With international travel temporarily put on hold as a result of bans and the prospect of quarantine on arrival, more people are set to take staycations. Here are some of our favourite rural staycations in Great Britain, to book once lockdown restrictions allow. Just because there is a slim likelihood many of us will get to go abroad in the near future doesn't mean there isn't plenty of beautiful locations to explore, take the opportunity to discover somewhere you never would have otherwise or rediscover a childhood holiday and hey its better for the environment.
It is predicted these trends will carry into 2021 as experts predict many will opt to be take staycations over travelling abroad, it is said many want to switch their focus to more sustainable and conscious travel and will favour fresh air and the pure elements, a lot of the following recommendations will tick all these boxes, in an idyllic rural setting, embracing nature. These factors will hopefully inject money into our tourism dependent economies.
Now we're sure some of the locations on this list will certainly have there busy areas but they'll also be remote areas that will see limited footfall and a chance to escape. In no particular order here are our favourites.
1. Cornwall
Visit St Ives, Padstow or Falmouth for the epitome of Cornish seaside towns, but prepare for crowds, but you'll soon realise why the crowds are there. Visit Maraizon, Tintagel and Falmouth for their wealth of history an interesting way to learn and explore. Visit Polzeath, Porthleven and St Ives for the best combination of first class beaches, fab waves and fantastic walks. Visit Polzeath, St Ives, Padstow, Porthleven and Falmouth for some of Cornwall's finest food. All of these places have a wealth of amazing small businesses that need your support from; cafes, bakeries, restaurants and not forgetting ice cream parlours, to artists to surf schools to B&Bs to bakers to handmade accessories, gifts, candles and food you name it. Click on the specific towns for a more in depth guide on our top Cornwall picks.
2. Lake District National Park, Cumbria
Renowned for scenery through its diversity of lakes, forests, farmland, wildlife and mountains. The Lake District is home to the likes of hiking, walking, pottering around small villages, rowing, cycling, cultural heritage and rock climbing, so there is an abundance of things to do. Some of its most popular towns include Bowness on Windermere, Grasmere, Ambleside and Keswick, all with there own unique charm, there are also plenty of less discovered more tranquil locations on offer. For accommodation, there is something for everyone, you can go basic to luxury, book a cottage, a B&B or go glamping, if you're on a budget there's plenty of youth hostels and campsites on offer. You'll find walks of all difficulties and lengths in the Lake District there's no end to the footpaths. For more information look out for our quick guide to the Lake District.
3. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
It's not just about Mt Snowdon, although it is a great hike, there's 13 other peaks at over 3000ft and mcuh more below that. Hike in more remote places to more incredible views, visit waterfalls, cute welsh villages, zipline along the worlds fastest zipline, and longest in Europe. There's also a range of watersports on offer. On your drive to a trailhead or village you'll want to pull over every minute to capture the stunning views, including views along the scenic Llanberis Pass. Visit the villages of Beddgellert or Betws-y-coed and try some favourite welsh treats at a local cafe. Like the Lake District you'll find accommodation that suits your budget.
4. Jurassic Coast, Dorset
The Jurrasic coast is a section of coastline that stretches 95 miles from Dorset to Devon. Two of the most famous and stunning spots on the Jurrasic Coast are Lulworth Cove and Durdle door, however, you may have seen here on the news recently, the cliffs and the arch are fragile, don't get close to the edge and certainly don't jump from the arch, we want to preserve it as long as possible and not intervene with nature, you may have also noticed how busy the beach has been getting, there's plenty other secluded and less visited beaches in the area, consider visiting one of those. This still is one of our favourite coastline in the UK. Opt to stay close to Weymouth, with endless trails such as walk to Durdle door and a bustling town stalls in the summer months. There are also many activities for anyone and everyone in this location such as; archery, high ropes, kayaking, cycle hire and even boat rides.
5. North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire has many underrated staycation destinations. You've got a great mixture of seaside towns in the likes of Whitby and Staithes, scattered rural timeless villages, ruins, rolling hills and the largest expanse of heather moorland in the UK, visit Goathland, Lealholm and Hutton-le-Hole. We've got a a post on top places to visit in North Yorkshire, here.
6. North Devon
North Devon is often overlooked by the likes of top Cornish towns or Dartmoor or Torquay, but it is definitely worth a visit. Visit Tunnels Beach in Ilfracombe one of the most unique beaches in the UK, just look out for the colourful jellyfish, make a stop at the traditional twinned towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and the national trust site of Watersmeet and grab some good food whilst you're in Lynton, discover hidden tranquil coves away from the crowds at the likes of Broadsands beach but prepare for the stairs down, and grab a wetsuit and a surf board or a kayak and jump in the sea at Woolacombe and treat yourself to an ice cream afterwards. Find our full guide here.
7. New Forest National Park, Hampshire
There are several larger towns in the New Forest including Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, both great hubs to base yourself, or find somewhere more rural there's lots of accommodation on offer, or stay by the coast and take a trip inland. If you don't have a car, the New Forest is still very accessible and only a 90 minute journey outside of London. There are 8 train station in total across the national park;
Ashurst
Beaulieu Road
Brockenhurst
Hinton Admiral
Lymington
New Milton
Sway
Totton
Walks through the New Forest are unique in themselves you don't know which free roaming animal you're going to encounter next, horses, donkeys, sheep, cows or deer roam the park. The landscapes in the new Forest differ greatly do a long walk so you see its diversity go from woodland to heaths to bogs to grasslands to farmland to the coast, unless you end up in a smelly bog walks generally aren't that challenging (apart from for your nose) as the park remains relatively flat throughout. It can be hard to spot deer in the park but if you visit Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, you've got a higher likelihood, siting for deer aren't guaranteed but visit between 12-3 and you'll have a higher likelihood, its also a great place for sunset as the sun shines through the forest above the meadow. Try award winning ice cream in its home the New Forest with a wide variety of flavours, there's something for everyone. Ideal for families and for the best of both woodland and beach opt to stay at the Havens holiday park in Christchurch, a 30 minutes drive to the new forest yet only 5 minutes from the coast.
8. Dover, Kent
It's become a bit of a habit for many to berate Dover but like much of Kent it is overlooked. Dover is well known for ferries to France and the famous white cliffs, but Dover is more than just about that, there are beautiful lighthouses and St Margarets Bay. There are many trails along the tops of the cliffs where on a good weather day you can see over to France. Day trips include going to Dover castle to learn about the history of the fort, sea safaris and several walking routes along the Saxon shore way.
Whilst you're there take a trip to Margate it was a forgotten seaside town, once one of the main resorts in the country, that is once again on the rise, young people and families moving to the area and money being brought in by tourists it is seeing a resurgence.
9. Oban, Scotland
Oban is a resort town, ideal for a pit stop for a night if you are planning a road trip around Scotland or for longer stays to explore all of what Oban has to offer. It is nestled away in the west, surrounded by countryside and shores and, despite this rural location, it is in fact accessible by train. What I will say though, as a potential downside, is that there is very little signal around here, which I guess is to be expected considering how rural this area is. In a more positive light, this may be exactly what you are after; a much needed break away from social media or work emails etc. There are several days out and activities around this location listed below 1. Whiskey distillery 2. Craig's tower, fantastic views of surrounding countryside and of course the bay. 3. Oban bay/ town, perfect for sunset. 4. woodland trails 5. Easdale village 'bridge over the Atlantic'. The worlds stone skipping competition is held here.
6. Boat trip to the isle of mull.
10. Tenby, Wales
Tenby, a seaside town is located along the Pembrokeshire coastline in south Wales. It is surrounded by sandy beaches and an iconic harbour. The scenic views are exceptional and has wonderful coastal walks as well as castles and walls adding to the historic value of the town. Below is a list of activities within Tenby or a short drive away.
1. Manor wildlife park, perfect for a family day out. 2. St Catherines Island. But please be careful as it is only accessible during low tides, so do make sure you check. They say the best place to look for this information is their the 'saint Catherine's island' facebook page. 3. Endless beaches including opt to build some sandcastles or relax in the sun. 4. Tenby harbour, visit the local shops, give back to the community, best of all, try their fish and chips 5. Walk down to the little chapel amongst rocks. It is called Saint Govans, nearby Tenby it makes for a great little adventure.
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