Thinking of staying closer to home this year? If so, you’re in the right place!
The UK has a heap of perfect destinations where you don’t need to travel far but still feel like you’ve escaped. Whether it’s rugged coastlines, green rolling hills, or timeless countryside charm, you’ll find somewhere to unwind without the hassle of long-haul flights.
Here are five favourites that span islands, highlands and valleys, all offering something a bit special. Let’s dive in and roam through some of the best staycations right here in the UK.
The Scottish Highlands
Up north, the Scottish Highlands deliver epic scenery and the kind of fresh air you forget you were missing. This beautiful destination offers an array of impressive landscapes, catering to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Encounter towering mountains, deep lochs and endless wildlife when exploring this fantastic spot. If you’re looking for the perfect place to relax and unwind, there are more than enough options throughout the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you’re hiking through misty glens, stopping at a little lochside café, or just sitting outside under vast skies, this is the place to reset. It’s less about ticking off must-see attractions and more about letting the landscape sink in. Do keep in mind that the weather can change quickly. Pack layers, embrace a slower pace, and you’ll come back feeling properly refreshed.
The Yorkshire Dales
Next on our list is the lovely Yorkshire Dales, miles of green valleys, stone barns, drystone walls and a pace that slows down for you. If you’re imagining a longer break or even thinking ahead, keep an eye on luxury lodges for sale in Aysgarth, the perfect option for those wanting to return to this beautiful destination with ease.
The Yorkshire Dales offers the perfect combination of quintessential countryside and luxury escapes. Stay in a cosy cottage or lodge, wander along rivers, pop into local cafés and let the views do half the work. Pick a misty morning when dew still clings to the fields, have a walk, then reward yourself with a local brew by the fire. It’s simple, serene and quietly elegant.
Cornwall
For a seaside escape, head to Cornwall, where golden beaches meet dramatic cliffs and the scent of sea salt lingers long after you’ve left. Maybe you’ll walk the path above the waves, or pause at a harbourside village for fresh fish and chips. Cornwall has over 300 beaches to choose from, so you’ll likely find a quiet stretch to call your own. This is also a great destination for those travelling with their four-legged friends, as there are more than enough dog-friendly places to explore in this beautiful part of the UK.
Another great thing about Cornwall is that even if the sun isn’t quite blazing, the fresh breeze and crashing waves make for a refreshing break. On a practical note, staying just outside the main holiday hotspots gives you more space and a slower rhythm. Yes, it’s busier in peak times, but if you pick your moment, it feels like a little coastal world all to yourself.
Northern Ireland
If you’ve never thought of Northern Ireland for a staycation, you may want to change your mind. The wild, craggy coastline, inland lakes and historic towns all combine into a mix of drama and calm, perfect for a break.
One great way to discover the region is through exceptional tours of Ireland, which often include many of this fantastic destination’s highlights, ensuring you don’t miss a thing during your time here. Explore with experienced local guides and get ready to uncover some of the best places to visit throughout this outstanding part of the UK.
Spend your time in Northern Ireland standing on basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway with the wind in your hair, then settling in a snug pub for a hearty dinner. It feels fresh, inspiring and accessible. To be fair, many visitors also enjoy simply wandering quiet trails and breathing in the countryside, and that’s exactly the point. There’s something for all here.
The Cotswolds
For something a little gentler, the Cotswolds are perfect. Think honey-stone cottages, meandering lanes, rolling hills and village life that still feels timeless. It’s the kind of place you drive into and instantly relax. The cafés are cosy, the pubs welcoming, and the scenery so familiar you swear you’ve seen it in a painting. It’s ideal for slower days: a morning stroll, an afternoon reading by the window, a dinner by candlelight.
If you’re in pursuit of the perfect place to truly disconnect and unwind, the Cotswolds is the destination for you. What’s more, being in England’s countryside but with a distinctive character, hits a sweet spot for a staycation that feels indulgent without being extravagant.
Summary
We hope that after reading this article, you’ve uncovered your next spot for your UK staycation. These five destinations deliver variety from coastal surf and rural valleys to majestic highlands and peaceful village idylls.
Whether you choose Northern Ireland’s rugged coast, the Yorkshire Dales’ rolling greenery, Cornwall’s seaside escapes, the Scottish Highlands’ grand landscapes or the Cotswolds’ timeless charm, you’ll find atmosphere, comfort and a sense of unwinding throughout.
The key is picking somewhere that fits your rhythm. Whether you’re after long walks or lazy afternoons, breakfast in bed or café hopping. You’re sure to find somewhere in the UK that feels like the perfect escape, without having to travel too far.
