The term ‘staycation’ has grown considerably in popularity over the past few years, as numerous factors have led to Brits looking inwards as opposed to outwards for their summer holidays. First, the coronavirus pandemic kiboshed international travel entirely, and then a biting cost-of-living  crisis made it harder for households to justify spending on package holidays to warmer, sunnier places.

These difficulties, though, have brought about a renaissance in domestic tourism – and the re-discovery that the UK is in fact a fantastic place to plan a holiday. There are thousands of incredible destinations from which to choose, whether in the sunny near-Mediterranean beaches of the English Riviera or the sublime mountain terrain of the Welsh countryside. But where are the best places to add to your staycation bucket list?

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park is an expansive tract of unspoiled natural landscape in the North of Wales, over 800 square miles in size. As well as being home to some incredible forest paths, it is also home to Wales’ tallest point: Mount Snowdon. Snowdon is an incredible sight to behold and yields some incredible sights when surmounted – whether as part of a light hike or by utilising its statement cable lift. The National Park accounts for a significant portion of North Wales, which itself is well worth exploring beyond your mountainous exploits.

Bath

Bath is one of England’s premier historic destinations, being a Roman city through and through. It takes its name from the Roman baths that were built there in the 1 st century AD – natural spas which can be visited today, albeit not bathed in.

Still, Bath has a more contemporary thermae, that makes use of the same geothermal principles to create
naturally heated baths for all the public to enjoy. Aside from its Roman roots, Bath is also a hotbed for culture and cultural exploration. Its architecture is nothing short of beautiful, and its array of galleries and venues is well-suited to an active weekend in the city.

Devon

Devon is perhaps the quintessential destination for a domestic summer holiday in the UK. It’s sandy beaches and calm seas are perfect for sun-and-sea-seekers, particularly in the height of summer when the climate is at its balmiest. Devon is also home to some fantastic cultural exports, from ice creams and fudges to pasties and ciders.

Indeed, Devon is a delight to visit year-round for these reasons – as are many of the destinations listed above. Where regular visits to your new favourite destination might be a possibility, looking at holiday lodges for sale nearby could give you a gateway to an entirely new form of holiday exploration and comfort.

Northumberland

Lastly, we come to Northumberland, at the border between England and Scotland. While it does not boast the most welcoming of weather, it is a stunning location nonetheless – and not in the least due to its famous landscapes. From magical castles that featured in the Harry Potter films to beach villages visited by Thor and Valkyrie, Northumberland is a brilliant destination for movie fans, and only a stone’s throw from another cultural mecca: Whitby, the home of Dracula.