Staycations in the UK

What is a Staycation?

Read on for our UK staycation guide, sharing the best places to go on staycation in the UK as well as all the best ideas and deals.

A staycation (or staycay) is a holiday you take in your own country, staying close to home.

Gone are the days of spending a fortune on an ‘exotic’ holiday just to have a great time. Instead, for your next break, opt for a staycation right here in the UK. You won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to make sure you catch your flight and you could be saving yourself a lot of cash.

With the UK being home to great locations, you’ll find a great deal of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a big, luxury home to celebrate a special occasion or perhaps a traditional cottage in the countryside - your dream holiday home is just a few clicks away. We’ll also make sure that you pay the lowest price so you can enjoy some time away without breaking the bank.

Top 3 UK Staycation Locations

Discover the most popular destinations for a UK destination right here. You might find one near you!

Looking for more? Read more: the top 10 staycations right now >

Whitby

Whitby is a charming seaside town nestled on the coast of North Yorkshire, surrounded by the North York Moors National Park. Explore the town’s unique twisted streets, visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum or head to West Cliff Beach for a stroll along the beachfront. With quirky and quaint fishing villages nearby and beautiful beaches on the doorstep, Whitby is the perfect staycation for all holidaymakers.

Newquay

There’s more to Newquay than surfing and sharks. This buzzing seaside town sits in the heart of Cornwall and offers guests an exciting getaway in the South West. The town boasts vibrant bars and clubs, cosy pubs and charming eateries, as well as an abundance of shops and activities. World-famous for its stunning, sandy beaches at Fistral and Watergate Bay where the crashing waves create great surf, there’s lots to do in Newquay, both in and out of the water. While away your days basking in the sea or head to the aquarium to enjoy the water without getting wet!

Windermere

Stretching 10.5 miles and measuring 220 feet deep, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. The crowning jewel in the heart of the Lake District, Windermere is a beautiful destination set amongst the rugged fells and mountains. Pretty, picturesque villages are dotted along its shoreline, including the idyllic and popular town of Bowness-on-Windermere, which is home to lots of delightful eateries and independent shops. Follow one of many trails that wind around the lake and up into the hills. Or scale the renowned Orrest Head for breathtaking views across the shimmering lake.

UK Staycation Ideas

For splendid staycation cottages, look no further...

If you’re looking to escape the humdrum of daily life for a few days, why not book a holiday cottage nestled in the countryside? You could even find one with its own private hot tub, for relaxing evenings spent stargazing and soaking your stresses away. We’ve also got a great choice of dog-friendly cottages, so you’re four-legged friends can join in on the adventure too.

If you like treating yourself to a bit of luxury on your holiday, then why not go for a stylish apartment in the city, or even better, by the beach? Staycations don’t get much better than this. For families looking to get away for a few days, our fantastic choice of child-friendly cottages is sure to please.

From coast to countryside, the choice is all yours

The UK is brimming with beautiful destinations. If you’re planning a holiday by the sea, then Cornwall and Devon should be first on your list for miles of golden sands and dramatic coastal cliffs. For a traditional seaside break, head over to Brighton & Hove and Bournemouth for funfair rides and ice cream by the beach.

For those who enjoy escaping to the countryside and discovering its wild beauty, the Lake District, Dartmoor, Snowdonia and Yorkshire Dales national parks are a perfect choice. Among these destinations are magical forests and wild heathlands awaiting your arrival.

Looking for some inspiration?

If you need some ideas on what to do while you’re away, then we’re here to help you plan the perfect break. If you’re planning on spending your holiday on the beach, then have a read of our best beaches in the UK guide.

For those heading over to the countryside, take a look at the best summer walks in the UK. Depending on what time of year you’ll be visiting, we’ve also got great guides on the best winter walks in the UK and the ten best places to visit in spring.