farm houses, traditional cottages and private rooms in Airbnbs!
7. Lake District
Why visit the Lake District on a UK staycation? I love the Lake District because it gives nature with ease!
Yes, you can go hiking and climb hills but you can also drive between the pretty villages and their tearooms, and take boat trips out on the lakes. It has something for everyone.
The Lake District is a good UK staycation for families and one of the great staycation ideas for couples in the UK as some say it’s quite romantic!
Things to do in the Lake District:
I suggest visiting Lake Windermere, one of the most popular lakes, and going out on a boat ride, and be sure not to miss Ullswater Lake either.
Drive through Kirkstone pass and passing the 3rd highest pub in the UK, find the impressive Aira Force waterfall, and visit Castlerigg Stone Circle to wonder how it got there.
For an easy walk you can do the Orrest Head Walk, for a hike a bit harder do the Dale Head Walk, and to climb the highest mountain in England then hike Scafell Pike.
Just want a full day exploring? Here’s what to do on a Lake District Day Trip!
8. Peak District
The Peak District is another one of my UK staycation ideas if you want to spend time in nature but also enjoying pretty towns and villages with plenty of tearooms to stop at along the way.
You know that the town of Bakewell is famous for Bakewell Pie right??
The Peaks are well located in the centre of the UK too making them one of the easy UK staycation ideas as well as one of the fun staycation ideas!
Things to do in the Peak District:
If hiking is your thing you will love the hills in the Peak District, for epic views head up to Bamford Edge, Mam Tor and Stanage Edge. If you want to try out rock climbing, the Peaks are the best place in the UK for it!
You can also soak up the history and incredible architecture at Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, find waterfalls and eat Bakewell Tart in Bakewell town!
9. Pembrokeshire
Another gem in Wales to visit is Pembrokeshire in the South West Corner of Wales. Pembrokeshire is the perfect UK holiday spot so it had to be on my list of UK staycation ideas.
It’s perfect as a UK staycation with children thanks to the many holiday park facilities and amazing beaches. It’s also a romantic UK staycation for couples in the many cool glamping spots in Pembrokeshire.
Things to do in Pembrokeshire:
Visiting the many Pembrokeshire beaches has to be on your list of things to do, my favourites are Tenby, Saundersfoot and Barafundle Bay.
There’s the Bosherton Lilly Ponds to walk around, cute market towns like Narbeth and activities for children like Oakwood Theme Park and Folly Farm.
Where to stay in Pembrokeshire:
10. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is easily one of the best cities in the UK so if you’re looking for a UK city staycation idea, then Edinburgh is a good one, especially if you’re like me and usually think it’s too far up North to visit! Not this year it isn’t!
Edinburgh is a stunning city with history, walks and great shopping. It’s a fantastic base to see more of Scotland from and if you’re a Harry Potter fan then you’ll be in heaven!
Things to do in Edinburgh:
Walk up the Royal Mile ending at Edinburgh Castle. Walk up to Arthurs Seat to see an amazing view of the city, see where Harry Potter first started. Day trips from the city include Glasgow, Stirling and popular places like Loch Ness and Glencoe.
11. Cotswolds
You may know the Cotswolds for all of the pretty villages that it has but did you know that the Cotswolds is also home to many lakes and incredible accommodation too?
This is one of my top UK staycation ideas if you want some relaxing accommodation and romantic accommodation. It’s one of the good UK staycations for couples that’s for sure.
Things to do in the Cotswolds:
Without a doubt, visiting the villages of the Cotswolds is the top thing to do, head to Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Castle Combe for the best Cotswolds Villages!
There are also many walks in the Cotswolds you can do like the Broadway Tower circular walk and visit well-known places like Blenheim Palace, Tewksbury Abbey, and Gloucester Cathedral. You can also have some fun at Cotswolds Water Park.
12. Devon
Heading back into the tip of England again for another of the England staycation ideas to Devon. This UK staycation has something for everyone.
It’s most well known for its 2 dramatic coastlines offering open beaches to escape the crowds, surfing, and amazing hikes. If you think Cornwall is just that bit too far to drive, Devon is your answer.
Things to do in Devon:
Dartmoor National Park is a great place to go walking in open moorland, climb ancient rocks and say hi to the Dartmoor ponies that call the national park home.
Head to the 2 different but vast coastlines for a surf, swim and to enjoy the many seaside towns and villages in different. Learn some history at the many Norman churches to medieval castles and don’t forget about all of the tearooms and English pubs around.
- My Related Posts:
- A Devon Road Trip Guide & Devon Road Trip Itinerary To Plan Your Trip!
- 10 Reasons to Book a Stargazing Cabin in Devon at Royal Oak Farm!
13. Dorset – Staycation Ideas Near London
An area of outstanding natural beauty in the UK has to be a pretty good option for a UK staycation idea, doesn’t it? You may have heard of places like Lulworth Cove, Pulpit Rock, and Durdle Door but never visited, well now is the time.
Dorset is easy to reach from London making it one of the good staycation ideas near London.
Things to do in Dorset:
Head to the iconic Durdle Door, check out the famous Jurassic Coast on a boat trip, or even kayaking, and visit popular beaches like Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Poole.
Walk along the impressive coast too and visit viewpoints with incredible views like the Golden Cap!
Dorset isn’t all about the water though, you can also head into its pretty market towns and villages, visit many castles and have fun with the kids at Adventure Wonderland.
14. Isle of Wight
This is a perfect South England staycation and a staycation idea close to London! You may think the Isle of Wight is far away, but actually, it’s just a short ferry ride for Southampton or Portsmouth.
The Isle of Wight is said to be the best place in the UK for a beach holiday because of its sandy beaches and holiday facilities making it one of the great UK staycation ideas for families.
Plus, because of its small size, you won’t spend all of your days in the car driving from place to place as each journey is approximately 30 minutes.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight:
The beaches on the Isle of Wight are perfect for surfing, walking along and letting children play on. The Isle of Wight is known as a popular UK holiday destination and therefore it has all the top attractions like zoos and adventure parks.
There are plenty of small towns and villages offering a picture-perfect UK holiday with harbours, castles and plenty of places to eat and drink.
15. Surrey
This is another one of the great staycation ideas close to London especially if you don’t want to spend your time driving around the Country. It’s also great if hiking or the beach isn’t what you want from your UK staycation ideas.
If you want history, pretty market towns, easy walks and unique things to do in England like Llama trekking, Surrey offers you this!
Things to do in Surrey:
The Surrey Hills are a must-visit because they an official area of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy visiting typical English market towns like Farnham, Guildford and Dorking.
Go for a picnic at Frensham Ponds, walk up Box Hill and visit incredible historic places like Hampton Court Palace.
16. Norfolk
Norfolk may be another area of England you are yet to explore so let’s change that on your UK holiday staycation.
Saying that you may be aware of the popular holiday towns of Sheringham and Cromer which are top holiday spots in the UK especially for caravan holidays but did you know that Norfolk is also home to Norwich City, the Norfolk Broads National Park and Downton Abbey style buildings.
Things to do in Norfolk:
Have typical British seaside fun in Sheringham and Cromer on the beach and playing mini-golf, don’t forget Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach too!
Check out Thetford Forest which is a huge 80 square miles, take a steam railway ride and explore the 125-mile navigable and lock-free network of unique waterways by boat in the Norfolk Broads. These are some of the top things to do in Norfolk.
17. Hampstead – London Staycation Ideas
Whether you live in London and don’t have much time to leave, or you want to see more of the city you live in, or you’re not from London and want to get to know the city better, you should certainly consider a London staycation.
From my time living in London I’d say that the best London staycation ideas are going to be around the outskirts of London where you can get some nature, visit nice cafes and restaurants and also get into the city easily.
I used to live in Hampstead which is known as one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in London.
It is full of beautiful houses, a lot of history, museums, Hampstead Heath park which is great for picnics, walking around, swimming in its ponds and seeing a city view of London from. Plus, it’s full of amazing pubs, restaurants and cafes so I really recommend this as a London staycation idea.
Here are my 30 things to do in Hampstead to help you plan your stay!