Staycation Ideas for 2021
- Many British are looking to spend their holidays in the UK
- North Wales has some of the most loved national parks in Britain
- The Lake District is an ideal location for hiking and water sports
- Explore the stunning scenery of The Scottish Highlands
With uncertainty over flying overseas, many of us are looking to spend our holidays in the UK this year. Whether you are planning to spend a bit more or keep a tight control over the budget, we have come up with a few great staycation ideas.
Still looking for a car for your next staycation? Check the fantastic deals on our website.
North Wales
Discover one of Britain’s best loved national parks in Snowdonia and explore the stunning island of Anglesey by bicycle. The North of Wales is a great location for a family holiday.
Visit the classic Welsh coastal towns such as Conwy, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay. The towns offer activities for the whole family - try wakeboarding at Conwy or visit Colwyn Bay Zoo.
Where should I stay in North Wales?
Dolgellau is a good base for climbing Snowdon, while Beaumaris is convenient for exploring Anglesey.
Llandudno has all the charms of a classic family staycation, while nearby Conwy is smaller but more picturesque.
If you prefer to go out in the evening, Bangor offers a great nightlife.
The Lake District
There’s something for everyone in the Lake District. Walkers can spend all day on the high fells, while water sport enthusiasts will find plenty of action on the lakes. Explore everything from water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking to yacht charter.
You can also conquer the England's tallest mountain, Scafell Pike. You can also hire bicycles, indulge in afternoon tea, or visit one of the many horse-riding centres.
Where should I stay in the Lake District?
Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere are good options for a fuss-free staycation. Buttermere village is situated in-between the lake of the same name and Crummock Water. The town of Keswick is closest to Derwent Water.
Glenridding and Watermillock are within easy reach of Ullswater. There are plenty of smaller villages in and around the Lakes, as well as campsites and caravan sites.
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands should be high on your list of places to visit. You can explore the Cairngorms, Britain’s largest national park as well as see Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. If you believe in legends, you must visit Loch Ness, one of Britain’s most famous and scenic lakes.
Scottish Highlands is a vast, sparsely populated region and one of the most popular staycation destinations in the UK. It's widely known for its castles, traditional Scottish clan history and several distilleries.
The area offers some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in all the UK. It is a must-visit place for walkers and drivers who appreciate wide open roads and nature.
Where should I stay in the Scottish Highlands?
You have a huge choice of places to stay, as the Scottish Highlands are roughly the same size as Belgium! Load up the car and stay 2 nights in each place as you tour.
Set Fort William as your first destination to be near Ben Nevis, or Aviemore in the Cairngorms. If you prefer to be closer to the lakes, visit Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness.
For the ones wanting to visit the Scottish cities, go to Inverness or the island of Skye.
The Norfolk Broads
Norfolk’s famous Broads span more than 125 miles. Every mile is open, meaning there are no locks and the whole thing is navigable by boat.
You can reach Norwich and Great Yarmouth by boat, if you fancy combining life on the water with a short city break or a trip to the beach.
Where should I stay in the Norfolk Broads?
This is easy. Hire a boat. Between boat days, you could stay in B&Bs, or quaint holiday cottages which line the waterways.
There’s a choice of market towns for an opportunity to visit independent stores and sample Norfolk pub lunches. You can head to Aylsham, Reepham, Acle or Wroxham, the capital of the Broads.
Isle of Wight
A magical place for children and enjoyed by all ages. The Isle of Wight should be on your list for family and sailing holidays.
It boasts a huge music festival, a walking festival for singles looking for love, and yacht races. Picturesque harbour towns, wide beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs are the norm. What’s more, it only takes 25 minutes to get there from the mainland.
Don’t miss Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite home, or Carisbrook Castle.
If you are fortunate with the weather, it’s an ideal place for a beachy staycation – with 67 miles of coast to choose from. Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor boast some of UK’s finest beaches.
Where should I stay in the Isle of Wight?
The towns of Cowes, Ryde and Yarmouth are popular options for sailing enthusiasts. Ventnor and Sandown on the other hand suit for beach lovers and families.
London
Having experienced recurring lockdowns for almost a year, many of us are craving the excitement of a big city.
There's no other place than London. It’s an expensive destination for accommodation, but once there, there’s a huge choice of free activities, museums and art-galleries. Walk along South Bank and watching street performers in Covent Garden. There's something for everyone.
Where should I stay in London?
Check out deals on Hotels.com and Booking.com for hotels and hostels offering reservations with full refund policies. Premier Inn rooms aren’t available on comparison sites, so visit their website for a budget and medium-level accommodation.
Prefer to spend a bit more? Although temporarily closed due to lockdown, Belmond have just finished their new London hotel, The Cadogan. Located in the heart of Chelsea, the hotel boasts a restaurant, bar and lounge. Experience the fantastic cooking of celebrated chef Adam Handling.
The Cadogan promises a “a blend classic British charm with modern style and elegance, every detail honouring the hotel’s rich heritage. Flashes of bold colour, vibrant flowers and captivating works of art offset luxurious neutral fabrics.”
When you are not out shopping in Sloane Square, or taking in London’s art galleries, there’s a fitness suite, spa and garden available to visit.
Why staycations are great?
While overseas travelling might not be possible this year, Britain has a lot to offer. This is a great opportunity to discover the beautiful scenery of our country and save a bit of money.
Staycations also bring a lot of much-needed income to local economies. So, it's a win-win for the whole country.