ABI’s top staycation locations in the UK

Top staycation locations in the UK

Planning your summer holiday? Look no further, as we have the best staycation destinations in the UK which you must visit this summer. Whether you’re whisking away your loved one for a romantic weekend in Cornwall or going on an adventure with your family over the school break to the Peak District, here are a few places below for you to create some amazing summer memories with all of the family 🏞️

Cornwall 

Kick start your summer reading with a scenic backdrop on the Isle of Sicily, just off the coast of Cornwall, or hit the Cornish waves and Atlantic ocean tides in beach towns like Newquay. You can visit Newquay Zoo with the kids, or the Blue Reef Aquarium. Then head down to the beach for a surfing session and have some famous Cornish pasties while picnicking with your family on Fistral Beach.

Another great attraction unique to Cornwall is the Eden Project found in Par. It’s a walk through tropical rainforest filled with beautiful greenery, but don’t leave until you’ve tasted Cornwall’s finest beer at the 150-year-old St Austell brewery 🍻

Peak District

Explore the great outdoors in the midst of UK’s most popular National Park which stretches across 555sq miles of the English countryside. You can book a guided tour with experienced rangers and if you haven’t brought your own, hire a bike to travel and discover all the waterfalls hidden in the landscape. 

If you are feeling peckish, you can stop by The Prince of Wales Village pub for lunch in Bakewell. If you’re there for a weekend trip with loved ones, you can stroll through the antique shops and marketplaces like Chesterfield Flea Market and collect some souvenirs to decorate your ABI home with.

Scottish Highlands

Escape to the Scottish Highlands for a relaxing and peaceful staycation surrounded by evergreen landscapes, unmissable architecture and iconic haggis. Take in the breath-taking views from the beautiful hill tops. Book a cruise on the Loch Ness Lake or stroll around the surrounding villages. Let us know if you see Nessy 👀

Or if you’re interested in mythical castles, the Scottish Highlands’ largest residence, Dunrobin Castle is perfect for an afternoon getaway. You can book an inexpensive tour for a chance to explore the fairy tale castle and luscious gardens. If your family wants a stay in a place with more adventure, then you must visit the Glencoe Mountain Resort and explore the valley which was the backdrop of the 1995 Braveheart movie. You can even visit Glen Nevis Valley at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain peak in Britain, where scenes of the movie were filmed. It also has some of the best views in the highlands surrounded by peaks – an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts. 

Would you prefer a castle tour or a mountain resort staycation? 

Lake District

Venture across Cumbria and explore all the scenic views of the Lake District on a road trip with the family. Have a peaceful private staycation with your loved ones and go glamping in a spacious modern yurt on the riverside of tranquil woodland at Raven Stonedale. Have a relaxing evening dinner at The Black Swan’s Rosette restaurant before settling in for the night under the stars. Typically, a yurt can have 2-4 people and you can get the kids involved in some local activities, such as rock climbing, cruise and kayaking on the lake 🚣‍♀️

The Cotswolds

Head down to the glorious countryside towns and villages of the Cotswolds, a heavenly escape from the hustle and bustle of city streets. The Cotswold Way is a footpath stretching 102 miles from Chipping Campden, known for its markets, to the World Heritage city of Bath – home of famous author Jane Austen. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen’s work, you’ll want to visit the Jane Austen Centre to experience Bath in Jane’s time. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshment with afternoon tea in the Regency Tea Rooms. 

Along the long-distance walking footpath, you’ll find rolling hills, mediaeval thatched villages, grand churches, and stately homes surrounding you. As you travel from the south to the north, you’ll encounter gorgeous scenery that is picture-worthy in historic picturesque villages such as Painswick, Cranham & Snowshill.

Take a blissful walk through the fairy tale village of Castle Combe or tour the UNESCO site to discover the beauty of the Baroque architecture of Blenheim Palace.

Isle of Wight

Fancy a royal retreat in Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday destination?

Just off the South East coast of England, the Isle of Wight is home to Osborne House, which is an Italian-style summer home built for the Queen’s visits surrounded by beautiful fountains, seas of tulips and fruit trees many planted by Prince Albert. 

While travelling around the island, you can visit Alum Bay to admire the breath-taking scenery of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, or experience the spectacular view at height in a chair lift over the chalky cliffs. Get the kids together for some family fun in the sun at Isle of Wight Aqua Park or Tapnell Farm Park to compete in some pedal go-karting, crazy golf and sledge slides games.

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