We all need to get away for a break now and again and while jetting off abroad is always welcome, thankfully you don't even need to board a plane as the British Isles is bursting with some of the best staycations in the UK you could wish for. From hotels in central London to soothing spa hotels, there are oodles of different places for you to visit, whether that's alone, with your other half or wider family.
A UK staycation offers many benefits over heading abroad. You can wave goodbye to the usual airport hassle of having to limit your toiletries you pack in your travel toiletry bag and instead make the most of hopping in the car or on the train to reach your destination.
There are so many different types of UK staycation to pick from too, be that a remote cabin, barge holiday or seaside destination, meaning that whatever it is that you desire, there's something to suit your taste.
It can feel a bit overwhelming whittling down all of the choices so we've done all the research to find you lots of options for a staycation worth remembering, wherever in the UK you fancy heading.
The best staycations in the UK
Scotland
Burnhead Bothy, Lanarkshire
This sustainable holiday home just half an hour from Glasgow is located on the 1600-acre Burnhead Farm, home to Highland cattle and Swiss Valais sheep grazing against the Campsie Hills backdrop. Despite being off-grid, you’ll have a comfortable stay (no power sockets, but solar panels power the lights and USB ports). There’s a wood burner to cosy up by and Highland cattle nearby for company!
From £110 per night. Sleeps four. No dogs allowed. Call 07768 424519 or visit www.burnheadbothies.com
Cuillin Shores, Isle of Skye
Sat on the shores of Loch Ainort in the Inner Hebrides, this detached three-bedroom cottage provides a peaceful base for admiring the spectacular natural scenery this Scottish island has to offer. Beautifully decorated in coastal tones of blue and grey, each interior angle offers picture postcard views. The highlight has to be the open-plan living area – overlooking the majestic Cuillin mountain and neighbouring island of Raasay, perfectly framed by the full-length picture window, kept cosy with a woodburning stove.
One week from £739. Sleeps six. Call 01244 3566695 or visit www.sykescottages.co.uk
The Trossachs Yurts, Thornhill Stirling
Ever wanted to wake up and wander through a meadow of wildflowers? The Trossachs Yurts sit within an organic farm (complete with resident Shetland cattle), in Thornhill Stirling, making the site a good option from either Edinburgh or Glasgow. The yurts are surprisingly cosy, with thick rugs and sheep wool duvets, as well as a wood burner.
Explore the local woodland, enjoy views across Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve to the mountains, admire arts and crafts in the on-site art gallery, and tuck into homemade bread and other seasonal produce that can be bought on-site.
There’s a well-equipped kitchen with a hob and grill, as well as a barbecue, so self-catering is a cinch. Children and well-behaved pets are welcome too, so it’s a great option for a family break. If you’re looking to get your step-count
up, the Trossachs National Park has some great walking routes available, while wild swimmers might enjoy braving various nearby lochs.
From £110 per night. Call 0117 204 7830 or visit canopyandstars.co.uk
North East
Quirky huts, Northumberland National Park
These two huts sit on a remote family farm in Northumberland National Park and are perfect for an undisturbed stay.
Handcrafted from reclaimed oak, they are beautifully decked out with solar-powered showers, cosy wood burners and quirky touches such as alfresco baths and a window in the roof for star-gazing. The dark skies of Northumberland are great for seeing the stars!
From £130 per night. Sleeps four. Visit www.kiphideaways.com
North West
Glamping Burrow, Cumbria
Channel your inner Bilbo Baggins and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by heading underground! With electricity and a large covered patio area, it’s perfect for couples or a family and has magnificent views of Ullswater and the fells beyond. They’re located on a campsite with all the usual facilities and some welcome dogs, too.
From £70 per night. Sleeps two adults, three children. Visit The Quiet Site for more information.
Low Wray campsite, Cumbria
Is it a tree? Is it a tent? Well, actually it’s a bit of both! The Low Wray campsite in Cumbria has various ways to stay, including cabins, tents and camping pods, but by far the most exciting is the tree tents, suspended 3m above the forest floor.
It’s not as primitive as it might sound: you’ll have a wood burner, LED lighting and bed, plus a little viewing platform. Beneath there’s a camp kitchen, while a shower/toilet block is a short walk away. The site is on the shore of Lake Windermere and has lots of walking and cycle routes (bike hire is available), plus you can explore nearby National Trust properties Beatrix Potter’s garden at Hill Top, or Allan Bank at Grasmere.
From £105 per night, two-night minimum stay. Call 01539 432733, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
Rose Cottage, Lake District
Set on a working farm with stunning views of the Lickle Valley, the charming Rose Cottage is situated in the hamlet Broughton Mills, two miles from the market town of Broughton-In-Furness. It's perfectly located to discover the huge range that the lake district has to offer. The cottage sleeps six, with one double room, a twin which fits three beds, and one single. There is a family bathroom and a good-sized living room and kitchen.
The cost to stay at Rose Cottage would be from £508 for a seven-night stay. Visit Sykes Holiday Cottages for more.
Wales
Cartref, Wales
Cosy up in a wooden cabin at the base of Yr Wyddfa (also known as Mount Snowdon) for a break on a working farm. Cartref, in Gwynedd, is a walker’s paradise, being surrounded by trails, as well as woodlands, hills and streams.
The adventurous can take the Watkins Path up the mountain, but you can also just watch the sunset from the garden bench. Plan a trip to the Railway Museum at Penrhyn Castle, or the town of Betws Y Coed, with its art galleries and restaurants. The pocket-sized cabin has a fridge, microwave and toilet, with a shower at the nearby campsite.
Sleeps two (adults only), from £227 per night, 3 nights minimum. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/cartref-wales
Ty Twt Cabin, Conwy
With a rocking chair on the veranda and a private woodland path leading to its door, this beautifully crafted wooden cabin near Conwy looks as if it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. On arrival, guests are also be greeted by a welcome hamper brimming with local produce including Welsh cakes and homemade sloe gin. Eat al fresco if the weather is fine – there’s a barbecue, wood-fired pizza oven and a fire pit, so you can toast marshmallows as the sun goes down.
From £105 per night. Sleeps two. call 0117 204 7830 or visit www.canopyandstars.co.uk
Dylan Coastal Resort, Laugharne
Located in South Wales, Dylan Coastal Resort is close to the small town of Laugharne, on the south coast of Carmarthenshire and overlooks the Tâf Estuary. Laugharne is best known as being the home of poet Dylan Thomas. The resort specialises in fully furnished lodges which sleep from four to six guests, some of which have their own private hot tubs.
Also located at the resort is Milk Wood Spa, a dreamy wellness centre which offers state-of-the-art facilities including everything from a herbal steam room to a Tepidarium, with access included throughout your stay.
In the same centre as the spa is Milk Wood Kitchen & Bar, a light and airy space modernly furnished with three separate terraces for outdoor dining that enjoy panoramic views of the estuary. Open Wednesday-Sunday, the restaurant offers several deals over the week including a steak night and curry night. There's also a wood-fired pizza oven, ready to create tasty pizzas.
Prices for a short break start from £269 for a minimum 2-night stay. A stay in a Milk Wood Lodge, which sleeps 4, starts at £365. For more information on booking, visit their website.
Midlands
Twentysix, Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire
Situated on the Lincolnshire coast, this small yet perfectly formed seaside retreat is tucked away by the soft sands of tranquil Anderby Creek. A stay here takes the traditional English beach holiday to a blissful new level for those who love to be beside the seaside. The cabin evokes a Scandinavian feel with its bright, open-plan living space, plus there’s a garden with decking where you can watch the ducks and geese.
From £80 per night. Sleeps up to five. call 07768 803604 or visit www.26anderbycreek.com
Ragdale Hall Spa, Leicestershire
Nestled in the heart of the rolling Leicestershire countryside, located near Melton Mowbray, Ragdale Hall Spa offers a world-class spa experience, with six pools and 11 heat facilities including Colour Flow Cave, Rose Sauna, Rooftop Infinity Pool, Volcanic Salt Bath and Candle Pool. There are also three shops to peruse, restaurants and bars and plenty of activities to get involved with such as a game of croquet, Pitch ‘n’ Putt, tennis, boules and bike riding.
Two-night midweek breaks at Ragdale Hallstart from £364 per person including all meals, inclusive treatments and use of facilities.
Moddershall Oaks Spa, Staffordshire
The picturesque Moddershall Oak is located in the West Midlands countryside, not too far from Stoke. With a sleep room, relaxation room, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, foot spa, heated loungers, large pool, experience shower, there's plenty to get up to at this cosy spa. The 5* rated hotel also offers a cafe and restaurant for evening dining as well as spacious and comfortable rooms.
An overnight Simply Spa Break starts from £170 per person and includes a welcome drink, tour with spa host, full access to spa facilities, a two-course evening meal, overnight accommodation and freshly cooked breakfast.
Bainland Lodge Retreat, Lincolnshire
A 45-acre estate, Bainland Lodge Retreats is set in the heart of the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside. It's just outside Woodhall Spa, a former Lincolnshire spa town. You really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation at Bainland. From safari tents and shepherd huts to romantic hideaways and huge family villas that sleep up to 24 people, there’s something for everyone.
There are lots of walks or beach visits to go on with your pooch or you can get involved with some of Bainland's activities including archery, tennis or the climbing wall.
Prices range from £499 for three nights.
East Anglia
The Wild Duck, Heacham, Norfolk
All aboard the Wild Duck – a former boat dating back to the 1870s, home on dry land now and converted into a charming holiday home. Located on the North Norfolk coastline, the boat sits among sand dunes overlooking the Snettisham RSPB reserve on one side and The Wash on the other. Sit on the sun deck for a front-row seat at sunset!
Three nights from £562. Sleeps four adults, two children. Call 01485 211022 or visit www.norfolkhideaways.co.uk
The Wood Store, Docking
If you're looking for a base to explore the delights of north Norfolk, look no further than The Wood Store, a recently renovated cottage in the quiet village of Docking. This holiday home hits all the right spots in terms of luxury and relaxation.
It’s a very short drive from The Wood Store to the beach at Brancaster, or the village of Brancaster Staithe with its National trust activity centre, as well as the lovely little town of Burnham Market. Holkham Hall and beach, and Wells Next the Sea are also a short drive and there is plenty to see and enjoy.
Depending on when you visit, and for how long, prices for The Wood Store start at £695 for a weekly stay in low season for 4 guests.
South East
Samphire Cabin, Sampsons Farm, Essex
This cabin-on-stilts set on the marshes of the Ray Channel is the perfect retreat, with nothing but views of the moored boats bobbing in the tidal estuary and farmland where oyster catchers and plovers are your only neighbours.
Your list of things to bring should include a tide timetable and a torch – it’s very dark out here!
From £100 per night. Sleeps two. Call 0117 204 7830 or visit www.canopyandstars.co.uk
The Strand Palace, London
Where better to experience a musical than London’s West End? If you’re looking to book a weekend trip to the theatre, you’ll need a hotel in the heart of the theatre district to stay in while you’re there, and we’ve found the perfect option in the form of London’s Strand Palace hotel.
A newly single refurbished room starts at £100, while a cosy double starts at £170. Visit the Strand's website to find out more.
Royal Lancaster London, London
If you're after someone a bit more luxurious in the capital, the 5-star Royal Lancaster London enjoys a converted location opposite the beautiful Hyde Park. With 411 rooms and suites available, choices range from the 215 square feet Classic Room to the family-friendly Superior Deluxe Triple.
You’re perfectly placed to explore the city, whether that's hitting the shops or making the most of the theatre. Lancaster Gate tube station is just around the corner, making hopping on and hitting popular hot spots such as Regents Street and Oxford Circus a doddle. Just stop for dinner at the divine Nipa Thai Restaurant which serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared in beautiful surroundings with Teak décor sourced from Thailand.
Daily rates start at £409 for a classic room, £469 for a superior deluxe and £659 for a studio suite. For more information visit www.royallancaster.com.
The Mitre Hotel, Surrey
The Mitre Hotel, situated in East Molesey, Surrey, is a Grade II listed hotel, widely believed to have been built by Charles II in 1665 to house an overflow of courtiers at Hampton Court Palace, next door. The rooms combine elegant luxury with a touch of authentic quirkiness.
As well as the visiting Hampton Court Palace, if you’re visiting with grandchildren, then the world-famous Hampton Court Maze, (the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze and the world’s first puzzle maze), is the ideal place for them to let off steam.
Classic Rooms at The Mitre start from £150 (room only, for two people). The full English Breakfast starts from £15 per person.
South West
The Mole Resort, Chittlehamholt, Devon
The Mole Resort is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, suitable for couples looking for a romantic break, families searching for an adventure, and larger groups who want to socialise and unwind. Situated in the Devonshire countryside, it has everything you could need on-site, including restaurants and bars, a farm shop, a spa and wellness centre, an indoor and outdoor pool, plus lots of brilliant activities to fill your days with.
Whether you stay in the incredible dog-friendly lodges, luxury manor house or estate rooms, you'll be delighted by the attentive team, delectable food and drink, jaw-dropping views and one-of-a-kind experiences.
For information and prices, head to themoleresort.co.uk.
The Fuzzy Duck, Armscote
This gorgeous boutique hotel offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the picturesque Warwickshire hamlet of Armscote. It has just five bedrooms but each one is light and elegant with features such as a flat-screen smart TV, luxury beds, tea and coffee-making facilities and luxury bathrobes.
You can also pop downstairs for dinner at the AA rosette pub which painstakingly sources ingredients as locally as possible. Dishes include the likes of roasted chicken breast, fondant potato, confit carrot & puree, coq au vin sauce and potato gnocchi, rocket pesto, peas & spinach, goats curd, toasted almonds.
Rooms at The Fuzzy Duck start from £150 per night.
Winchcombe Farm, Cotswolds
This idyllic five-star boutique retreat sits on the Warwickshire and Cotswolds border. It’s a remote family-run retreat that nestles on a private estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As well as experiencing luxury accommodation you‘ll be surrounded by tranquillity and views of the rolling hills with just sheep, chickens, moorhens, ducks, ponies and alpacas for company.
Surrounded by a working farm, it lies beneath the famous battlefield landmark of Edgehill and makes the perfect base for exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and some of the picturesque Cotswold villages nearby. There are six separate lodges to stay in at Winchcombe Farm, although they have slightly different facilities, they’re all done out to an excellent standard and feel incredibly luxurious.
A two-night stay at Winchcombe Farm starts from £570 per lodge. For more information and prices visit winchcombefarm.co.uk
Long Barrow Windmill North, Whilborough, Devon
Situated in the picturesque South Hams countryside, this renovated windmill tower boasts a peaceful and secluded accommodation for couples.
Set in its own five-acre field with no near neighbours, the quirky 200-year-old building narrows upwards over four levels, linked by a slender hand-built staircase. Nothing can prepare you for the panoramic views from the top, which stretch an impressive 20 miles across to Dartmoor.
From £400. Sleeps two. Call 01803 472930 or visit www.devonwindmills.co.uk
WilderMe, Cornwall
For a stay with a real community feel, try a geodome at WilderMe, Cornwall. Five private sleeping domes share communal loos, showers and a kitchen, with events to enjoy such as live music. Tuck into breakfast cooked by the professionals at The Canteen, a venue within an artist’s commune nearby. WilderMe is situated near the Rame Head Heritage Coast. Explore the nearby villages of Kingsand and Cawsand with great pubs and gift shops. Profits from Wilderme stays are used to support retreats for autism groups during the week.
The Minke dome sleeps two people, from £99 per night. Call 0117 204 7830 or visit canopyandstars.co.uk
Mrs Mills Luxury Yurts, Gloucester
If you want to experience the thrill of sleeping under the stars but can’t bear the thought of slumming it in a basic tent, glamping in one of Mrs Mills Luxury Yurts is for you.
Situated in the Forest of Dean, these delightfully decorated, vintage-styled yurts are perfect for couples and families. Inside you’ll find a huge and comfy bed awaits along with a hefty log burner to keep you warm and toasty at night. You’ll get use of your own outdoor hot tub, a private bathroom and access to a shared kitchen. Mrs Mills can also provide a delicious, cooked meal for you to heat up on your fire pit.
A breakfast is delivered to your yurt in the morning, consisting of eggs, bacon, fresh bread and croissants and she even makes a different homemade cake every day for all glampers to enjoy. This is the perfect place to go with the family as there’s loads of outdoor space for the grandkids to run around, a small play area, plus friendly chicken and geese happily roaming around the site.
Prices start at £120 per yurt, per night. Call 07970 175735 or visit their Facebook.
Moor Farm, Feather Down Farms, Gloucestershire
If you're a fan of camping or glamping you may have already heard of Feather Down Farms - a great way to get back to nature. Locations can be found across Europe, offering a family-friendly glamping experience that also supports local farmers. Situated just outside the Cotswolds on the banks of the Severn, Moor Farm is an idyllic getaway yet easily accessible from the M5.
The Feather Down farm tents are really impressive – almost like a safari tent, the interiors are based on a typical 19th-century farmhouse, with an empty space under the ‘cupboard bed’ which would have been for cattle. There's no electricity, but you get two oil lamps and are shown how to use them, plus matches, firelighters and plenty of wood to get you started with the log burner.
A three-night stay at Moor Farm (arriving Friday) starts from £660. There are also still four-night stays from Mondays available at £695. Visit www.featherdown.co.uk for more information.
Northern Ireland
Birch Eco Cottage, County Down
This off-grid, quirky smallholding offers eco-conscious visitors a taste of low-impact living amid some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Not only is the site made from ethical materials, but it’s also solar and wind-powered and features a wood burner that heats water and the under-floor heating.
Outside, the property boasts its own beautiful birch wood on one side and the Mourne Mountains on the other, making it a real rural retreat.
From £80 per night. Sleeps four. Call 028 4065 0273 or visit lackancottage.co.uk
Galgorm luxury hotel and spa, County Antrim
Set within 163 acres of lush parkland with the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, Galgorm Resort has a truly unique setting. There are a variety of options when staying at Galgorm, from rooms and suites in the hotel itself, to cottages, lodges and the Shepherd’s Huts.
The main attraction of Galgorm has to be the Spa and Thermal Village. Not only are there the usual indoor pools, treatment rooms and sauna, but the Spa and Thermal Village has an extensive selection of hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas right on the riverside.
Prices start from £420 but there are a variety of packages and options available to book your stay.